CENAP Report - No 098

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr.98
Volume: 9J/H4/84
Date: 1984
Publisher: CENAP (centrales erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher phänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the CENAP-REPORT, a publication dedicated to the research of extraordinary phenomena, focuses on several investigations conducted by CENAP staff, primarily Hansjürgen Köhler and Werner Walter. The issue covers a range of reported sightings from 1974 to 1984, including unidentified flying objects (UFOs), meteorites, and balloons, with a particular emphasis on debunking or identifying the phenomena.

Investigated Cases

Kiel Sighting (January 17, 1974)

The report details an investigation into a sighting that occurred in Kiel on January 17, 1974. CENAP was informed by NIVFO, which had received the case from NICAP. A weather observer at the Kiel-Holtenau flight weather service recalled an entry in the weather service logbook from 1974 describing two objects seen around 16:00 hours. The objects were described as bright and having defined contours, with the higher one appearing as a disc and the lower one as a lying, broad sickle. Initially stationary, the lower object moved rapidly west at 16:25. An aerological measurement unit tracked the higher object at 16:30, estimating a fall speed of 3/10 in 10 minutes. The weather conditions were good, ruling out aircraft and helicopters. Astronomical data for the moon and Venus were also checked. Further investigation, including contact with the weather observer and the weather station, revealed that these were likely research balloons from the DDR, which are frequently observed from Kiel. The case was ultimately classified as 'Identified'.

Wülfrath Sighting (June 8, 1983)

CENAP received information about a sighting in Wülfrath on June 8, 1983, forwarded by the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (Federal Aviation Office). Three student pilots reported observing an unidentified object from the terrace of the Luftsportverein Velbert at approximately 23:15. They described seeing flames and an object moving at 40-80 km/h in a northeastern direction, which then ascended rapidly and disappeared. The object's flight path was compared to a direct approach to Düsseldorf Airport's runway 24. Despite the unusual characteristics, the report concludes that the object was a widely observed party gag hot air balloon, noting that such balloons exhibit similar flight characteristics and visible flames, leading to misidentification.

Hemer Sighting (January 1, 1984)

This case, reported in the Mendener Zeitung on January 7, 1984, concerns a New Year's Eve sighting in Hemer. An optician couple, the Dencks, observed a bright red, saucer-sized object with black stripes moving rapidly through the night sky around 00:20. They ruled out fireworks and noted that Dr. Werner Denck, an amateur astronomer, found that unidentified objects often appear between 23:00 and 3:00. The Amt für Umwelt- und Zukunftsforschung had no information at the time. CENAP's investigation, including a phone call with Mr. Denck, led to the conclusion that this was also a party gag hot air balloon, despite the witnesses' initial conviction that it was not a conventional aircraft.

Waging a.S. Sighting (January 13, 1984)

The issue includes a reader's letter to the Traunsteiner Wochenblatt from January 19, 1984, describing an observation on January 13, 1984, at approximately 7:49 AM. The witness, Mr. Grabmann, observed a bright, glaring object in the east, descending rapidly like a flare but much slower, and extinguishing just above the horizon. He questioned if it was a meteorite, given its characteristics and the time of day. The report cross-references this with a report from the Passauer Neue Presse about a similar sighting in Austria.

Austrian Meteorite Sighting (January 13, 1984)

A report from the Passauer Neue Presse, dated January 19, 1984, describes a bright, yellow-to-gold light observed around 7:25 AM on January 13, 1984, in the Burgenland region of Austria. The Meteorological Institute in Vienna suggested it was a meteorite. The CENAP report notes a discrepancy in the time, with the Austrian meteorite observed at 7:52 AM, which aligns with the Waging sighting, suggesting it was the same event. The object was reportedly tracked by a radar station in Salzburg at an altitude of 40 km. The report concludes that this event was a meteorite.

The Andreas Schneider Case (CE-III-Fall in Neu-Isenburg)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the case of Andreas Schneider, a 15-year-old student from Neu-Isenburg, who claims to be a UFO contactee. The report details interviews with Schneider, his stepfather, and his school environment, highlighting his obsession with UFOs. He claims to have had contact with beings from the planet 'Humo' since November 1981, when he was on Tenerife. These beings allegedly took him aboard a small, round spacecraft and informed him that they would save humanity from a natural catastrophe. Schneider describes the beings as small, brown-skinned, bald, and intelligent. The article includes a photograph of Schneider with a symbol on his chest, allegedly given to him by the 'Humo' beings. The case is presented with skepticism, with the article questioning whether it is a delusion or a genuine experience, but acknowledging the extensive media attention it received, including a report in the youth magazine BRAVO and an appearance on a ZDF television program.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP-REPORT consistently adopts a skeptical yet investigative approach to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance emphasizes rigorous research and identification of sightings, often attributing them to known phenomena such as balloons, meteorites, or misidentified aircraft. The magazine aims to provide factual accounts and analyses, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and explainable events. The issue highlights the importance of detailed observation, witness corroboration, and cross-referencing with scientific data. The case of Andreas Schneider, while presented with his claims, is framed within a context that questions its veracity, suggesting it might be a product of imagination or a desire for attention, contrasting it with the 'serious UFO research' that dismisses such sensationalist claims. The recurring theme is the demystification of alleged UFO sightings through careful investigation and logical explanation.

Title: UFO-NACHRICHTEN
Issue: APRIL
Volume: 2000 (likely a series identifier, not year)
Date: April 1984 (inferred from context and cover date)
Publisher: BRAVO (implied by context and content)
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 4,80

This issue of UFO-NACHRICHTEN, a magazine for ufologists, features a cover story questioning why UFOs avoid large cities and offers tips on how to fly to the stars with a UFO. The cover itself presents a young woman with a serious expression and the headline 'Olen mich RDISCHE mit dem Ufo ab' (They took me to the RED UFO).

Andreas Schneider's 'Humo' Contact

The central narrative revolves around Andreas Schneider, a young man who claims to have been in contact with extraterrestrial beings from a star called 'Humo' since 1976. Andreas describes these beings as about 1.50 meters tall, with dark, olive skin, no hair, and no visible gender or clothing. They communicate telepathically, and their messages are understood in German. The 'Humo' beings have allegedly chosen Andreas to deliver a crucial message to humanity: a massive natural catastrophe is imminent before the year 2000, involving floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. They claim they can help humanity only if people believe in them and send positive energy, as they have been attacked and shot at by humans in the past.

Andreas recounts that the 'Humo' beings frequently visit Earth, often landing in the Bermuda Triangle, and that missing persons there are not drowned but taken by the 'Humo' people to learn how to save the world before being returned. He also mentions a blue symbol on his hand, the 'Humo' sign, which he was told would protect him and facilitate contact. He claims to have contact with them several times a week, often through meditation or by concentrating on an object in a secluded area at night.

Despite facing ridicule at school, where he is called an 'UFO-Freak,' Andreas remains steadfast. His friends, particularly René, and his mother believe his story. The 'Humo' beings reportedly predict events, such as the death of Russian head of state Andropov, which Andreas claims to have known a week in advance. They also state that each person must live seven lives on Earth, and Andreas believes he is in his seventh life, after which he will have the freedom to go to another star, possibly 'Humo.'

Andreas explains that the 'Humo' star is located near Pluto, but he has not seen the landscape, only the beings. He believes humans could live there, as there is oxygen and food, but it would require a complete societal change. The 'Humo' beings claim to be descended from humans and had contact in the Stone Age, but the connection was lost until now, when they are re-establishing contact to save Earth from destruction. They are described as positive beings with no war.

Contact with the 'Humo' beings is possible for anyone who concentrates and 'summons' them. They are said to prefer contacting young people because they are more open-minded. The beings can access thoughts and discern sincerity. Andreas suggests that sometimes voices can be recorded on a tape recorder during contact, though he has not shared any such recordings, stating that people should believe without proof.

South African UFO Incident: Rand Air Traffic Puzzle

This section details a sighting over the Rand area in South Africa on February 5, 1984. Aircraft were warned about two unidentified, 'cigar-shaped' objects that were visible for over two hours. Air traffic controllers at Rand Airport, Jan Smuts Airport, and Lanseria Airport observed the objects, but they could not be detected on radar. Lanseria controllers used binoculars and described the objects as 'spectacular' and 'irreguliar,' posing a potential hazard. One controller described two objects, about 10 meters long and black, that moved erratically, ascending and descending as if on a string. Initially, the objects were speculated to be UFOs, but the weather office stated they were not meteorological phenomena. Later, civil aviation spokesmen suggested they were likely balloons, and the incident was officially dismissed as such, with authorities warning against launching balloons without permission.

CENAP's 10-Year Investigation and Findings

Werner Walter, chief investigator for the Central Investigation Network on Aerial Phenomena (CENAP), discusses a 10-year investigation into hundreds of UFO sightings. CENAP, a nonprofit organization funded by thousands of members, meticulously examines reports. Walter states that they have found six cases that are unquestionably extraterrestrial in origin. The magazine highlights several of these cases:

• December 1981: Eleven people in southern Germany saw a blue, cigar-shaped object for 25 minutes.
• May 10, 1979: Gabe Schaat heard a roaring sound and saw a pulsating reddish-orange ball in the sky near a small airfield.
• August 3, 1977: Two Austrian students saw a yellow, cigar-shaped object streak across the sky at high speed.
• July 12, 1977: Wolfgang Rech saw a bright red UFO, followed by two others, which left a blue flashing trail.
• June 11, 1977: Manfred and Elizabeth Gundle witnessed a bright yellow object that hovered, changed shape, and then sped away.

CENAP's investigation process involves thoroughly checking the reputations of witnesses, their professions, and cross-checking all given facts. Walter emphasizes that they are not necessarily looking for extraterrestrial explanations and are willing to accept astronomical explanations if they prove a sighting false.

Other UFO-Related Content

• The ENQUIRER Article: The magazine notes that an article in the National ENQUIRER about UFOs is not an April Fool's joke. It clarifies that CENAP does not believe in UFOs from outer space but rather in the UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) theory. The article is criticized for mixing up details like dates, names, and cities, and for misrepresenting CENAP's size and stance on 'ET-enthusiasts.'
• Heilbronn Computer UFO Hunt: Two amateur UFO researchers in Heilbronn are using home computers to analyze UFO reports. They have developed programs to compare new sightings with a database of 255 'explained' cases and 19 'unexplained' cases, with interest from UFOlogists in Norway.
• Dieter Brügmann's 'Personal UFO Experiences': A satirical piece by Dieter Brügmann offers to create 'personal UFO experiences' for readers who send in a description of their desired encounter, along with a donation to a charity. He humorously admits to inventing these experiences due to a lack of real ones.
• Satirical Cartoons and Quotes: The magazine includes humorous illustrations and quotes, such as one from Raquel Welch about a Martian admitting to coming to Earth to see her, and a dog named Fido offering his 'testimony.' There's also a cartoon depicting a police investigation of a UFO landing in Herne, Germany, with 'convincing evidence' like flattened grass and strange footprints, and a humorous reference to a peanut sack possibly being a gift for President Jimmy Carter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged alien contact, and the efforts of researchers and enthusiasts to understand these phenomena. There's a clear distinction made between genuine investigation (like CENAP's meticulous approach) and sensationalism or fabricated accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, while maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated claims and sensationalized reporting, as seen in the critique of the National ENQUIRER. The theme of government secrecy or a potential cover-up regarding UFOs is also subtly present, particularly in the context of the 'new eyewitness reports' section.

This issue of CENAP Report, identified as CR 97 and likely from 1979, focuses on UFO phenomena with a critical and skeptical perspective. The main cover story, "Kleine grüne Männchen - Warner aus dem Weltall?" (Little Green Men - Warner from Space?), features Karl L. Veit, president of the German UFO Study Group (DUIST), who claims extraterrestrials visit Earth daily as 'Warner' to prevent self-destruction. The magazine also includes a report on a UFO sighting over Gran Canaria and a critique of various UFO organizations and their research methods.

Karl L. Veit and the DUIST: Believers and Critics

The article introduces Karl L. Veit, a UFO researcher from Wiesbaden, Germany, and president of the DUIST, which he founded 27 years prior. Veit and his followers are convinced of the existence of extraterrestrials and their advanced spacecraft. According to Veit, these beings visit Earth daily with the benevolent intention of warning humanity against its destructive tendencies, particularly the threat of nuclear war, which could endanger other star systems. He believes humanity is on the cusp of a "Golden Age" coinciding with astronomical cycles. The DUIST actively disseminates information through its bimonthly magazine "UFO-Nachrichten," books, lectures, and film presentations.

However, Veit expresses frustration with the media, accusing journalists of lacking objectivity and often reporting with a "satirical, disbelieving undertone." This perceived bias led to the 13th World Congress of UFO Researchers in Wiesbaden being held privately, excluding the public.

TV Debate: Veit vs. Haack

A significant portion of the magazine details a televised debate on the ARD program "Unglaublich-aber wahr?" (Unbelievable-but true?) between Karl Veit and UFOlogy opponent Friedrich W. Haack. The author, Werner Walter of CENAP, frames this as a negative event for German UFOlogy, suggesting Veit pushed it "closer to public rejection."

During the debate, Haack, described as a "UFO priest," calmly countered Veit's claims. Veit presented a personal UFO sighting from May 1, 1955, involving a pendulating and wobbling object observed with his family and friends. Haack, however, dismissed this as a potential balloon sighting and questioned the validity of UFO evidence, including famous photos from figures like Adamski. Veit claimed to know Adamski personally, while Haack pointed out Adamski's humble background, which Veit found offensive. The HR (presumably the TV station) reportedly accused Veit of not meeting his burden of proof, stating that the DUIST, not the outside world, must prove the existence of UFOs.

Case Studies and Media Criticism

The magazine examines specific cases, including the "Suffolk" incident, where the Ipswich lighthouse was identified as the source of a red-pulsating object, not a UFO. The report suggests that the "NEWS OF THE WORLD" publication falsified details, and ground traces were merely animal scratches, with forest markings explained as axe marks from a forester. The dense forest was also cited as evidence against a UFO landing.

Veit's claims were further challenged regarding a UFO landing story that had been published in various newspapers. When asked if he would uphold the story printed in UFO NACHRICHTEN, Veit retracted, stating he hadn't seen it, but implied a "cover-up" based on a statement by General Halt. However, a journalist had spoken to Halt, who dismissed the story as a hoax. Veit's reaction to this was defensive, claiming his group focused only on "POSITIVE things."

The debate also touched upon the British Lord who raised the UFO question in the House of Lords, with Veit defending the Lord's right to speak, while Haack dismissed it as irrelevant if the Lord was "crazy."

Veit accused Haack of not being as knowledgeable about UFOs as himself, despite Haack's 20 years of research into UFOlogy and occultism. The segment concludes with Veit feeling the entire broadcast was "NEGATIVE" and that he felt deceived. The Nagora case was also not broadcast.

Gran Canaria UFO Sighting

Another article revisits the topic of UFOs over Gran Canaria, referencing a report from the Danish UFO-NYT (SUFOI, No. 3/1979). It describes a phenomenon observed by thousands of tourists and locals in March 1979. Gertraut Dam reported seeing a strange light over the neighboring island of Gomera that expanded, changed colors, and then ascended. Spanish personnel reacted with the sign of the cross. The phenomenon was also seen on the North African coast. SUFOI suggests this was a man-made barium cloud, likely from a rocket or satellite, used for atmospheric measurements. CENAP finds this explanation plausible, suggesting a rocket with a barium "warhead" was fired from Africa or a ship, creating a spectacular "dusk effect."

Project UFO 3 and CENAP's Research

The issue announces the completion of "PROJECT UFO 3" by Werner Walter, a 136-page book offering exclusive UFO information for the German-speaking world. The book delves into historical UFO events, including the 1947 "flying saucer" wave, the Roswell incident, and the Condon Committee's findings. It also examines the role of the press and government secrecy regarding UFOs, and includes a declassified technical report (F-TR-2274-IA) from the Air Force Intelligence Headquarters from February 1949.

CENAP's Critical Stance on UFOlogy

Werner Walter, writing under the title "KEIN DURCHBLICK BEI INTERKOSMOS!" (No Insight into INTERKOSMOS!), criticizes Austrian UFOlogists for their lack of clarity and objectivity. He references an article in "NEUER KOSMOS" by Raimund Hinterbuchinger, the editor of "Hinterwäldler," which he deems as promoting a "war of the scene."

Walter also addresses criticism from Roland Gehardt in the "Zeitsprung" magazine, who accused CENAP of being too critical of pre-astronautics researcher Herr Hain. Walter defends CENAP's approach, highlighting their "CENAP-Report" magazine, which has published 94 issues. He states that their research into UFO reports, primarily from German and international media, consistently leads to the conclusion of "hoax" or misinterpretation. Walter questions the "sinfulness" of their research when it consistently points to deception.

CENAP's stance is that a genuine "hoax" involves conscious manipulation, whereas they classify misinterpretations of natural phenomena (like party balloons mistaken for UFOs) as subjective assessments, not deliberate deception. They criticize INTERKOSMOS-Chef for labeling all misinterpretations as deliberate hoaxes.

Walter argues that UFOlogists often accept unsubstantiated claims from literature as fact, leading to a "belief system" rather than actual knowledge. He contrasts this with CENAP's rigorous research, which he claims is often dismissed by UFOlogists. He concludes by suggesting that UFOlogists might need psychological help to re-evaluate their situation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, the role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs, and the distinction between genuine scientific inquiry and unsubstantiated belief systems. CENAP's editorial stance is clearly skeptical, emphasizing the need for evidence-based research and exposing what they perceive as hoaxes, misinterpretations, and sensationalism within the UFO community. They position themselves as a source of factual, albeit often debunking, information, contrasting their approach with what they view as the uncritical acceptance of claims by many UFOlogists.