CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 65
Volume: 6 Jahrgang/H7
Date: July 1981
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

UFO bei Ulm?

This section details a UFO report investigated by CENAP Regional Investigator Michael Bauersfeld from Ulm. The witness, a student born in 1965 who had no prior interest in UFOs, reported an incident in the winter of 1978. While waiting at a bus stop in Ulm-Wilhelmsburg around 7:00 AM, the witness observed an 'object' described as fingernail-sized and orange, with four white, alternating flashing lights that were not like helicopter navigation lights. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of about 200 meters. The sky was clear enough to see stars and the moon, though faintly. No distinct movement was observed during the approximately 20-second observation period. The witness, unphased, attributed the experience to fatigue and lack of sleep.

The report includes a sketch of the object from the witness's perspective. A peculiar detail noted is a faint 'humming' sound heard during the observation, which is a common trope in UFO clichés. The appearance was clear in the western sky during the prevailing darkness.

Analysis of the Ulm Observation (Winter 1978)

Following a review of the details, the analysis strongly suggests the sighting was of a normal aircraft. Several points support this hypothesis:

• Duration: The brief 20-second observation period could have led to a superficial assessment, hindering proper identification.
• Distance Estimation: The witness could not accurately estimate the distance, only the altitude. A small aircraft at a considerable height can appear stationary, especially near a small airfield.
• Flashing Lights: The alternating, paired flashing lights are characteristic of aircraft navigation lights.
• Air Traffic: The airspace over Ulm is known to be very busy.
• Apparent Size: The 'fingernail-sized' description at arm's length is consistent with the apparent size of an aircraft.

Evidence supporting a UFO sighting is deemed refutable.

Proof 1: Humming Sound: The investigator's site visit confirmed the presence of several neon tubes, which could have produced the humming sound. This sound was only audible when the sound source was very close, and could have been mistaken for the object's sound, especially as it was drowned out by passing vehicles.

Proof 2: Oval Shape: The object's oval shape, described as fingernail-sized at arm's length, is considered a product of the witness's imagination, as the actual size would be too small to provide accurate details.

Regarding the Witness: The witness is considered reliable, and it's confirmed they saw an object. However, the conclusion is that it was mistakenly identified as a UFO. The witness's turning away from the object is understandable given their age (13).

Conclusion: The phenomenon is definitively identified as an aircraft of small dimensions flying at a moderate altitude over Ulm. The flashing lights were navigation lights, and the humming sound originated from nearby neon tubes, not the object itself.

Sensation: UFO Landing near Mannheim!

This section humorously questions if Mannheim's first reported UFO landing signifies increased extraterrestrial interest in CENAP's work and if it heralds more encounters. It then shifts to a more serious note, acknowledging the UFO phenomenon as a significant issue and the importance of identifying such phenomena. A news clipping from 'MANNHEIMER MORGEN' dated June 19, 1981, reports that a farmer in Neubotzheim/Ladenburg mistook a weather balloon for a UFO attempting to land on his barn roof. Police identified the object, which apparently had engine trouble.

Press Clippings and UFOlogy Trends

This section presents several press clippings and discusses broader trends in UFOlogy.

"Mylord ist nicht von dieser Welt" (DIE WELT, May 29, 1981)

This article reports on the 2nd International Congress for UFOlogy held at the Mount Royal Hotel in London. The 8th Earl of Clancarty, William Brinsley le Poer Trench, claimed his ancestors came from space 63,000 years ago. He stated that Earth was settled from space, explaining the diversity of human races. The congress was attended by 180 delegates, including scientists. The president of the congress was Lord Kings Norton, a former government aviation expert.

"Haben Ufos das Interesse an unserer Erde verloren?" (Tiroler Tageszeitung, May 27, 1981)

This article discusses the perceived decline in UFO sightings. The 8th Earl of Clancarty reiterates his belief that humans originated from space. The article notes that the peak of UFO sightings was in the 1970s, but sightings have become rare in the past year. Speculation includes the possibility that the 'galactic fuel' for interstellar travel has become too expensive, or that extraterrestrials have observed Earth's current 'mess' and decided to leave.

"Ist der galaktische Treibstoff zu teuer?" (Oberösterr. Nachrichten, May 30, 1981)

This piece, also referencing the London UFO Congress, highlights the secrecy of governments hindering UFO research. It notes that many people struggle to differentiate between 'UFO' and 'nonsense'. The article reiterates the observation of a significant decrease in UFO activity. It humorously suggests that the current global economic crisis might have extended to interstellar travel costs, making 'galactic fuel' prohibitively expensive. Alternatively, it suggests that aliens, after observing Earth, have decided to depart.

Anti-Adamski Campaign and Fred Steckling's Lecture

This section details CENAP's efforts to counter the influence of US-UFOlogist Fred Steckling, a proponent of George Adamski's work. CENAP organized an 'Anti-Adamski Campaign' in various cities, including Frankfurt, where Steckling was scheduled to give a lecture.

Fred Steckling's Lecture

Fred Steckling presented a lecture, charging an entrance fee. He claimed that his interest in UFOs began in 1963 after seeing George Adamski's 'scout ships' in Washington D.C. He became friends with Adamski and continued his work after Adamski's death in 1965.

Steckling presented a narrative about Adamski's alleged encounter with Venusians in 1952. He claimed that astronomers at the Mount Palomar Observatory had observed many UFOs. Adamski reportedly met these Venusians on a sand dune, who demonstrated how they could become invisible by bending light. Steckling also referenced a report (Nr. 14) from the Air Technical Intelligence Center in Dayton, Ohio, concerning UFO activities observed on November 20, 1952, near Desert Center, California. He criticized the 'Freedom of Information Act' for not releasing all information, suggesting governments have reasons to withhold it.

Steckling discussed the possibility of advanced civilizations living in 'domes' on planets, capable of withstanding high winds. He questioned the findings of Mars probes, suggesting their landing procedures might have 'burned' any life, and argued that if human civilization cannot be detected from 200 km above Earth, then extraterrestrial civilizations on other planets are unlikely to be found.

He also addressed the 'swamp gas' explanation for the Dexter-Michigan incident, criticizing UFO researchers like Hynek for classifying UFOs as swamp gas, ball lightning, or mere imagination. Steckling argued that these explanations are fabricated to maintain the 'fun' of UFOlogy.

Steckling's presentation also touched upon alleged astronaut sightings during Apollo missions, dismissing them as hoaxes or misidentifications, including claims about the Apollo-11 moon film and Gordon Cooper's sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the public's interest and the existence of unexplained sightings, CENAP-REPORT actively seeks rational explanations, often identifying conventional aircraft or natural phenomena as the cause. The publication appears critical of what it perceives as sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the UFOlogy community, particularly those associated with figures like George Adamski. The editorial stance emphasizes critical analysis, evidence-based reasoning, and the importance of distinguishing between genuine mysteries and fabricated narratives. There's a recurring theme of debunking popular UFO myths and providing a counter-narrative to more credulous interpretations.

This issue of DIE PRESSE, Frankfurt, dated Tuesday, June 16, 1981, features a prominent article titled "Kleine grüne Männchen blieben fern" (Little green men stayed away), detailing a lecture on UFO landings by American Fred Steckling. The magazine also includes sections on the history of the Frankfurt UFO study group, a critical examination of UFOlogy, and a report on a CENAP meeting.

Lecture by Fred Steckling

The main article focuses on a UFO lecture given by Fred Steckling, a German-born American, to approximately 100 interested individuals, mostly members of the Frankfurt UFO study group. Steckling presented photographic material, including images of alleged flying saucers and purported structures on the Moon, to prove the existence of extraterrestrial visitors. He claimed to have evidence from official NASA materials, which he suggested were selectively released.

Steckling argued for the existence of a lunar atmosphere and even life on the Moon, citing astronauts' reports of playing Frisbee and observing "water clouds" and "vegetation strips." He questioned why the public was not aware of these phenomena, suggesting a cover-up by authorities. He also touched upon the idea of "domes" and "bases" on the Moon, which he claimed could be observed through telescopes.

Critique of Steckling's Evidence

The article critically analyzes Steckling's claims and photographic evidence. It highlights the Baker photograph of George Adamski's alleged scout ship, noting that the background appears sharper than the object itself, suggesting a model. The author also debunks the idea of astronauts playing Frisbee on the Moon by pointing out the lack of atmosphere, while Steckling insisted on its presence.

Steckling's presentation included images of alleged moon bases and radar stations, which the author suggests could be misinterpretations of lens reflections, craters, or simple photographic manipulation. A key piece of 'evidence' presented was a photograph claimed to be a "mother ship," which the article reveals to be a trick photograph of a glass bottle.

Adamski and UFOlogy

The article mentions George Adamski, a famous UFOlogist who died in 1965, and notes that Steckling is his estate administrator. The author criticizes the UFOlogy movement, comparing its proponents to "vultures" (Assgeier) who relentlessly attack Adamski even after his death. The article suggests that UFOlogy is based on belief rather than concrete evidence, with claims often being "interpretations."

CENAP and UFO Research

The article introduces CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene) as a group dedicated to serious, scientifically grounded UFO research. It contrasts CENAP's approach with what it terms "religious-tinged wishful thinking" prevalent in some UFO circles. The article mentions an upcoming CENAP UFO meeting in Syrgenstein from September 18-20, 1981.

The Frankfurt UFO Study Group

The Frankfurt UFO study group is described as the oldest of its kind in Germany, founded in 1956 as an offshoot of the German UFO Research Society. The group has about 70 members, with a tendency towards an older age demographic.

The Role of the Press

The article includes a brief interaction with the newspaper's reporter, Herbert Vogdt, who expressed skepticism about the event and was questioned by Ernst-Kurt Lohne, a spokesperson for the UFO group, about writing positively. Vogdt stated his intent to write objectively.

Cartoons and Editorial Stance

The issue concludes with two cartoons by HERMAN, one humorously depicting a conversation about remembering someone, and the other a dialogue about Earth's position in the solar system. The accompanying text from CENAP-Mannheim suggests that while UFOlogy has its humorous side, a serious investigation into the phenomenon is beginning, marking the end of pure fantasy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged extraterrestrial contact, and the critical examination of UFOlogy. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of unsubstantiated claims and photographic manipulation, advocating for a more scientific and evidence-based approach to investigating UFO phenomena, as represented by CENAP. The article actively debunks specific UFO claims, particularly those presented by Fred Steckling, and questions the credibility of the UFOlogy movement as a whole, framing it as a matter of belief rather than verifiable fact.