CENAP Report - No 073

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, dated March 1982, is the 73rd edition and part of the 7th year of publication. The magazine, published by CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Phänomene), focuses on UFO phenomena and related research, with a critical and investigative stance. The cover features a dramatic headline in Turkish, "Yıldırım gibi üzerime geliyordu" (It came at me like lightning), accompanied by a smaller headline about a driver pursuing a celestial object. An accompanying image depicts two individuals observing the sky, with a UFO-like object visible.

Articles and Content

"Uçan daire mi, suni uydu mu, gaz bulutu mu?" (Flying saucer, artificial satellite, or gas cloud?)

This section details a driver's account of following a mysterious celestial object. The driver, whose story is presented as a lead-in to the cover's main theme, describes the object's unusual behavior.

"Forschung im Sonderangebot" (Research on Special Offer)

This article introduces the "Wissenschaftsladen" (Science Shop) at the University of Essen. Sociologist Georg Herrmann explains that this initiative offers free scientific investigations to citizens, aiming to address public concerns and problems that might not be prioritized by industrial or state interests. The Science Shop acts as an intermediary, connecting citizens with university researchers. The article notes that similar initiatives exist in other German cities and that the concept originated in the Netherlands.

"UFO's? Nein danke!" (UFOs? No thanks!)

This personal account expresses skepticism towards UFOs, framing them as a less serious matter compared to the scientific research offered by the "Wissenschaftsladen." The author recounts an inquiry made to the University of Essen regarding UFOs, which was politely declined, suggesting that the university's focus is on more grounded scientific issues.

"Rätselhaftes über dem Bodensee" (Mysterious things over Lake Constance)

This article, referencing a SÜDKURIER report from December 5, 1981, discusses sightings of unidentified flying objects over Lake Constance. It mentions reports from Cornelius Sommerfeld and others, and touches upon alleged government secrecy surrounding UFO sightings in both the USA and the USSR. The article also notes inquiries from a V. i. Sanarov from Novosibirsk, Russia, seeking information about UFO reports, suggesting a potential interest from Soviet scientific circles.

"Wissenschaftliche Akademie im Hintergrund?" (Scientific Academy in the background?)

This section speculates about the identity of V. i. Sanarov, suggesting he might be connected to a Moscow scientific academy. It details efforts by UFO researcher August Wörner to establish contact and exchange information, highlighting the difficulties and lack of response from Soviet sources.

"Flogen Ufos über den Rhein-Neckar-Raum?" (Did UFOs fly over the Rhein-Neckar region?)

This article reports on several UFO sightings in the Rhein-Neckar region of Germany. Witnesses describe luminous, silent objects moving in the sky. The article quotes CENAP, identifying it as the "Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Phänomene," and mentions Werner Walter and Hansjürgen Köhler as key figures. CENAP expresses skepticism about many UFO reports, attributing most to misidentifications of conventional objects like balloons or aircraft, though acknowledging a small percentage of genuinely unexplained phenomena.

"UFO-Literatur gleich massenweise" (UFO literature in large quantities)

This section discusses the abundance of UFO literature, mentioning books like Johannes von Buttlar's "Das Ufo-Phänomen" and Jean Prachan's work on the Bermuda Triangle. It highlights how UFO literature often sensationalizes encounters and attributes phenomena to extraterrestrial activity.

"UFO-Zensur" (UFO Censorship)

This critical article addresses what the author perceives as censorship and a biased selection of topics in UFO publications. It criticizes the magazine ESOTERA for not publishing a contrarian article submitted by CENAP regarding "The Lights of Kaikoura" from New Zealand, suggesting a tendency to promote a specific narrative rather than present balanced viewpoints. The article also touches upon the commercial aspects of UFO publishing and the difficulty in getting diverse opinions heard.

"JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG"

This section critiques the "Journal für UFO-Forschung," questioning its editorial standards and the quality of its published content. It expresses frustration with the lack of publication of materials submitted by CENAP, suggesting that the journal prioritizes certain authors or viewpoints over others. The article also discusses a reader's letter in JUFOF that criticized an article by M.H. concerning CIA material on UFOs.

"Was die Himmelsspione wirklich sehen" (What the Sky Spies Really See)

This article, accompanied by detailed diagrams and images, focuses on satellite reconnaissance technology. It describes the capabilities of American satellites like "Big Bird" and the KH-11 "Keyhole" series, highlighting their advanced sensors (including infrared and radar) for detailed imaging and surveillance of Soviet territory. The article contrasts these with Soviet satellite efforts and discusses the strategic importance of such technology for military intelligence.

"Ergänzung zum CR70" (Supplement to CR70)

This section provides a map and further details related to a previous report (CR70), focusing on a meteor-like phenomenon observed over Trier and Krefeld. It discusses the potential for misidentification of such events as UFOs and emphasizes CENAP's role in clarifying these phenomena, distinguishing between actual UFOs and misidentified objects (IFOs).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings and investigations, the role of scientific inquiry versus sensationalism, and the challenges of censorship and biased reporting in the UFO field. CENAP positions itself as a network dedicated to rigorous research, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and misidentifications. The magazine also explores the broader context of surveillance technology, contrasting it with the pursuit of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is critical, analytical, and focused on providing a balanced perspective, even when dealing with controversial topics. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of CENAP, dated March 1982, focuses on UFO phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to reports from Turkey and a critical examination of ufology and media coverage. The magazine, published by CENAP, aims to provide a research-oriented perspective on extraordinary phenomena.

Satellite Surveillance and Military Technology

The issue begins with an overview of Soviet and US satellite surveillance capabilities. It details Soviet electronic reconnaissance satellites (ERS) and early warning satellites (EWS) operating at high altitudes to monitor US military activities. The US Air Force's spy satellite program, including the USAF 1981-19A and the Lockheed SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft, are also mentioned as tools for detailed surveillance of Soviet missile silos and facilities. Locations like Central Asia, Irkutsk, and the Philippines are highlighted as strategic areas for these operations.

The article discusses the use of 'killer satellites' by both superpowers, with the US developing 'Dark Satellite' for nuclear conflict observation. The capabilities of Soviet cosmonauts like Leonid Popow and Waleri Rjumin in using multispectral cameras for immediate analysis are noted.

Critique of Ufology and Media Reporting

A substantial part of the magazine is dedicated to criticizing the way UFO phenomena are reported by the media and handled by ufologists. The article questions the sensationalism and lack of rigorous investigation in some publications, particularly referencing a series in the German magazine BUNTE. It argues that some photos presented as UFO evidence are actually misidentified aircraft or natural phenomena, such as reflections or weather balloons. The magazine criticizes ufologists for sometimes accepting questionable evidence and for promoting 'opium dreams for the people'.

Specific examples include the debunking of a 'Hamburg UFO' photo, which was identified as a lens reflection. The article also mentions a case from Wiener Neustadt, Austria, where a reported UFO was later identified as a weather balloon. The authors express frustration with what they perceive as a lack of serious, objective research in the UFO community and the media.

UFO Sightings in Turkey

A significant section of the magazine is devoted to UFO reports from Turkey, facilitated by CENAP's Turkish collaborators Aziz Tekedereli, Necdet Pusat, and Cuma Aribal. The reports stem from a series of articles in the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, which led to a flood of inquiries and potential collaborators for CENAP.

• Several specific sightings are detailed:
• Bursa: A UFO was observed, causing excitement.
• Yalova Road: Two objects resembling flying saucers were seen moving slowly and silently, described as having green lights.
• Aksaray: A luminous flying object was observed in a zig-zag pattern at high altitude. Another sighting described a bright light, leading to comments about a returning 'saucer'. A further report near Aksaray described an object as egg-shaped or elliptical.
• Aksaray (December 16 & 21): The first observation of a flying object was made on December 16, and it was later seen by city residents and security personnel on December 21. The police commander noted the object was as large as a room.
• Havsa (Edirne): A strange celestial body was observed at low altitude, causing radio interference. It was described as turtle-like, emitting yellow and red lights, and flew towards Krupa village before disappearing. Its diameter was estimated at 5 meters.
• Edirne: A mysterious celestial body was observed for the second time.
• Multiple Locations: Within a 300-minute period, flying objects were observed in three different cities: Gümüsler (Nigde), Havsa (Edirne), and Izmir.

The reports often include descriptions of the objects' shapes (disk, egg, ellipse, sphere, turtle-like), colors (yellow, red, green, white, light green), estimated sizes, speeds, and altitudes, as well as effects like radio interference.

CENAP's Activities and Stance

The magazine highlights CENAP's efforts to conduct serious research and provide objective information. It mentions correspondence with media outlets like BUNTE and the newspaper BILD, urging them to adopt a more serious approach to UFO reporting. CENAP's representatives, including Hansjürgen Köhler and Werner Walter, are actively involved in gathering and analyzing UFO-related material.

The issue also includes a cartoon by 'Woody' titled 'Neues von Woody' (News from Woody), featuring a doctor contemplating death and the possibility of being punished for laziness in the afterlife.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO reports and media coverage, the technological aspects of surveillance during the Cold War, and the reporting of specific UFO sightings, particularly from Turkey. CENAP's editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a commitment to rigorous, evidence-based research. They aim to debunk hoaxes and misidentifications while remaining open to genuine unexplained phenomena, emphasizing the need for a discerning and analytical approach from both researchers and the public.