CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: 11/1987, Nr. 141
Date: November 1987
Publisher: Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene (CENAP)
Country: Germany
Price: DM 3.90

This issue of CENAP-REPORT focuses on the organization's activities and the broader UFO and parapsychology landscape in late 1987. The cover prominently features the question "ABDUCTEES?" and highlights upcoming events like CENAP-UFO-TREFF-8, PARA-TAGE in Mannheim, and the founding of ASUPO in Bonn.

CENAP Activities in Autumn 1987

CENAP was active in three significant events during the autumn of 1987:

• UFO TREFF 8 (September 19-20, 1987) in Osterburken: Organized by CENAP-Heilbronn, this event aimed to be inclusive of various ufological factions. Attendees included CENAP members, the Lüdenscheider GEP, and Dr. A. Keul from Austria. Representatives from the Nuremberg Observatory also attended, indicating interest from astronomers. The conference had an internal working group character, with discussions on a "framework program" and a press conference attended by local media.
• Founding Conference of the Gesellschaft zur Wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Para-Phänomenen (ASUPO) (October 10-11, 1987) in Bonn: CENAP had been in contact with Dipl.-Ing. Amadeo Sarma, the organizer of ASUPO, which is described as the German arm of the North American Skeptiker-Organisation CSICOP. ASUPO aims to scientifically investigate paranormal phenomena without outright rejection. CENAP offered advisory support. The founding meeting focused on organizational matters like statutes and naming, with Jochen Ickinger becoming a full member of ASUPO.
• Mannheim PARA-Tage (October 17-18, 1987): Organized by the Institut für Grenzwissenschaften PRO HUMANITAS, this event brought together various figures from the esoteric and parapsychological scene, including Erich von Däniken. CENAP representatives attended and presented, though the event was criticized for its high entry fee and perceived commercialization.

UFO TREFF 8: Discussions and Research Methods

At the UFO TREFF 8, Jochen Ickinger welcomed attendees, and a press conference was held. A notable presentation was by Dr. A. Keul on "perceptual psychological influences in UFO observation," highlighting the issue of silence in UFOs and the reliability of witness statements. Dr. Keul, along with Ken Philips from ASSAP, developed a "witness test" using a simulated UFO sighting. Participants were shown a dia of a structured, luminous UFO and asked to sketch it from memory. The results, compared with similar tests in England and France, suggested that while some participants had good recall of details, others were less accurate, and the potential for "confabulation" (adding details not present) was noted.

Media Coverage and the "Abductees" Phenomenon

The issue highlights a surge in media attention on UFO topics in late 1987. SPIEGEL magazine published a significant article on UFOs, and READER'S DIGEST also covered the topic. The CENAP-REPORT intends to delve into the phenomenon of "ABDUCTEES," particularly in light of the MJ-12 rumors. The article "UFOS - Stark verwest" from DER SPIEGEL (Nr. 38/1987) is reproduced, discussing the alleged increase in UFO abductions in the USA, often involving sexual experiments and medical examinations by "grey aliens." The article notes the role of researchers like Budd Hopkins and David M. Jacobs in documenting these cases and mentions the alleged Roswell crash in 1947.

Critiques and Skepticism

CENAP faced criticism from representatives of a Freiburg-based parapsychological institute, who were also involved with MUFON-CES. These individuals reportedly had personal claims of UFO contact and psychic abilities. CENAP, in contrast, maintains a scientific and critical approach, often debunking sightings as misidentifications of conventional objects like balloons or aircraft. The article "Auf Stimmenfang im Jenseits" from MANNHEIMER LOKALNACHRICHTEN (October 17/18, 1987) discusses the "Para Tage" event, noting the presence of Erich von Däniken and the use of tape recorders for "voices from the beyond." CENAP representatives expressed skepticism about the scientific validity of such phenomena and the commercial aspects of the event.

Specific Case Discussions

Discussions at the events touched upon specific cases, including Radevormwald, Jüchen, Neckarsulm, and Wüstenrot. The issue also mentions a questionable photo case presented by Hans-Werner Peiniger of GEP, which CENAP attributed to a long-exposure shot of the moon. The Fatima "sun miracle" is also discussed, with criticism directed at claims that it resembled a UFO, questioning the evidence and suggesting manipulation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP-REPORT consistently advocates for a scientific, evidence-based approach to investigating UFOs and paranormal phenomena. It distinguishes itself from more sensationalist or pseudoscientific approaches, often criticizing figures like Erich von Däniken for what it deems "blödsin" (nonsense). The magazine emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, rigorous methodology, and distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes. There is a clear stance against "esotericism" and a preference for scientific discourse, as seen in the collaboration with ASUPO. The issue also reflects a growing public and media interest in UFOs and related topics during this period.

This issue of CENAP-ARCHIV, dated September 1987, titled "What's Behind the UFO Mania?", delves into the complex and often controversial world of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The magazine explores various facets of the UFO debate, from alleged alien encounters and abductions to government secrecy and the scientific skepticism surrounding these claims. It features articles that analyze specific cases, discuss the motivations behind UFOlogy, and present different perspectives on the nature of these sightings.

Key Articles and Investigations

The "Hybrid Program" and Alien Genetics

The magazine discusses the theory, popularized by UFOlogist Budd Hopkins, that aliens are engaged in a "galactic breeding program" to create an "interstellar hybrid race." This involves collecting genetic material from humans, such as sperm and egg samples, and potentially even forced sexual encounters. The article highlights the collection of samples from abductees and the implication that aliens are attempting to "mix their and our cells."

The Roswell Incident and Government Cover-up

The infamous Roswell incident of July 7, 1947, is revisited. It's suggested that the U.S. Air Force's "Majestic-12" team recovered material fragments and four alien bodies from a crashed UFO near Roswell Army Air Base. The prevailing theory presented is that the U.S. government, under President Harry S. Truman, deliberately covered up the incident, downplaying it as a weather balloon crash. The article posits that this cover-up allowed aliens to continue their genetic experiments unimpeded.

The "Flying Saucer" Phenomenon and Early Sightings

The origin of the term "flying saucers" is traced back to pilot Kenneth Arnold's sighting on June 24, 1947, over the Cascade Mountains. His description of the objects' movement, like "saucers skipping on water," led to the popularization of the term. The summer of 1947 saw a surge in "flying saucer" sightings across the U.S., characterized by high speeds and unusual maneuverability, prompting concerns within the U.S. Air Force about potential advanced Soviet technology.

Project Blue Book and UFO Investigations

In response to the growing number of sightings, the U.S. Air Force initiated investigations, starting with Project "Sign," then "Grudge," and finally "Blue Book" in 1952. Over the years, they archived more than 12,000 reports of "Unidentified Flying Objects." Despite these efforts, the Air Force was unable to definitively identify or intercept any of these objects, leading to the closure of Project Blue Book in 1969, the same year humans landed on the moon.

Eduard Meier and UFO Photography

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the case of Eduard Meier, who claimed to have had contact with extraterrestrials from the Pleiades star cluster. The article discusses his extensive collection of UFO photographs, which were presented as "incredible" and "amazing pictures" in publications like "News of the World." Despite claims of sophisticated trickery by some, experts like Profifotograf Harold Proch and Wendelle Stevens found no evidence of a hoax. The article notes the high cost and complexity of faking such images, suggesting that Meier's photos, taken with a simple 35mm camera, were difficult to dismiss.

Skepticism vs. Belief: The UFO Debate

Edward Ziegler's editorial in the USA Edition raises the question, "What's behind the UFO mania?" He contrasts the beliefs of those who see UFOs as alien craft with the skepticism of others who attribute sightings to mundane explanations. Ziegler quotes Professor Paul Kurtz and investigator Philip J. Klass, who argue that UFO sightings can be explained by everyday phenomena and that no physical evidence (souvenirs) has ever been produced by alleged abductees.

"Borderline Cases": UFOs or IFOs?

The magazine explores the concept of "borderline cases" where UFO sightings are difficult to distinguish from Identified Flying Objects (IFOs). Werner Walter of CENAP-Mannheim discusses how misinterpretations of aircraft, particularly military helicopters, can lead to UFO reports. Examples include the Scandia, Minnesota sightings in 1978, initially reported as UFOs but later suggested to be a formation of helicopters. Similarly, a case in Alcalde, New Mexico, in 1984, involving lights and a large object, was eventually attributed to a KC-135 military tanker.

Misidentification and Psychological Factors

Several articles highlight the role of misidentification and psychological factors in UFO reports. The article on the Alcalde case notes that witnesses, despite seeing what they believed to be a large object, could not discern wings and that the perception of size could be distorted. The discussion on borderline cases emphasizes how factors like unusual lighting, formation flying, and even the time of night can contribute to the illusion of a UFO. The magazine also touches upon the possibility that some witnesses may be influenced by a desire to believe or by the sensationalism surrounding UFO phenomena.

The Role of Media and Public Perception

The influence of media in shaping public perception of UFOs is evident throughout the issue. Publications like "Reader's Digest" are noted for promoting UFO beliefs by featuring books on the topic. The "News of the World" is cited for its extensive coverage of Eduard Meier's case. The magazine itself, CENAP-ARCHIV, aims to provide material for critical thinking, suggesting a balanced approach to the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP-ARCHIV include the persistent nature of UFO sightings, the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics, the alleged involvement of governments in covering up information, and the psychological and perceptual factors that contribute to UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various claims and evidence while also highlighting skeptical viewpoints and offering rational explanations for many reported phenomena. The magazine aims to inform its readers, encouraging them to think critically about the UFO topic, as indicated by the closing statement: "CENAP will remain at the pulse of time and provide you, dear CR readers, with enough material to encourage critical thinking..."

Title: WARBURGER ZEITI
Issue Date: Tuesday, October 6, 1987
Publisher: Heimatzeitung für Borgentreich, Warburg und Willebadessen
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 1,80

Analysis of UFO Incidents and Claims

The Alcalde Sighting: KC-135 or Something Else?

The lead article meticulously examines a series of UFO sightings reported near Alcalde, New Mexico, focusing on the time frame around 19:10 to 19:30 h. The investigation attempts to correlate these sightings with the flight path of a KC-135 aircraft. However, several discrepancies emerge. Many witnesses claimed to have seen two separate lights, which, at the reported distances, should have appeared as a single light. The duration of the sightings is also inconsistent, with some witnesses reporting long observation times while the KC-135's flight path would suggest a much shorter window. The main witness, Mel Medina, reported the UFO's appearance at 19:10 h and disappearance at 19:30 h, which conflicts with the estimated time the KC-135 would have been visible. Furthermore, witnesses described the lights as appearing larger than expected for a KC-135 at that distance, with some describing a separate red light that moved independently. The article also notes that the radar track of the KC-135 did not perfectly align with witness locations, and that unidentified radar echoes appeared before and after the KC-135's passage, but not during its departure. The author presents a five-point analysis, considering possibilities ranging from inaccurate witness memories influenced by media reports, to the presence of two aircraft (a small private plane and the KC-135), to a large, poorly radar-detectable UFO. The article concludes that while many hypotheses exist, the evidence does not definitively explain the phenomenon.

German UFO Cases: Aircraft Parts and Misidentifications

Two articles from German newspapers address incidents that were initially perceived as UFOs but were later identified as mundane objects.

Hercules Aircraft Part in Germete: The "Warburger Zeit" reports on a 'UFO' that crashed in Germete, Germany, on a Monday. Oberst Dieter Seebeck of the Air Force Security Department confirmed that the object was identified as a part from the engine of an American Hercules military transport aircraft. The aircraft had experienced an engine failure in one of its four turboprop engines and had safely returned to its base near Frankfurt. The loss of an engine was described as problematic, though not life-threatening. The investigation into the cause of the failure was left to American military authorities. The article also mentions another aircraft part found near Welda, and appeals to the public to report any findings.

Jupiter as a Misidentified Celestial Body: The "Eßlinger Zeitung" clarifies that a bright celestial body observed by many Germans was not a UFO, but the planet Jupiter. The Stuttgart Planetarium explained that Jupiter was particularly close to Earth in October 1987, making it appear exceptionally bright in the night sky. The article provides astronomical details about Jupiter, its size, its moons (including the four Galilean moons), and its orbital proximity to Earth.

Soviet Rocket Causes UFO Alarm: The "BILD" newspaper reports on a UFO alarm triggered by hundreds of people who saw glowing balls in the sky. However, Uni-scientists identified the phenomenon as the launch of a Soviet rocket. The following morning, Tim Giles from Sydney, Australia, found 30 cm large holes in his garden, possibly related to the event.

Allegations of Ancient Ruins on Jupiter's Moon IO

An article, seemingly translated from an English publication called "COSMOLOGY NEWSLINK," details a protest filed by Dr. Albert Feldstein with the Soviet Union. Feldstein charges Russian scientists with covering up the discovery of an ancient city on a Jupiter moon in 1985. He claims to have received smuggled documents and photographs from a Soviet military source, which he believes clearly show the Soviets conspiring to keep this 'scientific find of the century' secret. The article also criticizes American space officials for similar secrecy regarding alleged temple ruins on Mars. Feldstein describes the discovered city as having sophisticated architectural features, including a grid of avenues and buildings with flat, sloping roofs and flying buttresses, likening it to an 'alien version of ancient Athens.' The Soviet Union has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations.

Critique of the "PARA-Tage" Event

Werner Walter, writing for CENAP-MA, provides a critical review of the "PARA-Tage" event organized by Willem G. Niesen in Mannheim. Walter argues that the event, held in a hotel, focused on 'presentation' rather than 'content,' aiming to generate revenue through 'fatal dependencies' and emotional manipulation of attendees. He criticizes the speakers' use of vague terminology, lack of scientific rigor, and the audience-speaker dynamic, which he describes as an 'abyss' between the 'believers' and the 'prominent' speakers. Walter specifically calls out Eva Billand's presentation on 'We and the Beyond' as an example of redundant, unscientific rhetoric designed to impress rather than inform. He concludes that the organizers are not interested in conveying knowledge but in creating an illusion of authority and influencing the audience's emotions.

Skepticism Towards Astrology and Paranormal Claims

In a concluding section, Gastautor Edgar Hunder expresses his skepticism towards astrology and paranormal claims. He states that he has never encountered an astrologer who could present a coherent astrological system and criticizes the opportunistic use of scientific arguments by proponents of paranormal phenomena. Hunder advocates for critical thinking, falsifiability (as proposed by Popper), and the principle of parsimony (Ockham's Razor). He urges readers to actively participate in countering paranormal claims through public outreach and by publishing counter-arguments in the media, emphasizing that ignoring the 'para-wave' of the decade would be ignorant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a strong tendency towards critical analysis and skepticism regarding UFO phenomena and paranormal claims. While it presents witness testimonies and reports of alleged extraterrestrial encounters, it consistently seeks conventional explanations, such as misidentified aircraft, celestial bodies, or natural phenomena. The articles highlight the importance of accurate data collection, scientific investigation, and the potential for media influence and psychological factors in shaping perceptions of UFOs. There is a clear editorial stance favoring rational explanations and a cautious approach to extraordinary claims, particularly those related to alleged alien contact or ancient extraterrestrial civilizations. The critique of the 'PARA-Tage' event further underscores this skeptical perspective, questioning the motives and methodologies of those promoting paranormal beliefs. The magazine also touches upon the role of media in reporting such events and the public's susceptibility to sensationalism.