CENAP Report - No 038

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, number 38, dated April 1979, focuses on UFO phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to a sighting in New Zealand and several reports from Bavaria, Germany.

The Australian Scene: New Zealand Sighting

The issue details an event that occurred on January 2, 1979, when an Australian camera team filmed an "Unidentified Flying Object" (UFO) during a flight over New Zealand. The object reportedly approached the aircraft. The report includes a letter from Harry Griesberg of the Australian Co-Ordination Section of the Centre for UFO Studies, stating that there was little new regarding the Valentich case and that New Zealand was quiet, with only occasional reports of small lights.

The article then delves into the New Zealand incident, describing how an Argosy aircraft, with a TV crew onboard, encountered five or six lights. Wellington radar and the aircraft's radar detected the objects. Captain Randle reported seeing white objects, described as being like "Beinstein" (limestone), passing 16 km south and appearing to be about 150 meters above the water. The radar detected something resembling three large, winged airships moving towards the coast, with some carrying lights and others not. One appeared to be reflecting on the shallow water.

Another incident occurred on December 30-31, 1978, involving a Safeair Argosy aircraft flying from Wellington to Christchurch with a TV crew, including reporter Quentin Fogarty and cameraman David Crockett. Captain Bill Startup reported seeing five or six lights in various formations. The aircraft made contact with Wellington control, which also detected targets. During the flight, a bright light appeared on the starboard wing and was filmed. This light was also detected by Wellington radar and the aircraft's own radar. Wellington control informed the aircraft that a target was behind them, which then appeared to double in size on the radar screen before returning to normal.

Captain Startup described the object as a bright, spherical light, which pulsed and occasionally disappeared. The film footage, taken with a 250mm lens, showed a white light that quickly assumed a spherical shape. The Wellington radar also detected this light. The report notes that the film was released in several countries and was featured in the "SONNTAGS-BLICK" publication in Switzerland.

Further details from the New Zealand incident include the aircraft circling the objects for two minutes before continuing its flight. Upon landing in Christchurch, the TV crew was reportedly "confused." Mr. Dennis Grant, a local TV reporter, accompanied them back to Blenheim. Captain Startup recounted seeing a light parallel to their aircraft at 3000 feet, which then overtook them and moved in front. Mr. Grant described it as a large, spherical light of varying intensity.

Reactions from the New Zealand Ministry of Defence were cautious, stating that while they could not confirm a threat, the event was "very interesting." The airport's chief controller expressed skepticism but acknowledged that "something must have been there." Wellington radar detected several mysterious blips on the morning of January 1, 1979, which appeared for seconds and then vanished.

The Australian Air Force inquired about a copy of the film, and the New Zealand Air Force considered deploying an ORION reconnaissance aircraft equipped with advanced radar. This operation took place over two nights.

Regarding the film, it was described as showing a white, bright light against a dark background, occasionally pulsing and disappearing. Initial impressions suggested an astronomical source at low altitude, possibly affected by atmospheric phenomena.

Assumed Causes

Several explanations were proposed. Mr. D. Mabin, head of the Mt. John Observatory, suggested the UFOs were likely the planet Venus. Dr. D. Cole, an atmospheric physicist in Sydney, proposed that the radar echoes were natural components of the ionosphere. British astronomer Sir Bernard Lovell suggested they were likely meteors, and Patrick Moore believed they could be reflections, balloons, or unlisted aircraft. The planet Venus was visible in the morning sky, and Jupiter in the northeast evening sky, potentially causing confusion. Jupiter was specifically mentioned as a possible explanation for the film.

However, Captain Startup remained adamant that the filmed object was not a reflection or Venus, stating they could see Venus simultaneously and that the UFO was in a different position relative to the aircraft and Venus. The report concludes that while visual observations, radar targets, and the film present anomalies, the objects could be of astronomical origin, with Jupiter being a candidate. Further detailed investigations are deemed necessary.

CENAP Comparison Test

A comparison image shows a section of the New Zealand film alongside a photograph of the planet Jupiter, suggesting a potential resemblance.

Latest News

A second film was reportedly taken by a New Zealand film crew from the ground on January 3, 1979, showing a round, glowing ball with a bright light. This film was not detected by Wellington or Christchurch radar, nor by the RNZAF-ORION. Doubters suggested it was Venus. Squadron Leader Ray Carren, who flew the ORION, reported a large Japanese fishing fleet emitting a "terrible amount of light" and mentioned 14 unexplained radar observations that were attributed to air turbulence.

CENAP's commentary on the comparison image notes a possible similarity between Jupiter and the New Zealand object but questions the quality of the photograph taken with a 250mm lens. It considers the possibility of atmospheric distortions or inversions magnifying Jupiter. The report also references a sighting by then-US President Jimmy Carter in 1969, which Robert Sheaffer identified as the planet Venus.

UFO Fever in Bavaria

The issue then shifts to reports of UFO sightings in Bavaria, Germany, in late 1978. Multiple sightings were reported near Rosenheim, the German-Austrian border near Freilassing, and the Geigelstein. Four women and a boy in Burghausen also claimed to have seen UFOs.

Witnesses described the objects as moving with "crawling movements" from east to west at low altitude. Police were skeptical of the initial reports.

UFO over Saaldorf?

On November 20, 1978, two police officers on patrol near Saaldorf reported seeing a fiery object with a mesh-like structure. They initially thought it was a hot air balloon but noted that its outlines were unclear. The object then moved away silently. The incident was reported to the police inspection, who had no explanation. The article questions if anyone else saw the phenomenon and if there's a natural explanation.

The UFO from New Zealand

This section reiterates that the images on pages 4 and 5 are reproductions from "SONNTAGS-BLICK" from January 7, 1979, believed to be the only color photos published at the time. It includes a quote from a TV reporter who filmed the UFOs, describing how they maneuvered in ways no aircraft could.

Auch Zahnarzt-Familie hat UFO gesichtet (Dentist's Family Also Sighted UFO)

This article from the "Reichenhaller Tagblatt" on November 30, 1978, details a sighting by the Petram family in Saaldorf. The family, including a dentist, his wife, son, and his girlfriend, reported seeing a strange light. They were prompted to come forward after reading about the police sighting in the local newspaper. The dentist described a flickering light with a structure, moving rapidly and silently. He dismissed the idea of a hot air balloon and affirmed his sighting.

The article notes that the boulevard press sensationalized the police and dentist sightings. The Bavarian television even interviewed the police officers. The report mentions that the TV broadcast may have confused the dentist's family with another group from Freilassing.

Research Work and Investigation

An excerpt from CENAP's research file "Fall FREILASSING, Monday, November 20, 1978" details the investigation process. The author contacted the local newspaper "FREILASSINGER ANZEIGER" and the police to gather information.

Interview with UFO Observer

This section recounts an interview with a UFO observer, likely one of the police officers, who described seeing a strange, glowing object. The article clarifies that UFOs are simply unidentified flying objects, not necessarily extraterrestrial. It criticizes the sensationalist reporting by the boulevard press.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the challenges of identifying them, and the role of media in sensationalizing such events. CENAP appears to adopt a cautious, investigative stance, presenting witness testimonies, radar data, and photographic evidence while also exploring various potential explanations, including astronomical phenomena and atmospheric conditions. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging further research and critical analysis, pushing back against purely sensationalist interpretations of UFO reports.

Title: UFO-Beobachtung schlägt Wellen
Issue Date: Saturday/Sunday, December 2/3, 1978
Publisher: Reichenhaller Tagblatt
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the Reichenhaller Tagblatt delves into a UFO sighting that gained significant media attention, exploring the events, investigations, and potential explanations.

UFO Sighting in Saaldorf

The central event discussed is a UFO sighting that occurred in the Saaldorf region, near Freilassing, Germany. Two police officers on patrol at night reported observing an unknown flying object. Initially, they did not attribute great significance to it, but protocol required them to report it. Shortly after, a dentist family in the same area also claimed to have seen a UFO, described as an 'eerie fireball'.

Media Sensationalism and 'UFO Fever'

The reports quickly escalated, particularly with the involvement of television reporters, such as Erich Braunsperger from Bayerisches Fernsehen. The local newspaper, Freilassinger Anzeiger, initially shared the expectation that a natural explanation would be found. However, the boulevard press seized upon the story, turning it into a sensation and igniting an 'UFO fever' across Upper Bavaria. The newspaper notes that many people began reporting their own sightings, fueled by the media coverage.

Investigation and Proposed Explanations

The Reichenhaller Tagblatt took a more skeptical approach, aiming to temper the hysteria. They suggested that UFOs do not necessarily imply extraterrestrial visitors and could be terrestrial in origin, such as advanced military technology or even private inventions. A key hypothesis put forth by the newspaper was that the sightings might be explained by hot air balloons. They specifically mentioned the possibility of 'miniature' hot air balloons, crafted by young men in Saaldorf as a prank.

Further investigation involved interviews with various individuals. Herr Wiedmann, a police officer who was a witness, stated that the event caused more stir than it warranted and that it was likely something 'harmless', possibly a balloon. He expressed a desire not to speculate further. The newspaper also attempted to contact a Dr. Walter Bertram, identified as a UFO observer, but this search was unsuccessful.

Another lead pointed to a report from the Salzburg airport air traffic control, where a controller recalled observing an unusual object a year prior that moved erratically and was not a helicopter. This sighting, however, did not perfectly align with the police officers' observations in terms of timing and direction.

The 'Balloon Bastlers' and Hoax Theory

Subsequent reports and investigations revealed that a group of young men from Saaldorf had indeed been building and launching small, homemade hot air balloons. These balloons, constructed from silk paper, wire frames, and spirit-soaked cotton, could appear as UFOs in the dark. The newspaper suggests that these 'balloon bastlers' intentionally created these objects to 'shock' UFO enthusiasts and capitalize on the public's credulity, turning the UFO phenomenon into a 'joke'.

International Reports

The issue also briefly touches upon UFO reports from other countries. A New Zealand TV team reportedly filmed a UFO described as a 'Ping-Pong ball with a red spot'. However, experts suggested it might be a reflection from a ship's spotlight. Another report from Australia claimed a 'squadron' of 25 UFOs was filmed, but the Australian Ministry of Defence suggested it could be a combination of Japanese fishing boat spotlights and the planet Venus.

Analysis of UFOlogy

The article expresses skepticism towards some UFOlogists, particularly those who categorize all sightings as 'non-UFOs' once explained, while still maintaining belief in 'genuine' UFOs. The author questions the tendency to construct elaborate cosmic narratives and 'pseudoreligions' around these phenomena. The piece also references an editorial from the US magazine OMNI (January 1979) by Frank Kendig, who discusses a UFO sighting in Mobile, Alabama. Kendig describes an object that was silver, round, with six legs, and resembled an inverted broiler grill. However, he notes discrepancies in witness accounts regarding speed and sound, suggesting exaggeration or lies, ultimately leading him to question the reality of such reports.

Austrian UFO Sightings in 1978

A section titled 'Brennpunkt 1978' provides a statistical overview of UFO sightings in Austria during 1978, compiled by Christian Pöchhacker of CENAP-Austria. A total of 7 sightings were categorized, with 0 actual UFOs and 7 identified as 'IFOs' (Identified Flying Objects). These identified objects included weather balloons, night strollers, and balloons. The majority of sightings occurred during the summer months, attributed to better observation conditions. The data indicates that no confirmed UFOs were sighted in Austria in 1978, based on the available reports.

Editorial Stance

The Reichenhaller Tagblatt adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. While acknowledging that people may indeed see unusual things in the night sky, the newspaper emphasizes the strong potential for optical illusions and misidentifications. It actively seeks natural explanations and is wary of sensationalism, particularly from the boulevard press. The publication aims to provide a grounded perspective, distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and potential hoaxes or misinterpretations. The recurring theme is the tendency for media and public perception to inflate and sensationalize sightings, often leading to a 'UFO fever' that overshadows rational analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the sensationalization of UFO reports by the media, the psychological factors contributing to misidentification (such as optical illusions and the power of suggestion), and the investigation into potential hoaxes. The editorial stance is one of cautious skepticism, prioritizing rational explanations and debunking extraterrestrial claims when evidence points to terrestrial origins or natural phenomena. The newspaper actively seeks to 'temper the hysteria' and provide factual reporting, even when it means challenging popular beliefs. The issue highlights the contrast between the public's fascination with the unknown and the more mundane, often prosaic, reality behind many reported sightings.

This issue of Neues Volksblatt, dated from an unspecified time but featuring content related to events that appear to be from the mid-20th century, focuses on multiple reported UFO sightings from around the world. The magazine presents a collection of newspaper clippings and reports detailing these encounters.

UFOs over Milan and New Zealand

The primary cover story, "Ufos umkreisten Mailänder Dom Über Neuseeland wieder gefilmt" (UFOs circled Milan Cathedral, Filmed again over New Zealand), highlights two distinct sets of sightings. The first report, from Mailand (Milan), Italy, details how two Milanese police officers observed and photographed two unknown flying objects (UFOs) that were circling the city's cathedral. These objects were described as emitting a bright light, moving slowly, and resembling stars. The officers followed the objects in their patrol car and took photographs.

Simultaneously, a report from New Zealand describes a New Zealand television team filming an unknown flying object for the second time within a few days. The cameraman likened the object to a "table tennis ball with a red spot in the middle" and stated it appeared at an altitude of approximately 3300 meters over the Pacific Ocean. The object was reportedly three times brighter than an average star. Technician Lloyd McFadden noted that the object rotated on its axis and pulsed. He also mentioned that a second flying object suddenly appeared on the side of the first one, "zipped across the sky," and disappeared. The initial object remained visible even after sunrise, described as "twice as bright as the brightest morning star," before gaining altitude and vanishing.

International Sightings

The issue then compiles further reports from various international locations:

Austria

Sightings were reported in Austria on January 3rd, leading to a special report in the CENAP-Report. The magazine notes that numerous sightings occurred across all federal states in the following days, and the CENAP section in Austria was investigating.

Israel

According to the Süd-Ost Tagespost in Graz, UFOs were also observed over Jerusalem. The Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" reported that "three round and large, very strongly colored bodies" were seen flying low over the city center. These mysterious objects were said to glow red, blue, and violet. However, Israeli physicists suggested these phenomena might be large meteors.

Yugoslavia

A report from the "Neue Zeit" in Graz, with the headline "Yugoslavian Pilots Report: 2 UFOs Pursued Our Flight," details alarming UFO reports from Yugoslavia. Two Yugoslavian pilots claimed to have sighted mysterious green-yellow-red shimmering flying objects. The report also mentions that several "flying saucers" were seen hovering directly over the city center in Jerusalem.

Belgium

In Belgium, a landed, initially unidentified flying object was discovered to be a simple ice block that had detached from a jet aircraft and fallen to the ground.

Near Styrian Border, Yugoslavia

An interesting incident occurred on the same day near the Styrian border. A passenger plane was reportedly almost in collision with an unknown flying object. The mysterious craft was allegedly registered by the airport's radar system. The pilot of the Yugoslavian aircraft, preparing to land in Split, reported being blinded by a brightly glowing UFO. Although the flight control in Zagreb saw nothing on radar, the pilot insisted he could observe a large flying object at the same altitude as his cockpit. Radio communication was lost for several minutes. The UFO was only visible on radar when it was in close proximity to the "DC-9." The object disappeared without a trace after the plane began its landing.

Rijeka to Split, Yugoslavia

Some time later, a second incident reportedly occurred. A pilot of a Yugoslavian charter aircraft flying from Rijeka to Split reported being accompanied by a "gigantic UFO." The pilot described the object as possibly 200 meters long and glowing bright red, having flown alongside their aircraft over the Adriatic Sea.

Object Characteristics Summary

Based on the various reports, the described UFOs exhibited the following characteristics:

• Shape: Round, disc-like (implied by "flying saucers"), gigantic (200 meters long).
• Color: Bright white light, red, blue, violet, green-yellow, bright red.
• Size Estimate: Approximately 200 meters long (one instance).
• Behavior: Slow movement, pulsating, rotating on its axis, zipping across the sky, gaining altitude, disappearing without a trace.
• Speed Estimate: Slow.
• Altitude Estimate: Approximately 3300 meters.
• Electromagnetic Effects: Emitted blinding light.
• Physical Trace Evidence: None mentioned, except for the ice block incident which was later identified.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and diversity of UFO sightings across different continents, the involvement of law enforcement and military personnel as witnesses, and the use of photographic and film evidence. The magazine appears to present these reports factually, without explicit editorializing, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. The inclusion of multiple newspaper clippings suggests a compilation of recent and significant events in the field of ufology. The overall tone is one of reporting unusual phenomena that warrant attention and investigation.