CENAP Report - No 068

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP - REPORT
Issue: Nr. 68
Volume: 6. Jahrgang / H10
Date: October 1981
Publisher: CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz Außergewöhnlicher Phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

Cover Story: UFO-gruppen Cosmos

The cover features a photograph related to UFO-gruppen Cosmos' visit to Sibirien near Vegeholm, Sweden. The group visited a reduced-scale model of an object seen by Gösta Carlsson in 1946. The chairman of UFO-gruppen Cosmos, Knud Jensen, found the trip rewarding but questioned why Carlsson waited 25 years to reveal the incident.

Article: 2. CENAP-UFO-Meeting 1981 or: "Reinfall des Jahres '81"

This article, dated October 3, 1981, from Mannheim, details the CENAP UFO meeting held from September 18-20, 1981, at the Hotel Syrgenstein. The meeting, initially proposed by the Luxembourg-based ALEPS, saw low participation from invited international groups. ALEPS withdrew, INTERKOSMOS from Vienna did not attend, and Danish colleagues from 'Sonderborg UFO-Studienkreis' cancelled due to 'internal difficulties'. Turkish researchers Aziz Tekedereli and a friend were involved in a traffic accident en route. Joe Johnson from MUFOIT/England also failed to attend. The article expresses disappointment at the declining interest in UFO research, noting that even publications like 'Bulletin 2000' and invitations to editors like John Fisch yielded little response.

Despite the low turnout, the CENAP-Mannheim team, along with members from GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene) and a few individuals from other German UFO groups, organized the event. The meeting featured an exhibition of newspaper clippings since 1950, Project Blue Book images, government documents, NASA photos, CIA/FBI Condon-material, and a microfilm of Project Blue Book images. GEP members displayed books and instruments. A special CENAP publication, 'CENAP-1, Sonderband-1981' (46 pages), was distributed as a gift. A notable event was the debunking of the 'NAGORA case' by Klaus Webner, who identified the object as a VW hubcap.

To create a UFO impression, CENAP launched three party balloons at night. The article mentions an article by Claus Heinrich Meyer in the Süddeutsche Zeitung on September 23, 1981, which took a satirical tone towards the event.

Article: UFO-Forschung im Zwiespalt (UFO Research in Conflict)

This article, by Claus Heinrich Meyer, published in the Süddeutsche Zeitung on September 23, 1981, discusses the differing perspectives on UFOs. It highlights the low attendance at the Syrgenstein convention, with only CENAP and GEP being the primary participants. The article contrasts the 'rational approach' of researchers like Werner Walter with the more 'believing' aspects of the UFO scene. It touches upon the human need for meaning and transcendence, leading some to seek answers in UFOs and extraterrestrial contact, drawing parallels to cults and astrology. The article also mentions the work of Erich von Däniken and the 'pre-astronautic' theories.

Article: "CENAP-1, Sonderband-1981" Publication

This section announces the release of a special publication, 'CENAP-1, Sonderband-1981', due to the lack of a regular publication space for the CENAP REPORT. The 46-page special edition aims to provide more information and background on UFO research. It includes articles such as "'CENAP's UAP-Nachweis" (CENAP's UAP Evidence), "Rätselhafte Fotografie vom 14000 feet hohen Anden-Observatorium" (Mysterious Photograph from the 14000 feet high Andes Observatory), and "Ein besonderes Phänomen... UFO genannt" by Lt. Col. Gaston Alexis. The publication also covers French UFO research, Australian UFO statistics from 1976, and personality variables in witness testimonies by Dr. Alexander Keul. The 'CENAP-1, Sonderband-1981' is available for 10 DM, including postage, via bank transfer to Werner Walter in Mannheim.

Article: Weltraumaktivität 1981: Von Satelliten, Raumschiffen und UFOs (Space Activity 1981: Of Satellites, Spaceships and UFOs)

Written by Federico B. Kirbus from Buenos Aires, this article provides an overview of space activity in 1981. It notes the increased public interest due to the US space shuttle program, contrasting it with the less publicized Soviet manned missions. The article highlights the growing number of objects in Earth orbit, exceeding 4,000 by August 30, 1980. It discusses the challenges of tracking these objects, including satellites, rocket stages, and debris, and the methods used for identification and cataloging. The article mentions the 'Satellite Situation Report' from NASA as a primary source for this data.

It details the evolution of satellites from early Sputniks to modern spy satellites capable of detailed observation. The article categorizes Earth orbits into four types: simple Earth orbit, heliocentric orbit, areocentric orbits (around Venus or Mars), and escape trajectories (like Voyager 1). It also touches upon orbital changes and the phenomenon of 'space junk'.

The article also discusses the 'Volunteer Flight Officer Network' (VFON), which collects reports from pilots about unidentified aerial phenomena. It presents examples of pilot sightings, often later identified as falling satellites or debris. The article concludes by noting that while many objects are tracked, the possibility of unidentified objects remains, though the NASA catalog does not list any genuine UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO research, sightings, and related phenomena. It appears to adopt a rational yet open-minded approach, attempting to debunk hoaxes (like the NAGORA case) while also presenting witness accounts and research findings. There's an underlying theme of declining public interest in UFOs, contrasted with the ongoing efforts of dedicated researchers. The magazine also covers related topics like space activity and satellite technology, often linking them to the broader context of unidentified aerial phenomena. The editorial stance seems to be one of providing information and fostering discussion within the UFO community, as evidenced by the special publications and the call for reader participation.

This document is a CIA Foreign Intelligence Information Report, dated November 18, 1976, titled 'Ein C.I.A. - Dokument'. The primary subject is an 'Aerial Observation of Intense Source of Light' over the USSR, specifically Lithuania, on September 10, 1976. The report is marked as 'UNEVALUATED INFORMATION'. The document also contains articles and discussions related to UFO research and sightings, primarily from the perspective of the CENAP organization.

Report on BEA Flight Incident (September 10, 1976)

The main incident detailed is from a British European Airways (BEA) flight (number 831) traveling from Moscow to London on September 10, 1976. Between 1800 and 1900 hours, while cruising at approximately 33,000 feet (9,900 meters) near the border of Lithuania, the pilot observed a blinding, single-source, constant intensity, and stationary light. This light was estimated to be 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24 kilometers) off the aircraft's starboard flight path and approximately 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 meters) below the aircraft, above a lower cloud layer. The light, described as yellowish and resembling a sodium vapor lamp, was too intense to view directly. It completely illuminated the top of the cloud layer, giving it a glowing cast. The BEA pilot expressed concern and inquired with Soviet authorities about the source. The Soviet response was a negative identification, with a suggestion not to ask further questions. The light was observed for about 10 to 15 minutes before the aircraft flew past.

CENAP Activities and UFO Research

The document includes several sections detailing the activities and findings of CENAP, a UFO research organization. Werner Walter from CENAP-Mannheim provides commentary and reports on various UFO-related matters.

CENAP's CRS Nr. 5

CENAP announces the release of its publication 'CRS Nr. 5', which includes information on the Scargo Lake, Massachusetts incident from January 7, 1971. This case involved a reported UFO object crashing into the frozen lake, leading to investigations by NICAP (National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena). Despite extensive underwater searches and 11 months of investigation by NICAP members, the mystery of the Scargo Lake object remained unsolved.

UFO over Irving, Texas (February 6, 1981)

This section reports on a 'Mini-Flap' in Irving, Texas, where hundreds of calls were received by the IRVING DAILY NEWS regarding a UFO sighting on the night of February 6, 1981. Witnesses described an unknown object that flashed and moved very quickly, with some reporting TV interference coinciding with the sighting. The object was described as cigar-shaped with bright, strobe-like lights. While the Dallas Naval Air Station suggested a test with a low-flying aircraft equipped with a Xenon-strobe light as a possible explanation, the report notes that marine aircraft do not typically cause TV interference, leaving the case somewhat unresolved.

International Cooperation and Data Archiving

Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP-Staff reports on his summer 1981 visits to UFO research groups in Scandinavia, including SUFOI in Denmark and UFO SVERIGE in Sweden. The goal was to foster closer cooperation and exchange ideas. Discussions covered various UFO cases, the current UFO scene in Germany, and the future of international UFO research, particularly the implementation of computer systems for data storage and analysis. They aim to establish a common methodology for data input and to store not only sighting data but also background information, such as psychological aspects of cases and witnesses.

During his visit to SUFOI, Köhler viewed the 'Hirtshals/DK UFO-Film' shot in 1976 and discussed its details with Ole Henningsen. He also had the opportunity to photograph 200 slides from SUFOI's archive for CENAP's photo archive.

In Sweden, Köhler met with Knud Jensen of the UFO-Gruppe Markaryd, which is integrated with UFO SVERIGE. They discussed UFO movement issues in Sweden and visited a purported 'UFO landing site' documented by Gösta Carlsson, who built a concrete model of the object he reportedly saw in May 1946.

CENAP is working towards better collaboration with these international groups, aiming to move beyond parallel efforts and find optimal solutions for UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document reflects a serious approach to UFO research, emphasizing data collection, international cooperation, and the critical evaluation of sightings. The CENAP organization appears dedicated to gathering and disseminating information, often from official or intelligence sources, while also engaging with the broader UFO community. There is a clear distinction made between 'UFOs' and 'IFO's' (Identified Flying Objects), with a focus on cases that remain unexplained. The tone suggests a desire to uncover factual information and understand phenomena, while acknowledging the challenges and skepticism surrounding the topic, as humorously depicted in the final cartoon.

The editorial stance, as inferred from the content and the reporting of CENAP's activities, is one of diligent investigation and international collaboration in the field of UFO research. The document highlights the importance of sharing information and developing systematic approaches to studying these phenomena.