CENAP Report - No 095

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, titled "CENAP-REPORT Nr. 95", published in 1984, focuses on UFO phenomena, misidentifications, and related research. It includes articles on specific sightings, investigations into potential hoaxes, and broader UFO research efforts.

UFO-City Warminster

This section details a visit by Ulrich Magin to Warminster, UK, on September 16, 1983. Magin describes Warminster as a typical, medium-sized English town with no inherent mysterious flair, despite its proximity to ancient hill forts and burial sites. He notes the lack of specific local information or souvenirs related to UFOs, commonly known as the 'Warminster Thing'. While the Tourist Information Centre confirmed the existence of UFO sightings, Magin received a relevant brochure only from Salisbury. He found books on UFOs in the local library but none specifically about the 'Warminster Thing'. Magin also mentions the presence of ley lines in the area, suggesting historical significance. He concludes that the 'Warminster Mystery' is largely perpetuated by one individual, Shuttlewood, and that most sightings are minor or fabricated.

UFOs and Misidentifications

Several articles address the misidentification of objects as UFOs. One piece highlights the phenomenon of 'Party-Gag' balloons, which are often mistaken for UFOs, especially during New Year's Eve celebrations. These balloons, typically two meters in diameter and illuminated from within, can reach altitudes of up to 300 meters and are frequently reported as UFOs. CENAP-HQ in Mannheim has been issuing warnings about these misidentifications for years.

Another significant event covered is the "Fireball UFO over Heilbronn?" The article by Roland Gehardt, CENAP-Staff, recounts a sighting on December 2, 1983, by A-youth football players of ESV Heilbronn. They observed a bright, orange-red sphere that disintegrated into two parts. Subsequent investigation and comparison with press reports revealed that this was likely a meteor, not a UFO. Professor Heinz Kaminski, Director of the Bochum Observatory, confirmed that a meteorite entered the Earth's atmosphere that evening, splitting into two pieces and causing widespread alarm across Germany.

Further details on the Heilbronn sighting are provided, including witness accounts and a sketch of the object's flight path. The report notes that Kaminski received reports of similar sightings extending to the Speyer region, indicating the meteor's significant size and trajectory. The article also mentions that German military and intelligence services do not officially investigate UFOs, contrasting with efforts in the US.

UFO Research and Government Documents

Werner Walter, a UFO researcher from Mannheim, is featured for his extensive correspondence with government agencies worldwide regarding UFO evidence. He states that despite his efforts, there are no serious proofs of UFO visits to Earth, and the few puzzling incidents are too varied to form a coherent theory. Walter received documents from the US Air Force, CIA, and FBI, some of which were declassified. He notes that the Canadian Ministry of Defense also collected data on 'non-meteorological sightings'. The article mentions that even the United Nations has discussed UFOs at the request of Grenada.

Lecture by Colman VonKeviczky

An account of a lecture by Major Colman VonKeviczky, Director of the International UFO Research Institute, held in Ulm, is presented. VonKeviczky, a former military officer, presented slides and government documents to support his claims of alien visitation and the threat they pose. He argued that the strategic arms race between the US and the Soviet Union is actually a defense against potential extraterrestrial threats. He cited the widespread radar networks and space exploration efforts as evidence that governments are aware of this danger. VonKeviczky asserted that humanity is under constant control by extraterrestrial powers and that UFOs are sighted daily worldwide.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently addresses the need for critical evaluation of UFO reports, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing genuine phenomena from misidentifications like balloons or meteors. CENAP's stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation and debunking of common misidentifications, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The publication highlights the role of media in both sensationalizing and informing about UFO events. The editorial focus is on providing factual accounts and research-based analysis, encouraging readers to approach UFO reports with a discerning eye.

This issue of the Westfalen-Blatt, dated Tuesday, May 17, 1983, focuses heavily on UFO sightings and related investigations, particularly within Germany. The cover story, "Nächtliches Schauspiel: Drei Minuten »Ufo-Spuk«" (Nightly Spectacle: Three Minutes of 'UFO Spook'), highlights an incident in Barkhausen.

Article: "Nächtliches Schauspiel: Drei Minuten »Ufo-Spuk«"

A nearly 50-year-old man from Weiberg reported a UFO sighting on Monday, May 9, 1983, around 10:30 PM over Barkhausen. He described a round, rotating object with red windows that hovered silently for about three minutes, moving towards Siddinghausen and disappearing over the Almetal. Each of the four or five windows blinked with each rotation. Initially hesitant to report, fearing ridicule, he eventually shared his experience with his son. The story gained traction when students from a neighboring district brought a newspaper clipping about a similar sighting in Brilon on Sunday, May 8, 1983, at 11:15 PM, reported by eleven young people. The Weiberg man then reported his sighting to the Brilon police. The article notes that the Düsseldorf Ministry of the Interior was informed. The witnesses, despite initial doubts, found the event inexplicable and ruled out helicopters due to the silence. The article questions if others in the Büren area might have seen something similar and asks for further information.

Article: "Solinger Sternwarte beobachtete UFO am nächtlichen Sternhimmel"

This article, published in the Solinger Tageblatt on June 7, 1983, reports on a strange aerial phenomenon observed by six employees of the Sternwarte Solingen on the night of Saturday, June 4, 1983, around 11:58 PM. The object appeared on the southeastern horizon with great speed, described as orange-red and pulsating. It rapidly gained altitude. The observers, who were conducting astronomical observations at the time, estimated its size to be half the diameter of the full moon and its visual brightness comparable to Venus (-4m). They estimated its altitude at around 2 km and its speed at over 50 km/h. Using a small, easily movable telescope, they observed a hexagonal shape with a red center and orange/yellow edges. The object was difficult to focus, appearing as a large, seemingly partially transparent body. It moved silently from southeast to northwest, stopped, then rapidly lost size and brightness before disappearing about nine minutes later. Inquiries to Düsseldorf air traffic control yielded no information. The article mentions a similar observation from the Sternwarte Remscheid from September of the previous year. A realistic explanation was not found, especially since wind speeds at 2 km altitude were only around 20-30 km/h. The article notes that the Sternwarte Solingen is investigating possible explanations.

Letter from Sternwarte Solingen to Werner Walter

This letter, dated July 25, 1983, from Frank Lungenstraß of Sternwarte Solingen to Werner Walter in Mannheim, confirms Walter's telephone call and provides documentation regarding a UFO sighting. Lungenstraß notes that wind direction at 500m was from the west, contrary to the object's movement, and that ground-level winds were minimal (0-1 Beaufort), making a wind-driven object unlikely. An inquiry to Sternwarte Neanderhöhe yielded no results as they were not staffed at the time. However, Sternwarte Remscheid reported a similar observation on April 16, 1982. A Solingen resident also reported seeing the UFO from her balcony on the same night as the observatory's sighting. Lungenstraß expresses hope that the provided newspaper clipping and manuscript are helpful and requests a response, possibly including photographic material. He also inquires how the UFO sighting report reached Mannheim.

Article: "Unbekanntes Flugobjekt über Solingen"

This article, likely from the Solinger Tageblatt, details the Solingen observatory sighting. It reiterates the hexagonal shape, red center, and orange/yellow edges. The object was described as a large, seemingly partially transparent body. It moved from southeast to northwest, stopped, and then rapidly lost size and brightness. The article mentions that a previous report from the Sternwarte Remscheid on April 16, 1982, described a nearly identical observation. The wind speeds at 2 km altitude were reported to be only 20-30 km/h, making a realistic explanation difficult. The article states that they are trying to clarify if other explanations are possible.

Article: "UFO parade marks New Year"

This article, by Pete Mazzola for the News World, details a UFO sighting on New Year's Eve 1978/79. Pete Mazzola, Director of the Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI), recounts his personal experience. While on duty as a New York City police officer, he observed a formation of round, orange-glowing objects moving slowly across the sky. He estimated 20-25 objects in a double V-formation. His wife also witnessed a similar formation. He describes the objects as moving at an indeterminate speed and altitude, comparing their size to a grapefruit held at arm's length. The objects came from the northwest, passed directly over his house, and moved to the southwest. He notes that the police might dismiss such a report due to potential intoxication. He later took a photograph of a third formation. The article also discusses the MUFOG (Münchner UFO-Forschungs-gruppe) and its publication UFO-PHANOMENE, criticizing it for misinterpreting hot air balloons as UFOs. Examples cited include reports of a 'Rosa Ufo' over Munich and a 'scheibenförmige Flugobjekt' over the city center.

Article: "THE RENDLESHAM FOREST MYSTERY"

This section, from the "FLYING SAUCER REVIEW" (Volume 27, No. 6, published June 1982), references previous coverage of the Rendlesham Forest incident. It introduces a new perspective from Werner Walter, CENAP-Staff, Mannheim, who discusses how UFO sagas develop and how rumors are uncovered. He questions why UFO crashes are consistently reported in deserts and not in 'living, old, and conservative England.' He then recounts a story from February 1981, where Paul Beg, author of the book 'THIN AIR,' contacted him about a civilian radar detection of a UFO on the night of December 30, 1980, near Ipswich, East Anglia. The radar operator's friend reported the incident. The article suggests that the UFO was identified as a former US Air Force pilot.

Article: "Wo Rauch ist, gibt es Feuer-oder mehr Rauch..."

This short piece continues the discussion from the Rendlesham Forest mystery, referencing Paul Beg's inquiry about a UFO incident. It mentions that Paul Beg was seeking answers and not speculation, and that his account sounded credible. The incident involved a civilian radar system detecting a UFO near Ipswich.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the investigation into potential explanations. The magazine appears to present various accounts, from the seemingly credible observations by observatory staff and police officers to more sensationalized reports. There is a clear skepticism towards simplistic explanations like hot air balloons, although the 'hot air balloon' theory is discussed as a potential misidentification for some phenomena. The editorial stance seems to favor presenting the evidence and witness accounts, while also encouraging critical thinking and further investigation, as seen in the questions posed at the end of some articles and the request for additional information.

This issue of UFOS magazine, identified as issue 21 and volume 4, published in February 1982, focuses on significant UFO events, primarily the "Woodbridge Incident" in the UK and a historical FBI document concerning New Mexico. The magazine is published by CENAP and is in German.

The Woodbridge Incident

The core of this issue revolves around the events of December 1980 in Woodbridge, UK. The narrative begins with a radar operator reporting an unidentified phenomenon to other radar systems, both civilian and military. This sighting was unusual and could not be explained by known flight patterns. The US Air Force later collected radar recordings, adding to the mystery. The report is attributed to a radar operator whose identity is withheld due to official regulations. Key individuals involved in the investigation include Paul, Kevin McClure (UFOIN), and Peter Warrington (UFOIN), who verified the story.

A report from the Woodbridge area described something "abnormal" landing near the Woodbridge AFB, involving a metallic machine and entities, with alleged electromagnetic effects on a military jeep. This was more substantial than a mere rumor.

Norman Oliver, then editor of BUFORA JOURNAL, received a fragmented report from the USA about a "big something" happening in Woodbridge around the New Year. This report came from a US official who had returned to the states and felt freer to speak. Oliver was advised to contact the local BUFORA investigator, Brenda Butler, who lived near the area, and her associate Dot Street.

Brenda Butler and Dot Street, working in the sparsely populated Suffolk region, took on the investigation. They pursued the story until 1982. Despite the incredible nature of the information, the media showed little interest, with only a local BBC interview with Brenda and a brief mention in the Londoner STANDARD.

The investigation led them to Rendlesham Forest, a large wooded area northeast of Ipswich. The USAF bases in the vicinity were aware of "ley" lines, suggesting potential landing sites. The forest offered ideal cover for a landing.

Brenda Butler compiled a detailed report in March 1982. The narrative of the events is somewhat confusing chronologically, with witnesses identified only as "Witness I, 2, or 3." Brenda later provided additional data in January 1982. She learned of the incident a month after it occurred, before rumors began.

An informant, a personal friend of Brenda's and a USAF officer who had previously provided UFO information, asked her not to discuss the matter publicly to avoid trouble. He revealed that this was not the first such incident near the base, but it was the most impressive.

On December 30, 1980, a farmer reported a crash in the woods near the base. Base police investigated and confirmed the presence of a UFO. A local journalist also arrived with cameras. The base commander assembled a high-level team, including the head of security, but forbade weapons. The object was found damaged, and three beings, about three feet tall and wearing silver suits, were observed hovering in light beams, repairing the craft. The base commander confiscated all journalist cameras and imposed a news blackout. He then spoke directly with the aliens.

The object remained on the ground for four hours before ascending at high speed. The next day, an AIO machine conducted radiation measurements. The entire base personnel were ordered to maintain secrecy.

Brenda's informant asked two key questions: the precise shape of the landed machine and the content of the conversation with the beings.

Brenda also learned of related anomalies. A civilian who performed electrical repairs at the base reported that all runway lights mysteriously went out one night. He was taken to the runway to investigate under armed guard, finding it unusual.

Additionally, forest workers in Rendlesham found treetops scorched, which they reported to the Air Base, being told to keep it secret. On February 12, 1981, mysterious "Bangs" were heard in the forest, attributed by a forest worker to unexploded bombs from exercises. Brenda's informant confirmed an object had crashed in the woods, though he believed it was an aircraft.

Brenda, determined to uncover the truth, contacted the base commander on February 18, 1981, seven weeks after the alleged crash. The commander refused to answer her questions and instead inquired about her UFO knowledge. She was advised to contact the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The MOD claimed ignorance, but the base commander's actions suggested he knew more. It is implied that an officer who might have informed the UFOlogists was transferred to the USA.

Brenda and Dot Street ventured into the forest to the suspected landing site. Their car began to vibrate and accelerate uncontrollably at 60-70 mph, a phenomenon Dot confirmed, though she was initially frightened.

The FBI Document (March 1950)

The issue also features a reproduction of an Office Memorandum from the FBI dated March 22, 1950, from Guy Hottel, SAC, Washington, to the Director, FBI, concerning "Flying Saucers." The document states that an Air Force investigator reported the recovery of three "so-called flying saucers" in New Mexico. These were described as circular with raised centers, approximately 50 feet in diameter, each occupied by three 3-foot-tall human-shaped bodies dressed in metallic cloth and bandaged similarly to blackout suits.

According to the informant, the saucers were found in New Mexico because the government had a high-powered radar setup in the area, believed to interfere with the saucers' control mechanisms. No further evaluation was attempted by the FBI.

The German text accompanying the document clarifies that this FBI memo is a point of discussion for UFOlogists. It reiterates the information about the three recovered flying saucers in New Mexico, their description, and the presence of small, metallic-clad occupants. The document was allegedly received by Special Agent Guy Hottel through an unknown source, whose anonymity is protected by law.

It is emphasized that the document does not claim possession of the saucers but states that an Air Force investigator in March 1950 declared their recovery. The text questions whether this claim was based on personal involvement or Frank Scully's book, noting that UFO crash rumors were common in 1950. It also mentions "Green Fireball" sightings in New Mexico from December 1948 to May 1950.

A SECRET paper from the USAF Headquarters dated May 25, 1950, lists UFO observations in New Mexico during March 1950, focusing on those with "the most excellent data," but makes no mention of a UFO crash. It suggests these reports might be misidentified balloon sightings.

The FBI was reportedly informed of a student from the University of New Mexico and reporter who supplied the FBI with a trick photo of a flying saucer crashed on a mountain, with small men and four hovering saucers. This story was released to the Associated Press. The FBI director was also informed of a mysterious "Mister X" who intended to commercially promote the story first published by Frank Scully in VARIETY magazine in January 1950.

The article concludes that the FBI document has no definitive proof and that "Saucer fairy tales everywhere."

Other Content

The issue includes a photograph of a UFO-shaped object submerged in water, with a headline about it diving into the ocean and a question about a potential "Planeten-Krieg" (Planetary War). The original source is cited as SAGA magazine, July 1972. The image is described as a film still of a citizen from San Diego, California, showing a UFO destroyed by a US fighter jet crashing into the Pacific, questioning if it was forced down by US jets in a planetary war.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and potential government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and official documents while acknowledging the speculative nature of some claims and the difficulty in obtaining verifiable proof. There is a clear interest in debunking sensationalism while still highlighting intriguing cases. The publication seems to advocate for a thorough examination of UFO reports, even those that are difficult to explain or are met with official silence.