CENAP Report - No 032

Magazine Overview

This issue, CENAP-REPORT Nr. 32, published in October 1978, is a German-language publication from CENAP, a central research network for extraordinary phenomena. The cover prominently features "UFOS / USA 1977 II. Teil" as the lead story, indicating a statistical analysis of UFO sightings in the United States during that year. The issue also includes articles on the Barjols incident, a visit to the CENAP headquarters in Mannheim, and a detailed exploration of using mini-computers for UFO data analysis.

Editorial Introduction

Werner Walter, writing for the CENAP-Staff, addresses the reader in an introduction dated September 24, 1978. He notes that the 100-copy print run of the previous issue (CR Nr. 31) was insufficient to meet demand, expressing hope for greater success with this issue. He reiterates the subscription details: a minimum transfer of DM 24 to Werner Walter's Postcheckkonto in Ludwigshafen, with the note "Ein Jahr CR-Abo." Walter emphasizes the need to increase the print run to maintain and improve the quality of the report. He asserts that CENAP's style represents an optimal approach to UFO investigation, balancing realism and scientific inquiry. He criticizes sensationalist UFO publications that prioritize sensationalism over factual reporting, promising that CENAP will strive to avoid such pitfalls.

Article 1: UFOS / USA 1977 (II. Teil)

This section presents a statistical breakdown of UFO sightings in the USA for 1977, drawing parallels to the Project Bluebook statistics. It categorizes sightings into "UFOs" and "IFOs" (Identified Flying Objects). For UFOs, the total number of sightings is 83, with subcategories including "Night Lights" (57), "Daylight Discs" (17), and "Radar/Visual Sightings" (0). "Close Encounters of the First Kind" had 5 reports, "Second Kind" had 1, and "Third Kind" had 3.

For IFOs, the total is 781. This category includes "Stars and Planets" (240), "Advertising Aircraft" (179), "Aircraft" (106), "Meteors" (84), "Helicopters" (37), "Balloons" (29), "Satellites" (20), "Moon" (15), "Re-entries" (14), "Joke Balloons" (11), "Searchlights" (7), "Signal Lights" (6), "Paper Kites" (5), "Rocket Starts" (5), "Ground Lights" (4), "Birds" (4), and "Reflections" (2). Other miscellaneous phenomena like "Lightning, Condensation Trails, Mirages, Clouds, Towers, Visual Disturbances, Moondog, Test Clouds" each accounted for one sighting.

An additional category, "Exclusions," lists 42 items, including "No UFO" (12), "Unexplained Objects" (13), "Widely Spread Objects" (9), "Unmanageable Observation" (4), "Unclear Observation" (3), and "Willful Objects" (1). The total number of sightings analyzed is 903. A graph illustrates the monthly distribution of sightings, showing a peak in July and a dip in February. The text notes that the graphic representation of the reports likely reflects the efficiency of the reporting network rather than the actual occurrence of sightings, with Arizona showing a high number of reports and Illinois fewer, suggesting a potential bias in reporting efficiency.

Article 2: Bericht an CENAP (Report to CENAP)

This article, authored by Frank Köther, Ing. (grad.), discusses the use of a small computer for analyzing aerial phenomena and establishing a low-cost database. It traces the history of computing from Charles Babbage's theoretical principles in 1883 through the development of relays, vacuum tubes, transistors, and integrated circuits (DTL, TTL, MSI, LSI). The article highlights how military requirements and technological advancements led to faster, smaller, and less expensive computers, increasing their application in commercial and technical fields. The first minicomputer, introduced in 1965, cost approximately $50,000. The article then delves into the concept of a minimal computer system for UFO data processing, considering the low cost of microprocessors (around DM 50 per chip) and mini-computers (starting at DM 200). It outlines the required configuration: a screen or graphic terminal for graphical data input/output, a keyboard and printer for alphanumeric data, and sufficient memory capacity for sorting and comparing data. A cassette recorder is proposed as a cost-effective storage solution. The article specifies the KIM-1 as the central processing unit, detailing its components: a 6502 microprocessor, 1 kilobyte of RAM, interfaces for keyboard, printer, and cassette recorder, and a PROM for control programs. It also mentions the possibility of addressing 64 kilobytes of memory. The input/output functions can be handled via a keyboard and screen or a teleprinter, requiring a Video Interface SCT 100 CRT. For mass storage, a standard cassette recorder is recommended. Memory expansion is possible with "MEMORY PLUS," which provides 8 kilobytes of RAM and ROM, enabling the use of a simple programming language like Tiny Basic.

Article 3: Besuch bei der CENAP-Zentrale MANNHEIM (Visit to the CENAP Headquarters Mannheim)

This report details a visit by Andreas Gerersdorfer and Christian Pöchhacker, leaders of the CENAP local group from Neumarkt, Austria, to the CENAP headquarters in Mannheim in August 1978. The visit lasted for a week. The Austrian representatives were given a tour of the chronological CENAP archive managed by Hansjürgen Köhler, noting the extensive collection of folders. They also received a presentation on CENAP's activities in Germany and the ongoing efforts against "DUIST," concluding that the situation described in the CR is less severe than the "REAL" machinations of DUIST. The following day, they examined CENAP Archive Nr. 2, managed by Werner Walter, which they found effective and well-organized. This archive categorizes German sightings by city name, recording key data and the location of the respective folders. The report indicates a continuation in CR-Nr. 33.

Article 4: NL-Foto von Barjols (NL-Photo from Barjols)

This section presents a report from the French UFO publication "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" concerning a photograph featured in this CR issue. The photo is also known from the photo documentation "Das Geheimnis der umbekannten Flugobjekte" by A. Schneider and H. Malthaner. The CENAP local group in Aachen (SEAP) was tasked with translating the article, and Jörg Salber handled the editing. The report focuses on "THE BARJOLS INCIDENT" which occurred on the night of March 23-24, 1974. The account describes the setup of equipment, including a detector connected to a camera and a second detector with an electric bell, in a small hut near Barjols. The team then moved to a vantage point 10 kilometers away, at 600 meters above sea level, equipped with a camera, compass, lamp, and a powerful spotlight. Their objective was twofold: to monitor the sky and potentially interact with a UFO. The experiment involved a spotlight designed by the author, using an automobile reflector and a halogen lamp mounted on a revolver grip, intended to attract the UFO's attention. Other team members were tasked with photographing any color changes of the object. The report suggests that the material used was fruitful and that modified equipment will be used in the future.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP-REPORT are UFO sightings and investigations, with a particular focus on statistical analysis (USA 1977) and case studies (Barjols incident). A significant theme is the application of technology, specifically mini-computers, to the field of UFO research, highlighting CENAP's commitment to a more systematic and data-driven approach. The editorial stance, as expressed by Werner Walter, is one of critical inquiry, aiming to distinguish factual accounts from sensationalism and to present UFO research in a balanced manner that bridges the gap between the "unreal" and scientific methodology. There is also an underlying concern about a group referred to as "DUIST," whose "machinations" are suggested to be more significant than previously reported.

This issue of the magazine 'CR' (likely a publication from CENAP, a German research network for extraordinary phenomena) focuses on UFO sightings and investigations, primarily from the 1970s. The issue includes detailed reports, witness testimonies, and official correspondence related to these events. The cover story, "Luftraumverletzung durch „UFO"" (Airspace Violation by "UFO"), details an incident involving border guards and official observations.

Key Articles and Reports

The Barjols Incident (Der Barjols-Vorfall)

This section discusses a photograph taken near Albiosc in the night of March 23, 1974. The photographer is unknown, but the image is said to show a UFO phenomenon emitting four light beams downwards. The original print is described as multi-colored. The witness, who identified himself as a doctor, provided the photograph and details about the sighting. He used a CANON camera with a 1:2.8/135 mm telephoto lens. The report suggests this might be the first clear evidence of UFOs with light beams.

UFO Sighting near Albiosc (Pages 1-3)

This report details a sighting on the night of March 23, 1974, involving a doctor and his wife, along with a couple identified as Mr. and Mrs. C.M. They observed a red object with green stripes. The object's size was estimated to be that of a star. The doctor provided measurements and observations regarding its altitude and direction of flight (northeast, 30 degrees, altitude 17 degrees) towards Moustiers-Sainte Marie. The object exhibited unusual movements, including rising, sinking, and swaying. The report mentions that an 18-year-old named A. Bernardi also reported his friend had seen the object, bringing the total witnesses to four. The article also references a newspaper report from "Le Provencal" about a UFO seen on March 13th near Cares-Montfort.

A letter from the doctor, who wishes to remain anonymous due to his profession, describes the photographic session using a CANON 24x36 (35mm) camera with a 1:2.8/135 mm telephoto lens. He expresses skepticism but acknowledges the consistency of witness accounts with the photograph. The CENAP team is attempting to locate the doctor for further information.

UFO Sighting in Schattwald (Pages 6-9)

This is a detailed report of an incident on the morning of Friday, July 28, 1978, involving border guards in Schattwald (Austria/Germany border) and German border police in Oberjoch. A customs officer observed a bright, luminous sphere or disc in the sky, estimated to be 45-50 cm in diameter with the naked eye. A gamekeeper, Robert Tannheimer, also witnessed the object, noting it constantly changed shape. They observed a long, silver stripe hanging from the underside, which detached and began to glow intensely before disappearing. The object then transformed into a bowl shape with two brighter points underneath and vanished. The German border police in Oberjoch corroborated these observations, describing the object as disc-shaped, metallic silver, with two large spotlights. It flew from east to west, dropping three box-like objects attached to a parachute-like structure, which did not reach the ground. An inquiry with military air traffic control revealed the object was not detected by radar, which is considered unusual for an object at that altitude. The report notes that similar bright lights were observed in the same area about three weeks prior. The local editor, Werner Rex, confirmed the factual nature of these reports, based on experienced and sober border officials.

Follow-up and Official Explanation (Pages 8-9)

Further investigation into the Schattwald incident involved contacting the Bavarian Border Police. Police Chief Commissioner Schaller suggested the phenomenon was likely a weather balloon. He explained that such balloons are inexpensive, can be easily lost, and might appear distorted by sunlight, especially when deflating and falling with a parachute. He offered to send documentation, including drawings made by witnesses, which were subsequently provided by the Bavarian Border Police on August 23, 1978. These drawings depicted a kidney-shaped object and a double line, with an instrument case attached. The official explanation leaned towards a weather balloon, with the observed phenomena attributed to its deflation and descent.

International Correspondence (Pages 4-5)

This section includes excerpts from letters from readers, highlighting international UFO research and experiences. Carl E.Chr. Lowatz from Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, writes about his 30-year project and recent lectures in Europe. He discusses the "Kattehaus-Blum" report concerning the Veit couple, whom he knows. He recounts a past experience where the Veits invited him to Siegburg, seeking his help with their UFO activities. However, their motivations shifted towards financial gain, leading to a breakdown in cooperation. Lowatz expresses his belief in the Veits' sincerity but criticizes their financial dealings.

Wido Hoville, head of UFO QUEBEC, Canada, expresses concern about a summary of a photo in a previous issue, finding it inaccurate. He mentions that the CENAP team has been working with the phototechnical laboratory at McGill University in Montreal, which has confirmed the authenticity of four photos. These photos reportedly show similar "wobbling" movements as other famous UFO photos. Hoville contrasts the open access to information in North America (USA/Canada) with a perceived difference in Germany, emphasizing a more egalitarian mentality and direct communication style in North America.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO sightings as factual events worthy of serious investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a commitment to presenting evidence, including witness testimonies and photographic data, while also acknowledging and investigating official explanations, such as weather balloons. There is a clear effort to distinguish between sensationalism and factual reporting, as seen in the detailed accounts and the inclusion of official police and scientific perspectives. The magazine also highlights the international nature of UFO phenomena and research, featuring correspondence from various countries. The CENAP organization positions itself as a central research network dedicated to extraordinary phenomena, aiming to provide accurate and comprehensive information.