CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr.77
Volume: 7.Jahrgang/H7
Date: July 1982
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

UFOs über AUSTRIA ? - A Problematic Investigation

The lead article, "UFOs über AUSTRIA ? UFO-Forschung in AUSTRIA ein Problem !", addresses the difficulties in conducting realistic UFO research in Austria. Despite numerous reported UFO incidents, the authors lament the lack of proper investigation reports from the country. They criticize the "Wissenschaftliche-Arbeitsgemeinschaft für UFO-Forschung & Paraphysik" for not living up to its name, suggesting its publications in "Neuer Kosmos" are speculative rather than scientific, mentioning topics like "Herren in Schwarz, Helgoland war Atlantis, Ihr Computer-Biorhythmus, Könnten Mumien geweckt werden, Die Schlangensteine im Lichte der Mystik," and even reports by Peter Krassa. The article contrasts this with the activities of "Interkosmos," which organized a congress on "Horizonte des Wissens."

The focus then shifts to a specific case: an incident on November 8, 1981, over Reutte/Ehenbichl, Austria. The CENAP team was alerted to this case in late November 1981 via a newspaper clipping from "Ausserferner Nachrichten." They contacted the local newspaper for witness details and received a response on April 2, 1981, from Werner Rex, the local editor, who provided the necessary information. The witnesses, a couple, reported seeing a red, glowing object approaching their house around 18:00 on November 8, 1981. They initially mistook it for a burning airplane but realized it was something else due to its steady light and lack of falling debris. The object hovered directly above them, and they perceived "thruster or jets" emitting alternating red and yellow light, with the brightest light in the center.

The object was described as round with a diameter of about one meter and a blinking yellow light in the center. It flew slowly and then appeared to ascend, becoming smaller until it was no longer visible. The witnesses were unable to take photos as they had no film, but they did have a telescope. The object's flight path was mapped, showing it moving from the direction of Füssen towards the southeast.

Subsequent analysis of witness questionnaires and drawings led CENAP to identify the object as a hot air balloon. The drawings showed a resemblance to the typical form and design of balloons, and the perceived "thrusters or jets" were interpreted as the burner flame, which causes the typical color changes of the balloon envelope and the intense light in the center. The report includes a manufacturer's drawing of a balloon and a CENAP comparison test photo of a hot air balloon, highlighting the visual similarities.

Documented Cases and Investigations

The report lists 11 cases investigated by CENAP in Austria between 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1982, with some being identified as conventional phenomena:

• 6.01.1979 Frohnleiten = Fireball
• 9.01.1979 Graz = Flying object
• 9.01.1979 Salzburg = Venus - Hysteria after foreign broadcasts
• 13.01.1979 Gmünd/Schrems = Unidentified object near border, possibly due to air traffic control interference
• 18.01.1979 Bad Aussee = Balloon
• 3.12.1979 Fireball from meteorological surveillance
• 24.10.1980 Salzburg = Flying object
• 8.11.1981 Ehenbichl = Balloon
• 13.02.1982 Wien = Venus / "further moving silver sphere"

Additional research in Austria is ongoing, with further reports from 1979, 1980, and 1982 mentioned, including cases from Haitzendorf, Linz, and Seitenstetten. The report also notes that previous CENAP CR-editions might contain more information.

Frohnau: Police Search for UFO in Swimming Pool

Another significant section details an incident in Frohnau, Berlin, on December 30, 1981. The report, sourced from "BILD-Berlin," describes a police investigation at the Stapelfeldt residence. Police divers and investigators were called to a frozen private swimming pool where a large, circular hole had been melted through the ice. Doris Stapelfeldt, the homeowner, reported that the ice had melted overnight, and there were no footprints, suggesting something had come from the air. She speculated it could have been a "hot metal or stone."

The police initially considered a burning object, possibly from a nearby French military exercise. A police diver searched the pool but found nothing. The hole was discovered the next day. The BILD reporter and photographer were present. The melted area was described as black, with a greenish color around it. A water sample was taken and analyzed, revealing a slightly elevated magnesium content of 13%.

CENAP investigators Werner Walter and Mario Gebauer analyzed the Frohnau incident, considering it alongside a meteor observed over Celle on October 2, 1981, and a Russian weather balloon. Mario Gebauer's report details his investigation. He contacted Peter H. Rondholz, a press photographer, without success. He then contacted Frau Stapelfeldt directly. She provided color photos of the site, which were enlarged to black and white. These photos showed a square entry hole with a funnel-shaped blowout at the back, consistent with a thick glass pane being shot through.

Based on the evidence, including the hole's appearance and the estimated speed of the object (at least 30 km/s, possibly up to 70 km/s), the investigators concluded that it was likely a meteorite. They theorized that a magnesium-rich meteorite, upon entering the atmosphere, would ignite due to friction (with a combustion temperature of about 500°C). The object, with a diameter of about 15 cm and weighing at least 20 grams, would have melted the ice and released hydrogen, causing a burning effect. The resulting residue would be magnesium oxide, a white powder. The difficulty in detecting it might be due to it being a faint meteor or "shooting star." Subsequent radiation testing yielded no results, as magnesium is not radioactive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP-REPORT consistently focuses on detailed investigations of alleged UFO sightings and related phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, scientific inquiry, aiming to identify conventional explanations for sightings whenever possible, as demonstrated by the classification of the Austrian case as a balloon and the exploration of the Berlin incident as a meteorite. The magazine emphasizes the importance of collecting witness testimony, photographic evidence, and conducting comparative analyses. There is a clear effort to distinguish between speculative theories and evidence-based conclusions, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding some unexplained events.

This issue of CENAP, dated June 1982, is a German-language publication focused on the investigation of unusual phenomena, particularly UFOs. The magazine features a mix of reported sightings, scientific analysis, and commentary on the UFO research community.

Key Articles and Reports

Swimming Pool Anomaly

The issue details an incident that occurred on December 24, 1981. The author discovered an unusual melted area on a completely frozen swimming pool, despite temperatures of -10°C. The anomaly measured approximately 3-4.5 meters and had a greenish-yellow coloration. In the center of this area was a black-rimmed hole, 15-20 cm in diameter and 20 cm deep, corresponding to the thickness of the ice. The rest of the ice surface was covered in untouched snow, and the surrounding area showed no signs of footprints or other disturbances. The author reported this to the police on December 29, 1981, with further details appearing in the Bild-Zeitung on December 30.

Approximately four weeks later, the author contacted the environmental protection agency's radiation measurement unit. A water sample from the site was tested for radioactivity, but no unusual findings were reported. The sample was also forwarded to the 'Wassergütelabor' (Water Quality Laboratory) in Invalidenstraße 60, Berlin 21, where a magnesium content of 13% was determined. The author's son, Jens, photographed the 'UFO landing spot,' and a Frau Stapelfeld suggested it might be a meteorite or satellite debris. On April 2, 1982, Werner Walter of CENAP contacted the 'Wassergütelabor' for more details, but had not yet received a response.

'Flying Carpet' UFO Sighting

Several articles discuss a widely reported UFO sighting on Saturday, June 12, 1982, which caused a stir in the Mühlacker area. Initially, the object was described as a 'flying carpet' and a 'silvery shining UFO' that moved silently across the German sky. Thousands reportedly saw it, leading to numerous calls to the police and alerts at airports. Initially, authorities were skeptical, but the object was eventually sighted by a police patrol car. Reports from pilots and the military indicated an object moving east at speeds of around 140 km/h at altitudes of 18,000 meters, later descending to 1000 meters over Nuremberg. The object was described as having a large diameter and a shape resembling a ship's hull. The Bundeswehr scrambled fighter jets to intercept it. The 'Mühlacker Tagblatt' and 'Stuttgarter Nachrichten' later reported that the object was identified as the envelope of a detached balloon, likely from France. The CENAP-Anmerkung suggests that the initial interpretation of a magnesium-activated flare or light source from conventional or private production might explain the 'Berlin-UFO' incident, especially given its proximity to New Year's Eve. The article highlights BILD-Zeitung's role in reporting UFO sightings.

Prince Philip and Whales

A brief report mentions that Prince Philip, husband of the British Queen, expressed concern that the whale population in the South Atlantic might be reduced due to the Falklands conflict. He feared that whales could be mistaken for submarines, leading to their accidental destruction. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson later clarified that only one whale had been killed by the British fleet, having been 'run over'.

19th Annual UFO Conference (Parma, Ohio)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 19th Annual UFO Conference held on May 29, 1982, in Parma, Ohio. The conference was organized primarily by the United Aerial Phenomena Agency (UAPA). The event featured two sessions with various speakers and topics:

• Afternoon Session (13:00-16:00):
• "A Short History of the National UFO Conference" by James W. Moseley.
• "UFOs - A German Perspective" by Werner Walter (CENAP).
• "Bigfoot in Ohio" and "A New Contactee Case" by James W. Moseley.
• "UFO Substructures" by Thomas Benson.
• "UAPA's UFO Computer Report: 1981" by Allan J. Manak.
• "The Spiritual Aspect of UFOs" by Lawrence Blazey.
• "Animal Mutilations and UFOs" by Robert Goerman.

• Evening Session (19:00-23:00):
• Introduction: "A Short History of the National UFO Conference" by James W. Moseley.
• "The World's Largest UFO Slide Show" by Thomas Benson (CENAP provided material).
• "Bigfoot Creatures and UFOs" by Jon Beckjord.
• Gray Barker presented on "The UFO Abduction Syndrome."

CENAP expresses hope to report more on UAPA in the future, acknowledging the valuable information and insights provided by the organization.

UFO, A German Perspective (Werner Walter)

Werner Walter, a UAPA advisor from West Germany, presents CENAP's perspective on UFO research. Since 1947, UFOs have been a global phenomenon, and for nearly 35 years, they have remained a mystery. CENAP, founded in 1976, has analyzed over 200 reports and found that only about 4% remain 'unsolved phenomena.' Walter asserts that 'flying saucers from another star' are not among these. He suggests that CE III cases (close encounters) are attributable to psychological issues and are more a phenomenon for psychiatrists than parapsychologists. CENAP proposes a new term, "Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena" (UAP), to better classify these mysterious occurrences. The organization believes this marks a new era in UFO investigation, with a global trend towards revitalizing research groups and moving away from the 'flying saucer' belief system. CENAP explicitly states that groups like the 'George Adamski Foundation' and 'OFFICIAL UFO' actively prevent the public from seriously engaging with the phenomenon.

Walter criticizes other UFO research groups like ICUFON (USA), DUIST (Germany), and IGAP (Denmark) as "blockade groups" that sell unrealistic dreams to their fans without scientific rigor. He argues that individuals like Fred Steckling, Colman VonKevizky, Charles Berlitz, William Moore, and Dan Fry have blocked scientific UFO research by promoting unsubstantiated claims of alien spacecraft and solar planets, which contradict current scientific understanding. Walter emphasizes that there is no life in our solar system and no bases for fictional extraterrestrial intelligences. He urges UFO researchers to be skeptical of reports involving encounters with beings from other planets and to refer such individuals to psychiatric evaluation. He also critiques the use of hypnosis in investigations and the manipulation of photographic evidence by organizations like Ground Saucer Watch.

Walter questions the secrecy surrounding projects like Project Blue Book, stating that the archives were actually publicly accessible, creating an artificial mystery to entertain readers. He believes this has damaged serious UFO research. He argues that the focus should be on objective investigation rather than sensational stories. He notes that in Europe, there are signs of a self-cleaning process within the UFO community, with organizations like 'The Probe-Report' in England and the 'Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes' (AESV) in Switzerland and France working towards a more scientific approach. He mentions the renaming of the journal LE EXTRATERRESTRE to HYPOTHESE LE EXTRATERRESTRE and the increasing questioning of the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs. He also highlights the 'Skandinavisk UFO-Information' in Denmark, with 4000 members, which has challenged the 'flying saucer' paradigm.

Walter concludes by advocating for a more rigorous and detailed investigation of UFO cases, moving beyond mere newspaper reports. He encourages engagement with UFO skeptics to understand their perspectives and stresses the importance of English as the international language for information dissemination. He also calls for a higher identification rate of reported phenomena, suggesting that a realistic rate of 5% of truly unexplained cases is acceptable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is one of critical investigation and a move towards a more scientific and less sensationalist approach to UFO research. CENAP advocates for rigorous analysis, the reclassification of unexplained phenomena as UAP, and a rejection of unsubstantiated claims of alien spacecraft. The publication aims to encourage critical thinking and provide readers with the tools to analyze UFO reports objectively, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misinterpretations or hoaxes. There is a clear emphasis on differentiating between 'UFOlogists' (those who believe in aliens) and 'UFO investigators' (those who apply scientific methods).

Notable Quotes

• "Wir gingen alle den falschen Weg, es gibt keine außerirdischen Geheimnisse!" (We all went the wrong way, there are no extraterrestrial secrets!)
• "BILD ist ja noch die einzige Zeitung, die ernsthaft über UFOs zu berichten wagt!" (BILD is still the only newspaper that dares to report seriously about UFOs!)

FAQ

• Q: What was the anomaly found on the swimming pool? A: An unusual melted area, approximately 3-4.5 meters, with a greenish-yellow hue and a black-rimmed hole in the center, was discovered on a frozen swimming pool.
• Q: What was the outcome of the investigation into the swimming pool anomaly? A: A water sample was tested for radioactivity with no anomalies found. A further test revealed a 13% magnesium content.
• Q: What is CENAP's stance on UFO research? A: CENAP advocates for a critical approach, distinguishing between UFOlogists who believe in alien spacecraft and UFO investigators who analyze sightings based on scientific knowledge and evidence, proposing the term 'Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena' (UAP) for unexplained cases.
• Q: What was the main topic of the 19th Annual UFO Conference? A: The conference focused on UFO research, with presentations on various aspects of the phenomenon, including a critical analysis of 'flying saucer' beliefs and the proposal of new classification terms like UAP.
• Q: How does CENAP suggest improving UFO research? A: CENAP suggests relying less on newspaper reports, engaging with skeptics, using English as the primary language for information, and focusing on identifying phenomena rather than proving alien origins.