CENAP REPORT

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, titled "DIE V-7 LEGENDE" (The V-7 Legend), published in August 1989 (Issue 8.89, Nr.162), is a German-language publication from CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene). It critically examines the persistent legends surrounding alleged German flying saucer projects and secret weapons from World War II.

The V-7 Legend: A Myth or Reality?

The central theme of this issue is the debunking of the "V-7 Legend," which posits that Nazi Germany developed advanced flying disc technology during WWII. The report, authored by Werner Walter and drawing heavily on the work of aviation historian H.J. Meier, meticulously dissects claims made in various post-war publications and media reports.

Schriever's Flying Disc

A significant portion of the article focuses on the alleged "flying disc" designed by Rolf Schriever. Meier's research, based on Schriever's posthumous papers and contemporary newspaper clippings, reveals numerous contradictions and impossibilities. The timeline of the project, from conception to alleged testing, is riddled with inconsistencies regarding dates, construction, and flight capabilities. Meier concludes that Schriever's claims, while detailed, lack credible evidence and present technical challenges that would have been insurmountable at the time.

Other Alleged German Flying Saucers

The report also touches upon other purported German flying saucer projects, including those attributed to Dr.-Ing. Miethe and the "V-7 Flak mine." Similar to Schriever's case, the evidence presented for these is found to be speculative or fabricated. The article highlights how post-war media, eager for sensational stories, amplified these legends, often conflating them with actual technological developments or optical illusions.

Technical Impossibilities and Propaganda

Technical experts cited in the report emphasize the sheer impossibility of the claimed performance characteristics of these alleged flying discs, particularly regarding speed, maneuverability, and structural integrity under extreme G-forces. The article suggests that the "V-7 Legend" and similar stories may have originated from a combination of wartime propaganda, post-war sensationalism, and the desire to attribute advanced technology to the Third Reich.

The Role of Media and Misinformation

CENAP, as an organization dedicated to investigating UFO phenomena, aims to separate fact from fiction. The report criticizes the "rainbow press" and other media outlets for uncritically publishing unsubstantiated claims, thereby perpetuating UFO myths. It points out instances where fictional accounts were presented as factual, and sources were misrepresented or fabricated.

Later Developments and UFO Theories

Beyond the WWII era, the report briefly discusses later developments in aviation and UFO theories. It mentions projects like the AVRO Car and later attempts to create disc-shaped aircraft, as well as the role of individuals like Christopher S. Cockerell with his hovercraft technology. The article also touches upon the "Nazi UFO theory," which suggests that Hitler survived the war and continued developing advanced aircraft from a secret base, often linking this to neo-Nazi propaganda.

CENAP's Mission and Publications

The magazine introduces CENAP as a private, independent research network investigating unusual aerial phenomena since 1976. It highlights CENAP's role as a public contact point for UFO reports and its extensive archive. The publication of the "UFO-FACHJOURNAL CENAP REPORT" is promoted, offering in-depth analysis and critical investigation into UFO-related topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination and debunking of sensational UFO claims, particularly those linked to Nazi Germany. CENAP's editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated legends and a commitment to presenting factual, evidence-based analysis. The report emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine technological advancements and speculative or fabricated stories, particularly in the context of UFO phenomena. The issue advocates for rigorous research and critical thinking when evaluating claims about flying saucers and secret weapons.

This issue of DER UFO-FOTO-SPASS, dated Mai/Juni 1989, is a German-language publication from CENAP, focusing on critical UFO research. The cover story, 'DER UFO-FOTO-SPASS,' immediately signals a skeptical approach to photographic evidence in the UFO field. The magazine delves into various UFO-related topics, including alleged sightings, photo analysis, media coverage, and the role of skepticism in the investigation of these phenomena.

UFO Sightings and Re-Entries

The issue begins with reports of "3 x UFO-Alarm wegen Re-Entrys." On October 12, 1987, the DAILY NEWS reported sightings of "bright lights in the sky" in Northern California, which the USAF identified as a falling Soviet rocket stage. Eyewitnesses described the event as resembling a meteor or a falling star, but slower and breaking into a cluster of lights. Maj. Bob Perry of the North American Aerospace Command Center confirmed that such re-entries can create spectacular light displays. Similar reports came from Montana to Mississippi on December 14, 1987, attributed to the re-entry of a Soviet Raduga 21 communication satellite. The "Houston Chronicle" on January 21, 1989, detailed another "Space Junk" incident where a bright falling light was observed across the central USA, identified by Maj. Alex Mondragon of the US Space Command as a Soviet rocket body burning up. Katheryn Berger described it as an "orange explosion." Maj. Mondragon noted that such re-entries occur daily, usually over oceans, and typically burn up due to atmospheric heat.

The article also mentions a report from the St. Louis Post Dispatch about a similar event, where Laura Kyro described it as "the most amazing thing I have ever seen." The phenomenon was visible from northern Iowa to southern Texas, causing traffic disruptions as people stopped to watch.

Diverse Meldungen (Diverse Reports)

This section compiles various UFO-related news items. John F. Schuessler's UFO POTPOURRI reported on false targets or UFOs appearing on air traffic control radar screens at Denver Air Route Traffic Control Center on March 27, 1989. Controllers were reportedly "astonished" by the number of targets that behaved like actual aircraft. The Denver center is responsible for Colorado, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Utah.

A report from the London Standard on March 22, 1989, detailed a British TRISTAR flight where the pilot and passengers saw a multi-colored light over Malta on March 21. The Sunday Express suggested unusual atmospheric conditions (aurora borealis) as an explanation. A report from the Journal Noticias on April 3, 1989, described a UFO incident at Bogota, Colombia, International Airport, which caused an alarm but was eventually identified as a normal aircraft.

DER UFO-FOTO-SPASS: How to take your own Gulf Breeze photos

This article by Werner Walter critically examines the role of photographic evidence in UFOlogy, particularly the "Gulf Breeze" case. Walter argues that while UFO legends thrive on visual 'proof,' photos can be a double-edged sword. He contrasts the mundane reality of everyday UFO sightings with the fantastical images often presented by researchers like Adamski, Fry, Meier, and the anonymous "Mr.Ed" from Gulf Breeze.

Walter highlights the Gulf Breeze case, where "Mr.Ed" allegedly took dozens of photos and a video between November 1987 and May 1988. He notes that the authenticity of these photos was vouched for by marine physicist Bruce Maccabee. However, Walter points out that J. Allen Hynek's UFO organization was initially critical of the case. He suggests that "Mr.Ed" might be a 'repeater' – someone whose claims have been debunked before – and that Maccabee's endorsement might be biased, given that "Mr.Ed" is a businessman and active in his community, unlike Billy Meier, who was unemployed.

Crucially, the article includes a piece titled "How to take your own Gulf Breeze photos" by Wim van Utrecht. Van Utrecht details how he successfully replicated similar UFO photos using simple household items, demonstrating that such images can be easily faked. He describes his process of creating "mysterious illuminated objects" and "light effects" using a coffee can lid, a small light bulb, and black paper, all mounted on a stick. He concludes that his photos, created with minimal expense and effort, are comparable to the "Mr.Ed" photos, thus questioning the validity of the Gulf Breeze evidence.

Anmerkungen aus Amerika (Notes from America)

This section discusses a perceived decline in general knowledge among Americans, citing studies on astronomical understanding. A study published in the Boston Globe revealed that 55% of Americans did not know the Earth revolves around the Sun. Another survey by MIT and Northern Illinois University found that only 55% of adults knew the Sun is a star. The article criticizes the media's focus on sensational UFO aspects, arguing that it hinders a scientific understanding of the phenomenon. It also blames TV and radio for contributing to public ignorance.

CAUS (presumably an organization) labels the debate around abductions, Gulf Breeze, and MJ-12 as the "latest LSD trip" of UFOlogy. They observe a decline in UFO sightings (CE1, CE2, CE3; daylight disc photos) and an increase in abduction reports, leading to a public perception that UFOs have "left us." A Gallup poll from 1987 indicated an 8% decrease in Americans believing in UFOs. CAUS questions the logic of UFOs abducting people if they have supposedly disappeared.

The article also notes that UFO organizations are thriving financially, while skeptical groups struggle. CENAP, a critical and skeptical group, appeals for donations to continue its work and requests readers to help promote CENAP by contacting regional radio and TV stations for potential talk show appearances or features.

Rätsel am Himmel (Riddle in the Sky) - Heilbronn

This section reports on a UFO sighting in Heilbronn on July 6, 1989. Two people observed a large, red, glowing object that rotated and broke apart, emitting white light before disappearing. A witness reported it as a "rocket part," and a caller to the police dismissed it as not being normal illumination ammunition. The Heilbronner Stimme newspaper published several articles on the event.

One article, "Da machte nicht nur der Enkel große Augen" (Not only the grandson's eyes widened), describes a 54-year-old man who released a nearly two-meter-long tethered hot air balloon for his grandson. The balloon escaped, drifted over the city, and caught fire. The object was described as red and white, moving slowly and low, unlike an aircraft, and emitting an orange-red light. Hans-Jürgen Köhler of CENAP-Mannheim identified it as a "Party-Gag" hot air balloon, a common explanation for such sightings. The balloon, equipped with an Esbit cooker for heat, drifted over Heilbronn and eventually burned up. The article notes that many unusual aerial phenomena are often "Party-Gags."

CENAP-ARCHIV: „Party-Gag“ als nächtlicher Unruhestifter?

This article details the Heilbronn incident, identifying the cause as a "Party-Gag" hot air balloon. The balloon, about two meters in size, was released and escaped its tether, drifting over the city and catching fire. Eyewitnesses described it as a glowing object. The article quotes Hans-Jürgen Köhler of CENAP, who states that half of the reported "extraordinary aerial phenomena" he investigates turn out to be "Party-Gags." The Heilbronn incident was attributed to a runaway hot air balloon with a burner that caused it to glow.

ARENA CLUB 2'/ORF - Vorspiel (Prelude)

This section introduces a segment about a TV talk show appearance by CENAP representative Rudolf Henke on the Austrian program "Club 2." The show, known for its open-ended discussions, decided to tackle the UFO topic. CENAP was invited, but initially, the producers sought a UFO critic from Austria. Dr. Alexander Keul could not participate due to professional reasons. Nina Hagen and UFO author Johannes v. Buttlar were confirmed participants. The article suggests that Nina Hagen was chosen as a provocative figure, while v. Buttlar, a prominent UFO proponent, led to the exclusion of another pro-UFO theorist.

Die Marathonshow: Fast auf verlorenem Posten

Rudolf Henke describes his experience on the "Club 2" talk show. He felt outnumbered, with a 4:3 ratio of pro-UFO participants (including Nina Hagen and v. Buttlar, who seemed to be allied) to critics (himself and Dr. Riedler). Henke felt he was at a disadvantage from the start, especially as Dr. Riedler, a scientist, seemed unfamiliar with UFO topics. The show's moderator, initially described as a "sovereign referee," proved to be of little help, and Henke felt he had to fight to present CENAP's viewpoints.

The show began with a UFO short film, which Henke found difficult to assess due to poor viewing conditions. The film reportedly covered the Kenneth Arnold sighting, "wonder weapon" speculations, and the Mantell case. It also mentioned UFO sightings by polar explorers and astronauts. The moderator then presented results from an Austrian survey indicating that 20% of Austrians believe in UFOs, with the question posed being whether they had seen something that looked like a UFO.

Henke criticizes the moderator for not delving deeper into the film's implications and for posing leading questions. He notes that the show's focus shifted from the film to the participants' personal experiences and beliefs.

Ein schwacher Moderator

Henke further criticizes the moderator's performance, noting that the show began with a UFO short film but the moderator did not elaborate on its content. The discussion then moved to the participants, with Henke feeling that the moderator was not facilitating a balanced debate. He describes the moderator's questions as leading and the overall atmosphere as favoring the pro-UFO side.

Adamski ist nicht tot zu kriegen

This section discusses the continued relevance of Adamski's UFO claims, despite being widely debunked. The moderator brought up Adamski, and Rizzi readily shared his own alleged encounter, which Henke found to be pure science fiction, reminiscent of "Perry Rhodan" pulp novels. Henke attempted to interject with scientific counterarguments, but was repeatedly interrupted, particularly by Nina Hagen.

Die unglaublichen Geschichten des Herrn Rizzi

Walter Rizzi, a contactee, recounts his alleged encounter with an extraterrestrial. He claims to have seen a "flying saucer" in the Dolomites in July 1968, described as an 80-meter-diameter craft with a 4-5 meter high beam. Rizzi's narrative is filled with pseudoscientific claims about alien origins, advanced technology, and cosmic laws, which Henke systematically debunks. Rizzi's story includes details about alien physiology, their planet's environment, and their ability to travel through space by rematerializing their ships. Henke points out the inconsistencies and scientific impossibilities in Rizzi's account, comparing it to science fiction. Rizzi becomes increasingly agitated and defensive during the discussion, resorting to personal attacks against Henke.

"Selbsterlebtes" in Zusammenhang mit UFOs zu berichten wußten.

This part of the article continues the critique of Walter Rizzi's testimony. Rizzi claims his alien encounter gave him a new perspective on life and made him love everyone. Henke challenges Rizzi's claims, pointing out scientific inaccuracies and comparing his story to science fiction. Rizzi becomes aggressive, accusing Henke of being "psychologically burdened" and a "lost person." The discussion touches upon religion and the origins of humanity, with Rizzi making unsubstantiated claims about aliens and ancient civilizations.

Warum Weiße und Neger kein Blut übertragen können...

This subsection continues the debate between Rizzi and Henke. Rizzi makes a scientifically incorrect statement about blood types, which Henke refutes. Rizzi then claims that UFOs only intervene when Earth is in danger and that Noah's Ark was a spaceship. He also brings up the pyramids, asserting they could not have been built with modern technology. Nina Hagen interrupts Henke, calling him "inhuman" for questioning Rizzi's claims about the pyramids. Rizzi continues to present his "evidence" for UFOlogy and pre-astronautics, including a supposed UFO sighting over Milan.

Die Lebensphilosophie der Nina Hagen

Nina Hagen's contribution to the talk show is described as an attempt to derail the discussion and support Walter Rizzi. She repeatedly interrupts Henke and offers her own interpretations of UFO phenomena, often unrelated to the topic. Hagen claims that UFOs only approach people who are not psychologically damaged and that they do not harm pets. She also brings up Marian apparitions and prophecies, further diverting the conversation. Henke suggests that Hagen's lengthy contributions were an attempt to fill time and prevent the critical viewpoints from being heard.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards UFO phenomena, particularly photographic evidence and anecdotal accounts. It emphasizes scientific reasoning and debunks sensational claims, often attributing sightings to mundane explanations. The publication aims to provide a counter-narrative to the more credulous UFO literature and media portrayals, encouraging critical thinking among its readers. The editorial stance is clearly pro-investigation but anti-hoax and anti-pseudoscience.

This issue of CR magazine, identified as issue 151/152 and dated around October 1989, features a significant focus on the UFO phenomenon, particularly through the lens of a television discussion and subsequent analysis. The cover headline, "Dialog mit dem Universum" (Dialogue with the Universe), and the subtitle, "Internationale Konferenz über die Kommunikation mit außerirdischem Leben" (International Conference on Communication with Extraterrestrial Life), indicate a broad scope concerning extraterrestrial contact.

Main Content: The ORF Club 2 Debate and Analysis

The core of the issue revolves around a television program, likely "Club 2" on ORF, which featured a debate between singer Nina Hagen, UFO-Baron Johannes von Buttlar, and CENAP representative Rudolf Henke, with contributions from psychologist G.-Krapp and possibly Riedler. The articles provide a detailed, critical account of this exchange, highlighting the differing perspectives and the author's (Rudolf Henke's) attempts to introduce a more scientific and objective approach.

Nina Hagen's Perspective

Hagen is portrayed as a subjective witness, often deviating from the topic of UFOs to discuss personal beliefs, including her views on Jesus, reincarnation, and environmental issues. Her UFO experiences are presented as personal feelings and 'beliefs' rather than objective data. She is shown to be defensive when challenged and prone to emotional responses. Her claims about underwater atomic bomb tests and the 'Carter sighting' are presented as examples of her less-than-rigorous approach.

Johannes von Buttlar's Role

Von Buttlar, referred to as the "UFO-Baron," is depicted as a proponent of the UFO mythos, employing scientific-sounding jargon to appear knowledgeable. His tactics include personal attacks, relativizing scientific facts, and selectively using information. The author criticizes von Buttlar for presenting questionable photos in his books, some of which are identified as fakes or misinterpretations (e.g., the 'Socorro-Fall' metal traces being quartz, and the 'Arnold-Fall' objects being sickle-shaped, not discs). Von Buttlar is also accused of being inconsistent, sometimes dismissing UFOs as subjective while later defending their reality.

Rudolf Henke's Skeptical Stance

Henke, representing CENAP (likely a skeptical organization), acts as the primary debater against the more sensationalist views. He consistently tries to steer the discussion towards verifiable evidence and scientific methodology. He challenges von Buttlar's interpretations of photographic evidence and specific cases. Henke emphasizes the importance of objective phenomena and criticizes the 'UFO-mafia' for manipulating public perception and exploiting people's beliefs.

G.-Krapp's Psychological Interpretation

Psychologist G.-Krapp offers a Jungian perspective, suggesting that UFO experiences and contactee narratives can be manifestations of the collective unconscious, projecting mythological images onto perceived phenomena. She emphasizes that the emotionality of witnesses like Rizzi and Nina Hagen is significant, and that 'messages' often appear during Notsituationen. She advocates for self-awareness and cautions against relying on extraterrestrials for salvation, suggesting that the search for UFOs might be a search for a lost reality.

Riedler's Position

Riedler, presented as a physicist, appears somewhat hesitant and less engaged than the others. While he initially points out physical inconsistencies in the Rizzi story, he eventually concedes that extraterrestrial life might exist based on probability calculations, aligning somewhat with von Buttlar's view. He also mentions phenomena like Barium clouds and tetrahedron-shaped balloons as potential UFO explanations.

Media Criticism and Showmanship

A significant theme is the critique of media coverage, particularly television programs like "Club 2," which are accused of prioritizing showmanship and entertainment over factual reporting. The high number of phone calls and letters received by ORF after the broadcast indicates the public's strong interest, but the author suggests that the 'crazier' the participants, the higher the chance of being featured, leading to a circus-like atmosphere.

Specific Cases and Incidents Discussed

• The Fatima Event: Mentioned by Nina Hagen, relocated to Spain.
• Rizzi's Story: Described as a 'pulp novel' story, with Nina Hagen also recounting a 'Jesus-UFO-type demonstration story'.
• Carter Sighting: Used by Nina Hagen as evidence of UFOs showing themselves; Henke identifies the object as Venus.
• Socorro-Fall: Discussed regarding metal traces, with Henke claiming quartz and von Buttlar initially suggesting metal.
• Arnold-Fall: Henke argues Arnold saw sickle-shaped objects, not discs as claimed by von Buttlar.
• Wega-Fall: Mentioned as an example of misinterpreting stars.
• Barium Clouds and Tetrahedral Balloons: Presented as potential explanations for UFO sightings in Sweden.

Karl Grün's Letter

A letter from Karl Grün, an INTERKOSMOS representative, criticizes the "Spacepeople" and the "UFO-mafia," particularly the symbiotic relationship between Hesemann and Schneider. He advocates for a more psychological approach to assisting UFO witnesses and warns against the manipulative aspects of some UFO groups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes include the subjective nature of UFO experiences versus objective investigation, the psychological motivations behind UFO beliefs (e.g., materialism, search for meaning), and the critical examination of media portrayals of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance, primarily represented by Rudolf Henke's contributions, is one of skepticism towards sensationalist claims and a strong advocacy for scientific rigor and critical thinking in the study of UFOs. The issue highlights the conflict between belief-based narratives and evidence-based analysis, suggesting that the 'UFO-mafia' thrives on ambiguity and emotional appeals rather than verifiable facts.