CENAP Report - No 080

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP - REPORT
Issue: Nr. 80
Volume: 7.Jahrgang/H10
Date: October 1982
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

Main Article: UFO-AIRLINER "CHASE" IN BRAZIL

This section details a significant UFO sighting that occurred on February 8, 1982, involving a VASP (Boeing 727) flight (Flight 169) from Fortaleza to Sao Paulo, Brazil. Between 3:11 AM and 4:33 AM, the pilot, Captain Britto, along with the crew and many passengers, observed a brilliant, white UFO. The weather conditions were excellent, with unlimited visibility and no turbulence. The object was seen alongside the planet Venus and other celestial bodies.

The UFO was described as a brilliant, white light with projections extending outwards, resembling wings. These projections became clearer as the object approached the aircraft. The closest observation point was near Belo Horizonte, with the object estimated to be about 70 km away at that time. The object maintained its course to the left of the aircraft (eastward) as the VASP flew towards Belo Horizonte (heading 220°). Near Belo Horizonte, Captain Britto altered the course to 196° towards Pirair, and then to 145°, which the aircraft maintained until landing in Rio de Janeiro. The article includes sketches by Britto illustrating the UFO's approach.

The projections were not identified as physical bulges or flashes of light but contributed to the impression of a solid, well-defined object. The report relies on the detailed sketches provided by the main witness, Commander Gerson Maciel Britto.

Witnesses:

Besides Captain Britto, 1st Officer Carlos Alberto Goes observed the object through the cockpit windows. Flight Engineer Francisco Cezarino confirmed the object's presence, though he was occupied with his instruments. Commander Britto alerted passengers via the intercom system, and many were able to observe the object.

Further Observations and Explanations:

Some faint clouds were encountered between Belo Horizonte and Rio, during which the object's luminosity decreased and it was partially obscured by haze. An initial press explanation that the object was Venus was deemed doubtful. Rogerio Ronaldo Mauro, director of the National Observatory in Rio, attempted to identify the object as a 'tropical aurora borealis' phenomenon.

Other witnesses included a psychologist who saw the object from her hotel room in Niteroi and two students who observed it while traveling from Itaborai to Niteroi.

About Captain Britto:

Captain Britto is 45 years old, married with five children. He has been with VASP for 22 years and previously worked for Lloyd Aero for eight years, accumulating 30 years of flying experience.

Other Pilot Testimonies:

Commander Bravato of Transbrasil Flight 177 reported observing a UFO 'alongside' the VASP flight. An Aerolinhas Argentinas aircraft reportedly detected the UFO on its radar.

Expert Opinions:

Astrophysicist Inacio Malonge Martin from the Sao Paulo Institute for Space Research suggested that a more technologically advanced race might be studying Earth. Mrs. Irene Granchi, APRO's representative for Brazil, believes the VASP sighting might be the peak of a 'flap' that began in February, supporting Captain Britto's credibility.

Analysis of 1982 UFO Sightings:

The issue notes that many UFO sightings in 1982 were ultimately identified as astronomical phenomena. 'Venus'-UFOs were reported in Turkey, Germany, and Norway in January, February, and March 1982, constituting a significant portion of the global UFO flap that year, which had previously been dominated by hot air balloons. The object's sketch resembles a star, and it behaved like one, being distant, obscured by clouds, and maintaining a flight path relative to the aircraft. It was particularly bright, similar to Venus's appearance on many occasions that year. The report questions why pilots might not report such sightings, given that police officers, nurses, and others have reported 'Venus'-UFOs.

It cautions against accepting explanations like 'UFO on radar' or 'we saw it too' without scrutiny, suggesting they might be colleagues trying to support Britto's account out of professional solidarity. The report also touches upon Hynek's 'Venus' explanations and suggests that Captain Britto might be under psychological pressure, making it difficult for him to dismiss the UFO, as being deceived by Venus might seem too simple.

NSA and UFO Information Secrecy

This section, authored by Werner Walter, discusses the National Security Agency (NSA) and its relationship with UFO research. It clarifies that the NSA is not a new UFO group but a long-standing intelligence agency. The article references the common belief that US government agencies withhold UFO information, citing Ernst Meckelburg's article in ESOTERA.

Following the declassification of CIA, FBI, and USAF UFO archives, initial excitement among UFO enthusiasts waned as it became apparent that the authorities did not possess more knowledge than the public. This led to speculation about 'super-secret UFO information'.

Walter argues that the perceived secrecy surrounding UFO data is partly due to the broader issue of government information secrecy, which is seen as a component of the 'UFO trauma'. He suggests that the NSA's reluctance to release certain data might be due to concerns that such information could reveal internal NSA operations, thereby compromising national security and the agency's effectiveness, rather than proving the existence of alien spacecraft.

The NSA's Role:

The article references a NEWSWEEK report from September 6, 1982, by David C. Martin, about a book titled "The Puzzle Palace" by James Bamford. This book reveals details about the NSA, described as America's largest and most secret intelligence service. Lincoln Faurer is identified as the Director of the NSA.

The NSA possesses the most extensive intelligence system, utilizing orbital satellites and massive antenna farms to gather data. It played a crucial role in breaking Argentine codes during the Falkland War, providing intelligence to the British. The NSA aims to remain out of the public spotlight.

Bamford's book details the NSA's physical infrastructure, including its headquarters in Fort Meade, Maryland, and its electronic surveillance operations. The NSA's primary mission is code-breaking, a critical task given the complexity of modern encryption. The article highlights a historical instance where the CIA and FBI collaborated to steal Soviet codes.

Walter expresses his personal opinion that the NSA documents are unlikely to prove UFOs are alien spacecraft. Instead, their release could be detrimental to national security by exposing internal NSA workings.

NSA's Operations and Code-Breaking:

The NSA operates a vast network of satellites, listening posts, and antennas. Information gathered is processed by NSA mathematicians and cryptanalysts who use systems like Loadstone to break codes. The agency's main objective is to break codes worldwide. The article mentions the successful breaking of Soviet codes by the FBI in the 1940s, leading to the arrest of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Today, computers are essential for code-breaking.

The NSA fears the development of new, more complex codes by other nations. Operations are conducted with extreme secrecy. An example is given of how British and American press reports during the Falkland War inadvertently revealed that Argentine codes had been broken, prompting the Argentines to develop new ones. If the NSA struggles with a code, it may seek assistance from the CIA or FBI for 'back bag' operations to steal it.

CENAP Radio Show

This section details CENAP's efforts to gain public interest in their UFO research. Werner Walter describes sending out 250 press releases in March 1982 to media outlets. While initially unsuccessful, an opportunity arose on August 20, 1982, when Hj Köhler from SÜDFUNK STUTTGART's 'Kurpfalz Radio, Heidelberg' contacted CENAP about a potential live talk show on August 26, 1982.

The show, hosted by Kurt Sauerborn of the WISSENSCHAFTSREDAKTION, was to focus on CENAP and UFOs, with listeners invited to share their own UFO sightings. Hj Köhler and Werner Walter met with Sauerborn to discuss the technical details. They were surprised to learn the show would be an hour long, with an emphasis on entertainment and relaxed discussion.

During the show, listeners were encouraged to call in with their sightings. Kurt Sauerborn had limited preparation, relying on a CENAP press release and a DPA report suggesting Soviet academics explained UFOs as dust clouds. The show featured Dixieland music as an intro, followed by 'UFO sounds'.

Show Content and Discussion:

Hj Köhler presented his motivations, including the 1973 '5. September Observation'. The topic of 'Photos' brought up the Adamski saucer, and it was stated that CENAP doesn't necessarily believe in flying saucers but acknowledges the UFO phenomenon.

Walter presented CENAP's research work, which was further detailed through questionnaire analysis by Hansjürgen Köhler. Kurt Sauerborn invited listeners to report UFO sightings for evaluation by Köhler and Walter. An audio clip from the 1967 World UFOlogy Congress was played, where the importance of UFOlogy as a science was discussed.

UFOlogist Karlchen V. stated that UFOlogy deals with all questions related to UFOs, considering them from a 'whole range of most important experts'. Sauerborn asked Köhler if he considered UFOlogy a new scientific field, to which Köhler responded that it could easily be forgotten.

Sauerborn mentioned a planned audio clip of someone claiming contact with extraterrestrials, intended to mobilize the public. He also brought up Colman VonKevizky's 1967 speculation about UN involvement in UFO investigations. Walter dismissed VonKevizky as not a scientist but a religious leader, warning against apocalyptic prophecies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP - REPORT include detailed accounts of UFO sightings, particularly the VASP airliner encounter in Brazil, and the broader context of UFOlogy. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, with CENAP positioning itself as a serious research group. A significant portion of the report is dedicated to the role of government intelligence agencies, specifically the NSA, in managing and potentially concealing information related to UFOs, raising questions about transparency and national security. The issue also highlights CENAP's efforts to engage the public through media, such as the radio show, to foster interest and encourage reporting of sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging the phenomenon while critically examining explanations and the motivations behind information control.

This issue of CENAP-Report, identified as issue number 79 and part of the CR series from September 1982, is published by CENAP and originates from Germany. The price is listed as DM 305,--. The magazine delves into UFO research, international cooperation, and critical analyses of various claims and researchers within the field.

Key Articles and Discussions

UFO Investigations and Explanations

The issue begins with a discussion led by Kurt Sauerborn, who highlights CENAP's efforts in investigating UFO sightings. He states that out of 200 collected reports, 96% found a natural explanation, leaving only 4% as unexplained. Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP elaborates on this, mentioning a case near Darmstadt where police reported seeing flying saucers, which was later explained as an unusual star constellation. Köhler emphasizes CENAP's commitment to clarifying such reports, contributing to their high resolution rate.

International Cooperation: CENAP and UFO-Norge

A significant portion of the magazine details CENAP's visit to the Norwegian research group "UFO-Norge" in August 1982. This visit, part of an effort to deepen ties with Scandinavian UFO research groups, involved meetings with Mentz-Darre Kaarbø and Finn W. Kalvik. The goal was to foster an exchange of information and materials, with plans for future reporting on Norwegian cases and an interview with UFO-Norge's leader, Odd Gunnar Røed.

Critiques of UFO Research and Researchers

Several sections are dedicated to sharp critiques of other individuals and organizations in the UFO field. Michael Hesemann is described as a "sensational author" whose work is distributed by "DAS NEUE ZEITALTER." Werner Walter, referred to as "Executive-Direktor" of CENAP, is also heavily criticized for his commentary on a BILD article about Hesemann. The report accuses Walter and others associated with CENAP, such as "Webner," of superficial analysis, lack of proper research, and engaging in "photomontages and manipulations." The publication "Cenap-Ogh aktuell Nr. 1" is also scrutinized, with its content described as a "history lesson" rather than research findings. The report highlights a perceived arrogance and self-righteousness within CENAP, labeling dissenting views as "flying saucer disciples" and asserting CENAP's research as the "ONLY truth."

Historical Interpretations of UFO Phenomena

One article, "UFO's schon vor Jahrhunderten? - Oder nur Falschauslegung!" (UFOs from Centuries Ago? - Or Just Misinterpretation!), explores the theory of ancient UFO sightings. It suggests that many historical descriptions, such as "flying shields, spears, and swords," might be misinterpretations of natural phenomena like the polar light. The article references ancient sources like Aristotle, Plinius, and Seneca, noting how these phenomena were often described with martial imagery, reflecting the human tendency to see signs of fate in extraordinary celestial events.

Specific Cases and Anecdotes

An anecdote from Santa Monika, California, describes a "red glowing disc" observed during a lecture. The report suggests this could be a common "hot air balloon," noting the availability of small, commercially produced balloons that can be released at night. Another case mentioned is a sighting in the Arendalsdistriktet, Norway, in November 1981, accompanied by photographs.

CENAP's Commercial Activities

Michael Appel, a writer and researcher, criticizes CENAP's commercial approach, detailing the costs associated with their publications and "products" like the "Cenap-Report," "Cenap-Ogh aktuell," and the "Cenan-UFO-Archiv." Appel questions whether CENAP is more focused on commercial research and sales than genuine scientific inquiry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP-Report adopts a highly critical and often confrontational stance towards other UFO researchers and organizations, particularly those perceived as sensationalist or commercially driven. The magazine champions CENAP's own research methods and findings, emphasizing a high rate of natural explanations for sightings. There is a strong undercurrent of defending CENAP's legitimacy and approach while discrediting competitors. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, albeit self-proclaimed, scientific investigation, contrasted with what is portrayed as the unscientific or opportunistic practices of others. The inclusion of historical interpretations suggests an effort to ground UFO phenomena within a broader context, often by debunking extraordinary claims with naturalistic explanations.

This issue of CENAP, a German publication focused on extraordinary phenomena, contains correspondence and an exposé on UFO photography. The primary content includes a letter dated September 8, 1982, from the CENAP network to Michael Appel, and a feature article detailing the debunking of the 'Nagora-Fotoserie'.

Letter to Michael Appel

The letter, originating from Mannheim and addressed to Michael Appel in Essen, is a response to a previous communication from Appel dated September 6th. The author acknowledges Appel's apparent dissatisfaction ('sauer') but strongly criticizes Appel's 'freches Schreiben' (cheeky letter). The author defends CENAP's role as serious UFO investigators and researchers, distinguishing them from 'daydreamers' and 'religious groups.'

The letter asserts that CENAP is making progress in UFO evaluation within Germany, suggesting that other organizations like DUIST are in a 'backward trend.' MUFON-CES is mentioned as potentially showing positive approaches, particularly regarding material publication, though it is noted that they lack sufficient critical judgment. GEP is described as being in the middle and needing to be more explicit about political directions. The author dismisses other efforts in Germany as negligible.

The author expresses confusion and disapproval over Appel's use of the term 'Heil' (hail/salvation) and refers to him dismissively as 'Der Appel vom Faulen Bäumchen' (The Appel from the Rotten Tree). The letter suggests that Appel may be projecting unresolved issues from his past experiences with CENAP correspondence into his current behavior.

Finally, the author points to CENAP's 'rich information offering' and extensive archives, implying that CENAP has valuable material that should not be allowed to deteriorate. They emphasize that CENAP is not DUIST and express hope for Appel's 'spiritual healing.'

Fotodokumentation: Entlarvung der Nagora-Fotoserie

This section, presented as a 'photo documentation,' focuses on the 'unmasking of the Nagora photo series.' It states that since September 1971, primitive saucer photos taken by Rudi Nagora of Munich have been circulated globally with claims of being 'convincing' and 'proven real.'

A recently published, printed photo brochure is highlighted as demonstrating in a convincing manner the flimsiness of the 'authenticity claims.' This brochure reportedly also explains the 'how' and 'why' of saucer trick photography.

The article recommends that any serious UFO researcher should read this 'highly interesting work.' The brochure is available for a cost contribution of 15 DM, obtainable by contacting Klaus Webner at Zugspitzstr. 56, 6200 Wiesbaden, West Germany.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena and research organizations. CENAP positions itself as a serious, progress-oriented research entity, willing to expose perceived fraudulent or unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community, as exemplified by the debunking of the Nagora photos. The editorial tone in the letter is confrontational and dismissive towards critics like Michael Appel, while the article on the Nagora photos is informative and aims to educate researchers on identifying fake evidence. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research and critical evaluation of UFO-related materials.