CENAP Report - No 043

Magazine Overview

This issue of the CENAP-REPORT, titled 'Nr.43' and dated September 1979, is published by CENAP, a German research network for unusual phenomena. The cover features a striking illustration of a UFO sighting and the headline 'Hemsbach an der Bergstraße 10.07.1977'. The report is primarily in German.

Article 1: Eine Parallele? (A Parallel?)

This article revisits the UFO case from Hemsbach, previously classified as 'Nocturnal Light' by CENAP, making it of particular interest. The investigation was prompted by a newspaper article in the 'MANNHEIMER MORGEN' on July 12, 1977. The CENAP team, consisting of Louis Preston, Hansjürgen Köhler, and Werner Walter, visited Hemsbach on the same day the article was published to investigate a sighting reported by Wolfgang Rech, his wife, and their neighbors, the Rettigs, on the evening of July 10, 1977, around 11:30 PM.

The witnesses were on their balcony discussing their recently ended vacation. Despite clear skies and a calm atmosphere, they noticed the absence of shooting stars. Suddenly, an object appeared from the northeast, moving directly overhead towards the southwest. It was described as a bright red, steady light moving at high speed, disappearing beyond the horizon within approximately 15 seconds. Shortly after, a second, even brighter object appeared, seemingly following the first. This second object was observed for about 45 seconds. Wolfgang Rech retrieved binoculars (7x50) from his living room, as the object appeared highly unusual, unlike any aircraft or balloon they were familiar with.

Using the binoculars, the intensity of the object's light was so strong it caused the witnesses' eyes to water. They observed small, dark blue to white-blue light streaks, described as 'discharges,' appearing on the object's surface, visible only through the binoculars. A rapid, irregular, and flickering blue-white light or point was also seen on the object's surface, emitting intense light. No flight sounds were heard; the observation was described as 'deathly silent.' The jumping light point made precise determination of the object's trajectory difficult, but it was described as round.

The entire event lasted about three minutes, leaving no physical traces. The witnesses reported feeling 'uncertainty' and 'anxiety.' They were familiar with newspaper reports and had read a book by Blumrich but had no other specific literature on the subject. They dismissed the possibility of aircraft position lights due to the object's flight path and behavior, stating they were accustomed to seeing aircraft at night.

The CENAP Field-Investigation-Team unanimously found the witnesses to be credible and serious. Based on their testimony, the phenomenon was classified as 'Nocturnal Light.' The team noted that the witnesses did not speculate on the nature or origin of the object. A subsequent inquiry with the State Observatory Heidelberg yielded no results. Despite the newspaper report, no further confirmations of the Hemsbach case were found. A later reported sighting in the Mannheim city sector was identified as two aircraft.

Article 2: The San Francisco Bay-Area Case (September 26, 1963)

This section presents a parallel case from the US, drawing from material including the 'The UFO-Evidence' report by NICAP. On the morning of September 26, 1963, a UFO was sighted over the San Francisco Bay Area. Paul Cerny, head of the Bay Area NICAP Subcommittee, led the investigation, interviewing nine witnesses. The sighting was reported in local newspapers.

Officer Galen Anderson of the Sunnyvale Police Department provided a detailed report, having observed the UFO for over 45 seconds. At approximately 4:20 AM, while on patrol, he was alerted to a UFO. The object moved from east to west at an altitude of 45 degrees, at a speed comparable to a propeller-driven aircraft. The leading edge was bright, the main body was gray, with a small light spot. The UFO made a turn to the northwest, appeared momentarily vertically, and then disappeared from view.

Another witness, George W. Scott, observed an object for about a minute. He noted that the UFO seemed to stop several times, with its small body pulsating with light, before moving in 3-4 degree increments between pulses. The object continued westward and disappeared behind the coastal mountains.

Officer Anderson described the object as larger than the full moon, or like a basketball at a distance of 8 feet. It appeared as a vertically oriented disc, showing 3/4 of its profile. Police Officer Lt. Haag observed what appeared to be heat waves. The disc was grayish, with a small light point that illuminated every 3-4 seconds. The color then shifted to yellowish-white, with orange hues along the front. The pulsating effect created a luminous, hazy illumination around the disc. After each 3-4 second pulse, the small light moved erratically, taking a new position on the disc. The object moved in a straight line over Sunnyvale and Los Altos before suddenly turning vertically and disappearing. Officer Anderson and Lt. Haag were about a third of a mile apart, with Officer Girand about a mile away.

The object's speed was estimated to be that of a propeller-driven military aircraft, at an altitude of 45 degrees relative to Officer Anderson, estimated at 4000-6000 feet. It was described as brighter than the full moon.

This case is presented as evidence from the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) from 1964, compiled by Richard Hall. The report notes the witnesses' description of the object as a 'disc' and its vertical orientation.

Article 3: UFOs? Not Always!

This section discusses how experimental balloons can be mistaken for UFOs, drawing from an article in 'UFO CANADA' from March 1979. CENAP exchanges information with UFO CANADA, a group based in Chomedey, Laval, Quebec.

The article states that various types of balloons frequently lead to UFO reports due to unfamiliarity. In the late 1940s, the US Navy conducted classified 'SKYHOOK' experiments with balloons, unknown to other branches of the US military. This led to some UFO reports that the Air Force could not explain. This continued until around 1950.

Balloons continue to generate UFO reports. The article aims to explain why by illustrating the types of balloons used, their construction, performance, and shapes. Historically, balloons date back to the 13th century and are now used for studying cosmic rays.

NEOPRENE Balloons: These are typically used to carry radiosondes, which transmit meteorological data. They start at about six feet in diameter and can expand to 60 feet at altitude. They ascend at 1000 ft/minute and can reach 80,000 feet. Neoprene balloons are more reflective than polyethylene types and are used for routine weather observations and scientific studies by meteorological stations, military posts, airports, and universities.

POLYETHYLENE ('GHOST') Balloons: These are often pear-shaped but appear spherical to the naked eye. They are filled with 'Bubble-Gas' and can have diameters of 20-70 feet at launch, expanding significantly at altitude. They are used to carry instruments for cosmic ray studies and meteorological research. In the 1950s, some were equipped with capsules for human occupants to study reactions at high altitudes and stratospheric conditions. These balloons can reach diameters of 60-250 feet, or even 300-400 feet with heavy payloads.

Visibility and Misidentification: Radiosonde balloons are visible from 2-4 miles during the day. Large polyethylene types absorb over 5% of sunlight and scatter 30%. Their visibility depends on the angle of sunlight. While generally not visible in darkness without lights, they can be seen after sunset and before sunrise if high enough to reflect sunlight. Misidentifications can occur when these balloons burst, causing debris to fall, or when gas expansion and contraction due to temperature and pressure changes create unusual visual effects. These 'lost' balloons can sometimes be mistaken for UFOs when they appear suddenly at night or during the day.

Case Example: April 1, 1960: Residents on the US East Coast reported a bright yellow fire streak accompanied by a red, moon-sized object. This was later identified as the launch of a prototype ECHO satellite, a silver, 100-foot diameter balloon that was highly reflective. The fire streak was the rocket.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings and related phenomena, aiming to provide detailed case studies and investigations. A significant theme is the critical analysis of sightings, distinguishing between potentially unknown phenomena and misidentifications of conventional objects like balloons or aircraft. CENAP appears to adopt a methodical and evidence-based approach, valuing credible witness testimony while seeking rational explanations. The publication also highlights international UFO research efforts through its collaborations, such as with UFO CANADA.

This issue of UFO CANADA, dated March 1979, presents a collection of articles and reports related to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), focusing on eyewitness accounts, potential explanations, and ongoing investigations. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussing these events objectively, bridging the gap between skepticism and belief.

Article 1: Experimental Balloon/Satellite Carrier

The issue begins by clarifying a sighting of a glowing, red sphere that reflected the setting sun and emitted green sparks. This event, initially perplexing, was later identified by NASA as an experimental balloon or satellite carrier used to transport a satellite from Wallops Island, Virginia. NICAP acknowledged the compatibility of this explanation. The magazine notes that while this specific incident was resolved, other reports may resist easy explanation.

Article 2: Puerto Rico Sighting (April 30, 1969)

This section details a significant sighting over Puerto Rico involving a constant source of white light observed in the early morning. Witnesses, including airline pilots and air traffic controllers, described the object as being about 10 times larger than a nearby airplane. The descriptions of the object's shape were conflicting, ranging from triangular and oval to cigar-shaped. One air traffic controller described it as having a conical shape. F-104 fighter jets were scrambled to investigate. The UFO was reportedly seen at 50,000 feet and appeared to ascend to 70,000 feet as the jets approached. Ultimately, the object was identified by a B-52 Stratofortress bomber as a common NEOPRENE balloon carrying a radiosonde, found at 35,000 feet.

Article 3: Balloons as a Source of UFO Reports

The magazine reflects on the two cases presented, highlighting that balloons are not only capable of conducting scientific experiments but can also successfully generate UFO reports. It acknowledges that many artificial and natural phenomena can be mistaken for UFOs, and sometimes balloons are used as scapegoats. However, it also concedes that some UFO reports remain unexplained even after attempts at rationalization. UFO CANADA states its intention not to intervene in the debate between skeptics and believers but hopes to encourage a more objective examination of the evidence by both groups.

Article 4: UFO CANADA's Archives

UFO CANADA maintains archives of daily NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) summaries from across Canada, which include all types of military activities, balloon launches, satellite descents, and rocket launches.

Bibliography

A bibliography of UFO-related materials is provided, listing books such as "UFOS EXPLAINED" by Philip J. Klass, "FLYING SAUCERS" by Donald H. Menzel, and "THE WORLD OF FLYING SAUCERS" by Donald H. Menzel & Lyle G. Boyd.

Article 5: Steirer im UFO-Fieber (Steirians in UFO Fever)

This article from the "Neue Kronen Zeitung" (Graz, January 6, 1979) reports on a surge of UFO sightings in Styria, Austria. Numerous reports of strange aerial phenomena, described as fiery, elongated objects with tails, have been received by the newspaper. The article includes excerpts from letters detailing these sightings, with witnesses expressing certainty about what they saw.

Article 6: "Wir sahen es mit eigenen Augen" (We Saw It With Our Own Eyes) - UFO over the Murtal

Another report from the "Steirerkrone" (Graz, January 10, 1979) describes a UFO sighting in Frohnleiten, Austria. A young man and his mother reported seeing a brightly lit, oval object with a fiery tail moving from west to east. They described it as being about five times larger than Polaris and flying at the height of mountain ridges. Colleagues who were in the same area did not see the object. The local air traffic control stated that their radar only begins operating at 7 AM, thus missing the event.

Article 7: "Keine Beweise für UFOs" (No Evidence for UFOs)

This piece from "VOLKSWILLE" (Klagenfurt, January 17, 1979) reports on Soviet scientist Dr. Migulin's view that UFOs are relegated to science fiction. Migulin, head of an institute in Moscow, stated there is no evidence of extraterrestrial visits. He acknowledged that "abnormal atmospheric phenomena" are observed in the USSR, but most are explained as auroras, atmospheric distortions, aircraft, satellites, or weather balloons. He suggested other phenomena might be linked to changes in atmospheric layers caused by solar activity or human intervention.

Article 8: Wieder erhältlich... FLIEGENDE UNTERTASSEN (Flying Saucers Available Again)

This section announces the re-release of Rolf Strehl's 1953 book "FLIEGENDE UNTERTASSEN" (Flying Saucers). The book is a facsimile reprint of the original, featuring 50 pages of art paper with 84 black and white reproductions of original color illustrations. The price is 23.00 DM, with the higher cost attributed to the limited edition. The article highlights the book's value in illustrating the impact of UFO phenomena on people in the early 1950s. Rolf Strehl, known for other books and now a journalist, is mentioned.

Article 9: ...nicht erschien... UFO SPACE Newsclip-Journal

This section reports that the anticipated "UFO SPACE Newsclip-Journal," announced in CENAP-REPORT No. 39/May 1979, did not materialize. Lindy Whitehurst explained that due to printing issues with the first issue, which was intended to compile original newspaper clippings, the project had to be canceled. Submissions to the UFO SPACE NEWSCLIPPING JOURNAL are requested to cease. Further inquiries can be directed to an address published in CR 39.

Article 10: ...und... Zum CR Nr.43

This editorial note explains that the current issue has 24 pages, with some planned articles being postponed due to the volume of material. The series "Keine UFOs" (No UFOs) will continue. The "Presse-News" section in this issue features Austrian UFO reports, serving as a basis for future reporting by CENAP-Austria, which also conducts investigations. The editorial mentions receiving hostile letters from DUIST leadership (Zimmermann and Herrmann) after publishing reports that were less favorable to their views. The editors decided not to reproduce these letters due to their offensive tone. The editorial also references a previous warning about "contactees" in issue No. 6 and includes a quote: "You humans have eyes to see, and yet you do not see."

Article 11: Nachtrag zum Brennpunkt 1978 (Addendum to Focus Point 1978)

This article details a UFO sighting that occurred on November 5, 1978, in Weinpolz, Austria, reported by Manfred Pöppl (22) and Elisabeth Pöppl (16). While driving, they observed a reddish-yellow, disc-shaped object hovering low to the ground. The object moved rapidly towards them, then slowed and stopped about 500-100 meters away. It then transformed from a sphere to a crescent, then a cigar shape, and finally back to a sphere before moving away in its original direction and disappearing. The witnesses described the object's color as a pleasant tone, not glaring. The object's size was estimated to be comparable to a 10-Schilling coin (or a 5 DM coin in Germany). The sighting lasted approximately 10 minutes. The weather was clear. The article includes two sketches illustrating the object's movement and shape changes. The author, Werner Walter, dismisses the balloon explanation for this case, citing the object's self-luminosity and its ability to change shape and direction against prevailing winds. He suggests it might be an unknown atmospheric phenomenon.

Article 12: UFO-landing

This report, translated from UFO-NYT 3/76, describes a purported UFO landing near the "Nitre Nobel Factory" in Gyttorp, Sweden, on January 21, 1976. A circular imprint, 41 meters in diameter, was found on a frozen lake. The ice within the circle exhibited unusual crystalline structures, described as fine at the edges and larger crystals towards the center, with small, shell-like formations in the very center. The ice thickness varied from 26 cm to 42 cm. Allan E. Jansson, a witness, reported seeing the object from about 100 meters away. The external temperature was -16°C at the time. Jansson, familiar with flares from Bofors, stated that this phenomenon was different. He discovered the light during a routine inspection round at 22:25.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the detailed reporting of UFO sightings with eyewitness testimonies, the critical examination of potential explanations (particularly weather balloons), and the ongoing effort to document and investigate these phenomena. UFO CANADA positions itself as a neutral observer, aiming to present evidence and encourage rational discussion. The magazine emphasizes the importance of objective reporting and acknowledges the existence of unexplained cases, suggesting that scientific understanding of atmospheric phenomena may still be evolving. The issue also touches upon the publication of UFO-related literature and the operational aspects of UFO research organizations like CENAP.

Title: UFO-GAG
Issue: 3-76
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Language: German

This issue of UFO-GAG features a report of a UFO sighting and the subsequent discovery of a trace, alongside a comic strip related to the topic.

Witness Report: January 22nd Sighting

The article details a personal account of a UFO sighting that occurred on a frozen lake. The witness, initially on duty, noticed unusual lights. His first thought was that they were reflections from headlights on a fence, but this explanation was dismissed. He then considered a herd of animals with glowing eyes. As he approached the fence, he felt observed. About a hundred meters from the lights, his eyes adjusted to the darkness, and he saw a very large, dark object standing on the ice. He described its shape as resembling an old, large cheese or a round snuff box with not very rounded edges. He estimated its height to be no more than 1 meter and 20 centimeters, with a diameter of approximately 35 meters. The object had a series of 12-15 square openings, about 30cm in size, emitting an unusual yellow-white light that did not reflect on the ice surface. The witness debated whether to report it, fearing he would be laughed at if he was mistaken. He decided to keep his observation to himself. He went out three times that night to observe the object, which seemed stationary and remained for about 5 hours, disappearing just before 3:00 AM when he completed his rounds. The lake was dark, and the object was gone.

Follow-up: January 26th Discovery and Investigation

The following evening, during his night watch, the witness paid more attention to the frozen lake but observed nothing unusual. He began to doubt his previous night's experience, thinking he might have imagined it. However, on Monday, January 26th, during his afternoon shift, as he walked near his workplace by the lake around 1:00 PM, he stopped in surprise. On the lake, there was a peculiar circle. This sight immediately brought back the observation from January 22nd with clarity. He felt he could no longer keep silent. He spoke with a few colleagues about what he believed he had seen, and to his surprise, none of them laughed. They went to the lake themselves and returned looking thoughtful. Later, various studies were conducted from this suspected landing site to find a solution or explanation. The witness himself was not at the landing site due to other commitments.

A photograph is included, described as showing the frozen lake in front of the factory grounds, with a dashed line marking the size of the imprint. The photo is captioned as being translated by H. Köhler of CENAP-Staff. The Danish text below the photo states: "On this photo, taken from the lake in front of the factory, a dotted line marks how large the imprint was."

Comic Strip: UFO-GAG

The issue also features a comic strip titled "UFO-GAG" by Rolf Kanka, featuring a character named Lupo. The comic depicts a character looking at a UFO with a speech bubble saying "VISIT FROM A FOREIGN STAR." The subsequent panels show humorous reactions and scenarios related to UFOs and aliens, including a character being abducted and another reacting with laughter.

Below the comic strip, there is a caption stating: "Klaus-Dieter Boss from Neuss-Vogelsang presented us with this 'Situations-Darstellung' on the UFO problem."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena and the investigation of potential landing sites. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious consideration of witness accounts, as evidenced by the colleagues' non-dismissive reaction to the report and the subsequent investigation. The inclusion of a comic strip suggests a lighter, perhaps more accessible, approach to the subject matter, possibly to engage a wider audience or to offer a humorous perspective on the UFO phenomenon.