CENAP Report - No 167

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue Date: March 21, 1990
Publisher: CENAP-MANNHEIM
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of the CENAP REPORT, a UFO-focused publication, presents a diverse range of articles and reports, including a dramatic cover story about a Turkish Airlines flight crew's encounter with a UFO, an analysis of science fiction films as potential precursors to understanding alien phenomena, and a critical, skeptical viewpoint from a German professor on the validity of UFO claims.

THY Flight Crew's UFO Sighting

The lead story, "THY uçuş ekibi uçandaireyi böyle gördü" (THY Flight Crew Saw the UFO Like This), details an astonishing experience of a Turkish Airlines flight crew. The report describes how the pilot, initially disbelieving, was joined by the second captain and flight engineer in witnessing the phenomenon. The intense emotions and tension in the cockpit were so palpable that a colleague, artist Cemal Dündar, was commissioned to create a representative drawing based on their accounts.

"ET Goes Hollywood": Science Fiction and UFOs

An article titled "ET Goes Hollywood" by Werner Walter, CENAP-MA, explores the influence of cinema on our perception of reality and the prevalence of science fiction themes. Walter discusses how films like Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" and James Cameron's "The Abyss" have shaped our understanding of extraterrestrial life and humanity's place in the universe. He notes that while these films are fiction, they tap into deep human emotions and aspirations, often presenting aliens in a less threatening, more philosophical light compared to earlier sci-fi narratives.

"The Communion" (Die Besucher) and "The Abyss"

Further discussion on cinematic UFO themes includes an announcement for the German release of "The Communion" (Die Besucher), based on Whitley Strieber's work, and a brief mention of "Alien III." The article highlights that "The Abyss" was a significant summer hit in the USA, praised for its director Cameron's deliberate ambiguity regarding the aliens' origins, allowing viewers to form their own interpretations. The feature also offers a behind-the-scenes look at "The Communion," noting its independent financing and the director Philippe Mora's intention to present the story with a more documentary-like realism, exploring the psychological aspects of abduction phenomena.

Professor Ruppe's Skeptical Stance

In a section titled "Jetzt rede ich..." (Now I Speak...), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harry O. Ruppe, affiliated with the Technical University of Munich, presents a strongly skeptical viewpoint on UFOs. Having previously been perceived as an open-minded listener to pre-astronautics theories, Ruppe reveals his critical stance, partly due to his membership in GWUP (Society for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal). He outlines his personal involvement with the US Air Force's Project Blue Book and his subsequent study of UFO literature. Ruppe asserts that the vast majority of UFO sightings are attributable to misinterpretations, illusions, or outright fraud. He argues that scientific evidence for genuine extraterrestrial phenomena is lacking, citing the unreliability of photographic and video evidence and the prevalence of hoaxes in "contactee" reports. He also dismisses claims of secret government evidence and highlights the extensive surveillance of airspace, which yields little evidence of anomalous craft. Ruppe concludes that, from a scientific perspective, there is no verifiable proof of UFOs as extraterrestrial craft, and any remaining doubt is too small to warrant new research programs.

UFOs and the Persistence of the Phenomenon

In a follow-up to his initial statement, Ruppe addresses the ongoing nature of UFO reports. He emphasizes the principle of burden of proof, stating that it lies with the claimant (the "innovator") to provide evidence, not with the "conservative" to disprove. He uses examples from scientific history (Galileo, Darwin, Einstein) to illustrate how new, well-supported ideas are integrated into scientific understanding. Ruppe reiterates his skepticism regarding claims of faster-than-light travel and the alleged inability of Soviet air defense to distinguish UFOs from aircraft, calling such notions absurd. He also questions the authenticity of recent UFO footage and reports, suggesting mundane explanations like atmospheric distortions or misidentifications of common objects like Venus.

The "Fairy Land" Connection: Folklore and UFOs

Ulrich Magin's article, "Ein Besuch im Land der Feen" (A Visit to the Land of Fairies), draws parallels between modern UFO abduction accounts and historical folklore, specifically tales of fairies and elves. Magin cites a 17th-century account from John Aubrey about an encounter with small, humanoid beings who created a fairy ring and caused distress. He argues that these historical narratives, like UFO reports, often involve themes of paralysis, physical examination, time distortion, and the creation of physical traces. Magin suggests that UFO encounters might be a modern manifestation of ancient mythological archetypes or a form of "updated folklore." He references Katherine Briggs' "A Dictionary of Fairies" as a resource for understanding these motifs, noting similarities in descriptions of beings, their habitats, and their interactions with humans.

Magin further explores the concept of "time in fairy land" being different from human time, mirroring abduction accounts where victims experience missing time. He also touches upon the idea of fairies or elves being captured or interacting with humans for reproduction or assistance, drawing parallels to abduction scenarios. The article notes that while some might interpret these beings as extraterrestrials, Magin views them as part of a shared human experience, possibly influenced by psychological states or altered perceptions, rather than literal aliens.

The "Sweat Houses" and Hallucinogenic Experiences

Another perspective on the fairy phenomenon comes from an article discussing Irish "sweat houses." Anthony Weit's research suggests that the visions of fairies and goblins experienced by ancient Irish people might have been induced by hallucinogenic mushrooms consumed during rituals in these sweat houses. This aligns with the idea that certain altered states of consciousness could lead to perceptions that are later interpreted as encounters with supernatural or extraterrestrial beings.

Woronesch UFO Landing and "Majestic 12"

The issue also reports on the alleged UFO landing in Woronesch, Soviet Union, citing Tass news agency reports of three-meter-tall beings in silver suits. The article questions the credibility of these reports, suggesting that children's accounts and simple misidentifications might be at play. It also references the controversial "Majestic 12" document, which purports to detail a secret US government group investigating a UFO crash in New Mexico in 1947. The CENAP organization itself is presented as skeptical of the MJ-12 document, viewing it as part of a potential disinformation campaign.

"All Under the Cabinet?": UFO Researchers Convene

A report on a UFO conference in Frankfurt titled "Alle Untertassen im Schrank?" (All Saucers in the Cabinet?) details a gathering of UFO researchers from various countries. The article touches upon Erich von Däniken's theories about ancient astronauts and genetic experiments, as well as the "Majestic 12" controversy. It highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between reality and simulation in UFO reports, suggesting that governments might engage in disinformation campaigns to obscure factual evidence. The article also includes an interview with Sergej Bulantsev, a correspondent for the Soviet news agency Tass, who offers a pragmatic view on why extraterrestrials might not communicate directly with humanity, citing our own species' lack of intelligence, morality, and capacity for peaceful coexistence.

"Not Everything Can Be Explained": A Critical Look

The "Nicht alles läßt sich ufo erklären" (Not Everything Can Be Explained) section offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging the validity of doubt in scientific inquiry while also emphasizing the need for open-mindedness towards unusual reports, especially when they are numerous. It suggests that humanity is still in its early stages of understanding the universe and should not presume superiority over potential extraterrestrial life. The section also briefly mentions alleged UFO sightings and the capture of aliens on a US military base.

"Ein Zeichen der Krise: Die Sucht nach Erlösung" (A Sign of Crisis: The Addiction to Salvation)

This opinion piece by Jewgenia Albaz, published in "Moskau News," critiques the resurgence of interest in paranormal phenomena and faith healers in the Soviet Union during the era of Perestroika. Albaz views this trend as a sign of societal crisis and a distraction from pressing political and economic issues. She expresses concern that people are turning to simplistic, often unverified, explanations and charismatic figures for solace, rather than engaging with the complex realities of their situation. The article implicitly links this search for salvation to a broader societal malaise, suggesting that a population that has been "awakened" from political slumber might be susceptible to irrational beliefs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, a central theme is the exploration of UFO phenomena, ranging from eyewitness accounts and scientific investigations to the cultural impact of science fiction and historical folklore. There is a clear division in perspectives, with CENAP presenting itself as an investigative body while also featuring critical analyses, such as Professor Ruppe's skepticism. The magazine seems to lean towards presenting a wide array of information, from the sensational to the analytical, encouraging readers to critically evaluate the evidence. The recurring comparison between UFO encounters and mythological narratives suggests an underlying interest in the psychological and cultural dimensions of these phenomena, implying that the human need to explain the unknown might be a constant across different eras and interpretations.

The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena while maintaining a critical and scientific approach. The inclusion of diverse viewpoints, from believers and investigators to skeptics and cultural commentators, aims to provide a comprehensive, albeit sometimes contradictory, overview of the UFO topic.

This issue of CENAP-Nachrichten, dated October 26, 1989, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, featuring a mix of eyewitness accounts, investigative reports, and critical analysis. The cover prominently displays the headline "PANIK WEGEN UFO!" (Panic Over UFO!), setting the tone for much of the content.

TRISTAR Incident Over Sardinia

The lead article details the case of a McDonnell Douglas MD-83 TRISTAR aircraft that reportedly encountered a UFO on March 21, 1989, while en route from Malta to Gatwick Airport. Captain Bob Taylor informed his 140 passengers of an approaching aircraft, which was then described by Susan Walton as a luminous glow with colored lights. The phenomenon accompanied the plane for a distance before moving away, leaving a smoke trail. Passenger Brian Challis described a "cloud swirl" with lights. Captain Taylor stated his crew had observed the phenomenon for twenty minutes before informing passengers, initially considering it a peculiar contrail but noting the absence of lights typical of aircraft and its rapid ascent. He admitted, "I've never seen anything like it before." He speculated it could be a rocket or a UFO, but ruled out a rocket due to the lack of prior warning. The incident sparked controversy, with some passengers suggesting the captain had ignored air traffic control warnings about a rocket launch. A subsequent event, described as a "nacheffekt" (after-effect), caused the Tristar to drop several hundred meters, throwing passengers and items around the cabin, which many linked to the UFO sighting.

Susan Walton interviewed Captain Taylor, who described the lights as ascending and forming a bright white trail, moving faster than a normal aircraft before rising further and dissipating in the upper atmosphere over twenty minutes. Taylor described it as a "nice appearance" but could not identify it. Peter Villa, CEO of British Island Airways, also witnessed the event but downplayed its significance, suggesting it was easily explainable.

The NAJA Incident and Mediterranean Air Traffic

English UFO researchers are discussed in relation to the Mediterranean region, a busy air traffic zone. Taylor's rocket explanation is questioned, as any aircraft in the region would normally be informed of such launches due to safety concerns. The article references the 1976 destruction of an Italian DC-9 airliner over Sicily, where no one admitted to firing a missile, but a 1989 judicial report confirmed it was shot down by an air-to-air missile from an unidentified fighter jet, with radar data mysteriously blurred. Speculation suggests a USAF jet on a pursuit mission may have accidentally destroyed the DC-9.

The NAJA incident is characterized by a high-altitude launch timed for sunset to facilitate optical observations. Despite stormy weather in Aquitaine, the southeast of France and northern Italy experienced clear skies. A Nizza observer looking west around 19:30 h would have seen a bright white trail, initially straight, then swirling due to high-altitude winds, suggesting a possible defect or erratic flight path.

The fire department in Nice, France, stated 24 hours after the sighting that observations made in France and by the Tristar passengers and crew were caused by a rocket test.

UFOs in the USSR

CENAP-Mannheim received further information regarding UFOs in the Soviet Union. A document from October 10, 1988, from the US Department of State, titled "NEW INFORMATION ON THE UFO PHENOMENON IS ANNOUNCED," suggests that US government experts are preparing to present supporting claims that the US government is involved with aliens. A press conference was expected where new information about the UFO phenomenon, concerning both the US and the Soviet Union, would be released. Leading Soviet officials were scheduled to discuss the UFO phenomenon live via satellite from Moscow, with American UFO experts William Moore and Jaime Shandera participating and presenting a videotape with new evidence supporting claims of US government connection to extraterrestrial life.

Timothy Good, author of "Above Top Secret," visited the USSR to research for his upcoming book, "The UFO Report 1990." He had previously visited the USSR in 1969 and 1971. Good corresponded with Nikolai Lebedev, a Soviet UFO researcher, who believed in an extraterrestrial phenomenon in the USSR. Good met with several Soviet UFOlogists, finding limited language barriers due to their English proficiency.

Good attempted to contact Sergei Boulanzov and Dr. Lev Gindilis but was unsuccessful. However, he visited a Moscow exhibition on ecology and was surprised to find a UFO exhibition at the Moscow Space Museum, featuring a book by Frank Edwards, "Flying Saucer Review," and numerous photos. The UFO exhibit reportedly attracted more visitors than the ecology fair.

In Leningrad, Good appeared on a TV program called "Open Gate," discussing MJ-12, the cover-up, and statements by Prof. Zigel and Major Stolyarov regarding UFOs. Leningrad TV producers were reportedly very interested in MJ-12 information.

Soviet UFO researchers reportedly face difficulties obtaining specialized literature. Books are circulated widely, often in underground "Samizdat" (self-published) copies. The "Committee for the Investigation of Anomalous Phenomena" has reorganized into the group "FACT" with branches across the USSR. This group is loosely connected to the Academy of Sciences. Good received a request to translate "Above Top Secret" into Russian.

Good warned that Soviet media do not handle UFO reports accurately, with a tendency towards "enlightenment." However, even MJ-12 was discussed in Soviet media, thanks to Nikolai Lebedev. Soviet UFOlogists are generally poorly informed due to limited access to UFO journals and books. There is reportedly no connection between Soviet UFOlogists and the armed forces.

UFO Command Structure of the US Government

The magazine presents a diagram of the "secret" UFO command structure of the US government, as published by California UFO. It includes the President, National Security Council, CIA, NSA, DIA, ONI, DARPA, NORAD, and other agencies, suggesting a complex network for UFO-related information and efforts.

Frankfurt UFO Congress: "Dialog mit dem Universum"

A large congress of UFO enthusiasts, New Age followers, "lightworkers," and "star children" took place in Frankfurt, Germany. The event, organized by Michael Hesemann, featured over 30 UFO experts from around the world. Virgil Armstrong, an ex-CIA agent, spoke about "Ashtar" and "Star People" sect, claiming extraterrestrials would save humanity. Stanton Friedman presented alleged US government secret documents about the Roswell incident, claiming a UFO crashed with four aliens.

Werner Walter, a UFO researcher from GWUP (Society for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal), expressed skepticism, stating that in his 30 years of investigating UFO reports, none had proven substantial, often being explained as balloons, planets, or meteorites. He dismissed claims of the US military recovering crashed UFOs and their occupants as fantasy, citing a Pentagon report from 1969 that denied the existence of UFOs. Walter considered Friedman's documents to be forgeries.

Despite skepticism, around 2000 tickets were sold for the congress, with prices ranging from 150 to 450 Marks. Sergei Bulantsev, a correspondent for the Soviet news agency Tass, reported on UFO landings in the USSR, admitting he had never seen a UFO himself. He and Friedman agreed on the opportunity for exchanging information.

The congress also featured "channeling" sessions and offered items like "head pyramids" and "nuclear receptors" for sale, claimed to enhance communication with extraterrestrials or harmonize energies.

UFOs and the Moon: The Elmwood Park Case Re-examined

The article "Dr. Hynek: Gesichtsverlust wegen Mond!" (Dr. Hynek: Loss of Face Due to the Moon!) critically re-examines the famous Elmwood Park, Chicago, UFO incident of November 4, 1957. The case, involving two police officers and a firefighter, reported a large luminous object that caused their car headlights to dim. The object was described as changing shape and emitting fog. The article argues that the object was actually the moon, misidentified due to atmospheric conditions and psychological factors. The witnesses' perception of the moon's movement was confused with their own vehicle's movement. The article criticizes UFOlogists, including Dr. J. Allen Hynek, for overemphasizing such cases and failing to conduct thorough astronomical checks, contributing to UFOlogy becoming a "scientific dead end."

UFO Fever Over Turkey

Reports from Turkey indicate a surge in UFO sightings in October/November 1989. THY Captain Selahattin Siuri reported an encounter with a bright, unidentified object with changing colors and shape while flying over Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. The object was described as egg-shaped and rotating. Despite attempts to contact Istanbul air traffic control, no other aircraft were detected in the vicinity. The object eventually ascended and disappeared. Captain Siuri's report was shared with the Kandilli Observatory and NASA. The Director General of THY, Cem Kozlu, expressed belief in the pilots' account, citing their experience and trustworthiness.

Other Reports and Themes

The magazine also includes a brief mention of Erich von Däniken and his theories, with a reader defending his views. Another reader claims to have an "extraterrestrial friend" who visits regularly. The issue touches upon the idea of Mars as a potential UFO base and the possibility of extraterrestrials attempting to help humanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the perceived secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena, particularly concerning alleged government cover-ups (MJ-12, Roswell). There's a strong emphasis on eyewitness accounts from credible sources like pilots and law enforcement, contrasted with skepticism from some scientific investigators. The magazine appears to lean towards the belief that UFOs are real and often extraterrestrial in origin, while also exploring the psychological and societal aspects of belief in UFOs. The critical re-examination of the Elmwood Park case suggests a desire to debunk misinterpretations while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of UFO reports from the Soviet Union reflects the influence of Glasnost on media openness. The overall stance is one of serious inquiry into UFOs, with a critical eye towards both sensationalism and outright dismissal.