CENAP Report - No 166

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated 12.89 and published on March 21, 1990, with the cover headline "WELTWEITES UFOFIEBER" (Worldwide UFO Fever), focuses on the surge of UFO sightings and related phenomena, particularly in the Soviet Union. The magazine is published by the Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene (CENAP) and is a member of the Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften (OWUP).

UFO Landings and New Energy

The article "Mysteriöse Kreise in Englands Feldern beflügeln die Phantasie" by Roland Hill discusses the phenomenon of crop circles in England, noting over 260 reported in the southern part of the British Isles in that year. These circles, found in corn, sugar beet, and rapeseed fields, are described as having the crops pressed down without being crushed, with a swirling effect in either direction. The author dismisses explanations involving humans or animals, distinguishing them from archaeological crop marks. The proximity of many sites to prehistoric stone circles like Stonehenge and Avebury has fueled speculation about UFO landings. Some theories suggest these circles are the result of an intelligent force directed at Earth. The article also touches upon the official commentary from the Ministry of Defence, which some interpret as a sign of concern about a potential "war of the stars." Physicist Terence Meaden offers a scientific explanation, suggesting an unknown form of concentrated energy charge that emits an orange glow and a humming sound, potentially leading to the creation of artificial light spheres or energy forms.

Waiting for UFOs with UFO Cookies

"Auf Außerirdische warten Ufo-Kekse" by Nicola Nauck reports on a major UFO conference in Frankfurt titled "Dialog mit dem Universum" (Dialogue with the Universe). Approximately 2,000 attendees and 35 UFO experts from twelve countries gathered to discuss unidentified flying objects and their occupants. The conference aimed to present evidence for the existence of cosmic intelligences and prepare the public for contact with extraterrestrials. The article mentions Anthony Dodd, a former police officer, who claimed the South African Air Force shot down a UFO with two occupants on May 7th, who were then delivered to the USA. These beings were described as hairless, without distinct sexual organs, three-fingered, earless, and 1.30 meters tall, resembling insects. Another report from a Soviet ufologist described three-meter-tall, beautiful, human-like beings who landed in Kiev on July 4th, claiming they visit Earth daily to take individuals with them due to impending bad events.

TASS Meldung Went Around the World: Must We Take UFO Rumors Seriously?

This section examines the global impact of a TASS report about a UFO landing in the Soviet Union. The article "Müssen wir Gerüchte über UFOs jetzt ernst nehmen?" questions whether these reports are mere fantasies or warrant serious consideration. It highlights that while many scientists dismiss such claims as optical illusions or photo montages, the sheer volume and consistency of reports are notable. The article mentions that the Max-Planck-Institut in Effelsberg is using a large radio telescope to search for extraterrestrial life. It also notes that the Soviet Union's openness under Glasnost has led to the reporting of phenomena previously considered taboo. The piece contrasts the skepticism of some scientists with the open-mindedness of others, like Gordon Creighton of the Flying Saucer Review, who believes the Russian people are deeply mystical and that scientists there are more open to the idea of life elsewhere.

UFOs: Child Made Invisible with a Pipe

This article, a continuation from page 1, details the alleged landing of a UFO in the city park of Woronesch on September 7th. Eyewitnesses reported a red sphere descending, a hatch opening, and a being with three eyes and a small head appearing. The being allegedly made a boy disappear with a pipe-like device before both the boy and the alien returned to the UFO, which then departed. The local society for the study of unusual phenomena is investigating the incident. The article also references a 1965 photograph of a UFO in Czechoslovakia.

Sibirians Report UFO Sightings

"Sibirier wollen UFO gesichtet haben" reports that hundreds of residents in the West Siberian city of Omsk claim to have seen a UFO. Army Major Wladimir Loginow described a light sphere larger than the moon, which was not detected by radar. He had the impression the object was hovering several kilometers above the airport.

The World in UFO Frenzy

This section, likely an editorial or introductory piece, notes the global media excitement in October 1989 following the TASS report of a UFO landing in the USSR. It suggests that a grateful public is readily accepting fantastical tales, and CENAP is part of this phenomenon.

GASKILL Cartoon

A political cartoon by GASKILL depicts two figures in alien-like attire, one saying "TAKE US TO POLAND!" and the other responding, "It's worse than that - I think they're England supporters as well." This likely satirizes the influx of foreigners into Eastern Bloc countries during the period of political change.

EARTHLINGS Today: Living proof that an alien life force is here among us

This article from "EARTHLINGS Today" discusses alleged alien encounters, citing "glowing spheres with two legs" and "three-eyed, noseless aliens" in the Soviet Union. It suggests that the Soviet media's reporting on UFOs is a sign of the times, possibly driven by a desire to sell papers and boost circulation, similar to Western tabloid journalism.

Woronesch-Besucher in der Boulevardpresse: Blaue Stunde

This article, likely from a German publication, discusses the Woronesch UFO incident. It mentions that the city is known for a palace and six nuclear reactors. The article quotes Genrich Silanov, head of the geophysical laboratory in Woronesch, who reportedly identified the recovered stones as common iron ore, contradicting the TASS report. The author expresses skepticism about TASS's reporting, suggesting it might be a sign of changing media freedom in the Soviet Union.

The "Prawda" Reports: UFO-Walküre Called "Glasnost Hurra!"

This short piece from "Prawda" (Truth) reports an orange UFO landing in the town of Obradowsk, Soviet Union, with three beings, one of whom allegedly shouted "Glasnost Hurra!". However, the article reveals that this was a satirical report, and the town of Obradowsk does not exist.

Why the Soviet UFO Didn't Land in Japan...

Peter Bachér's article "Warum das Sowjet-UFO nicht in Japan landete..." speculates on the reasons why the UFO landed in Woronesch instead of Japan or the USA. The author suggests that Japan, with its prevalence of cameras, would have led to immediate photographic evidence. The USA, with its vast open spaces, was also a possibility. The article notes that the Soviet Union's openness under Glasnost has led to increased reporting of unusual phenomena. It also touches upon the historical context of UFO sightings in the US since 1947 and the US Air Force's investigations. The author mentions Erich von Däniken and his theories about ancient astronauts. The article concludes by questioning the motives behind the UFO landing and the role of leaders like Gorbachev.

The Little Lena Saw and Drew the UFO

This brief item features a sketch by an eleven-year-old girl named Lena Sarokina, depicting what she claims was the UFO that landed in Woronesch. The article mentions that a commission is collecting and verifying eyewitness accounts, but a drawing of the alleged alien visitors has not yet been released.

British UFO Researcher: Unknown Beings are Being Interrogated in the USA

This article reports on the claims of British UFO researcher Tony Dodd, who alleges that two extraterrestrial beings, described as 1.32 to 1.35 meters tall, were captured after their UFO was shot down over the South African desert on May 7th. Dodd claims these beings are being interrogated at the US Air Force base at Wright-Patterson in Dayton, Ohio. He provides details about the alleged crash, the recovery of the UFO, and the appearance of the beings, noting their smooth grey-blue skin, disproportionately large heads, large slanted eyes, and lack of hair or external sexual organs.

What Experts Say About This

This section presents the opinions of two experts on UFOs. Professor Dr. Christian de Veg, an astronomer, expresses skepticism, stating that while extraterrestrial life is possible, the probability is low. He questions the likelihood of technologically advanced civilizations developing and the possibility of them visiting Earth. Arnim Drescher, a physicist, questions the biological plausibility of aliens with three eyes and two noses and dismisses the Woronesch incident as a hoax.

Soviet UFO in the Park: Bub Became Invisible

This article details the Woronesch incident further, describing the UFO as a three-meter-tall, three-eyed, silver-suited alien who made a boy invisible with a rifle-like device. The article also mentions other alleged UFO sightings and encounters with extraterrestrials, varying in description and location, including incidents in the USA, France, and South Africa.

UFO Landed in the Soviet Union

This report from TASS describes the landing of a UFO in a park in the Soviet city of Woronesch. It states that scientists have confirmed the landing site and traces of the visitors from space, including mysterious stone fragments not found on Earth. The article also mentions that the Soviet UFO commission is facing difficulties in its investigation due to the unavailability of witnesses.

Russian UFO Commission Lacks Competent Witnesses

This article reports on the difficulties faced by a Russian UFO commission investigating the Woronesch incident. The commission is struggling to find witnesses, as most of them were children who are no longer available for questioning. The article also mentions that investigations into mysterious stones found at the alleged landing site have not yielded conclusive results, suggesting they are of terrestrial origin.

Also a Guest from the USSR Came to the UFO Conference

This article discusses the UFO conference in Frankfurt, attended by UFO researchers from around the world. It highlights the presence of Sergei Bulantsev, a TASS correspondent, who, while attending as a private individual, expressed belief in the Woronesch incident, citing the lack of fabricated stories from Soviet schoolchildren. The article also mentions US ufologist Budd Hopkins, who discussed alleged alien abductions, and the controversy surrounding the conference organizers and UFO-critical organizations.

Also a Guest from the USSR Came to the UFO Conference

This article discusses the UFO conference in Frankfurt, attended by UFO researchers from around the world. It highlights the presence of Sergei Bulantsev, a TASS correspondent, who, while attending as a private individual, expressed belief in the Woronesch incident, citing the lack of fabricated stories from Soviet schoolchildren. The article also mentions US ufologist Budd Hopkins, who discussed alleged alien abductions, and the controversy surrounding the conference organizers and UFO-critical organizations.

Also a Guest from the USSR Came to the UFO Conference

This article discusses the UFO conference in Frankfurt, attended by UFO researchers from around the world. It highlights the presence of Sergei Bulantsev, a TASS correspondent, who, while attending as a private individual, expressed belief in the Woronesch incident, citing the lack of fabricated stories from Soviet schoolchildren. The article also mentions US ufologist Budd Hopkins, who discussed alleged alien abductions, and the controversy surrounding the conference organizers and UFO-critical organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the broader implications of these phenomena. There is a strong focus on the Woronesch incident in the Soviet Union, amplified by the TASS report and the subsequent global media attention. The magazine appears to lean towards presenting these events as potentially real, even when acknowledging skepticism from some scientific quarters. The impact of Glasnost on Soviet media's willingness to report on previously taboo subjects is a significant underlying theme. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these unexplained phenomena, presenting various accounts and theories, while also acknowledging the potential for hoaxes and misinterpretations. The magazine seems to encourage a serious consideration of UFO reports, moving them from the realm of pure fantasy to subjects worthy of investigation.

Title: BILD am SONNTAG
Issue Date: October 15, 1989
Country of Publication: Germany
Language: German

This issue of BILD am SONNTAG focuses heavily on the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), exploring various sightings, alleged encounters, and the skepticism surrounding them. The magazine presents a mix of sensational reports, debunking efforts, and expert opinions, reflecting the public's fascination and the media's role in shaping perceptions.

Cover Story: "Sehen nur Auserwählte UFOs?" (Do Only The Chosen Ones See UFOs?)

The cover story questions the nature of UFO sightings, suggesting that perhaps only certain individuals are able to perceive these phenomena. It highlights the case of a landing in Woronesch, Soviet Union, which garnered significant media attention. The article also touches upon the idea that UFOs might not be malevolent, contrasting with common fears.

The UFO Swindle: Debunking Famous Cases

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking well-known UFO cases. The article "Der UFO-Schwindel" (The UFO Swindle) details how many sensational photographs and reports have been exposed as hoaxes.

• Hamburg UFO Incident: The case of Hamburg police officer Wilhelm Eisenburger, who photographed a UFO over the city's Michel, is revealed to be a fabrication. The 'UFO' was actually a reflection of the police car's blue light on the camera lens. Eisenburger later admitted to the deception.
• White House UFO Photo: Another sensational photo, allegedly showing nine UFOs circling the White House, is also exposed as a fake. The mysterious lights were later identified as bright streetlamps.
• Astronaut's Claims: The article mentions claims by astronaut Edwin Aldrin about photographing two luminous discs around his Apollo capsule during the moon landing. However, NASA reportedly denied the existence of such photos, calling them "nonsense."
• Eduard Meier's Hoax: The Swiss contactee Eduard Meier, known for his claims of contact with extraterrestrials and his UFO films, is exposed as having his 'UFOs' suspended on thin nylon threads.
• Kenneth Arnold's Sighting: The article revisits the famous 1947 sighting by pilot Kenneth Arnold over the Cascade Mountains. While Arnold described the objects as 'hopping,' the magazine suggests he may have actually seen a classified F-84 Thunderjet being tested.

UFOs in the Soviet Union: A New Wave of Reports

The magazine extensively covers UFO sightings in the Soviet Union, particularly the incident in Woronesch. TASS, the Soviet news agency, reported a landed UFO with three to four-meter-tall beings with small heads. The article notes the skepticism of some Soviet scientists, while others, like Professor Kaminski, suggest the beings might be of a spiritual nature.

• Woronesch Landing: Detailed accounts from Woronesch describe a large, red-glowing sphere landing in a park, from which beings emerged. Witnesses reported one of the beings making a boy disappear with a ray gun. Scientific investigations by the Geophysical Institute of Woronesch reportedly found landing traces and unusual soil samples, though some scientists, like Genrich Silanow, later refuted TASS's claims, suggesting natural explanations for the findings.
• Other Soviet Sightings: Reports from Omsk mention a bright light ball seen by hundreds of residents and pilots, moving at an estimated speed of 7000 km/h.

Expert Opinions and Skepticism

Several experts weigh in on the UFO phenomenon:

• Werner Walter: A UFO investigator, Walter has examined around 400 cases since 1973 and found plausible explanations for most, attributing them to hot air balloons, planets, meteors, or faked photos. He argues that thorough investigation is the most effective way to debunk UFO claims.
• Amardeo Sarma: Managing Director of the Society for Scientific Investigation of Parapsychology (GWUP), Sarma stated that UFO proponents are in "urgent need of proof."
• Heinz Haber: A physicist and astronomer, Haber dismisses UFO reports as "nonsense," emphasizing the lack of verifiable evidence despite the vastness of the universe.
• Johannes von Buttlar: An author and UFO expert, von Buttlar believes that governments have long known about extraterrestrials but kept it secret to avoid panic. He suggests a gradual disclosure is underway.
• Ernst Meckelburg: A scientist, he suggests that UFOs might be descendants visiting from the future via time machines.

The Rise of Parapsychology and 'Extrasensory' Phenomena in the Soviet Union

Beyond UFOs, the magazine touches upon the growing interest in parapsychology and 'extrasensory' phenomena in the Soviet Union, particularly in the context of Glasnost.

• Anatoli Kashpirovsky and Alan Chumak: These 'wonder healers' gained immense popularity through television broadcasts, offering 'psychotherapy' and 'healing rays.' Their methods, including hypnotizing viewers and 'magnetizing' water, attracted millions, leading to concerns about addiction to such phenomena and the decline of the official healthcare system.
• Dzhuna: Another prominent 'wonder healer,' Dzhuna, known for her 'contactless massage,' runs a popular school for her methods. The article notes her influence and her claims of working on cures for AIDS.
• Scientific Investigations: Some scientific institutions, like the Institute of Radiotechnology and Electronics, are exploring the physical basis of 'extrasensory' abilities, attributing them to cosmic energies and the activation of self-healing powers.

Other Topics

• Polar Lights: The issue includes a report on unusually strong polar lights that caused alarm among some German citizens, who mistook them for UFOs or even nuclear explosions.
• Yeti: A brief mention of the Yeti, the mysterious snowman of the Himalayas, and ongoing investigations in the Soviet Union.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a critical yet fascinated stance towards UFOs. While it diligently debunks many sensational claims and highlights the scientific explanations for alleged sightings, it also acknowledges the persistent public interest and the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, emphasizing the need for evidence-based investigation while not entirely dismissing the possibility of extraterrestrial life or other unexplained events. The coverage of the Soviet Union's embrace of parapsychology and UFO reports reflects a broader societal shift towards the unconventional amidst political and economic changes.

SPUTNIK, issue 11/1988, presents a comprehensive exploration of UFO phenomena under the headline "UFOS - MUTMASSUNGEN UND ARGUMENTE" (UFOs - Assumptions and Arguments). The magazine features a detailed discussion with Wsewolod Troizki, a prominent Soviet scientist and chairman of a commission investigating anomalous phenomena, alongside contributions from other experts and readers.

UFOs: Assumptions and Arguments

The core of the issue revolves around the investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related anomalous phenomena. Wsewolod Troizki, in an interview, addresses the skepticism surrounding UFOs, acknowledging that many sightings can be explained by conventional aircraft or atmospheric events. However, he also concedes that some phenomena remain unexplained by current science, citing the example of a military pilot's encounter with a fireball in 1951. Troizki discusses the characteristics of reported UFOs, often described as fireballs of various colors and sizes, and notes that such sightings have been documented for centuries, referencing a 16th-century account from the Rob-See region.

Historical Context and Hoaxes

The article touches upon early UFO narratives, including the case of George Adamski, whose claims of contact with extraterrestrials were later revealed to be based on his science fiction writings. The magazine highlights how the public's fascination with UFOs can be exploited, but also emphasizes the need for serious scientific inquiry into unexplained events.

Soviet UFO Sightings and Research

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO reports from the Soviet Union. It details a wave of sightings that began in June 1989, including alleged landings and encounters with humanoids. The incident in Woronesch, where a UFO reportedly landed in a park, is extensively covered, with conflicting reports from local scientists about the evidence found. The magazine notes the increased public interest in such phenomena in the USSR, possibly fueled by Glasnost and a desire for explanations beyond the official materialistic worldview.

International Perspectives and Investigations

SPUTNIK also includes reports from other countries, such as a sighting over Alaska by a Japan Airlines pilot and an encounter in Mozambique. The establishment of international organizations like ICUFON (International UFO Congress) is mentioned, aimed at coordinating UFO research. The magazine touches upon the idea of extraterrestrial civilizations potentially observing or interacting with humanity, referencing the views of Konstantin Ziolkowski, a pioneer of spaceflight, who believed in the universe's vast potential for life.

Scientific Challenges and Public Perception

The issue underscores the difficulties in researching UFOs, including the skepticism from some scientific circles and the public's tendency to either dismiss or sensationalize reports. Mark Milchiker, a biophysicist, argues for a more open and rigorous scientific approach, advocating for complex methods and dedicated research facilities to study anomalous phenomena and potential extraterrestrial contacts. He emphasizes that the search for extraterrestrial civilizations should be treated as a practical scientific problem rather than a purely theoretical one.

Related Phenomena and Media Coverage

Beyond UFOs, the magazine briefly touches upon other anomalous phenomena like Yeti sightings and poltergeist activity, suggesting a broader interest in the unexplained within the Soviet bloc. It also comments on the media's role in reporting these events, noting how both sensationalist and more serious publications cover UFO-related news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFOs, the tension between scientific skepticism and public fascination, the challenges of investigating anomalous phenomena, and the potential implications of extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious openness to the possibility of unexplained phenomena, advocating for rigorous scientific investigation while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the prevalence of hoaxes and misinterpretations. The magazine encourages readers to engage with these topics critically and scientifically.