CENAP Report - No 092

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP - REPORT, titled Nr. 92, dated Friday, September 9, 1983, is a publication from the CENAP research network for extraordinary phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "Von Spinnern und Spiritisten Lichtjahre entfernt" (From Spinners and Spiritualists Light Years Away), suggesting a critical look at certain aspects of UFO research. The issue is identified with the volume 8J/H10-1983 and is published in Germany in German.

UFOlogy as a Field of Research

The main article, written by Susanne Räuchle, introduces the CENAP group and its approach to investigating atmospheric phenomena. It highlights the work of Werner Walter and Hansjürgen Köhler, who have dedicated ten years to UFO research. Walter, a trained retail salesman, is described as cautious and skeptical, preferring to investigate unexplained sightings rather than believing in intergalactic spacecraft. CENAP's methodology involves collecting and analyzing all available literature on UFOs, meticulously investigating each report, and archiving data. The article emphasizes that most investigated cases are explained as mundane phenomena like balloons, aircraft, meteors, or even hoaxes. Out of 254 investigated sightings, only seven remain unexplained.

The article contrasts CENAP's grounded approach with what it perceives as sensationalism and cult-like behavior within the broader UFO community. It mentions specific examples, such as a Frankfurt community sister's sighting of three bright spheres, later identified as planets Mars, Jupiter, and Venus. It also notes that 21 cases were identified as outright hoaxes, like someone throwing a hubcap or frisbee and claiming it was a UFO. CENAP explicitly distances itself from groups that promote Nazi ideology or believe in Hitler's escape in a flying saucer, and dismisses claims of extraterrestrials already being among us as "huge brain bubbles."

Case Study: Rhöndorf Sighting

A detailed report by Roland Gehardt from CENAP-Heilbronn discusses a sighting on July 2, 1983, near the Adenauer-Haus in Rhöndorf. Medical student Michael Bayer and hotel manager Hans-Jakob Müllegan observed a fiery, red and yellow object in the sky. The object was described as irregular, like an open flame, and moved slowly before disappearing. The police were notified, but radar surveillance showed nothing. The report notes that the BILD newspaper published a story about the incident, even though they were not contacted by the witnesses. The investigator's conclusion, after checking local events, is that the object was likely a party-gag hot air balloon, as a fair was taking place in Rhöndorf that evening.

The Learjet TJ 184 Crash

Pages 6 and 7 delve into the mysterious crash of a Learjet TJ 184, a business jet that disappeared from radar over the Atlantic. The article explores various theories, including a possible decompression failure or oxygen supply malfunction. It quotes airline captains explaining the insidious nature of altitude sickness and the potential for a gradual loss of consciousness leading to euphoria before death. The report highlights that Learjets, unlike larger passenger planes, have simpler warning systems, making them potentially more vulnerable to such failures. The investigation by the German Federal Aviation Office was hampered by the suspected wreck's location deep in the ocean. The article contrasts this detailed analysis with speculative theories from groups like INTERKOSMOS, which tend to attribute such events to UFOs or interdimensional phenomena.

"UFO-JAGD? GEISTER-JAGD!" (UFO Hunt? Ghost Hunt!)

This section, written by Hansjürgen Köhler, criticizes the lack of genuine UFO activity and the tendency of some groups to invent or sensationalize cases. Köhler points to the "INTERKOSMOS-Wissenschaftliche Arbeitsgemeinschaft für UFO-Forschung & Paraphysik" and its magazine, which he claims fabricates stories, such as one titled "Rätsel um Geisterjet" (Mystery of the Ghost Jet). He criticizes the group's reliance on speculative sources and their tendency to interpret any unexplained event as evidence of UFOs or interdimensional travel, dismissing natural explanations as too simple.

Other Articles and Features

• Neues von Woody (News from Woody): A comic strip illustrating the symbolic meaning of weather in literature and a humorous take on weather forecasts.
• Editorial Stance: The magazine expresses a critical stance towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community, emphasizing the importance of rational investigation and debunking.
• Cover Photo: A photo labeled "Foto eines angeblichen Außerirdischen" (Photo of an alleged alien) is shown, with the caption indicating that UFO researcher Walter examines a site where a UFO supposedly landed.
• Recurring Themes: The issue consistently promotes a skeptical and rational approach to UFO research, distinguishing CENAP from groups perceived as overly credulous or sensationalist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching editorial stance of this CENAP REPORT issue is one of rigorous, evidence-based investigation and a strong skepticism towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the UFO field. The magazine positions itself as a rational counterpoint to what it views as the "spinners and spiritualists" of the UFO community. It champions the debunking of hoaxes and misidentifications, emphasizing that the vast majority of reported phenomena have mundane explanations. CENAP's commitment to scientific methodology is evident in its detailed case studies and its critical analysis of other UFO groups, particularly those accused of fabricating evidence or promoting cult-like ideologies. The magazine aims to provide accurate information to its readers, distinguishing itself from speculative theories and the pursuit of profit through sensationalism. The recurring theme is the pursuit of truth through diligent research, even when it leads to the conclusion that a sighting was not extraterrestrial in origin.

Title: Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung
Issue Date: Tuesday, September 13, 1983
Cover Headline: "Es fehlten nur noch die grünen Männchen" (Only the little green men were missing)

This issue of the Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung features extensive coverage of the first national UFO conference held in Mannheim-Wallstadt from September 9-11, 1983. The conference was organized by CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Phenomena), founded by Werner Walter and Hansjürgen Köhler.

CENAP's Approach to UFO Phenomena

The article highlights CENAP's pragmatic approach, with Walter and Köhler aiming to debunk 97% of reported sightings as explainable phenomena, leaving only 3% as truly unknown "atmospheric phenomena" (UAP), not necessarily extraterrestrial. This sober stance contrasted with the expectations of many attendees, some of whom had traveled from across Germany and even abroad, hoping for concrete evidence of alien visitation.

CENAP presented documentation from US government agencies like the FBI and CIA, along with statistics and case studies to illustrate their investigative methods and debunking successes. They also showcased a two-hour video presentation and a comprehensive slide show.

The Conference Program

The three-day conference included a variety of presentations. One session focused on the possibility of life within our solar system, using NASA slides. The final day featured a talk by a former UN employee. The event also included a public slide presentation by CENAP leaders on the evening of September 10th, which drew about 20 additional visitors.

Reactions and Debates

While CENAP aimed for a scientific and rational approach, the conference was not without its debates. Some attendees, like Colman Von Keviczky of ICUFON, initially presented what were described as 'apparent proofs' (documents brought from New York) which Walter and Klaus Webner challenged, suggesting alternative interpretations. This led to a heated discussion, with Walter and Webner pointing out that the presented documents did not offer any new or groundbreaking evidence for CENAP.

Despite these disagreements, the conference was generally seen as a significant event for UFO research in Germany. Colman Von Keviczky expressed his positive experience, calling it "one of the most beautiful experiences of my life" and "one of the most interesting congresses of my life," and stated he would inform the Veit family about CENAP's work.

Media Coverage and CENAP's Role

CENAP's work was promoted through press information sent to major newspapers, magazines, and broadcast stations. The organization positioned itself as a national "UFO-Alarm-Zentrale" (UFO Alarm Center) for Germany, aiming to be a central point for UFO and UAP reports. The article mentions that NEUE REVUE's editor-in-chief, Paul Mevissen, was impressed by CENAP's work, describing it as "factual to directly scientific."

However, the article also notes that the NEUE REVUE article itself was perceived as less favorable to CENAP due to commercial interests, prompting self-criticism from the organization.

Specific Incidents and Cases Discussed

• The "Flying Trapezoid" Incident: The conference recalled the incident from ten years prior that inspired Werner Walter and Heinrich Schwierz to found CENAP.
• The Messel Case: Hesemann presented this case, which MUFON-CES classified as a CE-I. CENAP, however, claimed to have explained it with the prevailing planetary constellation at the time.
• Italian Incidents: The article references reports from Italy, including a cigar-shaped object landing near Palù, Pordenone, leaving a burnt area, and similar incidents near Verona and Aviano. Initially sensationalized by the media as UFO landings, subsequent investigations by Italian authorities suggested explanations involving plastic lacquer burners.
• Indian Satellite Incident: A brief news item reports that the Indian satellite Insat 1 B was hit by an "unidentified object" shortly after deployment, causing partial malfunction.
• Solingen UFO Sighting: A report from the Solinger Tageblatt describes a sighting of an "orange dome with four downward-pointing bright beams" that was later identified as a mini-hot-air balloon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes a skeptical and rational approach to UFO phenomena, championed by CENAP. The editorial stance appears to favor scientific investigation and debunking over sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims of extraterrestrial visitation. The article critiques media sensationalism and the propagation of "UFOlogen-Märchen" (UFOlogist fairy tales) through literature. CENAP positions itself as a crucial resource for distinguishing between genuine mysteries and misinterpretations or hoaxes, aiming to provide a more grounded understanding of the subject.

This issue of the magazine, published by Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung on Wednesday, August 10, 1983, with the cover headline "UFO-Alarm in Friaul: Landespur entdeckt?" (UFO Alarm in Friaul: Land Trace Discovered?), focuses on a series of alleged UFO sightings and mysterious ground traces in the Friaul region of northern Italy.

UFO-Alarm in Friaul: Landespur entdeckt?

The main article details reports from Friaul, Italy, concerning suspected UFO activity. A fisherman from Azzano near Pordenone claimed to have observed an "Unknown Flying Object" (UFO) in the early morning hours of the previous Monday. However, the primary focus of the report is on the traces left behind at the alleged UFO landing site. These included a circular burnt patch of unknown origin, with several smaller, less burnt circles in its center. Additionally, near Villotta di Chions, a puzzling rectangular burnt track was found, measuring 32 meters long and 1.80 meters wide. The precise rectangular shape of this track caused astonishment.

Volkszeitung Klagenfurt Report

A report from Volkszeitung Klagenfurt, dated August 10, 1983, also highlights the "UFO fever" in Friaul. It mentions a worker near Pordenone who claimed to have seen an unidentified flying object the previous Sunday. Subsequently, locals discovered what they believed to be a landing site, characterized by a circular burnt area with less burnt circles within. Italian newspapers extensively covered these events. The report also notes that in another Friulian town, rectangular burnt patches were found on a meadow.

Kleine Zeitung Report

Kleine Zeitung from Klagenfurt reports on the Pordenone incident, noting that strange observations had sparked UFO fever. A fisherman near Pordenone reported a UFO sighting on Monday morning. A circular burnt patch was found, believed to be a landing site. Near Villotta di Chions, a rectangular burnt patch was discovered. The report mentions that the "Centro Ufologico Nazionale" (CUN) is investigating the case.

UNA PISTA BRUCIATA TESTIMONIA IL PASSAGGIO DEGLI UFO

This section, likely from an Italian publication "CRONACA VERA" (issue 573, August 31, 1983), features a large photograph and headline suggesting a "burnt track reveals the passage of UFOs." The accompanying text details the discovery of a perfectly rectangular burnt area in the grass near Villotta di Chions, Pordenone. The area, measuring 32 meters by 1.80 meters, showed signs of high temperatures. The "Centro Ufologico Nazionale" (CUN) began investigations, with Professor Antonio Chiumiento, a chemist, analyzing samples from the burnt trace.

UFO: Es war ein Scherz (UFO: It was a Joke)

This article from Kleine Zeitung, dated August 10, 1983, provides a resolution to the Pordenone UFO incident. It states that an industrialist had burned packaging material made of plastic in an open field. This act led some people to believe the resulting marks were UFO landing sites. The incident caused a stir across Italy, prompting experts from Rome to investigate. The company owner was to be prosecuted for unauthorized burning of packaging material. The article implies the entire event was a hoax.

Kleine Zeitung, August 12, 1983

A follow-up from Kleine Zeitung shows a photograph of the landowner pointing to remnants of burnt material, reinforcing the explanation that the traces were not from a UFO.

Further Investigations and Explanations

Page 3 continues the detailed account of the Pordenone incident, describing the rectangular burnt trace in Villotta di Chions. It mentions that the "Centro Ufologico Nazionale" (CUN) is conducting investigations and that Professor Antonio Chiumiento took samples for chemical analysis. The article also introduces a second, similar but circular trace found in Cesena di Azzano Decimo. A witness, a fisherman, reported seeing a vertical take-off aircraft in that area, possibly linking it to the nearby NATO airbase in Aviano.

Page 4 reports on the Pordenone case being closed as a CE II (Close Encounter of the Second Kind) by DIGOS agents. They identified the responsible parties as owners of a company that burns lacquer stocks, using the process to remove metal coatings. A detailed report was sent to the court to determine if a criminal offense occurred. The article questions who is truly responsible for the false alarm – the lacquer burners or those who alerted the Carabinieri.

It also includes a critical commentary by Werner Walter of CENAP, questioning the journalistic approach to such sensational claims and the impact on UFO literature. He speculates how organizations like MUFON-CES might have handled the case if it had occurred near Munich.

Other UFO News and Publications

CENAP SONDERBAND (3) 1983

Page 5 displays the cover of "CENAP SONDERBAND (3) 1983," a special publication from CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz Außergewöhnlicher Phänomene).

Page 6 provides an overview of the contents of the CENAP SONDERBAND (3) 1983. It highlights research on the French UFO research group GEPAN, featuring UFO researchers like Thierry Pindivic and Jean Giraud. It discusses a report from Avignon and an interview with Jean-Luc Rivera of GREPO, who is critical of cataloging methods. The abduction case of Frank Fontaine from Cergy-Pontoise is re-examined, and the Paris group CONTROL is presented. A significant report from Japan details a cigar-shaped object with lights observed by airline pilots on October 3, 1971. The publication also includes CENAP's perspective on UFOs in 1983. The Sonderband is available for DM 15.--.

CEPS/CENAP: NEWS

Page 7 discusses CEPS/CENAP and the activities of Gilbert Schmitz from Luxembourg. Schmitz presented at the 3rd CENAP-UFO/UAP-Meeting, discussing French UFO research and the status of the GEPAN group. He reportedly has contacts with about 50 groups in France and Belgium. The first issue of "INFO-CEPS" in German is announced, aiming to make French UFO material accessible to German researchers. It contains articles on natural phenomena, encounters, and UFOs in various countries. An advertisement seeks material on astronaut UFO sightings for Gilbert Schmitz.

CONTRA Ceases Publication

Walter Hain from Vienna announced that the magazine "CONTRA" has ceased publication due to a lack of staff and subscribers, despite extensive advertising. Subscribers are asked to forgo refunds due to high costs.

CENAP-Heilbronn Publications

Page 8 mentions "UFO-INFORMATION" from CENAP-Heilbronn, a monthly publication available for 18 DM. Issues cover the group's purpose, its network status, and general information about CENAP. CENAP-Heilbronn also recorded a CENAP meeting in Mannheim on videotape.

The Alpha-Fragment

Johannes v. Buttlar's new thriller novel, "The Alpha-Fragment," is mentioned as a UFO-themed novel. The author is noted for finally labeling his work as a novel.

MUFON-CES Publication

A new SF book from MUFON-CES, titled "Strange Flying Objects and the Unity of Physics," is also mentioned. MUFON-CES has conducted 60 interviews and identified 50 UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue predominantly focuses on UFO sightings and the investigation of physical traces, particularly the Pordenone incident. There's a clear narrative arc from sensational reporting of potential UFO landings to a debunking explanation of a hoax. The magazine also highlights the activities of various UFO research organizations, such as CENAP and CUN, and promotes their publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs while also being willing to expose hoaxes and question the sensationalism often associated with the topic. There's an underlying theme of differentiating between serious research and pseudoscientific claims, as seen in the commentary on Hellmuth Hoffmann and the discussion of Buttlar's novels.