CENAP Report - No 072

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP – REPORT
Issue: Nr. 72
Volume: 6. Jahrgang
Date: February 1982
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

Main Cover Story: German Policeman Photographs UFO

The cover story of this CENAP report focuses on a sensational claim by Hamburg Police Sergeant Wilhelm Eisenburger, who asserts he photographed a UFO on January 7, 1982, around 11 PM. The incident occurred near the Hamburg Michel, a prominent landmark.

Eisenburger, a 42-year-old police officer, used his Pentax ME Super reflex camera to capture the image. He described the object as a red, disc-shaped craft with a dome, visible in the night sky. The article highlights that the photograph was taken with a color negative film, and the lines of the object were enhanced in black and white for clarity in the BILD newspaper publication. The report notes that Eisenburger claims he did not see the UFO himself during the act of taking the photograph, only recognizing it later when the film was developed.

Eyewitness Accounts Corroborate Sighting

Several other individuals reported witnessing similar phenomena around the same time and location, lending credence to Eisenburger's claim. These witnesses include:

• Peter Vollrath (37), an employee from Elmsbüttel, saw the UFO suddenly appear over the harbor and fly northeast.
• Gustav Leue (62), a merchant, observed a red disc flying over his house from the direction of the harbor.
• Beatrice Ahrend (43), a housewife, described it as if someone was shining a spotlight into her room.
• Gertrud Funk (64), a housewife from Brunsbüttel, saw a reddish disc in the sky.
• Anny Baguhn (80), from the UFO group Hamburg, stated that the disc seen over Hamburg was definitely real.
• Bernd Nogler (26), a driver, expressed skepticism, stating he would only believe it if he saw a UFO himself.
• Kurt Sieler (62), a pensioner from Essen, believes in UFOs.
• Helmut Dellbrügge from Bielefeld reported seeing a UFO on New Year's Eve 1980.
• Max Stowe (47) from Bremen mentioned seeing strangely blinking objects in the sky at night.
• Birgit Jansen from Bremen also reported seeing a similar object recently.

Media Coverage and Expert Opinions

The article details how the story was picked up by the BILD newspaper, which published the photograph and related accounts. The report notes that BILD's presentation might have been more interpretive than factual, with lines enhanced to make the object more visible. BILD itself suggested a possible explanation of a reflection from a streetlamp.

Professor Pesek from Prague, head of the International Astronautical Committee, commented that while he believes in extraterrestrial visits, the craft might be operated by computers or robots rather than living beings. However, Professor Kaminski from the Sternwarte Bochum dismissed the possibility, stating, "UFOs don't exist."

Investigation by CENAP

The CENAP investigation team, led by Werner Walter, attempted to verify the story. Walter contacted the Hamburg police press spokesperson, Herr Grenzek, who stated that Eisenburger's action was a "private initiative" and not an official police matter. The police did not undertake any investigation.

Walter also contacted BILD journalist Norbert Schubert, who had covered the story. Schubert explained that he had sold the exclusive rights to the photos to the Axel Springer company. He mentioned that many people had called BILD claiming to have seen the UFO, and that the original color photos were displayed in BILD's foyer.

CENAP also sought to obtain the original photographs from Eisenburger. He agreed to provide them for a small fee, provided they were returned undamaged. He mentioned that he had to make copies for friends first and was planning a vacation to Tunisia. CENAP also contacted the Saarländischer Rundfunk for information about a Europawelle Saar interview with Eisenburger.

Follow-up on Previous Report (CR71)

A separate section of the magazine includes a letter from Kodak, dated January 5, 1982, addressed to Klaus Webner. This letter is a follow-up to a previous report (CR71) concerning a film sent to Kodak by a Mr. Helmut Chodan. Kodak's marketing department suggests that Chodan's sighting was likely an "optical illusion" caused by low-lying sun reflections, which can lead people with active imaginations to believe they are seeing a "mysterious flying object from another world." Chodan had claimed his film was worth DM 500,000 to 1 million.

Further Details on the Sighting

Gustav Leue, one of the witnesses, provided more detailed accounts. He described the object as being at least 10 meters in diameter and rotating. He also mentioned that watches stopped during the sighting, and that the object was not high up. He reiterated his belief that it was a "flying saucer, a UFO." He also expressed a negative opinion about Professor Kaminski, calling him someone who "messes everything up."

Leue shared his views on the universe, suggesting that if UFOs were publicly revealed, it would cause a crisis of faith. He believed that people should think more clearly and acknowledge that such phenomena have been seen many times before.

CENAP's Research Approach

CENAP's approach involves gathering information from various sources, including media reports and direct witness interviews. They aim to analyze photographic evidence and cross-reference accounts. The report mentions that CENAP is a private research group dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings, the role of media in reporting such events, and the skepticism or belief of both the public and experts. CENAP's stance appears to be one of thorough investigation, seeking to gather evidence and present different perspectives, while maintaining a critical approach to sensationalism. The magazine aims to provide a platform for detailed reporting on unusual phenomena, encouraging readers to consider the evidence presented.

This issue of CENAP, identified as CR-71 and dated December 1981, focuses heavily on the critical analysis of UFO photographic evidence, particularly questioning the authenticity and interpretation of several well-known cases. The magazine's stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalist UFO claims, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and a scientific approach, particularly concerning photographic evidence.

The Eisenburger Photo Case

The issue details the extensive efforts made by the author to investigate a UFO photograph published by the German tabloid BILD, attributed to a Herr Eisenburger. The investigation involves numerous phone calls and interactions with BILD editors and departments, including Redakteur Schubert and the BILD-Werbeabteilung. The author seeks to obtain the original photographs for analysis, facing bureaucratic hurdles and delays. It is revealed that Eisenburger, the photographer, was on vacation in Tunisia during the investigation. The process of trying to secure the photos highlights the difficulties in accessing primary evidence in such cases. Ultimately, BILD states they cannot send the photos due to copyright but directs the author to send a written request to their advertising department. The author also learns that BILD had only received a few color photos and that Eisenburger would get them back after two months. The article notes that only four people contacted BILD about the photos, contrary to a claim of 60-70.

Analysis of 'Reflections' as UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking UFO sightings that are attributed to simple reflections. The article "Reflektionen von Straßenlaternen!" (Reflections from Streetlights!) by Hansjürgen Köhler/CENAP-Staff is central to this theme.

The Washington D.C. Photo (July 1952)

This section critically examines a famous UFO photograph taken in Washington D.C. in July 1952. The author argues that organizations like ICUFON and DUIST, particularly Mr. VonKeviczky and Major a.D. Colman S. Von Keviczky, have promoted this photo as evidence of extraterrestrial craft. However, CENAP asserts that this photo is merely a reflection from streetlights. The analysis points out that the "investigation" by these groups failed to consider the possibility of reflections. The article highlights that the photo was presented with a "military analysis" claiming it was a classic UFO demonstration, but CENAP dismisses this, stating it's a reflection of streetlights with windows.

The Silkeborg Photo (October 1979)

Another case analyzed is a photograph taken in Silkeborg, Denmark, in October 1979 by Herr Mortensgaard. This photo, which also involved ICUFON and the Danish DUIST (IGAP), was presented as a UFO. The author explains that the photo was taken with a 35mm camera and an Ektachrome ASA 64 film, capturing illuminated water fountains at Long Lake. CENAP's analysis, supported by drawings, concludes that the "UFO" is a reflection on the camera lens caused by the bright water fountains. The article criticizes the UFO research community for relying on computer analysis and mathematical calculations for "apparent objects" that are not real, leading to misinterpretations and the rejection of UFO research by mainstream science. The conclusion is that the Silkeborg photo is not an alien spacecraft but a lens reflection.

Other Cases and Investigations

The issue also touches upon other aspects of UFO investigation, including attempts to verify witness accounts and the difficulty in obtaining information from official sources. For instance, an attempt to get information from the Hamburg Airport's air traffic control regarding a reported UFO on January 7, 1982, yielded a negative response, with the official stating no such report was received.

Alleged Forgery and Misrepresentation

A letter from Hans Schutzbach, dated January 23, 1982, is included. Schutzbach vehemently denies having written a handwritten letter published in CENAP in the autumn of 1981, which bore his signature. He claims his handwriting was forged by Eduard Meier from Switzerland, who is described as a charismatic adventurer leading a sect that claims contact with extraterrestrials. Schutzbach requests that CENAP publish his denial to correct the record and clear his name, as his reputation was affected by the publication of the forged letter without proper verification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO photographic evidence. CENAP adopts a skeptical stance, prioritizing scientific analysis and debunking sensationalist claims that lack substantiation. The magazine highlights the common pitfalls in UFO research, such as misinterpreting natural phenomena (reflections, weather events) as extraterrestrial activity, and the dangers of relying on unverified sources or flawed analytical methods. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rigorous, evidence-based investigation and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims, aiming to separate genuine mysteries from misidentifications and potential hoaxes.