CENAP Report - No 058

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, number 58, from December 1980, is the fifth volume and twelfth issue of the year. The cover features a NASA image of Jupiter and expresses thanks to international UFO research groups for their collaboration in 1980, along with Christmas and New Year wishes for 1981.

Editorial Content

The editorial, dated December 8, 1980, addresses "Dear CR-Reader and CENAP-Colleague." It acknowledges the difficulty in approaching the UFO or UAP (unidentified aerial/atmospheric phenomena) problem, which requires filtering objective reality from truth, interpretation, and fiction. The editorial outlines CENAP's research approach, noting that UFOs have been associated with alien spacecraft for over 30 years due to media manipulation. It categorizes reports (NL, MNL, DD, RV, CE I-II-III), suggesting that many DD and CE I-III sightings are misimpressions, hoaxes, or from mentally disturbed individuals. The piece argues that mere photographic evidence is insufficient and that contact reports often contain 'salvation messages' or are fabricated for personal or economic gain. The term UAP is proposed as a new concept for serious UFO investigators to foster a renaissance, as media are more willing to report on 'atmospheric phenomena.' The editorial also calls for a 'UFO policy' to challenge established views, identifying 'UFO-sects' as the true enemies of renewal within ufology.

News and Reports

News from Southwest Presse, Ulm: A report, sent by CENAP regional investigator Michael Bauersfeld, discusses a likely increase in 'red objects' sightings around New Year's Eve, potentially linked to an 'HB-Good-Mood-Service' promotion involving 365 hot air balloons intended to form a 'flying object' in the night sky. The report explicitly warns against these objects. It also mentions that Spain was reportedly a target for UFO appearances, citing articles from EL PAIS and INTERVIU, though translation was unavailable at the time.

UFOs: Green Spheres Pursued Passenger Planes: A BILD report from November 22, 1980, details an incident over Spain where seven passenger aircraft were allegedly pursued by UFOs. Pilots described "green shimmering spheres" attempting to ram them, forcing evasive maneuvers. One Iberia flight from Barcelona had to perform a dive to avoid a collision. The flight control center was reportedly baffled, and the pilots were forbidden to speak about the incident.

Hinderliche Ufologen? This section discusses a report in SF-Perry Rhodan-Magazin Nr. 12/1980 about the UFO scene, referencing James Oberg. It highlights Christopher Evans' work and mentions that James Oberg received a prize for his essay "The Failure of 'Scientific' Ufology." Oberg contends that ufologists damage the field through unscientific practices.

Soviet UAP's and New Information: This article discusses a report from the USSR's 'Section for General Physics and Astronomy' dated 1979, which analyzed 256 Soviet UFO sightings. The report, initially received by France's GEPAN and later translated by NASA Ames Research Center's Dr. Richard Haines, was compiled by L.M. Gindillis, D.A. Menkov, and I.G. Petrovskaya. The authors deliberately avoided the term 'UFO,' preferring 'anomalous atmospheric phenomena.' Key findings include that 76% of incidents occurred in 1967, possibly due to a central TV appeal for sightings. Of 130 witnesses, 66% were highly qualified (scientists, pilots, engineers). Two-thirds of cases involved multiple witnesses. Object shapes varied (discs, stars, ellipses, cigar-shaped), and many exhibited irregular movements. Most sightings were silent, though some had accompanying sounds. The researchers concluded that more data was needed. The article notes the contradiction with the Soviet newspaper PRAVDA, which denied the Academy of Sciences' involvement in UFO research, and mentions that the report is available through CUFOS and J. Allen Hynek. The data for the report was largely sourced from Dr. Feliks Y. Zigel, a professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute, who is described as a key figure in the Soviet UFO cult but is criticized for questionable recommendations.

Dr. Richard Haines and Dr. Hynek: Photos and captions identify Dr. Richard Haines as a CUFOS representative and speaker at a national conference, and Dr. J. Allen Hynek in his Evanston office.

Zigel's Articles and Views: The article further discusses Dr. Zigel's background, noting his articles on space and science, including one on telepathy. It mentions his reluctance to give interviews due to fear of misquotation. Zigel reportedly stated in 1967 that the UFO problem might soon be solved if sensational and anti-scientific explanations were avoided. The article also mentions that the INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER is no longer published and its content has moved to 'FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE.'

Science Fiction through Hot Air Balloon: This section provides a postscript to a report about a sighting near Crailsheim/Schwäbisch-Hall. Further research by CENAP confirmed the object was a balloon. The report details a conversation with Mr. M. Burgess, who launched two hot air balloons for his 52nd birthday on September 24, 1980. One balloon malfunctioned, but the second ascended as planned. Burgess stated he never perceived his balloon as a "flying saucer." The article suggests that an observer, Dieter N., may have embellished his drawing of the balloon to make it appear more like a typical saucer. The case is closed as a hot air balloon incident.

SUFOI - News

SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) has a new chairman/head, Peter A. Hansen, whom CENAP congratulates and looks forward to collaborating with. The newsletter thanks Flemming Ahrenkiel for his past cooperation. A photo shows CENAP visiting SUFOI in July 1980, with H. Köhler, Flemming Ahrenkiel, Karen M. Linneballe, and Peter A. Hansen. SUFOI's journal, UFO-NYT, will be redesigned in DIN A-4 format with color printing.

ADMSKI's Tales

This is a continuation of a report on contactee beliefs in West Germany. The article discusses the moon as a point of mystery and contrasts the common 'man in the moon' belief with the scientific view of it as a cratered landscape. It references direct transmissions from the moon by astronauts and questions why Adamski would claim better landing sites exist than those shown in Apollo-11 photos. The text describes a hypothetical moon surface with sparse vegetation, fine dust, coarser sand, and even a small, four-legged animal. It then describes a view of the far side of the moon with mountains, snow, dense forests, lakes, and rivers, and even settlements. The author dismisses these descriptions as "conscious lies," citing evidence from lunar probes and US astronaut landings. The article suggests that belief in Adamski is akin to a "religion" or "cult." It then delves into the origins of Adamski's claims, referencing a 1960 article in "Flying Saucer Review" by Waveney Girvan that questioned Adamski's stories and labeled his photos as fakes. David Wightman is cited for pointing out similarities between Adamski's "flying saucer" designs and an "ELECTRICAL EXPERIMANTER" from 1910, suggesting Adamski may have created model constructions. Information about Adamski's life before 1949 is scarce. Adamski himself stated he would not answer critics and that "only time will tell." The article suggests that Lonzo Dove, a photographer and amateur astronomer, built and photographed a flying saucer model in 1932, and that Clara Louis John compiled Adamski's notes, possibly having contact with Dove, thus closing a circle where Dove corresponded with John, who then worked with Adamski.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP), CENAP appears to favor rigorous investigation and debunking unsubstantiated claims. The editorial explicitly criticizes "UFO-sects" and advocates for a scientific approach, distinguishing between genuine research and sensationalism or hoaxes. The issue demonstrates this by analyzing Soviet data with a scientific lens, questioning the credibility of prominent figures like Adamski, and identifying misidentifications like the hot air balloon incident. The magazine also engages with international UFO research organizations, as seen in the collaboration with SUFOI, but maintains a discerning perspective on the information presented.

This issue of "UFO's überall?" (UFOs Everywhere?) from Summer 1968, published by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency, delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, presenting a mix of alleged contactee accounts, photographic evidence, investigative reports, and critical analysis.

George Adamski's Venusian Contact

The first article discusses the data George Adamski used in his future claims, noting that Clara Louis John had enough time to help him create the arrangements for the "Scout-Ship" pictures. Adamski, described as an "amateur astronomer," became increasingly interested in the mystery of "flying saucers." He reportedly wished to see a spaceship up close and speak with its occupants. His first contact, however, was telepathic, a skill he had practiced for years. On November 20, 1952, the extraterrestrial man clearly stated he was from outside Earth, specifically from Venus. Adamski attempted to photograph the being, but was denied permission, fearing recognition. The alien is described as being 1.65m tall, weighing 120 pounds, with extraordinary beauty and long, golden shimmering hair. The article concludes this section by stating that the author will present the evidence provided by Adamski's friends and fans in a future installment.

Paul Villa's Albuquerque UFO Photos

This section focuses on UFOlogist Paul Villa, a "saucer builder" from Albuquerque, whose reports and photographs are presented. The article cites UFO publications from 1964 and 1966 that describe Villa's "seven photos of Albuquerque" as a new, impressive proof of the existence of Interplanetary Flying Objects (IFOs). The "Villa Set No. 1, 2, and 3" are advertised, offering sets of color photographs with detailed fact sheets for sale. These sets include images of alleged flying saucers and are sold by UFO INTERNATIONAL in Detroit.

The article then provides a biographical sketch of Apolinar A. Villa (Paul Villa), born September 24, 1916, in New Mexico, who worked as a mechanic in Albuquerque. Villa claims to have had telepathic contact with extraterrestrials since age five. He reportedly left school after the tenth grade but possessed a knack for fixing machines. In 1953, he worked for the Water and Power Department in Los Angeles. During a day in Long Beach, he felt an urge to go to the beach, where he met a seven-foot-tall man who called him by name and spoke about personal matters. This being, according to Villa, was from outer space and told him to "look out beyond the reef." Villa then saw a metallic, disc-shaped object floating on the water. The alien invited him aboard, and Villa claims the extraterrestrials explained that their galaxy is but a grain of sand in the vast universe. They can penetrate Earth's radar systems at will, only appearing when they wish to be noticed. Their mission is peaceful, aiming to help humanity. They allegedly have bases on the Moon, Phobos is hollow and artificial, and a superior intelligence governs the universe.

The author critically analyzes Villa's story, pointing out its implausibility, such as the aliens not landing in a city for attention. Villa recounts a telepathic message received on June 16, 1963, directing him to a meeting point. There, he claims to have seen a landed saucer, 70 feet in diameter, with nine occupants (4 men, 5 women) from the Coma Berenices galaxy. They had various hair colors and were described as tall. Villa claims they spoke many languages but could also communicate telepathically.

Villa states the object was a mothership controlling nine smaller, 14-foot diameter surveillance discs. He claims to have taken photos of this "mothership" between 2 PM and 4 PM. The equipment used was a Japanese Rokuoh-Sha camera with a 1:4.6/75mm lens and 120er Kodakcolor film. Some photos show the object upright, which Villa explains as the aliens creating an artificial gravity field. The openings on the craft are described not as hatches but as related to the propulsion system, open only in planetary atmospheres.

The first photos were sent to UFO INTERNATIONAL, which published a report. NBC broadcast the photos, and news agencies spread them, bringing Villa fame and money. In April 1965, Villa claims to have received another telepathic message near Bernalillo, New Mexico, leading to an encounter where a beam from a spaceship allegedly caused a small bushfire and damaged a treetop, demonstrating the aliens' abilities. Villa then claims a 300-foot diameter spaceship landed, and he photographed it. The three crew members had light brown hair and tan skin, were reportedly 5.8 to 9.5 feet tall, and Villa claims to have spoken with them for two hours. They allegedly told him that astronauts Edward White and James McDivitt had seen an extraterrestrial spacecraft during their GT 4 flight.

Villa also claims the government is withholding Mariner 4 photos showing pumping stations on Mars. The beings reportedly spoke both Spanish and English. In April 1965, he claims to have taken more photos near the Volcano Mountains, depicting a spaceship resembling a Navajo Indian shield. Another alleged sighting and photo session occurred ten miles east of Albuquerque, where the beings reportedly created a sandstorm to demonstrate weather control. Villa announced plans for more photos and offered sets of 8 photos for $72 or smaller ones for $2. The article notes that Ventla-Verlag in Wiesbaden-Schierstein is selling these photos, calling them "trick photos of the swindler Apolinar A. Villa." The two photos on the preceding page are stated to be from Blue Book material.

MIGAP Report: UFOs in the Merseyside Area

This section presents a selection of interesting UFO cases reported in Liverpool and its surroundings since January 1980, compiled by the research group MIGAP.

1. January 31, 1980, 5:15 PM, Woodchurch, New Ferry: A 12-year-old boy and his friend saw a white object with a red light following it. It moved quickly like an airplane.
2. February 18, 1980, Rock Ferry, Wirral: Mr. Wilson observed seven black, whale-shaped objects flying southwest over the Mersey. A small light detached from one and fell into the river without sound.
3. March 19, 1980, 8:45 PM, Huyton: Mr. Hulme saw an object described as "similar to a huge bus in the sky" with bright lights. It was stationary before moving away quickly.
4. March 1, 1980, Bidston, Wirral: Mr. Fearnhead saw what he initially thought was a large star, which then began to move. His wife described the object as two connected stars with two lights.
5. March 17, 11:00 PM, Rainhill: Frau Sherrard and her daughter saw a bright light approaching. Later, they saw another light and three thin men with gray hair and pale faces wearing white raincoats.

Investigators: Brian Fishwick, Alan Bell, William Alcock. Transmitted and translated by Barry Cashin, MIGAP.

UFO-Crash? Part 1 (Continuation)

This section discusses the work of Dennis Pilichis and his group, who claim that tests on original negatives of alleged UFO crash photos, some dating back 30 years, have been conducted using advanced computer tests and microdensitometry techniques, confirming their authenticity. Pilichis believes these photos should be released to the American public. His group is initiating a study on crashed saucers and alien bodies in military custody, utilizing information obtained through the "Freedom of Information Act." They have collected over 10,000 pages of documents from various government agencies.

Pilichis is also involved with the UFO Information Network and has collaborated with other UFO research groups to form the "The UFO Ohio Research Cooperative." This organization aims to collect and disseminate credible UFO information globally. Pilichis emphasizes the importance of uncovering information about crashed saucers and obtaining such technology, stating that experts have often claimed to have significant information but failed to provide it. The UFO Ohio Research Organization maintains open archives for researchers and media.

The article includes a declassified US Army document from January 31, 1949, referencing a report about an unknown serial phenomenon (file number 24-8). It details a sighting of an identical object at 10:55 PM on January 30, 1949, by approximately 30 people, with an estimated 100 total sightings reported from various locations including El Paso, Albuquerque, and Roswell. The document notes that AEC, AFSWP, and the 4th Army are perturbed by the implications and that the office will conduct a full investigation into the impact point if any.

Leonard H. Stringfield and the "Crash/Retrieval Syndrome"

This part of the article discusses Leonard H. Stringfield, who sells a 38-page report titled "The Crash/Retrieval Syndrome." CENAP obtained information about Stringfield through the FBI. In 1954, Stringfield founded the "Civilian Research, Interplanetary Flying Objects" organization in Cincinnati, Ohio, and published the CRIFO newsletter. He had contact with radio commentator Frank Edwards, who was fired for using his program to discuss his interest in UFOs. Stringfield, a publicity agent, developed an interest in UFOs in 1945 while in the Air Force. His newsletter had a circulation of 4000 worldwide by 1954. The article questions Stringfield's credibility, calling him "not unbiased" and a "walking syndrome of the flying saucer cults." An article from the 'Cincinnati Times Star' dated September 28, 1954, titled "Untertassen kein Mythos" (Saucers No Myth), is cited as an example of how the UFO scene has been systematically conditioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently questions the authenticity of UFO evidence, particularly photographic claims, while also presenting detailed accounts of alleged sightings and encounters. There's a critical stance towards sensationalism and a focus on investigative reporting, as seen in the MIGAP section and the analysis of Paul Villa's photos. The magazine seems to lean towards debunking or at least scrutinizing extraordinary claims, while acknowledging the persistent public interest in UFO phenomena. The inclusion of declassified documents and research efforts by groups like CENAP and MIGAP suggests an attempt to provide a more grounded, albeit still speculative, approach to the subject. The recurring theme is the ongoing debate about the reality and nature of UFOs, with a particular emphasis on the challenges of verifying evidence and the potential for deception or misinterpretation.