CENAP Report - No 143

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: 1/1988, Nr.143
Publisher: Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene (CENAP)
Date: January 1988
Price: DM 3.90
Cover Headline: ASTRONOMEN und UFOs (Astronomers and UFOs)

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, a German-language publication focused on unusual aerial phenomena, explores the intersection of astronomy and UFO sightings. The cover features an image of an observatory dome under a starry sky, highlighting the theme of astronomers investigating UFOs.

ASTRO-WARNUNG (Astro-Warning)

This section, authored by Roland M. Horn, provides an astronomical forecast for February 1988. It details planetary movements, including Mercury's disappearance from the evening sky, Venus as a prominent evening star, Mars's visibility in the morning sky and its conjunction with Saturn, and Jupiter's early setting. It also mentions meteor showers expected during the month, such as the Alpha-Aurigids and Delta-Leonids.

DAS UFO DER ASTRONOMEN (The UFO of the Astronomers)

This article delves into the complex relationship between scientific astronomy and the study of UFOs. It posits that while many dismiss UFOs as mere fantasy, scientists themselves can be baffled by unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly 'Night Lights.' The article references James E. Oberg's book "UFOs & Outer Space Mysterys" and introduces a correspondence with amateur astronomer Daniel Fischer from Königswinter. Fischer, through the "astronomischen Nachrichten" published in SKYWEEK, found CENAP's approach to be more adequate. The section highlights recent 'strange reports' that have caused excitement in the astronomical community, including sightings of colorful spheres.

The Case of the Aries-Flasher

This detailed case study investigates a phenomenon initially observed in July 1984 from Canada, involving a series of light flashes in the northwest of the Pleiades constellation. These flashes, observed over several months and from distances up to 2,000 miles, were initially puzzling. Seven Canadian astronomers reported these visual sightings, prompting a call for systematic observation. SKY & TELESCOPE magazine invited readers to observe the area in February 1985, hoping to identify the phenomenon. The flashes were described as brief, bright, and yellowish, with positions that did not match known astronomical objects. The phenomenon was eventually dubbed 'Ogre' (Optical Gamma-Ray Emitter). Despite initial speculation about it being a new type of variable star or a gamma-ray burster, further investigation by Paul Maley of Rockwell Shuttle Operations Company suggested that the flashes were likely caused by reflections from satellites, specifically Soviet KOSMOS satellites, which could tumble and produce bright flashes from their solar cells. The article notes that the National Research Council of Canada's meteor camera network (MORP) did not record the phenomenon, suggesting it was a nearby, local event, possibly caused by satellites creating panic.

TENDENZEN: CR-STUDIE (Trends: CR-Study)

The CENAP REPORT in Retrospect - Outlook for the late 80s?

This section reflects on CENAP's monthly UFO publication, which has been in existence for over ten years. It outlines the history of the CENAP REPORT, starting with its first issue in March 1976, which was an 8-page Spiritusumdruck (spirit duplication) publication. The report details the growth in page count and the evolution of the journal, including the production of a text-processed journal called NIGHT LIGHTS, which was later discontinued due to disagreements with the producer. CENAP has independently produced a UFO journal that has gained international recognition. The authors analyzed issues Nr.1 to 125 from 1974 to 1986, focusing on 193 UFO cases primarily from German-speaking regions. Cases with clear explanations (IFO - Identified Flying Object) and UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) were excluded from this specific trend analysis. The study aimed to identify patterns and provide a basis for future research, considering CENAP's own UFO/UAP experiences and other statistical data.

Unsolved Cases from the Sandhausen Conference (11./12.4.87)

This subsection lists nine unsolved UFO cases discussed at a conference, providing brief descriptions of their characteristics:

1. Radevormwald: Silent, human-sized object, sighted in the city at night, spectacular, 2 minutes.
2. Neckarsulm: Silent, formless object, sighted at night in the city, 3 witnesses speaking different languages, 1 minute, described as 'lights'.
3. Mannheim-Vogelstang: Silent, unusual shape, 2 witnesses, on the outskirts of the city, seconds, not spectacular.
4. Wüstenroth: Silent, specific form, 1 witness, rural, dark, 6 minutes.
5. Ennepetal: Silent, specific form, luminous, over 22 minutes, 2 witnesses, open land, less spectacular.
6. Wippling-Werde: Dark, 4 witnesses (not all cooperative), land, bright distant phenomenon, no movement, minutes, less spectacular, silent.
7. Hochheim: Night sighting, 4 witnesses (1 cooperative), spectacular, typical saucer case, witnesses reserved, free field, solid light, 15 minutes to 2 hours, silent.
8. Hahn am See: Dusk sighting, minutes, object with three lights/windows, less spectacular, open land, unusual shape, silent.
9. Jüchen: 1 young witness, edge of town, dusk, minutes, EM phenomenon, solid light, spectacular due to violation of physical laws, silent.

Distribution of 193 Cases by Year:

The report provides a yearly breakdown of the 193 analyzed cases from 1974 to 1986, with a significant increase in reported cases in 1983 (34 cases) and 1984 (22 cases). Cases from abroad accounted for 21% (41 cases).

Monthly Distribution:

January had the highest number of sightings (24), followed by August (22) and June (19). The report notes a concentration of sightings in the first week of January and the last week of December.

Number of Witnesses:

• 50 cases (25%) had only one witness.
• 25 cases (12.5%) had two witnesses.
• Cases with three to four witnesses were common.
• 31 cases (17%) had up to five witnesses.
• 29% (56 cases) had an unspecified number of witnesses, often in mass sightings.

The report suggests that the more witnesses there are, the faster a UFO sighting becomes an IFO (Identified Flying Object).

Duration of UFO Phenomena:

• The study categorizes the duration of reported UFO sightings:
• Up to 10 seconds: 36 cases
• Up to half a minute: 9 cases
• Up to one minute: 4 cases
• Up to 2-3 minutes: 28 cases
• Up to 5 minutes: 16 cases
• Up to 10 minutes: 14 cases
• Up to 15 minutes: 5 cases
• Up to 30 minutes: 14 cases (Totaling 77 cases, or 40% of all sightings)
• Up to 1 hour: 17 cases
• More than 1 hour: 13 cases

It's noted that 25% of cases had durations of up to one minute, aligning with the duration of meteor phenomena. Cases in category 'c' (stars, planets, moon, stratospheric balloons) are identified as potential causes for 'UFO fever.'

Time of Day:

The majority of UFO sightings occurred between 18:00 and 24:00 (55%), with a peak between 12:00 and 24:00. The report notes that in winter, sightings began earlier in the evening.

Identified Phenomena (IFO) Categories:

• The report lists the identified causes for phenomena previously reported as UFOs:
• Party-gag-balloons: 46 cases (30%)
• Solar-UFO and toy balloons: 14 cases
• Stars, planets, moon, sun: 33 cases (17%)
• Aircraft: 20 cases (10%)
• Helicopters: 7 cases (4%)
• Meteor/Re-entry: 34 cases (17%)
• Stratospheric balloons: 10 cases (5%)
• Meteorological balloons: 17 cases

Other identified phenomena include laser beams, military signal flares, floodlights, manned balloons, clouds, lightning, blinking lights, a Styrofoam stork, photographic errors (2x), photo tricks/manipulation (10x), and 4 non-UFO cases. Psychological explanations were considered for six cases.

Descriptions of UFO-like Phenomena:

The report includes extensive lists of descriptions provided by witnesses for various phenomena, including:

• Aircraft: Described as rotating lights, silent, hovering, rapid ascent, with changing colors, leaving trails, or making unusual movements.
• Helicopters: Often misinterpreted due to their lights and sounds, but distinguished by their noise and flight patterns.
• Meteors and Re-entries: Characterized by flashes, trails, and rapid movement.
• Other phenomena: Including 'dancing' spheres, objects with changing colors, unusual shapes, and luminous effects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP-REPORT consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific investigation in understanding unusual aerial phenomena. It highlights the need to distinguish between genuine mysteries and misidentifications, often caused by conventional aircraft, natural phenomena, or even technological artifacts like satellites. The publication advocates for a systematic, data-driven approach, as demonstrated by its statistical analysis of UFO cases. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained events, CENAP's stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking rational explanations while remaining open to the possibility of truly anomalous occurrences. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between amateur enthusiasts and professional scientific inquiry, encouraging detailed observation and reporting.

This issue of HEIM und WELT, dated 'Nr. 52187', focuses on "Sensationelle Berichte über Begegnungen der dritten Art" (Sensational Reports on Third Kind Encounters), with a prominent cover story titled "Vor meinem Haus wartete eine fliegende Untertasse" (A Flying Saucer Waited in Front of My House).

Cover Story: "A Flying Saucer Waited in Front of My House"

The cover story details an encounter by an American woman who claims a UFO with "aliens" landed in front of her house at night. She describes the visitors as "small, ugly, with pear-shaped heads." The encounter was allegedly sexual in nature, and the woman was later transported to another city. The article also references a book by Professor David M. Jacobs of Temple University, which discusses UFO incidents and alleged alien abductions, including a specific case from New Mexico on July 7, 1947, where four "UFO astronauts" were reportedly recovered after a crash.

UFO Sightings and Descriptions

The magazine presents a collection of descriptions of UFO sightings, categorized by their characteristics:

• Light and Shape: Descriptions include "fiery red light trail," "glowing object," "silver-blue tail," "oval, bright orange," "ten times as long a tail," "ball-shaped circle with green-blue-white color," "burning cigar," "bright green and yellow sparks," and "metallic-bright something."
• Movement and Sound: Accounts mention "high speed," "broke into two parts," "disappeared into darkness," "silent," "loud noise," "whistling," and "humming."
• Object Forms: Various shapes are reported, such as "tear- or tube-shaped," "arrowhead-like," "cylinder-shaped," "zigarrenförmig" (cigar-shaped), "oval," "ball-shaped," "green-blue-white circle," "blue ball," "cigar with three lights," "two bright green spheres," "rocket-like body," "round object with a tail," and "greenish shimmering fluorescent thing."
• Specific Cases: The text lists numerous individual sighting reports, often with brief descriptions of the object's appearance and behavior. These include reports of objects breaking apart, leaving trails, and exhibiting unusual lights.

STRATOSPHERIC BALLOONS vs. UFOs

The issue contrasts descriptions of UFOs with those of "Stratospheric Balloons," suggesting that some phenomena might be misidentified. Descriptions attributed to these balloons include:

• Triangular shapes: "triangular with stripes, minimal movement," "isosceles triangle," "reflecting the sun."
• Varied forms: "flying carpet," "constant shape-changing," "hull of a ship seen from below," "considerable altitude," "low speed."
• Disc and other shapes: "silvery oval disc," "triangular body," "milk bottle," "like a shuttlecock," "like a pyramid," "like an egg timer," "giant plastic bag."
• Colors and behavior: "iridescent," "twice as big as a star," "turned to the right," "sometimes dark red, then white, then blue."

Psychological Evaluation of UFO Cases

The magazine presents a section on cases with "Psychological Evaluation," highlighting several individuals:

1. Adele Holzer (Burghausen): A UFO-sighter who experienced telepathic phenomena and saw green UFOs. Her daughter also reportedly saw a UFO, though this was later identified as a rocket model.
2. Mars Dame (Hagen): Engaged in nightly UFO hunting, filming lights and a "mothership." He was allegedly threatened with institutionalization by health authorities.
3. Helmut Chodan (Gernsheim): A goldsmith and UFO photographer who allegedly filmed a UFO on a telepathic assignment. The film was reportedly swapped with one containing "four windows."
4. Ursula Wiebers (Hamburg): Experiences ongoing UFO sightings and overreactions to lights and stars.
5. Peter Stoll (Wädenswil/Switzerland): Filmed unidentified light points and sent photos, feeling unjustly treated and persecuted.
6. "UFO Lands Station in Flames": A report about a 21-year-old who allegedly set a station on fire to "prepare for a UFO landing."
7. Horst Raps (Lampertheim): A contactee who claims to see UFOs regularly and is considered a "spinner" by police.

It is noted that cases 4 and 6 are from the DUIST environment.

"The Great Ignorance" and "Night Siege"

Werner Walter of CENAP-Mannheim criticizes what he calls "The Great Ignorance" in the field, particularly regarding the "Hudson Valley UFO Riddle." He references an article in the MUFON UFO JOURNAL about the "Night Siege" phenomenon, a series of sightings in the Hudson Valley from 1982 to 1987. Thousands of people reportedly witnessed a "gigantic, boomerang-shaped object" that moved slowly and quietly, sometimes emitting a humming sound. The sightings covered an area of 1,400 square miles, extending to various counties in New York and Connecticut. The authors of the book "Night Siege: The Hudson Valley UFO Sightings" interviewed thousands of witnesses.

The New York Times and Bob Pratt

The article mentions that in March 1983, THE NEW YORK TIMES was interested in a story about UFOs. A journalist contacted Allen Hynek, who then contacted the author of this section. The author and Hynek formed a team with others (Sheila Sabo, George Lesnick, Fred Dennis, Chris Clark) to investigate the Hudson Valley case. They concluded that the phenomenon could not be logically explained. The investigation continued until 1985, amassing hundreds of tapes and notes, estimating that around 5,000 people had seen the UFO.

Collaboration with Bob Pratt

Due to the project's scope, they sought a writer. After one writer dropped out, their agent recommended Bob Pratt, a reporter who had covered UFO phenomena since 1975, particularly in Brazil. Pratt agreed to collaborate. In early 1986, the book's outline and material were sent to Pratt, who completed a draft manuscript within two weeks. Ballantine Books acquired the rights. Pratt visited the Hudson Valley twice for firsthand impressions. Sadly, Allen Hynek passed away in April 1986, shortly before the book's planned publication. His wife, Mimi, continued to cooperate and provide feedback.

The book is described as a "hard-hitting book without mystical or metaphysical aspects," focusing on vivid sightings and the possibility of more than simple observation. The authors aim to present the evidence to the scientific community, urging them not to ignore it, and conclude with "WE DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS. We can only speculate."

"Summertime is UFO Time in Northern Westchester"

This section, by John F. Kelly and Ted Schillinger, reports on UFO sightings in Northern Westchester, New York. An incident in Mount Kisco involved witnesses describing a large, modular craft with white, green, and red lights, hovering silently about 1,000 feet above the ground. The object was said to be composed of two parts connected by a link. Witnesses, including Ms. Schwartz, described it as "not man-made" and possibly a "space craft." The article also notes an unusual occurrence of fireflies in May, which disappeared after the object was observed over a field.

Police and FAA Explanations

A police officer from the Bedford Police Department suggested that some sightings might be caused by formations of ultralight aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that ultralights are experimental and can be unstable. The FAA stated that pilots sometimes use colored lights to create the illusion of a "space machine" and that these aircraft operate without authorization in controlled airspace. An FAA spokesperson commented that these pilots "take their lives into their own hands" and are "teasing each other."

Further Sightings and Theories

Another report mentions pilots from Stormville Airport performing precise formation flights, which Robert Gribble of the National UFO Reporting Center in Seattle considers dangerous. Gribble's organization collects UFO reports globally. He stated that the type of machine seen in Mount Kisco has been identified worldwide and is of "interplanar" origin, though its exact source is unknown. He also alluded to a "government cover-up" regarding alien technology and special military laws to conceal UFO information, with severe penalties for personnel who disclose sightings.

Reader Letters and Critiques

Stephan Steuer (Hamburg): Critiques the magazine's attempts to explain UFOs, finding them less satisfactory than the "uncritical, euphoric" stance of some. He humorously suggests Walter's 1973 sighting was a result of a self-inflicted blow during a table tennis match, leading to a "hallucinatory" perception of a large, distorted object.

Rudolf Henke (Sandhausen): Expresses disappointment with the magazine's content, calling it "superfluous," "senseless," and lacking in substance. He criticizes the "self-praise" and the absence of regular features like a table of contents and an impressum.

Frommer Wunsch: Hopes for peace after a separation from Henke.

Dr. Alexander Keul (Salzburg/Austria): Responds to a photograph in CR Nr. 140, identifying the phenomenon as scratches on a plastic protective disc, likely from the interior of a spacecraft's viewport.

Klaus Webner (Wiesbaden): Praises the magazine's shift towards a more realistic self-representation and a "small network" approach. He finds the article "Streitfragen" (Questions of Dispute) interesting and notes the current lack of major UFO news. He also suggests reintroducing regular features.

Roland Horn (Erbach/Odw.): Critiques a report on the "Mannheimer Para-Tage," suggesting that many attendees were simply nodding and applauding. He defends Erich von Däniken's presentations, stating he always brings new arguments and uses SF slides. Horn dismisses an article discussing "manipulations" and "brainwashing" as not worth serious debate.

Walter Jörg Langbein (Lügde): Expresses gratitude for the magazine's direction, stating it confirms they are on the right path regarding "PRÄ-Astronautik" (Pre-Astronautics).

Klaus Webner (Wiesbaden): Offers to paint "Flying Saucers in Oil" on canvas for a fee, presenting them as investments.

CENAP REPORT Future and Financials

The magazine announces a reduction in page count from 40/48 pages to approximately 36 pages due to economic reasons. They explain that the previous low price was subsidized, and without these monthly subsidies from Hj Köhler and W Walter, they cannot maintain the current page count. They apologize for delivery delays and acknowledge the challenge of publishing the vast amount of material they receive. Despite financial constraints and a lack of significant public appreciation, the CENAP team remains motivated to provide unique information on UFO topics, emphasizing that the magazine is a personal effort driven by ideology rather than profit.

Reader "Unperson" Critique

A reader identifies themselves as "Unperson" and criticizes the magazine's content and internal dynamics. They accuse the magazine of lacking objectivity and exhibiting self-righteousness. Specific points of criticism include:

• Lack of overview/table of contents.
• Ambiguous or ironic headings.
• Rush to provide explanations without thorough investigation, citing a discrepancy in the description of an object's tail length.
• A lengthy article on "Quest in Question" deemed irrelevant to most readers.
• Dismissal of "photo evidence" as a tactic to attract readers.
• Accusations of "cults of the irrational" and copying titles.
• Criticism of Gallup polls as a method without proper commentary or comparison.
• Rejection of the idea that helicopter sightings are confused with UFOs.

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

The magazine concludes by stating that they will continue to publish the CENAP REPORT in 1988, albeit with reduced scope. They express hope that readers will understand the financial necessity of this change and emphasize their commitment to providing valuable UFO information. They also address their critics, urging them to reflect on the importance of the topic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong focus on UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the investigation of these phenomena. There's a clear tension between presenting unexplained events and attempting to offer explanations, whether scientific, psychological, or even dismissive. The magazine seems to position itself as a platform for diverse viewpoints within the UFO community, while also engaging in internal debates and critiques. The financial struggles highlight the challenges of producing specialized publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of persistent inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging its enigmatic nature while also being critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the field.