CENAP Report - No 048

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP - REPORT, number 48, dated February 1980, is published by CENAP, a German organization for the research of unusual phenomena. The cover features a striking black and white image of a luminous object in the sky with the headline "OVNIS über Spanien!" (UFOs over Spain!). The issue focuses heavily on a detailed investigation into a sighting by Deputy Val Johnson in Minnesota, USA.

U.S. Sighting of '79: The Val Johnson Case

The report delves into the "physical evidence case in Minnesota" involving Deputy Val Johnson, initially reported in the MUFON UFO JOURNAL and the HERALD. The article provides a comprehensive account based on "first-hand information" from the International UFO Reporter (IUR). The focus is on Val Johnson, a 35-year-old Deputy Sheriff in Marshall County, Minnesota, who is described as a man of personal integrity and professional qualification. He is married with three children, born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and grew up in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. He worked as a laborer and molder before joining the Marshall County Sheriff's Department 2.5 years prior and has been a Field Deputy Sheriff for one year.

His employer, Sheriff Dennis Brekke, vouches for his credibility, stating, "What he saw, he saw. None of us are trained to explain things he didn't see." Chief Deputy Everett Doolittle echoed these sentiments, noting Johnson's intelligence and that he does not drink or use drugs. The entire department appears supportive of Johnson, who was reportedly agitated by the event.

The incident occurred on Monday, August 27, 1979, at 01:40 AM. Deputy Johnson was patrolling near the intersection of Highway 220 and County Road 5, about 10 miles west of Stephen, MN, and 22 miles northwest of Warren, the location of the Sheriff's Department. The area is described as agricultural with flat terrain, clear of buildings, and with no trees or obstructions on either side of the highway for 2.5 miles south of the intersection. Visibility was excellent, and no other traffic was observed.

The weather was clear with calm winds and a temperature around 50°F. Nearby weather station data from Grand Forks, North Dakota, at 01:50 AM indicated a temperature of 57°F, a dew point of 55°F (high humidity), scattered clouds at 6000-10000 feet, 20-mile visibility, and a WSW wind at 7 knots.

Johnson first observed a white light source to his south, about 2 miles away, with a brilliance and size comparable to an aircraft landing light. As it appeared to descend towards his car, he saw a blinding glare across his windshield, illuminating the interior like daylight. He initially considered it might be a drug smuggling aircraft, as the Sheriff's Department had prior experience with such activity via aircraft crossing the Canadian border.

He turned south onto Highway 220 to approach the object. The light appeared to be at the height of trees 2.5 miles away, but slightly above them, a few feet above the pavement. As he drove closer, the object's movement allowed for triangulation, confirming its distance. He estimated that a car or truck headlight would not be as bright at that distance.

As Johnson approached, the light remained stationary for over a minute. He then accelerated his patrol car to 65 mph. The light suddenly appeared to "accelerate rapidly" towards his windshield, remaining about 1.5 miles away. Johnson heard no sound from the object, only experienced the blinding light. The last thing he recalled before losing consciousness was the sound of breaking glass.

Upon regaining consciousness, Johnson found his engine had stalled, and his patrol car had swerved off the highway, coming to rest in a ditch. His head was on the steering wheel, and his hands were on his knees. He reported his eyes were hurting and he couldn't see well. He used his radio to call for assistance.

The official police report includes a transcript of the radio conversation between Johnson (unit 407) and Dispatcher Peter Bauer (unit 400) at 2:19 AM. Johnson reported "10-88...220,5," indicating he needed assistance. The dispatcher acknowledged and stated help was on the way. Johnson described the event as "Something hit my car. I don't know how to explain it. Strange..." He confirmed the car was not in a ditch but that "Something attacked my car. I heard glass break and I hit the brakes and I don't know to hell what happened."

Deputy Greg Winskowski was dispatched at 2:21 AM and was the first to arrive. He found Johnson shivering in the cold. Winskowski noted a red bump on Johnson's forehead, suggesting he might have hit the steering wheel while unconscious. An ambulance arrived, and Johnson was taken to the hospital in Warren, where he was examined by Dr. W. A. Pinsonneault at 4:00 AM. The doctor focused on Johnson's eye problems, noting a pale red irritation across the surface of his retinas, though his pupils functioned normally. He diagnosed a "mild burn" to the eyes.

Later, Sheriff Dennis Brekke examined the patrol car. Six points of damage were noted: a shattered headlight on the driver's side, a small dent on the hood, a cracked windshield, a ruptured plastic filter from the headlight housing, and a bent whip antenna. The car was found in the ditch, with the front tires touching the gravel embankment.

Further investigation revealed an unusual detail: both of Johnson's chronometers were found to be 14 minutes slow. Johnson stated he had set both watches precisely at 7:00 PM the previous evening. This time discrepancy, despite the car's dashboard clock functioning correctly when the battery was connected, remains unexplained.

Johnson underwent a more comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist in Grand Forks, Dr. Leonard Prochaska, who confirmed the irritation had subsided and found no lasting damage. He suggested that retinas could heal within a ten-hour period and that corneal damage is usually caused by strong UV sources or a welding torch.

Allan Hendry of IUR contacted the nearest FAA facility in Grand Forks and the Air Route Traffic Control Center in Minneapolis. Neither facility reported any unusual air traffic around 01:40 AM. The local Air Force Base also denied any knowledge or involvement.

Hendry later met with the Marshall County Sheriff's Department. The shattered headlight pieces were found on the highway near the "68" marker, suggesting the location of the "collision." The patrol car had traveled an additional 855 feet before the black skid marks appeared, indicating Johnson had applied the brakes. These skid marks extended for another 99 feet before the car went into a curve. An experiment by the Sheriff with another car at the same speed showed skid marks of only 48 mph. A Geiger counter sweep of the area revealed no unusual radiation.

Analysis and Possible Explanations

The report discusses various theories. The most popular theory presented by a newspaper editor was a "near-collision with an aircraft." This theory attempts to explain the damage by suggesting that the landing gear or propellers of a low-flying aircraft could have kicked up gravel, causing the damage to the car, and that the antennas might have been struck. However, the report notes several inconsistencies with this theory:

• Crop-dusting companies, which use aircraft in the area, do not operate at night.
• The height of the bent antenna suggests it was struck by something low, but the car's intact running lights and windshield suggest otherwise.
• The aircraft hypothesis does not adequately explain the eye damage or the clock malfunction.
• It also fails to account for the silent, immediate acceleration witnessed by the deputy.

The possibility of a hoax is also considered, but dismissed due to Johnson's demeanor, his colleagues' statements, and the detailed nature of his account to the IUR investigator.

Media Coverage and Follow-up

The issue includes a section on press coverage, noting that while most media reports were satisfactory, the NATIONAL STAR newspaper incorrectly reported that Dr. Hynek had linked the case to animal mutilations. Allan Hendry clarified that he never stated this was the "first time" a UFO had made direct physical contact. He described the Val Johnson encounter as the "most impressive and dramatic encounter" reported to the Center for UFO Studies in the USA that year.

Damages Detailed

Specific damages are listed:

1. Shattered Headlight: Only the inner headlight on the driver's side was affected.
2. Dent: A round dent, 1/2 inch wide and 3/22 inch deep, with two small worn spots, likely caused by downward pressure against the windshield.
3. Cracked Windshield: The windshield remained intact but cracked from top to bottom on the driver's side, with four impact points suggesting multiple objects.
4. Time Delay: The standard Ford instrument clock was found to have lost 14 minutes after the incident.

Conclusion

The report concludes that while a hoax is unlikely, the exact nature of the event remains unexplained. The physical evidence, witness testimony, and the lack of conventional explanations point to a highly unusual encounter. IUR continues to follow the case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP - REPORT demonstrates a commitment to detailed, evidence-based investigation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, scientific approach, presenting witness testimony, official reports, and physical evidence for analysis. The magazine aims to provide thorough documentation of significant cases, encouraging critical examination of potential explanations while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The focus on the Val Johnson case highlights the organization's interest in incidents involving physical traces and credible witnesses.

This issue of CR (CENAP-Mannheim) focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports from late 1979 and early 1980, with a significant portion dedicated to incidents in Spain and Germany. The magazine details witness testimonies, official investigations, and photographic evidence.

Physical Descriptions of UFOs/UAPs

The issue includes descriptions of various aerial objects. One article details damaged antennas on a car, specifically a "broken lamp housing" and "bent roof antenna" and "bent trunk antenna." The roof antenna is described as a 3-foot tall, simple, solid metal rod, very springy and elastic, made by Antenne Specialists Inc. It is attached to a spring base and bent at a 60-degree angle. A "round lamp" is situated in front of this antenna, undamaged. The trunk antenna is identical to the roof model, with a sharper 90-degree bend, and is identified as being for a CB radio. No damage was found on the standard telescopic antenna on the hood. The issue also notes "eye damage" and "clock delay" in relation to these incidents.

Another section describes a UFO observed on New Year's Eve 1979/1980 over Mannheim-Wallstadt, Germany. Witnesses described it as a large, reddish-yellow, "flackering body" about the size of a 5 Pfennig coin at arm's length, moving slowly. It was described as having a "half-moon shape" and "reddish" or "orange" coloration, with a lighter spot on the underside. Later observations noted it was "hell-rot, orange...flackering" and could be seen for a long time, gradually fading. The object was estimated to be up to 1000 meters high and moved silently. Some witnesses described it as "disk-like" or "cigar-shaped."

In Spain, a "flying saucer" was photographed, described as having the contours of a Jumbo-Jet (Boeing 747). Captain Tejada described "lights, very red, very potent, descending at dizzying speeds" from a single "flying object" approximately the size of a Jumbo-Jet.

Key Incidents and Investigations

Spanish Charter Flight Diversion (November 1979): The Spanish press published photos of a "flying saucer" that forced a charter flight carrying 109 Austrian and German tourists from Salzburg to the Canary Islands to make an unscheduled landing in Valencia. The pilot, Lerdo de Tejada, and co-pilot Ramon Zuazu, along with ground personnel, believed an "Ovni" was pursuing and endangering the aircraft. The Spanish Transport Ministry in Madrid formed an ad-hoc commission of civilians and military personnel to investigate. It was reported that nearly 200 UFO sightings occurred in Spain in 1979, causing official concern. "Phantom" interceptors from Albacete airbase were scrambled to pursue the object but failed to catch it. The investigation was reportedly conducted under strict secrecy. A diagram shows the flight path of the TAE "Caravelle" and the "Ovni."

Franck Fontaine Abduction Claim (December 1979): A report from EL PAIS details the claims of Franck Fontaine, a 19-year-old from Cergy Pontoise, France, who alleged he was abducted by a UFO on November 26, 1979, and returned on December 3, 1979. Despite being approached by numerous reporters and publishers offering significant sums for his story, Fontaine refused any payment. He stated that he would only tell his story if two conditions were met: that everything he experienced was reported, and that his friends, Jean-Pierre Prevot and Salomon N'Daye, who were with him during the alleged event, were not deceiving anyone. The police were skeptical, viewing it as a prank to gain attention. Fontaine's friends expressed sadness over their current difficult situation, implying the incident had negatively impacted their lives and businesses. The police noted that none of them possessed a driver's license. The article mentions a comparison to the "Fall Valdess" case.

New Year's Eve UFO Observation (December 31, 1979 - January 1, 1980): The magazine details an observation made during a New Year's Eve party in Mannheim-Wallstadt, Germany. Witnesses, including Werner Walter, Bettina George, Peter George, and Hans-Jürgen Köhler, observed a bright, flackering object in the sky. Initially, the object was described as a "large, reddish-yellow 'flackering body'" about the size of a 5 Pfennig coin at arm's length. It moved silently and slowly. The object's appearance was distinct from fireworks. Further observations noted its "hell-rot, orange...flackering" nature and that it ascended and descended. The maximum altitude was estimated at 1000 meters. The object was described as having a "half-moon shape" and a "reddish" or "orange" color. One witness, HJ Köhler, described it as "pinhead-sized" later on and noted it "flackered up and down." The initial explanation considered was a "hot air balloon." Investigations began on January 1, 1980. The object's movement was tracked, covering a significant area. The object appeared at 30° altitude in the SSW and disappeared at 30° altitude in the SSE. The impression was that it disappeared much higher due to its diminishing size. A call to the flight taxi company PEGASUS revealed that "aeroclubs only fly during the day" and that an airplane's landing light would not be positioned as observed. The PEGASUS owner confirmed having released "PARTY-Balloons" himself on New Year's Eve, describing them as "hell-rot, orange...flackering" and capable of staying visible for up to 1/4 hour and ascending to 500 meters. These balloons are made of light kite paper and pose no danger to aircraft. The magazine suggests that UFO observations from previous New Year's Eves might need re-evaluation.

Auto Race with a UFO (December 1979): A report from Madrid states that a Spanish driver, José Ponce, claims to have seen a UFO on the highway between Murcia and Cehegin (Andalusia). The object allegedly flew ahead of him for several kilometers and reacted to his headlight signals with light signals. Upon reaching Cehegin, the object disappeared. Several residents of Cehegin confirmed Ponce's account. Another report from Linz mentions a similar incident.

Other Mentions

• Car Antennas: The issue begins with a detailed description of damaged car antennas, including a "broken lamp housing" and bent "roof antenna" and "trunk antenna," suggesting a possible connection to a UFO event.
• Dep Johnson's Watch: A mechanical Timex watch, model number 165601, with a calendar window and second hand, made of metal and stainless steel, costing $16.95, is mentioned. Despite being antimagnetic, it reportedly lost 14 minutes.
• CUFOS: The Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) is mentioned, with hopes for further direct research and analysis.
• P.M. Magazine: A mention of P.M. magazine (Peter Moosleitner's interesting magazine) regarding the "Stonehenge riddle."
• CENAP Meeting: A CENAP meeting for UFO enthusiasts is planned for the weekend of August 2-3, 1980, in the eastern Swabian Jura.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO and UAP phenomena, presenting witness accounts, photographic evidence, and details of investigations. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings across Europe, particularly in Spain and Germany. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting information from various sources, including press reports and eyewitness testimonies, while also acknowledging official skepticism and the need for further investigation. The magazine encourages re-evaluation of past phenomena, such as the New Year's Eve observations, suggesting they might be better understood with new insights. The role of CENAP as an investigative body is highlighted throughout the issue.

This issue of PM STERNBILD, dated January 1980, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, with a prominent cover story asking if 'aliens' are 'hunting cars'. It also includes articles on astronomy, specifically the star Sirius, and reports on UFO investigations and events.

Cover Story: "Außerirdische" auf Autojagd? (Aliens on a Car Hunt?)

The main cover story details several alleged UFO incidents. It begins by mentioning recent reports of UFOs in Italy and France, including a 19-year-old Frenchman's claim of being held captive by aliens for a week. The article then focuses on a new report from France where a UFO allegedly abducted an entire car with its occupants. A 37-year-old mason and his three children reported seeing a two to three meter orange sphere descend onto a car near Nantes, after which the car and its occupants vanished. The article expresses anticipation for further details from their French counterparts.

It also briefly mentions the English project "Skyship," a helium-filled disc that has had a successful "roll-out" and is apparently nearing operational status, though it's suggested it might not match the maneuverability of observed UFOs.

French Police Pursued a UFO

A report from Paris details an incident where French police officers pursued an unidentified flying object for 45 minutes. The object was described as moving slowly and erratically before disappearing. The police documented the UFO as a yellow-orange star with changing intensity.

England: UFOs Hover with Helium

This section introduces the "Skyship 100" project from an English firm, which aims to build a short-range aircraft resembling a zeppelin, powered by helium gas and rockets. The article notes that this craft is expected to be operational within the decade.

Jet-Pilot: White UFO Pursued Me

An Italian report from Rome states that a starfighter pilot claimed to have been pursued by a white UFO for 23 minutes over central Italy. The object reportedly flew in front of and behind his aircraft, and continued to follow him even as he ascended to 4000 meters.

Press News: "UFO" Accompanied a Fighter Pilot

This news brief from Munich reiterates the Italian pilot's account, stating that a fighter pilot was allegedly followed by a "UFO" for 23 minutes. The unidentified luminous object reportedly accompanied the pilot for about 375 kilometers before disappearing over the Po Valley.

Press News: Bremen Police Chased UFO

In Bremen, Germany, police received numerous calls about a white disc-shaped object in the sky, blinking blue and yellow. Police and military police observed the phenomenon until 5 AM. Professor Kaminski suggested it might have been the star Sirius blinking in the clear night sky.

Franck Fontaine's Story: Only Vague Details

This article discusses the case of Franck Fontaine, a 19-year-old Frenchman who claimed to have been abducted by a UFO for a week. The French authorities were unable to prove his story was a hoax, and he was released without charges. Fontaine recounted his experience to psychiatrists and a special investigation group, describing being enveloped in a UFO's light and falling asleep. He returned to a Kohlfeld (cabbage field) near Pontoise, neither hungry nor thirsty, and vaguely recalled seeing mist and falling asleep. He suggested that "something was there" and that there were "problems." The article notes the French public's impression of the police investigation and quotes a newspaper remarking on the limitations of police imagination. The police, represented by officer Roger Courcous, stated that a hoax would bring them trouble. Public prosecutor Jean Brun indicated the matter would be pursued carefully.

Police Pursued UFO for Hours

This report from Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany, details a police search for an unidentified flying object. Multiple police patrols confirmed sightings of a bright object described as a blue-white-red disc emitting flashes, with a green bottom and red blinking light, and a white illuminated center. The object was observed hovering at approximately 100 meters altitude. The search involved police dogs, which reportedly howled at the object. Air traffic control and American fighter jets were involved, but investigations yielded no concrete results. Approximately 50 people reportedly saw the object. Air traffic control suggested it might have been a reflection from the Northern Lights.

The Great Dog and the Riddle of Sirius

This section shifts to astronomy, discussing the constellation "Canis Major" (Great Dog) and the star Sirius. It explains how to locate Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, and its distance of 8.8 light-years. The article touches upon the historical significance of Sirius for the ancient Egyptians, who associated it with the Nile flood and the start of their year. It then delves into the mystery surrounding the Dogon tribe of Sudan, who, according to tradition, have known about Sirius B, a companion star to Sirius, since ancient times, long before its discovery by modern astronomy. Scientists theorize that missionaries may have informed the Dogon about Sirius B, and they incorporated this knowledge into their existing reverence for Sirius.

Calculating Star Distances

This article explains the method for calculating the distance to stars, specifically using Sirius as an example. It details the concept of trigonometric parallax, where the apparent shift of a star against a background of distant stars is measured due to Earth's orbit. The annual trigonometric parallax is used to determine the angle of this shift. The distance is then calculated in "parsecs" (parallax-seconds). For Sirius, with a parallax of 0.370 arcseconds, the distance is calculated as 2.7 parsecs, which equates to 8.8 light-years. The article notes that this method is accurate for distances up to 100-200 light-years, and for further stars, spectral analysis is employed.

Planets in February

This section provides an astronomical forecast for February, detailing the visibility of Venus, Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars. It notes their positions in the sky and specific celestial events, such as Jupiter and Mars being in opposition to the Sun on February 24th and 25th, respectively. It also mentions the Moon's proximity to Mars and Saturn on February 3rd and 4th, and the full moon on February 1st and new moon on February 16th.

CENAP Holds UFO Information Evening

This article reports on a UFO information evening organized by CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Phenomena) at the XII Apostles Church. The event featured presentations by CENAP investigators Werner Walter and Hansjürgen Köhler, who discussed their work, personal experiences, and UFO sightings in Scandinavia. Thomas George presented two unique UFO color films from the CENAP archive, showing daylight phenomena over Great Falls, Montana (1950) and Tremonton, Utah (1952). Engelbert Aviles gave a presentation on "30 Years with UFOs," focusing on the famous 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting. The event concluded with thanks to Bernd Öfelein for his assistance. CENAP plans to hold similar events in the future.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the investigation of these phenomena. The magazine also explores astronomical topics, linking them to historical beliefs and modern scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and investigations, presenting different perspectives, and encouraging further discussion, while also maintaining a degree of scientific inquiry, as evidenced by the discussion on distinguishing parasciences from pseudosciences.