CENAP Report - No 057

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP - REPORT
Issue: Nr. 57
Volume: 5. Jahrgang / H11
Date: November 1980
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP REPORT focuses on a widely reported UFO sighting in the Crailsheim region of Germany and expands on CENAP's international research collaborations, particularly in Sweden.

Investigation into the Crailsheim "Flying Saucer" Sighting

The lead article, "Tageszeitung fragte bei CENAP an" (Newspaper asked CENAP), details an investigation into a mysterious aerial phenomenon observed near Crailsheim and the surrounding Schwäbisch Hall district. The report begins by referencing an article from the Heilbronner Stimme newspaper titled "Mysteriöse 'fliegende Untertasse' erschreckte nächtliche Passanten" (Mysterious 'flying saucer' frightened night passers-by), which questioned whether the "speeding UFO" was merely a ball lightning.

The article highlights the account of Dieter N., a 22-year-old from Gerabronn, who reported seeing a flat, elliptical, orange-red, luminous object, larger than the full moon, moving at extreme speed from west to east. He described the object as having sharp outlines and disappearing rapidly. Dieter N. was so affected by the sighting that he placed an advertisement in his local newspaper, the "Hohenloher Tagblatt," seeking other witnesses. This advertisement yielded results, with other individuals reporting similar observations.

One such witness was a housewife identified as Frau Z., who, while walking her dog near Crailsheim-Onolzheim, observed a strange flying object. She described it as being similar in shape to small children's toy cars, like a bell or pyramid with a rounded tip, emitting pinkish light. She noted that it hovered silently before disappearing. Frau Z. stated that the object was significantly larger than a star and moved in a way that a helicopter would not. She also mentioned that the weather was hazy at the time.

CENAP's investigation, prompted by the newspaper reports and subsequent inquiries, revealed that Dieter N. was a member of the CENAP editorial staff. The report suggests that the newspaper article may have "beautified" the account for better readability. CENAP's research pointed towards a hot air balloon as the likely explanation for the sightings. They noted that the descriptions of a round, sometimes oval, orange-red object, and the "fantastic light" from the balloon's fire, could be misinterpreted. The strong winds at the time would have caused such balloons to move erratically, creating the impression of unusual flight patterns.

Further corroboration came from other witnesses in the Unterland region, including individuals from Leingarten and Unterelsesheim, who also reported seeing a luminous "orange-red disc." Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP stated with "eighty percent certainty" that the object was a hot air balloon. He explained that these balloons, approximately two meters in diameter, are heated by combustible material, are often white-red striped, and can ascend very high. The strong winds would cause them to be "tossed about considerably," leading to a "zig-zag" flight impression. The color of the balloon and its flame would create a "fantastic light."

An example cited was a couple from Untereisesheim who observed a large, round disc moving in a zig-zag pattern towards their house around 23:30 on October 3rd. It hovered before drifting north. An employee from Leingarten also reported seeing the phenomenon on September 24th, initially mistaking it for a reflection in her car before realizing it was a distinct object in the sky.

The report includes a drawing by Dieter N. depicting the object, noting that the proportions might appear larger than they actually were due to the lack of reference points. The article concludes that the investigation, by the end of the research, had reached 100% certainty that the phenomenon was a hot air balloon.

UFO Research in Sweden

The magazine also details CENAP's efforts to expand its international research network, particularly in Scandinavia. CENAP has established connections with SUFOI and has now incorporated a local UFO research group in Sweden: "UFO-GRUPPEN-COSMOS-MARKARYD." This group is a conglomerate of several smaller organizations.

Knud Jensen, representing his group, contacted CENAP to propose an exchange of publications and collaboration. Following correspondence and phone calls between Knud Jensen and Hansjürgen Köhler, a collaboration was initiated, seen as a step forward for serious European UFO research.

The organizational structure of "UFO-GRUPPEN-COSMOS-MARKARYD" is illustrated on page 6, showing its various components including UFO-Information, UFO-Sverige, UFO-Arkiv, Lokala Grupper, and Rapportcentral, all feeding into the central organization. It also lists affiliated groups such as SUFOI, CENAP, BUFO RA, URD, and OVRI G UTLAND.

Interviews with Swedish UFO Researchers

The issue features interviews with key figures in Swedish UFO research.

Interview with Carl Axel Jonzon (UFO-Information)

Carl Axel Jonzon, interviewed by H.K./CENAP, provided insights into the Swedish UFO research landscape.

• Founding of Groups: Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige was founded at Easter 1970, and UFO-Information in June 1980.
• Opinion on UFOs: Jonzon stated that there is no proof of what UFOs are or where they come from, suggesting a possible connection to religion.
• Archive Size: UGCM (UFO-Gruppen-Cosmos-Markaryd) has over 1000 reports in its archive.
• Investigation Rate: All cases in the archive have been more or less investigated.
• Identified vs. Unidentified: 90% of cases are identified, and 10% are classified as unidentified.
• CE-III Cases: UGCM acknowledges the possibility of close encounters (CE-III) and contacts with occupants from other stars, but the origin remains open.
• Serious UFO Research: Jonzon believes that research should be supported because the nature of UFOs is still unknown.
• Cover-up: He believes that if military bodies handle UFO questions, progress is unlikely.
• Solving the UFO Riddle: Jonzon thinks a solution will come, perhaps simpler than currently assumed, and that information from multiple people will facilitate finding it.

Interview with Christer Nordin (UFO-SVERIGE)

Christer Nordin, leader of UFO-SVERIGE, also interviewed by H.K./CENAP, shared his organization's perspective.

• Founding of UFO-SVERIGE: The group was founded in early 1970, with a restructured UFO-SVERIGE established on March 22, 1980, after the departure of an older group.
• Collaboration: UFO-Gruppen-Cosmos is a neutral connection between the groups, aiming to restore the status quo.
• Opinion on UFOs: UFO-SVERIGE considers UFOs a certainty but acknowledges their unknown origin. They believe UFOs move and operate under intelligent control.
• Archive Size: UFO-SVERIGE's reporting center received approximately 3000 reports during the 1970s.
• Investigation Rate: Nearly 3000 reports have been processed.
• Identified vs. Unidentified: 85% of reports are classified as IFOs, with the remaining 15% considered UFOs.
• CE-III Cases: Nordin stated that there are hundreds of contact cases worldwide, including from Sweden, but these must be highly reliable. The origin from another star is not confirmed.
• Serious Research vs. Contactees: Nordin believes that serious research is often hindered by contactee cases (Adamski, Menger, Fry), but that serious work continues, and attitudes are gradually changing.
• Cover-up in Sweden: Nordin does not believe there is a cover-up in Sweden regarding UFO information, though he acknowledges the possibility in the USA involving the military and CIA.
• Solving the UFO Riddle: He cannot give a definitive answer on when the UFO riddle will be solved, stating that it's unknown if the entities involved want contact and that current knowledge is insufficient to find a solution.

Adamski's Narratives

The issue continues a serialized report on the belief in contactees in West Germany, which was originally started in CR-56. This installment is postponed to CR-58 due to current events. However, the report addresses a reader letter from DUIST (Deutsche UFO-Studiengruppe) that criticized the previous installment.

DUIST's letter accused the publication of merely repeating "ridiculous phrases from science and the lying press" without understanding the context. They asserted that life on Venus exists on a different vibrational level and dimension than what NASA probes measure. DUIST argued that one must shed their materialistic worldview to understand the "truly spiritual" universe.

The CENAP report refutes DUIST's claims, particularly the argument about vibrational levels, calling it a "wishful thinking" to save Adamski's "religious fantasies." The report points out that even DUIST members are unfamiliar with Adamski's own words. It then quotes Adamski directly from "UFO-Nachrichten (UN-Nr.24)" in response to a question about whether space beings are ethereal or spiritual entities living on other planes. Adamski's answer was: "NO, THEY DO NOT LIVE ON OTHER PLANES. THEY ARE NORMAL, PHYSICAL, HUMAN BEINGS LIKE YOU AND ME." The report concludes that this quote makes further commentary unnecessary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of specific UFO sightings and the broader landscape of UFO research. CENAP demonstrates a methodical, evidence-based approach, prioritizing natural explanations like hot air balloons for sightings. The magazine also emphasizes its role in fostering international collaboration within the serious UFO research community, particularly highlighting its expanding connections in Sweden. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to demystify UFO phenomena through rigorous investigation while acknowledging the ongoing mystery and the need for continued research. The critique of contactee claims, particularly those of Adamski, suggests a preference for empirical evidence over speculative or religiously-tinged interpretations of UFO phenomena.

This issue of the magazine, titled "UFO - Crash?", is presented as the beginning of a series exploring the most adventurous aspect of the UFO question. It aims to address the international discussion surrounding alleged crashes of saucer-like spacecraft in the USA around 1947, questioning if this marks a new era of evidence for flying saucers.

The UFO-Crash Question

The article begins by stating that the question of alleged UFO crashes is currently being discussed enthusiastically internationally, particularly concerning the USA in 1947. It poses whether this signifies a new era of evidence for flying saucers and what that evidence might be. The author intends to answer these questions with relevant material, shedding light on various background aspects. CENAP's position on flying saucers is stated as unchanged, implying that after reading this series, the topic should be settled for the reader.

UFO Landings and Media Influence

According to CENAP statistics from May 1976, UFO landings, accompanied by descriptions of alien beings, are reported proportionally with UFO sightings and publications, albeit to a lesser extent. The author suggests this might be a psychological result of 'stimulus overload' from these reports. During 'flap times' like 1965 or 1973, UFOs were heavily associated with flying saucers in the media, fulfilling a perceived need for newspapers. This environment allows eccentric individuals to make claims about flying saucer landings without immediate scrutiny. If such claims are exposed as hoaxes, they are not widely reported, preserving the narrative for UFOlogists who may then report fewer 'hoax' admissions to their followers.

UFO Clichés and Projections

The typical clichés of flying saucers are described as disc-shaped, bulbous, and measuring 12-25 meters in diameter in Europe, or approximately 30 meters. In the USA, similar figures are given in feet, resulting in a 1:3 size difference. This suggests that common cliché size perceptions are projected, rather than reflecting identical object sizes worldwide. The author questions whether these clichés are projected, asking readers to consider what the average person imagines when thinking of a flying saucer. The identical nature of these imagined clichés, even among people who haven't seen such things, raises questions about their origin and the influence of media and UFOlogists in creating these 'wishful thinking' perceptions.

The Problem of UFO Research

The author laments that the UFO scene is often characterized by rumors and readily believed narratives, making it difficult to get to the 'nerve' of the issue. This is presented as the core problem in UFO research. The article revisits the crash problem, referencing a previous report about 'thousands of mysterious, flat objects' found in a dry lake in the USA, which an old miner believed to be UFO parts. This was initially classified by the layman as UFOs being flying saucers. However, CENAP identified these 'UFO parts' as the artwork 'Symphonie eins-plus eins' by Los Angeles student Donn Jones, a fact that was reported by CENAP but not retracted in UFOlogy literature. The article also mentions photographic evidence of flying saucers, citing a brochure by H.C. Petersen (IGAP-Denmark) that featured numerous typical, colorful images of flying saucers, which was later revealed to be a hoax by Ground Saucer Watch. The author questions why new findings are withheld from German-language UFOlogy literature, suggesting a deliberate effort to maintain belief in flying saucers.

The Case of AZTEC, New Mexico

Among the 32 cases available to CENAP, the claim that a flying saucer crashed on March 17, 1949, is discussed. This story has circulated since the early 1950s. CENAP published an article by Mike McClellan in August and September 1977, which originated from OFFICIAL UFO in New York. At that time, organizations like APRO were actively involved. However, OFFICIAL UFO is now described as an adventure-seeking, horror-novel-like publication, no longer to be taken seriously. Mike McClellan, in his APRO field investigator report "The UFO Crash of 1948 is a Hoax," stated that his investigation at the Aztec site found nothing, and local old-timers were unaware of the event. Even the editor of the AZTEC-NEWS from that period had no knowledge of it. This mirrors CENAP's experience with reports from Gänserndorf, Austria, where a phenomenon is widely discussed but unknown at the local level.

The Aztec Case Debunked

The Aztec case is deemed unsustainable for those seriously working on the UFO phenomenon. The article suggests that UFOlogists are deeply entrenched in their beliefs, prioritizing faith over objective investigation. This leads to a situation where if one case is disproven, they simply move on to another. An example is given from the book "The Roswell Incident" by Berlitz and Moore, where the authors are accused of rushing the publication without sufficient research. The book allegedly misplaces the crash site near Aztec, hundreds of kilometers from Roswell, a mistake that persists in UFO literature. The author criticizes UFOlogists for shifting the focus when facts are inconvenient, making it difficult for UFO/UAP investigators to expose these manipulations.

Dennis Pilichis and Alleged Alien Body Photos

Dennis Pilichis of The UFO Information Network in Rome, Ohio, has announced the upcoming publication of two photos showing the body of a deceased 'foreigner' (alien), allegedly recovered from a UFO crash. These photos were to be presented at a local meeting of the "Tri County UFO Study Group" on September 13, 1980. Photo Nr. 1 reportedly shows the alien's body amidst the wreckage after the craft had burned. Photo Nr. 2 allegedly shows the body lying on an open slope after being recovered from the crashed saucer, with military personnel present.

Analysis of the Alleged Photos

The magazine reproduces two images, stating they originate from a press release by Dennis Pilichis. The GEP in Mannheim was shown these photos. The article asserts that without the accompanying story, the images are unrecognizable. It suggests that human imagination, combined with the narrative, leads to the perception of a 'burnt being' in Bild 1, but posits that it could simply be a 'charred tree root'. Walter notes that Pilichis claims the story is documented by radar detection of an object over the Southwestern USA on July 7, 1948, moving at high speed, experiencing difficulties, and crashing in Mexico. US military and a professional photographer from White Sands, New Mexico, were involved in documenting the scene. The photos were allegedly kept secret for over 30 years until the photographer decided to release them.

News from the Scene

This section reports on a meeting in Mannheim attended by Hans-Werner Peiniger and Gerald Mosbleck of the 'Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phanomene' (GEP-Lüdenscheid). They provided insights into the CENAP archive. The magazine then presents newspaper reports, including one from August 4, 1980, titled "'UFO' over the Midnight Party?" from Herzogenaurach.

Herzogenaurach Sighting

Twenty guests at a summer party in Herzogenaurach reported seeing a silent, orange, luminous disc moving across the sky between 1 AM and 2 AM. The object stopped, turned, and moved towards the Herzogenaurach airport before disappearing. A police patrol car also reported seeing a "cigarette-box-sized, reddish flaming shape" moving northwest at a considerable height. However, the Nuremberg airport radar and the Weather Service found no explanation. A meteorologist ruled out atmospheric reflection, and a specialist from the Seismological Central Observatory dismissed the possibility of a meteorite due to the lack of a significant sound.

Possible Explanations and Skepticism

Dr. Eckhard Pohl, head of the Nuremberg Observatory, is skeptical of flying saucers and UFOs, suggesting numerous possibilities for the Herzogenaurach sighting, including a moon reflection, a lit weather balloon, a reflective aircraft part, or a bright meteorite. He stated that without direct observation, he could not definitively explain the phenomenon based on laypeople's imprecise descriptions.

Another Sighting and 'Technical Explanation'

An earlier sighting in Herzogenaurach by a young man involved a silent, disc-shaped object with three lights, approximately ten meters in diameter, which he believed could be "technically explained." The article notes that the sighting lasted only three to four minutes, but provided ample discussion material. Some speculated it was a painted glider, a balloon, or an aircraft. The host of the party, who wished to remain anonymous, found no explanation. Two firefighters present also could not explain it.

The 'Party Gag' Explanation

Later, the mystery was solved. The host of the party contacted the editorial office, revealing that the strange orange light was a "Party-Knüller" – a hot air balloon. The balloon, launched as a highlight of a birthday party, ascended to a height of a thousand meters and disappeared after about 30 minutes. The editorial team tested the balloon, but it caught fire and burned, a disappointing outcome.

UFOs: Vision, Joke, or Madness?

This section discusses various UFO phenomena, including reports from BUFORA JOURNAL. One report details an encounter with "nudists from outer space" on August 6, 1977, where five humanoids with high-pitched voices were encountered. One of them allegedly identified himself as "Jupiter," and another as "Jimmy Hoffa." Another report from the same journal describes a "Ghost or Space Man" that supposedly emerged from a landed "junk box" in May 1973.

The Nature of Mysteries

The article reflects on the nature of mysteries, comparing them to childhood secrets hidden in dark places. It suggests that as children grow, these mysteries fade. The book "Die Flucht der Milchstraßen" by Theo Löbsack is mentioned, which explores "real secrets" rather than fantastical tales. It aims to present tangible phenomena that have challenged scientists and researchers, encouraging a calmer approach to understanding them. The book is intended for younger readers, aiming to spark interest in scientific inquiry and research, particularly in light of a societal tendency towards conflating knowledge with half-knowledge and superstition.

August Wörner's Letter and CENAP's Response

A letter from August Wörner (Mayen) dated October 31, 1980, is included, addressed to CENAP (Hansjürgen Köhler and Werner Walter). Wörner expresses his dissatisfaction with alleged defamatory statements made against him in CENAP Report Nr. 55, pages 8 and 9. He notes that legal action in Germany might be possible due to the jurisdiction. He warns that further such articles could lead him to take legal action. Wörner advises CENAP to change their attitude, as internal UFO scene disputes are exploited by outsiders, citing an article from FAZ by Dr. Günter Paul. Paul's article, and his book "Aufmarsch im Weltall," reportedly influenced readers to believe that no extraterrestrials would arrive.

CENAP's response, signed by Werner Walter, acknowledges Wörner's letter and expresses pleasure that their work provokes reactions, indicating the UFO scene is alive. Walter categorizes UFOlogists into three groups: those who feel threatened by the UFO problem, those who project hopes for salvation onto 'Mare-dwellers' (aliens), and those who see UFOs as a scientific challenge. He states that serious investigations have found no evidence of alien vehicles, but rather other phenomena. CENAP's focus is on objective UFO/UAP research, not on subjective experiences that may not have occurred objectively. They consider it "not our business" if UFOlogists alienate themselves through their interviews with the press.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions the validity of UFO claims, particularly crash scenarios, and highlights instances where sightings are later explained by mundane phenomena (like hot air balloons) or revealed as hoaxes. There is a strong emphasis on the psychological aspects of UFO belief and the influence of media in shaping public perception. CENAP positions itself as a serious research organization focused on objective investigation, distinguishing itself from what it perceives as sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within parts of the UFO community. The editorial stance appears critical of unverified reports and advocates for rigorous investigation, while acknowledging the enduring mysteries of the world. The issue also touches upon the potential for legal disputes within the UFO community itself.

Title: UFO-Nachrichten
Issue Date: March 1979
Publisher: CENAP-Mannheim
Language: German
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO-Nachrichten, identified as Nr. 44 and dated March 1979, presents a critical perspective on the current state of UFOlogy, questioning the abundance of UFO depictions and stories with the headline, "Kann es so weiter gehen?" (Can it go on like this?). The publication emphasizes the need for serious, evidence-based research over sensationalism and anecdotal accounts.

Key Articles and Content

Coombs Family Sighting

The issue details an alleged UFO sighting that occurred on Sunday, October 30, 1977, near Ripperston Farm, Stack Rocks, Rainford, England. The witnesses were Mrs. Pauline Coombs, her mother Mrs. Gryez, and four children. This event was reportedly published in German newspapers and investigated by BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) investigator R. Jones Pugh on December 1, 1977. Pugh was accompanied by David Allen, a local BBC reporter. During the interview, it was noted that the Coombs family had reportedly experienced a series of grotesque incidents, and Mrs. Pauline Coombs was described as being particularly susceptible to experiencing deep psychological events. The article labels this as a "typical story of UFOlogy."

Illustrations and Sources

Accompanying the text are several illustrations. One depicts a large, saucer-shaped object resting on a lake, described in French text as being about 15 meters in diameter and resembling "two enormous saucers joined by their edges." This illustration is attributed to a Canadian couple observing the spectacle from their rock. Another illustration shows a cylindrical object observed on May 13, 1978. The article states that further illustrations on the page were taken from the Belgian publication INFORSPACE, issue Nr. 44, March 1979, belonging to SOBEPS. These are presented as intended to support the claims of flying saucer experiences reported by certain individuals within UFOlogen literature.

Editorial Stance on UFO Research

The editorial strongly advocates for the necessity of definitively removing such anecdotal stories from the archives of UFO/UAP research. The publication asserts that there is no place for "horror stories and fiction" in serious investigation. While acknowledging that this stance might alienate some interested parties and impact book and magazine sales, the editorial firmly states that the UFO subject should never become a commercial enterprise. It posits that the core issue is one of perspective: whether one genuinely desires and can facilitate a serious solution to the phenomenon. The article concludes that the stories accompanying the presented sketches do not offer solutions but rather further mystify the appearances, leading typical flying saucer enthusiasts astray.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is a critical examination of the quality and nature of UFO reports. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards anecdotal evidence and a strong push for rigorous, scientific investigation. The publication clearly distinguishes between sensationalized accounts and genuine research, prioritizing the latter. There is a concern that the field is becoming diluted with unsubstantiated stories, potentially hindering progress towards understanding the phenomenon. The emphasis is on seeking truth and solutions, not on entertainment or commercial gain. The use of French text on one of the illustrations suggests an international awareness of UFO phenomena, but the core message remains focused on the need for credible evidence and methodology in UFO/UAP research.