CENAP Report - No 069

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP - REPORT
Issue: Nr. 69
Volume: 6. Jahrgang/H11
Date: November 1981
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP REPORT focuses on debunking UFO claims and critically examining the ufology community. It features correspondence between CENAP representatives (Hansjürgen Köhler and Werner Walter) and Raimund Hinterbuchinger of INTERKOSMOS, highlighting disagreements on research methods and the nature of UFO phenomena.

Main Articles and Content

The 'Solar Zeppelin' Hoax

The central piece of this issue is a detailed analysis and debunking of UFO film footage provided by Mars Dame. The report, titled "unfaßbar DUIST hält Solarzeppeline für außerirdische Weltraumschiffe" (Unbelievable DUIST considers Solar Zeppelins as extraterrestrial spaceships), exposes the footage as a hoax. The "cylindrical flying object" observed and filmed by Mars Dame and his family was identified as a toy Solar Zeppelin, a 3-meter long black foil tube with a 50 cm diameter, originally sold as a toy by the youth magazine YPS. The report explains how this object could achieve lift through solar radiation heating the air inside. The "UFO fleets" shown in other parts of the film were similarly identified as common objects like desk lamps, self-illuminating pens, and LEDs.

The author, Werner Walter, expresses his disappointment and disbelief upon viewing the film, noting that the object appeared to be tethered, suggesting the filmer was aware of its true nature. He concludes that the provided material is only convincing to the naive and those lacking common sense.

Correspondence and Critiques

The issue includes a significant exchange of letters and opinions between CENAP and INTERKOSMOS. Raimund Hinterbuchinger of INTERKOSMOS expresses reservations about CENAP's approach, particularly their perceived "Größenwahn" (delusion of grandeur) and the lack of clear communication regarding their events, such as the 2nd CENAP-UFO-Meeting in Syrgenstein. He questions CENAP's definition of UFO research and criticizes their focus on meetings over substantive investigation.

Werner Walter, responding to Hinterbuchinger, defends CENAP's methodology. He argues that INTERKOSMOS seems to have "slept through" information about the CENAP meeting published in their own reports. Walter criticizes INTERKOSMOS's approach, suggesting their archive might be a "waste bin" and that their lack of participation might be influenced by figures like Peter Krassa. He emphasizes CENAP's commitment to "back to the facts" and rigorous investigation, contrasting it with what he sees as the theoretical and pseudoscientific nature of much ufology.

Walter further criticizes INTERKOSMOS for not engaging with opposing viewpoints and for being part of what he calls a "stupid ufologist's monotony." He states that CENAP is not interested in extremes and prefers a balanced approach. He also retracts INTERKOSMOS's invitation to the INTERKOSMOS-Kongreß '82, citing a desire to avoid a "fiasco" and a belief that their audience would not be interested in CENAP's presentation due to perceived fanaticism.

In a subsequent letter, Walter reiterates CENAP's stance, emphasizing that their research aims to uncover the truth behind UFO phenomena, even if it means dismantling the pseudoscientific beliefs of some ufologists. He argues that many UFO claims are based on a "spiritual, psychological, sociological UFO phenomenon" rather than material realities of extraterrestrial craft. He criticizes the commercialization of UFO literature, which he believes misleads the public with clichés like "little green men."

Walter also addresses the inclusion of humorous content, like the "Woody" cartoons, in CENAP REPORT, stating it's necessary to keep readers engaged. He defends CENAP's work as "valuable" and based on solid research, despite the UFO community's reluctance to accept their findings. He notes that CENAP has experienced continuous development through experience and insights, unlike many other groups he observes.

Media Criticism and Skepticism

The publication strongly advocates for a skeptical and critical approach to UFO reports. It criticizes the "UFO ideology of the saucers" and the uncritical acceptance of anecdotal evidence. CENAP positions itself as a group that rigorously investigates and analyzes phenomena, distinguishing itself from those who uncritically accept or promote UFO narratives. They argue that much of the UFO literature is driven by commercial interests and caters to the desires of believers rather than presenting objective facts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards UFO claims, the importance of rigorous investigation, media criticism, and the debunking of sensationalized reports. CENAP's editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, aiming to separate fact from fiction in the realm of unexplained aerial phenomena. They emphasize a need for a more grounded and less dogmatic approach to UFO research, contrasting their methods with what they perceive as the uncritical acceptance and sensationalism prevalent in much of the ufology community.

This issue, dated November 1981, is published by CENAP, a German research network for extraordinary phenomena. The primary focus is on 'Solar Zeppelins' and an investigation into a film submitted by Mars Dame, alongside a report on a Danish UFO sighting by the Jaeger family.

Solar Zeppelins and the Mars Dame Film

The issue begins with a discussion of 'Solar Zeppelins.' The author recounts sending the results of a film appraisal and a 'Solar Zeppelin' instruction manual from YPS to Mars Dame on March 23, 1981. Michael Hesemann responded on April 7, 1981, stating that the approach to the Dame case felt unfair and that the witness was upset by the letter received.

Mars Dame had not contacted CENAP for clarification and seemed more interested in public attention, having previously contacted Bild Zeitung, Bertelsmann, and Econ Verlag in 1979, as well as the Federal Minister for Research and Technology, to report his 'phenomenal appearances.' This public pursuit led to Dame being visited by a criminal police officer and, subsequently, a psychiatrist from the health department.

Dame himself stated that AGFA-Gevaert in Leverkusen did not take him seriously. The DUIST Group in Freiburg investigated the matter, with Gustav Vollmer concluding that the objects must be controlled by intelligent beings vastly superior to human science and technology. Vollmer posed the question of why aliens come to Earth, suggesting that if they intended to conquer, it would be easy, but if they are here to monitor or prevent self-destructive actions like nuclear war, they are welcome.

However, the author notes that Vollmer could not explain why the objects in the film should be extraterrestrial, attributing the belief in 'saviors from space' to ignorance and wishful thinking.

Film Analysis: Solar Zeppelin

A detailed analysis of Super 8mm film material, received on two spools, is presented. The film, Ektachrome 160 with 23 Din sensitivity, is identified as an original recording. Film Roll No. 1 clearly shows a 'SOLAR ZEPPELIN,' commercially available under the name 'SOLAR U.F.O.' The analysis states that a Solar Zeppelin is an interesting children's toy, with its operation explained in an accompanying manual.

Film Roll No. 2 is also analyzed, with numerous 'cuts' ( Schnittstelle ) noted, described as amateurish. The analysis points out several anomalies in the footage:

• 9 red spots: Described as out of focus, with the camera also becoming more out of focus. This is not attributed to an object at infinity but rather to weak light sources close to the camera, possibly from a radio dial.
• Cut in the middle of the scene: The reason for cutting and then inserting black film is questioned.
• Elongated spot: The camera was intentionally tilted, causing the spot's movement to parallel the camera's shake. This suggests filming a static image by hand, creating an illusion of movement on screen.
• Airplane with contrail: A simple cut.
• Camera pan: A vertical pan from bottom to top.
• 3 red spots: These were filmed out of focus and appear to tremble due to camera shake, with no inherent movement. The distance between them remains constant. A zoom-out follows, with the lens being adjusted to wide-angle, creating an illusion of movement. The analysis suggests these spots were weak light sources close to the camera, like from a radio or stereo.
• Light points: Filmed handheld, causing shakiness. A green diode lamp is suggested as a possibility.
• Another light point: Between shots 9 and 10, the camera was briefly switched off. A zoom-out shows nothing further, indicating a weak light source within the apartment. Streetlights, position lights, or the moon could also appear as points of light after zooming out. The light points appear too close together.

The evaluation was conducted using an ERNO E-1500 Laufbildbetrachter and a HEURTIER Super 8mm Film projector. The 'ERGEBNIS' (Result) section states that the bluish tint on Film 1 indicates the absence of a conversion filter needed for daylight recordings. The material is clearly from an amateur filmmaker using a low-quality camera. The film is described as having numerous cuts (dry mounting tape with old 4-frame film), indicating a clumsy montage. The inclusion of random house shots and short, pointless cuts suggests the filmmaker did not take his own work seriously. No significant material was found, and the 'object' on Film 1 is definitively classified as a SOLAR ZEPPELIN. All shots are attributed to 'playing with the camera.'

German Vacationing Family Observed "Unknown Flying Object" in 1976

The second major section details an investigation by Hansjürgen Köhler/CENAP into a sighting by a German family (Jaeger) in Hirtshals, Denmark, in 1976. The family observed and filmed an unknown flying object.

The Jaeger Family Sighting

During their vacation between June 25 and July 24, 1976, Herr Jaeger observed an unusually bright star-like object in the sky around 8:30 AM. The object was described as silvery, shiny, and oval-shaped. It appeared stationary for the duration of its visibility, which lasted approximately 20-30 minutes. The object was obscured twice by passing clouds, and each time it reappeared, it had changed its position. Daughter Susanne, a meteorology student, estimated the object's altitude at 6000m.

The film material was shot with a NIZO- S 560 camera using 56mm focal length and AGFACHROME 58 color film.

Investigation and Conclusion

Upon reviewing the questionnaires and the film, the suspicion grew that the object might have been a balloon. Klaus Webner was contacted for photo prints, and Ole Henningsen of SUFOI was informed, given the event occurred in Denmark. The investigation involved checking weather data and potential weather balloon launches in the area.

Weather reports from Denmark indicated a high-pressure system, creating clear skies. Torben Birkeholm of SUFOI contacted the weather control in Aalborg to inquire about weather balloons. The weather station in Aalborg launches radiosonde balloons on weekdays between 5:00 and 5:30 AM, with a specific launch at 6:00-6:30 AM on July 1, 1976. This made a weather balloon observation during the family's sighting unlikely.

Possibilities of balloons from Norway (Sola, Stavanger, or Gardermoen airports) were also considered, but these stations launch radiosonde balloons at 0:00 and 1:00 AM, reaching altitudes of 20-25 km before bursting. This also ruled out a weather balloon explanation.

Klaus Webner provided excellent photo prints from the film, contributing to the investigation. The conclusion leaned towards the object being a balloon, but the film itself remained the focus of the investigation.

CENAP Introduction: Marie-Luise Tanguy

A section introduces Marie-Luise Tanguy, the French translator for CENAP. Born in Gebweil, Alsace, in 1930, she received both French and German education. She lived with a German family in Schenkenzell/Baden during 1942. At 17, she married and worked as a maid in Paris, becoming a mother to 12 children and recently receiving a golden medal from the French Minister of Family Affairs. She is currently divorcing.

Tanguy's interest in UFOs is intertwined with science fiction and mysterious worlds. Her direct encounter with the UFO phenomenon occurred in the Alsace mountains in 1956 when her father pointed out a 'star-shooting' object that descended from the sky and then zigzagged upwards. This experience led her to study UFO literature in the 1960s. She joined GEOS as a German translator and also translates for GERU.

Her opinion is firm: "I firmly believe that UFOs are not imaginary. We are certainly not the only living beings in the universe. The question with UFOs is: Where do they come from? What are they? What do they want from us? We hope to find an answer to these questions one day..."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects CENAP's commitment to investigating anomalous phenomena, even those that turn out to be mundane or misidentified. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous analysis, seeking factual explanations while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. There's a clear distinction made between wishful thinking and evidence-based conclusions, as seen in the dismissal of the Mars Dame film. The introduction of translators and correspondents highlights CENAP's international reach and collaborative approach to research. The theme of 'Solar Zeppelins' serves as a case study in how modern technology or toys can be mistaken for UFOs, while the Danish sighting represents a more traditional UFO report that undergoes detailed meteorological and technical scrutiny.