CENAP Report - No 039

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP – REPORT
Issue: Nr. 39
Date: May 1979
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, dated May 1979, prominently features a detailed report on a significant UFO sighting that occurred on March 7, 1979, over the Canary Islands, specifically Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The cover itself highlights this event with the headline "EL, OVNI..." and a striking black and white photograph of a luminous object. The magazine aims to provide comprehensive coverage of unusual phenomena, drawing from various sources including news clippings and eyewitness testimonies.

Editorial and Contents

The editorial section, titled "Editorial zum CR," addresses the CENAP members, referencing previous reports on UFO phenomena, including a notable event in Gran Canaria in 1976 and a supposed UFO landing. It announces that this issue will delve into the recent Gran Canaria UFO sighting, featuring a report from the Spanish magazine "DIEZ MINUTOS." The editorial also mentions contributions from Keith Basterfield on the Australian UFO scene, an investigation into a UFO hoax from August 1978 by Fritz Rothgängel, and a report from Andreas Gerersdorfer of CENAP-Austria concerning alleged secret UFO cases handled by Austrian police and MUFON-CES. Additionally, it includes newspaper clippings, one titled "Die UFOs kamen aus dem Nachbardorf," and a report on a UFO case over Northern Germany in cooperation with the Danish SUFOI.

The issue also includes an advertisement for "UFOSPACE NEWSCLIPPING JOURNAL," a publication based in Dallas, Texas, and Paris, France, which claims to scan thousands of newspapers worldwide to provide comprehensive UFO news.

Gran Canaria UFO Sighting - March 7, 1979

The central focus of this issue is the detailed account of the March 7, 1979, UFO event. The report begins by referencing a previous article in CENAP-Report Nr. 7/September 1976 about a UFO wave in Gran Canaria and a landing report. It then presents a news clipping from the German newspaper BILD-Zeitung dated March 7, 1979, which reported a "pink UFO circled over Tenerife for ten minutes." The magazine provides geographical context about Gran Canaria, describing it as the third-largest island in the archipelago, with a circular shape and an area of 1532 sq km.

Photographer's Account

The main narrative is based on a report by Arnulf Schmidt, who processed a color photo report from "DIEZ MINUTOS." The photographer, Antonio Gonzáles Llopis, recounts his experience while on a coastal road near Puerto Rico. He describes seeing a bright object emerge from the sea, which he initially mistook for a natural phenomenon like a sunset. The object was spherical with a pyramid-shaped top and emitted a bright, ivory-like light. It ascended with great speed, and he managed to photograph it using a tripod and a Mamiya Sekor 1.000 DTL lens with a 55mm aperture. He noted that the object's ascent, from emergence from the sea to disappearance in the sky, lasted about three minutes. During this time, a natural phenomenon he had observed earlier, a concentric circle of colors, faded away.

Eyewitness Testimonies

The report compiles numerous eyewitness accounts. Many people, including hotel staff and a doctor, witnessed the event and described it similarly. The object was seen ascending from beneath the sea with tremendous speed. Some witnesses reported seeing it pause briefly as if correcting its course, and before it vanished, they observed what appeared to be "feet" or "hatchways." The witnesses concluded it was a UFO, not a hallucination or atmospheric phenomenon.

On the island of "Guia de Isora," panic ensued, with some women fainting, believing it was the end of the world. The marketplace filled with people who described the object as a sphere that changed color (lilac, grey, orange) and was beautiful to behold. One woman who fainted later reported feeling a sense of unease and fear.

Some witnesses noted a change in weather, with a brief cold spell followed by warmer air. The majority agreed that the UFO was observable for about an hour, initially as colored lines and then as a large fireball over the sea.

Psychological Impact

The event had a significant psychological impact on some individuals. Several people in Las Palmas suffered nervous breakdowns and required hospitalization. Dr. Trujillo Cubas, a psychiatrist, commented that unusual events can trigger psychological breakdowns in individuals with pre-existing mental health issues or predispositions. Other witnesses reported children being frightened and women becoming hysterical.

Aerial Observations

The report also includes accounts from pilots. Two pilots from the Canary Islands charter airline "NAYSA," Eurfronio Garcia Monforte and Miguel Molledo, observed the object while flying from Las Palmas to Mauritania. They claimed it ascended at a speed of 21,000 km/h. They described seeing a bright light, initially orange and then reddish. Other pilots from different airlines may have also witnessed the event.

Object Characteristics and Theories

Witnesses provided varying descriptions of the object's shape and appearance. Lourdes Herandez Rodriguez described it as a "flat top or saucer" about three stories high, emitting an orange light. Gonzala Damas described a cup-shaped object with white color and blue light. Witnesses in Tenerife described a colorful sphere rising from the sea and remaining in the sky like a multicolored star for half an hour.

One unusual observation was that the headlights of a bus carrying witnesses suddenly went out, and a nearby car stopped without explanation. The NAYSA pilots, despite their professional experience, could not provide a logical explanation for the bus's headlights failing.

Some witnesses speculated about the object's nature, with one pilot describing it as a "cone" that rotated and then took the form of a large star about 400 meters wide, with a bluish-green color. It reportedly disappeared into the distance after about 20 minutes, moving at high speed. The pilots were unable to concretely define its shape, suggesting it might have been square.

Alternative theories proposed by witnesses included the existence of an underwater base for extraterrestrials or a secret base of a foreign power. The report also briefly mentions a previous UFO landing in a turnip field near Gåldar that resulted in a burned-out sector.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the detailed investigation and reporting of significant UFO sightings, particularly the Gran Canaria event of March 1979. CENAP's stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into anomalous aerial phenomena, presenting eyewitness accounts, photographic evidence, and expert opinions (including psychological analysis) to support the reality of these events. The magazine actively seeks out and publishes reports from various sources, aiming to keep its readership informed about the latest developments in the UFO field. There is a clear emphasis on presenting factual accounts and corroborating evidence, while also acknowledging the psychological and societal impact of such sightings. The editorial team seems dedicated to documenting and analyzing these phenomena without immediate dismissal, encouraging further investigation and discussion among its members and the public.

This issue of UFO-NACHRICHTEN, dated April 1979 (Issue No. 256), focuses on UFO phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to the analysis of a New Zealand UFO film and reports from the Bass Strait UFO flap in Australia. The magazine features contributions from CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Phenomena) and other UFO research groups.

The Australian Scene: Continuation

The article "Die australische Szene" (The Australian Scene) continues, detailing CENAP's efforts to obtain a UFO film from New Zealand. Despite attempts to contact various organizations, including the "Centre for UFO-Studies" and the German Consulate in Melbourne, the film remained elusive. However, they received a report from Michael Hesemann speculating about a video recording of the New Zealand object. Hesemann's analysis suggests the object had a specific structure, including a dome, lenses, windows, and a condenser ring, leading him to conclude it was artificial and possibly had an observational function. He further theorized its propulsion system was similar to Adamski-type UFOs.

The article also touches upon the Bass Strait flap, referencing information from the 'Australian UFO-Bulletin'/VUFORS from November 1978. The Tasmanian UFO Research Centre (TUFOIC) and VUFORS were collaborating on the investigation of activities that peaked on the weekend of October 21, 1978, involving pilot Frederick Valentich.

Analysis of UFO Film Recordings over New Zealand from January 2, 1979

This section, authored by Michael Hesemann, presents a detailed analysis of the UFO film reportedly shown on German television. Hesemann refutes the expert opinion that the object was the planet Venus, citing its varied flight paths, high speed, and maneuvers that were too complex for the human eye to perceive fully in real-time. He points to photographic evidence from the video, taken with long exposure times, showing rapid changes in direction and speed, ruling out simple camera movements or misidentification of celestial bodies or bird flocks. Hesemann highlights that the object approached and moved away from the observer, further disproving the Venus or bird swarm theories. He provides a detailed breakdown of the object's structure based on a single-frame capture (Bild 6), describing a dome, upper and lower lenses, windows, a condenser ring, and a ring. The windows, he argues, indicate an artificial origin and an observational function. He links the object's propulsion to electrogravitation, referencing 'Rto Sigma; Forschung in Fesseln' by Ventia-Verlag, and suggests the ring's rotation generates gravity. Hesemann concludes that the object shares the same basic structure and propulsion principle as Adamksi-type UFOs. He estimates the object's size at approximately 5.2 meters in height and 8 meters in diameter, with an internal space of 2.2 meters high and 4.8 meters in diameter, suggesting it could have housed hominid beings. The analysis concludes that the film shows authentic recordings of an artificially produced, possibly hominid-controlled, unidentified flying object, confirming the existence of extraterrestrial spacecraft.

The Bass Strait Encounter

This part of the report details the events surrounding the Bass Strait UFO encounter. It mentions that a UFO encounter report from this area was lost, but press reports and phone calls brought the significance of the incidents to light. The Bass Strait encounter attracted worldwide attention, with VUFORS receiving numerous calls. Reports of UFOs from King Island preceded the main event, leading TUFOIC and VUFORS to investigate. Sightings included a slow-moving UFO near a house and a large light hovering over Maatsuyker Island, causing a power outage. Reports of moving lights and daylight sightings were also made in Hobart.

On October 21, Mrs. K.M. observed an object resembling a giant golf ball, white and silver, moving slowly west over the sea. She initially thought it might be a satellite. The object moved at a 70-degree elevation before returning the way it came, observed for about ten minutes. The next day, pilot Frederick Valentich disappeared.

Shortly after the King Island sighting, two cigar-shaped objects were observed moving east near Geelong by 14-year-old Mark L. and others. These objects were described as silver and connected by two silver tubes, moving without visible propulsion or wings.

Later that evening, a widow and her family near Baxter observed a glowing object in the southeast, which they initially thought was a rocket exhaust but later realized might be a UFO, especially after hearing about pilot Valentich's disappearance.

UFO Vision at Night: Signals Transmitted

This section reports on a sighting by two 14-year-old boys, Maxi Wüst and Jürgen Conradi, in Nuremberg. They described an object that was yellow on the outside and blue on the inside, with a yellow halo, which suddenly stopped in the air and transmitted visible Morse code signals five times. They claimed it was a UFO. A local air traffic controller suggested it might have been an American military helicopter with unusual lighting and a searchlight. However, the boys insisted on the object's colors and behavior, which did not match a helicopter.

CENAP Investigation

This report details a CENAP investigation into the Nuremberg sighting by Fritz Rothgängel. The investigation involved sending a questionnaire to the two observers. The report concludes that the incident was 99% likely a prank of considerable magnitude. Contradictions were found in the boys' statements, and the press reports omitted details like the yellow halo and Morse signals mentioned in their initial accounts. The reporter Karin Lorenz stated she knew nothing of a UFO landing. A visit to the alleged landing site revealed discrepancies and that the description of the UFO matched a picture from the boys' shared album. The landing site was also far from the described sighting location. The report suggests that the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" may have influenced the boys.

CENAP Austria Report: UFO Invasion at Austrian State Police?

This report discusses an inquiry made by H. Pöchhacker to the Austrian State Police regarding 100 UFO reports allegedly in their archive, as mentioned in a MUFON conference band from 1974. The State Police denied the existence of these reports. Dipl.-Phys. Brand of MUFON-CES suggested that the police would not easily release such information, calling it a "big secret." He indicated that the material might be published in a forthcoming book by H. Berger. Berger himself initially denied the existence of 100 cases, stating Herr Schneider had misinterpreted him. Berger also expressed a desire not to be interfered with and announced his resignation from MUFON. The report questions the integrity of MUFON-CES, noting that Berger is still listed as a representative and that the former Swiss representative was replaced by Dr. Auerbach.

Book Review: "Kosmische Bruderschaft - Die Pluralität der Welten. Zur Ideengeschichte des UFO-Glaubens."

This section includes a brief review of a book by Ernst Benz, published by Aurum-Verlag, which explores the history of UFO belief. It also mentions an advertisement for "UFOSPAGE" journal and a new journal by Lindy Whitehurst.

The UFOs Came from the Neighboring Village: Six Youths Tricked All of Upper Bavaria with Hot Air Balloons

This article debunks a series of UFO sightings in Upper Bavaria. The glowing, circular objects that had been observed for weeks were identified as simple hot air balloons. Six youths, aged 16 to 20, built and launched these balloons, using materials like tissue paper, wire, and spirit-soaked cotton wadding. The balloons were lit from below, creating a glowing effect that resembled UFOs. The reports were amplified by sensationalized newspaper articles. The youths admitted to calling authorities when a balloon was missed to ensure continued attention. They explained their actions as a prank, noting the low cost of the balloons. Police acknowledged the youths were experimenting, similar to what they might learn in school.

"UFO" Landed in Großraming

This brief report from the Steyrer Zeitung describes an object observed on the Kasberg that was later identified as a radiosonde that had landed. It was sent to the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics in Vienna.

UFO Researcher Shot Priest

A brief news item from dpa reports that a UFO researcher in Italy shot a 70-year-old priest, holding him hostage and demanding that publishers release his book on UFOs. When rejected, he killed the priest.

UFO over the Kasberg?

This report from Wels describes three observers, including Josef Mittermaier, who allegedly saw an unidentified flying object over the Kasbergalm. They described it as balloon-shaped, flying at approximately 150 km/h towards the Kremsmauer. The object was reportedly transparent and made no sound. The report questions whether it was a balloon.

SUFOI and CENAP: "Together Everything is Better!"

This article highlights the collaboration between SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Information) and CENAP. It details how their contact, initiated in June 1975, developed into an optimal working relationship. The article expresses gratitude to Flemming Ahrenkiel (SUFOI), Karen M. Linneballe (SUFOI Secretariat), and Ole Henningsen (SUFOI Research Department). It emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in UFO research, particularly along the German-Danish border, where a recent UFO alarm indicated no gaps in surveillance. The article advocates for a realistic and serious approach to UFO research, free from wishful thinking and passive waiting for extraterrestrial contact.

Press Headlines: Danish and German Press Clippings

This section presents a collection of press headlines from various newspapers, including BT, Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, and a German newspaper, reporting on UFO sightings and phenomena in Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. Headlines include "UFO Entpuppt sich" (UFO Reveals Itself), "Feuerball raste über Norderney" (Fireball Raced Over Norderney), "Mysteriöses Licht" (Mysterious Light), and "Mange teorier om ildkuglen" (Many Theories About Fireballs).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of UFO sightings, the investigation of alleged UFO events, and the debunking of hoaxes. There is a strong emphasis on scientific analysis and critical evaluation of evidence, as seen in Hesemann's detailed breakdown of the New Zealand film and the investigation into the Bavarian balloon incidents. The magazine also highlights the challenges of obtaining information from official sources and the importance of international cooperation in UFO research. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, evidence-based approach to the UFO phenomenon, distinguishing between genuine unexplained events and misidentifications or hoaxes.

Title: UFO-Nachrichten
Issue: 1979
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of UFO-Nachrichten focuses on a series of reported sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) over Northern Germany, Denmark, and Sweden in 1979. The magazine presents various accounts, radar confirmations, and potential explanations for these phenomena.

UFO Sightings Over Northern Germany

The issue details how headlines similar to those on the cover led to a press release about a meteor or satellite burning up in the atmosphere over the North and Baltic Sea region. However, the lack of a reported impact suggested it might have been ejected back into space. The report details unidentified flying objects observed with an estimated speed of 400 kilometers per hour, moving from west to east at an altitude of approximately 30 kilometers. These glowing objects with reddish tails were visible for ten minutes.

According to the Glücksburg Fleet Command, the UFOs were first observed by civilian air traffic control in Bremen, then by the Navy signal station in Cuxhaven, and finally by the tower of Marinegeschwader 1 (MFG 1) in Jagel. The objects crossed North Germany along the Norderney-Fehmarn line and were subsequently sighted over Denmark and Sweden.

Witness Account: Uwe Freiberger

One of the key witnesses cited is Uwe Freiberger, a 49-year-old master hairdresser from Schleswig. He reported seeing the objects from his bedroom window, describing them as "bright, round flying objects" that "sailed silently over the rooftops." He counted eight objects, noting that the first had a reddish tail. The time was approximately 23:43. Freiberger further stated that the objects flew in a straight formation, with smaller ones following the larger lead object. They were bright yellow, maintaining their luminosity without visible dimming. He observed them disappear towards the horizon, which was framed by about 6-8 houses. He also noted a neighbor couple observing the same spectacle.

Freiberger agreed to fill out a detailed questionnaire for CENAP, and CENAP also made contact with the couple.

Radar and Official Observations

The radar operator at the Jagel Marine Air Base reported seeing nothing on the radar screen but confirmed seeing the luminous objects in the sky. Reports from Glücksburg naval spokesmen offered three versions of the objects' appearance: cylindrical, cigar-shaped, and a main object with several smaller additional objects.

Reported Observation Locations

Reports of observations were received from various locations, including:

• Värlöse, Kastrup Airport, Copenhagen, Bornholm (Denmark)
• Norderney, Cuxhaven, Kiel, Glücksburg, Bremen, Jagel (Germany)
• Fehmarn (Germany)
• Signalstelle Mairenleuchte (Germany)
• Schleswig (Germany)

In Copenhagen, police officers Johnny Bindslev and Henning-Svendsen reportedly photographed the UFOs, although the film unfortunately yielded no usable images.

Scientific Explanations

Professor Heins Kaminski, head of the Bochum Observatory, suggested that the luminous phenomena might have been meteors burning up in the Earth's atmosphere. He proposed that these rocky meteorites were mistaken for flying objects.

However, Danish scientists believe the objects were artificial satellites that burned up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. CENAP concurs with this assessment, adding that the objects did not crash but were instead thrown back into space.

Map of Observation Sites

A map is included showing the various observation sites, numbered from 1 to 11, covering locations in Denmark and Germany. The map indicates the general trajectory of the objects across the region.

Visuals

The issue includes a photograph of a Starfighter F 104 G aircraft, identified as belonging to Marinegeschwader 1 (MFG 1). Another image shows a lighthouse on Bornholm, from which the lighthouse keeper reportedly saw the luminous object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation of UFO sightings, with a focus on distinguishing between natural phenomena (meteors, satellites) and potentially unknown aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and official observations while also considering scientific explanations. CENAP seems to be actively collecting data and contacting witnesses to further understand these events.