CENAP Report - No 189

Magazine Overview

This issue of the CENAP REPORT, dated 11.91 (cover date) and published on January 21, 1992, is from the Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene (CENAP), a German organization dedicated to the study of unusual aerial phenomena. The magazine is edited by Werner Walter and Hans-Jürgen Köhler is responsible for distribution. It is a member of the Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftl. Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften (GWUP) and was recommended by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior as a contact point for UFO reports in 1986. The price for a single issue is DM 5, and an annual subscription is DM 50. The issue's cover headline is 'UFO über BAB'.

Editorial and Main Articles

The editorial, titled 'LÜGEN, NICHTS ALS LÜGEN?' (Lies, Nothing But Lies?) by Werner Walter, addresses the public perception of UFOs as mere trickery and deception. Walter argues that while deliberate hoaxes exist, they do not define the entirety of the UFO phenomenon. He critiques the tendency for alleged 'evidence' of extraterrestrial activity to be exposed as elaborate deceptions, often serving as a 'rescue maneuver for an untenable hypothesis.' The article references a study from the University of San Francisco suggesting that most people, including professionals, can be deceived, and provides tips on identifying liars based on body language and speech patterns.

The main focus of the editorial is an analysis of an article from the International UFO Reporter (IUR), specifically Jerome Clark's editorial 'Hohe Einsätze' (High Stakes). Clark highlights the significant impact of hoaxes on the UFO field, even if they constitute a small percentage of reports. He specifically names George Adamski and other prominent 1950s contactees as liars regarding their encounters with aliens and their fabricated evidence. Clark also dismisses the widely publicized Roswell incident as not belonging to the category of undeniable proof, and criticizes stories like Frank Scully's about UFO crashes in Aztec, New Mexico, and Alex Hamilton's 1897 cattle-napping experience.

Jerome Clark is presented as a key figure in debunking UFO claims. The article discusses his critique of the MJ-12 documents and the Gulf Breeze photographs, both of which he suspects of being fraudulent. Clark points out that the Gulf Breeze case, despite its sensational features and publication in renowned German publishing houses, was ultimately revealed as a fraud. He warns that even reports from respected citizens can contain elements of deception.

Clark's analysis extends to the MJ-12 papers, which he considers a significant hoax. He suggests that the 'Majestic 12' group likely never existed and that the debate surrounding it is largely superfluous. He posits that the true mystery lies in the identity and motives of the hoaxer, possibly involving a disinformation campaign by military intelligence.

The magazine also delves into the Roswell incident, presenting conflicting accounts from various researchers like Stanton T. Friedman, William L. Moore, Kevin Randle, and Don Schmitt. These accounts differ on the number of crashed UFOs, the number of alien bodies recovered, and the details of the event, highlighting the fragmented and often contradictory nature of the information surrounding the incident.

Alien Abductions and Psychological Aspects

The issue addresses the topic of alien abductions, with a section dedicated to Whitley Strieber's 'Communion Letter.' Strieber expresses his disillusionment with the UFO community, describing them as 'terribly mean, nasty, and crazy people' whose interpretations of alien experiences are nonsensical and products of hypnosis and cultural conditioning. He criticizes the media and the UFO community for hindering progress in understanding the phenomenon.

Strieber suggests that alien encounters are a 'much deeper and subtler matter' than commonly perceived, involving a 'much deeper and subtler matter.' He notes that while many experiences are reported, only a few align with the typical 'abduction experience' as defined by the UFO community. He also warns against the influence of New Age groups and the potential for 'contamination' of abduction reports with channeled messages.

Dr. Michael D. Swords, David Jacobs, and Budd Hopkins are mentioned in the context of abduction research. Swords, a biochemist, discusses the possibility of aliens genetically manipulating humans, but dismisses the idea of interbreeding between humans and apes due to genetic differences, suggesting that cross-species breeding with aliens would be even less likely.

David Jacobs' research on abduction experiences is also featured. He acknowledges that hypnosis is not a 'magical road to truth' and that distinguishing between reality and imagination is challenging. Jacobs' work suggests that deviations from the typical 'little grey alien' description might indicate fantasy, and that logical alien behavior or too many ETs involved could be suspicious.

Project Aquarius and Government Secrecy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the alleged Project Aquarius documents, which detail supposed government programs related to UFOs and extraterrestrials. The documents suggest the existence of secret projects like Grudge, Sign, Blue Book, Gleam, Sigma, and Pounce, all aimed at studying UFOs and alien technology. The report claims that the US military recovered alien spacecraft and bodies as early as 1947 and 1949, and that these projects were under the control of MJ-12.

The magazine presents a summary of the Project Aquarius 'document,' which claims that only MJ-12 members had access to it and that it detailed the recovery of alien craft and beings. It mentions the alleged crash of an extraterrestrial craft in the New Mexico desert in 1947 and another in 1949, with one alien surviving and identifying itself as an EBE (Extraterrestrial Biological Entity) from the Zeta Reticuli star system.

The issue also discusses the Jindivik Mark I, a remotely piloted vehicle developed in England, and questions whether a 1952 sighting by RAF personnel near Topcliffe was actually a secret test flight of this aircraft rather than a UFO.

International UFOlogy

The magazine touches upon the state of UFOlogy in England, describing it as a country with a rich tradition of UFO research and debate, comparable to France and Italy in its engagement with the phenomenon. It mentions Timothy Good's book 'Alien Liaison' and his assertion that the US government is researching alien spacecraft and bodies, citing Bob Lazar and other sources.

Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT are the prevalence of hoaxes and deception within the UFO field, the alleged government secrecy and cover-up surrounding UFO phenomena, and the psychological and sociological aspects of belief in UFOs and alien encounters. The editorial stance is clearly critical and skeptical, aiming to debunk sensational claims and encourage a more rational and evidence-based approach to UFO research. The magazine positions itself as a source of 'real research' for those seeking an 'insight into the big picture of the UFO phenomenon,' contrasting itself with sensationalist publications and professional 'literature products' that cater to public naivety.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP REPORT strongly emphasizes the theme of deception and hoaxes within the UFO community. It critiques the sensationalism surrounding alleged UFO evidence, such as the MJ-12 documents and the Gulf Breeze photographs, and highlights the role of skepticism in discerning truth from fabrication. The magazine also explores the psychological dimensions of belief, particularly in the context of alien abduction claims, suggesting that personal desires and subconscious influences can shape perceptions. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, aiming to expose fraudulent claims and encourage a more rigorous and evidence-based approach to UFO research. The publication positions itself as a platform for serious researchers seeking to understand the UFO phenomenon beyond sensationalism and public myth-making.

This issue of QUEST magazine, identified as issue 115 and dated September 1985, delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena, primarily from a German perspective but referencing international cases. The publication appears to be a German-language magazine focused on ufology and unexplained phenomena.

Key Articles and Features

The Rocket-Like Object Incident

The issue opens with an account of a pilot's report of a "rocket-like object" that could not be identified by the Ministry of Defence. Investigators initially considered optical illusions but radar recordings indicated a faint trace shortly after the sighting. An aviation controller noted that the MoD usually informs them of high-altitude operations, but no such notification was given for this incident. A defense ministry spokesperson denied any military operations at the time. The article draws parallels to past incidents, including the disappearance of an Italian DC-9 in 1980, an encounter with a mysterious object by another Italian DC-9 in 1982, a suspected rocket encounter by an Aer Lingus Viscount in 1968, and fragments found by fishermen in 1974.

The Solar Balloon Hypothesis

An alternative explanation offered for the incident is that the crew might have mistaken a balloon for a rocket. The article references a previous case from 'BILD' magazine in September 1985 concerning a Greek Olympic Airways flight where a similar object was seen. This object was later identified as a "Solar-UFO," a type of toy balloon. The magazine suggests this could also be the explanation for the English case, noting the similarity in descriptions and the potential for confusion between a hovering balloon and the perceived movement of a rocket.

UFOs and Military Aircraft

The issue includes a section discussing the Ministry of Defence's denial of any British missile or rocket launch being responsible for a sighting. However, it notes that no denial was made regarding an apparent USAF ground-to-air or air-to-air missile, similar to the one shown in an accompanying image (a USAF F-4 carrying a Texas Instruments AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missile).

UFO Research Organizations and Publications

The magazine highlights the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) and its magazine, "UFO Times." It mentions Jenny Randles as a professional ufologist associated with the group. The article also discusses the growth of BUFORA as a registered society with a full-time job in administration, driven by new market strategies and PR efforts like "UFOCALL."

The MJ-12 Controversy

An editorial in "UFO Times" addresses the separation between American UFOlogy and European socio-psychological research, with the headline "Too Many MJ-12s." Mike Wootten expresses surprise at the continued focus on MJ-12 and Roswell in American UFO magazines, questioning the lack of technological advancement if alien spacecraft were indeed recovered. He suggests that the persistence of these myths is driven by a desire to keep the UFO topic alive, even with fabricated evidence.

The Peter Day Film Case

This section details the "Peter Day film" from January 11, 1973, which shows a glowing object. The article suggests that an F-111 military aircraft experiencing engine trouble and dumping fuel might be the explanation. It describes the aircraft's route and the circumstances of its crash, noting that the fuel dump and subsequent ignition could have created the visual effect seen in the film.

Crop Circles

The issue briefly mentions crop circles, noting that before David Chorley and Doug Bower claimed responsibility, BUFORA reported on new groups creating crop circle graffiti. The year 1991 is referred to as the "year of the tricksters."

UFOs in Germany: CENAP's Findings

An interview with Werner Walter, head of CENAP (Centrales Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene), reveals that most alleged UFO sightings in Germany are actually small hot-air balloons. CENAP's research, spanning 1300 cases worldwide, indicates that the majority of UFOs are man-made. Approximately 30% of reported sightings are attributed to miniature hot-air balloons, 21% to bright planets, and 10% to meteorites. Only 1.6% of cases remain unexplained.

The "Ummo" Case

A report discusses the claims of French astrophysicist Jean-Pierre Petit regarding extraterrestrials from the planet Ummo who allegedly landed in France in 1950. Petit bases his findings on hundreds of letters and documents purportedly from the Ummites. The article notes the aliens' human-like appearance and their alleged study of human behavior.

UFOs Over Mainz

A local news report from Mainz describes a traffic chaos caused by a SAT 1 television station's laser show and fireworks. Some residents, mistaking the lights for UFOs or signs of war, alerted the police. The article clarifies that the event was a promotional activity for the opening of SAT 1's broadcasting center.

UFOs and Esotericism

A study on the "New Age" concept reveals that esotericism appeals more to women, with 61% of those interested being female. While some associate New Age with positive concepts like self-discovery, critics link it to a retreat from rationality and religion. The study also notes that men with technical professions tend to be more critical.

The "Flying Saucer" and Scientific Skepticism

The magazine touches upon the long-standing debate about flying saucers and the lack of concrete evidence for their existence. It highlights the scientific community's skepticism, pointing to the vast distances between stars and the numerous conditions required for life to develop elsewhere in the universe.

Hans van Kampen's Research

The issue features an introduction to Hans van Kampen, a Dutch UFO researcher with 25 years of experience. His work in Holland involved investigating approximately 10,000 UFO reports, with 95% being identified as misinterpretations. He emphasizes the complexity of the UFO phenomenon, suggesting it requires a multidisciplinary approach beyond traditional scientific methods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the public's fascination and the existence of unexplained cases, it frequently explores rational explanations, misidentifications, and potential hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific and evidence-based approach, often contrasting it with more sensationalist or speculative aspects of ufology. There is a recurring theme of debunking and providing logical explanations for sightings, while still leaving room for the possibility of genuine mysteries.

This issue of the CENAP REPORT, dated December 1991, focuses on UFO research and investigations, particularly within Germany and the Netherlands. The magazine, published by CENAP, aims to provide a critical and scientific perspective on the UFO phenomenon, often debunking sensationalist claims and media hype.

Key Articles and Themes

The "UFO" Was Just an Old Hot Water Bottle

Werner Walter of CENAP presented findings from 15 years of UFO research in Germany, analyzing 230 cases. He highlighted that a significant portion of reported UFOs are misidentifications of natural phenomena (planets, meteors, atmospheric conditions) or man-made objects (weather balloons, searchlights, even household items like billiard table lamps or hot water bottles). The article criticizes the media and sensationalist authors like Erich von Däniken and Charles Berlitz for perpetuating UFO myths. Walter also discussed how media outlets often use the same images repeatedly, even when their explanations have been debunked.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The report details several specific UFO sightings and investigations:

• Leiden, Netherlands (February 1991): A woman reported a black disc with small spheres. The article suggests such reports might be influenced by psychological factors.
• Nijmegen, Netherlands (November 5, 1990): A couple observed a white object with an orange tail. This sighting was later linked to the launch of a Russian rocket stage.
• Mannheim, Germany (September 14/15, 1991): A newspaper reported a 'light cannon' incident, which Walter identified as a searchlight, possibly from a US Army base party.
• Mannheim-Friedrichsfeld, Germany (October 1, 1990): A witness reported an object with orange lights in a forest, potentially related to a party at a nearby US Army barracks.
• Germany/Austria Border (June 1978): A witness described an object that appeared as a chimney, then hovered and moved vertically and horizontally before disappearing. The witness's father, who was driving, claimed not to have seen it, leading to speculation about the reliability of the report.

The Role of Media and Skepticism

Several articles emphasize the critical role of CENAP and similar organizations in providing a skeptical and scientific counterpoint to the often sensationalized UFO reports in the media. The magazine criticizes the tendency of some publications to promote unverified claims for commercial gain. The