CENAP Report - No 188

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: 10.91 (Nr. 188)
Publisher: CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene)
Date: October 1991

This issue of CENAP REPORT delves into various aspects of unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on crop circles, UFO statistics, and paranormal claims originating from the Soviet Union. It also includes a critique of certain self-help and psychotherapeutic courses.

Crop Circles: The Mystical View and the Hoax

The cover prominently features crop circles, with the headline stating that mysterious crop circles have reappeared in Southern England. The issue dedicates significant space to this phenomenon, revealing that many of the intricate patterns were, in fact, the work of pranksters.

The Confession of the 'Artists':

Two British artists, Doug Bower (67) and David Chorley (62), confessed to creating crop circles for 13 years. They began in 1978, inspired by a story about UFO nests in Australia. Using simple tools like wooden planks and a wire-guided visor attached to a baseball cap, they created an average of 25-30 circles per year. They found amusement in the scientific and media frenzy that followed their creations, which fooled experts like Patrick Delgado, a renowned crop circle specialist. Their confession came about because the effort became too much for them. They claimed responsibility for circles appearing in locations like Hampshire and Wiltshire. While they admitted to being the 'artistic fathers' of many circles, they suggested that not all circles worldwide were their work, hinting at a possible 'international network of imitators'.

Expert Reactions and Skepticism:

Patrick Delgado, who had written best-selling books on crop circles, was taken aback by the confession, stating that "no human being" could produce such work, only to be confronted with the creators themselves. Colin Andrews, head of the Centre for the Study of Crop Circles, called the confession "clumsy" and suggested it was to be expected. Despite the confession, many scientists, including meteorologist Dr. Terence Meaden, maintained that crop circles were a natural phenomenon, possibly caused by wind vortices and electrically charged dust particles, and that the confession of two individuals did not explain all instances.

German Crop Circles:

The issue also reports on crop circles appearing in Germany, specifically in Hemmerich and near Neu-Lohn. A farmer in Hemmerich believed the circles were the work of pranksters. The 'Waldeckische Landeszeitung' reported on a 'UFO-delayed' phenomenon where individuals advertised materials to create crop circles, indicating a growing trend of imitation and pranks.

Media and Scientific Response:

The media's reaction to crop circles is highlighted, with publications like 'TEMPO' and 'Der Spiegel' covering the phenomenon. The article criticizes the sensationalism and the tendency to attribute these circles to extraterrestrial intelligence or mystical forces, contrasting it with the more rational explanations offered by some scientists. The 'New Age' movement's interpretation of crop circles as sites of mystical energy is also mentioned.

UFO Statistics in Germany

The First German UFO Statistics:

An article titled "Ufos über São Paulo: In Wahrheit waren es Wolkengebilde" presents the first German UFO statistics compiled by CENAP. Based on an analysis of 314 UFO reports from the past 15 years, the research aimed to demystify the phenomenon for the general public. The findings indicated that a significant portion of alleged UFO sightings were misidentifications:

• 33% were identified as stars or meteorites.
• 6% were identified as known aircraft (e.g., low-flying helicopters).
• 3% were identified as sky reflections from laser shows.
• 3% were identified as hallucinations.
• 6% were admitted pranks.
• 7% were categorized as 'other' (e.g., polar lights, rockets).
• 42% were identified as model or weather balloons.

Rudolf Henke, a CENAP researcher, presented this analysis, aiming to provide a more grounded understanding of UFO phenomena. However, the article criticizes the media, particularly 'STERN' magazine, for focusing solely on the numbers and failing to adequately explain the phenomenon with real case examples, thus perpetuating sensationalism.

UFOlogy in the Soviet Union

Paranormal Beliefs and 'Contactees':

The issue explores the prevalence of paranormal beliefs and UFO sightings in the Soviet Union, noting that political changes and economic problems seemed to fuel a rise in such phenomena. The article mentions psychic healers like Anatolij Kaspirowski and Allan Tschumak, and reports on individuals claiming contact with extraterrestrials. Alexej Prijma, head of the Moscow Center for the Study of Anomalous Contact Situations, is cited for his research into 'contactees' who allegedly travel to other planets and are being evacuated by aliens to escape a predicted global destruction in 2002.

Contrasting Approaches:

Soviet UFOlogy is contrasted with its Western counterpart. While Western UFOlogy is often characterized by a scientific-technocratic approach (e.g., MUFON, CUFOS), Soviet UFOlogy is described as more spiritual and occult, with leading figures readily employing dowsing rods to detect 'bioenergy'. The article notes the existence of numerous 'contact persons' in the Krasnodar region and elsewhere, who report prophecies of global catastrophe and increased earth temperatures.

'Pravda' Denies UFO Evidence:

The Soviet Communist Party newspaper 'Pravda' published an article debunking UFO claims, stating that no evidence of extraterrestrial visitors or their spacecraft had been found by the Soviet Academy of Sciences. The newspaper accused the Western 'bourgeois press' of sensationalizing weak UFO stories. It also addressed rumors of secret Soviet research into UFOs, with scientist Vladimir Migulin confirming the lack of evidence for alien spacecraft.

Challenges for Soviet UFO Researchers:

Private UFO researchers in Russia and satellite states face difficulties, as UFO investigation is often viewed with suspicion, akin to superstition or religious belief. Despite these challenges, an unofficial network of researchers collects and analyzes information, communicating via mail and telephone due to travel restrictions. The article notes that Soviet UFO researchers often lack awareness of military experiments in their own country and that many reported UFO cases published in the West might be fabrications.

Specific Cases Mentioned:

• The 'Raumbaby' case from the National Enquirer was allegedly fabricated.
• A case involving a 'bizarre beam' striking a forest worker was not confirmed by local UFOlogists.
• A sighting of a UFO emerging from the water involving the ship 'Vladimir Vobyrov' was confirmed, though disinformation was noted.
• An encounter in Kiev Hydropark with individuals claiming to be from another planet.
• An account of a woman taken to a city named Kuili on an artificial star.
• The observation of a 'code' in the sky over Salsk, predicting an event in 2002.

Critique of Psychotherapeutic Courses

An article based on a 'Stiftung Warentest' report criticizes psychotherapeutic courses such as 'Rebirthing' and 'psychic healing'. It warns that these courses can be dangerous for unstable individuals, potentially leading to psychological distress and even requiring psychiatric treatment. The report highlights that many techniques are self-created by instructors, and clients may lose rational control, becoming vulnerable to the course leader's influence. The article also touches upon privacy concerns, citing an example of a Tantra celebration where a participant list was provided, raising issues of data protection.

Astrowarning for November 1991

Rudolf Henke provides an astronomical forecast for November 1991, noting the receding conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, the appearance of Venus and Jupiter near the moon on specific dates, and the expected meteor showers (Leonids and Taurids). He also addresses rumors circulating about himself, clarifying his professional background as a biologist and his role (or lack thereof) in the CENAP REPORT's editorial team.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP REPORT consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards sensationalist claims, particularly regarding UFOs and crop circles. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence, rational analysis, and the debunking of hoaxes. There is a clear effort to ground the discussion in factual reporting and to challenge unsubstantiated beliefs. The magazine also highlights the role of media in shaping public perception and criticizes its tendency towards sensationalism. The critique of psychotherapeutic courses further reinforces this theme of caution against unverified claims and potentially harmful practices. The publication appears to align with a scientific and rational approach to investigating unexplained phenomena, while acknowledging the public's fascination with them.

This issue of 'Today' magazine, dated September 10, 1991, features a sensational cover story titled "Hoaxers come out in the open," revealing that the mysterious crop circles that had captivated the world were a deliberate prank.

The Great Crop Circle Hoax

The main exposé details how two British artists, Doug Bower and Dave Shorley, both in their mid-60s, successfully fooled UFO believers and serious scientists for 13 years by creating intricate patterns in cornfields. The article highlights the duping of renowned crop circle expert Patrick Delgado, who had written a bestseller on the phenomenon. Delgado's reaction is quoted as being "completely taken for a ride" and calling it a "huge hoax and a dirty trick."

The artists confessed their methods, which involved simple tools like a plank, rope, and a sighting device attached to a baseball cap. They demonstrated their technique in a field in Kent, much to the astonishment of the media and experts present. The article notes that even the Queen and Prince Philip had shown interest in the crop circles.

The Artists' Motivation and Methods

Doug Bower and Dave Shorley explained that the idea originated from a pub conversation in 1978. They initially created circles for fun, but after their work went unnoticed for three years, they decided to make them more visible to get into the newspapers. They chose locations near roads and were thrilled when their prank attracted media attention. They admitted to laughing heartily when they heard experts like Delgado discussing 'superior intelligence' behind the circles.

Their technique involved using a plank to flatten the stalks and a rope as a compass, ensuring precision. They also used a sighting device on a baseball cap to maintain accuracy. The article mentions that they had created over 200 crop circles since 1978.

Expert Reactions and Media Frenzy

Patrick Delgado, who had profited significantly from his books on crop circles, was particularly embarrassed. The article mentions that Japanese researchers had invested millions to investigate the phenomenon. British ministries and military units were also involved. The revelation caused a stir among thousands who believed in the mystery.

The 'Authenticity' Debate Continues

Despite the confession, some experts, like Dr. Terence Meaden, continued to assert that genuine crop circles exist, separate from the hoax. The article also touches upon the financial ruin of a top ticket agency, Keith Prowse, with debts of £10 million, affecting major events like the Rugby World Cup.

Other UFO and Paranormal Claims

Beyond the crop circle hoax, the magazine touches upon other related topics:

NATO Secret Report on Alien Surveillance

A section discusses a purported secret NATO report, 'The Assessment,' compiled in the early 1960s, which allegedly confirms that Earth has been under surveillance by extraterrestrial civilizations for years. The report is said to contain photos of alien creatures killed in UFO crashes and analyses of UFO metal. Robert Dean, a former NATO staff member, is credited with leaking this information.

Alleged UFO Incidents

• Several alleged UFO incidents are mentioned, including:
• A Danish farmer's encounter in 1963 aboard a UFO with gray creatures.
• A Turkish Air Force plane disappearing after being tracked by an unidentified craft in 1963.
• A UFO crash near Bremen, Germany, with British troops allegedly recovering alien bodies.

However, the article expresses skepticism about the veracity of these claims, suggesting they might be a mix of rumors and misinterpretations, possibly conflating them with known events like rocket debris falls.

'Kornkreise jetzt im ganzen Land' (Crop Circles Now Across the Country)

This section reports on the discovery of new crop circles in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, in July 1991. It notes that these were attributed to four Kiel law students who created them as a prank during their semester break, using a wooden beam, rope, and stilts to avoid leaving footprints. They even used a marine squadron's aerial photography to document their work.

'Irdische zogen Kornkreise' (Earthlings Created Crop Circles)

This article from 'DIE WELT' confirms that law students from Kiel were responsible for crop circles in Schleswig-Holstein. They revealed their methods, which involved simple tools and took about an hour to create a pictogram. They admitted to continuing the prank due to the media attention and the 'itch' to keep going, likening themselves to pyromaniacs.

'Keine Ufos und keine Studenten: Am Dünger lag's' (No UFOs and No Students: It Was the Fertilizer)

Another report from Neumünster suggests that some crop circle-like patterns were not the work of aliens or pranksters but were caused by improper fertilizer application, leading to unstable stalks. Landowner Hans Joachim Butenschön explained that insufficient spraying in spring could cause this effect.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is largely skeptical towards UFO phenomena and paranormal claims, particularly evident in its extensive coverage of the crop circle hoax. The editorial tone suggests a desire to debunk myths and expose hoaxes, contrasting the 'irrational nonsense' of occult beliefs with the perceived rationality of scientific inquiry. The magazine champions the idea that 'real' faith, like Christianity, does not require abandoning reason, unlike what it terms 'drug piety' or 'occult nonsense.' There's a clear emphasis on critical thinking and debunking sensational claims, even while acknowledging the public's fascination with mysteries. The crop circle story serves as a prime example of how easily people can be misled by elaborate pranks, and the magazine seems to take satisfaction in revealing the truth behind such phenomena.

Title: Blick in die Welt
Issue Date: Monday, August 19, 1991
Publisher: Saarbrücker Zeitung
Country: Germany
Language: German
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Articles

UFO Believers Subject to Skeptics in Court

This article, written by Bernd Harder, details the ongoing conflict between UFO enthusiasts and skeptical organizations, particularly focusing on a legal dispute. It highlights how many UFO believers, who once sought contact with 'little green men,' now engage in 'channeling'—a telepathic communication with 'higher beings.' Andreas Schneider, a prominent 'contactee' from Neu-Isenburg, who founded the 'New Age - Word Institute of Light,' offers 'channeling workshops' and 'UFO seminars' for fees starting at 200 DM.

In December 1990, during one such seminar in Frankfurt, Schneider was confronted by the skeptical organization CENAP (Centrale Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene). CENAP distributed a leaflet urging attendees to demand their money back from Schneider, calling him a fraud. Schneider, feeling attacked, sued CENAP at the Frankfurt District Court for defamation, seeking 75,000 DM in damages.

However, the 6th Civil Chamber of the court dismissed Schneider's case. The judges ruled that CENAP's statements were protected by the fundamental right to freedom of expression. They stated that such criticisms are to be expected when one engages in activities like those promoted by Schneider and presents them to the public.

The article frames this legal battle as the culmination of a 'mud-slinging match' between the pro-UFO faction and skeptics. It mentions an incident in March of the same year where someone associated with Michael Hesemann, a Munich-based UFO publisher, allegedly anonymously reported CENAP's chairman, Werner Walter, to his employer, accusing Walter of misusing his company's fax machine for 'character-assassinating campaigns.'

The text suggests that the pursuit of 'light and love,' a slogan of the UFO scene, is absent in these conflicts. The underlying reason is the lucrative market for UFO-related books, magazines, photos, and conferences, estimated to be worth several billion DM.

"Intimus der grünen Männchen" Can Be Called a "Swindler"

This section discusses a legal case involving an individual referred to as 'S.', who claimed to have extraordinary contacts with extraterrestrial beings. Despite his claims of communication with 'higher beings,' 'S.' faced accusations from a rival organization, the 'Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften e. V.' (Society for the Scientific Investigation of Parapsychology), of being a 'swindler' who would use any means to gain media attention.

'S.' was accused of defrauding a Koblenz composer by having a meditation cassette produced without paying the agreed-upon fee. When the angry scientists cited the famous author Erich von Däniken, who allegedly fell for 'S.'s' claims, 'S.' decided to take legal action. He filed a lawsuit for defamation, seeking to prevent the society from calling him a 'swindler.'

The district court rejected his defamation claim. The 6th Civil Chamber, in its ruling on August 23, 1991, stated that while the accusation of 'swindling' in connection with the composer might not be justified, 'S.' himself had previously claimed in a newspaper interview that the members of the society were 'swindlers.' Therefore, after such a remark, 'S.' had to accept sharp and derogatory criticism of himself.

Major Shuns Poll Taunts

This is a brief news item about British politics, stating that Prime Minister John Major refused to be goaded by Labour leader Neil Kinnock into calling a General Election. Major was reportedly ahead in opinion polls and determined to see through his European policy.

Men Who Conned the World

This article reveals that the mysterious corn circles, which have baffled scientists worldwide, were created by two artists, Doug Bower and David Chorley, over a 13-year period. They admitted to staging the elaborate patterns in fields, which led to a multi-million dollar industry and numerous investigations by governments and farming organizations. The artists expressed regret for the potential distress their hoax might cause to those who believed in extraterrestrial origins.

RTL Broadcast "Explosiv" on Corn Circles

A letter to the editor by Margot Mayer expresses disbelief at the unpreparedness of 'experts' on an RTL broadcast called "Explosiv" discussing corn circles. She notes that, apart from Mr. von Buttlar, seemingly none of the other 'experts' had seen the circles or even visual material of them, questioning the quality of the discussion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical stance towards UFO phenomena and claims of extraterrestrial contact, as evidenced by its coverage of the court case against Andreas Schneider and the debunking of the corn circle hoax. It highlights the financial motivations behind the UFO industry and criticizes the lack of critical inquiry among some proponents. The editorial stance seems to favor rational investigation and evidence-based conclusions over unsubstantiated claims, positioning itself as a voice of reason against what it perceives as gullibility and deception within the UFO community.