CENAP Report - No 035

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP – REPORT
Issue: Nr. 35
Volume: 3Y/H1
Date: January 1979
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the CENAP REPORT focuses on UFO investigations, debunking hoaxes, and exploring the psychological aspects of UFO phenomena.

Table of Contents

1. Bluff
2. UFO's über Kuwait
3. Eine "unheimliche Begegnung der ersten Art" – für Nicht-Astronomen
4. Betrachtungen – speziell
5. News
6. Bericht an CENAP

Article 1: Bluff

This article, written by Werner Walter of CENAP-Staff, details an experience where the author was presented with a purported UFO photograph by a young boy named Uwe Ritter. Ritter claimed to have photographed a UFO on the evening of August 28, 1978, over Mhm-Schönau. The photograph, a Polaroid black-and-white image, showed a small object hovering near a block of houses. The author, a skeptic, suspected a hoax from the outset. Ritter's story involved him noticing the object while looking at a church clock around 8:30 PM and photographing it with flash. The author noted inconsistencies, such as Ritter claiming to have photographed out of a window, yet the photo showed the exterior of a building. Ritter had apparently been prompted to contact CENAP after a similar UFO photo report appeared in the BILD-Zeitung the previous day. The author gave Ritter a CENAP questionnaire to fill out, which Ritter took a long time to complete. Ritter described the object as silver-white and hovering for several minutes, sometimes stationary, and other times moving. He also claimed his grandmother was present during the sighting. When asked to leave the photo for analysis, Ritter refused, stating he wanted to show it to acquaintances. The author's suspicion grew, and he later learned from the Mannheim newspaper (MM) that they had sent Ritter to him because they were not interested in the story, and the reporter's impression was that the object was a lamp. The author and a colleague visited Ritter's supposed location but found no evidence to support the UFO claim. The article concludes that the boy's story and photo were not credible.

Article 2: UFO's über Kuwait

This report, by Hansjürgen Köhler/CENAP-Staff, discusses a series of UFO sightings over Kuwait that gained attention in the Mannheimer-Morgen newspaper on November 23, 1978. According to the newspaper 'Al Anbaa', an unknown flying object (UFO) had been sighted for the third time in two weeks. Each sighting reportedly caused a brief interruption in radio contact between Kuwait and the outside world. The UFO was described as hovering over water reservoirs and was witnessed by employees of a Kuwaiti oil company near the Euphrates River. The Kuwaiti government had reportedly formed a special committee to investigate the previous two sightings. The author notes that while the press reported on these events, the detailed background was often missing. To gather more information, CENAP contacted the German embassy in Kuwait on November 25, 1978, requesting addresses for local press and the special committee. On December 18, 1978, CENAP received a reply from the embassy, confirming that 'Al Anbaa', 'Kuwait Times', and 'Arab Times' had reported on the UFOs. The embassy provided press clippings and stated that the special committee was under the auspices of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. The embassy expressed uncertainty about whether the committee's findings would be made public. A report from the 'Arab Times' dated December 10, 1978, was included, detailing a more recent incident in Dubai where an object was photographed.

Article 3: Eine "unheimliche Begegnung der ersten Art" – für Nicht-Astronomen!

This section, attributed to Hansjürgen Köhler/CENAP-Staff, discusses an article titled "A 'Close Encounter of the First Kind' – for Non-Astronomers!" published in the German astronomy journal "Sterne und Weltraum Nr.12/78". CENAP reprints this article due to its clear explanation of a seemingly anomalous event. The original article, from the National Newsletter, June 1978, of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, describes an event observed by Doug Welch. This event, had it not been witnessed by a group of amateur astronomers, might have been dismissed as mere UFO literature. The observation occurred on an evening with a thin, low cloud layer. An approaching aircraft was visible to the north. The phenomenon began as a faint, oval, bright spot in the sky that moved little. Suddenly, it accelerated extremely, elongated, and disappeared. The report highlights typical UFO characteristics: a round, extended spot, sudden acceleration, shape change, and disappearance at high speed without any audible noise. The explanation provided by D. Welch is that the phenomenon was caused by an aircraft's landing lights reflecting off the underside of the cloud layer. As the aircraft descended normally, the spot appeared stable. However, when the aircraft transitioned from descent to level flight (e.g., entering a holding pattern), the reflection changed, causing the spectacular acceleration and elongation effect as the lights swept across the clouds. A diagram illustrates the side view of the object and the cloud layer.

Article 4: Betrachtungen – speziell (1. Fortsetzung und Schluß)

This article, by Jürgen Gisselmann/Bochum, critically examines the phenomenon of UFO contactees and the challenges faced by serious UFO research. The author notes that physical contact with alleged extraterrestrials is frequently postponed due to flimsy excuses. He observes that many contactees' claims, while seemingly real and credible, often lack concrete evidence, with promises of future contact or events repeatedly deferred. Gisselmann argues that contactees often feel compelled to share their experiences, leading to a widespread belief in UFOs that overshadows genuine research. He suggests that the underlying motivation for such claims often stems from the subconscious desire for self-importance, recognition, and a sense of belonging to an exclusive group with special knowledge and connections to "true" UFO occupants. This elevates the contactee while diminishing others. Gisselmann asserts that this leads to significant disunity within the UFO research community. He concludes that telepathic contact is highly questionable, particularly when it is used to promote unverified narratives and hinders objective investigation. The article criticizes the tendency to elevate trivial statements to profound wisdom and to present unsubstantiated claims as factual evidence. It emphasizes the necessity of critical thinking, objectivity, and logic in parapsychological research to avoid descending into mere fantasy and myth.

Anmerkung des CENAPs (Note from CENAP)

This section provides CENAP's perspective on Jürgen Gisselmann's article. CENAP agrees with Gisselmann's assessment of the "psycho-problem" of contactees, although they note that Gisselmann may not be fully aware of CENAP's broader scope. CENAP shares the article with their readers, noting that Gisselmann's critique of "Fachzeitschriften" (specialist journals) for rejecting critical articles is pertinent. They highlight Gisselmann's view that unqualified "UFO-spinners" often damage the credibility of UFOlogy. The section then references a report from the German TV magazine HÖR ZU (Nr. 48/1978) concerning Ulla von Bernus, described as a contactee with knowledge of "black magic." CENAP reports having written to von Bernus on December 7, 1978, and received a reply on December 19, 1978. A quote from her reply suggests that extraterrestrials may not be what they are presented to be.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT are the critical examination of UFO claims, the investigation of alleged sightings, and the debunking of potential hoaxes. CENAP adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach, prioritizing evidence-based analysis and psychological understanding. The editorial stance clearly favors rigorous investigation and scientific methodology, expressing concern over the proliferation of unsubstantiated claims and their negative impact on the credibility of UFO research. The magazine aims to provide a platform for detailed reports and critical commentary on phenomena that challenge conventional understanding.

This issue of the Wiener Morgen Kurier, dated December 11, 1978, features a prominent article about a mysterious UFO phenomenon that occurred over Petrosawodsk in the Soviet Union. The magazine also includes a report on the costs associated with building a minimal computer system for data processing and analysis, along with detailed code lists for cataloging UFO sightings.

Riesige „Lichtqualle“ über Petrosawodsk

This lead article, written by Peter Krassa, details a significant UFO sighting that took place over Petrosawodsk, the capital of the Karelian Autonomous Soviet Republic, on September 20, 1977. The phenomenon, described as a "huge 'jellyfish-like' light" or an "intensely shining star," caused considerable excitement among the residents. For the first time, information about such a sighting in the Soviet Union is being made public, challenging the notion that UFO phenomena are unknown or ignored there. The article notes that the official Soviet newspaper "Prawda" published a report on the incident exactly one year later, on September 23, 1978, admitting that scientists and the public are still uncertain about what occurred.

The "Prawda" report described the object as having a jellyfish-like shape and emitting intensive light rays onto the city, resembling heavy rain. Eyewitnesses, including a doctor and his chauffeur, reported seeing thousands of rays descending from the sky. The object moved slowly towards Petrosawodsk, then towards Lake Onega, before disappearing into the horizon. The phenomenon lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The light was so intense it caused discomfort to the eyes.

After the main light faded, strange luminous phenomena were observed, including semicircles and small circles of reddish-pink color. "Prawda" also reported that the intense light streams had burned holes in window panes and cobblestones. One such hole in a windowpane, larger than a hen's egg, was sent to Moscow for examination.

The object was also reportedly observed by B. Krat, Director of the Astronomical Observatory of the Soviet Academy of Sciences, who stated that the "sphere" flew from south to north in the early morning hours of September 20. Astronomers at the Pulkovo Observatory also reported sightings.

Director Krat offered a preliminary assessment, suggesting that the phenomenon might have been a meteorite, citing the duration of visibility (about 20 minutes) and accompanying symptoms that indicate the stone heated the atmosphere. However, he acknowledged that all reports needed to be evaluated.

An accompanying note from CENAP (a UFO research organization) suggests that the object in the newspaper photograph appears relatively plastic and that the surrounding details are less intense. They caution that the photo should not be taken as definitive proof of a UFO sighting.

Further information was provided by V.I. Sanarov from Novosibirsk, who confirmed the sighting and stated that the Soviet press had published information, albeit very reservedly. Sanarov also forwarded a copy of an article from "Sotsialisticheskaya Industriya" dated September 23, 1977, but it lacked a translation, and the CENAP staff requested help from readers in this regard.

Bericht an CENAP (Report to CENAP)

This section, a continuation from a previous issue (CR Nr. 33), apologizes for not being able to include a report by Frank Köther and asks for future contributions to be sent by the 10th of each month to the Mannheim contact points.

3. Kosten (Costs)

This part details the costs for a minimal system, likely for data processing and analysis, based on an illustration from CR Nr. 32. The costs are broken down as follows:

• KIM-1 Grundplatine (Basic Board): ca. 550,- DM
• Memory Plus (Memory): ca. 900,- DM
• Video Interface SCT 100. CR: ca. 480,- DM
• ASCII-Tastatur (Keyboard): ca. 180,- DM
• Gehäuse für Platinen (Housing for Boards): ca. 90,- DM
• Gehäuse für Tastatur und Interface (Housing for Keyboard and Interface): ca. 60,- DM
• SW-Fernseher (B&W TV): ca. 200,- DM
• Fernschreiber T-37 (used): ca. 100,- DM
• Kassettenrecorder (Cassette Recorder): ca. 60,- DM

Total for components: ca. 2620,- DM

Additional material costs include:

• Small parts (connectors, cables, etc.): ca. 380,- DM
• Power supply (5V, 12V, 60V) and buffer board (for memory expansion).

Significant labor is also required to assemble these components. Further costs are associated with software development if custom programs are needed. Additional hardware, such as 16 KByte of memory, costs approximately 900,- DM.

The article concludes that for about 6,000,- DM and considerable manual labor, one can build a complete system with 65 KByte of memory, cassette storage, a data display station, and teleprinter input/output. The author anticipates that future developments in high-integration memory will further reduce costs.

Assembly instructions, circuit diagrams, and programs are expected to be published in the CRs of 1979. The author also plans to discuss special evaluation and calculation methods.

Anhang: Kodelisten (Appendix: Code Lists)

This extensive appendix provides a series of code lists designed for cataloging and analyzing UFO reports. These lists are presented as potentially incomplete examples intended to form the basis for storing and comparing initial CENAP reports.

• Kodeliste 1 (7 Byte): Codes for sighting characteristics, including number of sightings, location details, and secondary reports from other institutions. It also includes codes for credibility (CC) and rarity (SS).
• Kodeliste 2 (2 Byte): Codes for light conditions (darkness, dawn, daylight, dusk).
• Kodeliste 3 (2 Byte): Codes for weather conditions (fog, rain, clouds, sun).
• Kodeliste 4 (2 Byte): Codes for terrain and location types (open land, city outskirts, residential areas, industrial zones, forests, coastlines, sea, mountains, air, sky).
• Kodeliste 5 (2 Byte): Codes for observation points or perspectives (ground, house window, balcony, vehicle, driver, passenger, pilot).
• Kodeliste 6 (2 Byte): Codes for observation methods (naked eye through air/glass, glasses through air/glass, telescope, astronomical telescope, photos).
• Kodeliste 7 (2 Byte): Codes for media used (B&W photo, B&W film, color photo, color film).
• Kodeliste 8 (2 Byte): Codes related to estimations, with numerical values.
• Kodeliste 9 (2 Byte): Codes for object shapes (helmet, dome, bowl, cylinder, cigar, pyramid, balloon, hut, boomerang, delta-wing, V-wing, star, ellipsoid, rhomboid, box, sphere, dumbbell).
• Kodeliste 10 (3 Byte): Codes for color identification based on a 3-digit number from a color circle.
• Kodeliste 11 (2 Byte): Codes for angles (alpha and beta) in degrees, likely related to object orientation or movement.
• Kodeliste 12 (6 Byte): Codes for measurements (xxxx = numerical value, D = dimension in cm or m, 6 = km).
• Kodeliste 13 (3 Byte): Codes for light intensity (black, much weaker, clearly weaker, slightly weaker, equal, slightly stronger, clearly stronger, much stronger, bright, dazzling, blinding).
• Kodeliste 14 (2 Byte): Codes for flight path (straight, loops, spirals, zig-zag, landing, start, start + landing).
• Kodeliste 15 (4 Byte): Codes for object behavior and visual characteristics (blinking, pulsating, tail, glowing, glimmering, releasing passengers, color change, metallic, transparent, shiny, smoke, shape change, flickering, flashing, visible lights on object, effects on observer).
• Kodeliste 16 (4 Byte): Codes for object types (aircraft, helicopter, weather balloon, zeppelin, glider, weather phenomenon, night light, daylight disc).
• Kodeliste 17 (2 Byte): Codes for observer's physical or mental state (healthy, farsighted, nearsighted, under stress, labile, under influence of alcohol/drugs, low/high blood pressure, vision problems, headaches, tranquilizer use, alcoholic, epileptic, neurotic, not legally responsible).
• Kodeliste 18 (1 Byte): Codes for calculation results and comments, including number in machine code.
• Kodeliste 19 (1 Byte): Codes for literature types (natural sciences, science fiction, speculative literature, UFO/SF literature).
• Kodeliste 20 (1 Byte): A code number assigned to the primary investigator of a report, determined by CENAP.

Vorschau (Preview)

The issue concludes with a preview of upcoming CRs (likely CENAP Reports), mentioning a series titled "Astronauten und UFOs" (Astronauts and UFOs) that will explore unknown flying objects encountered by Gemini, Mercury, and Apollo astronauts. It also highlights a new, serious work by Christian Pöchhacker from CENAP-Ortsgruppe Neumarkt/Österreich, with the teaser: "NO UFOs... NOW: IFOs..." (IFO stands for Identified Flying Object).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, particularly the significant event over Petrosawodsk, and the systematic approach to cataloging and analyzing such phenomena through the CENAP organization. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging the unexplained nature of events like the Petrosawodsk sighting while also emphasizing the need for rigorous data collection and analysis, as evidenced by the detailed code lists and the cost breakdown for a data processing system. There is a clear effort to present information from both official Soviet sources and independent research organizations like CENAP, while also encouraging reader participation in research.