CENAP Report - No 127

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, titled "MYSTISKT LJUSFENOMEN" (Mysterious Light Phenomenon) and dated 11.9-86, is a UFO-Fachjournal (UFO specialist journal) focusing on data, facts, and background information about UFOs. It is published by CENAP, with contact persons Hansjürgen Köhler and Werner Walter based in Mannheim, Germany.

Key Articles and Reports

"Seltsame Flieger im Morgengrauen" (Strange Flyers at Dawn) - Salzburger Nachrichten

This article reports on a sighting on Tuesday morning around 4 AM in Salzburg. Gendarmerie Abteilungsinspektor Wilhelm Schacherl and a 66-year-old pensioner, Wilhelm Waldstätter, observed two luminous objects in the pre-dawn sky. Schacherl described one object as orange-glowing over Geiereck and another as white-blue over Hallein. Waldstätter, who was awake early, also saw the objects and described them as "definitely spaceships." He estimated their distance to be a few kilometers and noted the intensity of their light. The objects eventually moved away, gaining altitude and heading west.

"UFO-Alarm in Oberösterreich" (UFO Alarm in Upper Austria) - Various Newspapers

Several newspapers report on UFO sightings in the border region between Upper Austria and Salzburg on Friday morning. Multiple callers alerted the Mondsee gendarmerie post around 4 AM about unusual celestial phenomena. A gendarme confirmed the sightings with binoculars. A white, shining object was seen over Attersee, and a yellow-orange, glowing object was observed over St. Gilgen and Fuschl. These objects reportedly hovered for about 20 minutes before disappearing westward. The report notes that these sightings followed similar events on the previous Tuesday.

"Erneut UFO-Trubel: Luftspiegelungen?" (New UFO Trouble: Mirages?) - Tiroler Tageszeitung

This article from Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck discusses two bright, unidentified flying objects seen on Friday morning. The gendarmerie post in Mondsee was alerted around 4:10 AM. The objects, described as having the size of a football with bright cores and weaker outer shells, shone white and yellow-orange. They were visible for over an hour until 5:20 AM, moving slowly southwest. The Federal Army's radar station at Kolomannsberg did not detect the objects. Oberst Josef Buketits suggested they might be atmospheric mirages or phenomena of unknown origin, ruling out weather balloons.

"Exekutive jagte UFO" (Executive Chased UFO) - Mondsee

This report describes gendarmerie officers in the Salzburg-Upper Austria border region chasing UFOs on the night before. After receiving reports of a yellow-orange glowing and a white shining flying object, a gendarme personally verified the sightings. The objects reportedly stopped and then flew away. The Federal Office for Civil Aviation reportedly viewed the gendarmerie report with skepticism.

"UFO überm Attersee" (UFO over Attersee) - Linz

This brief report from Linz mentions two unidentified flying objects sighted on Friday morning over the border region. A white shining object was seen over Attersee. The Federal Office for Civil Aviation acknowledged the reports but stated they were not being further pursued.

"UFO-Alarm" am Attersee" (UFO Alarm at Attersee) - Linz (Volksblatt)

This article from Linz details two unidentified flying objects sighted around 4 AM on Friday morning over Attersee. Described as "shining balls with a luminous core and a weaker luminous ring," they reportedly hovered for about 20 minutes before disappearing south. The Federal Office for Civil Aviation responded calmly, suggesting they might be weather balloons or light reflections.

"Gendarm sah zwei UFOs über dem Salzkammergut" (Gendarme Saw Two UFOs over Salzkammergut) - Oberösterreichisches Tagblatt

This report from Mondsee describes two UFOs seen hovering over the Salzkammergut on Friday morning between 4:10 AM and 5:20 AM. Witnesses, including a retired Red Cross driver and Revierinspektor Franz Pillinger, observed them. The objects were described as ball-sized with luminous cores and weaker outer shells, one white and one yellow-orange. They moved southwest. The radar station at Kolomannsberg did not detect them. The Federal Office for Civil Aviation stated they take reports seriously but would only act if an aircraft was endangered. They suggested possibilities like weather balloons or light reflecting off atmospheric layers.

"Zwei UFOs über dem Salzkammergut: Da staunte sogar die Flugabwehr" (Two UFOs over Salzkammergut: Even the Air Defense Was Astonished) - Mondsee

This article reiterates the sightings over Mondsee on Friday morning. The air defense at Kolomannsberg could not detect the objects on radar, stating they were outside their range. The objects were described as bright, ball-sized with luminous cores and weaker surroundings, one white and one yellow-orange, moving southwest. A pensioner reported the sighting to the gendarmerie. The article also mentions a previous sighting in Salzburg on Tuesday.

"UFO-Alarm in Salzburg" (UFO Alarm in Salzburg) - Salzburg

This report from Salzburg details two unidentified flying objects sighted early Tuesday morning. Pensioner Kurt Waldstätter saw two luminous objects and alerted the gendarmerie. Abteilungsinspektor Wilhelm Schacherl also observed them. Waldstätter was convinced they were "daughter ships of an extraterrestrial spacecraft," while Schacherl was more reserved. One object reportedly shone blue-turquoise, and the other brass-orange. They remained stationary for a while before moving west.

"Kurzvisite von UFOs über Salzburg?" (Brief Visit by UFOs over Salzburg?) - Various Newspapers

This section compiles reports from various newspapers about UFO sightings over Salzburg. A gendarme reported seeing two UFOs over Gaisberg, and a pensioner also saw them. One report mentions objects appearing "much brighter than stars." The objects were described as yellow and blue, and much brighter than stars. The article notes that the sightings were confirmed by gendarmerie officials.

Analysis of Media Coverage

"UFO-ALARM" IN DER ÖSTERR. PRESSE: Versuch einer Inhaltsanalyse" (UFO ALARM IN AUSTRIAN PRESS: Attempt at Content Analysis) - By Rudolf Henke, CENAP-Heidelberg

This analytical article examines the reporting of UFO sightings in Austrian newspapers. Henke notes that most reports were brief, especially in "serious" newspapers, offering little information. He criticizes the uncritical use of the term "UFO," arguing it implies interpretation rather than neutral observation. The analysis highlights that evaluative terms like "UFO," "Flying Objects," and "Spaceships" were used twice as often as neutral terms. The article also discusses the attempts at explanation, noting inconsistencies among newspapers regarding atmospheric effects, planets, and weather balloons. Henke points out the sensationalist headlines used by some tabloids and the tendency to distort observations to fit a UFO narrative. He also critiques the imprecise language used in reporting, particularly regarding the duration and movement of the objects, and the ambiguity in specifying locations and sizes.

"Sprachproblem!" (Language Problem!) - CENAP-REPORT

This section delves into the linguistic challenges of reporting UFO sightings. The author discusses how headlines often use sensational terms like "UFO-Alarm" and "UFO-Fieber." The article analyzes the difficulty in accurately conveying subjective experiences and observations using precise language, contrasting the directness of tabloid headlines with the need for neutrality and factual reporting. It questions whether the term "UFO" itself creates a bias and how journalistic language can inadvertently sensationalize or misrepresent events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the wave of UFO sightings reported in Austria in June 1986. The magazine presents these reports with a critical eye, not only detailing the sightings but also analyzing how the media covered them. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging the phenomena while questioning the sensationalism and uncritical acceptance of the "UFO" label in many media reports. There is an emphasis on factual reporting and a desire to move beyond mere speculation towards a more objective understanding of these events, as evidenced by the analytical articles.

This issue of the Salzburger Volkszeitung, dated June 18, 1986, focuses on UFO sightings and their explanations, alongside a sociological analysis of UFO cults.

UFO Sightings and Explanations in Austria

The main cover story, "Two bright points in the sky caused a stir: Visit from space?", highlights two luminous objects seen in the early morning sky over Salzburg. The report details how a pensioner, Kurt Waldstätter, and an inspector, Wilhelm Schacherl, observed these phenomena. Initially, the sightings generated significant media interest, with reports in "Krone", "Kurier", "Salzburger Nachrichten", and others. The "Krone" even used the story as its front-page lead. A friend of an astronomer from Vienna suggested the objects were not planets as they appeared higher in the morning sky.

Further reports emerged from Mondsee on June 20, where a pensioner reported two 'UFOs' after reading about the Salzburg sightings. This observation was relayed by gendarmes and gained even wider publicity, reaching international news agencies.

On June 21, a mass phenomenon occurred in Linz, with hundreds of visitors at a laser show reporting sightings of two 'UFOs'. Similar reports also came from the Gnigler freight station in Salzburg, where almost all on duty saw two 'UFOs'.

However, the issue presents a clear explanation for these sightings. A computer analysis by Karl Silber, head of the observatory in Gmunden, identified the objects as the planets Mars and Jupiter. The computer printed the coordinates for these planets, matching the witnesses' descriptions of their location and brightness. Atmospheric conditions were suggested as a factor that might have created the illusion.

Dr. Alexander Keul, a psychologist from Salzburg, and Gerhard Polnitzky, an astronomer from the University Observatory Vienna, investigated the events. They concluded that the 'UFOs' were indeed the planets Jupiter and Mars. Polnitzky noted that the planets appeared higher in the sky than expected, and their movement, particularly Mars disappearing into the horizon haze, could be interpreted as 'flying away' by the untrained eye. The report also mentions that the Bundesheer (Federal Army) radar might have registered the planets as slightly too high.

Keul described the widespread UFO reports as an "interesting socio-psychological phenomenon." He suggested that the desire for something from 'above' might be fueled by anxieties related to events like Chernobyl and Wackersdorf, leading people to interpret phenomena as potential 'observers/rescuers'. He also drew a parallel to Orson Welles' 'War of the Worlds' broadcast, which caused panic due to existential uncertainty.

UFOs in Nürtingen, Germany

Separately, the issue reports on a mysterious fireball seen over Reudern and Oberboihingen near Nürtingen, Germany, on Saturday evening, June 17, 1986. Multiple witnesses described a fireball ascending vertically, exploding, and falling back to earth. The Esslinger police initially considered the possibility of a fireworks reflection from Reichenbach. However, investigations found no evidence of a crashed aircraft or debris.

Rudolf Henke from CENAP (Central Research Network for Unusual Sky Phenomena) in Heidelberg became interested in the case. While acknowledging that reflections of fireworks are a common explanation within CENAP's investigations, he noted the significant distance between Reichenbach and the sighting location as a factor.

Further interpretations from the public included a 'kugelblitz' (ball lightning) or light emitted from intense rock friction. A geologist student's theory was dismissed by CENAP.

Manfred Nägele from the Forstamt Neuffen reported an observation of a large bonfire in the woods that evening, which could have created a visual effect.

Ultimately, CENAP, through Rudolf Henke, concluded that the Nürtingen fireball was likely a miniature hot-air balloon, often used as a 'Gag-Ballon' at parties. The explosion was attributed to the balloon's material bursting due to air pressure changes at altitude. The light seen afterwards was explained as a piece of the balloon's debris. The investigation was aided by a young Nürtingen resident who witnessed the launch of such a balloon from a party in Reudern at the time of the sighting.

Henke commented on the pattern of such events: "UFO fans launch such a thing, uninformed people react excitedly, the matter becomes official, interest in the ominous incident rises - and when we provide the explanation, nobody is interested anymore."

Sociology of UFO Cults

Ulrich Magin contributes an article titled "The Sociology of UFO Cults." He discusses the 'cultists' who turn UFOlogy into a new religion, citing sociologist H. Taylor Buckner's research on UFO cults in the USA.

Magin distinguishes between those who study UFOs scientifically or pseudoscientifically and UFO believer clubs. He notes that the modern UFO phenomenon began with Kenneth Arnold's sighting in 1947, leading to a surge in reports, amplified by Cold War anxieties. By 1952, reports had jumped to 1501 annually.

The article highlights the role of 'contactee' literature in the 1950s, with authors like George Adamski and Cedric Allingham claiming to have spoken with extraterrestrials. These books, along with sensationalist press reports, led to the formation of numerous UFO cults by 1955-1956.

Buckner describes the members of these cults as "occult seekers" who are interested in astral spirits, cosmic truths, astrology, and various esoteric beliefs. They often move between different ideas and groups, forming an 'occult social environment'.

William R. Catton Jr.'s analysis of a church gathering in Seattle in 1952 revealed a similar audience: people from lower to middle socio-economic backgrounds, often with a sense of depression and anxiety, who were open to unconventional beliefs.

While German UFO clubs were sometimes associated with the political far-right, American groups were more inclusive, embracing socialism, anti-communism, New Age, and other ideologies. These cults often incorporated elements of various religions and esoteric practices.

Magin notes that as general interest in UFOs waned, these sects adopted an "open door" policy to survive, aiming to create a better world and providing a strong sense of community against perceived scientific opposition.

In Germany, some groups are led by older individuals, while others are run by younger, more business-minded individuals. An example is the "Institut für esoterische Psychologie," which is linked to Scientology and targets an older demographic. The article mentions high costs for training within these groups.

The article concludes that UFO cults attract individuals seeking meaning, often those who have lost faith in traditional institutions. The UFO phenomenon served as a crystallization point for these beliefs. In recent years, a synthesis of religious, philosophical, UFO-related, and New Age concepts has emerged, often led by charismatic figures who capitalize on people's naivety.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the gap between sensationalized UFO reports and rational explanations, emphasizing the role of media in amplifying public perception. It highlights how common astronomical phenomena can be misinterpreted, especially when fueled by public anxiety and a desire for extraordinary explanations. The sociological analysis of UFO cults underscores the human need for meaning and belonging, and how these can be exploited. The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and scientific explanation over sensationalism, while acknowledging the psychological and social factors that contribute to UFO beliefs.

This issue of the magazine, dated July 7, 1986, with a cover headline "UFO-START IN NÜRTINGEN? ..Wie ein brennender Ballon..." (UFO-Start in Nürtingen? ..Like a burning balloon..."), focuses on UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena. It includes reports from Germany, Scandinavia, and Poland, with contributions from organizations like CENAP and SUFOI.

Nürtingen Incident: "Like a Burning Balloon"

The lead article by Rudolf Henke of CENAP-HD details an incident in Nürtingen, Germany, on Saturday, July 5, 1986, around 10:40 PM. The phenomenon was described as rising vertically from the ground, exploding with sparks, and then falling back to earth, while a single light continued to fly away. The observation was reportedly confirmed by a police patrol car. The event attracted interest from MUFON-CES and was reported in the press as "officially confirmed." The magazine notes that the police deployed a helicopter for investigation but found nothing. Initially, speculation included fireworks, but the duration of the observation (minutes, not seconds) made this unlikely. The article states that a clear solution was found quickly through phone calls, and the magazine's proposed explanation was published the next day in the NÜRTINGER ZEITUNG. The police reportedly identified the likely cause. Witnesses, including the Schäfer couple and their party guests, described it as "like a burning balloon," "red like a burning ball," and "clearly smaller than the moon." The interest of the party guests quickly waned, suggesting it wasn't spectacular enough to sustain their attention. Another nearby gathering of 30-40 people from the Reutern Music Association also witnessed the event.

Misreporting and Clarification

Page 2 discusses the discrepancy between witness reports and press coverage. Witnesses L. Vogel and M. Schreiber described the object as a "round star, brightly red to red-glowing," which exploded, sending sparks upwards, and then the main part "sank downwards." They explicitly stated it did not fly away, contradicting press reports that implied horizontal movement. The article criticizes the press for inaccurate reporting, which hinders clear explanations. It draws parallels to Austrian sightings where objects were reported to have flown away but actually just faded or disappeared. The report also mentions that a hot air balloon was launched nearby, which helped conclude the case for the observers.

Scandinavian Light Phenomena (October 23, 1985)

Several articles focus on a significant light phenomenon observed over Scandinavia on the morning of October 23, 1985. Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP-Mannheim suggests it was likely a failed Soviet rocket launch. The phenomenon began as a bright point and developed into a luminous circle covering a large part of the northeastern sky. Danish press reports from JYSKE TIDENDE described a bright light, like the sun, that evolved into a glowing ring, lasting 8-10 minutes. Marie Paulsen and her husband observed a luminous arc, which grew larger and had the form of a ring through which stars could be seen. They also reported seeing an aircraft nearby. Fritz Behrens initially suggested it might be an aurora borealis, but later concluded it was not. Ole J. Knudsen of SUFOI's Alarmzentrale in Arhus received initial reports and coordinated investigations. The phenomenon was seen by an engaged couple near Grena, described as a concentrated light expanding into a diffuse ring, dissolving around 2:40 AM. Another couple also witnessed it. The light ring was compared to the size of the Big Dipper constellation or a palm at arm's length. Danish military authorities were contacted but had no record of exercises or unusual activity. The Flight Tactics Command also found no radar traces. Attempts to find explanations through the Space Research Institute were also inconclusive. The article details observations from various locations, including Albuen and Skagen in Denmark, and a report from the Norwegian tanker "Esso-Slagen" which observed a colossal light 10-15 yards above the horizon.

Possible Soviet Rocket Launch

Further investigation into the Scandinavian phenomena, including contact with the Swedish military, suggested a possible connection to the Murmansk region. Stig Aggestad of UFO-Aktuell stated that the Swedish military-research institute (FOA) was very interested, linking it to the Murmansk area and suggesting a Soviet solution, possibly a rocket launch or atmospheric explosion. No photos or seismic recordings were obtained. Ole J.Knudsen analyzed official rocket launch records and identified two Soviet launches from Tyuratam in Central Asia on October 23, 1985. One at 7:05 AM GMT was too late, and the other at 0:42 AM GMT was too early to directly correlate. The MOLNIYA-satellite launch had an orbit that did not fit observations from Denmark. Calculations suggested the phenomenon occurred at a very high altitude, possibly over the Barents Sea, with estimates ranging from 700 km to 1300 km. This altitude is considered plausible for a ballistic missile. The rapid expansion and large size suggest a significant amount of material was ejected, possibly from fuel during stage separation. A Danish source confirmed to Ole J.Knudsen that a failed Soviet rocket launch had indeed occurred, possibly from the Plesetsk space base or a Soviet submarine in the Barents Sea.

UFOs in the East: "Current in Poland"

Werner Walter of CENAP-Mannheim provides an overview of UFO information from Eastern Europe, specifically Poland. He notes that UFO information from Australia is more accessible than from Eastern Europe. The article references articles in "INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER" and "QUEST" regarding events in Poland. Bronislaw Rzepecki, coordinator of the UFO research group in Krakow, is cited. The history of UFO interest in Poland is traced back to 1958, with early attempts to engage the public through magazines like "Wieczor Wybrzeza" and "Skrzydlata Polska." The first Polish book on flying saucers, "Latajace Talerze" by Janusz Thor, was published in 1961. Leading Polish journalists like Lucjan Znicz and Arnold Mostowicz published popular articles on UFOs in the early 1970s, often drawing on Western sources. This led to the formation of private UFO clubs. In 1976, the weekly "FAKTY" published a series titled "Guests from Space," which garnered significant attention and led to the establishment of the "Klub Kontaktow Kosmicznych" (Space Contacts Club) in 1978. Other groups, like UFO-Sonda in Wroclaw, were formed. The first legally registered UFO organization was the "Varsovian UFO Research Society" (also known as "UFO-Video") in 1981. The "Cracovian Club of UFO Research and Popularization" was founded in 1983. The year 1983 was significant for the Polish UFO movement, with representatives from various clubs meeting to discuss cooperation and establish common research methods. Congresses and conventions were held in Krakow and Szczecin. The Krakauer UFO-Forschungs-Gesellschaft was active from January 1984 to October 1985, after which a non-formal UFO research group was formed. The article also mentions that some individuals claim to be "UFOlogists" but do not engage in serious UFO research and seek media attention.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting and critical analysis of UFO sightings. It criticizes sensationalized or inaccurate media coverage, highlighting how it can impede genuine investigation. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations, often attributing phenomena to known events like rocket launches or atmospheric occurrences, while still acknowledging the unexplained aspects of some sightings. There is a clear effort to debunk misidentifications and provide evidence-based conclusions. The magazine also shows a commitment to international UFO research, as evidenced by the coverage of events in Scandinavia and Poland.

This issue of DER SPIEGEL, dated July 31, 1986, focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly in Poland and Germany, with a cover story titled "With the Dowsing Rod on the Trail of the Extraterrestrials" by H. Schmittendorf.

Polish UFO Investigations

The article highlights the work of Miroslaw Wilk in Warsaw, who claims to use a dowsing rod and pendulum to identify UFO landing sites and 'penetration channels' across Poland. Wilk believes UFOs are primarily interested in Poland, not the West. His 'research' has led to claims of discovering ancient archaeological sites. The article also introduces Lech Galicki, who heads INTERNOL, a UFO research organization in Pomerania. INTERNOL, which evolved from the 'UFO-Club' in Szczecin, works with the 'Pomeranian Psychotronic Association' and is registered with the Polish Academy of Sciences. INTERNOL publishes the journal 'NOL-OBSERVATOR' and collaborates with the Warsaw-based 'UFO-Video' group. Galicki describes their methodology: investigating reports, interviewing witnesses, creating written reports, and examining physical evidence. A rumored UFO catastrophe in Gdynia in 1959, involving a burnt humanoid, is mentioned. Another case from Czluchow woods in 1979 describes a rectangular, illuminated object with a green glow observed by two young people.

German UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine also reports on UFO sightings and investigations in Germany. A significant portion is dedicated to the observations of Peter Hecker and his wife in Wollmatingen near Konstanz. They reported seeing a 'bright pear' or 'glowing bulb' in the sky on multiple evenings in August 1986. Initially, these sightings were investigated by CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Phenomena), with Chairman Klaus Trippel initially suggesting it might be a 'party balloon'. However, after further investigation and witness corroboration, including from neighbors and taxi driver Irmgard Widmann, the phenomenon was eventually identified as the planet Jupiter. Amateur astronomer Michael Weiland confirmed that Jupiter, being low in the east in August and shining brightly, could explain the observations. The article notes that CENAP has a global network and has successfully identified 98% of reported UFOs.

UFO Contactees and Historical Cases

The issue revisits the era of UFO contactees from the 1950s, mentioning George Adamski, Howard Menger, and Cedric Allingham. Allingham is highlighted as a significant figure, being the only European to reportedly photograph an extraterrestrial spacecraft, interact with a 'Martian', and have a witness to the event. His case, which occurred in Lossiemouth, Scotland, on February 18, 1954, is described as a 'historically-cosmic event'. The article references other publications that discussed Allingham's claims, including the 'Flying Saucer Review', which noted his death in a Swiss sanatorium. A comparison is made between Allingham's 'scout ship' and those photographed by Adamski and Stephen Darbishire, with Allingham's craft reportedly being 'Made on Mars'. The article also mentions that Allingham is not listed in some UFO encyclopedias. A 1967 report from the 'Mannheimer Morgen' about a 'landing site for visitors from space' cites Cedric Allingham as a prime example.

UFO Research Conference in Germany

The issue announces an upcoming UFO research conference organized by the GESELLSCHAFT ZUR ERFORSCHUNG DES UFO-PHANOMENS (GEP) in Lüdenscheid from October 17-19, 1986. This will be a working meeting focused on concrete issues rather than general lectures, aiming to produce tangible results. The GEP invites UFO researchers from across Germany to share new material, including photos, videos, and films. CENAP will also send a delegation to the conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation of UFO phenomena, the methodologies employed by different research groups (ranging from dowsing rods to scientific analysis), and the historical context of UFO sightings and contactee claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting different perspectives and explanations (such as identifying a UFO as a planet) while also acknowledging the persistent interest and activity in the UFO field. There's a clear effort to distinguish between serious research and sensationalism, as seen in the editors' comments about distinguishing 'serious UFOlogists from pseudoresearchers'. The magazine also implicitly encourages reader participation in UFO research by announcing the upcoming conference.