CENAP Report - No 094

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 94
Date: 8J/H12-1983 (December 1983)
Publisher: CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz Außergewöhnlicher Phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the CENAP-REPORT focuses on UFO phenomena, with a prominent article about UFO sightings near Koblenz, Germany. It also covers the significant UFO landing in Suffolk, UK, as reported by US Air Force officers, and includes a review of UFO events from 1983.

Main Articles and Features

"UFOS NAHE KOBLENZ" (UFOs Near Koblenz)

This section, likely the lead story, highlights UFO sightings in the Koblenz region. The cover indicates specific page references for this topic (pages 21-22).

"Das fliegende Trapez über dem Odenwald" (The Flying Trapezoid over the Odenwald)

This article, authored by Günter Pflaum, details the origins of the Mannheimer ufologists' research group, which began after a sighting of a trapezoidal object over the Odenwald in September 1973. The sighting by Werner Walter and a friend led to the formation of a private UFO research group that has since compiled sixty archive folders. The article announces the planned founding of CENAP, a 'UFO alarm center' for Germany, at a National UFO Conference in Mannheim-Wallstadt. CENAP aims to collect and verify UFO reports from the public, police, and media. The Mannheimer ufologists claim to have investigated 254 sightings over ten years, with only seven remaining unexplained. They have also debunked 41 alleged UFO photographs as fakes and seven as photographic errors. Despite extensive inquiries to various authorities and institutions, they have not received confirmation of extraterrestrial craft.

MUFON-CES News

This section reports on various UFO cases. It mentions a book review from "MUFON-FICES Flop '83" and discusses "SELTSAME FLUGOBJEKTEN" (Strange Flying Objects) that academics find difficult to explain. It references a report titled "Scheiben mit und ohne Kuppeln im Raum Rosenheim" (Discs with and without Domes in the Rosenheim Area) and notes that observations from the summer of 1981 seem to present problems, leading MUFON-CES to issue a press release.

"Unheimliches Ding" (Uncanny Thing) - Leser sahen UFO - Augenzeugenberichte (Readers Saw UFO - Eyewitness Accounts)

This article from the Oberbayerisches Volksblatt (Rosenheim, August 14, 1981) compiles several eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings in the Rosenheim area. Reports describe a "reddish, shining, and round" object seen on August 7, 1981, between 10 PM and 11 PM. Witnesses described it as a "red-glowing ball" that stopped, appeared like a "flat hat" or an "inverted saucer," and then shot away rapidly. Another report from July mentions a similar "reddish, round, shining object" seen between clouds. A sighting from Christmas week 1980 describes a "hut-shaped, circular object with a red light ring" hovering over Wendelstein.

"MUFON" ist den UFOs auf der Spur ... (MUFON is on the Trail of UFOs...)

This article from the Oberbayerisches Volksblatt (Rosenheim, September 4, 1981) features an interview with Illo Brand, the German leader of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network). Brand, a Diplom-Physiker, discusses sightings in the Rosenheim area, including the August 1 and August 7, 1981 reports. He states that simple explanations like hot air balloons cannot account for all observations. The article also touches upon the common descriptions of UFOs (colored light spheres, luminous discs) and the electromagnetic effects they allegedly produce. It notes that France is the only country seriously investigating the UFO phenomenon, with its Gendarmerie collecting data for the state research body GEPAN. The article criticizes sensationalist media for spreading stories of "little green men" and praises the Oberbayerisches Volksblatt for publishing these reports.

"Riesige Scheibe mit Kuppel landet bei Kirchenlamitz (Hof)" (Giant Disc with Dome Lands near Kirchenlamitz (Hof))

This article from the Frankenpost (March 6, 1982) reports on a sighting by Miroljub Zivic, a Yugoslavian guest worker, who claims to have seen a large UFO over Reicholdsgrüner Höhe on February 22, 1982. He described it as a bright light that blinded him and caused fear. The article explores possible explanations, including the morning star (Venus), but notes that Zivic insists it was something else. The drawing by Miroljub Zivic is included, though the explanations are not in German.

"UFO LANDING" - DOCUMENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME BY STUNNED U.S. AIR FORCE BRASS IN TOP-SECRET REPORT

This section, featuring a large headline from "News of the World" (October 9, 1983), details a significant UFO landing event that occurred on December 27, 1980, near Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK. US Air Force officers, including Lt. Col. Charles I. Halt, reported witnessing a huge, sun-like red light that hovered before exploding into multicolored fireballs. A triangular craft then landed, and three beings dressed in silver suits were observed. The article mentions that the US Air Force initially tried to cover up the incident by claiming it was a plane crash. It also references a "sinister plot to hide the truth" and suggests that the Ministry of Defence knows more than it admits. The article includes sworn statements from witnesses and discusses the efforts to suppress information about the event.

"Der üble Plan um die Wahrheit zu verdecken" (The Evil Plan to Conceal the Truth)

This article, attributed to Iain Macaskill/K. Beabey, further elaborates on the UK UFO landing. It quotes a former Ministry of Defence representative who claims the ministry possesses more information and that there's a "gigantic cover-up." The representative expresses concern about potential attempts to sweep the incident under the rug. The article also mentions that official circles are unlikely to pursue the matter further once public interest wanes. It suggests that the incident might be related to secret space experiments gone wrong and that local residents who witnessed the event are reluctant to speak about it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP-REPORT include eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, investigations into these phenomena, and the persistent issue of potential government cover-ups and the suppression of information. The magazine appears to advocate for open investigation and transparency regarding UFOs, challenging official explanations and sensationalist reporting alike. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to identify genuine unexplained phenomena while debunking hoaxes and misidentifications, as exemplified by CENAP's own history of identifying hot air balloons as misidentified UFOs.

Title: News of the World
Issue Date: October 16, 1983
Publisher: News of the World
Country: United Kingdom
Language: German (original content likely English, translated)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "News of the World" delves deeply into the UFO phenomenon, driven by a sensationalized "UFO fever" that was prevalent in 1983. The magazine features a prominent interview with Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton, former Chief of the Defence Staff, who makes bold accusations of a government cover-up regarding UFO sightings in both the UK and the USA. The issue also includes various anecdotal accounts of UFO encounters, pilot testimonies, and speculative theories surrounding alien visitation.

Admiral Lord Hill-Norton on UFO Secrecy

Admiral Lord Hill-Norton asserts that there is an official policy of secrecy surrounding UFO sightings. He states that approximately 10 to 15 visual or radar sightings occur over Britain each year. These reports are submitted to a special UFO unit within the Ministry of Defence, but according to the Admiral, no further information about what happened to these reports is ever released to the public. He contends that both the US and UK governments are deliberately covering up this information. While he dismisses the idea that reported craft are secret human-made spacecraft, he believes that responsible individuals, such as police officers and servicemen, reporting such incidents makes the situation difficult to explain away.

UFO Sightings and Encounters Across Britain

The magazine presents several accounts of alleged UFO sightings:

• Leslie Frost, an engineer from Hopton, Norfolk, claims to have seen "monster spaceships" in 1980.
• Graham Herring, a CB enthusiast, reported that his radio logbook was confiscated by government officials after he drew a UFO. He provided two sketches of a cigar-shaped object seen near his home in Southampton, which were published in his local newspaper. However, ministry officials took the sketches and never returned them.
• Roy and Hayley Webb, along with Robert Newstead, recount experiences near Woodbridge and Beccles, Suffolk. Hayley noticed a bright, white light that followed their car and hovered. Newstead reported a similar white light that followed him for his entire journey home.
• A dramatic report, allegedly from a US Air Force pilot, details an incident where a UFO was detected on radar at 700 mph near a fighter base. When it slowed to 100 mph, two F-86 fighter jets were scrambled. One jet closed to within 3,000 feet, and then 500 yards, of the saucer-shaped object. The pilot fired his cannons, but the UFO escaped at high speed.
• The article mentions a report, possibly from a "secret manual for American pilots under training," given to UFO expert Timothy Good. This report also includes CIA records, one of which describes a British European Airways pilot seeing a UFO in 1976 during a flight from Moscow to London.
• Michael Howell from Tingley, Yorkshire, has reportedly bet £700 that aliens have landed on Earth, and is attempting to claim £70,000 from Ladbroke's based on the "News of the World" story.
• A report from October 23, 1983, details a "flying triangle of fear" seen by villagers near Hollesley, Suffolk. The object hovered silently for 20 minutes, displaying three bright white lights. Children fled indoors, and stunned villagers watched. The UFO eventually sped away with a high-pitched, whining sound.
• Debbie Foreman and Pauline Osborne experienced a frightening incident near Hollesley. Their car's headlights dimmed, and the engine cut out as they saw mysterious lights. The engine then restarted on its own.
• Ron Macro, a baker from Kesgrave, Ipswich, described seeing "ghostly lights" arranged in a triangle that hovered silently before moving and emitting a high-pitched tone. He stated it was not an aircraft he recognized.
• Mary Potter also witnessed the lights and was frightened.
• Captain Kathleen McCullom from the Airbase stated that nothing was detected on radar.
• A story from November 6, 1983, features Art Wallace, a former US Airman, who under hypnosis, recounted an incident where a UFO landed in Tangham Wood. He described a three-to-four-foot-tall alien with large, saucer-like eyes and greyish skin. He also claimed to have witnessed communication between the alien and a US officer, and that the US Air Force was involved in repairing the damaged craft.

Political and Media Response

Defence Minister Michael Heseltine was to be questioned in Parliament by MP Major Sir Patrick Wall about the "News of the World's" revelation of a UFO landing and alleged cover-up in Suffolk. Sir Patrick, a member of the Defence Select Committee, stated that there is "too much evidence" to dismiss the UFO theory and that "what is known should be known." The article notes that the "News of the World" has been trying to capitalize on the success of other UFO-related stories, such as "THE YEAR OF THE UFO" from February.

Speculative Theories and Skepticism

The magazine explores various speculative theories, including the idea that UFOs might originate from other planets or galaxies and possess advanced technology capable of controlling gravity. Jenney Randles, National Director for Research at the UFO Research Association, described one case as requiring an answer.

However, the article also includes skepticism. Professor Kaminski, a "world-space professor," dismisses the "UFO-Baby" story reported by the "National Enquirer" as "completely impossible," suggesting that any such craft would need to originate from a planet with Earth-like conditions.

The "UFO-Baby" Story

A separate report details a sensational claim from the "National Enquirer" about Soviet scientists allegedly recovering a "UFO-Baby" from a crashed UFO near Frunze, Kirghiz SSR. The baby, described as having violet eyes, not crying or laughing, and not growing hair, was reportedly kept alive for 11 weeks. The article notes that the "National Enquirer" is ideologically aligned with publications like BILD, suggesting a bias in reporting.

DUIST News and Conferences

The issue includes a section on "DUIST NEWS," detailing events related to the DUIST organization, including a conference in Wiesbaden. It mentions the appearance of CENAP representatives and contrasts "young, dynamic, serious UFO investigators" with "dried-up ufologists."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, alleged alien encounters, and the media's role in reporting and sensationalizing these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts, often with a degree of sensationalism, while also including elements of skepticism, particularly regarding more outlandish claims like the "UFO-Baby." The magazine seems to be capitalizing on public interest in UFOs, aligning with the "UFO fever" of the time, and leveraging the "News of the World's" investigative efforts to boost readership.

Title: UFO'S BEI KOBLENZ?
Issue: Pages 21-28
Date: November 1983
Publisher: CENAP
Focus: UFO sightings and investigations in Germany.

UFOs bei Koblenz?

This article, attributed to Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP-Staff and published in the RHEIN-ZEITUNG on November 15, 1983, details a UFO sighting reported by a woman from a Westerwald village. The witness, Frau Wingert, described an encounter on October 27, 1983, around 7:30 PM, while driving on Bundesstraße 255 towards Hahn am See. She observed a bright object, described as disc-shaped and flat, with illuminated windows and two large headlights. The object initially appeared to engulf the church tower in a blinding light. Shortly after, as she turned towards Ehringhausen, the object followed her. She noted small lamps on its underside. She attempted to contact a relative as a witness, but the sky suddenly turned dark.

Several readers reported similar unusual aerial observations, prompting further investigation. One witness described a light point east of Rennerod that glowed yellow-orange, then turned bright blue before appearing to explode and descend rapidly in a drop-like shape within seconds. This was speculated to be a fireball.

The author, Hansjürgen Köhler, initiated his investigation by contacting the newspaper and the witnesses. Through conversations with Frau Wingert, it was revealed that she had a second sighting of the same object two days later on the same route. During this second encounter, she stopped her car, rolled down the window, and heard typical aircraft noises. When asked if she was sure it was the same object, she expressed high certainty. Köhler then contacted a local small aircraft airfield, which confirmed that civilian aircraft and a courier plane from a nearby US-Army barracks used the airfield. The courier plane was in the approach path at the time of her second sighting.

Upon informing Frau Wingert of this explanation, she was relieved to understand what she had seen, as the initial sighting had left her quite unsettled.

Investigation of a Second Case

Köhler then proceeded to investigate a second case mentioned in the newspaper report, involving a witness named Herr Tropmann. Tropmann, who was on a walk during the time of the event on October 27, 1983, confirmed the newspaper's report over the phone, describing a light point that rapidly approached the Earth and then 'burst apart like a drop.' He stated he had never seen anything like it before. When asked if he had observed a meteor and if his 'thing' could have been one, he couldn't rule it out, as it was his first time seeing such a phenomenon.

Based on the descriptions of colors, flight behavior, and the brief observation period, a meteor sighting was not ruled out. Köhler contacted an observatory, which also considered the possibility of a meteor observation. This concluded his investigation, categorizing the case as either a meteor or an aircraft.

The author noted the positive reactions and cooperation from witnesses, the journalist, the airfield, and the observatory. A peculiar aspect was having two sightings from the same area at the same time, leading to two different explanations. He also observed that the witnesses were largely free of 'UFO fever' and were able to identify the phenomena.

Neues von Woody

A comic strip titled "Neues von Woody" by Woody Allen is included, with a brief explanation of why these gags are published, suggesting they are a reason to read the publication.

CENAP: Central Research Network for Extraordinary Phenomena

This section details the work of CENAP, a research group founded by Werner Walter and colleagues in Mannheim. After an initial UFO sighting in 1973, Walter and a friend established a private UFO research group, which has since amassed sixty archive folders of data.

CENAP is organizing a "National UFO Conference" from November 11-13, 1983, in Mannheim to launch an ambitious project: the establishment of a "Central Research Network for Extraordinary Phenomena" (CENAP). This network aims to serve as a UFO alarm center for Germany, where the public, police, and media can report unexplained aerial phenomena for investigation.

CENAP has developed extensive questionnaires to standardize the evaluation of observations and utilizes a computer for analysis. Over the past ten years, they have investigated 254 cases, identifying natural explanations for all but seven. These seven include the "flying trapezoid" that inspired the group's formation. The remaining cases were identified as weather balloons, aircraft, meteors, kites, optical illusions, or newspaper hoaxes. Out of 41 alleged UFO photographs, 41 were identified as fakes, and seven as film errors.

CENAP members have invested significant time and resources, contacting various authorities and institutions, including the Ministry of Defense, the US secret service, and the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. However, none of these contacts could confirm the existence of extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Despite not necessarily believing in 'little green men,' CENAP researchers, like Werner Walter, view the UFO phenomenon as a significant cultural aspect that warrants study. They feel compelled to investigate it.

Editorial Response and Criticism

The editorial section addresses the criticism CENAP has faced, particularly from publications like "UFO NACHRICHTEN." The author expresses frustration with being labeled as "schizoid" and other negative terms, contrasting it with the group's dedication to investigating the UFO phenomenon.

CENAP clarifies its identity, stating it is not a group with a specific religious or subcultural affiliation but rather amateurs researching unidentified flying objects. They emphasize that their work is not about flying elephants or witches on broomsticks.

The article highlights the strong reactions CENAP's activities have provoked, often leading to their being marginalized. Despite this, CENAP has solidified its position with a small but dedicated team, increasing its research output. They assert that the UFO phenomenon is real and deserves study as a cultural aspect of civilization, distinguishing it from science fiction.

Recent CENAP Activities and Developments

This section details recent activities and communications involving CENAP:

• October 2, 1983: Patrick Wilkins from the NATIONAL ENQUIRER visited Werner Walter in Mannheim for an interview, followed by further telephone discussions with Wilkins in Frankfurt and Paris. CENAP awaits the publication of Wilkins' report.
• November 7, 1983: A four-person CENAP delegation visited Bonn and met with officials from a federal authority regarding UFO matters. The information from this meeting was deemed confidential, with officials stating that the UFO topic currently has no priority and that flying saucers neither officially nor unofficially exist.
• Recent Weeks: CENAP has established a connection with a leading German observatory regarding UFOs, with the observatory's director expressing interest in a meeting in the spring.
• December 1, 1983: CENAP-Mannheim recorded a UFO-related discussion at Süddeutscher Rundfunk in Heidelberg.
• Following Week: CENAP-Heilbronn was also active in Stuttgart.
• Late November/Early December: Various newspapers published articles about CENAP's analysis of UFO-related documents. A journalist expressed particular interest and requested exclusive information, which CENAP agreed to provide.

The section concludes by looking forward to 1984, referencing George Orwell's "1984" and stating that CENAP will continue to be active and visible.

UFO-Seminar 1983 in Hadsten/Aarhus, Denmark

This section covers a UFO seminar held in Hadsten, Denmark. A drawing depicts various aspects of the UFO phenomenon being discussed around a table, with labels such as "UAP," "MADE IN SWEDEN," and "UFO 83 - UFO-SEMINAR-HADSTEN-DK." The drawing is signed "K83."

A photograph shows participants visiting the "Ole Rømer Observatory" in Aarhus. Bent Eriksen of SUFOI is pictured behind a telescope used for sunspot observations. Another photograph shows participants outside the observatory's exhibition building, studying Tycho Brahe's models. The individuals identified are the observatory's astronomer, Bent Eriksen, Ole Knudsen (an astronomer and head of SUFOI's alarm center), and other seminar participants. Ole Knudsen gave a lecture titled "Observation of the Night Sky and Orientation."

A photo from the closing celebration shows a convivial gathering with wine, women, and song, featuring participants like P. Andersen and his girlfriend, Torben Birkeholm and his wife, and other guests.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the efforts of amateur research groups like CENAP. There's a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be pro-UFO investigation, viewing the phenomenon as a significant cultural aspect worthy of study, while remaining skeptical of sensationalized accounts of extraterrestrial visitation. The publication also highlights the challenges and criticisms faced by UFO researchers, positioning them as dedicated individuals pursuing an important, albeit often misunderstood, field of inquiry. The inclusion of the "Neues von Woody" comic strip suggests a lighter, more accessible approach to engaging readers.