CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 76
Volume: 7. Jahrgang / H6
Date: June 1982
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, dated June 1982, presents a critical perspective on UFO research and media coverage, particularly focusing on the perceived sensationalism surrounding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, articulated by Werner Walter, emphasizes a commitment to serious, scientific UFO investigation, contrasting CENAP's methods with those of other organizations like GEP and MUFON-CES.

CENAP für seriöse UFO-Forschung!

Werner Walter of CENAP opens the issue by addressing the headline "GEP fürs 'Grobe' und MUFON fürs 'Feine'... (?) CENAP für seriöse UFO-Forschung!". He criticizes the classification of UFOlogists by other groups, arguing that true research requires going beyond mere rumors and legends. Walter advocates for a thorough examination of sources, grounding investigations in scientific understanding and personal experience, and a rigorous classification process. He contrasts this with what he sees as the prevalent practice of compiling "UFOlogen-verseuchte Literatur" (UFOlogist-infected literature) from various sources, often featuring science fiction writers, and mixing it with questionable 'solid-lights' and other UFO phenomena to create sensationalized reports.

CENAP's own work has primarily focused on cases within Germany (BRD) and surrounding German-speaking areas. However, the article acknowledges that UFO sightings are reported globally, including in Italy, England, France, Denmark, North and South America, China, and Russia. The author questions the reliability of such widespread reports.

The article then lists previous CENAP-REPORT articles that have dealt with UFO 'classics', including:

• Apollo 11 and UFOs (CR 2/April 1976)
• Object over Vienna, May 1, 1972 (CR 6/August 1976)
• No UFOs (Fall Alex Birch, Fall Baker-Desert, The Stone Puzzles in the Desert, Fall Ansbach) (CR 7/September 1976)
• Taormina 1954 photo (CR 8/October 1976)
• False Documents/Jorma Viita Photos (CR 9/November 1976)
• Loch Raven Dam Fall (CR 10/December 1976)
• No Hellsehers (Psychics and the UFO Business, Fraud) (CR 11/January 1977)
• UFO-Flap of late 1976 (CR 12/February 1977)
• Could the Incas fly? (CR 12/February 1977)
• A Visitor from Space on June 12, 1977 (CR 17/July 1977)
• No more UFOs (Fall Salonici, Fall Greenhaw/UFO Creature Photo, Fall Washington-Capitol Photo) (CR 16/June 1977)

Walter asserts that CENAP has often revealed the background of UFO cases that were not widely recognized, leading to persistent, unexplained UFO reports. He criticizes the "totschweige-taktik" (silencing tactic) in UFO-specific media and notes that MUFON-CES in Germany has largely ignored CENAP.

The author argues that despite CENAP publishing important information, the learning value for readers is minimal because the UFO scene operates on a principle of "WEIL MAN DARAN GLAUBEN WILL" (because one wants to believe), rendering seriousness and scientific rigor irrelevant if they contradict pre-existing beliefs. This, he states, has been the main problem in the UFO scene since 1947. CENAP, founded in 1976, has evolved significantly, and its current views may differ from its initial ideological stance.

Critiquing MUFON-CES and the Palermo Case

The article then proceeds to dissect a MUFON-CES UFO 'proof', specifically MUFON-CES Report No. 7, 1981, titled "Automatic Registration of Unknown Flying Objects, Private and Military Projects – First Analyses of Physical Effects Based on Successful Instrumental Recordings" by Adolf Schneider. On page 102, the report mentions "brightly shining objects seen by thousands of citizens in Palermo, Italy on December 12, 1978," and on page 101, it states that these were photographed by police.

Giovanni Epifanio, the Police President of Palermo, reportedly assured that police officers were instructed to photograph the phenomenon for "serious interested parties." However, CENAP notes that MUFON-CES's investigation into this case seems to have stalled, questioning why a thorough investigation wouldn't be prioritized given the phenomenon's potential significance. CENAP suggests that MUFON-CES might be more interested in reinforcing "Perry Rhodan-like theories" (referring to a popular German science fiction series).

CENAP learned about this specific case in mid-December 1978 through numerous press reports, providing a selection of headlines:

• "Italy in UFO Fever: Horrifying Beings!" (Volkszeitung, Klagenfurt, 16.12.78)
• "UFO Drama in Italy: A Being Descended" (Kleine Zeitung, Graz, 16.12.1978)
• "UFO Alarm over Sicily" (Wiener Morgen Kurier, 16.12.1978) (with a picture of a long object from page 4)
• "Italy Lives in UFO Fever" (Wiesbadener Kurier, 15.12.1978)
• "UFOs Vacationing on the Adriatic" (Darmstädter Echo, 15.12.78)

These reports coincided with a wave of public interest in UFOs worldwide, with media outlets reporting on sightings of "little green men," UFOs circling Milan Cathedral, and alleged UFO encounters across the globe. The article lists numerous sensationalized headlines from German and Austrian press during this period, questioning where in the UFO NACHRICHTEN, MUFON-CES books, or other UFO publications these cases were investigated.

Jerome Clark's article from UFO REPORT in May 1979 is cited, discussing the "Worldwide UFO Wave of '79." Clark questioned whether UFOs had returned, noting that reports were coming in from Australia, New Zealand, Kuwait, Brazil, South Africa, England, and Italy. He suggests that UFOs never truly left, but rather that media attention occasionally focuses on them.

The Palermo UFO Photographs and the "Worldwide UFO Wave of Seventy-Nine"

Page 6 features a police photograph from Palermo, Sicily, dated December 14, 1978, described as a UFO sighted over Palermo on December 13th and 14th. A police patrol reported the UFO traveled north-south and had a glow of varying intensity. This image is presented alongside an article by Jerome Clark titled "THE WORLDWIDE UFO WAVE OF SEVENTY-NINE."

Clark's article, translated from its original text, discusses the widespread interest in UFOs and the resulting media coverage. He notes that the most publicized report came from New Zealand concerning a controversial film that might have depicted the planet Venus. The article mentions that Philip J. Klass, a prominent UFO "skeptic," suggested the photographed object was a celestial body like Venus, and that radar echoes might be "Radar Angels." Dr. J. Allen Hynek of CUFOS is quoted stating that the New Zealand film was "one of the best UFO films I have ever seen," but cautioned that "night lights and lights in the night sky can be seen under various circumstances."

Allen Hendry, CUFOS Chief Investigator, is quoted saying that Jupiter has been mistaken for Venus. He and Hynek spoke with Mac Stuart, host of an Australian TV show, who mentioned that reporters had been pursuing them. This period saw a surge in UFO sightings and reports globally. The article mentions the Valentich case as remaining unexplained, with rumors of the pilot faking his disappearance.

Developments in Italy are also highlighted. The issue mentions fascinating photos from a bank employee in Palermo and the police in another southern Italian city. The UFI (presumably an Italian UFO organization) reportedly observed an object at midnight on December 12, 1978. Nino Raffagnino, a cashier, photographed it with a 1000mm camera. One photo showed a disk of light with a hole in the middle. Other residents of Palermo also reported sightings, and the police took their own photos. One police photo, published worldwide (page 6), shows a fast-moving, cigar-shaped object. On the early morning of December 17, patients and doctors in a Bari hospital witnessed a large, glowing object flying quietly along the Adriatic coast. Another sighting occurred over Rome on December 14, 1978, described as an "enormous beam of green light."

On December 30, the same day a New Zealand film was shot, a UFO reportedly hovered over a military base near New Zealand, leaving the ground "scorched." This information was reportedly confirmed by Italian UFOlogist Robert Pinotti to Dr. Hynek. The Palermo photo from December 14, 1978, was described by a police patrol as one of many sightings in Italy, moving north-south with a variable glow.

Italian Newspaper Excerpts

The issue includes newspaper clippings under the heading "CRONACHE ITALIANE" (Italian Chronicles).

One headline reads: "TUTTA L'ITALIA COL NASO ALL'INSU" (All of Italy with its nose in the air), stating that Bolognese ufologists lament the lack of official position from authorities and the scientific community's disinterest, despite public fascination.

Another article, "Gli «UFO» continuano a girare nei nostri cieli" (The "UFOs" continue to circle in our skies), reports that authorities have not taken a stance, and the scientific community is disinterested, while public opinion is attracted to the phenomenon. It mentions that UFO reports from central and northern Italy are becoming less folkloric and more research-oriented.

A section titled "Anche un UFO nel mirino dei CC" (Even a UFO in the crosshairs of the CC - Carabinieri) describes an incident on the night between Sunday and Monday when a UFO appeared over the city. It was officially recorded by the Carabinieri, who took a photograph of the object (Unidentified Flying Object), described as a globe emitting a reddish glow in the dark. Similar objects were reported in Bagheria, Termini Imerese, and Petralia, across the province. The article questions whether these were flying saucers, Martians, or simply a physical phenomenon, noting that official science can only explain about five percent of such cases.

A smaller article, "Per un UFO «impazzisce»" (Goes "crazy" for a UFO), discusses a power plant ("una centrale elettrica") that reportedly "went crazy" ("impazzisce") due to an "incidence" with a UFO. It mentions that the plant had been functioning normally for years and that the incident occurred during a period of intense UFO activity in the region.

CENAP's Re-evaluation of the Palermo UFO Photo

Finally, a note on page 11 states: "The UFO from Palermo, according to MUFON-CES and DUIST, in an original print obtained from CENAP: the waning moon photographed blurred and visible through clouds."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP-REPORT strongly advocates for a scientific, evidence-based approach to UFO research, contrasting it with what the publication views as sensationalism, belief-driven speculation, and a lack of rigorous investigation in much of the UFO literature and by other organizations. The editorial stance is critical of media hype and emphasizes the need for careful analysis and verification of reports, even when dealing with widely publicized cases like the Palermo sightings. The publication positions itself as a purveyor of serious, critical UFO investigation, aiming to demystify phenomena that often remain unexplained due to a lack of proper scientific scrutiny.

This issue of 'the apro bulletin' from 1982, Volume 29, Issue 12, focuses on UFO investigations and reports. It includes a detailed report on the 'Messel Case' in Germany, drawing from a previous CENAP report, and an extensive article on UFO sightings in Aksaray, Turkey, translated from 'The Turkish Daily News'. The bulletin also features a short report on a Soviet satellite falling to Earth over Australia, which was linked to UFO sightings, and an update on APRO's activities and personnel.

CENAP Vor-Ort-Recherchen: Fall Messel

The issue begins with a report on the 'Messel Case', a follow-up to a previous investigation. The cover prominently features headlines from German newspapers like 'Bild' and 'Darmstadt im UFO-Fieber!', indicating significant public attention to UFO sightings. It mentions that 8 police officers saw 5 green discs and that there were 5 green under-observations. The report highlights 'Unheimliche Ufos über Hessen' (Unheimliche UFOs over Hessen), detailing yellow-green flashes, police radio interference, and static on loudspeakers. The location of the Gustafson family's residence is shown in relation to the 'Grube Messel' (Messel Pit) and a business park.

Photographs show the Gustafson family filling out CENAP questionnaires and describing the sighting to CENAP investigators. Another photo shows the CENAP investigation team arriving at the police station in Arheilgen, Hessen, and a police officer pointing out the observation location on a map.

UFOs in der Türkei

This section details UFO sightings in Aksaray, Turkey, based on reports from 'The Turkish Daily News'. The phenomenon began around December 15, 1981, with many residents looking to the sky for strange objects. The nature of these objects sparked debate, with scientists attempting to study the phenomenon. Some reports suggested the objects were meteorites or malfunctioning satellites, but the public was described as being under a 'psychological influence' that led them to see UFOs in brighter stars. The article notes that the term 'UFO' is used for lack of a better description.

Witnesses described seeing bright, green-flamed objects shaped like flat saucers, emitting light like an umbrella. One witness, Aytekin Demir, described an object as 'somehow larger than a star, of red color and very bright.' Professor Dr. Cemal Aydin suggested that the sightings might be of a non-alien spacecraft entering the atmosphere and 'vaporizing.' However, the article also discusses the possibility of misidentification of celestial bodies like Venus and Sirius, which appear in the sky at certain times and can be mistaken for UFOs due to atmospheric conditions.

Mehmet Surucu took three Polaroid photos of an object and described its changing shape. His father, Duran Surucu, described the object as 'rotating.' The article mentions that these sightings are not confined to Aksaray, with similar objects seen in Edirne, Izmir, and Adana. The report is summarized from 'The Turkish Daily News' dated January 27, 1982.

Kurz gemeldet: Russen-Satellit stürzte ab!

This short report links UFO sightings over northwestern Australia on August 23, 1981, to the re-entry of a Soviet satellite. The American 'UFO JOURNAL' reported that a Soviet satellite falling to Earth was the most likely explanation for these sightings. Police in several Australian towns reported sightings of a 'greenish-white' object. Air traffic controllers confirmed the sighting, and astronomer Mike Candy suggested it was likely the Soviet satellite 'Cosmos 434', launched in 1971. The report notes that the Soviet Union claimed the satellite was an 'experimental moon observer,' raising questions about their capabilities.

CENAP is also working on other cases, including the Oskar Linke case from the 1950s, sightings in Hessdalen, Norway, and a sighting by VASP-Airliners over Brazil.

CENAP Activities and Publications

This section details CENAP's ongoing activities and publications. They are publishing reports from the CENAP local group in Heilbronn and have had meetings with the CENAP OGH. The bulletin mentions an article in 'STERN' magazine that highlighted the problem of sensational UFO reporting. CENAP has also engaged a lawyer in the 'Eisenburger case' after threats of legal action. The 19th annual National UFO Conference in the USA is mentioned, with Gray Barker as a main speaker. CENAP is also reviewing the Condon Report, with a translation of the 'Summary of the Condon Report' available. They note that many Condon findings align with CENAP's independent discoveries.

APRO's 31st Year!

This section introduces Mr. K. Gosta Rehn, APRO's Swedish Representative, who is retiring due to failing eyesight. APRO, founded in 1952, is described as the world's first civilian UFO research group. The article lists the current Tucson staff of APRO, including Robert Marsland, Madeleine Cooper, and others. Mr. Rehn, who joined APRO in 1957, is credited with providing many cases and writing three books on UFOs. He is described as a hard-working and observant individual with extensive experience in UFO matters. Despite his retirement, APRO hopes he will continue to receive the bulletin.

CENAP's view is that APRO has collected significant historical cases and effective researchers, but a balance of pro and contra arguments is still missing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the role of media in sensationalism versus factual reporting, and the scientific attempts to explain these phenomena, often by identifying them as known celestial bodies or man-made objects like satellites. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation, seeking to present factual accounts while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unexplained. There is a clear emphasis on documenting witness testimonies and the challenges of distinguishing between genuine sightings and misidentifications or hoaxes. The bulletin also highlights the international scope of UFO research, with reports from Germany, Turkey, and Australia, and mentions the activities of various UFO research organizations.