CENAP Report - No 087

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP – REPORT
Issue: Nr. 87
Volume/Date: 8. Jahrgang/H5 – Mai 1983
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

Main Cover Story: UFO über Nürnberg – War E.T. auf Besuch?

The cover story details a mysterious flying object (UFO) that reportedly hovered for two days at an altitude of 25 kilometers over Nuremberg. The object was filmed and tracked, but its nature remained enigmatic. The article poses the question of whether it was 'E.T.' visiting. A television crew, along with the director of Nuremberg Airport, used a small jet to observe the object from close range. The object was described as pyramid-shaped and of significant size.

CENAP – UAP – MEETING in Mannheim (September 9-11, 1983)

This section announces an upcoming CENAP meeting in Mannheim from September 9-11, 1983. It provides information on accommodation options, including the Hotel-Restaurant Kurpfalz-Stuben and the Basler Hof and City-Hotel in Mannheim, along with their telephone numbers and proximity to the main train station. The meeting location is stated to be a 25-minute drive from these hotels.

CENAP-OGH – AKTUELL: U.F.O. über Hamburg?

This section, spanning pages 3 through 8, delves into UFO sightings reported in Hamburg. The investigation was prompted by a report in the 'Bild-Zeitung' on March 15, 1983, which claimed about 100 Germans saw a blue UFO and that a watch stopped during the sighting.

Vorbemerkung (Preliminary Note)

The preliminary note explains that while previous UFO sightings reported from Hamburg were identified as natural phenomena, this time CENAP aimed to gather as much information as possible for its readers. The 'Bild-Zeitung' report is presented as the catalyst for this investigation.

Investigation into the Hamburg Sighting

CENAP attempted to contact witnesses named in the 'Bild-Zeitung' article but faced difficulties obtaining contact information. They eventually managed to interview two individuals: Frau V. Panagopoulos, a housewife and former SAS hostess, and Herr Rudolf Schmid, a restaurateur.

#### Frau V. Panagopoulos's Account

Frau Panagopoulos reported being startled by a loud noise while relaxing on her balcony. She saw a "blue thing" fly rapidly over her head. She described it as round, bluish, of enormous size, and lacking visible wings or structures. It left a visible blue trail or haze. Her children did not see anything, but they did hear the noise. She questioned neighbors and a kiosk owner, who reported nothing. Her subsequent calls to the weather service and Lufthansa yielded no relevant information. The turning point came when she called a friend at 'Bild-Zeitung', who immediately suggested it was a UFO and arranged for reporters to interview her. Frau Panagopoulos noted that her watch stopped exactly at 11:31 AM.

#### Investigator's Note on Frau Panagopoulos's Case

The investigator notes that the UFO was "put into the witness's mouth" by the 'Bild' reporters, a tactic allegedly used in other cases. The report suggests that the idea of the two objects being identical was also fabricated by the reporters, concluding that 'Bild' "made the UFOs once again."

#### Herr Rudolf Schmid's Account

Herr Schmid's sighting involved approximately 80 guests at his restaurant. A bright flash of light interrupted their activities, causing one guest to drop a beer glass. The intensity of the flash was amplified by the restaurant's candlelit ambiance. After recovering from the initial shock, guests went outside and saw a blue sphere with a darker center disappear over the opposite buildings. Herr Schmid did not observe any tail or condensation trail, and no sounds were heard.

#### Investigator's Note on Herr Schmid's Case

Despite agreeing to fill out a questionnaire, Herr Schmid never returned it. The report is based on a telephone conversation. The investigator notes that neither Frau P. nor Herr Schmid initially thought of a UFO; the idea was introduced by the 'Bild' reporters. The investigator also states that the claim of the two objects being identical was invented by the 'Bild' reporters.

Object Characteristics Summary

Shape: Kugel (Sphere)
Color: Blue, bluish
Size: Enormous, fluctuating between hot air balloon and 2 Jumbos
Behavior: Hovering, circling, flying rapidly, flying overhead
Speed: Fast
Altitude: 25 kilometers
Electromagnetic Effects: Watch stopped
Physical Traces: Blue tail/haze layer

Additional Research and Conclusion

Pages 10 details further research by CENAP-Mannheim into the Hamburg case, including consultations with air traffic control, observatories, and police. These official channels provided no corroborating evidence, with air traffic control not registering any unusual activity on radar or visually, though they did not rule out conventional aircraft. The report concludes by emphasizing CENAP's commitment to objective and unbiased UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical examination of UFO reports, particularly concerning the influence of media sensationalism, specifically 'Bild-Zeitung', in shaping public perception and witness accounts. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensationalized UFO claims and a commitment to rigorous, fact-based investigation, contrasting CENAP's approach with what they term 'DUIST' (a likely reference to a UFO research group) 'sectarianism'. The magazine aims to present investigated cases while cautioning readers about media manipulation and the tendency to 'create' UFO stories.

This issue of CONTRA News, dated Friday, April 29, 1983, focuses heavily on a series of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings over Nuremberg, Germany, that occurred over two days. The magazine presents various reports, eyewitness accounts, and media coverage of the event, ultimately leaning towards the explanation of a stratospheric balloon.

UFO Sighting Over Nuremberg

The lead story details the "UFO hunt" over Nuremberg, where a mysterious object was sighted for two days, causing widespread public concern and media attention. The Bayerischer Rundfunk (Bavarian Television) even chartered a Lear Jet to pursue the object, reaching an altitude of 12,300 meters. The object was described by Dr. Eckhard Pohl, head of the Nuremberg Observatory, as pyramid-shaped with two long masts, approximately 150 meters in size, and reflecting sunlight differently. It was observed at altitudes of 20,000 to 25,000 meters.

Despite initial speculation and the object's unusual behavior, including remaining stationary against wind currents, official sources like the German Federal Institute for Air Traffic Control and military services had no information about it. The Nuremberg Airport Director, Helmut Müller-Gutermann, also participated in the pursuit and estimated the object's altitude to be around 20,000 to 25,000 meters. He described it as "featherball-like" with a fan-shaped, transparent tail, while others saw it as a "silvery, oval disc" or a "triangular sail."

Several articles explore the possibility of the object being a stratospheric balloon. The Nuremberg Weather Office suggested it was a Strato-Balloon, noting that such balloons can reach heights of 25 kilometers and that wind conditions at that altitude could explain the object's apparent stillness. The article "April - das UFO war nur ein Ballon" (April - the UFO was just a balloon) from the AZ Nachrichten explicitly states that the object was likely a weather balloon, despite the excitement it generated.

Interview with Philip J. Klass

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Philip J. Klass, a renowned UFO skeptic and head of the UFO section of CSICOP. Walter Hain, the publisher of CONTRA News, recounts his meeting with Klass in Vienna. Klass informed Hain that he is a member of CSICOP and has a substantial archive of UFO cases. During their conversation, Klass emphasized the importance of public education and critical examination of UFO phenomena. He also mentioned that he had previously met with Dr. Alexander Keul in Vienna, who, surprisingly to Klass, presented himself as a UFO skeptic despite being a member of "Interkosmos."

The interview covered topics such as how long Klass has been involved with UFOs, whether he has seen a UFO, the best-documented UFO case in America, his publications, and the $10,000 reward for proof of a genuine UFO.

Other UFO Reports and Commentary

The issue also includes a report from the "Abendpost Nachtausgabe" titled "Pharao auf Reisen?" (Pharaoh on a Journey?), which discusses the Nuremberg UFO incident and other sightings, again suggesting a balloon explanation. Another article, "Ufo-Jagd unter Bayerns Himmel" (UFO Hunt Under Bavaria's Sky), from the Münchner Merkur, reiterates the pursuit of the object by a TV crew and its description as a "pyramid-like" object.

There are also mentions of other UFO-related news, including reports from Cologne and Austria, and a brief note about a previous "Ballon UFO" sighting over the Cologne-Bonn area in 1976.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the investigation and explanation of UFO sightings. While acknowledging the public's fascination and the media's role in amplifying such events, the magazine consistently presents a skeptical viewpoint, favoring rational explanations such as weather balloons or stratospheric balloons over extraterrestrial hypotheses. The interview with Philip J. Klass reinforces this skeptical stance, highlighting the importance of critical analysis and scientific investigation in understanding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of debunking or demystifying UFO reports, providing a platform for skeptical voices and scientific explanations.

This issue of the Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung, dated April 30/May 1, 1983, features a prominent cover story titled "Does only the wind know the answer?" focusing on a mysterious object sighted over Nuremberg. The publication also includes reports from Salzburger Nachrichten, Die Welt, TZ, Abendpost Nachtausgabe, Luxemburger Wort, and Neue Kronen Zeitung, all detailing UFO sightings and related events in Germany and Austria during April 1983.

"Wie eine Eieruhr" (Like an Egg Timer)

This article from the Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung reports on the "UFO" observed over Nordbayern, which was also seen in the Mosbach area. Fourteen-year-old Alexander Schimpf described it as looking like an "egg timer," initially moving very fast before hovering. He noted two pyramid-like shapes, one inverted, connected by a rod. The upper pyramid was red and appeared fixed, while the lower one was transparent and seemed to rotate. Another reader, Manfred Höhne from Walldorf, also reported seeing a similar object moving rapidly from east to west, also noting a red upper part and a transparent, rotating lower part resembling a balloon.

Experts are now considering the possibility that the object was a stratospheric balloon. A spokesperson from the Bundeswehr's air traffic testing facility in Manching confirmed that military air traffic control had been observing an unidentified object of unknown origin, approximately 80 meters in diameter, on radar. They expect to clarify the situation once the "giant plastic shell" is found. The object maintained its position for 36 hours at up to 28,000 meters, being visible in clear skies across large parts of Franconia and the Upper Palatinate.

"Kennt die Antwort nur der Wind?" (Does only the wind know the answer?)

This article from Die Welt discusses the UFO sighting over Nuremberg, questioning whether the military observed it. Airport Director Helmut Müller-Gutermann felt misunderstood, clarifying that he did not chase the UFO in a Lear-jet as if hunting aliens. He confirmed that over 1000 people observed a silvery object in the sky. Eckhard Pohl from the Nuremberg Observatory described the object as pyramid-shaped with two long masts or antennas. Using a 150x magnification, he observed a transparent plastic shell that shone brightly in the sun, held by rods, resembling a large sapphire. Pohl estimated its size to be about 150 meters per side and its altitude between 20 to 25 kilometers, just below the stratosphere. The object was visible for two days, and its disappearance was attributed to the onset of wind.

Müller-Gutermann, along with a TV reporter, attempted to pursue the object in a private jet, reaching a maximum altitude of 12,500 meters. However, the UFO remained too far away, approximately 12 kilometers, to be clearly identified on film. Müller-Gutermann described it as triangular and partially transparent, similar to a shuttlecock. The pilot likened it to a "triangular milk carton." Both observers noted a slow rotation. The German Weather Service in Offenbach suggested it was a weather balloon. The civilian air traffic control also saw the UFO on radar but had no record of a reported aircraft. The military's lack of radar detection led to speculation about military secrets.

Müller-Gutermann expressed doubts about the weather balloon theory, suggesting it was too simplistic. The article concludes by pondering whether there might be other explanations beyond terrestrial phenomena, leaving the answer in the stars.

"Nürnberg: Pilot jagte Ufo" (Nuremberg: Pilot Chased UFO)

This article from TZ reports on the UFO sighting over Nuremberg, with the headline "2 Antennas at the tip - Antennas?" It details the sighting that began on Tuesday, with over 1000 people observing the object. Eckhard Pohl of the Nuremberg Observatory described it as rotating and having two long masts or antennas. He estimated its diameter to be at least 100 to 200 meters, hovering like a "feather ball" with a long tail. The possibility of it being a weather balloon was dismissed, as no flight control or radar stations had records of such balloon launches. The object was described as moving slowly southeast, possibly with its own propulsion, and against the wind direction. Pohl estimated its size at 100 to 200 meters, with a "pyramid" shape and a transparent plastic film. The object disappeared on Friday morning.

"Bayern: Fernsehen jagt ein „UFO“" (Bavaria: Television Chases a "UFO")

This article from TZ describes the unsuccessful pursuit of a UFO by a Bavarian television team in a Lear-jet. Hundreds of people reported the sighting, causing alarm at police stations, observatories, and weather offices. The object, visible to the naked eye, was first spotted west of Nuremberg on Tuesday morning and remained visible throughout Wednesday, later appearing south of the city before disappearing on Thursday. The Lear-jet reached an altitude of 12,300 meters but could not get close enough. Experts considered the possibility of a military aircraft with its own propulsion, given its movement against the wind. Initially, it was thought to be a weather balloon, but this was later discounted. Eckhard Pohl estimated the object's length at 100 to 200 meters, with a "pyramid" shape and a rotating appearance. The article also mentions two farmers 50 kilometers southeast of Nuremberg who reported seeing a "glittering triangle with the tip upwards" while plowing.

"UFO über Köln" (UFO over Cologne)

This report from Abendpost Nachtausgabe describes a bright, glowing object with a luminous halo seen over Cologne on Tuesday night, alarming residents and police. Air traffic control at Wahner Airport had no record of the object on radar. Police observed its path with binoculars, and it disappeared behind clouds after two hours. The object was reportedly similar to the one seen in Bavaria the previous week.

"Ufo beschäftigt Bevölkerung in Nordbayern" (UFO occupies the population in Northern Bavaria)

This report from Nürnberger (dpa) details the widespread public concern in Northern Bavaria due to an unidentified flying object (UFO). Police, weather offices, and the Nuremberg airport received numerous calls. Official sources could not provide clear information about the object's origin. Sport pilots and a jet with airport director Helmut Müller-Gutermann aboard attempted to approach it but could not reach its altitude. Weather stations estimated its height at around 25,000 meters, suggesting a size of at least 50 to 100 meters. The object's apparent lack of movement was attributed to low air currents at that altitude, though self-propulsion was also speculated. Two bright bodies, a smaller and a larger cylinder, were observed within its transparent hull. The possibility of it being a weather or stratospheric balloon was ruled out due to the lack of official permits and radar reports. Confirmation of a military object from the East was also absent.

"Waldviertel: Ufo-Alarm War es Wetterballon?" (Waldviertel: UFO Alarm Was it a Weather Balloon?)

This report from Neue Kronen Zeitung describes a UFO alarm in Gmünd, Austria, on Thursday evening. Several residents reported seeing a star-like, shiny, triangular object moving east at an altitude of 2000 to 3000 meters. The Gendarmerie was notified, and an alarm was raised with the aviation authority. However, the object, visible to the naked eye until around 8 PM, could not be located. Experts suggested it was likely a weather balloon.

"Panik und Rätselraten in Nürnberg - Tausende haben es gesehen" (Panic and Guessing in Nuremberg - Thousands have seen it)

This article from Die Welt, accompanied by photos, describes the UFO sighting over Nuremberg. It states that the object, a silvery, shimmering, uncanny triangle, appeared suddenly. Thousands of people reported seeing it, contacting police and weather services with fear and concern. Official sources were baffled, considering possibilities like spy satellites, military balloons, or alien spacecraft. The object's presence for a second day prompted a TV team to pursue it in a Lear-jet, piloted by Helmut Müller-Gutermann. They reached 12,300 meters but could not get close enough. Eckard Pohl, using a two-meter telescope, described the object as a deformed pyramid with a pointed top, approximately 150 meters in diameter, with the rest appearing as transparent plastic foil. The mystery was reportedly solved on Friday morning by Gertwin Hühnerbein, head of air traffic control in Manching, who stated with certainty that it was a stratospheric balloon used for measurements.

"Der UFO-Kongress in Argentinien" (The UFO Congress in Argentina)

This article reports on the 3rd International Congress of Extraterrestrial Sciences and 6th National UFO Congress held in Rosario, Argentina, from December 8-12, 1982. The event attracted guests from various countries, including Dr. Joseph Allen Hynek, Dr. William Smith, and Dr. James Hurtak from the USA, and Antonio Ribera from Spain. The congress featured lectures on topics such as communication with extraterrestrial civilizations, the harmony of humans with the cosmos, the nature of the UFO phenomenon, and UFO identity. Several cases of close encounters and an abduction case were presented. A roundtable discussion led to the proposal of forming a UFO World Federation to promote research, information exchange, publications, and cooperation with governments. The article notes that the UFO phenomenon is recognized as a reality, requiring humans to develop not only technologically but also spiritually to understand these unknown intelligences.

"UFO-Sichtung in den Medien" (UFO Sighting in the Media)

This section briefly mentions media reports of UFO sightings. It notes that the Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung and BILD published a report from CENAP about an unidentified flying object (an orange sphere) sighted 1000 meters above Harbin, China, on February 24, 1983. The object reportedly stopped for a minute before moving south. It also references an interesting event in Darmstadt, where laser beams caused UFO-like alarms.

"Ufo-Fieber ging in Darmstadt um!" (UFO Fever went around in Darmstadt!)

This report from Abendpost Nachtausgabe describes an incident in Darmstadt where colorful beams of light (blue, green, and yellow) in the night sky caused excitement and speculation about UFOs. However, police investigations quickly revealed that these were experimental laser beams being tested for their visual effect.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the public's fascination and concern. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events with a degree of skepticism, presenting various theories from scientific explanations like weather balloons and military tests to the more speculative possibility of extraterrestrial visitors. There's a clear effort to present eyewitness accounts alongside official statements and expert opinions, often highlighting the unresolved nature of many sightings. The inclusion of the UFO Congress in Argentina suggests an acknowledgment of the global interest and ongoing research into the UFO phenomenon.