CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 145
Volume: 3/1988
Date: March 1988
Publisher: Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene (CENAP)
Country: Germany
Price: DM 3.90

This issue of the CENAP-REPORT delves deeply into the complex and often controversial subject of UFO photography. It critically examines the authenticity of photographic evidence, exploring the challenges in distinguishing genuine sightings from hoaxes, misinterpretations, and natural phenomena. The magazine features articles by Werner Walter and Jochen Ickinger, presenting detailed analyses and statistical data from CENAP and GEP case files.

PHÄNOMENALE FOTOS? (Phenomenal Photos?)

This main article, authored by Werner Walter of CENAP-Mannheim, questions the reliability of UFO photographs as definitive proof of a real phenomenon. Walter acknowledges the captivating nature of UFO photos, stating that "a picture says more than 1000 words," but immediately raises the provocative question of whether most photos are merely fakes or misidentifications. He notes that many UFO photos, particularly those of 'nighttime light spots,' contradict the typical understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

Walter recounts CENAP's history of analyzing UFO photos, often limited by reproduction costs. He references past issues that questioned UFOs in relation to the Apollo 11 mission (attributed to a light reflection), exposed a photographer's trick using a painted window pane, and debunked the "Taormina photos" as a misinterpretation. The article highlights instances where CENAP identified fabricated UFO photos, including those involving paper cutouts taped to windows and trick photos using everyday objects. The "Werbeluftschiff" (advertising airship) case from 1976, initially considered a significant UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) sighting, was later identified as the star Sirius. Other cases, like those from Saarbrücken-Dudweiler, were eventually explained as distorted images of party balloons.

CENAP's critical approach extended to cases like the Greek photo from Thessaloniki (identified as a cloud) and the famous UFO formation over the Capitol in Washington (explained as a reflection of street lamps). The article also mentions the "snowman UFOs" from Apollo 11 and the case of two campers near Montreal who were labeled "UFO spinners." The "NL-Foto von Barjols" from France, initially enthusiastically reported, is also discussed.

Walter then addresses the controversial New Zealand UFO film from 1978 and the UFO over Gran Canaria, which turned out to be a barium cloud. Other cases, such as a "flying spaceship" in Australia and a policeman's sighting in Aldridge, were identified as lens reflections of the moon or streetlights, respectively. Swedish photos by Lars Thörn were revealed as trick images using car hubcaps, and UFO films by Dan Fry and Klaus Webner were debunked as hoaxes involving lamps and models.

Examples of simple tricks include taping paper cutouts to windows. More sophisticated techniques involve montage, spraying patterns on glass, and darkroom tricks like double exposures. Misinterpretations are common, arising when observers are visually deceived by everyday objects under unusual conditions. These include photographs of aircraft (especially at night with lights), advertising planes, astronomical phenomena (planets, stars, moon), birds, kites, searchlights, and weather phenomena like lenticular clouds.

Balloons, including blimps, weather balloons, and research balloons, are also frequently misidentified. The article notes that the US Air Force's Project SIGN in 1949 concluded that most UFO sightings involved balloons. Photographic anomalies, such as chemical stains, emulsion errors, and lens reflections, can also create the appearance of UFOs. Walter points out that unscrupulous individuals may exploit these phenomena.

The article discusses the "bona fide" category, where GSW identified approximately 40 cases out of hundreds analyzed as potentially genuine. However, even these are not definitively identified as alien spacecraft. GSW's criteria for 'bona fide' involved objects whose dimensional proportions matched those of described phenomena but did not fit into other categories. The article acknowledges the limitations of conventional and computer-based evaluation methods, including potential for error, overestimation of data, and poor original documentation.

Halbgott Computer in der UFO-Forschung (Demigod Computer in UFO Research)

This section, also by Walter, focuses on the organization Ground Saucer Watch (GSW), led by Bill Spaulding, which managed a significant collection of UFO photos. GSW began using computers and video technology in 1975 to analyze UFO photos, employing a system originally developed for evaluating X-ray images. The article references the book "UFOs: So Rund wie Untertassen" for technical details. GSW's analysis aimed for qualitative control, using techniques like "edge magnification" to detect small details. GSW reportedly examined over 1000 photos and films, identifying 42 as "good UFO photos." However, the article notes that many of these could still be explained, citing specific case numbers. It is pointed out that 74% of the photos analyzed were taken at night.

GSW accepted certain cases as genuine documents of extraterrestrial visits, including the Paul Trent (McMinnville, 1950), Great Falls, Montana film (1950), Trindade Island (1958), and Tremonton, Utah film (1952). Conversely, photos by George Adamski, Rex Heflin, and Paul Villa were identified as hoaxes. The article mentions that GSW itself admitted to having made errors and being deceived by the data provided, which damaged its credibility. Allen Hendry is quoted stating that if even one GSW-confirmed photo is later debunked, the credibility of all others is compromised. The case of photo #19 on the GSW list (Calgary daylight disk) is highlighted as an example where GSW initially classified one photo as a "genuine UFO" but later identified a second, similar photo from the same photographer as a hoax, raising questions about the consistency and reliability of GSW's methods.

Walter suggests that GSW's methods were best suited for identifying small models placed close to the camera. GSW published a report in 1986 titled "Photographic Analyses of Unidentified Objects." Their analysis categorized findings into five main groups: hoax, misinterpretation, balloons, photographic anomalies, and genuine structured phenomena. The article notes that GSW ceased operations, stating that no extraterrestrial spacecraft were proven, yet the list of "genuine" photos continued to circulate.

FALLSTATISTIK 2: GEP-FÄLLE (Fall Statistics 2: GEP Cases)

This section, authored by Jochen Ickinger of CENAP-HN, presents a statistical analysis of cases investigated by GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens e.V.), covering the period 1947-1987. A total of 121 cases were analyzed, drawing data from the JOURNAL FÜR UFO-FORSCHUNG (JUFOF) and other sources. The percentages in the diagrams represent the proportion of cases for which data was available for that specific parameter.

1. ZEITLICHE VERTEILUNG (Temporal Distribution): The distribution shows peaks in certain years, notably 1983, which is attributed to favorable weather conditions, similar to CENAP's findings. The period 1947-1978 shows fewer reported cases, partly because GEP did not process many historical or post-war cases.

2. MONATLICHE VERTEILUNG (Monthly Distribution): April and September show lower reporting rates, similar to CENAP. There's an unusual accumulation in the last quarter and June.

3. TAGESZEIT (Time of Day): The majority of sightings (72%) occur at night, which is attributed to the fact that many reported "UFOs" are mysterious lights, and visibility is generally lower at night.

4. HERKUNFT (Origin): The vast majority of cases (93.5%) originate from within Germany (Inland), with only 6.5% from abroad.

5. ZEUGENANZAHL (Number of Witnesses): The most common scenario involves 2-5 witnesses (49.5%), followed by single witnesses (42%). Cases with over 21 witnesses are less common (6.5%).

6. REGISTRIERUNG (Registration): Witness accounts are the primary form of registration (91.5%), with photos accounting for 6.5% and film for 1.0%. This differs from CENAP, where photo registration is significantly higher.

7. ZEUGENAUFENTHALT (Witness Location): Most sightings occur outdoors (Erwartenmäßig werden die meisten Sichtungen im Freien gemacht).

8. DAUER (Duration): The duration of sightings varies, with a significant portion lasting between 1 to 5 minutes (one-third). Shorter durations (up to 30 seconds) are less common than might be expected. The article notes that observation times are often overestimated.

9. FORM (Shape): The most frequently reported shapes are "Scheibe" (disk) and "Soustires" (saucer-like). Other shapes include "ut/Glocke" (bell-shaped), "comet-like," and "cylinder."

10. ANZAHL (Quantity): Most sightings involve a single object (86.5%), with fewer reports of 2-5 objects.

11. GRÖSSE (Size): The reported sizes vary, with 3cm and 30cm being common estimates. There are significant differences compared to CENAP, particularly regarding larger sizes.

12. FARBE (Color): Red-orange and white-silver are the most frequently reported colors, each accounting for about a quarter of the cases.

13. RÜCKSTÄNDE (Traces/Trails): The majority of cases report no specific traces (81%). A significant portion (12.5%) report a "Schweif" (tail or trail).

14. GESCHWINDIGKEIT (Speed): Most objects are reported as stationary (70.5%). Slower speeds (up to 100 km/h) are reported in 14.5% of cases.

15. FLUGVERHALTEN (Flight Behavior): "Geradlinig" (straight flight) is the most common behavior (46.5%), followed by "Stationär" (stationary) at 23.5%. The article notes a significant difference compared to CENAP, where "Stillstand" (standstill) is reported by over 70% of cases, while it's only 31% for GEP.

16. GERÄUSCHE (Sounds): The majority of sightings (88.5%) are reported as silent (Keine Geräusche).

17. WETTERVERHÄLTNISSE (Weather Conditions): Most sightings occur under clear, warm skies (70% of cases). Over 90% of cases occurred during periods without precipitation. A difference is noted in cloud cover, with GEP reporting fewer sightings in light cloud cover compared to CENAP.

18. WERTUNG (Evaluation): The article mentions that GEP's "Unidentifiziert-Quote" (unidentified quote) is a maximum of 1%, similar to CENAP's findings. The evaluation statistics are presented as being in a similar range to CENAP's.

19. FAZIT (Conclusion): Despite minor differences in specific parameters, the GEP cases are largely comparable to CENAP's. The article concludes that while methodological differences may exist, the overall results and conclusions are similar, suggesting that focusing on commonalities rather than minor disagreements is more productive.

Himmelskörper blinkte: Kein Ufo, sondern „nur“ Jupiter (Celestial Body Blinked: Not a UFO, but "Just" Jupiter)

This short news item from the "Fränkischer Tag" (Bamberg, January 16, 1988) explains that a blinking celestial object observed in the southeastern sky, which changed color from red to green, was identified by astronomers at the Bamberg Observatory as the planet Jupiter. The blinking effect was attributed to atmospheric disturbances caused by layers of air with different temperatures, which are more pronounced when a celestial body is lower in the sky.

Die Frau, die das Ufo sah, sagt: „Wir hätten alle den Mund halten sollen“ (The Woman Who Saw the UFO Says: "We All Should Have Kept Our Mouths Shut")

This article, referencing reports from "Welt am Sonntag" (January 24, 1988), details an incident involving Fay Knowles, a 48-year-old Australian woman, who claimed to have witnessed a cigar-shaped, brightly lit object that lifted her car one meter off the ground and dropped it. She reported a foul odor and that the car was covered in ash.

Glen Moore, a physics professor at the University of Woolongong, suggested the object might have been a carbonaceous meteorite, explaining the odor. However, he had no explanation for the car being lifted. Peter Schwerdtfeger, a meteorologist at the University of Adelaide, proposed that a strong electrical field, generated by electrically charged dust particles during dry thunderstorms, could create a "light bell" phenomenon. He noted that such electrical storms can be a frightening experience.

Scientists from the Australian Commonwealth Scientific Research Institute in Canberra suggested the phenomenon was an "Elmsfeuer" (St. Elmo's Fire), a natural phenomenon caused by ionized particles. Elmsfeuer are known to follow ships and aircraft due to their magnetic fields but do not exert physical force or leave ash.

Fay Knowles expressed her distress in an Australian television interview, stating, "We all should have kept our mouths shut. Now it looks like we are all liars. But we only told what we really experienced." A scientist planned to hypnotize Knowles to further investigate the incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographic and eyewitness accounts. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance, aiming to debunk hoaxes and misidentifications while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The detailed statistical analyses by CENAP and GEP highlight the methodical approach taken by these organizations. The editorial stance favors rigorous scientific investigation and data-driven conclusions over sensationalism, encouraging readers to critically evaluate information presented in the UFO field.

This issue of CR magazine, dated January 1988, is heavily focused on UFO phenomena, with a prominent cover headline proclaiming "DIE UFO'S KOMMEN!". The magazine compiles various newspaper articles and reports from different locations, suggesting a global increase in UFO interest and sightings.

Swiss UFO Reports

An article from the "BILD-am-Sonntag" (January 24, 1988) reports that 110 UFO sightings were logged in Switzerland in 1987. Of these, 68 were explained by natural causes. The majority of reports came from the Tessin canton, with others from Bern, Waadt, and Geneva. Three cases were classified as 'first kind' encounters, where objects were observed at close range (under 200 meters). One sighting from Geneva on November 24 was explained by a meteorologist as atmospheric light refraction from the setting sun reflecting off clouds at a high altitude.

German UFO Incidents

Bad Abbach Ice Fall

A report from "Straubinger Tagblatt" (January 6, 1988) details a mysterious incident in Bad Abbach where a teacher heard a loud noise and found a hole in his roof and ice fragments in his office. Police are investigating, considering air traffic as a possible cause. Meteorologists suggest it was likely not hail, but possibly ice falling from aircraft, such as frozen wastewater from drainage pipes.

Frankenthal Sightings

Several reports from the Frankenthal region in Germany detail sightings of unusual aerial objects in late January 1988. Christine Jung described a large, silent, dark grey object hovering near Studernheim. Friedemann Schuch reported seeing a silent, aircraft-like object with no markings. Sabine Erb described a bright, stationary light. Kurt Pirschel also reported a silent, black, aircraft-like object. Initially, some of these were investigated as potential UFOs, but later analysis, including astronomical charts, suggested some might have been misidentified aircraft or even Venus.

Heuschelheim Light

A woman from Heuschelheim reported seeing a light since 1983, which she described as a stationary, bright light, possibly a UFO. She had previously been contacted by researchers, including from NASA, who asked unusual questions about her experiences.

Australian UFO Encounter

Ceduna Car Incident

An article from "TODAY" (January 23, 1988) and other Australian sources describe an incident near Ceduna where a housewife, Fay Knowles, reported her car was lifted by a bright light sphere. A truck driver, Bill Robbins, witnessed the event. An ash-like substance was found on the car's roof and hood, which scientists were unable to identify. The incident occurred during Australia's bicentennial celebrations. Professor Peter Schwerdtfeger suggested a possible explanation involving electrical charges in dry thunderstorms, while others considered St. Elmo's Fire, but these theories did not fully explain the car being lifted.

Adelaide Incident

Another Australian report mentions an egg-shaped, glowing object that rampaged a car, causing it to be shaken and a tire to burst. The substance left on the car was being analyzed by forensic scientists.

UFOs and the Third Reich

A letter to the editor discusses the theory that German military had 'flying discs' during the Third Reich, with technology supposedly transmitted from extraterrestrials. The author, Markus Hany, suggests that UFO sightings have been recorded throughout history, including in religious texts, and that many modern sightings involve humanoid beings from other planets who are here to assist humanity.

Hameln School Project Hoax

An article from the "Deister- und Weserzeitung" (November 7, 1987) and "GEP" details a project by students from the Schiller-Gymnasium in Hameln. They constructed a hexagonal, metallic object resembling a flying saucer and placed it in a public square to test public reactions to the 'unknown'. A film team posed as an 'extraterrestrial research group' to interview bystanders, and a radio station also covered the event. The students eventually revealed the 'UFO' was part of their project on 'The Foreigner' and how people react to the unfamiliar.

Scientific and Research Perspectives

The magazine includes various perspectives from UFO researchers and organizations like CENAP and MUTUAL UFO NETWORK. Walter Andrus of MUTUAL UFO NETWORK calls the Australian car incident one of the most important cases. The article also touches on the possibility of hypnosis being used to extract details from witnesses. The GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO - Phänomens) is mentioned, with Hans-Werner Peiniger providing information about a "Zeitungsente" (newspaper hoax) related to a UFO sighting over Hameln.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and the scientific or investigative responses to these phenomena. There's a clear interest in documenting and analyzing these events, ranging from official reports and scientific inquiries to witness testimonies and even potential hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, presenting various accounts and potential explanations without definitively concluding on the nature of all sightings. The inclusion of the Hameln school project highlights a critical perspective, questioning the authenticity of some UFO reports and the motivations behind them.