CENAP Report - No 151

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: Nr. 151
Volume/Date: 9.88 (September 1988)
Publisher: CENAP-Mannheim
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 3,90

Cover Story: Ufo bei BENSHEIM war Heißluft-Ballon

The cover of this issue prominently features a photograph of hot air balloons and a headline stating that a reported UFO sighting near Bensheim was actually a hot air balloon. This sets the tone for an issue that delves into UFO phenomena, their investigation, and the psychological and sociological factors involved.

CENAP: An Overview of the Organization

The magazine introduces CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene - Central Research Network for Extraordinary Aerial Phenomena) as a private, independent organization dedicated to investigating UFO phenomena. Active since 1976, CENAP has investigated approximately 350 reported sightings. Their methodology is described as scientific and meticulous, akin to criminal investigation. CENAP representatives have been invited to the German Ministry of Defense and the Federal Aviation Office has recommended them as a point of contact for UFO reports. The organization also collaborates with police departments, government agencies, and institutes in the aerospace industry, both domestically and internationally. CENAP aims to combat occultism and superstition, expose charlatans, and debunk media manipulations. Their monthly publication, the CENAP REPORT, is edited by CENAP-Mannheim and costs DM 40 annually.

UFO'S UND SOZIOLOGIE.2.FOLGE (UFOs and Sociology. 2nd Part) by Ulrich Magin

This section presents a continuation of case studies and analysis related to UFO phenomena and their sociological context.

Case 20: Köln (pre-1979)
Maria W., a 63-year-old woman, repeatedly reported to the police about 'little green men' and demanded their arrest. The author notes that such reports, often sensationalized by the media, can lead to public ridicule of genuine experiences.

Case 21: Wildbad im Schwarzwald (January 1, 1980)
A 28-year-old secretary reported an encounter with an 'extraterrestrial envoy from the Sirius star' who claimed to offer a new body after death. The envoy, later revealed to be a 32-year-old man, attempted to defraud an insurance company by staging the secretary's suicide. He was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison.

Case 22: bei Helmstedt (October 2, 1981)
A bright UFO was reported moving away from Berlin. Ufologist Ilse von Jacobi suggested it was a crashed spacecraft that had made an emergency landing in East German territory. A meteorite was later found, which was initially thought to be related to the event.

Witness Testimony (Bernd Schlösser)
Bernd Schlösser recounted seeing two 1.40m tall beings with strange necklaces by the roadside while traveling in a bus through East Germany. He noted that the beings seemed to ignore the bus. He later read about a bright object in the newspaper, which led him to believe they were UFO occupants.

Media Contagion Effect
The author references the 'contagious effect' of media reporting on UFOs, observed by sociologist Westrum, where media coverage can influence witness perceptions.

Case 23: Würzburg (1982)
Hermann-Josef P., described as an 'ant researcher', claimed an inner voice commanded him to kill his 22-month-old son. He believed this act was a sacrifice for the sins of the Jews during the Nazi era. The report suggests this is a case of a psychologically disturbed individual.

Case 24: Santa Cruz auf Teneriffa (November 18, 1982)
Andreas Schneider, a student, reported being abducted by a UFO from the planet Humo. He was tasked with informing Earth and now earns money by giving lectures. He described the beings as small, brown-skinned, with human-like faces and greater intelligence.

The 'Ummo' Phenomenon
Ufonauts from the planet Ummo reportedly made contact with Spanish spiritualist circles in 1965, leading to numerous books and a sustained interest in the phenomenon.

Case 25: Düsseldorf (1982)
Ursula Jahnke, publisher of 'Kontaktberichte', reported monthly telepathic contacts with extraterrestrials discussing topics like pyramid energy and life after death. One of her contacts involved an extraterrestrial inhabiting the body of a Canadian woman.

Case 26: Hahn, Westerwald (October 27, 1983)
A woman reported seeing a UFO resembling a large dragon with lights at the tips of its wings.

Case 27: Ahlerstedt (November 15, 1985)
K.H. Koch described being blinded by an intense light and receiving a message about Earth entering a critical phase, requiring the support of 12,348 souls to send out impulses.

Case 28: Hagen (June 16, 1986)
Adele Schuster reported seeing a yellow UFO, slightly paler, with a figure resembling a man in a white suit hanging from it. She also observed a second object that disappeared. The UFO later took on a sickle shape. She had a similar observation two years prior.

Debunking the Bensheim Sighting
The report on the Bensheim sighting (cover story) is elaborated. Initially, multiple calls reported a crashed hot air balloon over the Melibokus mountain. However, investigations revealed that three hot air balloons had landed safely that evening. The object seen at night was described as balloon-like, leading CENAP to conclude it was a 'Party-Gag' balloon. Roland Horn of CENAP was tasked with investigating the incident.

3. DIE ZEUGEN (The Witnesses)

This section delves into the psychological profiles and characteristics of UFO witnesses, drawing on research by Dr. A. Keul and others.

Dr. A. Keul's Research (1980)
Dr. Keul investigated the profile of Austrian UFO witnesses, proposing two hypotheses:
1. UFO witnesses are highly intelligent, critical, and observant individuals who are trying to be heard by official bodies.
2. UFO witnesses are confabulators, pseudologists, or mythomaniacs experiencing psychotic episodes or fabricating stories for attention.

Keul's study of ten witnesses found that they did not fit either hypothesis. However, he noted that the witnesses were not psychologically intact and exhibited characteristics that could be described as 'schizoid and hysteric'. He suggested that UFO observation might be a way for individuals to gain social attention, likening it to a 'bank robbery of the little man' where one can report an event without fear of serious consequence.

Fear of Ridicule
The research indicates that fear of ridicule is a significant factor for witnesses who do not report their sightings to authorities. However, those who do report have likely overcome this fear.

Witness Demographics
Witnesses of close encounters in Germany tend to be from the lower to middle class, with few academics. Professions mentioned include film projectionist, tax advisor, artist, housewife, railway worker, and innkeeper. Contactees, however, may come from professions with higher prestige, such as teachers, pastors, and even 'ant researchers'.

Psychological Disturbances
Keul's subsequent study of 15 cases found an even higher prevalence of psychological disturbances among witnesses, with none being considered fully credible based on their personality structure and observational abilities.

Comparison with British Witnesses
Keul's comparison of German and British UFO witnesses revealed a higher 'ASW-Potential' (extrasensory perception) in British witnesses, possibly due to a greater number of close encounters and a tendency towards regression and primary process thinking.

The 'Bank Robbery of the Little Man' Analogy
This analogy highlights how witnesses can report unusual events to gain attention and potentially validation, without facing significant repercussions if the event is later explained as mundane.

The Role of 'Seekers' and 'Observers'
Buckner's concept of 'occult seekers' describes individuals who move between various spiritual and esoteric beliefs. These seekers are contrasted with 'observers' who are merely curious. The 'seekers' often form the core of UFO cults.

UFO Cults and 'Open Door' Policy
Buckner describes UFO cults as 'open door cults' due to their tolerance for a wide range of spiritual, occult, and religious beliefs. This policy is seen as essential for their survival, especially as general interest in UFOs wanes.

The Social Resonance of UFO Phenomena
The article discusses the concept of 'social resonance' in relation to UFO waves, suggesting that media attention plays a crucial role in creating and amplifying public interest in UFO sightings. The 'theoretical model for UFO waves' (Illustration 8) illustrates how media coverage can lead to a surge in reports, which then decline when media interest fades.

Iberian Peninsula UFO Waves
Illustration 9 shows the monthly distribution of UFO waves in the Iberian Peninsula from 1950 to 1975, indicating periods of increased activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the detailed investigation of UFO sightings, the psychological and sociological analysis of witnesses, the debunking of specific cases (like the Bensheim incident), and the critical examination of the role of media in shaping public perception of UFO phenomena. CENAP's editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, scientific investigation, aiming to separate fact from fiction and to combat superstition and misinformation. The publication also touches upon the broader context of UFO beliefs as a form of modern religion or substitute belief system for some individuals.

This issue of CR magazine, dated 7/1988, features a prominent article on 'Gegen Müll im All' (Against Trash in Space), highlighting the growing problem of space debris and proposing solutions. It also delves into the complexities of UFO sightings, the New Age movement, and anomalies on Mars.

Reality Distortion and UFOs

The magazine explores the concept of 'Reality Distortion' in UFO sightings, where eyewitness accounts can be influenced by psychological processes and prior knowledge of UFO phenomena. It questions whether UFO data is fundamentally different from reports of Identified Flying Objects (IFOs). The authors recommend focusing on highly credible UFO cases and suggest that interdisciplinary research teams, including skeptics, are needed to ensure quality control. They emphasize that only by demonstrating that UFO observations have characteristics radically different from negative cases can science be urged to allocate resources to investigate the phenomenon. A quote from James Oberg criticizes the vast amount of unbelievable data in UFOlogy, stating it renders any product of such research meaningless. The future of UFO studies requires better case investigation, potentially involving international handbooks for field procedures, and the involvement of scientists from various disciplines like physics, engineering, and sociology.

Three hypotheses are presented to explain UFOs: 1) anomalous mental behavior under specific conditions, 2) spontaneous energetic phenomena involving heat and EM radiation, and 3) extraterrestrial origin. The authors believe UFO research should focus on these three levels.

Space Debris and Environmental Protection in Space

An international expert conference in Cologne addressed the issue of 'Environmental Protection in Space.' The focus was on space debris and the use of nuclear power sources in space. While there was agreement on the seriousness of the dangers, initial countermeasures were reported. NASA and ESA have established working groups, and studies have been commissioned in Germany. A UN report on debris also exists. Measures to prevent upper-stage explosions, a major source of debris, have been successfully implemented for American Delta rockets, with modifications underway for Ariane. The US Air Force is also adjusting its SDI tests to minimize debris. The 'Eiffel Tower in Space' project, deemed dangerous for astronomical observations, has been halted. Regarding nuclear satellites, the UN's Space Committee has made progress. Proposed solutions like establishing 'protection zones' around satellites or disposing of nuclear waste in the sun were deemed technically impossible. Improved debris tracking sensors and regular space scrap recovery are too costly. A 'graveyard orbit' above the geostationary orbit is suggested as a temporary measure. The controlled re-entry of retired satellites, further measures to prevent explosions, and limiting space activities to peaceful and useful ventures were supported. Legal aspects were also clarified, with calls for expanding reporting obligations for all orbital elements and satellite dimensions/weights, and for removing the burden of proof in liability cases. The establishment of guidelines for production standards and 'rules of the road' in space was also advocated. The UN committee, however, is considered too slow and politically influenced, with the USA and USSR hesitant to discuss space debris due to their significant contributions to it. A new concept proposed is the creation of a technical advisory council by space-faring nations to set environmental guidelines, offering advantages in terms of pressure for results, flexibility, and less political influence compared to the UN.

Mars Anomalies: The 'Mars Face'

The article 'Rätsel auf dem Mars' (Riddle on Mars) discusses the 'Mars Face' phenomenon. An article in 'Applied Optics' by Mark J. Carlotto suggests that the 'Mars Face' is not an illusion but a real, three-dimensional elevation. Carlotto's analysis, based on two sharp images from the VIKING-1 orbiter, indicates the formation is approximately 2.0 x 2.6 km and 400 meters high. The analysis suggests the object might not be natural. The article also mentions Richard Hoagland's theories connecting the 'Mars Face' to a 'fortress' and 'city' of pyramids, potentially with astronomical significance. The push for manned Mars missions is noted, with some suspecting it's a public relations effort.

UFOlogy and Esotericism in Germany

An article titled 'Ausserirdisches und «Irdisches» ausser Programm' (Extraterrestrial and 'Earthly' out of the Program) reports on a UFO seminar featuring Dr. Fred Bell, who discussed encounters with extraterrestrials and human energy systems. The seminar, held in a hotel in Unterstrass, focused on Bell's claims of contact with Semjase from the Pleiades and his invention, the 'Nuclear Receptor,' for protection against radiation. The article expresses skepticism about these claims and the commercial aspects of the seminar, including the sale of pyramids and the 'Nuclear Receptor.' It also notes that some attendees, like 'Billy' Meier, claim their own contacts with Semjase, creating confusion.

Another section, 'UFO-NEWS,' debunks a National Enquirer report about 4,500 UFO abduction victims, attributing it to sensationalism. It also mentions predictions from the same publication, including one about a UFO influencing an oil tanker incident and the Pope declaring the existence of extraterrestrial life. The demise of the German UFO magazine 'ALPHA' is also reported, with the editor citing obstruction attempts.

A Göppingen resident, Dr. Walter K. Bühler, is presented as investigating the UFO phenomenon in Brazil, collecting eyewitness accounts and claiming that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations are aware of humanity's nuclear activities and have warned against their use. The article questions why these aliens remain hidden and do not make official contact, suggesting they are observing humanity. It also includes 'ten commandments' for interacting with extraterrestrials, emphasizing calmness and observation.

The New Age Movement and Channeling

'Mit der ersten internationalen „Channeling“-Konferenz in Murnau erwacht die New-Age-Bewegung in der Bundesrepublik zum Leben' reports on a conference in Murnau focused on 'channeling,' a popular American form of spiritual contact with 'higher spirit beings.' The event featured speakers claiming to channel messages from extraterrestrial entities and offering insights into spiritual healing, crystal therapy, and energy fields. The article describes the attendees as 'lightworkers' and notes the sale of various esoteric items like quartz crystals, amulets, and pyramids. The messages received are characterized as platitudes and affirmations of positive thinking. The conference also included workshops on dream analysis and other self-improvement techniques. The article highlights the commercial aspect of the New Age movement, with seminars and products commanding high prices. It notes that a significant portion of the readership of esoteric magazines are educated individuals, including those with scientific backgrounds, who seem more inclined towards 'feeling' than critical discussion.

'The Enterprise' in the Night Sky

'Die „Enterprise“ am Nachthimmel' discusses alleged contacts with UFOs and ETs in Murnau. Andreas Schneider claims regular contact with extraterrestrials and predicted a UFO sighting for conference attendees, which reportedly occurred, with 40 participants claiming to have witnessed phenomena. Schneider and Michael Hesemann have co-founded the 'WORLD INSTITUE OF LIGHT' and are seeking a new residence. The article notes the commercial success of these events, with high attendance fees and a large number of participants.

Conclusion

This issue of CR magazine presents a diverse range of topics related to the unexplained, from the scientific challenges of UFO research and the environmental concerns of space debris to the growing influence of the New Age movement and the enduring fascination with anomalies on Mars. The articles reflect a mix of scientific inquiry, skeptical analysis, and engagement with esoteric beliefs and phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open stance towards UFO phenomena. It acknowledges the need for rigorous scientific investigation while also exploring various hypotheses, including psychological and extraterrestrial explanations. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing credible evidence from sensationalism and speculation. The magazine also seems interested in the societal impact of these beliefs, as seen in its coverage of the New Age movement and its commercial aspects. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking and interdisciplinary research in the field of UFOlogy and related subjects.