CENAP Report - No 171

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated May 23, 1990, is published by the Central Research Network for Extraordinary Aerial Phenomena (CENAP), an organization that collaborates with the GWUP (Society for Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal). The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, aiming to debunk pseudoscience and inform the public.

Key Articles and Reports

"Ein Crash mehr (zuviel)" by Werner Walter

This article details a UFO crash incident that occurred on April 21, 1989, near Haifa, Israel. A young couple, Allon Eilat and Ida Biddermann, witnessed a glowing object descend and crash on the beach. The object, estimated to be 20 meters long and 6 meters in diameter, transformed into a pillar of fire upon impact. The intense heat prevented witnesses from approaching closely. Israeli UFO researcher Hadessa Arbel investigated the site, collecting material samples. Analysis of these samples revealed the presence of elements such as Iron, Zinc, Niobium, Indium, Copper, Arsenic, Molybdenum, Antimony, Magnesium, Chlorine, Sodium, Calcium, Titanium, and Manganese. The article notes that Technetium was also found, which is not typically present in Earth's crust, suggesting a non-terrestrial origin. The incident is compared to other alleged UFO crashes, including the Roswell and Aztec incidents.

The Kecksburg UFO Crash by Stan Gordon

This extensive report investigates the Kecksburg UFO crash that occurred on December 9, 1965. Thousands of people witnessed a brilliant, orange fireball that crashed in a wooded area near Kecksburg, Pennsylvania. The event triggered a significant military response, with reports of military personnel securing the crash site and removing an object. Stan Gordon, a researcher, details his efforts to obtain official documentation through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Despite initial denials and claims of no records, a 31-page USAF report was eventually obtained, concluding the object was of astronomical, meteoritic origin. However, the report also contained correspondence indicating military interest and the involvement of the 662nd Radar Squadron. Gordon speculates that the squadron might have been a specialized UFO recovery team. The article also touches upon the possibility of the crash being related to the re-entry of the Soviet satellite COSMOS 96, though this is debated due to timing discrepancies.

UFOs and the Kecksburg Incident

Further investigation into the Kecksburg incident reveals witness accounts of a slow-moving, vibrating object, inconsistent with a typical meteor. The object's controlled descent and landing in a wooded area, rather than an open field, raise questions. The article also explores the potential involvement of Project Moondust, a military operation focused on recovering extraterrestrial technology. FOIA requests to the Air Force, NASA, and NORAD yielded limited information, but correspondence suggested that the 662nd Radar Squadron, involved in tracking the object, may have been part of a specialized recovery unit.

UFO Sightings in Austria and the Soviet Union

The magazine reports on a surge of UFO sightings in Styria, Austria, in early 1990, with witnesses describing various shapes and lights. Dr. Günther Lustig from the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Graz is collecting and cataloging these reports. The issue also mentions a report from the Soviet Union about a UFO sighting near Ulyanovsk, described as a 'riverboat with windows' emitting beams of light. This is juxtaposed with information about the Soviet Union's openness to discussing UFOs under Glasnost and Perestroika, with a significant portion of the population expressing interest in paranormal phenomena.

UFOs as Nazi Wonder Weapons?

This section critically examines a neo-fascist propaganda film that claims flying saucers were secret Nazi weapons developed during World War II and are still in operation. The film suggests that the SS established a UFO base in Antarctica and that Nazis flew to Mars to seek help from extraterrestrial allies. The article dismisses these claims as a "hodgepodge of half-truths, lies, and neo-Nazi propaganda," warning readers about such disinformation.

Other Reports and Observations

Briefly mentioned are reports of bright lights over the USA in March 1990, which authorities attributed to non-spacecraft phenomena, possibly meteors. The article also includes a reader's account of observing a strange object resembling the planet Venus but exhibiting unusual behavior, including elongating and blinking lights. Astronomical notes on meteors and planets for May 1990 are also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP REPORT consistently promotes a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It aims to investigate and document sightings while critically examining claims, particularly those involving pseudoscience or conspiracy theories. The magazine emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation and the need for transparency from government and military bodies regarding UFO-related information. There's a recurring theme of military secrecy and potential cover-ups surrounding UFO incidents, as highlighted by the Kecksburg case. The publication also seems to encourage public participation in reporting sightings and contributing to research.

This issue of 'CR' (likely a publication from CENAP, a German UFO research organization) focuses on debunking UFO claims and analyzing photographic evidence, with a strong emphasis on hoaxes and misidentifications. The publication date is August 1985, and it is part of volume 11, issue 114.

Cover Story: UFOs - Proof That Can Be Seen

The cover prominently features the headline "UFOs - Beweise, die sich sehen lassen können" (UFOs - Proof That Can Be Seen), suggesting a critical examination of purported evidence. It also lists several books and reports related to UFO phenomena, including "Gulf Breeze" and works by authors like Jim Melesciuc and Bill Pitts.

Articles and Features:

The MJ-12 Crisis: A Never-Ending Story

This section delves into the controversial MJ-12 documents, which purportedly prove the US government's possession of alien technology. The article details how these documents have been subjected to intense scrutiny, with new findings suggesting they are fabrications. Philip J. Klass is cited for discovering that the signature of 'Harry Truman' on the MJ-12 memorandum is suspiciously identical to his signature on a document dated October 1, 1947. Further analysis by David Crown, a document examiner for the CIA, revealed that the MJ-12 memo was typed on a machine that did not exist until 1963, more than 15 years after the memo was supposedly written. The article also points out that William L. Moore, a prominent figure in the UFO community, is implicated in the creation and dissemination of these forged documents, with his distinctive 'kindergarten stamp' techniques being identified on the MJ-12 papers.

The Gulf Breeze Case and MUFON's Role

The issue criticizes the MUFON organization and its director, Walt Andrus, for their promotion of the Gulf Breeze sightings. Jim Melesciuc, editor of 'The Orbiter', is quoted as calling the Gulf Breeze case a "blatant hoax" and accusing Ed Walters (a key figure in the case) of being a "convicted criminal." Melesciuc suggests that figures within MUFON, like Walt Andrus and Bruce Maccabee, are financially motivated and have deliberately ignored evidence of the hoax.

UFO Photos: Evidence, Proof, Documents - For a Real Phenomenon?

This extensive section, spanning multiple pages, critically analyzes the reliability of UFO photography. It begins by quoting Allen Hendry, who investigated UFO photos for the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). Hendry highlights several problems with UFO photography:

• Problem 1: Insufficient Quality: Many purported UFO photos are taken at night with basic equipment, leading to poor quality. Witnesses often prioritize observing the phenomenon over taking pictures.
• Problem 2: Most 'UFO' Photos are actually IFOs (Identified Flying Objects): A study by a Japanese UFO organization found that a significant portion of UFO photos are either fakes, misidentifications of known objects (like aircraft lights, balloons, or even Venus), or photographic errors.
• Problem 3: Photos do not describe provocative cases: The article argues that most UFO photos show distant lights or small objects and do not correlate with more compelling cases involving physical traces or close encounters.

The issue presents several case studies of alleged UFO photos being debunked:

• The Ralph Ditter Case: Photos taken by Ralph Ditter in 1966 were initially published widely but were later exposed as a hoax. An analysis by the Rand Corporation revealed that the object was much smaller and closer than Ditter claimed, and the time interval between photos was significantly longer than stated.
• The Jaroslaw Brothers Case: Photos taken by Dan and Grant Jaroslaw in 1967 were also revealed to be a hoax. The brothers admitted to using a model UFO and a helicopter to create the images as a prank.

The article concludes that while UFO photos are popular and often presented as proof, they are easily fabricated and rarely provide conclusive evidence of extraterrestrial craft. The issue emphasizes that the concept of 'flying saucers' is more a product of imagination and media sensationalism than a reflection of reality.

The 'UFO or Ifo' Lecture by CENAP

Svenja Pelzel reports on a lecture given by Rudolf Henke of CENAP at the Volkshochschule Neckarsulm. Henke states that CENAP has a high success rate in finding natural explanations for UFO sightings, with four out of five cases being identified. He criticizes the conflation of 'UFO' (Unidentified Flying Object) with 'extraterrestrial spacecraft' and points out that many sightings are misinterpretations of known objects or phenomena, often influenced by media reports and science fiction.

The 'Der Besuch aus dem All' (The Visit from All) Article

This article, likely from a newspaper like the Nürnberger Zeitung, discusses the phenomenon of UFOs from a philosophical and scientific perspective. It contrasts the scientific method's demand for verifiable evidence with the subjective nature of many UFO reports. The author touches upon the cultural impact of UFOs and their connection to human desires and anxieties, suggesting that the idea of extraterrestrial visitors might serve as a modern myth. It also briefly mentions other unexplained phenomena like Nessie and the Yeti, distinguishing them from the potentially revolutionary implications of confirmed extraterrestrial contact.

DGLR Lecture and PBS Documentary

This section reports on a UFO lecture given by W. Walter of CENAP in Mannheim and an upcoming PBS documentary on 'borderline phenomena' that will include UFOs. The PBS segment is expected to be skeptical, with CENAP providing footage of alleged UFOs that are likely misidentified VW hubcaps.

Letters to the Editor

A letter from Roland Horn discusses the challenges of photographing celestial objects like Venus, explaining how atmospheric effects and camera movement can create distorted images that might be mistaken for UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination and debunking of UFO claims, particularly those based on photographic evidence and sensationalized reports. The publication strongly advocates for a skeptical approach, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor and the identification of natural or man-made explanations for alleged UFO sightings. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of UFO phenomena as extraterrestrial in origin, highlighting the prevalence of hoaxes, misidentifications, and media manipulation in the field of ufology.