CENAP Report - No 045

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP – REPORT
Issue: Nr. 45
Volume: 4Y/H11/
Date: November 1979
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

Main Cover Story: The Skillingaryd Photo - Identified

The cover prominently features the word "IDENTIFIED" over a dark, possibly wooded scene, hinting at the main investigative focus of this issue. The CENAP Report Nr. 45 delves into the famous Skillingaryd UFO photograph, ultimately concluding it was a deliberate hoax. The investigation, led by GICOFF, involved detailed analysis and model construction to debunk the sighting.

The Skillingaryd Investigation

The report details how auto experts, upon seeing a magnified section of the photograph, identified the object as a Chevrolet wheel cover from the 1950-60s. To verify this, a GICOFF member purchased two such wheel covers, one from the suspected year range and another from a different year, which together closely resembled the object in the photograph. These wheel covers, approximately 40 cm in diameter and weighing about 1 kg, could easily be suspended by a thin wire.

A crucial test was conducted at the Skillingaryd shooting range, chosen for its suitability for undisturbed trick photography. The wheel covers were hung on a thin wire attached to a bush near a bunker. During the photography session, a sharp, whistling sound was heard, reminiscent of a high-speed turbine. This sound was attributed to wind passing through the small holes in the upper wheel cover, creating a whistling effect.

The investigators concluded that the witness's description of the event might have been fabricated, and the "UFO" was likely a constructed model. The GICOFF team emphasized that this investigation, while costly and time-consuming, provided valuable experience in photo analysis techniques, helping them to identify such fakes in the future. They also noted that while skeptics might easily dismiss UFOs, uncritical believers are equally problematic.

John R.R. Searl's Antigravity Patent

Another significant section of the report investigates the claims of inventor John R.R. Searl regarding an antigravity disc. The author initiated research by contacting the UK Patent Office in July 1979. A Mrs. Mary E. Hines from the Patent Office informed the author that there were no records of any application by J.R.R. Searl for an antigravity disc within the last six years. Applications for patents that were not granted are not kept beyond this period. It was suggested that if the number noted referred to an English patent, it would have to be from before 1916, as patents were re-numbered annually.

Further inquiries were made to the publisher of Magazin 2000, John Fisch, who had received critical letters regarding the "SEARL-EFFEKT." An article in Magazin 2000 (Nr. 7) led to an interview with Mr. Searl by Messrs. Biffiger and Fisch. During a three-hour interview, Mr. Searl asserted that he was a patent holder, but not for flying discs, rather for a special type of plastic harder than steel and for a new construction method. He consistently avoided questions about demonstrations or site visits.

UFO Sightings in Austria and Elsewhere

The issue also covers UFO sightings reported globally and specifically in Austria.

Global UFO Wave

An "UFO fever" was reported to be spreading worldwide in late 1978 and early 1979, following sightings by Australian and New Zealand television teams. The report mentions alleged UFO involvement in a massive power outage in Venezuela and sightings of "three round and large, very bright bodies" over Jerusalem.

Austrian Sightings

Austria, particularly Upper Austria, appears to be a hotspot for UFO activity, with an estimated 400-500 sightings since the late 1950s. Specific incidents detailed include:

• November 20, 1978: In Grünau im Almtal, an unknown flying object described as "kugelrund, gilsera aussehendes, glitserndes Gebilde" (round, shimmering, glittering shape) was seen moving silently at high speed.
• December 21, 1978: A teacher in St. Johann am Walde observed an object initially mistaken for a low-flying helicopter's dome, which then transformed into a large sphere moving at high speed.
• January 1, 1979: A 15-year-old girl in St. Johann am Walde reported seeing a white, luminous sphere.
• December 27, 1978: In Graz, a housewife observed an oval, bright orange, glowing object with a small indentation moving at high speed over the city.

CENAP's Austrian section began coordinating these reports.

Project Blue Book Data

The issue includes a graphic (Darstellung 37) comparing object sightings in the strategic regions of the South/West of the USA, sourced from Project Blue Book, Special Report No. 14. It analyzes sightings in the West Region and Albuquerque area, categorizing them by potential identification (Aircraft, Balloon, Astro, Other, Unknown, Insufficient Info).

Other Content

• "What are UFOs doing in the Enns Valley?": A question posed, suggesting that some UFO phenomena might have simple explanations, but acknowledging the need for serious investigation.
• "Also a 'UFO'": This section discusses the two "UFOs" sent into space by Earth – the Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecraft carrying messages for potential extraterrestrial civilizations. It likens this to a message in a bottle, hoping it might be found.
• Summary of UFO Sightings in Austria (January '79): A map and statistical summary of UFO sightings in Austria during January 1979. It notes that most sightings occurred in early January, likely influenced by the Australian-New Zealand UFO wave. Notably, no actual unidentified flying objects (UFOs) were confirmed among the reported cases, with many categorized as "reluctant witnesses" (likely referring to media reports) or having insufficient data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP Report consistently emphasizes a rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFO research. The Skillingaryd case highlights the organization's commitment to debunking hoaxes and identifying misidentifications through detailed analysis and experimentation. The investigation into John Searl's patent further underscores a critical stance towards extraordinary claims, prioritizing factual verification over sensationalism. The publication also aims to encourage genuine witnesses to come forward while acknowledging the existence of "pranksters" ("Spaßvögel"). The editorial stance advocates for serious, open-minded, yet critical UFO research, urging investigators to meticulously examine evidence and witness testimony without preconceived notions.

This issue of the Salzburger Volkszeitung, dated January 9, 1979, focuses heavily on a wave of reported UFO sightings in and around Salzburg, Austria, during the early days of January 1979. The main headline, "„UFO-Fieber" in Salzburg: Flugzeug, Venus oder Scherz?" (UFO Fever in Salzburg: Airplane, Venus or Joke?), along with a sub-headline "Auch die Polizei war „UFO-Schauen"..." (Even the Police were "UFO-Watching"...), indicates the widespread nature of the phenomenon and the involvement of law enforcement.

UFO Sightings in Salzburg (January 4, 1979)

The issue details numerous reports from Monday morning, January 4, 1979, between 5:00 AM and 6:30 AM, when many Salzburg residents and police officers observed strange, bright flying objects. Descriptions included bright discs that blinked and appeared to circle the Untersberg and Gaisberg mountains. The police spokesperson suggested the sightings might be the planet Venus, which was particularly well-visible at the time. However, one police officer expressed certainty that they were "extraterrestrial beings."

Explanations and Investigations

Several articles delve into explanations for these sightings. The Wiener Morgen Kurier, in an article by Alfons Gann, suggests that many of these phenomena were likely high-flying aircraft illuminated by the rising sun, especially in higher altitudes where the Föhn wind was active. Weather balloons from West Germany or the Eastern Bloc, flying at high altitudes (20-30 km), were also cited as a possible cause. The article mentions a Bundesheer (Austrian Army) aircraft that identified a suspected weather balloon. However, Gann notes that some sightings from the past few days could not be explained, such as a large, fast-moving light spot seen by four students.

Case Studies and Reports

The magazine presents a chronological summary of various UFO-related incidents, often citing other newspapers and providing commentary from CENAP (Central Research Network for Anomalous Phenomena) investigators:

• January 4, 1979 (Hohenweiler): A witness reported a shiny, spherical object flying rapidly across the sky in broad daylight.
• January 5, 1979 (Murtal): Hans Ablassing described an oval, bright object, about five times larger than Polaris, seen on the new highway.
• January 11, 1979 (Niederschrems): Wilfried Kurka reported a bright, glowing object that split into two and flew off in different directions at high speed. An investigation by CENAP noted that the witness had not responded to inquiries.
• January 12, 1979 (Haitzendorf): A medical student observed a strange, round or disc-shaped object emitting green light and moving at high speed.
• January 25, 1979 (Linz): Two witnesses reported a large, round, glowing object that hovered, then moved away and reappeared.
• October 24, 1977 (Hansa-Linie highway, Germany): A military officer reported seeing an indescribable, angular, incredibly bright object moving at high speed, leaving a luminous trail. This incident is presented as a past event, possibly included for context.
• January 8, 1978 (Salzburg): A report from the previous year is referenced, detailing newspaper headlines about police UFO sightings and an alleged photo. An inquiry to the Austrian Federal Police Directorate in Salzburg yielded a negative response, stating no UFOs were observed, and that the phenomena were likely Venus.
• January 17, 1979 (Bad Aussee): A newspaper reported a bright object flying over Bad Aussee. However, the local police commander stated the report was false, suggesting that sometimes companies launch 'UFOs' which are small hot-air balloons.

CENAP Investigations and Analysis

CENAP investigators, including Christian Pöchhacker and Frank Köther, provide detailed reports and analyses. They often attempt to identify the objects based on witness accounts and available data. For the Niederschrems case, CENAP notes the lack of response from the witness and cites the chief air traffic controller at Vienna-Schwechat Airport, Hans Bauer, who stated that UFOs have never been registered by radar in Austria. Bauer explained the Niederschrems sighting as two fighter jets (SAAB 105) performing a formation flight, whose engine exhaust could appear as a single object from a distance.

In the case of the Salzburg sightings on January 8, 1978, CENAP Field Investigator Christian Pöchhacker concluded that the 'UFO' was actually the planet Venus, which had been particularly bright. He also mentioned the possibility of an EL AL aircraft, based on an inquiry to the Air Traffic Control Center.

Another section discusses a sighting from October 1977, where a bright object was seen. The investigation suggested it could be a meteor, given its trajectory and luminous trail. The CENAP analysis notes that 'ordinary people' often associate meteors with steep, fast-falling fireballs, but that meteorites can appear as linear horizontal movements in the atmosphere. A report from "UFO NACHRICHTEN" about "Pulsating Flying Objects over Wörth a Rhein" is also mentioned, suggesting that many sightings are similar and possibly related to atmospheric phenomena or misidentified objects.

Ingolstadt Incident (September 20, 1979)

A separate report from Ingolstadt, Germany, details police officers seeing three large, bright, pentagonal flying objects that moved silently and blinked yellow and red. The Luftwaffe and air traffic control had no explanation. The objects were not detected by radar. One object reportedly hovered at an altitude of about 500 meters before moving away at high speed. The police spokesperson stated that the officers' observations were reliable, but could not confirm if they were extraterrestrial.

CENAP Internal Communications

The latter part of the magazine includes internal communications from CENAP, dated November 9, 1979. It mentions a publication campaign in the Mannheim/Ludwigshafen area, which generated interest from about 20 people. CENAP planned a large event in Mannheim and a series of lectures. It also references a telegram sent to the Veit family and expresses thanks to I. Brand from MUFUN-CES for an invitation to the MUFON-CES annual conference. The CENAP team attended, gaining insights into MUFON-CES and meeting members. A meeting with Beat Biffiger in Mannheim is also mentioned for idea exchange and future cooperation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread UFO sightings in Austria during early 1979, the involvement of police and media, and the attempts to provide rational explanations, primarily identifying Venus or aircraft as the cause. The editorial stance, as reflected in the CENAP reports, leans towards skepticism and the search for conventional explanations, while acknowledging that some cases remain unresolved. The inclusion of internal CENAP communications suggests an active research organization dedicated to investigating anomalous phenomena.