CENAP Report - No 193

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated March 1992 (Nr. 193, Vol. 5), with the cover headline '1992: Das Jahr der Geheimnisse' (1992: The Year of Secrets), is published by CENAP, a German research network for extraordinary sky phenomena, and is a member of the GWUP.

Editorial and Main Articles

The editorial, titled 'Das Jahr der Geheimnislüftung...' (The Year of Unveiling Secrets...), sets the tone for the issue, promising to shed light on UFO mysteries. It introduces the cover image featuring a UFO and a jet fighter, and mentions the publication of a book by Dr. Marina Popowich, 'UFO-Glasnost'. The magazine highlights its continued expansion due to reader donations.

Phobos 2 & Marina Popovich's UFO?

This section discusses the 'Mars-Moon-Phobos-UFO' image circulated by Dr. M. Popowich. The article expresses skepticism about the dramatic interpretation of the image, suggesting it shows little and questioning the effort to create a sensational UFO case from it.

Letter from G. Rumpf

A letter from UFO reporter Herr G. Rumpf from Rostock describes an observation from the summer of 1990: an object seen in broad daylight that was neither a party balloon nor a homemade craft. The propulsion and speed were puzzling, especially in complete stillness. Rumpf does not claim it was extraterrestrial but notes its unusual nature.

Soviet Military Review & UFO-Glasnost

This section reflects on the USSR's transition and the role of 'superstition' as a coping mechanism. It references Marina Popowich's book 'UFO-Glasnost: Ein Geheimnis wird enthüllt' (A Secret is Revealed), which was previously reviewed. The article notes that the book explores various UFO-related events and phenomena within the Soviet context.

Children's Impressions of UFOs

An illustration shows children's drawings of aliens, described as 'creatures from the cosmos' that were allegedly seen in the well-known Voronezh UFO landing story from 1989. This event is credited with increasing global interest in Soviet UFO incidents.

Analysis of Marina Popowich's 'UFO-Glasnost'

This extensive analysis critiques Popowich's book, which costs 44 DM. It examines the book's portrayal of contemporary alien beliefs in the Soviet Union, linking them to the country's strict everyday life and environmental issues. The author notes the influence of ecological awareness on Soviet ufologists and 'contactees'. The book is seen as a reflection of societal discontent and a hope for a better future, not in space, but on Earth.

#### Chapter 6: UFOs - Their Unusual Diversity and Traces

Popowich describes common perceptions of aliens as humanoids in silver suits. The article also touches upon 'biorobots' with large heads and eyes. It mentions photographs of living and deceased extraterrestrials in possession of international UFO commissions, including a death mask of a crashed alien, reportedly authenticated. The author acknowledges that many people, including scientists, believe these phenomena are real.

#### Critique of Soviet UFO Research and PSI Phenomena

The article criticizes the reliance on PSI-abled individuals and the scientific definition of such phenomena in the Soviet Union. It suggests that decades of suppression in the USSR hindered critical thinking, and the new freedom is challenging. The author points out that the book overemphasizes PSI research, giving it undue weight, possibly due to a lack of understanding of Western approaches.

#### 'Higher Intelligence from All' in the USSR

The article mentions reports from Bashkiria about a 17-year-old girl named Lisa K. who supposedly possesses knowledge of numerous inhabited worlds and their civilizations' development, including ways to overcome cosmic entropy. The author expresses skepticism, comparing her to Einstein and questioning the credibility of such claims.

#### UFO Crashes and Landing Sites

The issue discusses alleged UFO crashes, including one in Karlien in 1960 where a UFO crashed on a frozen lake. It also details methods used to investigate UFO landing sites, involving dowsing rods and 'biolocation' techniques. The article questions the scientific validity of these methods and the interpretation of findings, such as the correlation of landing sites with Earth's energy grid.

#### 'The Phenomenon of the UFO' and its Interpretation

The article delves into the philosophical aspects of UFOs, suggesting they might be six-dimensional. It discusses the possibility of information transfer from such dimensions, referencing the Bulgarian clairvoyant Wanga. The author also touches upon the predictive abilities of science fiction writers like Jules Verne.

#### UFOs and the Soviet System

The article notes that the Soviet Union's defense ministry allegedly possesses material samples from UFOs, but these archives remain closed despite Glasnost. It suggests that little fundamentally new has been added to the UFO saga in recent years, and books like Popowich's offer little beyond sociological insights.

1992 - Year of Ufological Mysteries

CENAP announces a new brochure, 'UFOs: Hinter verschlossenen Türen!' (UFOs: Behind Closed Doors!), which promises insights into the world of UFO fascination, government and military involvement, and secret documents from the archives of American intelligence agencies. This brochure is presented as the start of a trilogy.

CENAP Video Tip: 2001 ZEICHEN IM KORN

This section reviews a VHS video by John Mcnish and Jürgen Krönig titled '2001 Signs in the Corn'. The 36-minute film documents the development of crop circles over three years, including spectacular formations in England, and also features footage of unidentified flying objects. The review praises the film's high-quality aerial photography and its ability to provide a new perspective on crop circles, while also noting that the accompanying commentary might be too speculative for critical viewers.

Book Review: Ulrich Magin - Von UFOs entführt (Abducted by UFOs)

This review discusses Ulrich Magin's book, which focuses on alleged alien abductions (Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind). The reviewer criticizes the book for relying heavily on second-hand accounts from the USA, where abduction paranoia is prevalent. Magin is described as a 'source researcher' who views the topic 'folkloristically' rather than seeking objective truth. The reviewer finds the book lacks concrete case details, making it difficult for readers to form their own opinions. Magin's attempts to link abduction experiences with shamanic rites, near-death experiences, and Marian apparitions are questioned, with the reviewer suggesting that many cases might be explained by hoaxes or psychological factors. The reviewer notes Magin's skepticism towards the existence of UFOs but acknowledges the reality of the abductees' experiences.

Source Criticism in UFO Research

Rudolf Henke of CENAP-Sandhausen writes about the importance of 'source criticism' in UFO research, a concept he finds is still foreign to many. He argues that the field is rife with disinformation and that researchers should always seek original sources rather than relying on secondary accounts. Henke illustrates this point with an example of a story about a missing farmer named Hans Bouchmann, which was distorted through multiple retellings by authors like W. Raab and Ulrich Magin, obscuring the original details and leading to a misinterpretation of the event.

UFOs in Victoria, Argentina

This detailed report describes a series of UFO sightings in the town of Victoria, Argentina, starting in late July 1991. Residents reported seeing shape-shifting, color-changing lights that moved erratically, sometimes at high speeds. The report includes accounts from a traffic policeman, Judith Gonzalez Reviriego, and other witnesses. Physical traces, described as rectangular imprints forming equilateral triangles, were found in fields. The article also mentions the involvement of UFO journalists and the local media in documenting these events.

'Be-Fehlübermittlung' (Miscommunication)

A humorous illustration depicts a message being distorted as it passes through several levels of command, from an Oberst (Colonel) to soldiers, highlighting the potential for errors in communication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena, the critical analysis of UFO reports and research methods, and the importance of verifying information from original sources. The magazine adopts a critical yet open stance towards UFO reports, encouraging readers to engage in their own research and to question sensationalized accounts. There is a particular focus on UFO events in the Soviet Union and Argentina, as well as a critique of the methods and interpretations prevalent in the field of ufology, especially concerning PSI phenomena and abduction claims. The editorial stance emphasizes the need for rigorous research and a skeptical approach to extraordinary claims, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unknown.

This issue of the MUFON UFO Journal, dated October 1991, delves into a variety of UFO-related topics, with a strong focus on crop circles, the enduring mystery of the Roswell incident, and numerous witness sightings. The publication, from the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), aims to present findings and discussions within the field of UFOlogy.

Astrowarning for March 1992

Rudolf Henke of CENAP-HD provides an astronomical forecast for March 1992. Jupiter is highlighted as a prominent planetary stimulus accompanying skywatchers throughout the month, with its brightness steadily decreasing towards the end of March. While three meteor showers are noted, no particularly striking objects are expected. The section also includes a celestial chart for March 17th, showing Jupiter in proximity to the Moon.

The Secret of the Circles and Rings

This section, authored by Hansjürgen Köhler, discusses the phenomenon of crop circles and rings, referencing a video tip and noting that the topic has reportedly diminished in interest within UFOlogy publications in England. It recounts a specific incident from January 7, 1990, near Merefa, Ukraine, where a witness, A.E. Vorontsov, observed a disc-shaped object, approximately 25 meters in diameter and 5-6 meters high, hovering over the frozen Mzha River. The object, described as greyish-blue on the underside and orange-red on the rest of its body, had a pulsating base. After about 10 minutes, it ascended vertically and flew away. A large piece of ice sank where the object had been. The report mentions that Dr. Pyotr I. Kutnyuk, a member of a UFO study group in Kharkov, investigated the incident.

The Summer 1991 Crop Circles

By Michael Chorost, this article presents a summary of a 70-page report funded by the Fund for UFO Research concerning the 1991 crop circle season. It features microscopic photographs of plant cells from crop circles, comparing them to control samples. Dr. W.C. Levengood, a biophysicist, is cited as finding that crop circle stalks had significantly larger growth nodes than control samples, suggesting the influence of an energy source, possibly heat, causing cell walls to expand. The anomaly was observed primarily during the early summer. The article notes that MUFON emphasizes this swelling was only observed during the early summer and not later, suggesting a short-term effect, possibly from microwave radiation, heating the water within the cells.

Pensacola UFO Photographed

This report from the MUFON UFO Journal details an incident on June 20, 1991, near the Pensacola Bay Bridge, Florida. Fourteen people, including MUFON field investigators, observed a brilliant light that appeared in the east. Art Hufford, president of the Pensacola MUFON group, managed to photograph the object before it turned red and disappeared. A similar light appeared about two minutes later, closer and brighter, and was photographed again. The witness described the object as a 'small light ball' and noted the absence of sound. The photos are presented as enlargements of three images, with a caution that the shaky nature of the shots makes interpreting structures difficult. The article mentions that the source of the light remains unidentified and that approximately 70 sightings had been reported in the area by the time of the photos.

The Roswell Incident: Challenge of the Century

This section revisits the Roswell incident, calling it the 'greatest mystery of our time'. It discusses the ongoing research and the emergence of new information, including a book on the UFO crash at Roswell. Philip J. Klass's article in SUN #13 is mentioned, which casts doubt on the testimony of Gerald Anderson, a witness who came forward 44 years after the event. Anderson's estranged wife reportedly stated that her husband never mentioned the incident before. Klass also questions the timing of Anderson's testimony, which emerged after the TV dramatization of the Roswell crash. The article highlights the conflicting views among Roswell researchers like Kevin Randle, Don Schmitt, Stanton Friedman, and Don Berliner. A group led by Walter G. Haut is seeking support to establish an 'International UFO Research Center and Museum in Roswell'. New activities in Roswell are also noted, including the designation of a 'UFO Day' to promote the town as a tourist destination.

Criticism of the Recently Sighted UFOs in and near Gulf Breeze

This article critically examines the Gulf Breeze UFO sightings, referencing an article in Philip J. Klass's 'Skeptics UFO-Newsletter'. Bruce Maccabee, who previously validated the Ed Walters UFO stories and photos, is quoted as being impressed by the 'red-light UFO' sightings but dismisses the possibility of them being balloons with signal lights. Klass suggests that some of these 'red-light UFOs' were indeed balloons, and even a 'green-light UFO' turned out to be a plastic chemical light. Klass also points out the similarity of these 'lights' to commercially available road flares. The article details Maccabee's personal investigation in Gulf Breeze, where he observed a 'small light ball' that disappeared after 71 seconds. Klass expresses skepticism about the UFOlogy field, suggesting that many researchers focus only on 'authentic UFOs' and ignore potential misidentifications (IFOs).

New Analyses in the Case of the Walters UFO Photos

William G. Hyzer, an optics specialist and former Polaroid photo expert, has analyzed the Walters UFO photos and suspects they are multiple exposures, possibly achieved through trick photography. Jerry Black, a MUFON member, requested this independent investigation. Hyzer noted that the backgrounds of the photos appeared blurred, suggesting camera movement, while the UFOs themselves remained sharp, which he deemed technically improbable. The article notes that Walt Andrus of MUFON HQ dismissed Hyzer's analysis as 'incomplete'. The controversy surrounding the Ed Walters case is highlighted, with the article suggesting that MUFON's support for the Walters story boosted its subscription numbers, while CUFOS's distancing from it led to a decline.

Mass Abductions in Gulf Breeze

This report mentions a letter from Donald M. Ware, MUFON's Regional Investigator for the Walters case, claiming to know '60 people who were on board UFOs' and 'various people who have regular contact with their assumed occupants'. Ware suggests that extraterrestrials (ETs) wanted witness Walters to take good photos of their spacecraft to convince people of their existence. Klass points out that despite numerous UFO sightings and photos, no one has yet produced evidence of a physical UFO.

Followed by a UFO?

This section discusses a mysterious object, designated 1991 VG, discovered by astronomers. Bjørn Franck Jørgensen of the Tycho Brahe Planetarium in Copenhagen describes the object as exhibiting strong light variations and behaving in an unusual manner. Calculations placed the object outside the Moon's orbit on December 5th. The ESO Observatory in Chile attempted to track the object with its large telescopes, but the rapid movement and difficulty in obtaining clear images led to disappointment. The object was eventually lost from view. The article questions whether it could be a burnt-out rocket casing and concludes that its identity remains unknown.

UFO Sightings

This section compiles several UFO sighting reports. One report from Joachim Schreiber describes an observation made between 1948 and 1950 near Ludwigshafen, Germany, of a large, silent, disc-shaped object with lights, described as geometric in shape with a semi-circle at the front and a trapezoid at the rear, emitting a dark red glowing color. Another report from Peter Krautloher details an observation in 1987 of a flickering, white, self-luminous object moving in a quarter-circular path. The article classifies both as 'Near-IFO' (Near-Identified Flying Object), suggesting possible explanations like balloons or aircraft.

UFOs in East Germany

This article presents UFO sighting reports from East Germany, collected following an appeal by W. Walter. One report from a farmer's wife in Lalchow describes an event in September 1974 involving a hovering, disc-shaped object with lights, and a humanoid figure with unusual features. The witness also reported seeing other beings inside the craft. The object was described as 'about 5 meters large' and emitting 'white glowing points'. The witness's drawing of the object is presented, noted for its unusual, Delta-wing-like shape. The article expresses difficulty in fully evaluating the case due to the witness's request for confidentiality and the passage of time.

UFO CONFERENCE

This section features a cartoon depicting a UFO crash and a conversation about 'aliens' and 'women'. It also includes a brief mention of a UFO conference and a panel of experts discussing the possibility of contact with extraterrestrial beings. The article 'The Aliens Are Coming!' from Praline magazine is summarized, suggesting that UFO sightings are increasing and that scientists predict imminent contact with extraterrestrials. It recounts an alleged experience of two workers being taken aboard a UFO. The article also touches upon the political implications of UFOs in the US, with President Bush reportedly ordering a review of the Star Wars program in relation to UFOs. The Fox TV documentary 'UFO Cover Up: Sightings' is criticized for its lack of skepticism and reliance on unproven claims.

Roswell Congressional Inquiry

This report discusses the efforts of the Fund for UFO Research to present evidence of the Roswell incident to Congress. A video featuring testimonies from over a dozen witnesses was submitted to the Senate Government Affairs Subcommittee on Investigations. However, the response from the subcommittee was reportedly unconvincing, with Bruce S. Maccabee of FUFOR stating they were 'not convinced' and requesting further developments.

Cloudy UFOs...

This short piece critiques the use of a particular cloud photograph in various UFO-related publications. The author argues that the photo, while visually appealing, has been misrepresented as depicting a UFO and that it has been overused, particularly in relation to asteroid reports and general UFO discussions. The article suggests that the image has little to do with actual UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the analysis of physical evidence related to UFOs (such as crop circle stalk anomalies), and the critical examination of witness testimonies and research methodologies. There is a clear emphasis on presenting both evidence and skepticism, with articles often questioning the validity of claims or offering alternative explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, acknowledging the persistent nature of UFO reports while demanding rigorous evidence and scientific scrutiny. The journal also highlights the ongoing debates and divisions within the UFO research community itself, particularly concerning the Roswell incident and the interpretation of photographic evidence.