CENAP Report - No 034

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP – REPORT
Issue: Nr. 34
Volume: 3Y/H12
Date: December 1978

This issue of the CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene) report focuses primarily on a UFO sighting in Berlin and includes sections on news, press coverage, reflections, and a look back. The report is published by CENAP and features contact information for Hansjürgen Köhler and Werner Walter.

UFO in Berlin

The lead article details a UFO incident reported in the German-language press on August 17, 1978. Newspapers like BILD, Münchner TZ, and Frankfurter Abendpost/Nachtausgabe reported a "Giant UFO over Germany" or a "Luminous UFO over Berlin." The Austrian "Neue Kronen-Zeitung" also covered it.

The author, an interested UFO investigator, began their research on August 17, 1978. The first day of investigation involved contacting the BILD newspaper in Berlin. Journalist Herzberg initially stated that the responsible editor, KAJO, was unavailable, but later provided more information, identifying Kajo Reutlingen as the author of the report. Herzberg also provided the contact details for the witnesses, Fritz Schenk and Michael Zscherpe, and MUFON-CES investigator Charles Huffer.

Fritz Schenk was contacted and informed about CENAP. He described the press as having "very different reactions" and felt his experience couldn't be fully grasped. He stated that such an event shouldn't happen in Berlin, suggesting it wasn't due to test aircraft. He explained that he took a Polaroid photo on the way home because they wanted to take more photos at home, but he only had the camera with him then. Schenk was willing to provide the photo to CENAP but requested its return due to its uniqueness. He emphasized he wasn't seeking financial gain and disliked the media attention. The sighting lasted "over 1 minute, almost two minutes." His companion was shocked and received sedatives. Schenk mentioned that the press had reported his friend was shocked, but he believed it was due to the sedatives, not the object itself. He agreed to fill out CENAP questionnaires for further documentation.

The second day of investigation, August 18, 1978, involved contacting the Berlin police. Officer Müller from the Tegel precinct confirmed that the BILD newspaper's report was accurate, though he noted the press's varied reactions and described the event as "a bit doubtful." He stated that the area where the sighting occurred was not heavily populated. Müller confirmed the witnesses' account of the time (1:55 AM or 0:55 AM) but was unsure about the photo's authenticity, stating the police only recorded the incident. He denied any other similar reports from the area.

Contact was then made with Charles A. Huffer, who confirmed that the photo published in BILD was indeed of the object. Huffer initially suspected it might be a forgery, noting that the witnesses had been at a party and intended to take photos, but the results were poor. He described the image as showing a luminous object, possibly a large object seen from a distance or a small, close one. He noted streaks on the object's body. Huffer pointed out that the Polaroid film was 3000 ASA, making it grainy, and that only one photo existed, which was unusual. He stated that further findings were not available that day.

Further Results

On August 24, 1978, CENAP received the completed questionnaire from Fritz Schenk. However, several questions were unanswered, and the signature was missing. Schenk explained that the UFO photo had been given to the BILD Berlin editorial office, and journalist Ludwig Stark had forwarded the original Polaroid to Munich. An attempt to contact Ludwig Stark at BILD Berlin on August 25, 1978, was difficult, as no permanent employee by that name was known; Otto Stark, a photographer, was mentioned. The author sent a letter to the address of Ludwig Stark but received no reply.

On August 29, 1978, CENAP received the questionnaire from Michael Zscherpe. A note from Dr. Günther Roßberg, dated August 22, 1978, described Zscherpe as having premonitions, citing an example of predicting the winner of a car race. Roßberg expressed astonishment at Zscherpe's ability, stating he had known him for a long time. The summary of Zscherpe's questionnaire indicates he is from Berlin, has no profession/is a pensioner/is a helper, and has normal or no education. He reportedly has not engaged with aerial phenomena or related subjects and has no relevant literature. His account of the encounter on August 16/17, 1978 (0:50 AM) describes an unusual noise like a loud TV ultrasound emitter, which drew their attention. They saw a "moon-like" object, described as "like an overturned lemon press," hovering silently. Zscherpe estimated its size as comparable to a full moon when viewed at arm's length. The object moved from NNW towards the city center (SO) at an altitude of about 40 degrees. It was multi-colored and flashing. Zscherpe had difficulty estimating the distance, suggesting 300-400 meters, using a nearby 14-story building as a reference. He observed the object through sunglasses. His sketch depicted a colorful, luminous object with a dark area and a cone-like appendage. He noted the colors of the lights as A=Green, B=Red, C=Blue.

Fritz Schenk, born December 22, 1942, a cable mechanic, believes it was a UFO due to the photo and other people discussing it. He provided the names of other potential witnesses: Peter Street, Else Schumann, and Alfons Weiland, who were not interviewed. He confirmed the sighting time as 0:50 to 0:52 AM. Schenk estimated the object's size at 30-40 meters, noting it was smaller than the moon. He stated the object flashed and rotated slowly, with two colors (red and blue) on its outer edge. Vertical stripes were visible on the lower cone. He described it as moving like a slow-moving car. He stated the original photo was given to BILD-Berlin and forwarded to Munich. He requested the original photo if it became available.

Summary of the Berlin UFO

Despite the reported size of the Berlin UFO, no further confirmations were obtained. The photograph was taken with a Polaroid camera, which produces no negatives. The print has been lost and could not be obtained by CENAP. The sketches by the witnesses do not seem to match the photo, which shows a flat surface with a bulge, not a rotating body with a cone. The photo shows light rays emanating from the object. The report notes that the object was clearly visible in the photo, which is remarkable for a night-time Polaroid shot, suggesting it was close. The possibility of it being a light source and a fabricated story is considered.

DUIST - News / Poster Sale

This section reports on a "Mysterious Light Object" that visited Bremen on Saturday, October 22, 1977. Two witnesses observed a moon-like object with a violet glowing ring for about 15 minutes. They estimated its size at 150-200 meters. Photographs were taken with an Agfa camera. The report mentions Gerhard Seeh from Munich.

A postscript from the UN-Redaktion discusses the visual assumption of the witnesses that the object was stationary. It suggests that at least two other objects might have been present, creating light trails captured on film. It also mentions the sale of large-format color posters (80x60 cm) of the UFO photos for DM 15,- plus postage, available through the Ventla-Verlag.

The source for this news is UFQ-NACHRICHTEN, DUIST/Wiesbaden, edited by L. Veit, issue 253, October 1978. The CENAP local group GZEAP commented, and Peter Steinhilber from Neu-Ulm wrote on October 24, 1978, criticizing the Ventla-Verlag for trying to profit from a potentially false UFO photo. Steinhilber believes the lights in the photo are likely from a 50-Hertz power source and that the "flight path" is interrupted. He intends to inform "Veit" but finds the situation "too stupid." He questions the evidential value of such pictures.

An archival photo from W. Walter (CENAP-Staff) is presented, described as a green-white light trail from a FUJICA camera, possibly an on/off switch covered with green foil and mounted on a turntable, taken with a 1/2 minute exposure.

Press - Voice

This section includes a brief report from BILD on November 18, 1978, about a supposed UFO sighting in Chapada, Brazil. A local election official claimed "little green men" landed with a flying saucer and held him captive, which he used as an excuse for not holding elections and hiding the ballot box to prevent the opposition from winning. CENAP's short note dismisses South American UFO reports as leading to "utopian escalation of madness," suggesting that UFOs and little green men are fueled by the local temperament.

Special Considerations

Werner Walter discusses ufology as a serious field of study, but notes it is often ridiculed due to the claims of "phantasts" who present self-made UFO stories uncritically. He criticizes the tendency for these individuals to promote their "delusions" publicly. As an example, he recounts the case of a 65-year-old woman who claims to be a high priestess of a black magic lodge and has had telepathic contact for three years with "extraterrestrial intelligences" residing on a space station orbiting a moon of Saturn. These beings are called "Ails." The woman's beliefs are described as obscure, involving a catastrophic future where Satan will rule the Earth from 2000 to 2700, with only a few survivors. The woman claims to be among the favored and will represent Satan's interests on Earth. Walter notes that similar doctrines exist, with changing names and goals but a consistent message. He states that the extraterrestrial contact, named Ails, initially claimed to be from Egor, a moon of Saturn, and that his race evolved similarly to humanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP Report demonstrates a critical approach to UFO phenomena. While reporting on sightings and media coverage, there is a clear emphasis on investigation and verification, as seen in the detailed accounts of the Berlin and Bremen cases. The publication seems to distinguish between genuine phenomena and sensationalized or potentially fabricated stories, as highlighted in the "Press - Voice" and "Special Considerations" sections. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking to document and analyze reports while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and the commercialization of UFO stories. The inclusion of witness testimonies alongside investigative notes and critical commentary suggests an effort to present a balanced, albeit critical, perspective on the subject matter.

This issue of UFO-Nachrichten, identified as CR-33 and published in 1976, focuses on the history and activities of the CENAP (Private UFO Research Group Mannheim-Hemsbach) and its relationship with the DUIST organization. The publication is in German and originates from Germany.

CENAP's Formation and Early Work

The article begins by detailing the establishment of CENAP. Werner Walter, a co-leader of CENAP, is introduced, and his background, including his birthdate (August 11, 1957) and profession as a retail salesman in the radio and television sector, is provided. Walter's initial encounter with the UFO phenomenon occurred on September 5, 1973, when he witnessed an unexplained, fast-moving, trapezoidal object with Heinrich Schwierz. This event sparked his interest, leading him to seek information from DUIST.

Werner and the author met during a work break and discussed a science fiction TV show, which led to a conversation about UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence. This discussion culminated in the proposal to form a private UFO research group. On November 1, 1973, they established the guidelines for CENAP and began their activities. They also published a photocopied newsletter, similar in size to the CR's early issues, but only two issues were released before Heinrich Schwierz withdrew from the group.

Conflict with DUIST

After collecting material from DUIST, Werner decided to become a member, and CENAP initially operated as a local branch of DUIST. However, skepticism towards DUIST grew due to perceived contradictions between contactee accounts and scientific findings from space probes (e.g., regarding Venus). Werner repeatedly contacted Karl L. Veit, the head of DUIST, with questions, but received no satisfactory answers, feeling that DUIST viewed him as a nuisance.

When CENAP inquired about other local DUIST groups, they also encountered a 'great silence.' This lack of response led CENAP to cease its efforts to collaborate with DUIST. Werner then began working with the author independently, gathering data from local newspaper archives.

International Connections and Research

Werner's involvement with CENAP led him to connect with individuals like Regis Yaghmourian, a French teacher and member of a Toulouse-based "Studiengesellschaft der Luftphänomene." In March 1975, Werner and others attended a DUIST conference in Wiesbaden, hoping to speak with Mr. Veit and engage with scientists. However, they found the conference to be disappointing, characterized by an older audience and a presentation that included the "Apollo-11-Foto-Story." Werner's attempt to obtain further details about the Apollo-11 photos was met with a dismissive response from Mr. Veit.

Following the Wiesbaden conference, a discussion during the drive home was much more lively than the conference itself. Despite repeated attempts to collaborate with DUIST local groups and Mr. Veit, these efforts proved unsuccessful.

Founding of CENAP and Separation from DUIST

By mid-1975, Heinrich Schwierz had withdrawn, and their newsletter publication ceased. In March 1976, Werner and the author had a serious discussion, recognizing the need to conduct their own research and obtain material from international groups. This led to the official founding of CENAP. Werner began establishing connections with UFO research groups abroad, primarily in the USA.

The first issue of the CENAP Report was published, outlining CENAP's guidelines and addressing "Ufology and its excesses." After Mr. Veit received an exclusive issue of CR's, he sent a letter dated March 10, 1976, stating that he had been excluded from DUIST's board and accusing young researchers of benefiting from DUIST's "over 20 years of global work." CENAP and its members were subsequently labeled "clever youths" in UFO-Nachrichten.

Werner Walter's Perspective and CENAP's Archives

Werner Walter's concluding thoughts emphasize the seriousness of the global UFO phenomenon, acknowledging the existence of phenomena that defy conventional identification. He cautions against misinterpretations, misdefinitions, and outright deception, stating that information censorship does not appear to be the issue, but rather an inability of ufologists to resolve these matters from their armchairs. He advocates for active, broad-based field investigations.

CENAP's archives are extensive, comprising 56 folders. These include 14 folders of DUIST publications, 15 folders of newspaper clippings, 18 folders of CENAP publications (including previous ones from the private research group), and 9 folders with over 350 translations from English and some Danish and French sources. Werner also attempted Italian translation but discontinued it.

International Collaborations and Library

CENAP actively seeks assistance with Russian language materials due to recent contact with the USSR. Werner's personal library contains 64 German-language books and 38 English-language books on UFOs and related topics, including works by Donald E. Keyhoe, Bill Adler, J. Allen Hynek, Philip J. Klass, Leon Davidson, Raymond E. Powlen, Carl Sagan, and Gene & Clare Gurney. They also have two foreign-language books.

CENAP has compiled a database of approximately 6,000 UFO cases from around the world, primarily from 1947 onwards, categorized geographically with source citations. They also maintain a DIA archive with 500 entries. CENAP has been involved in researching 90 cases, largely independently.

CENAP maintains connections with numerous international UFO research groups, including FUFOS (Denmark), SOBEPS (Belgium), BUFORA (England), GICOFF (Sweden), UFO-CANADA, Projekt S.U.M. (Canada), UNEXPLAINED PHENOMENA NEWS BULLETIN (England), GESAG (Belgium), TASMANIAN UFO INVESTIGATION CENTRE (Australia), UFO Research Australia, Les Extraterrestres (France), UFO QUEBEC (Canada), COSMIC SOCIETY RESEARCH CONSORTIUM (England), AFU (Sweden), Dr.X (Canada), UFO INFO Exchange Library (England), CORRADO TEDESCHI EDITORE (Italy), Private UFO Investigations (USA), Victorian UFO Research Society (Australia), Australian CO-Ordination Section Centre for UFO Studies, International UFO Registry (USA), NORTHEASTERN UFO ORGANIZATION (USA), ASOCIACION INVESTIGADORA DEL FENOMENO OVNI, Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center (USA), Canadian UFO Report, APRO (USA), NICAP (USA), and Center for UFO Studies (USA).

Conclusion and Editorial Stance

Werner Walter's concluding remarks reiterate the importance of taking the UFO phenomenon seriously while cautioning against misinterpretations and deception. He advocates for active field research and distinguishes between serious UFO research and what he terms "world-alienated ufology." The origin and nature of UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) remain an unsolved mystery, underscoring the ongoing need for UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges and conflicts within the UFO research community, particularly the tension between established organizations like DUIST and newer, independent groups like CENAP. There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous, evidence-based research, active field investigation, and international collaboration. The editorial stance is critical of organizations that appear to hoard information or engage in sensationalism rather than genuine scientific inquiry. The issue champions a more proactive and transparent approach to understanding UFO phenomena.