CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated June 1992 (Volume 196, Issue 6/92), is published by CENAP, a German organization dedicated to the study of unusual aerial phenomena. The cover headline, 'Der UFO-Beweis vor Gericht !' (The UFO Evidence in Court!), sets the tone for a discussion on the legal and evidential challenges surrounding UFOs. The magazine features articles exploring the nature of UFO evidence, government cover-ups, and the evolving landscape of UFOlogy.

CENAP-Kopierservice

The magazine announces a copy service for articles from out-of-print CENAP REPORT issues, available at cost price plus postage and packaging. Inquiries can be directed to R. Henke.

News Briefs

• Chinese UFO Research: Nearly 200 Chinese UFO researchers gathered in Beijing to share experiences. The Chinese UFO Research Society reported breakthroughs, explaining 'flying saucers' as ball lightning, superconductivity, and space travel fuel. China has registered around 5000 'encounters' with 'unidentified flying objects' since 1978.
• UFOs are Hot Air: According to the Society for the Scientific Investigation of Parascientific Phenomena, most UFOs seen over Germany are merely small gas balloons.
• Own UFO Landing Site: A Hungarian patron is financing a UFO landing site at one of Budapest's airports.

"No UFO – Finger Pointing of God" (Marbach)

This article details a local event in Marbach where the city administration claimed to have witnessed a UFO landing. The Autonomous Center Marbach (AZ) offered a satirical interpretation, suggesting it was a 'finger pointing of God' or the Holy Spirit intended to correct the local council's decision. The AZ also distanced itself from occultism and parapsychology. The article humorously describes the event and the AZ's unique take on it.

"UFOlogy: A Pop-Culture?"

This section critically examines the current state of UFOlogy, lamenting its degeneration into a pop-culture phenomenon. The author argues that serious UFO research is being overshadowed by sensationalism, esotericism, and New Age beliefs. The article points to the proliferation of UFO conferences and media coverage that prioritize entertainment over factual investigation. It contrasts the early days of UFOlogy, when researchers sought scientific understanding, with its current state, where it's often conflated with pseudoscience and commercialized for profit. The author expresses concern that this trend alienates genuine witnesses and hinders the pursuit of truth.

Virgil Armstrong Interview

An interview with Virgil Armstrong, a 69-year-old American UFOlogist and former US intelligence officer, who claims to have been present at the recovery of a UFO in New Mexico in 1948. He describes the craft as disc-shaped, 34 meters in diameter, and four meters high. He also details the appearance of the deceased alien crew, who were small, humanoid beings with large heads and eyes. Armstrong alleges that the US government has kept this craft and its occupants secret and may have reverse-engineered the technology, potentially enabling early space missions. He criticizes scientists who dismiss such claims due to a lack of information and advocates for official recognition of extraterrestrial civilizations.

UFO Congress in the UFA-Fabrik, Berlin

An announcement for the "Communication in the Cosmos" UFO Congress held in Berlin from April 16-20, 1992, featuring speakers like Virgil Armstrong, Fred Ball, and Anthony Dodd, with various thematic lectures and workshops.

"UFOs, Aliens, Interstellar Worlds"

This section discusses the role of science fiction in the GDR (East Germany) and how it served as an outlet for real-world problems. It then transitions to the current state of UFOlogy, noting the loss of central organizational structures after the collapse of UFO NACHRICHTEN. The article laments the shift of publications like ESOTERA and DAS NEUE ZEITALTER away from serious UFO coverage towards more sensational topics.

The Trail to Roswell

The article revisits the Roswell crash incident, questioning the lack of official documentation from the USAF. It notes that CAUS (a UFO research organization) is distancing itself from the Roswell case. The author suggests that the lack of substantial evidence makes it difficult to prove the case in court.

ET-BEWEIS VOR GERICHT (ET Evidence in Court)

This section explores the hypothetical scenario of UFO evidence being presented in court. It discusses the challenge of providing irrefutable proof, with author Barry Taff stating that despite decades of research, there is a lack of physical evidence that would convince a jury. The article mentions Leonard Stringfield's papers on crash retrievals and alleged insider information from a secret NATO paper about different alien civilizations and their use of exotic materials. It also touches upon a disturbing alleged encounter during the Vietnam War involving US soldiers and aliens.

UFOs On Trial: Witnesses Must 'Do The Right Thing'

This article discusses the difficulty of proving UFO claims in court, referencing a rejected lawsuit against the US Air Force regarding alleged alien bodies. It highlights the role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs, noting how films and TV shows have integrated the concept of aliens into society. The author argues that governments may be withholding information to prevent mass panic and societal collapse, suggesting that humanity might need a new world order to protect itself from its own destructive tendencies.

The Randlesham Forest Incident

Details the alleged UFO incident at Bentwaters/Woodbridge in 1980, referencing reports by Randles-Street-Butler and a dramatic TV reenactment on 'Unsolved Mysteries'. The article notes that despite official explanations, rumors persist.

Leonard H. Stringfield's Work

Discusses Leonard H. Stringfield's ongoing efforts to gather information on UFO crash retrievals and alleged alien encounters. It mentions his 'Status Report: The Inner Sanctum' and the challenges he faces in verifying his sources, some of whom may be providing disinformation.

Bob Lazar and the 'MJ-12' Controversy

This section critically examines Bob Lazar's claims about working with alien technology at Area 51. The article questions the authenticity of his 'Top Secret Clearance' and a W-2 tax form he presented as evidence, noting inconsistencies and lack of verification from official sources like the US Navy. It suggests that Lazar's story might be fabricated or exaggerated, possibly as part of a larger disinformation campaign related to the 'MJ-12' group.

UFOs Over Brazil

Reports on a significant UFO incident in Brazil in March 1991, where a large UFO allegedly hovered over a couple, emitting light and a fireball. The article notes that such dramatic events often go unreported internationally. It also references historical UFO incidents in Brazil between 1975 and 1985, describing alleged negative interactions with humans, including attempts to abduct people and the use of strange liquids. The MUFON representatives who investigated the 1991 incident found that while UFOs are a common topic in Brazil, the experiences reported by witnesses were terrifying, with many fearing abduction. The article mentions the term "Chupa-Chupa" (blood-suckers) used by locals for UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the struggle to establish the reality of UFO phenomena through credible evidence, the alleged cover-ups by governments, and the commercialization and trivialization of UFOlogy into a pop-culture trend. The editorial stance appears critical of sensationalism and pseudoscience within the UFO community, advocating for a more rigorous, evidence-based approach. There's a clear concern that the serious study of UFOs is being undermined by entertainment-focused conferences and media portrayals.

Title: Astrowarnung für Juni 1992

Issue Date: June 1992

Publisher: R. Henke, CENAP-HD

Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Astrowarnung' focuses on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial contact, and related scientific and societal discussions, with a particular emphasis on events and research from Germany, Russia, and Brazil.

UFO Research Challenges in Brazil

The article highlights the difficulties faced by UFO researchers in Brazil due to the country's vast size and poor infrastructure. It suggests that the lack of systematic investigation allows myths and legends to proliferate, creating a distorted perception of reality. The case of a 1977 UFO sighting in Pinheiro, Maranhao, is cited as an example of how such events can go unreported and uninvestigated for extended periods. The text also touches upon the increasing access to information through media like television, but questions whether this leads to genuine understanding or merely reinforces existing beliefs.

Psychological Aspects of UFO Contactees in Russia

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the findings of the SOYUZUFOTSCENTR in Russia regarding UFO contactees. A study involving 106 individuals revealed that a large majority exhibited psychological issues, with many diagnosed with conditions like schizophrenia, paranoia, and hysteria. The research aimed to understand the mental state of contactees, suggesting that they might be considered 'problematic' individuals. The SOYUZUFOTSCENTR proposed establishing 'alternative, psycho-neurological health centers' to provide support, differentiating their approach from conventional psychiatric treatment.

UFO Conference in Berlin and Media Criticism

The issue extensively covers a UFO conference held in Berlin in April 1992, titled 'Kommunikation im Kosmos' (Communication in the Cosmos). The event attracted ufologists from various countries, including the USA, Russia, and Germany. Critics, however, point out the high cost of attendance and the lack of concrete evidence presented. The media's role in promoting such events is heavily scrutinized, with accusations of sensationalism and a focus on 'spectacle' over substance. The article criticizes newspapers for giving extensive coverage to the conference, suggesting that this is driven by the pursuit of profit rather than genuine journalistic responsibility. The phenomenon of 'UFO-mania' is linked to the media's need for captivating content.

Scientific Skepticism and Parawissenschaften

Organizations like the GWUP (Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften) are presented as a counterpoint to the widespread belief in UFOs and other paranormal phenomena. The GWUP's activities, including a conference in Darmstadt, aim to debunk pseudoscientific claims through scientific investigation and critical analysis. The article mentions James Randi, a well-known skeptic, who demonstrated how seemingly paranormal feats can be explained through trickery and psychological manipulation. The GWUP's research suggests that many UFO sightings can be attributed to misidentification of conventional objects like balloons, celestial bodies, or even deliberate hoaxes.

UFOs and the Media Landscape

The evolving media landscape, with the rise of television, video, and the internet, is discussed in relation to UFO reporting. The article argues that electronic media have become powerful tools for shaping public perception, often prioritizing sensationalism over factual accuracy. The 'information society' is characterized by a reliance on visual media, where what is not broadcast is considered non-existent. This trend is seen as contributing to the spread of 'UFO-mania' and pseudoscientific beliefs.

Specific UFO Cases and Theories

Several specific UFO cases and theories are mentioned, including the alleged crash of a UFO in New Mexico (Roswell incident), the concept of 'Pleiadener' (beings from the Pleiades star cluster), and the idea of 'contactees' receiving messages from extraterrestrial civilizations. The article also touches upon the historical context of UFO beliefs, linking them to ancient myths and modern-day anxieties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards sensationalist reporting and unsubstantiated claims in the field of ufology. While acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs, the editorial line emphasizes the need for scientific rigor, critical thinking, and a clear distinction between evidence-based research and speculative theories. The role of the media in both promoting and potentially distorting the UFO narrative is a recurring theme. The magazine appears to advocate for a more grounded and rational approach to understanding unexplained aerial phenomena, often highlighting the psychological and societal factors that contribute to belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial contact.

Title: FINAL FRONTIER
Issue: 3
Volume: 17
Date: March/April 1992
Publisher: CUFOS
Country: USA
Language: German
Cover Headline: RUSSIA'S SECRET SPACE PROGRAM

This issue of FINAL FRONTIER delves into the complex relationship between secret military space programs and UFO phenomena, with a strong focus on the Soviet Union's Plesetsk cosmodrome. It critically examines historical events, alleged sightings, and the role of media and ufologists in shaping public perception.

Russia's Secret Space Program and UFOs

The magazine begins by highlighting the Plesetsk cosmodrome as a key location for some of the most famous UFO sightings in Soviet history. James E. Oberg, a UFOlogist, is quoted stating that without knowledge of the cosmodrome, these cases would be impossible to solve. The article details several specific incidents attributed to Plesetsk:

• December 3, 1967: The 'Mys Kammenny' UFO, named after a point near the cosmodrome, was reported by the crew of an Ilyushin 18 and air traffic controllers. It was later identified as the distorted launch of the Kosmos-194 spy satellite.
• September 20, 1977: TASS correspondent Nikolay Milov reported a 'star' that flared up and sent light shafts to Earth, transforming into a 'jellyfish' over Petrozavodsk. This was also identified as a misinterpretation of a military spy satellite launch.
• June 14, 1980: UFOs were reported in Kalinin, Moscow, Ryazan, Gorkiy, and Kazan, causing panic. This event was later identified as the launch of the early warning satellite Kosmos-1188.
• September 7, 1984: Passengers on an airliner north of Byelorussia reported a bright light that reflected off clouds, zoomed closer, and turned into a misty ball. This was identified as the launch of the Kosmos-1596 satellite.
• October 2, 1991: A glowing light seen by residents of Arkhangelsk was described as splitting into two and leaving a phosphorescent green cloud, attributed to an ICBM test from Plesetsk.

The article notes that for years, the Soviet government accepted the public's misinterpretation of rocket launches as UFOs, which served to obscure the activities at the secret cosmodrome. However, with the opening of Plesetsk, press officers have begun releasing information about rocket activities that led to these UFO reports. Russian UFO enthusiasts are reportedly unhappy, accusing the government of falsifying data to hide alien spacecraft activities.

James E. Oberg's work is highlighted for its attempt to demystify these events. The Plesetsk cosmodrome, once the most secret spaceport, is now more accessible following the fall of the Soviet Union. The article traces the history of Plesetsk, which was chosen as a base for the ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles) program due to its strategic location. The construction of the base in harsh winter conditions is described, involving immense earthmoving and infrastructure development. The site was initially designated for the ANGARA OBJECT project and given secret postal codes.

Despite initial problems and the eventual obsolescence of the R-7 rocket, Plesetsk evolved into a major satellite launch center. By the early 1970s, more than half of all global satellite launches originated from Plesetsk. However, the public was kept largely unaware of these activities, leading to widespread UFO panics fueled by sightings of lights in the sky. Western researchers, aware of Plesetsk's true purpose, debunked the 'alien spaceship' theories, leading to global amusement at the Soviet government's attempts at secrecy.

The magazine details the eventual breakdown of the cover-up in 1983, with the PRAVDA newspaper reporting on the base's existence. However, regional journalists faced resistance in reporting on Plesetsk until the era of Glasnost in 1987. By 1990-1991, extensive reports on the cosmodrome were published.

The article explains that Plesetsk is now primarily a satellite launch center, not an ICBM base. It is used for launching smaller ICBM rockets and various types of satellites, including those for communication, weather, and scientific research. The magazine also touches upon the environmental issues caused by space debris and leftover rocket fuel in the Plesetsk area.

The Wetherby Incident: Famous Police UFO Chase

This section details a case reported by QUEST-International, involving a police pursuit of a UFO in Leeds, United Kingdom, on September 11, 1980. Police officers Warner and Firth responded to an anonymous call about a UFO and observed a bright light. The object hovered, then ascended rapidly and disappeared. It reappeared and moved south, leading to a pursuit by multiple police officers. The object was described as bright, with red, white, and blue coloring, and was observed for about ten minutes before disappearing with "phenomenal speed." The case was discussed among police, and on September 13, officers in Wetherby also observed a bright light. Police photographer Hall photographed the object. However, the investigation, led by Graham W. Birdsall, concluded that the object was likely the planet Venus, a conclusion supported by Inspector Blanchard and other officers. The magazine notes the difficulty of UFO investigations due to memory fallibility and external influences, and criticizes the tendency of some UFOlogists to overlook simple explanations.

Gulf Breeze: The End?

This extensive section critically examines the Gulf Breeze UFO sightings, particularly those involving 'red light UFOs' (RUFOs), and suggests they are likely hoaxes. Zan Overall, a Californian UFO investigator, is quoted expressing his agreement that the alleged UFOs are actually balloon-borne signal lights, a theory previously proposed by Phil Klass. The article points out that Ed Walters, the main witness, has been active since 1989, offering new types of UFO spectacles. Walters' book 'The Gulf Breeze Sightings' faced criticism, including the discovery of a cardboard model of a UFO and a confession from a neighbor's son, Thomas Smith, about assisting Walters with trick photography.

Smith claims that Walters had previously experimented with releasing small, candle-powered plastic bags that created UFO-like effects. Walters is described as an experienced UFO trick filmmaker and object builder. Smith offered to take a lie detector test if Walters would do the same, but Walters reportedly avoided independent tests.

Zan Overall suggests that the RUFOs are consistent with signal lights from balloons, and variations in wind direction can explain their apparent erratic movements. The article also discusses the possibility of using small boats to launch balloons unnoticed near the Pensacola Bay Bridge. The magazine criticizes Bruce Maccabee, a prominent UFOlogist, for not pursuing more practical field research methods, such as using helicopters, given the frequent sightings in Gulf Breeze.

The article mentions that the MUFON UFO JOURNAL reported RUFO sightings continuing in 1992. Glen Bradley, a psychologist and pilot, reported seeing two glowing, red, unidentified objects in Gulf Breeze on January 25, 1992, which he was certain were not aircraft. However, the magazine dismisses this as a typical UFO case, emphasizing that while the witness may have seen what he described, the underlying stimulus is likely explainable, and that even experienced ufologists can be misled.

Today UFO-Start in Darmstadt

This brief section mentions a conference in Darmstadt, Germany, organized by the Society for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal (GWUP). The conference, titled "Paranormal Sciences Under the Microscope," covered topics such as alternative medicine, astrology, UFO beliefs, and divination. Professor Dr. Irmgard Oepen warned against unrealistic methods in alternative medicine, while Reinhard Wiechoczek highlighted the use of public institutions for esoteric topics. An exhibition of "Unknown Flying Objects" was also featured.

Balloons, Balloons - The Solution to the UFO Phenomenon?

This short piece reiterates the idea that balloons are a common explanation for UFO sightings. It mentions that party-gag balloons account for a significant portion of UFO reports in Germany and that solar zeppelins are also contributing to UFO phenomena. The article references a previous mention of a UFO phantom over Kent, England, which was later reported in the press. The author suggests that the magazine (CENAP) was ahead of the press in identifying such phenomena.

"Unidentified" Flying Objects are Actually "Known"

This article discusses the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine UFOs and misidentified objects. It mentions a report from the German newspaper 'General-Anzeiger' on August 8, 1992, about a conference in Darmstadt. The article touches upon the phenomenon of 'UFOs' being explained as known objects, such as balloons or satellites, and the role of scientific investigation in debunking these sightings.

Große Momente in der Ufologie (Great Moments in Ufology)

This is a cartoon strip depicting four "great moments" in ufology:

• 1897: Sightings of Airships
• 1960: Patrick Moore meets Cedric Allingham
• 1984: Moore discovers MJ-12
• 1996: Philip Klass learns to rethink

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the debunking of UFO sightings through scientific and logical explanations, the critical examination of UFOlogy as a field, and the role of secret government programs in generating public fascination with UFOs. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, favoring rational explanations over supernatural or extraterrestrial hypotheses. The magazine emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and scientific investigation in understanding unexplained aerial phenomena, often attributing sightings to misidentification of conventional objects, psychological factors, or deliberate hoaxes. There is a strong focus on exposing what the magazine considers to be the flaws and deceptions within the UFO community.