CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 78
Volume: 7. Jahrgang
Date: August 1982
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

Main Investigation: UFO over Weissenstadt?

The central article of this issue investigates a UFO/UAP sighting that allegedly occurred near Weissenstadt in the Fichtelgebirge region of Germany in July 1965 or 1966. The investigation was conducted by Jochen Ickinger, Roland Gehardt, and W. Friedrich, with Jochen Ickinger authoring the report. The primary witness was Dieter Hager, a 28-year-old driver, along with approximately three other unnamed witnesses. The incident took place in the afternoon, around 15:00.

According to the report, the event occurred 16-17 years prior to the investigation, when Hager, then 11-12 years old, was playing with friends on a field near Weissenstadt. They noticed a "spherical object" (kugelförmiges Ding) appearing above the Rudolfstein. The object was described as emitting a strong, bright orange light. At the time of initial observation, the distance was estimated between 5 and 8 km, with an altitude of 40-45 degrees. The object then descended, approached the witnesses, and executed a 90-degree curve. At its closest point, the distance was estimated to be no more than 500 meters, with an altitude of about 15 degrees. Its size, when viewed with an outstretched arm, was compared to a "soccer ball." Subsequently, the object moved away in the direction of Waldstein, gaining altitude. The most puzzling aspect for the witness was the object's sudden disappearance, described as "like switching off a light." Hager reported no sounds or smells, and the object flew with constant speed and brightness, leaving a tail behind. No physical residues or traces were found. The entire sighting lasted approximately 30 seconds.

The witness could not explain the phenomenon and repeatedly affirmed its reality. The investigation involved multiple interviews with Hager, with his account recorded on tape. No contradictions were found during these interrogations. Due to the significant distance, a direct field investigation was not feasible, and the other witnesses could not be located or contacted. The investigation was therefore primarily a "desk study."

Psychological aspects were considered, particularly the long time elapsed since the sighting and the witness's age at the time. The report acknowledges the possibility that parts of the sighting might have been unconsciously exaggerated or altered, or that important details might have been forgotten. While a daylight meteor was suggested as a possible explanation, the investigators doubted this, noting that seeing a meteor during the day requires it to be relatively close, and no meteor incidents were known in the area at that time. The duration of the sighting and the object's flight path were also considered in relation to a meteor theory.

Several alternative explanations were considered and dismissed: Kugelblitz (ball lightning), electrical emission, conventional terrestrial or astronomical objects, and outright fabrication (Schwindel). The report concludes that, while not definitive, a UFO/UAP phenomenon could have been involved, and the case is classified as "unidentifiable" (nicht identifizierbar) with the witness agreeing with this assessment.

Jochen Ickinger, in a concluding remark, revisits the daylight meteor theory, suggesting that a flat trajectory into the atmosphere could allow for a long observation time. He also points out that perspective, increased brightness due to atmospheric friction, and the child's imagination could create the illusion of approach. The report includes a sketch illustrating how depth and breadth dimensions could be perceived, leading to the illusion of a curved path. The three points in the sketch represent the meteor's appearance, its entry into denser atmosphere causing increased brightness and apparent descent, and its final burnout.

Ickinger emphasizes that the daylight meteor explanation is plausible and worth considering. He notes that the apparent movement and the illusion of approach can be explained by the object's trajectory and atmospheric effects. He also addresses the witness's statement, acknowledging that such phenomena are unusual even for professionals and can cause genuine astonishment. He cautions Dieter Hager against misinterpreting natural phenomena, citing the example of Venus being mistaken for something else by former President Carter.

Critique of MYSTERIA Magazine and the Alexander Kieland Disaster

Werner Walter of CENAP-Mannheim contributes a section that critically examines the UFO publication "MYSTERIA." Walter describes MYSTERIA as a "journal for UFO research and pre-astronautics" that offers a wide range of sensational topics, including MIBs, Atlantis, and ancient astronaut theories. He criticizes the magazine for its speculative nature and lack of grounding in reality, suggesting it appeals to a desire for adventure and mystery.

Walter specifically focuses on an article in MYSTERIA Nr. 10/80 titled "THE CATASTROPHE OF THE OIL RIG ALEXANDER KIELAND," which questioned whether an "Unknown Submerged Object (USO)" was responsible for the rig's capsizing on March 27, 1980, in the North Sea. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 123 oil workers. Walter strongly refutes the USO theory, stating that the accident was caused by material fatigue. He explains that a crack in a crossbeam of the platform, which was present from the time of its construction in France, led to the structural failure. The crack, initially unnoticed, worsened over time, and a second crack further weakened the structure. When the crossbeam finally gave way, one of the main support pillars (Stütze D) failed, causing the rig to topple under the force of the waves.

Walter criticizes MYSTERIA for sensationalizing the tragedy and promoting a "fantasy-opium" for its readers, comparing it to tabloids like BILD and the National Enquirer. He argues that the magazine's approach is politically naive, as it attributes any unidentified object in the water to a non-terrestrial origin, ignoring mundane explanations and potential geopolitical factors. He quotes Bertrand Russell: "Some people would rather die than think. And they do."

Walter concludes that the MYSTERIA article's premise of a USO being responsible for the Alexander Kieland disaster is pure fantasy, and that the real cause was a documented engineering failure.

Guest Article: Bigfoot and UFOs

James W. Moseley, a well-known UFO expert, contributes a guest article titled "Don't Turn Around, Bigfoot is Walking!" (Dreh Dich nicht um, der Bigfoot geht um!). The article is based on Moseley's recent investigations in Ohio into "spooky incidents," including Bigfoot sightings and a "ghostly balloon." The article is presented as a "half-serious" report. Moseley describes his fieldwork from July 11-18, 1981, where he investigated phenomena in the field. The article is a reprint from other publications, with Moseley granting permission for its inclusion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP-REPORT consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO and UAP phenomena. While it investigates reported sightings and cases, it prioritizes rigorous analysis and seeks conventional explanations where possible, as demonstrated by the detailed breakdown of the Weissenstadt sighting and the debunking of the USO theory for the Alexander Kieland disaster. The magazine appears to be critical of sensationalist UFO journalism, particularly when it deviates from factual reporting and promotes unsubstantiated theories. The inclusion of a guest article on Bigfoot alongside UFO investigations suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena, but the editorial stance leans towards rational inquiry and evidence-based conclusions. The publication also serves as a platform for CENAP's own research network and activities, including the promotion of CENAP merchandise.

This issue of UFO JOURNAL, dated October 1981 (Issue No. 38), is primarily written in German and focuses on paranormal phenomena, with a significant portion dedicated to Bigfoot sightings and encounters, alongside UFO reports. The magazine appears to be a publication from Germany, given the language and references to German locations.

Bigfoot Sightings in Ohio

The main article details numerous Bigfoot sightings in the area west of West Jefferson, Ohio, centered around the family and friends of Mrs. Betty Powell. Betty Powell, along with her children and friends, has reportedly spent considerable time observing and documenting these phenomena. Her husband, Grover Powell Senior, is noted as being less interested in the subject. The Powells live in a relatively isolated community about 20 miles from Columbus. The article suggests that Betty Powell's activities have become the focal point of these Bigfoot observations.

Betty Powell began actively watching for Bigfoot after hearing strange noises and having her trash cans overturned. She would wait on a screened porch, observing the area where food was left out. Her routine was interrupted by a visit to Kentucky. The author of this section contacted the Powells based on a tip from Bigfootologist Jon Beckjord, who had previously spent eight nights at the Powell home. The article draws a connection between Bigfoot and UFOs, mentioning the nearby Battelle Institute, the eruption of Mount St. Helens, and the concept of the fourth dimension as it relates to Bigfoot's ability to appear and disappear.

An example of an unexplained event involved Greg Esters and his wife, who heard a noise in the bushes while near a creek. Greg followed the sound and found flattened grass and trees, as if a large creature had run through the area, though no animal was seen. The Big Darby Creek is mentioned as being about 75 yards from the nearest house.

The article notes that most Bigfoot sightings occur on private roads or roads leading into the woods across the creek, and that the creature seems to approach houses only under the cover of night. Doubts are raised about some sightings, attributing them to an overactive imagination or a desire to believe. A Bigfoot-Freiluftparty (Bigfoot open-air party) on the evening of July 17th is mentioned, where some ladies attempted to show the author Bigfoot in the nearby woods, but it remained unseen by them.

Linda, another witness, reported hearing frightening noises from her children's playroom window and found the window ajar. She believes Bigfoot tried to enter her home. Linda has since become a "Bigfoot-Kontaktler" (Bigfoot contactee) and claims to no longer be afraid, attempting to communicate with the creature.

Jay Walton, a 20-year-old friend of the Powell family, reported a close sighting of Bigfoot late in June. He described the creature as 10-12 feet tall with a bluish face, thin lips, a wide nose, and ghostly eyes. It stood for about two minutes, but Walton was too scared to take a photo.

Indirect evidence for Bigfoot's existence cited includes large footprints, broken branches, dead trees (though these could be due to disease), a possible physical trace sample, and mysterious disappearances of pets.

The author, Werner Walter, spent two nights with Betty Powell, hearing various noises, including a bird call at 2 AM, splashing in the creek, and rustling in the bushes, suggesting a large animal.

Betty Powell is now reportedly equipped with a good film camera and an infrared scanner for night observations, aiming to film Bigfoot. She is described as a fearless woman who spends her nights observing from a 50-foot high control tower near a railway bridge.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The article concludes by mentioning two celestial objects observed near the Powell home. On July 17th, around 2 AM, Betty Powell and her son Grover Jr. saw over 10 lights resembling headlights, attached to a 30-foot object that descended silently into a creek. The lights were visible for about five minutes before going out.

On July 18th, a hot air balloon descended very low, nearly crashing into the Powell home. Three men were on board, two of whom were dressed in business attire. One of the men responded with a cool, firm accent, suggesting they were not from the local region.

The article questions the nature of Bigfoot, suggesting it might be 3D, 3.5D, or 0D, and questions how such a large creature could find enough to eat in the woods if it lived there 24 hours a day. The author concludes that it's unlikely such a large creature could remain undetected.

Letter to the Editor and CENAP's Perspective

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a letter from Werner Walter of CENAP (Community for the Investigation of Unknown Phenomena) to Hans-Ulrich Hoffmeister, editor of the Frankfurter ABENDPOST/Nachtausgabe. Walter criticizes the newspaper's new series on UFOs, "UFO-Gibt's die Dinger wirklich? Augenzeugen packen aus!" (UFOs - Do They Really Exist? Eyewitnesses Speak Out!).

Walter argues that the series, particularly its title, is merely a journalistic gimmick that keeps the topic at the 1947 level of understanding. He contends that "flying saucers" are purely a product of imagination and that no such phenomena exist. However, he acknowledges that a UFO phenomenon does exist, driven by societal discussion and reporting.

CENAP, a German UFO research group, has been investigating UFO phenomena since 1973, largely unnoticed by the public. Walter claims CENAP is the most effective UFO research group in the German-speaking world.

He refutes the claims surrounding astronaut Gordon Cooper and alleged suppressed NASA UFO footage. Walter states that NASA keeps nothing secret and that films of NASA "UFOs" are readily available. He provides five slides from an official NASA film, showing what he identifies as lens flare reflections, not alien craft. He dismisses rumors of censorship as unfounded.

Walter criticizes the newspaper for using sensationalist stories and for omitting identifications of phenomena, such as a UFO sighting in Darmstadt that CENAP identified as a constellation. He offers to send a 24-page investigation report on the Darmstadt phenomenon.

Walter also mentions a UFO sighting near the Powell home, which he claims was a 'VW-Käfer-Autoreifen' (VW Beetle hubcap) thrown into the air, and a night photo of the same object. He asserts that these are not manipulated films but simply photos of hubcaps.

Walter invites Hoffmeister for a personal discussion.

CENAP Announcements

Following Walter's letter, there is a CENAP annotation dated July 27, 1982, stating that Hoffmeister has not responded, implying a lack of interest in solid reporting. The annotation also mentions a series by Michael Hesemann about alleged CIA UFO cover-ups and a report in "Huters Neue Weltschau" by Klaus Webster questioning UFOs as mere fantasies.

CENAP Nachrichten (News) reports that Hansjürgen Köhler is traveling to Norway for research, with a more detailed documentation to follow. A major CENAP publication, "PROJECT UFO," is also announced.

GEP - Community for the Investigation of Unknown Phenomena

The final pages contain information about GEP (Gemeinschaft zur Erforschung unbekannter Phänomene), a German organization for the study of unknown phenomena. They apologize for the late appearance of their issue due to printing delays.

An announcement for their annual general meeting (Mitgliederversammlung) on September 26, 1982, in Lüdenscheid is included. The meeting is divided into a members' session from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a public session from 11:00 AM onwards for discussions and short presentations. Non-members are welcome, and a small contribution of approximately DM 5 is expected. Attendees are asked to submit suggestions for topics and presentations.

Contact information for GEP is provided, including a postal address in Lüdenscheid. A form is included for members to indicate their interest in attending, their preferred mode of travel (train/bus or car), and their accommodation preferences (youth hostel, lower price range up to DM 35, or mid-price range up to DM 50).

Film Advertisements

The issue also includes advertisements for Steven Spielberg films: "JAWS," "CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND," "RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK," and "E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL." These advertisements are presented in a typical movie poster format.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Bigfoot sightings and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, particularly from CENAP, appears to be one of critical investigation, aiming to debunk sensationalism and provide rational explanations for reported events, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. The GEP section indicates a community-oriented approach to researching unknown phenomena, encouraging member participation and discussion.