CENAP Report - No 182

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, identified as Nr.182 from April 1991, is published by the Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene (CENAP), a German organization focused on researching extraordinary celestial phenomena. The cover prominently features the title 'CENAP REPORT' with the main headline 'Grenzfälle' (Borderline Cases), suggesting a focus on unexplained or ambiguous events. The cover art depicts a man reacting with shock to a hovering UFO, set against a stylized, starry sky and mountainous landscape.

Key Articles and Reports

Sect-Pastor Haack Dies

The issue reports the death of Friedrich-Wilhelm Haack, a controversial sect pastor known for his warnings against groups like the Scientology Church. Haack, who had undergone a liver transplant, passed away at the age of 55. He was noted for his willingness to point out issues within his own church and had received the Federal Cross of Merit.

Celestial Events and Sightings

Several astronomical and UFO-related events are detailed:

• Orange Fireball (January 18, 1991): Andreas Schobesberger from Frankenmarkt, Austria, sighted an orange fireball with Venus-like brightness that lasted 10 seconds and disintegrated explosively.
• Soviet Satellite Re-entry: Reports suggest a Soviet satellite may have disintegrated around 23:30 MEZ, potentially causing a false alarm in Israel. Dr. Zdeněk Ceplecha confirmed the spectacular re-entry of a satellite into the atmosphere, photographed by numerous EN-stations, with a luminous duration of approximately 50 seconds.
• Fireball over America (March 7, 1991): Pilots in Philadelphia observed a large fireball with a greenish-red tail, described as "the mother of all meteors." USA Today reported on this event, noting that experts had no explanation for the brilliant fireball.

Analysis of the Karlsruhe-Durlach Case

Rudolf Henke of CENAP-Heidelberg revisits the Karlsruhe-Durlach case from February 8, 1980. Initially classified as an Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP), Henke now explains it as a misidentification of the planet Jupiter. He details how initial analysis by an astronomical institute was questioned, but his own later understanding, influenced by learning more about UFO phenomena, led him to conclude that the observed 'light spot' with unusual geometric structures was indeed Jupiter, whose atmospheric details were visible through a 15x magnification.

Henke reflects on his early naivety as a newcomer to 'Ufology,' admitting he initially accepted witness accounts too readily and used flawed data for calculations. He emphasizes the importance of critical evaluation of witness statements and data, citing MUFON-CES as an example of a group that sometimes relies on mathematically sound but fundamentally flawed data.

Astronomical Warning for April 1991

An 'Astrowarning' for April 1991 by R. Henke provides celestial information, noting Venus's increasing brightness, Jupiter's earlier setting time, and Mars's diminished appearance. It also highlights planetary-moon conjunctions and the expected peak of the Lyrid meteor shower around April 22nd.

"Burned-out Rocket Stage as Meteor"

This section revisits the November 5, 1990, event, previously reported in CENAP REPORT. New information from the 'STERNSCHNUPPE' newsletter clarifies that the phenomenon was the re-entry of the GORIZONT-21 satellite platform. Precise data from Dr. Zdeněk Ceplecha indicates the object's trajectory and altitude. The U.S. Navy confirmed the re-entry. The article explains that the platform, after detaching from the GORIZONT-21 satellite, entered the atmosphere. The NORAD's lack of warning is attributed to the difficulty in predicting the exact re-entry path and fragmentation of space debris.

Belief in Paranormal Phenomena in the USA

A report based on a June 1990 Gallup poll for the SKEPTICAL INQUIRER reveals the beliefs of adult Americans. Key findings include:

• One in four Americans believes in ghosts.
• One in four believes in telepathic experiences.
• One in six believes they have communicated with the deceased.
• One in ten claims to have seen or felt a ghost's presence.
• More than half believe in the Devil, and one in ten claims to have spoken with him.
• One in seven claims to have personally seen an unidentified flying object (UFO).
• Three-quarters read horoscopes, and one in four believes in astrology.

Regarding UFOs specifically, 47% of Americans believe UFOs are real, and 14% claim to have seen one themselves. The belief in extraterrestrial life on other planets remains high at 46%, largely unchanged from 1973.

The Dubious Role of Therapists in 'Abductions'

This section reviews Dr. Edith Fiore's book "Encounters: A Psychologist Reveals Case Studies of Abductions by Extraterrestrials." The review expresses skepticism about Fiore's therapeutic methods, particularly the use of hypnotic time regression to uncover alleged alien abduction experiences. The reviewer questions the scientific validity of 'recovered memories' and the Freudian assumption that uncovering causes cures symptoms. The article critiques the idea that 'hypnotic time regression' can reliably access subconscious memories and suggests that Fiore's work may be influenced by her own alleged abduction experience.

John Fuller Passes Away

John Fuller, a writer, documentary filmmaker, and author of UFO books, died at the age of 76. He was known for works like "The Ghost of Flight 401" and "The Interrupted Journey" (about the Hill abduction case) and "Incident At Exeter."

Astronaut Survey

A MUFON survey of former and current US astronauts regarding support for a congressional investigation into the UFO phenomenon yielded no responses from current astronauts. Eleven former astronauts responded with a clear 'no' to supporting such an investigation.

Ed Walters Announces New UFO Publication

Ed Walters and Dr. Sterling Kerr are launching a new monthly UFO publication, featuring news from the UFO field and a promotional TV campaign. The subscription includes a 90-second video.

BUFORA: Expectations for 1991

BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) outlines its expectations for 1991, including increased media interest in crop circles, the emergence of new crop circle patterns, the potential for 'abduction' claims, the replacement of MJ-12 documents with new UFO myths, and a rise in UFO stories from Eastern Europe.

Alien Contact or Armageddon?

This significant section explores UFO abduction experiences and their connection to religious or spiritual beliefs. It presents four cases:

1. Gary Harlow (Northamptonshire): Reported a childhood encounter with a multi-colored disk, leading to a sense of mission related to the Bible and Earth's future.
2. David Rogers (Coventry): Experienced a strange light and 'missing time,' leading to beliefs about future societal changes after a nuclear holocaust.
3. Patricia Mee (Manchester): Claims alien contact since childhood, receiving information about other civilizations and the universe.
4. Graham Allen (Staffordshire): Reported 'missing time' and later recalled an encounter involving a golden-yellow mist and strange beings, leading him to believe in a cosmic plan and impending changes for Earth.

The article discusses the concept of 'Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind' (CE IV) and suggests that these experiences might stem from the collective subconscious rather than actual alien encounters. It calls for scientific investigation into these phenomena.

Von Buttlar's 'Strategies of Creation'

This section critiques the writings of Freiherr von Buttlar, who explores 'Strategies of Creation' and 'Dragon Paths.' The author suggests that von Buttlar's work, which touches upon themes of ancient wisdom, secret societies, and cosmic plans, is sensationalist and lacks scientific basis. It connects these ideas to figures like Helena Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society, highlighting the concept of an 'invisible college' guiding human history.

Interesting Tape Cassette Available

Klaus Webner is releasing a 108-minute audio cassette titled 'U.F.O. - DEBATTE,' documenting discussions and behaviors of ufologists at a CENAP convention. It includes a lecture by Werner Walter and is presented as a collector's item and resource for skeptics and psychologists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects CENAP's commitment to investigating UFO phenomena from a rational, albeit sometimes critical, perspective. There is a recurring theme of questioning the validity of witness accounts and the interpretations placed upon them, particularly in the context of alien abduction narratives and the influence of belief systems. The magazine encourages critical thinking and supports research that moves beyond sensationalism, as exemplified by its critique of certain 'ufologists' and its focus on providing factual, if sometimes 'inconvenient,' information. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking empirical evidence and logical explanations while acknowledging the complexity and persistent mystery surrounding UFO phenomena. The issue also touches upon the intersection of UFOlogy with spirituality, religion, and psychological interpretations.

This issue of UFO NACHRICHTEN, published by CENAP in April 1991, delves into a wide range of topics related to UFO phenomena, ancient mysteries, and alleged extraterrestrial contact. The magazine critically examines the work of authors like Johannes von Buttlar, while also presenting witness accounts and research from its own organization, CENAP.

Ancient Symbolism and 'Dragon Paths'

The issue explores the deep historical roots of UFO-related beliefs, starting with the symbolism of the dragon in Chinese culture. Johannes von Buttlar is cited as discussing the dragon's significance as a ruler of the heavens and underworld, and its connection to 'dragon paths' – powerful energy lines believed to crisscross the Earth and link ancient sacred sites. The article references historical accounts from Plinius the Elder and Diodorus Siculus, which describe celestial phenomena that could be interpreted as early UFO sightings.

Channeling and Astral Projection

The magazine discusses modern esoteric practices such as channeling and astral projection. Channeling is presented as a way individuals claim to communicate with higher intelligences, receiving 'messages' or 'botschaften.' Astral projection is described as the phenomenon of consciousness leaving the physical body to travel to other locations and times. The article notes the growing popularity of these practices in contemporary subcultures.

Crop Circles: An Evolving Language

Crop circles are examined, with the assertion that they have evolved from simple circles to complex 'pictograms' or 'picture language.' The theory is presented that these formations may be conveying messages, with simple circles representing basic concepts and more complex patterns depicting planetary systems. The physical changes observed in the crops, such as structural alterations and the presence of a sugar-like, starch-like substance (likened to 'angel hair'), are also discussed.

Witness Accounts and Key Incidents

Several witness accounts and alleged UFO incidents are detailed:

• Berlin S-Bahn Incident (1972): A witness reported being enveloped in a white-blue beam of light in a train station, experiencing a sense of dissociation and seeing three human-like figures.
• Sokolovo, Russia (1978): Dozens of residents observed a large, glowing orange sphere descend into a forest. Military personnel investigating the site reportedly encountered a strange, pale, frog-like being, and a photograph was allegedly taken.
• Kalahari Crash (Unknown Date): The article recounts a purported UFO crash in the Kalahari Desert involving an 18-meter object that left a significant crater and was allegedly transported by a cargo plane.
• Belgian UFO Flap: The issue touches upon the Belgian UFO flap, suggesting that many sightings were misidentifications of conventional aircraft or celestial bodies, while also acknowledging the military's involvement and the controversy surrounding the event.

Critiques and Controversies

CENAP, the publisher, takes a critical stance on various figures and claims within the UFO community. They challenge Johannes von Buttlar's research methods, suggesting he relies heavily on popular literature. The magazine also engages in a public dispute with Andreas Schneider, a contactee claiming communication with aliens from 'Wolf 424.' CENAP demands irrefutable proof of Schneider's claims, labeling them as potentially fraudulent.

Furthermore, the article critiques the research methodologies of MUFON-CES, arguing that their approach is often ill-suited for analyzing subjective witness reports. The magazine highlights perceived flaws in MUFON-CES's analysis of cases like the Trans-en-Provence incident and the Belgian UFO flap.

Soviet UFO Phenomena

There is a brief mention of UFO phenomena in the Soviet Union, including a report about a broadcast on Soviet television that brought increased attention to the topic. The issue also references a photograph of an alleged alien, purportedly obtained by Marina Popovich, which is discussed with skepticism regarding its authenticity and presentation.

Personal Accounts and Skepticism

Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP presents two 'borderline' cases from Berlin that do not fit neatly into the UFO category, suggesting they might be psychological or visionary experiences rather than direct UFO encounters. The article also includes a letter from Luc Bürgin, who defends Johannes von Buttlar and criticizes the magazine's perceived bias against certain researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical roots of UFO beliefs, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, the interpretation of anomalous aerial phenomena, and the critical examination of claims within the UFO research community. CENAP maintains a skeptical yet open-minded approach, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding in fully explaining these phenomena. The editorial stance is critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, advocating for a more grounded and analytical approach to UFO research.