CENAP Report - No 163

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated August 12, 1989, is published by CENAP-MANNHEIM and features a cover headline about the 'Bermuda Triangle of the Mind in Frankfurt/a.M.' The magazine presents itself as a scientific investigation network for extraordinary aerial phenomena, with CENAP being a member of the GWUP (Society for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal).

CENAP: An Independent UFO Research Institution

The introductory article on page 2 explains that CENAP, founded in 1976, operates as a private, independent institution to investigate UFO phenomena. They have conducted approximately 380 investigations, often finding natural explanations for reported sightings, which they term 'UFO stimuli.' CENAP emphasizes its scientific approach, considering perceptual and socio-psychological factors. They have been invited for confidential discussions at the German Ministry of Defense and have received recommendations from various government agencies and police departments to serve as a contact point for UFO reports. CENAP maintains an extensive archive of UFO-related materials and collaborates with international UFO organizations. Their goal is to combat occultism, charlatanism, and media manipulation regarding UFO phenomena.

The UFO-Phänomen: A Scientific Approach by Werner Walter

An article by Werner Walter on page 2, titled 'Der Außerirdische kommt als Aprilscherz daher' (The Alien Comes as an April Fool's Joke), highlights CENAP's rational approach. Walter recounts an incident where a bright object observed over Mannheim was identified by CENAP as the planet Venus, not an alien craft. He explains that CENAP deliberately omitted 'UFO' from its name to distance itself from 'ufologists' who treat UFOs as a form of religion. CENAP claims a 98% success rate in finding natural explanations for sightings, identifying phenomena like comets and aircraft. The article also debunks the 'Roswell incident' as a hoax originating from a 1950 newspaper prank. Walter shares his own UFO experience from 1973 and his disillusionment with certain UFO organizations, leading him to a skeptical stance.

UFO Rumors in the USA and Government Secrecy

Pages 3 and 4 delve into the 'UFO rumor mill' in the USA, discussing how the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) led UFOlogists to scrutinize government archives. Despite efforts by groups like CAUS and Ground Saucer Watch, no definitive 'UFO proof' emerged. The article mentions the popular books 'The Roswell Incident' by W. Moore and C. Berlitz, and 'The Clear Intent' by Barry Greenwood. It touches upon 'abductions' and the controversial MJ-12 documents, which CENAP suggests are part of a long-standing UFOlogy myth about the US government possessing recovered alien technology. The article also references a 1988 TV show, 'UFO Cover-Up?...Live,' which allegedly fueled public belief in government secrecy.

James Neilson, a reporter based in Washington D.C., is presented as investigating a 'secret UFO command chain structure' and 'government briefings' on UFOs. Neilson's sources, often from within the intelligence community, suggest the existence of a secret underground facility in New Mexico related to UFO operations and 'alien technology.' The article discusses the NSA's role in intercepting and deciphering 'alien communications,' interpreting this within the context of Cold War intelligence rather than extraterrestrial encounters.

The Bermuda Triangle: A Myth Debunked?

Pages 9 and 10 focus on the 'Bermuda Triangle' phenomenon. The article notes that the term was popularized by Vincent Gaddis in 1964 and later by Charles Berlitz. It recounts the disappearance of Flight 19 in 1945, consisting of five US Navy TBM Avengers, and the subsequent disappearance of a search aircraft. The article attributes these and other disappearances in the region to natural causes, including electrical interference, sudden weather changes, pilot inexperience, and strong ocean currents. It dismisses theories of alien bases or dimensional portals, suggesting that the area is heavily trafficked and prone to natural hazards. The article also examines the disappearance of the Tudor IV Star Tiger and Star Ariel aircraft, attributing their loss to mechanical failures, pilot error, and challenging weather conditions.

Critiquing 'Channeling' and New Age Occultism

Pages 8 and 15 feature a critical piece titled 'GEFÄHRLICH: CHANNELING!' (DANGEROUS: CHANNELING!). The authors warn against the growing trend of 'channeling,' a practice where individuals claim to receive messages from spiritual entities or extraterrestrials. They argue that this trend, popularized by figures like Andreas Scheider and promoted in media like BRAVO magazine, can lead to severe psychological damage. The article cites scientific researchers who report patients suffering from mental health issues after engaging in channeling. CENAP advocates for a critical examination of such practices, distinguishing between genuine spiritual exploration and potentially harmful occultism.

Regional UFO Investigations and Astronomical Notes

Page 7 includes a brief mention of Roland Horn, a regional UFO investigator and amateur astronomer from Erbach, who aims to debunk UFO sightings by providing rational explanations. He is presented as working towards the same goal as CENAP. Page 8 provides astronomical warnings for September 1989, detailing the visibility of planets like Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, as well as meteor showers (Piscids, Taurids, Delta Aurigids) and notable stars (Vega, Deneb).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT are skepticism towards paranormal claims, particularly UFO sightings and extraterrestrial contact theories, and a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and rational explanation. The editorial stance is clearly critical of sensationalism, pseudoscience, and what it terms 'modern occultism' and 'superstition.' CENAP positions itself as a reliable source of information, aiming to debunk myths and provide factual clarity on phenomena that often capture public imagination. The magazine actively seeks to counter misinformation spread by media and certain 'ufologists,' advocating for a grounded, evidence-based approach to understanding unexplained events.

This issue of "UFO-Nachrichten" (UFO News), published by the Deutsche UFD-Studiengemeinschaft, dated March 1959, focuses on debunking popular UFO myths and presenting skeptical analyses of alleged sightings. The cover story, "470-Schock in Schweden: Negative Raŭmwesen" (470-Shock in Sweden: Negative Beings), details a famous Swedish UFO case from Domsten.

The Domsten Case: A Swedish Hoax

The lead article thoroughly investigates the 1958 incident where Stig Rydberg and Hans Gustavson claimed to have encountered a flying saucer and encountered three grey, conical beings near Domsten, Sweden. The report details their account, including the beings' attempts to abduct them and the object's rapid ascent. The story gained significant media attention in Sweden and internationally. However, the magazine reveals that Christian Johansen and Martha Christiansson later admitted the story was a fabrication. Christian Johansen, who was 14 at the time and involved in selling tickets for lectures about the case, states that he and his mother knew the story was a bluff and that the 'witnesses' were known for their inventiveness. The article highlights how the case was sensationalized, with one of the 'witnesses' even claiming to be the brother of boxer Ingemar Johansson to gain attention. The investigation by Swedish authorities, including military and psychological assessments, found inconsistencies in the witnesses' accounts, particularly regarding the lighting conditions and the physical possibility of certain actions. Despite some official skepticism, the case continued to be discussed. The magazine also mentions that the story was later debunked by Anders Liljegren and Clas Svahn after 18 months of investigation, revealing it as a hoax.

The Bermuda Triangle: Natural Explanations

Another significant section addresses the enduring mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. It cites research, including that of Ronald D. Story and J. Allen Hynek, suggesting that the 'mysteries' are largely due to misinterpretations and distortions by a few authors. The article presents natural explanations for the disappearances of ships and aircraft. These include the possibility of pilot error in bad weather, collisions due to navigational errors caused by magnetic compass variation (the area being one of two places where a compass points to true north, with a deviation of up to 20 degrees), the turbulent nature of the Gulf Stream, unpredictable Caribbean weather, and the complex ocean topography. The article also suggests that some disappearances might be linked to illegal activities, such as drug smuggling, where the loss of a plane worth $100,000 might be considered a cost of doing business.

The Discovery Shuttle UFO Sighting: Skepticism and Official Denials

The magazine critically examines the alleged UFO sighting by the crew of the US Space Shuttle Discovery in March 1989. The report, originating from Quest International and amplified by media outlets like the 'Daily Star' and 'London Evening Standard', suggested that the crew had encountered an unidentified flying object and that the incident might have caused energy problems for the shuttle. The article presents a skeptical viewpoint, citing Jenny Randles of BUFORA, who noted the story broke just before April Fool's Day and questioned its credibility. Timothy Good, who claimed to have a tape of the astronaut's communication, is also mentioned. However, the magazine highlights that NASA spokespersons, such as James Hatsfield, officially dismissed the incident as a joke or a 'prank'. The article also quotes L.B. Johnson Space Center stating that UFO stories from astronauts are often based on media hype and misunderstandings, and J. Green from the J.F. Kennedy Space Center affirming NASA's commitment to transparency regarding any genuine extraterrestrial contact.

Eduard Meier and the UFOlogy Business

A letter from a reader in the GDR discusses Eduard Meier (BILLY), a figure known for his UFO sightings and telepathic contacts. The letter describes Meier's claims of contact with female extraterrestrials from the Pleiades, who allegedly travel vast distances in a short time. Meier is portrayed as a businessman who founded a sect called 'Semjase-Silver-Star-Center' in Switzerland, focusing on UFOlogy and environmentalism. The author expresses skepticism about Meier's motives, suggesting he exploits people's gullibility and uses sensational claims to promote his agenda. The letter also criticizes the 'UFOlogy' business in general, suggesting it often involves hoaxes and financial exploitation.

Other UFO News and Publications

The issue also includes brief mentions of other UFO-related publications and events. It notes the release of MUFON-CES Report No. 10, 1989, covering topics like mass sightings and UFO abduction. The magazine also references the Swedish UFO journal AFU Newsletter and its coverage of the Domsten case and other UFO phenomena. It highlights the work of Karl Ludwig Veit and his Ventla-Verlag, known for promoting a particular brand of German UFOlogy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, the debunking of well-known UFO cases through investigative journalism, and the presentation of natural or mundane explanations for alleged phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly critical of unsubstantiated UFO reports and the commercialization of UFOlogy, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and factual evidence. The magazine appears to align with organizations like CENAP and AFU that aim to expose hoaxes and provide a more grounded perspective on UFO phenomena.