CENAP Report - No 088

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated May 8, 1983, features a report on the 25th-anniversary exhibition of SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) in Vojens, Denmark. The magazine delves into various UFO-related topics, including specific sightings, research methodologies, and the differing perspectives of various UFO organizations.

SUFOI's 25th Anniversary and Research Philosophy

The cover story, "SUFOI forsker fortsat" (SUFOI continues to research), by Per Borgaard, highlights the longevity and mission of SUFOI. Peter Alf Hansen, chairman of Skandinavisk UFO Information, questioned why SUFOI has endured beyond a fleeting trend. He attributed their success to a commitment to impartially investigating unidentified flying objects (UFOs) without pre-existing theories. Hansen emphasized that while there were no textbooks on UFO research when they started, and no definitive solution has yet been found, SUFOI continues to collect reports, research, and inform the public about the phenomenon. He stated that 90% of UFO reports can be explained, but the remaining 10% warrant serious consideration. Hansen stressed the importance of having an organization that takes UFO reports seriously, as witnesses are often met with ridicule from family and friends. He concluded that if authorities continue to ignore the phenomenon, SUFOI will continue to exist for many more years.

H.C. Petersen, the founder of SUFOI, found vindication when the mayor of his former hometown proposed establishing a UFO research institute in Vojens. Petersen recalled facing opposition and demands to be dismissed from the air force in the 1950s for promoting knowledge about UFOs.

Mayor Peter Petersen of Vojens, while not definitively convinced of the existence of UFOs, pondered the implications. He suggested that if UFOs do exist, humanity should hope that these beings would collaborate with us to utilize their advanced technology for the benefit of all, opening up possibilities and experiences beyond current imagination. He expressed hope that SUFOI's work would continue.

The article notes that the SUFOI groups in Vojens and Abenrå have put significant effort into the exhibition, which was open until May 14th.

Evald Hansen Maarup: UFO Sightings in 1970 and 1973

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the UFO sightings of Evald Hansen Maarup, a police assistant from Haderslev, Denmark. The article "Evald Hansen Maarup 1970 og 1973 DANMARK" details two key incidents.

The 1970 Sighting

On August 13, 1970, during a routine patrol, Maarup observed a luminous object. He photographed it, producing four images that showed a white point. The article suggests this object was likely the searchlight of a low-flying Silver Star T-33 jet trainer from the Danish Air Force. Research by SUFOI indicated that such aircraft were active in the area at the time of Maarup's sighting. The T-33, a standard jet trainer used by NATO countries until 1967, was known to have searchlights on its nose wheel. The question is posed whether this was the aircraft that hovered silently over Maarup's patrol car with its landing lights on.

The 1973 Sighting

Three years later, on August 14, 1973, Maarup reported another UFO sighting. This time, he managed to take eight photographs with his patrol car's automatic camera. These photos, similar to the first set, showed a light spot. The article includes maps of the observation area, indicating the route Maarup took near Fjelstrup.

Analysis and Doubts

SUFOI investigated the 1970 case and could not rule out that Maarup had photographed the searchlight of an interceptor. However, Maarup's second sighting three years later raised further questions. The article notes that the connection between these sightings and mysterious circumstances remains open, and questions posed by CENAP did not yield definitive insights.

Forum Discussions: Differing Views on UFOs

The issue also reports on a forum held as part of the exhibition, where representatives from SUFOI, IGAP (Danish section), and CENAP (German organization) presented their views on the UFO phenomenon. The forum revealed significant differences in their approaches and beliefs.

IGAP's Stance

IGAP, represented by H.C. Petersen, claimed to have no doubt about the visit of extraterrestrials to Denmark, citing his own experience of 50 sightings, including the "Adamski-Scout-Typ."

SUFOI's Stance

Peter Alf Hansen, leader of SUFOI, stated that SUFOI had found no definitive proof of extraterrestrial visits in Denmark.

CENAP's Critique

CENAP, represented by Roland Gehardt and Hansjürgen Köhler, presented a critical perspective. They questioned the validity of a memorandum sent to European governments, particularly the German edition presented by H.C. Petersen. CENAP argued that this memorandum lacked concrete evidence and included cases that were clearly faked. They also pointed out that some research groups were listed as co-signatories without fully understanding the content. CENAP doubted the effectiveness of the memorandum with the German federal government, suggesting it might have a negative influence on future initiatives, as only verifiable facts would be considered.

CENAP also addressed H.C. Petersen's accusation that CENAP had only been active for 10 years. CENAP countered by stating they do not believe in Martians, Venusians, or furry creatures, but rather focus on investigating UFO cases. They claimed a 97% success rate in their research, comparable to other serious international UFO groups. CENAP emphasized their commitment to reality and facts, stating they would not claim to have been mistaken after 25 years.

Contactee Issues

The discussions also touched upon the issue of "contactees" (individuals claiming to have had contact with extraterrestrials). ICUFON/USA reportedly wanted to break ties with contactees, while the Danish and German sections of SUFOI and IGAP did not wish to do so, having promoted contactee stories for years.

UFO in Hamburg

A brief report, "UFO UBER HAMBURG (Nachtrag)" by Roland Gehardt/CENAP, mentions a sighting in Hamburg that was reported in the Turkish-language newspaper "HURRYET." The article describes a "flying disc" emitting blue lights and causing some watches to stop. The Turkish term for UFO is given as "UCAN DAIRE."

CENAP's Computer System

The magazine also introduces CENAP's new computer system for cataloging UFO sightings. The CDSS (CODIERTE DOKUMENTATION SÄMTLICHER SICHTUNGEN) system allows for detailed case cataloging. A brochure explaining the CDSS code is available for purchase.

Psychological Aspects of Sightings

An article titled "Wenn Sie abends auf der Autobahn plötzlich Elefanten sehen" (When you suddenly see elephants on the highway at night) by Fred Frankenfeld explores the psychological phenomena that can lead to unusual experiences while driving. It discusses driver fatigue, "second sleep" (microsleep), and "highway hypnosis." The article explains that these are the brain's signals to the driver to stop and rest, presenting imagined obstacles like elephants or dancing bridges. Professor Dr. Wolf Müller-Limmroth warns that during these moments, the car is practically driverless, as the driver cannot process information. The article also includes a graphic illustrating how a person's reaction time and performance fluctuate throughout the day, with a dip in the afternoon and a low point after midnight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a common theme in UFO literature of the time: the ongoing debate about the nature of UFOs, the validity of witness accounts, and the methodologies employed by different research organizations. SUFOI emphasizes a broad, open-minded approach to collecting and investigating reports, while CENAP advocates for a more rigorous, evidence-based methodology. The article also highlights the challenges faced by UFO researchers, including public skepticism and internal disagreements within the UFO community, particularly regarding contactees. The psychological explanations for some sightings are presented as a counterpoint to purely extraterrestrial interpretations, suggesting that the human mind can play a significant role in perception.