CENAP Report - No 054

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 54
Volume: 5 Jahrgang/H8
Date: August 1980
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the CENAP-REPORT focuses on the collaboration between CENAP and SUFOI (a Danish UFO research organization) and includes reports on UFO sightings in Germany.

CENAP Visits SUFOI in Denmark

The article details a planned visit by CENAP to SUFOI to strengthen their connection. Initially, the author, Hansjürgen Köhler, intended to stay in Copenhagen and visit Ole Henningsen of SUFOI's research department in Lolland-Falster. However, Copenhagen was fully booked due to a UN conference. Ole Henningsen offered to find accommodation, suggesting Peter A. Hansen, SUFOI's second chairman and head of the information department, in Copenhagen-Gentofte.

Köhler flew to Copenhagen-Kastrup on July 26, 1980, and was picked up by Peter Hansen. During his stay, Köhler had insightful discussions with Hansen about SUFOI's work, Hansen's role in the information department, and the challenges facing the German UFO scene. They also discussed UFO topics in general.

Interview with Peter A. Hansen (SUFOI)

The report includes an interview with Peter A. Hansen, representing SUFOI.

• Founding of SUFOI: SUFOI was founded in 1957 with H.C. Petersen of IGAP.
• Initial Goals: The primary goal was UFO research, followed by information dissemination with UFO-NYT in 1958.
• Maj. Petersen's Leadership: Maj. Petersen led SUFOI until 1964. He left with IGAP due to disagreements stemming from his full endorsement of Adamski's theories, leading SUFOI to become more critical in case analysis.
• Current Opinion on UFOs: SUFOI believes UFOs are currently unknown, and no single theory can explain them.
• Best Investigated Cases: SUFOI has investigated over 10 cases classified as UFOs, but none definitively prove their existence. While the material is sufficient for SUFOI, it's not for scientists. However, the fact that many people have seen something implies its existence.
• Danish UFO Sightings Archive: SUFOI has approximately 4000 UFO sightings from Denmark in its archive.
• Percentage of Cases Investigated: 75% of cases were investigated, with the remaining 25% not being linked to UFOs.
• Investigated vs. Unidentified Objects: The clarification rate of cases increases annually based on SUFOI's experience.
• CE-III Cases (Close Encounters with Occupants): SUFOI has no CE-III cases from Denmark and cannot verify foreign cases. They only accept cases verified by reputable research groups. SUFOI does not believe in the Adamski case due to contrary evidence.
• Current Goals: Serious UFO research, information, and investigation. New goals include obtaining evidence through better field investigations incorporating astronomy and meteorology, specialized witness debriefing techniques (training starting July 1980), increased use of technology like UFO detectors for electromagnetic disturbances, and building contacts with scientists. SUFOI already has good contact and cooperation with the military and police.
• Impact of Unserious Ufologists: SUFOI believes unserious ufologists harm the UFO discussion more than they help.
• SUFOI's UFO Explanation: Three main opinions dominate: 1) Extraterrestrial origin, 2) Unknown atmospheric phenomenon, 3) Need for better investigation reports. Some believe most sightings are hoaxes.
• Military Awareness of UFOs: If small groups like CENAP and SUFOI know about UFOs, military bodies must also be aware.
• Cover-up Belief: SUFOI denies a cover-up, stating such claims are only made regarding the Adamski case.

Hansen also provided statistics on the growth of UFO-NYT subscriptions and noted that the publication is available in 232 libraries in Denmark.

Meetings and Further Discussions

Köhler also attended a meeting with Karen M. Linneballe (SUFOI Secretariat) and Flemming Ahrenkiel (Head of SUFOI) in Rungsted-Kyst. This meeting fostered a festive and friendly atmosphere, strengthening the cooperation between SUFOI and CENAP.

On July 23, 1980, Köhler traveled to Lolland-Falster to meet Ole Henningsen in Søllested. Henningsen, head of SUFOI's research department, and his family, along with Kim Møller-Hansen, hosted Köhler. The discussions were highly informative, covering various international cases and allowing Köhler to examine SUFOI's extensive files for the CENAP archive. The conversations were so engaging that they continued until nearly 4:00 AM.

Köhler also had a discussion with Kim Møller Hansen about the New Zealand film case. He was impressed by SUFOI's optimal, exemplary, and forward-looking UFO research.

Köhler also met Steen Landsy and Freddy Madsen from FUFOS in Copenhagen on July 20, gaining insights into FUFOS and establishing a basis for better future connections.

UFO Sightings in Germany (Allgäu Region)

Several newspaper clippings report on UFO sightings in the Allgäu region of Germany around Pfingsten (Pentecost) in May 1980.

• Mindelheim (dpa, Die Welt, ABENDPOST, Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung): A mysterious, football-sized, glowing light with a reddish shimmer was sighted by a couple near Mindelheim on Sunday evening. Three other individuals also reported seeing a similar light. Police searched the area with a helicopter but found nothing.
• Mindelheim (ABENDZEITUNG): A man reported seeing a football-sized UFO hovering silently over a forest near Mindelheim on Sunday night. The police were investigating.
• Mindelheim (ABENDPOST, 31.5.1980): The mystery of the Allgäu Pentecost UFO was reportedly solved. It was identified as two 'deer warning lights' (Rehblinkleuchten) designed to keep wild animals away from fields. These lights, activated by sensors, would turn off when illuminated by car headlights and then reactivate when the headlights were turned off, leading to the confusion.
• Mindelheim (Mindelheimer Zeitung): Five people reportedly saw a UFO near Weilbach/Breitenbrunn on Pentecost Sunday around 11 PM. Wolfgang Lindenthal and his wife described a bright, football-sized light hovering silently about 50 meters above a forest. The light rotated and blinked before disappearing in a zig-zag course. Another witness from Weilbach reported seeing a similar light. A caller from Immenstadt reported a similar observation on May 7th, describing the light as larger.

The police investigation, including a helicopter search, yielded no suspicious findings. The Parapsychological Research Society Augsburg expressed interest in the case.

Investigation by Parapsychological Research Society Augsburg

A report from the Parapsychological Research Society Augsburg investigated the Mindelheim sightings. They noted discrepancies between media reports and actual witness statements.

• Witness Testimony (Lindenthal Couple): The couple reported seeing a bright white object moving noticeably against the dark background of the forest. After about 5 minutes, they felt a strange sensation and continued their drive. When they looked back about 100 meters later, the light had vanished. They contacted the press due to the unsettling experience. The couple emphasized they saw a strange light, not necessarily an object with a tail.
• Re-enactment and Photos: A demonstration of the 'deer warning lights' at the sighting location revealed a significant difference between the light's placement and where the object was reportedly seen. When shown various photos, the couple spontaneously chose one depicting an object with no tail against a black background, suggesting rapid movement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the importance of international cooperation in UFO research, particularly between CENAP and SUFOI. The magazine emphasizes the need for serious, evidence-based investigation and criticizes the sensationalism often associated with UFO reporting, particularly referencing the Adamski case as an example of unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical yet open approach to UFO phenomena, distinguishing between unexplained lights and potentially extraterrestrial craft. The detailed reporting on the German sightings, including the eventual debunking, showcases the magazine's commitment to thorough investigation and clarification.

This issue of SÜDKURIER, dated May 29, 1980, focuses on UFO sightings, primarily featuring reports from Germany and Argentina. The cover headline highlights a "Luminous Phenomenon over Switzerland."

Reports from Germany

The magazine begins with a report detailing a UFO sighting that occurred on Pentecost Sunday. The initial report was based on a photomontage created by the PFA (presumably a UFO investigation group) from descriptions of a night-time UFO sighting. The public's reaction had apparently unsettled the couple who witnessed the event, leading them to refuse to be photographed or provide their names. The report then attempts to provide natural explanations for the incident, including fireworks, motorcycle headlights, and mirages (luftspiegelung). However, the article notes that the fireworks occurred the day before the sighting, and a mirage was unlikely due to the weather. The most plausible natural explanation suggested was a "Rehblinkleuchte" (a type of flashing warning light used for road construction), but inconsistencies regarding its location were noted. The report concludes that without further information, it is difficult to classify the case as either UFO-related or IFO-related.

Klaus Trippel, a CENAP Field Investigator, reports on his follow-up to the "Pentecost UFO" case in Konstanz. He contacted the witnesses, a couple, and found that they had little more to add than what was already reported. Another witness, a woman, also reported seeing the phenomenon but wished to remain anonymous. Trippel also contacted the SÜDKURIER newspaper to inquire about other witnesses. He mentions that a Herr Scholl did not wish to fill out a questionnaire, stating he was no longer interested. Trippel also notes that the government of Karlsruhe has no reports of UFOs or unidentified flying objects, suggesting that UFO researchers know more than government agencies.

Reports from Argentina

The CENAP central office received a series of reports from Miguel A. Walter, an Argentinian correspondent, concerning a wave of UFO sightings on June 14, 1980. These reports, translated from Spanish, detail sightings across Argentina.

Buenos Aires and surrounding areas

On Sunday, June 15, 1980, the Argentinian newspaper LA NACION reported on UFOs seen in the capital and inland. Thousands of people witnessed the phenomenon at various points, including Buenos Aires airport. The commander of Austral Flight 408, Ignecia Fernendez, stated that the object was "not normal." Witnesses described the object as a luminous ring that approached the control tower at Ezeiza International Airport at high speed, causing temporary paralysis of air traffic. The phenomenon was seen by many inhabitants of Buenos Aires and surrounding areas. The Air Force stated that no rockets were launched from Chamical or Cordoba that day.

Cordoba

A phenomenon was observed between 19:00 and 19:08 over the International Airport of Cordoba. Witnesses described it as a disc-like object and later as a transparent ring with a clear brown center. The object moved slowly until it disappeared. The duration of the sighting was no more than eight minutes. The object's path was from south to north, against the wind.

Luján

Local police confirmed the sighting of an unidentified flying object, possibly the same one seen in Cordoba and Santa Fe. A man from Jauregui described it as a large object under the moon, emitting a blinding sheen, like a "colored cockade."

Resistencia

An unidentified flying object moved over the provincial capital, described as a kokarde-shaped object with a sheen, moving from south to north. The flight lasted about four minutes. The international airport of Resistencia could not provide information due to technical problems with their phone lines.

Paraná

Inhabitants of the provincial capital saw a fleet of flying saucers moving west to east, lasting between six and ten minutes. Information from Telam and the 2nd Air Brigade confirmed the unusual appearance, but suggested it might be an experiment by the El Chamical air force base with sodium clouds.

Santa Fe

A UFO was sighted, described as a circular object of various colors, moving from southeast to northeast. Similar objects were seen in San Cristobal and Rafaela, and in Rosario, sometimes in groups.

Montevideo, Uruguay

A non-identifiable flying object was sighted by 20 people in Uruguay. It appeared in the north and moved towards Punta del Este, then towards Buenos Aires. The object was circular, white, and emitted a strong downward sheen. It moved towards Montevideo and was then sighted over the Rio de La Plata. The UFO described a parabola and was seen in the center of the country and later in the south. The last witnesses stated that it later changed direction and flew west over the Rio de La Plata.

Other sightings and explanations

Several other locations in Argentina are listed with sighting times and distances from Mar del Plata, including Buenos Aires, Lujan, Cordoba, Rafaela, Rosario, Santa Fe, Parana, Corrientes, and Resistencia. The article notes that Argentina has 24 million inhabitants and covers 2.8 million square kilometers. A sketch by Miguel A. Walter illustrates the distances. The article mentions that the sightings were described as having "colored sheens." An explanation was offered that it might be a cloud undergoing icing, reflecting sunlight or moonlight, causing various colors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine presents eyewitness accounts, attempts to find natural explanations, and notes the lack of official confirmation or information from government agencies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and witness testimonies while acknowledging the difficulty in definitively classifying these events. There's an underlying suggestion that official bodies may be withholding information or are less informed than independent researchers.

This issue of CENAP, dated August 1980, focuses on UFO sightings reported in Argentina and Uruguay on June 14, 1980. The cover features a collage of Spanish newspaper clippings with headlines about these sightings, including reports from El Chamical, Aeroparque, Córdoba, Rosario, and Uruguay. A photograph depicts an interior scene, possibly related to one of the reports.

Eyewitness Accounts from Argentina and Uruguay

The main article details the experience of Obdulio Onofrio, who reported seeing a yellowish, amorphous disk-like object moving across the sky from his apartment in Buenos Aires on June 14, 1980, around 7 PM. He described the object as very luminous and fading in color as it moved. Onofrio stated that it did not appear to be a solid body but rather a yellowish light without a fixed form, and that its perceived size increased until it was three times the size of the moon. He dismissed the possibility of it being an aircraft or satellite, noting that he was familiar with the flight paths of planes from the EZEIZA and city airports.

Angela Sied and Maria deCadenazzi corroborated Onofrio's account. The report also mentions that many eyewitnesses in the capital city called news agencies seeking information.

Miguel A. Walter, who translated the reports, also spoke with a family named Revello. They reported seeing a strong, large light on the Alcorta highway in Buenos Aires, initially mistaking it for the landing lights of an aircraft. However, they became suspicious when the light barely moved. According to Mr. Revello, the object was about 200 meters above the coastal road near the airfield. They could not observe it fully due to intervening trees. The light eventually turned towards the Rio de La Plata, near the mouth of the Paranas.

These reports are presented as part of the "Flap '80" initiative from Argentina. The magazine thanks Miguel A. Walter for his translation work and notes CENAP's increasing reach into South America.

UFO Research and Skepticism

An article by Karl Pflugmacher, titled "For the Aliens, Everything is Ready," discusses the state of private UFO research. Werner Walter of CENAP is quoted stating that most UFOs are products of imagination, but he also acknowledges that a significant number of sightings remain unexplained. The article references a US study from 1948-1969 where out of 12,000 UFO reports, only 700 remained unexplained. It notes that official government research into UFOs has largely ceased in the US.

The article also mentions international contacts, including Joe Johnson from MUFOIT/England, who attended a UFO conference in Syrgenstein. Hansjürgen Köhler, editor of the CENAP magazine, expresses skepticism, suggesting that most UFO sightings have natural explanations.

Ilse von Jakobi, a UFO researcher, is presented as a believer in extraterrestrial visitors, claiming to know people who have ridden in UFOs. She shares anecdotal accounts of alleged encounters between humans and aliens, including claims about aliens being "unheimlich hübsch" (unusually beautiful) and a story about a child conceived with an alien. Von Jakobi also asserts that American moonwalkers encountered extraterrestrials on the moon and were silenced, and that President Eisenhower met with aliens in a landed spacecraft near Washington.

The article concludes by mentioning that the Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung ungeklärter Phänomene (GEP) in Hannover has acquired scientific equipment for field investigations of alleged UFO landing sites.

CENAP Operations and Publications

A letter from CENAP in Mannheim, dated August 9, 1980, addresses readers and colleagues. It describes a busy period for the central office, including the organization of an event called SYRGENSTEIN. The letter critiques the interpretation of some UFO phenomena, particularly mentioning Frau von Jacobi's explanations of film footage as "dematerializations" and the identification of a suspension thread on a model. It also notes the presence of Joe Johnson from MUFOIT/England.

The letter announces a price increase for subscriptions to 30 DM per year. Due to a large volume of material, CENAP plans to publish a "CENAP REPORT SPECIAL" for an additional 15 DM via subscription. The letter also mentions that Werner Walter will be undertaking civilian service from September 1, 1980, to December 31, 1981. Orders for the special reports can be placed immediately, with 4-5 issues planned per year in CR format. The first issue of the CRS will further investigate the Val Johnson case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly features eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, particularly from Argentina and Uruguay. It highlights the work of CENAP as a private UFO research organization actively investigating these phenomena. While presenting detailed eyewitness testimonies, the magazine also includes elements of skepticism from some researchers, contrasting with the strong belief of others like Ilse von Jakobi. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation into unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and distinguishing between genuine sightings and misinterpretations or hoaxes. The publication of special reports and the expansion of CENAP's reach suggest a commitment to disseminating information on UFO research.