CENAP Report - No 175

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: Nr.175
Date: July 21-22, 1990
Publisher: Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene (CENAP)

This issue of CENAP REPORT delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, primarily focusing on events in England, and critically examines the media's role in sensationalizing UFO-related topics. It features articles that aim to debunk common myths and provide rational explanations for seemingly inexplicable events.

Cover Story: Crop Circles in England

The cover prominently features the headline "OUT: NESSI IN: WEIZENFELDER" (OUT: NESSI IN: CORNFIELDS), signaling a focus on the mysterious crop circles that have appeared in English fields. The main image depicts a crop circle, with smaller accompanying images of people observing such formations and a cartoonish UFO. The cover also teases other articles, including "Gulf Breeze: The Business!", "Radar Contact in Ostbelgien - The Radar Images!", and "UFO Landing near Landau in the Palatinate?"

"Wunder im Weizen" (Wonder in the Wheat)

This article explores the enigmatic crop circles appearing in southern England. It poses the question of whether extraterrestrials are responsible, or if they are the work of pranksters or natural phenomena. The piece highlights the growing public interest in these "mysterious images" and the increasingly bizarre explanations offered.

CENAP's Mission and Approach

The magazine introduces CENAP as a privately funded scientific institute dedicated to researching unidentified flying objects (UFOs) since 1976. It emphasizes CENAP's role as a public reporting center and information hub, having conducted over 400 investigations. The article notes CENAP's engagement with official bodies, including the German Ministry of Defense and various embassies, and its regular publication in the monthly UFO journal, CENAP REPORT.

Debunking UFO Myths: The "Flying Saucer" Phenomenon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to demystifying the UFO phenomenon. It traces the origin of the "flying saucer" term back to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting near Mount Rainier. The article discusses how the media, particularly through sensationalist reporting, has fueled public belief in extraterrestrial visitors. It critiques the "Project Blue Book" investigation by the US Air Force, noting that while it concluded no connection to alien spacecraft, it failed to convince UFO proponents.

The text also addresses the MJ-12 documents, suggesting they are not evidence of alien cover-ups but rather a 1952 war contingency plan. It highlights the psychological aspects of UFO sightings, referencing Carl Gustav Jung's theory of "visionary rumors" and how subjective psychological needs can lead to misinterpretations of natural phenomena.

The "Eekle Case" and Misinterpretations

The "Eekle Case" from Belgium is presented as an example of how eyewitness accounts can be unreliable. In this instance, students reported seeing a mysterious object, but later investigations suggested it was likely a research balloon. The article points out that many UFO sightings can be attributed to misidentified objects like balloons, helicopters, aircraft, cloud formations, or even bright stars, exacerbated by factors like fatigue and the autokinetic effect.

Crop Circles: A Hoax Revealed

Several articles focus on the crop circle phenomenon, particularly the events in Wiltshire, England. It is revealed that a major scientific investigation, dubbed "Operation Amsel" (or "Operation Blackbird"), was fooled by pranksters who created elaborate crop circles. The magazine details how simple tools like ropes, poles, and rollers were used to create these patterns, debunking theories of alien or supernatural origins.

One article features Fred Day, who claims to have been creating crop circles as a hobby since he was 12 years old. He demonstrated how to make them using basic equipment, effectively showing that the "mysterious" patterns were man-made. The article criticizes the media, especially tabloids like "The Sunday Sport," for sensationalizing these events and contributing to the UFO myth.

Media Criticism and Sensationalism

The magazine strongly criticizes the sensationalist practices of some media outlets, particularly British tabloids like "The Sunday Sport." This newspaper is described as publishing outlandish and fabricated stories, including those about UFOs, to boost sales. The article argues that this type of journalism distorts the public's perception of reality and hinders genuine investigation into phenomena like UFOs.

The "Sunday Sport" and its Tactics

An in-depth look is given to "The Sunday Sport," a British tabloid known for its bizarre and often fabricated stories. The article details how the newspaper, under editor Drew Robertson, has achieved significant circulation by publishing sensational claims about UFOs, alien encounters, and other outlandish topics. It highlights the newspaper's use of dubious sources and its willingness to twist facts for dramatic effect.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is skepticism towards sensationalized UFO reports and a call for rational, evidence-based investigation. CENAP REPORT positions itself as a source of factual information, aiming to counter the misinformation spread by sensationalist media. The magazine advocates for critical thinking and encourages readers to question extraordinary claims, especially those that lack credible evidence. The editorial stance is clearly against the uncritical acceptance of UFO myths and promotes a scientific approach to understanding unexplained phenomena. The issue also highlights the importance of distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and the entertainment-driven reporting often found in popular media.

This issue of the magazine, dated August 10, 1990, focuses on the intriguing phenomena of crop circles and UFO sightings, exploring potential extraterrestrial connections and media reactions.

Crop Circles: Signals from Other Planets?

The lead article, "Sind es Signale von anderen Planeten? Magische Kreise in Englands Feldern" (Are they Signals from Other Planets? Magical Circles in England's Fields), investigates the mysterious crop circles appearing in English fields. Authors Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, both electrical engineers, have documented these formations, which can be over 100 meters in size. They note that the flattened stalks follow specific geometric principles, suggesting a non-natural cause like magnetic forces rather than wind. The article mentions that similar phenomena have been reported globally, leading some to believe they are landing sites for extraterrestrials. The book "Kreisrunde Zeichen" (Circular Signs) is highlighted, documenting these phenomena. The authors have also reported experiencing unusual energy fields and camera malfunctions during their investigations.

The article also touches upon the commercialization of crop circles, with farmers profiting from tours and merchandise. It criticizes the media's handling of the phenomenon, suggesting that some reports are sensationalized or that the clarification of hoaxes is not adequately publicized.

Belgian Air Force Radar Contact with Extraterrestrials

Another significant section, "Radarkontakt mit Außerirdischen" (Radar Contact with Extraterrestrials), details a confirmed radar contact by the Belgian Air Force on the night of March 31, 1990. Two F16 fighter jets were scrambled after radar stations Glons and Semmerzake detected an unidentified flying object. The object exhibited extreme maneuverability and speed changes, accelerating from 280 km/h to 1800 km/h in seconds and changing altitude rapidly. The pilots did not have visual contact, but radar confirmed the object's presence and erratic behavior. The article notes that the object's speed exceeded Mach 1 without a sonic boom, and that ground radar and airborne radar detected different signals. The Belgian Air Force released radar images, but some researchers, like Hans van Kampen, questioned their authenticity and the circumstances of their capture.

The report also mentions other UFO sightings in Belgium, including those in Nandrin and Eupen, and discusses the role of organizations like NUFOC and SOBEPS in investigating these events.

Media and Hoaxes

The issue critically examines media coverage of UFO phenomena. It discusses how some media outlets, like the "Abendzeitung," sensationalize events, while others, like "Der Stern," are accused of not reaching their investigative goals. The article "Kornkreise: Der STERN weiß von nichts" (Crop Circles: DER STERN Knows Nothing) criticizes a report in "Der Stern" about crop circles, questioning the reporter's findings and the investigation's budget.

A notable incident discussed is the "Landau/Pfalz UFO landing" on August 4, 1990. A radio station broadcast a report about a UFO landing, which turned out to be a fictional Hörspiel (radio play). This caused confusion among the public and authorities, including the local police and the nuclear center at Koblenz. The article criticizes the radio station for not informing relevant parties beforehand, leading to unnecessary alarm.

Another case involves a reported UFO sighting in Offenbach, Germany, described as a pink, frisbee-shaped light. While some residents identified it as a signal rocket, others disputed this explanation, leading to ongoing debate.

Other UFO-Related News and Resources

The magazine also includes sections on UFO-related books and publications, such as Dieter von Reeken's bibliography on extraterrestrial life and UFOs, and Walter L. Kelch's catalog of publications. It mentions the "Journal für UFO-Forschung" and "Skylight Aktuell" as resources for further information.

There's a brief mention of UFO reports from the Soviet Union, with Leonid Abalkin, an economic advisor, warning that UFOs are not a solution to the country's economic problems, but that the topic is prevalent in public discussion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the critical examination of media reporting on UFOs and crop circles, often highlighting sensationalism, commercialization, and the potential for hoaxes. The magazine expresses skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims while acknowledging the persistence of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, urging readers to question information and be aware of how media can shape perceptions. There's a clear emphasis on the need for critical thinking and a concern that the public is being manipulated by sensationalist reporting and the pursuit of profit.

The issue also touches upon the broader implications of these phenomena for human society and culture, suggesting that they raise questions about our place in the universe and our reliance on external explanations.