CENAP Report - No 140

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: 10/1987 (Nr. 140)
Date: October 1987
Publisher: CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 3,90

This issue of CENAP-REPORT marks the return of the publication under the stewardship of Hans-Jürgen Köhler and Werner Walter. The magazine aims to be a regular, 48-page publication with a subscription price of DM 40 per year. CENAP positions itself as a private institution dedicated to the research, investigation, and analysis of alleged 'Unidentified Flying Objects' (UFOs), encompassing phenomena reported since 1947 as well as earlier mysterious aerial events like the phantom aircraft of the 1930s and the airship wave of 1896-1897.

CENAP's approach is not that of a formal organization but a network of interested individuals. They aim to demythologize the UFO phenomenon, focusing on its physical manifestations and socio-psychological impacts. The magazine encourages reader participation through letters to the editor and by requesting readers to monitor regional newspapers for UFO-related reports.

Articles and Features

CENAP REPORT is back in business This editorial piece announces the relaunch of CENAP-REPORT, detailing the new editorial team (Hans-Jürgen Köhler and Werner Walter) and the publication's commitment to regular issues. It reiterates CENAP's mission to research UFOs from a critical perspective, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and the cultural mythos surrounding 'flying saucers'. The editors express a preference for researchers like James Oberg and Phil Klass over those they deem more prone to sensationalism.

CENAP's Position on the Para-Phenomenon UFO This section outlines CENAP's definition of a UFO, citing Klaus Webner's definition: an 'unidentified flying object' that appears strange to the observer and cannot be identified during the observation period. It emphasizes that the term 'UFO' does not inherently imply extraterrestrial spacecraft. CENAP's research aims to identify the physical forms and socio-psychological impacts of UFO phenomena, stating that they have found no concrete evidence for the 'visitors from space' hypothesis. They acknowledge the personal philosophies of individuals but consider them secondary to the core UFO evidence.

The article discusses the 'will to believe' in UFOs, suggesting it stems from a human desire not to be alone and a fascination with the unknown. It contrasts this with the 'idea-concept' of alien visitors, often fueled by sensationalized media reports.

<<SOS.UFO VON VORN>> (SOS. UFO FROM THE FRONT) This article critically examines a report published by the German tabloid BILD and the Londoner TIMES concerning a British Airways Jumbo Jet incident on June 29, 1987. The report claimed the Jumbo Jet performed an evasive maneuver to avoid a UFO with a green light ring and a light trail over Russia. The article questions the sensationalism, noting that the TIMES report, attributed to Air Correspondent Harvey Elliott, offered a plausible explanation involving a re-entering satellite, which BILD and EXPRESS allegedly omitted.

The First Officer, Anthony Colin, described the object as having two white lights and a green light, approaching at high speed before disappearing. He stated it was definitely not an aircraft. Howard Miles, Director of Satellites at the British Astronomical Association, suggested it was a satellite breaking up, though he noted the altitude seemed inconsistent with typical satellite burn-up. Mr. Colin remained unconvinced by this scientific explanation.

CENAP-ARCHIV: British Airways" Ufo zischte an Jumbo vorbei This section provides further details and commentary on the British Airways incident, including excerpts from the TIMES and EXPRESS articles. It highlights the discrepancy between the media's sensational reporting and the more grounded scientific explanation offered by Miles. The article also references other UFO reports and publications, including the CENAP REPORT Nr.129 and the 'JUGOYA' case from 1971.

QUEST IN QUESTION: How an English UFO magazine makes an Auflage! This extensive section critically analyzes the UK-based UFO publication 'QUEST', published by YUFOS (Yorkshire UFO Society). The author questions the success and methodology of QUEST, highlighting its rapid growth and expansion into international markets. The article details internal conflicts within YUFOS, such as the departure of Philip Mantle over the 'Cracoe-Fell UFO' incident. It criticizes the publication's tendency to sensationalize cases, particularly the Alaska Airlines incident involving pilot Terauchi, and its reliance on older UFOlogy paradigms.

• The article discusses various cases featured in QUEST, including:
• The Alaska Airlines Incident (JAL 1628): Described as a 'Wichter UFO-Zwischenfall' (Significant UFO Incident), the report details a Jumbo Jet's encounter with an object over Alaska. G.W. Birdsall of YUFOS frames it as a 'Winter-Erzählung?' (Winter Story?), while praising pilot Terauchi.
• Northern England Sightings (December 23, 1986): YUFOS investigated reports of 'bright lights' moving at high speed over several towns. The article notes the difficulty in establishing precise timings and altitudes, and the tendency for witnesses to report similar phenomena.
• Rendlesham Forest Incident: Mentioned in the context of YUFOS's use of it as UFO evidence, despite extensive debunking in previous CENAP-REPORT issues.
• Fall Normanton (Summer 1979): Children described 'dark figures', which YUFOS classified as 'Unknown' without conclusive evidence.
• Porto Nogaro, Italy (September 19, 1978): A reported UFO landing with entities, where landing gear marks were unfortunately obscured.
• Honefoss, Norway (October 28, 1985): A UFO and robotic creatures were observed by children, with UFO NORGE unable to provide a rational explanation.

The article also touches upon the 'Cracoe-Bewels' (Cracoe Evidence) and the controversy surrounding its interpretation by YUFOS and WYUFORG. It criticizes YUFOS for its selective use of information and its adherence to a 'traditional' UFOlogy approach.

The Humanoids This section features illustrations and brief descriptions of various humanoid encounters reported in UFO literature, including the Rendlesham Forest 'humanoids', the Fall Normanton case, and the 'entity' and 'craft' from Italy's Porto Nogaro incident. It also includes a diagram of figures seen at Hopkinsville, Kentucky, USA.

NORWAY - Honefoss This section presents drawings by children (Rune Maier, Håvard Andersen, Rasmus Blink) depicting spaceships and creatures, alongside a map of the Honefoss area in Norway. It references a case where a witness reported a 'submarine-like' object and encountered a tall, angular creature. The article notes that UFO SWEDEN found no evidence of a hoax in this case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP-REPORT maintains a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena, aiming to separate factual observation from sensationalism and cultural myth. The magazine emphasizes a scientific approach, questioning media portrayals and encouraging readers to critically evaluate UFO reports. Recurring themes include the analysis of specific UFO sightings, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the historical context of UFOlogy. The publication expresses skepticism towards claims of extraterrestrial visitation, preferring to explore the physical and psychological dimensions of the phenomenon. There is a clear critique of publications like 'QUEST' for what CENAP perceives as sensationalism and a lack of rigorous investigation, while still acknowledging the global nature of UFO reports that transcend national borders.

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: 115
Volume: 11
Date: April 1987
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German
ISSN: 0930-3124

This issue of the CENAP REPORT delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, including photographic evidence, the influence of contactees, and psychological interpretations of sightings. It features articles on the analysis of UFO photos, the controversial Aetherius Society, the symbolic connection between helicopters and UFOs, and public opinion surveys on the topic.

Articles and Content

UFO-SPUR FOTOGRAFIERT? (UFO Trail Photographed?)

This section, authored by Jochen Ickinger of CENAP-HN, discusses the documentation of UFO sightings through photographs. Ickinger states that only a small percentage of investigated sightings are supported by photos, and most of these can be easily identified as hoaxes or fakes. He mentions that some cases require more effort to debunk. The article notes that while CENAP's archive contains many photos, none are classified as definitively "UFO/UAP" as "real." Only the GEP has one such case, which is still debated within their ranks. Ickinger then presents the "Fall ATLANTIK" (Atlantic Case) as a non-spectacular but well-documented observation made by a CENAP employee, Wilhelm Friedrich. On February 27, 1982, during a flight from Mexico City to Frankfurt, Friedrich observed a long, dark, condensation-like trail accompanying a Lufthansa DC-10 for about six hours over the Atlantic. He took six photos of the phenomenon. The photos show a narrow, dark line, and enlargements reveal no further details. A white spot at the beginning of the trail is dismissed as a film artifact. The article suggests the trail might be a reflection of the aircraft's own condensation trail, supported by an explanation from Dipl.-Ing. Adolf Schneider of the former MUFON-CES. Schneider explains that if the shadow moves with the aircraft, it could be its own condensation trail, which can become large and dense due to atmospheric conditions, casting a shadow. CENAP concluded this case was a reflection, noting such photographic cases are rare and serve as illustrative material for understanding such phenomena.

KULTE DES IRRATIONALEN (Cults of the Irrational)

This section, presented as "Part 2: Making the Goat the Gardener," critically examines the Aetherius Society, founded by George King. The article references a short news item from BILD am SONNTAG (April 12, 1987) about the Aetherius Society receiving 50 UFO reports in three days via a hotline in England. The CENAP and GEP representatives met for an internal working meeting around the same time to discuss PR measures, possibly inspired by the UFO hotline concept. The article questions the subtitle "Making the Goat the Gardener," implying a strange situation where a confused UFO witness reports to the Aetherius Society. It highlights the "obscure pseudoreligious and occult machinations" of the Aetherius Society, linking it to George King. The text quotes from Christopher Evans' book "Kulte des Irrationalen" (Cults of the Irrational), describing how George King received a message in 1954 to become the "INTERPLANETARY PARLIAMENT's" messenger. King, born in Wellington, England, in 1919, became a contactee and founder of the Aetherius Society. His activities are compared to those of George Adamski, with King developing his philosophy through yoga and "spiritual philosophy." The Aetherius Society was founded in 1956, expanding internationally with branches in the USA, Australia, and West Africa. Their beliefs are based on "messages" from "highly developed" beings from other planets, whom King calls "Masters." King is described as the "PRIMARY TERRESTRIAL MENTAL CHANNEL," receiving messages in a state of "psychic concentration" via telepathic thought transmission. These messages often contain warnings about nuclear energy and pleas to return to "cosmic laws." The article notes that King's teachings align with philosophies of Jesus, Buddha, and Krishna, suggesting these beings were masters from other planets.

The Aetherius Society's Global Reach and Beliefs

The Aetherius Society established branches in the USA, Australia, and West Africa, with its beliefs centered on "messages" from "highly developed" beings from other planets, referred to as "Masters." George King, designated as the "PRIMARY TERRESTRIAL MENTAL CHANNEL," receives these messages in a state of deep "psychic concentration" through telepathic transmission. These communications frequently convey warnings about nuclear energy and advocate for adherence to "cosmic laws" of nature and philosophies espoused by figures like Jesus, Buddha, and Krishna. The article suggests that King's teachings imply these extraterrestrial beings were masters from other planets.

The "Psychopter" and the Connection Between Helicopters and UFOs

Dennis Stilling explores the "strange connection between helicopters and UFOs." He notes that "phantom helicopters," often described as unmarked and black, are frequently seen in conjunction with "cattle mutilation phenomena." These helicopters are characterized by their quiet operation, unusual flight patterns, and the presence of "oriental-looking" individuals. They are reported to cause strange effects, emit unusual lights, and sometimes appear to transform into or be associated with UFOs. Stilling poses the question of how to interpret such phenomena, suggesting a potential psychological or symbolic relationship between helicopters and UFOs. He references Arthur Young, an engineer involved in the development of the Bell 47 helicopter, who viewed the helicopter as a metaphor for the "winged self" or "Psychopter." Young's work explored the connection between the machine and the inner self. The article also touches upon Igor Sikorski's dream in 1900, which described a luxurious flying craft, and C.G. Jung's 1959 letter about a dream involving a transformation from an aircraft to a helicopter, carrying "shadowy figures" of a higher order. The period of 1946-1947 is highlighted as significant, marking the licensing of the Bell 47 helicopter and the breaking of the sound barrier with the Bell X-15 rocket plane, coinciding with the beginning of the modern UFO era. The article posits that human technological advancements, like rockets and helicopters, are attempts to replicate the capabilities of UFOs, leading to two distinct technologies that only partially mimic UFO flight characteristics. The "AIR MACHINE" artwork from 1973 is presented as a UFO-like image with organic and skeletal elements. The article further discusses the mythological dimensions of helicopters in media, citing films like "Blue Thunder," "Airwolf," and "Apocalypse Now," where helicopters are depicted with almost personal characteristics or as powerful, almost divine entities. The film "Iceman" is mentioned, where a Neanderthal views the helicopter as a divine messenger.

UFOs and the Role of the Media and Experts

The article discusses the "borderline cases: UFO or IFO?" and the debate surrounding misidentified aircraft and helicopters. It references a report from the EVENING NEWS (April 23, 1987) about the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) allegedly destroying hundreds of UFO sighting reports from the 1950s and 60s. Dr. John Holder, spokesperson for the Aetherius Society, believes the MoD is trying to cover up the existence of extraterrestrial activity. The Aetherius Society planned a public event in Kensington to present new findings from US government sources, including documents from the FBI, CIA, and NSA. Holder stated that these organizations adhered to regulations, implying the British government should also reveal the truth about extraterrestrial visitors. He also cited NORAD's estimate of 10 million unrecorded sightings by its personnel over 20 years and mentioned evidence from USAF papers suggesting UFO phenomena have occurred for over 50,000 years. The article touches upon a "bizarre American policy" where contact with aliens is considered illegal, punishable by a year in prison or a $5,000 fine. The Aetherius Society's UFO hotline has received over 200 sightings. The author expresses concern that these reports, along with misleading information from "UFO experts," distort the public's understanding of the UFO phenomenon, turning it into a cultural and social myth. The issue of "cover-up" rumors is linked to the controversy surrounding the alleged MJ-12 papers and abduction cases.

Gallup Poll '87: Public Opinion on UFOs

This section presents the results of a Gallup poll conducted in early 1987 among 527 adults in the US. The poll asked three main questions: "Have you ever seen anything you thought was a UFO?" (with responses varying between 5% and 11% in different years from 1966 to 1973), "In your opinion, are UFOs something real or just people's imagination?" (with "Real" responses ranging from 46% to 57%), and "Do you think there are people somewhat like ourselves living on other planets in the universe, or not?" (with "Yes" responses ranging from 34% to 50% for extraterrestrial life, and 50% to 62% for men believing in extraterrestrial life). The article notes that public opinion is heavily influenced by social and cultural environments, and the UFO topic is often characterized by emotions and misinformation. It suggests that connecting the UFO topic with the question of extraterrestrial life perpetuates public bias. The CENAP acknowledges the difficulty of changing public perception but aims for gradual influence through careful wording and communication with the media.

Hamburg Morning Post Report: "UFO Landed in the Garden: 10 Marks Reward" (September 3, 1987)

A brief news report from Hamburg describes a family finding a metallic, shimmering object hanging from a tree in their garden. The object was identified as a weather satellite (Radiosonde) launched by the weather office. The report mentions that finders are promised a "high reward" of ten Marks.

STREITFRAGEN (Controversial Issues)

This section addresses the ongoing debate about misidentifying UFOs as IFOs (Identified Flying Objects), particularly concerning Party-Gas-Hot-Air Balloons and misinterpreted aircraft and helicopters. A translation of an article by Dirk Pflüger is presented, focusing on the "Strange Connection Between Helicopters and UFOs" by Dennis Stilling. Stilling discusses how "phantom helicopters" are often associated with phenomena like cattle mutilations. These helicopters are described as quiet, flying at unusual altitudes, and sometimes appearing to be "oriental-looking" occupants. They are reported to emit strange lights and can be heard but not seen, or appear to transform into UFOs. Stilling questions the interpretation of these reports, suggesting a deep psychological connection between helicopters and UFOs. He references Arthur Young's concept of the "Psychopter" and Igor Sikorski's dream of a flying craft. The article highlights 1946-1947 as a pivotal period for both helicopter development and the emergence of UFO sightings. It suggests that human technology, including helicopters and rockets, attempts to replicate UFO capabilities, resulting in distinct technologies that only partially mimic UFO flight. The article also touches upon the "paranoid hypothesis," suggesting that UFO information might be manipulated by US intelligence agencies, citing the "Civilian Saucer Intelligence" in Los Angeles and the potential manipulation of contactees like George Adamski.

The State of Scientific UFOlogy and Upcoming Publications

The article discusses the current state of UFOlogy, noting a "new Ufology" that emerged in the 1970s, which tends to analyze UFO phenomena from psychological and sociological perspectives. While some researchers are developing physical theories (e.g., the "Earthquake Light" theory), others are reviving the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), which the author criticizes as sometimes devolving into "Buck Rogers"-style narratives. The article mentions that 10 to 12 UFO books are expected to be published soon, a significant number. It highlights upcoming books like Whitley Strieber's "COMMUNION: A TRUE STORY" and Budd Hopkins' "INTRUDERS," which focus on alien encounters and abductions. The author expresses concern that the public may not have the necessary background information to process these books, potentially leading to confusion. The article also mentions Gary Kinder's "LIGHT YEARS: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL EXPERIENCES OF EDUARD MEIER," which is expected to glorify Meier's photographs, widely considered fakes. The author suggests that the public may struggle to differentiate between contactees and abductees.

The Paranoid Hypothesis and Media Manipulation

The author expresses a suspicion that UFO information is being manipulated by US intelligence services, referencing historical events like the "Civilian Saucer Intelligence" in Los Angeles. The article suggests that contactees like George Adamski may have been manipulated by intelligence agents. It also notes the dissolution of NICAP and the formation of a new NICAP with military and intelligence personnel, which later merged with CUFOS. The article criticizes the "new Ufology" for its psychological and sociological focus, arguing that it hinders the development of objective UFO research. It also warns that contactees, often portrayed as charlatans, can mislead the public and media with dubious cases, turning the UFO phenomenon into a cultic illusion. The article concludes by stating that the connection between UFOs and helicopters offers a unique perspective for investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT include the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographic cases, and the skepticism towards claims of direct alien contact. The magazine adopts a stance that questions the validity of many UFO reports and highlights the potential for misinterpretation, hoaxes, and psychological factors. There is a strong emphasis on debunking and providing rational explanations for sightings, as seen in the analysis of the "Atlantic Case" and the discussion of phantom helicopters. The Aetherius Society and its founder, George King, are presented critically, highlighting their "pseudoreligious and occult machinations." The issue also touches upon the role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs and the potential for manipulation by intelligence agencies. The editorial stance appears to favor a more scientific and grounded approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the psychological and symbolic dimensions of the phenomenon. The magazine seems to be advocating for a more critical and discerning approach to UFO information, urging readers to question sensational claims and to seek verifiable evidence.

This issue of CENAP-ARCHIV, dated Sunday, September 20, 1987, focuses on a serious and critical approach to UFO research, contrasting it with sensationalism and 'occult' interpretations. The cover headline, 'Ufo-Detektiv jagt Hirngespinsten hinterher' (UFO Detective hunts down figments of imagination), sets the tone for the magazine's skeptical yet investigative stance.

Key Articles and Themes

The Serious Side of UFO Research

The magazine emphasizes the distinction between genuine UFO research and what it terms 'ufology,' which it criticizes for embracing sensationalism and speculative theories. Organizations like NICAP and CENAP are presented as proponents of a more grounded, fact-based investigation. Jochen Ickinger, CENAP-Heilbronn-Leiter, is quoted stating, 'We strive for a factual-critical and pre-scientific UFO research, remaining grounded in reality and not chasing after fantasies.'

Debunking Common Sightings

Many UFO sightings are attributed to mundane explanations. The article mentions that 99 percent of reported cases can be explained by known objects like helicopters, satellites, or even party kites. Werner Walter, a researcher with an extensive archive, is highlighted for his work in debunking such phenomena, finding plausible explanations for alleged sightings and dismissing 'interstellar flyers' as weather balloons or even frisbees.

Allegations of Government Secrecy and Intelligence Agency Involvement

The issue touches upon the persistent theme of government secrecy surrounding UFOs. The author recounts personal experiences, including a meeting with a CIA agent in 1965 and a FOIA request for CIA files that yielded no results. There are suggestions that intelligence agencies like the CIA may be involved in manipulating information about UFOs, potentially to influence public opinion or to manage the societal impact of potential extraterrestrial revelations. The concept of a 'cover-up' is discussed, implying that the government might possess significant knowledge about UFOs but chooses not to disclose it.

Ernst K. Lohne's Belief in Extraterrestrial Life

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the views of Ernst K. Lohne, a UFO researcher from Hanau. Lohne firmly believes in the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial beings, stating, 'UFOs exist. They really exist!' He claims that for 35 years, he has been researching these topics and is convinced that alien visits to Earth are not uncommon. Lohne presents various forms of 'evidence,' including photos, slides, and films, to support his claims. He estimates that around one million people in the USA alone have seen UFOs in the past 40 years, with similar observations worldwide. Lohne categorizes encounters into 'first kind' (seeing UFOs), 'second kind' (observing UFOs and aliens), and 'third kind' (contact with aliens). He also mentions 'fourth kind' encounters, where aliens invite humans to their home planets.

Specific Incidents and Reports

The issue references several specific incidents:

• NICAP and CIA Involvement: The author's tenure with NICAP (1958-1970) involved interactions with individuals suspected of being intelligence agents, and he was even considered a potential CIA informant.
• 1965 CIA Meeting: A meeting with a CIA agent who inquired about a security check for the author.
• FOIA Request: The author's unsuccessful attempt to obtain CIA files related to himself.
• New Mexico Crash (1947): An alleged document from 1952 informed President Eisenhower about a secret operation to recover a spaceship wreck and the bodies of four human-like beings.
• Kenneth Arnold Sighting (1947): The famous sighting that sparked widespread UFO reports.
• Frank Edwards Incident: The removal of an NBC moderator from his job, which he attributed to government pressure due to his extensive UFO reporting.
• Hudson Valley UFO: Numerous sightings of a large UFO in New York State, with witnesses claiming contact with its intelligence.
• Legal Ruling on UFO Information: A federal judge ruled that the US Army must allow a civil servant to seek UFO information through military journals.

Critique of Sensationalism

The magazine criticizes the 'occult' and sensationalist aspects of ufology, exemplified by authors like Georg Adamski and Desmond Leslie, whose claims of visiting Venus with aliens are dismissed as 'humbug.' The article also points to the negative impact of poorly researched and quickly written 'research' contributions that flooded the market in the past, setting back serious UFO research.

CENAP's Activities

CENAP, the Central Research Network for Extraordinary Aerial Phenomena, is presented as an organization dedicated to critical UFO investigation. They held a meeting in Osterburken, Germany, where they discussed their findings and the need for a scientific approach. The magazine also mentions an upcoming issue that will cover topics like UFOs and aircraft, MJ-12 secret papers, abductions, and UFO photos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical investigation of UFO phenomena, the debunking of sensationalist claims, the alleged involvement of intelligence agencies in UFO matters, and the ongoing debate about government secrecy. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a rational, evidence-based approach to UFO research, distancing itself from what it perceives as the 'occult' and speculative elements that have plagued the field. The magazine aims to present a more sober and analytical perspective on the UFO mystery.