CENAP Report - No 050

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 50
Volume: 5.Jahrgang/H4
Date: April 1980
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the CENAP-REPORT, number 50, published in April 1980, is dedicated to exploring mysteries related to ancient civilizations and potential aerial phenomena. The cover features a cartoon and the headline, "WOLLTEN SIE NICHT SCHON IMMER MAL MIT EIGENEN AUGEN NE' FLIEGENDE UNTERTASSE SEHN?" (Didn't you always want to see a flying saucer with your own eyes?), hinting at the UFO-related content within. The report includes contact information for CENAP staff Hansjürgen Köhler and Werner Walter in Mannheim, Germany.

Editorial and Announcements

The editorial, dated March 13, 1980, addresses the readers and CENAP staff, explaining the delay in publishing issue Nr. 50 to coincide with CENAP's anniversary month and announcing that Nr. 51 will be released in late April. The editorial emphasizes CENAP's commitment to serious UFO research, distancing itself from sensationalism. It also announces an upcoming public lecture on March 31, 1980, in Mannheim, focusing on "UFOs over the Canary Islands" and a planned CENAP balloon launch related to a previous UFO sighting near Biblis. A UFO seminar is also scheduled for August 2-3, 1980, in Sygenstein.

Nazca Lines: Ancient Technology or Alien Influence?

A significant portion of the report is dedicated to the Nazca Lines in Peru. The article explores the debate surrounding their origin, contrasting the view that they are directly linked to extraterrestrials with the theory that they were created by ancient South American Indians who mastered hot air balloon technology around 500 AD. The article details the discovery of the lines by Paul Kosok in 1939 and the subsequent extensive mapping and research by mathematician Maria Reiche, who published her findings in the book "Geheimnis der Wüste" (Secret of the Desert). The report highlights the work of Erich von Däniken, who suggested the lines were landing strips for alien spacecraft, and the International Explorers Society (I.E.S.), which sponsored Jim Woodman to photograph the lines from the air. The I.E.S. conducted an experiment in November 1975, building and flying a large hot air balloon named "Condor I" to demonstrate that ancient peoples could have achieved flight and viewed the geoglyphs from above. The report suggests that these lines might be part of a death cult ritual, where rulers were taken to the sky.

UAP over Bariloche, Argentina

Another section presents a photographic case study of a UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) observed over Bariloche, Argentina, in December 1968. The photo was obtained through Ole Henningsen of SUFOI and researched by the Argentinian group C.I.C.E. The photograph was taken by Dr. Sebastian Jose Tarda, a traumatologist, during a boat trip on Lake Nahuel Huapi. Calculations based on the photograph, taken with a Leica 3G camera, estimate the object's diameter at 10 meters and its height at 1.333 meters, at a distance of 300 meters. The article includes a quote from Joseph Farris expressing skepticism about extraterrestrial visitations.

Other Mentions and Publications

The report also briefly mentions other publications and activities: two brochures from Carola vom Reeken-Verlag titled "Ist Mars ein bewohnter Planet?" (Is Mars a Habitable Planet?) and "Fliegende Untertassen – Ja oder Nein?" (Flying Saucers – Yes or No?), the "JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG" published by GEP-Lüdenscheid, and Roland M. Horn's "Privattee AP-Informationen" (Private AP-Information). It notes an article about CENAP in the Argentinian Tagblatt and mentions CENAP's media reach in the current year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the exploration of ancient mysteries and technologies, and the critical examination of evidence. CENAP positions itself as a serious research organization, committed to objective analysis and distinguishing itself from sensationalist approaches to UFOlogy. The editorial stance emphasizes a desire for rigorous investigation and a cautious approach to attributing phenomena to extraterrestrial causes, while remaining open to possibilities suggested by historical and archaeological evidence, such as the potential use of hot air balloons in ancient times.

This issue of the WESER-KURIER, dated Tuesday, January 15, 1980, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO bei Bremen? Aufregung um die Nordlichter" (UFO near Bremen? Excitement about the Northern Lights). The main article details a series of reported sightings of an unidentified flying object (UFO) in the Bremen area, particularly over Bremen-Nord and Garlstedt, on the night of January 13-14, 1980.

UFO Sighting in Bremen-Nord

Two police officers from the 21st precinct in Vegesack reported observing a large, brightly lit flying object in a "cigar shape" while on patrol in Schönebeck around 9:30 AM. They initially speculated it might be an airplane illuminated by the morning sun but were reminded of UFO reports when a citizen from Garlstedt called to report seeing a flying object over the barracks the previous night. This incident, along with others, caused considerable excitement.

The air traffic control in Bremen and the radar station in Visselhövede were informed. According to an officer at the district command 20, an alarm squadron of two F-15 fighter jets from the Netherlands was scrambled at 4:20 AM on Monday and searched the Garlstedt area before returning without success. Civilian air traffic control in Bremen also reported no unusual radar contacts, with their staff suggesting the sightings might be reflections of Northern Lights.

UFO Alarm Possibly Due to Mirage

A subsequent article on Tuesday, January 15, 1980, suggests that the UFO alarm, which prompted US anti-aircraft units in Germany and Denmark to go on alert, was likely caused by a mirage. Hans-Joachim Kloß, spokesperson for the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Interior, stated that two fighter jets from the NATO base in Brockszeldo, Netherlands, were dispatched on a fruitless search for the UFO. The object, reportedly observed for six hours by hundreds of people in the Osterholz-Scharmbeck area on Sunday night, is believed to be a mirage due to extreme weather conditions. The Ministry in Hannover indicated that Bremen air traffic control suspected a reflection of Northern Lights, while the Bremen Observatory speculated it could be a reflection of the star Sirius, which was low on the horizon.

Media Frenzy and Witness Accounts

The article details the media's reaction, with numerous newspaper headlines from various publications like ABENDPOST, NEUE PRESSE, EXPRESS, DER TAGESSPIEGEL, and others, all reporting on the UFO sightings and the associated police and military activity. The author, Dieter von Reeken, initiated further research into the incident.

He contacted the BILD newspaper, where editor Holtgräfer confirmed that observations were made on the night of January 13-14, 1980, and that hundreds of calls were received. Holtgräfer found the explanation involving the star Sirius to be plausible.

Von Reeken then contacted the Osterholz police station, who directed him to the district government in Lüneburg. There, he learned from Frau Locker that the Osterholz police had sent a telex to the district government reporting numerous calls about a slowly moving object, white in the center and glowing blue or yellow on the edges. Police sent patrol cars to Garlstedt, Heilshorn, and Stemdorf, describing the object as a "brightly lit object, the size of a star, but much closer to Earth."

US Fighter Jets Scramble

On the night of January 14, US fighter jets were deployed from a base in the Netherlands to search for the reported UFO over Osterholz and Bremen. However, the pilots found nothing unusual. The article notes that the phenomenon caused excitement and speculation, with some witnesses describing a blue-white-red glowing disc with a bright core, while others spoke of a brilliant star or Northern Lights.

Official Explanations and Skepticism

The Lüneburg police press office suggested that an unusually high barometric pressure (1047 millibars) might have caused Northern Lights to be reflected in their region. The Bremen weather office supported this, noting the possibility of atmospheric inversions where cold air near the ground meets warmer air at a higher altitude, creating mirages. The police in Schwinge, the radar station in Visselhövede, and Bremen air traffic control reported no radar contacts.

Police Superintendent Wilfried Spychala observed an object in Heilshorn around 2 AM, but concluded it was likely the star Sirius. The article also mentions that police dogs reportedly howled when the object appeared, though this was later questioned by the Ministry of the Interior.

The Achim Case: A Different Perspective

A separate account from the ACHIMER KREISBLATT on January 17, 1980, presents a different witness, Douglas Mikkola-Spalthoff, a 29-year-old real estate agent from Achim. He and his wife claim to have witnessed a "UFO" on Sunday evening, expanding the observation area to the east of Bremen. They strongly asserted that it was a concrete object and not a mirage. Mikkola-Spalthoff described it as a flat, irregular shape with a bright light that approached their house slowly before moving in a wide arc towards Bremen. He estimated its height at 200 meters and noted the absence of any sound. He speculated that the object might be related to the American soldiers stationed in Garlstedt.

Despite the official explanations, the Mikkola-Spalthoff sighting is presented with some skepticism. The article notes that the ACHIMER KREISBLATT received a CENAP questionnaire but did not receive a reply. The author also questions the lack of personal opinion in the newspaper's report and suggests that the Achim witnesses might be seeking publicity or fabricating the story, especially since the object was described as similar to a star, which would normally not warrant significant reporting.

Between Fantasy and Reality

A concluding section titled "Zwischen Phantasie und Wirklichkeit" (Between Fantasy and Reality) discusses the ongoing debate surrounding UFOs. It acknowledges the public's fascination and the involvement of scientists, ufologists, and even charlatans. The article touches upon the Bremer UFO case, noting that it was sighted for over four hours, performed aerial maneuvers, and reportedly caused fear among US Marines. The description of the object as a "saucer-shaped, light-emitting formation without sharp contours" is reiterated.

The article also addresses photographic evidence, dismissing a photo of a "flying cap" as a primitive hoax, likely a piece of paper stuck to a window. It mentions that such photos are often used by the media to fuel UFO discussions. The author expresses hope that the public will not fall for such obvious hoaxes in the future.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained aerial phenomena observed in the Bremen region in early January 1980. The articles explore witness accounts, official investigations, and proposed explanations, primarily focusing on atmospheric phenomena like mirages and Northern Lights. There is a clear editorial stance that leans towards skepticism, presenting the official explanations as more plausible than the UFO hypothesis, while also acknowledging the public's fascination and the media's role in amplifying the phenomenon. The possibility of hoaxes is also raised, particularly concerning photographic evidence.

The issue highlights the tension between sensational reporting and factual investigation, with the WESER-KURIER attempting to provide a balanced account of the events and the various perspectives involved.

Title: WESER-KURIER
Issue Type: TAGESZEITUNG (Daily Newspaper)
Date: Sonnabend/Sonntag, 26./27. Januar 1980

This issue of the Weser-Kurier delves into the topic of UFOs, presenting a mix of local sightings, official responses, and detailed case studies. The publication aims to explore the 'soil' for speculation surrounding these phenomena, examining witness testimonies, governmental reactions, and scientific perspectives.

Nährboden für allerlei Spekulationen (Soil for All Kinds of Speculation)

The main article discusses a UFO sighting reported over the Weser river, initially captured by a photo amateur in Bremerhaven. While the official explanation suggests it was merely a reflection of the sun in the camera's lens, ice crystals, or raindrops, the article highlights the subsequent official silence and the confiscation of the photograph by police. This lack of transparency fuels public speculation, with theories ranging from secret government projects to Soviet espionage. The article touches upon the historical context of UFO sightings, including early Cold War fears of spy planes and the development of advanced German weaponry.

It mentions the American attempt to develop a flying object, the XF 5U, which ended unsuccessfully. The piece acknowledges that technically, developing an object with observed UFO characteristics might not be impossible, and such craft could evade radar. However, it dismisses the idea of extraterrestrial contact as unlikely, quoting ERNO experts who suggest aliens would land openly. The article concludes that the Bremer UFO case remains open to interpretation, but acknowledges it as a potentially serious observation. It calls for an official explanation to satisfy the numerous witnesses and notes the humorous intention of the Osterholz-Scharmbeck criminal police to initiate proceedings against the UFO if new evidence emerged.

Weather and Atmospheric Conditions

A report from Schleswig details weather conditions on January 13-14, 1980, noting a clear sky over the Unterweser region with high pressure, low temperatures, and a strong inversion layer. These conditions are presented as potentially contributing to optical illusions that could be mistaken for UFOs. The report includes data on temperature, humidity, and air pressure, as provided by the German Weather Service.

Military and Official Responses

The article recounts the author's inquiries to the Federal Ministry of Defense regarding UFOs sighted over the Garlstedt military training area. The ministry, through Herr Vogel, states there is no dedicated UFO department but acknowledges reports of unidentified flying objects. While investigations were conducted, including reconnaissance flights, the Luftwaffe reported no findings. The author notes the difficulty in obtaining information from military sources due to secrecy regulations, which are attributed to German civil service laws protecting official information.

International Perspectives and Case Studies

The publication references a report from the US Army's 'The Port Reporter' concerning an alleged UFO sighting by American soldiers in Garlstedt on January 13-14, 1980. This report describes an object with blue and red lights observed over a barracks. The article also mentions a potential confusion with a virus affecting dogs, which caused them to howl unusually, possibly coinciding with the UFO sighting. The possibility of a satellite being mistaken for a UFO is also raised.

The Socorro Landing Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the famous Socorro, New Mexico UFO landing case of April 24, 1964. The author explains that this case is particularly compelling because it is considered one of the few 'landing cases' involving extraterrestrial visitors that even conservative UFO researchers accept. The article details the initial encounter of police officer Lonnie Zamora with a fast-moving object and a subsequent landed craft. It describes the object as a flame-like phenomenon and later as a white, metallic device. The involvement of various authorities, including the New Mexico State Police, FBI, and the US Air Force, is documented. The article highlights the intense debriefing Zamora underwent and the pressure exerted by official bodies on witnesses.

It contrasts the original, somewhat disjointed account of Zamora's experience with later, more sensationalized media reports. The article includes background information on Socorro, New Mexico, its population, and its development as an atomic research center. It also mentions the role of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an advisor to the USAF on UFOs, and his assessment of the Socorro case as one of the most significant UFO sightings in Air Force history.

Critiques and Alternative Explanations

The magazine presents Philip J. Klass, a Senior Avionics Editor, as a prominent critic of UFO phenomena. Klass suggests that many sightings are misinterpretations, optical illusions, or even fabricated stories. He is quoted as having requested lists of the most convincing UFO cases from researchers like McDonald and Fuller to test the plasma theory, but received no response. The article implies that Klass, along with others, leans towards conventional explanations rather than extraterrestrial origins.

UFO Back-log Series

The issue introduces a series titled 'UFO back-log,' which aims to present important UFO cases. The first installment focuses on the Socorro landing case, with further details promised in subsequent issues. The series intends to analyze the background and investigation of these cases, drawing from conventional UFO literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a critical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. It acknowledges the existence of unexplained sightings but emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation and skepticism. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations, such as atmospheric conditions, misidentifications, or potential government secrecy, over outright acceptance of extraterrestrial visitation. The publication highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers in obtaining information from official sources and points out how media sensationalism can distort witness accounts. The recurring theme is the 'soil for speculation' that arises from unexplained events and the subsequent lack of clear, official explanations, which leaves room for public imagination and diverse theories.

Title: VOGELSTANG ECHO
Issue: Nr. 138
Date: March 1980
Circulation: 6200
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: UFO's über der Vogelstang?

The cover story, "UFO's über der Vogelstang?", details investigations into a supposed UFO observation on New Year's Eve 1979/80. The Central Erforschungs-Netz außergewöhnlicher Phänomene (CENAP) initiated an investigation on January 19, 1980, by launching a hot air balloon from the frozen Vogelstang Lake. The goal was to determine if their own New Year's Eve observation could have been a misidentified balloon. Participants Werner Walter, Hans-Jürgen Köhler, Thomas, Peter, and Bettina George observed the balloon ascend rapidly and disappear into a low-lying fog bank at approximately 500 meters. Initially, the observers were convinced they had mistaken a balloon for a UFO.

However, the situation became more critical when a citizen from Viernheim reported seeing a reddish-orange light with erratic movements at over 10,000 meters altitude from the direction of Vogelstang. This report was published in the "Mannheimer Morgen" (MM). The editor of the MM initially dismissed the report but took it more seriously when another object was reported from the Biblis area on January 28, 1980. On January 29, the MM reported on a strange object in the Bergstraße region, which even stirred the local police.

CENAP members Hansjürgen Köhler, Werner Walter, and Volker Fischer investigated the Biblis sighting on the same evening. They observed a strange object emerging from the clouds near Biblis. After careful observation, the object was identified as an airplane taking off from Frankfurt, with its position lights and landing lights on, creating a spooky appearance. The "Mannheimer Morgen" published the UFO explanation for the Biblis and Viernheim sightings on January 30, effectively resolving two "UFO" cases. The Viernheim citizen had misinterpreted the CENAP balloon as a UFO, similar to how the Biblis observers were misled by adverse circumstances.

The article also mentions an upcoming CENAP information event on March 31st at 6:30 PM at the XII-Apostel-Kirche in Vogelstang, which will cover UFOs over the Canary Islands and include a documentary film crew.

Witness Account: Zamora's Encounter

The magazine includes a detailed account from a witness named Zamora, describing an event that occurred near Socorro, USA. Zamora reported seeing a UFO that had landed on a hill. He described hearing a "roaring and not a wind noise" that changed frequency. He noted a small shed nearby used for storing dynamite, which had the potential to explode. Zamora pursued the object, which he described as a "shining object" in the southwest, initially estimated at 450-600 feet away, later revised to 800 feet. The object was described as "like aluminum, it was whitish" and appeared like an overturned car or a white car standing on its side.

Zamora then observed two individuals in white overalls near the object. One of them turned and looked directly at his car, appearing startled and jumping quickly. Zamora could not discern any facial features or hats. He estimated these individuals to be of normal size, possibly small adults or large children. The encounter lasted only a few seconds. Zamora had to make three attempts to drive up the rough, steep road to the mesa.

He had initially stopped to investigate a possible car accident, using his radio to report it. After finishing his radio call, he reached a clear area on the mesa, about 100 feet from the arroyo where he parked. This arroyo is described as a wide, flat depression, about ten feet deep, with small stones, mesquite bushes, and sparse vegetation.

Content Summary and Other Articles

The magazine also lists other articles in its table of contents:

• Page 6: Interview with "Vogelstang-Echo" by Triglav Bauer.
• Page 11: Reports from Associations.
• Page 16: UFO's über der Vogelstang? (The main cover story).
• Page 19: New Homeowners Can Demand Higher Rents.
• Page 21: Letters to the Editor.
• Page 23: Echolein.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the investigation of UFO phenomena, with a focus on distinguishing genuine sightings from misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, utilizing scientific methods (like the hot air balloon test) to understand reported aerial anomalies. The inclusion of both a local German UFO report and a detailed account from the USA suggests a broad interest in the subject. The magazine also touches upon practical matters like housing rents and association reports, indicating a diverse readership.