CENAP Report - No 104

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 104
Volume: 9./H10/84
Date: June 14, 1980

This issue of the CENAP-REPORT, published by CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz Außergewöhnlicher Phänomene), focuses on a significant UFO manifestation that occurred across Argentina on June 14, 1980. The report details numerous eyewitness accounts, official statements, and attempts at explanation, alongside photographic evidence.

The Argentinian UFO Event of June 14, 1980

The central theme is the widespread UFO sighting on June 14, 1980, starting around 7 PM. The event was so significant that it made the front page of the newspaper LA NACION with the headline: 'A UFO WAS SEEN IN THE CAPITAL AND IN THE INTERIOR OF THE COUNTRY!'. Thousands of people across various locations, including Buenos Aires, Rosario, Santa Fe, Parana, and Resistencia, reported seeing the phenomenon, which was described as a 'glowing ring' and observed over a distance of more than 1,000 km.

Witnesses included farmers, police officers, pilots, and air traffic controllers. For instance, Commander Fernandez stated, 'Whatever it is, it was not something normal.' Air traffic controllers at Jorge Newbery Airport reported it seemed to 'shatter against the control tower.'

Specific Sightings and Locations:

• Buenos Aires: The phenomenon was observed over the capital and the city airport. The report mentions a 'fleet of UFOs' seen over Rosario, with one described as cylindrical and having a 'cockpit' area. The movement was generally towards the Northeast.
• El Chamical Air Base: Initially, some witnesses were told the phenomenon was the explosion of a rocket launched from this base. However, the Argentine Air Force later denied this.
• Parana: Residents reported a fleet of flying saucers between 7 PM and 7:08 PM. The 2nd Air Brigade did not rule out an experiment by the El Chamical Air Base involving sodium clouds.
• Uruguay: In Sarandi, El Carmen, and Durazno, a flying spherical object with white lights was seen. It was also observed over Punta del Este.
• Punta Arenas (Chile): A LAN (Chile) airliner pilot reported seeing a UFO at 50,000 feet at 9:40 PM GMT (6:40 PM Argentinian time). The UFO, described as a radiant yellow light, moved at high speed and maneuvered away to avoid a collision.
• Province of La Pampa: A family on a road trip saw a glowing circle with a halo, moving SW to NO for 3-4 minutes.
• Province of Buenos Aires: Sightings occurred near the Camet Airport, with reports of ring-shaped or smoke-ring-like objects, some enveloped in a white halo, at an altitude of 5,000 meters. The brightest light reportedly emanated from the center of the disk.
• Junin: Hundreds observed a phenomenon with a glowing halo and a dark, opaque center through which stars could be seen. The object moved from SW to NE and disappeared suddenly. The technical staff at the Junin Provincial Airport recorded the incident between 7:03 PM and 7:05 PM.
• Ituzaigo: A cylindrical object about 10 meters wide was seen hovering for 3-4 minutes before ejecting three smaller objects and ascending.
• Ezeiza Airport: A landing passenger jet was followed by a UFO that executed a rapid turn to avoid a collision. The control tower confirmed the object on radar, describing it as a luminous sphere or disk with a halo.
• Rosario: A fleet of UFOs, including cylindrical and round ones, was observed over the 'Parc Independancia' and the Parana River, moving in a coordinated manner. A photograph was taken by Jose Granata.
• Cordoba: A luminous circle with a dark center was seen moving slowly from South to North.
• Resistencia and Chaco Province: Numerous reports of the same phenomenon were collected.
• Santa Fe: A round, multicolored object was observed.

Photographic Evidence from Junin

A significant part of the report focuses on a photograph taken by Jose Gonzales in Junin. The film was developed by Harold Maresse, a photography expert and Assessor for ONIFE-Junin. Maresse provided a strong endorsement, stating, "I can tell you that this is not a forgery, this is an original and nothing has been altered." Gonzales described the object as a 'sphere' with a core and a transparent halo, through which stars could be seen, except in the center.

Official Explanations and Contradictions

Several official explanations were proposed:

• Ice Clouds: The central air traffic control service at Ezeiza initially suggested the phenomenon was caused by frozen clouds reflecting sunlight, appearing multicolored. However, the report dismisses this, citing the speed, direction, and form of the objects, which did not align with cloud behavior. An experienced pilot scoffed at the idea of a cloud maneuvering with such precision.
• NASA Experiment: Another hypothesis suggested a NASA experiment. Engineer Mario Hector Arunua claimed that NASA would launch a satellite on May 23rd and that a 'flying saucer' would be visible between June 8th and 15th. NASA reportedly planned to launch its own UFO, named 'Feuerkreis' (Fire Circle), to observe an artificial luminous cloud. However, later reports from NASA and Cape Kennedy indicated that the 'Feuerkreis' project was a failure and postponed, creating a contradiction.
• Meteorological Phenomenon: The meteorological service at Cordoba stated they could not confirm it was a UFO but that if it were a meteorological phenomenon, their station would have detected it. Later, the Argentine Air Force officially agreed with the meteorological service's opinion regarding a cloud.

Analysis and Conclusions

The report concludes that a UFO phenomenon undeniably occurred. Based on the analysis of numerous reports, several key points emerge:

1. Common Characteristics: The majority of sightings involved a luminous halo with a dark center, or multiple objects seen in formation.
2. Synchronicity: Most observations occurred around the same time, despite the vast distances separating the locations.

The authors' opinion is that UFOs manifested as luminous halos or circular objects. They also suggest the possibility of 'mother ships' accompanied by smaller 'spy' craft, potentially explaining observations over large distances. One hypothesis is that a UFO moved from southern Chile (Punta Arenas) to Argentina, possibly accompanied by 'spy' objects. Another related hypothesis suggests the dark center within a transparent halo was a beam from a mother ship.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as real and worthy of investigation, often questioning and refuting official explanations that seem inadequate or contradictory. The editorial stance favors a serious, evidence-based approach, highlighting eyewitness testimony, photographic evidence, and the limitations of conventional explanations. There is a clear skepticism towards government or scientific bodies that attempt to dismiss or downplay UFO sightings without thorough investigation. The report emphasizes the need for further analysis and acknowledges that the investigation into these events is ongoing.

This issue of "UFO UPDATE" (Issue 2/83) delves into the realm of Soviet UFO phenomena, primarily focusing on two significant events: the 'Petrozavodsk Phenomenon' of September 20, 1977, and a widely reported sighting over Moscow on June 14, 1980. The publication aims to provide a critical analysis of these events, challenging conventional UFOlogy interpretations and proposing more terrestrial explanations.

The Argentine Case and Professor Demattei's Hypothesis

The issue begins by discussing a case from Argentina, where a UFO was described as a funnel-shaped object through which smaller craft moved towards a mother ship. This hypothesis, put forth by Professor Omar R. Demattei, is based on two witnesses, one of whom remains anonymous. The article notes that the case is still under investigation and that ONIFE is being contacted for further updates. The authors offer some preliminary comments, emphasizing the agreement in time and flight path among multiple witnesses as strong evidence. They also draw a parallel to the Santa Ana case, where witnesses described a dark circle surrounded by a halo. However, they find Demattei's hypothesis somewhat hasty, particularly due to the limited number of witnesses for the second hypothesis. The general sentiment is that explaining UFO phenomena is inherently difficult, and it's important to focus on precise, coherent facts before jumping to hypotheses.

The Moscow Sighting of June 14, 1980

Pascal Deboodt contributes a commentary on the June 14, 1980, event, deeming it an exceptionally significant day for UFO phenomena. The article then presents a report from the Soviet Union, citing BILD and NATIONAL ENQUIRER, about a massive UFO, described as a 100-meter-high, orange-colored saucer, appearing over Moscow. Thousands of Muscovites witnessed the event, with many fleeing in panic. The report includes testimonies from Colonel Oleg Karyaken, who described a smaller craft detaching from the main object, and TV director Aleksandr Koreshkov, who reported strange light beams. Geo-physicist Dr. Aleksej Zototov claimed Soviet fighter jets attacked the object, causing it to disappear with incredible speed. The article notes that the UFOlogy community considered this a significant event.

Soviet UFOs Identified as Satellite Launchings

The core of the issue is dedicated to identifying Soviet UFO sightings as satellite launchings. The article, authored by Pekka Teerikorpi, an astronomer from Turku University, Finland, addresses the 'Petrozavodsk Phenomenon' and the June 14, 1980, sighting. Teerikorpi argues that both events were caused by Soviet satellite launches from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. He points out that the Soviet press rarely provides detailed information about these launches, leading to confusion and the misinterpretation of light phenomena as UFOs.

The Petrozavodsk Phenomenon Explained

Teerikorpi outlines several arguments to support the satellite launch explanation for the Petrozavodsk Phenomenon:
1. The phenomenon was observed over a wide area in Finland and the Baltic Sea, indicating a high-altitude event consistent with a rocket launch.
2. The direction of movement and appearance closely matched rocket launches from Plesetsk, which have been observed from Finland many times.
3. The timing of the phenomenon coincided precisely with the launch of the COSMOS 955 satellite from Plesetsk, as confirmed by Western analyses. Although PRAVDA reported the launch, it withheld technical details, contributing to public confusion.
4. The phenomenon likely resulted from the expulsion of flames and gases from the rocket carrying COSMOS 955 into orbit. Teerikorpi addresses claims of low-flying, glowing 'rays,' suggesting these are likely misinterpretations of atmospheric effects or poor observations.

He further debunks the idea of paradoxes in these sightings, attributing them to poor observation or unrelated phenomena. He specifically refutes the interpretation of certain reports that placed the phenomenon directly over Helsinki, stating it was likely low on the eastern horizon, consistent with a Plesetsk rocket launch.

The June 14, 1980 Sighting Over Moscow Explained

Teerikorpi also applies his analysis to the June 14, 1980, sighting over Moscow. He notes the striking similarity to the Petrozavodsk event and found evidence of the COSMOS 1188 satellite launch from Plesetsk at the exact time of the sighting. The descriptions of the phenomenon, including drawings based on photos, are consistent with ascending rockets. The article mentions additional reports from Dr. Zigel's archive about a small craft landing in Moscow streets, but states there is no evidence to link these to the primary light phenomenon. Teerikorpi concludes that the details of the June 14, 1980, event strongly suggest it was also caused by a satellite launch.

Concluding Remarks

Teerikorpi expresses hope that this discussion will bring a more critical perspective to Soviet UFO reports. He reiterates that the limited information available about satellite launches contributes to the confusion among the public and media. He advises that when future Soviet UFO reports emerge, especially those involving widespread observations, it's important to remember this factor. He also notes that the most interesting UFO observations often pertain to localized incidents with few witnesses, a point also made by J.A. Hynek.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO reports, particularly those originating from the Soviet Union. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensationalist UFO claims and a preference for scientific, evidence-based explanations. The publication actively seeks to debunk popular myths by providing alternative, terrestrial explanations, such as satellite launches, for phenomena that have been widely interpreted as extraterrestrial. There is a clear emphasis on the role of misinformation, lack of transparency (especially from Soviet sources), and the tendency for observers to misinterpret natural or man-made events. The issue also touches upon the potential for disinformation campaigns, with a quote suggesting the KGB might be happy to promote alien stories to distract from other matters. The overall tone is investigative and aims to educate readers about the complexities and potential misinterpretations within the field of UFOlogy.

This issue of UFO-NACHRICHTEN Nr. 286, dated May/June 1984, focuses on UFO sightings in South America and a notable military encounter in France. The magazine, published by CENAP, presents a mix of reported sightings, official statements, and critical analysis, often questioning the nature of UFO phenomena and the possibility of cover-ups.

UFO Fleets Over Argentina

The lead article details a mass sighting of "UFO fleets" over Argentina on the early morning of February 4, 1984. Hundreds of witnesses in the capital and suburbs of Greater Buenos Aires reported seeing 15 to 20 round, brightly colored objects flying in perfect formation and emitting strong beams of light in all rainbow colors. Similar sightings were reported from various provinces, including Cordoba, Santa Fe, and Buenos Aires, with the fleets observed moving from west to east and slightly north-south at approximately 2:20 AM, 2:45 AM, and 2:50 AM.

Various explanations were offered by astronomers and meteorologists, including the explosion of a meteorite causing a cloud of colored particles, the re-entry of an artificial satellite, or even a detached part of the Challenger space shuttle. The article notes that while more information was promised, the matter was subsequently "swept under the rug" by authorities, leading to the cynical remark, "Long live the cover-up!"

UFOs in the South: El Bolson Sighting

Another report describes a sighting by night watchman Remigio Barrientos in El Bolson, Argentina, on April 21, 1984, at 9:28 PM. He observed a "huge flying saucer" emitting intense light and surrounded by a white cloud, with a dark central disc and a yellowish rim. The object moved slowly for about 30 minutes from south to northwest before disappearing over the horizon. This account was corroborated by several neighbors and reported to the local radio station LRA 57 Radio Nacional El Bolsón.

Similar reports came from southern Chile, where thousands, including journalists and government officials, witnessed a silent UFO for about four minutes. Journalist René Soto of Universidad Católica filmed the phenomenon, describing a "misty spiral" with a solid body at the center and intense light. City officials in Valdivia also claimed to have photographed the object. Despite these eyewitness accounts, scientists did not rule out an atmospheric phenomenon.

The article then delves into the interpretation of these events, suggesting that caution is generally warranted with nocturnal light phenomena, which can often be attributed to astronomical events or human technology. The author thanks Dr. H. Oja from the University of Helsinki for information regarding COSMOS 1188.

Further analysis of the Argentinian sightings is presented, referencing a report in UN 286 titled "UFOs im Süden." Roland Gehardt of CENAP-HN contacted Consul Horst Kriegler in Concepcion, Chile, for more information. Kriegler, after speaking with journalist Rene Soto, reported that Soto described seeing a bright circle with a dark center, larger than the moon, on a moonlit night in late April 1984. This was also seen by people living further south, up to Puerto Montt. However, no photographs or film recordings exist. Soto and others believed it might be a reflection of moonlight under specific atmospheric conditions, and none felt they had seen a truly flying object, referring to such phenomena as 'objeto volador no identificado' (OVNI).

The article concludes this section by stating that with this documentation, the idea of a "flying saucer" is defused, and no extraterrestrial visitors are to be recognized. It suggests that the "UFO fleet" incident from February 4, 1984, over Argentina was likely a remnant of a rocket launch, according to CENAP's foreign research representative Lars K. Lassen.

French Mirage IV UFO Incident (1977)

The magazine then shifts focus to a reported UFO sighting by a French Mirage IV military aircraft crew on March 7, 1977. The incident, initially reported by the air police and later detailed in the army magazine TAM (TERRE AIR-MERE), involved pilot Commander R.G. and navigator Captain J-P.A. of Bombergeschwader 3/94 at the Luxeuil-les-Bains air base.

During a night training flight at 32,000 feet, the crew observed a bright light source, described as five times the diameter of Venus, approaching their aircraft. They reported it as a "flying object" that seemed to be overlaid by an aircraft's spotlight. The pilot maneuvered to investigate, but radar control at Contrexéville reported no echo at their altitude, only a target at a lower flight path, possibly a civilian aircraft. The pilot noted the object moved at 1.2 Mach, faster than their aircraft's 0.9 Mach, with all instruments functioning normally.

The article includes a detailed account from Commander R.G., corroborated by Captain J-P.A., emphasizing the lack of radar confirmation and the object's speed. The report was filed with the air police but not forwarded to GEPAN, the state investigative body for UFOs, which is standard procedure for military sightings.

Analysis and Skepticism

Journalist Gérard Poirot, who translated a newspaper article about the Mirage IV incident, expresses skepticism. He argues that while the report is detailed and comes from experienced officers, the most likely explanation is a misidentification of a private aircraft's headlights. He points out that the pilot himself eventually stated, "We have wasted our time, we are going back." Poirot suggests that the pilots, under high-stress conditions of flying a nuclear-capable fighter jet, may have experienced a misjudgment, a common occurrence even for highly trained individuals.

The article also criticizes the media's role, particularly in France, with a journalist known for his pro-UFO stance contributing to the narrative. A sketch illustrating the flight paths of the Mirage IV and the alleged private aircraft is included to support the theory that the pilots were misled by a spotlight.

Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre Newsletter

The issue concludes with a contribution from the Tasmanian UFO Investigation Centre (TUFOIC), dated June 1984. It reports on a change in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) policy regarding UFO investigations. The RAAF will now only investigate "Unusual Aerial Sightings" (UAS) if they pose a threat to national security. The Minister of Defence, Mr. Scholes, announced that investigations would be limited to UAS that have "defense or national security significance," with other reports being filed but not further pursued if they do not present such a threat.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of mass UFO sightings, the potential for misidentification of conventional phenomena, and the suspicion of official cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena but leaning towards rational explanations, often involving misinterpretation, atmospheric conditions, or human technology. The magazine seems to advocate for critical thinking and a scientific approach to UFO research, while also highlighting instances where official information may be withheld.

Title: FLIEGER REVUE
Issue: 5/315
Volume: '79
Date: May 3, 1984

This issue of FLIEGER REVUE delves into the complex world of UFO phenomena, presenting a multi-faceted perspective that includes official investigations, debunking efforts, and critical analysis of the UFO belief system.

RAAF's New Stance on UFO Investigations

The cover story highlights a significant shift in the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) approach to Unidentified Aerial Sightings (UAS). Defence Minister Mr. Scholes announced that the RAAF will henceforth only investigate UFOs that pose a threat to national security. This decision stems from the high costs and perceived lack of productivity associated with investigating every sighting. While the RAAF will remain the initial point of contact, reports deemed not to have defense or security implications will be recorded, and observers will be directed to civilian research organizations if they wish to pursue the matter further. Mr. Scholes noted that UFO sightings in Australia peaked in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with 110 to 150 reports annually in the past decade. A Defence Department spokesman confirmed that about three percent of these sightings remain unexplained, and the cost of investigations has likely run into millions of dollars.

Debunking UFO Cases: Edingen and Leopoldshöhe

Several articles focus on the re-evaluation and debunking of specific UFO cases. The Edingen and Leopoldshöhe cases, previously considered significant, are now being withdrawn as evidence for the theory of atmospheric phenomena (UAP). Werner Walter, a researcher, re-examined the Edingen case, attributing the reported circular, orange-red object with a changing color and a luminous aura to a misidentification. Witness Helga Schaadt described the object appearing suddenly with a noise, changing color from light orange-red to deep red at an altitude of approximately 300 meters, and being surrounded by a luminous haze. However, the article suggests that the noise might have been from a neighbor's machine, and the 'object' was likely a misidentified phenomenon. The Leopoldshöhe case is also mentioned as having been debunked, suggesting that the initial enthusiasm for these cases was perhaps too great, overlooking the possibility of misinterpreting phenomena like hot air balloons.

CENAP's Research and Upcoming Conference

The magazine introduces CENAP (Centrales Erforschungs-Netz außergewöhnlicher Phänomene), a group of private UFO researchers from Mannheim and Heilbronn. For ten years, they have analyzed UFO reports worldwide, finding natural explanations for most cases and identifying several sensational reports as fabrications. CENAP is now shifting its focus to analyzing the psychological and sociological background of UFO belief. They plan to present their findings at a public conference in Heilbronn on September 29th and 30th, featuring a panel discussion with UFO believers, hobby researchers, and skeptics. UFO enthusiasts from several European countries are expected to attend.

Eduard Meier and the Pleiades Connection

An article from the 'Welser Zeitung' discusses Dr. Ingo Haensel's claims about the reality of flying saucers and his upcoming lecture. The article also mentions Eduard Meier, a Swiss individual who claims to have had physical and telepathic contact with extraterrestrials from the Pleiades star system for 40 years. Meier reportedly has thousands of photos of these visitors, which he claims were permitted to be taken to cautiously publicize his contacts. The article includes a photo of a flying saucer allegedly taken by Meier in Switzerland in 1976.

Trick Photos and Hoaxes

'Das freie Wort' and 'Welser Zeitung' address the issue of 'trick photos' of UFOs, specifically referencing the claims of Eduard Meier. Christian Pöchhacker of CENAP-Institut states that Meier's photos and story have been exposed as hoaxes by serious UFO researchers for years. He asserts that threads have been found on Meier's photos, and film forgeries have been used. Computer analysis in England has reportedly exposed these tricks, refuting claims of visits from Pleiadian spaceships and contacts with their captains in Switzerland.

UFO Sightings Explained: Pöhlde, Hackenberg, and Soviet Space Missions

Several 'MELDUNGEN' (Reports) section articles offer explanations for UFO sightings. A report from the 'Harzkurier' identifies a UFO sighted in Pöhlde as a large, black, air-filled plastic bag that had been warmed by the sun, causing it to ascend. Another report from the 'Remscheider General-Anzeiger' describes a sighting over Hackenberg as a yellowish-white disc, with police suggesting it might have been the sun. The 'Düsseldorf Express' announces a conference in Heilbronn to discuss UFO problems.

Further reports detail experiences on Soviet space missions. Cosmonauts Pjotr Klimuk and Witali Sewastjanow on the 'Salut-4' station initially reported being accompanied by unidentified flying objects. These were later identified as their own trash containers, illuminated by the sun. Other incidents on space stations include tools and books floating away, and cosmonauts performing somersaults. The article humorously suggests that 'the cosmos is haunted' due to these peculiar occurrences, with cosmonauts using balloons to track their belongings.

UFOlogy as a 'Technical Religion' and Propaganda Tool

An article from 'FLIEGER REVUE' critically examines UFOlogy, particularly from the perspective of the German Democratic Republic (DDR). It suggests that the widespread interest in UFOs is fueled by sensationalism and a desire to escape daily worries, serving as a tool for imperialist mass manipulation. The article argues that UFO stories often carry an anti-communist undertone, implicitly suggesting that the Soviet Union possesses mysterious superweapons and calling for increased military spending by NATO states. It labels UFOlogy as a 'technical religion,' offering hope in 'super beings' to save humanity from war, thereby diminishing the perceived need for human action and progress. The article also points out the lack of concrete, scientifically verifiable evidence for extraterrestrial visitations, despite decades of alleged exploration.

Project Blue Book and its Legacy

An announcement from CENAP details the upcoming presentation of a translated UFO classic: 'DER BERICHT ÜBER UNIDENTIFIZIERTE FLUG-OBJEKTE' (The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects). This insider report by USAF Capt. Edward J. Ruppelt, the former head of Project Blue Book, is presented as an essential entry point into understanding the US Air Force's official UFO investigation project. The brochure, 152 pages long, covers topics such as whether American generals believe in alien spaceships, USAF fighter pilots engaging with UFOs, and the mysterious Lubbock lights. It aims to reveal the politics and development of the US Air Force's UFO project without censorship. The cost of the German translation is DM 35.--.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently presents a critical and skeptical view of UFO phenomena, particularly those presented as sensational or extraterrestrial in origin. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained sightings, the articles lean heavily towards debunking, identifying natural or man-made explanations, and exposing hoaxes. There is a strong undercurrent of concern about the manipulative potential of UFOlogy, its use in propaganda, and its tendency to distract from real-world issues. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanation and scientific investigation over speculative theories, while also recognizing the enduring public fascination with the unknown.