CENAP Report - No 200

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: 200
Date: November 1992
Publisher: CENAP (Centrales Forschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher-Himmelsphänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, the 200th edition, signifies a new era for the publication, embracing desktop publishing technology for enhanced readability. The magazine continues its mission as a private, non-commercial, and ideologically independent organization dedicated to the reception, analysis, and evaluation of reports concerning unidentified aerial phenomena. CENAP serves as a reporting agency for UFO sightings and operates as a private, non-commercial UFO news agency, aiming to inform the public and institutions about UFOs.

Editorial Stance and New Generation

The editorial, penned by Werner Walter, highlights the transition to a 'new generation' of CENAP-REPORT with the adoption of Macintosh LC and Hewlett Packard DeskWriter for desktop publishing. This technological upgrade is presented as a gift to readers, enhancing the 'outfit' of the publication. Despite the improved presentation, the core skeptical and analytical content remains unchanged. Walter emphasizes the long-standing commitment of CENAP to UFO research, acknowledging the challenges and potential for errors in this new format but assuring readers of the continued dedication to uncovering the truth behind the UFO phenomenon.

The UFO Phenomenon and CENAP's Position

The editorial further elaborates on CENAP's position within the UFO field. After over 16 years, the organization continues its pursuit of the UFO mystery, viewing it as an intellectual challenge. CENAP's philosophy is to first seek terrestrial or natural explanations for 'phantoms of the sky' before considering other possibilities, demonstrating a reductionist and critical approach. The editors state they are not easily convinced and have evolved from UFO enthusiasts to skeptics through their extensive research, sharing their experiences in the CENAP REPORT and other publications. They acknowledge the fascination surrounding UFOs but stress the need for critical analysis, noting that much in the UFO sector is not as it initially appears.

CENAP operates independently, funded by its own efforts and minimal support. They deny working for intelligence agencies like the CIA or KGB, instead leveraging their reputation for serious journalistic and scientific work. The organization emphasizes its openness and transparency with its readers. While acknowledging the desire to accept unusual UFO phenomena, CENAP maintains that definitive proof has often been lacking, particularly for extraterrestrial activities. Their research continues globally, with a focus on Europe and German-speaking regions, and they rely on reader solidarity through subscriptions.

Article: The Gulf Breeze Photographs - Bona Fide or Bogus?

This section critically examines the controversial Ed Walters UFO case from Gulf Breeze, Florida. The article notes that organizations like MUFON initially supported Walters, but criticism emerged from within MUFON and from UFO skeptics. The MUFON UFO JOURNAL (Nr. 291, July 1992) featured the question: 'The Gulf Breeze Photographs - Bona Fide or Bogus?'. William G. Hyzer, a critic previously highlighted by Phil Klass, analyzed the photographs, concluding they were likely multiple exposures taken with Polaroid cameras. Hyzer's analysis, particularly of the 'roadshow' photo, suggested that the UFO's illumination should have reflected on the truck's hood, which it did not. Despite attempts by UFO researcher Bruce Maccabee to explain the lack of reflection, tests conducted by Hyzer and Rex Salisberry using similar vehicles and lighting conditions confirmed that the alleged 'UFO' light should have been reflected.

Article: The Secret of Spitzbergen: Has a Crashed UFO Been Recovered?

This article investigates the persistent UFO crash story originating from Spitzbergen. The initial reports, dating back to a German newspaper article in June 1952, were widely disseminated but lacked verifiable sources. The story claimed a flying saucer crashed, and its wreckage was transported for examination, with speculation about its extraterrestrial or Russian origin. The article traces the dissemination of the story through various publications, including 'DEA FLIEGER' and AFP, and its later appearance in books by authors like Keyhoe and Wilkins. A Norwegian newspaper, 'Verdens Gang', reported in 1954 that a Norwegian scientist, Hans Larsen Loberg, had found a flying saucer on the North Sea island of Heligoland, similar to the one allegedly found in Spitzbergen. Loberg, described as a prize-winning physicist, reportedly dismissed any Russian origin for the craft, which was said to be 38 meters in diameter and 23 meters high. The article details the saucer's alleged features, including a control room, a propulsion system without a motor, and a transparent, lightweight, yet extremely hard material. It also mentions the discovery of seven burned bodies inside, identified as male scientists approximately 1.65 meters tall with perfect teeth. The article notes that Loberg also reported finding an unknown weapon that fired magnetic rays, which he believed could explain incidents like broken car windows. However, the article casts doubt on the entire Spitzbergen narrative, citing investigations by AFU (Archives for UFO Research) which found no evidence in Norwegian archives, newspapers, or official records to support the crash or the existence of key figures like Hans Larsen Loberg. The article also scrutinizes the involvement of Norwegian fighter jets, concluding that the available aircraft and their operational ranges in 1952 make the reported events technologically impossible. AFU concludes that the Spitzbergen story is a classic hoax, possibly fueled by misinformation and sensationalism.

Article: The 'Ghost Rockets' Mystery

This article delves into the mystery of the 'Ghost Rockets' that appeared over Scandinavia in 1946. It investigates the role of US General James H. Doolittle and David Sarnoff, President of RCA, in the events. Doolittle's visit to Stockholm in August 1946, shortly after the sightings, fueled speculation that he was sent by the US intelligence community to investigate. The article examines reports and interviews, including one with Doolittle himself, who stated his visit was for business with Shell and not related to the 'Ghost Rockets'. Investigations by AFU and researchers like Leonard Stringfield and Stanton Friedman are discussed, which sought to link Doolittle and Sarnoff to UFO investigations, including the alleged Majestic 12 (MJ-12) committee. However, the article concludes that the connection between Doolittle's visit and the 'Ghost Rockets' was largely a media creation, with Doolittle himself denying any involvement in investigating the phenomena and emphasizing the business nature of his trip. The article suggests that the media sensationalized the events, leading to unfounded speculation about a US government cover-up.

Article: The Swedish UFOlogy Situation

Anders Liljegren, in his editorial for AFU Newsletter 36, criticizes the state of UFOlogy in Sweden, warning of its tendency to become a playground for occultism and the supernatural. He notes the prevalence of 'contactee' literature, which he believes often reflects deep-seated human desires and psychological needs rather than objective reality. Liljegren points out that many 'contactees' are not psychologically stable, and this trend is not unique to Sweden. He expresses concern that the UFO field is being diluted by New Age philosophies and unexamined 'contactee' stories, which he argues are used by some to gain fame and money. The article mentions the influence of figures like Howard Menger and Wendelle Stevens, who are accused of ignoring critical information to maintain their belief systems. Liljegren laments that this approach gives UFO research a bad reputation and hinders the work of fact-oriented researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP-REPORT include a strong emphasis on critical analysis and skepticism towards UFO claims, particularly those involving photographic evidence or sensationalist narratives. The magazine actively debunks hoaxes and misinformation, as seen in the detailed investigations of the Gulf Breeze photos and the Spitzbergen crash. There is a consistent effort to ground UFO research in verifiable facts and historical context, distinguishing it from speculative or occult interpretations. The editorial stance is one of rigorous, fact-based investigation, aiming to provide objective information to the public while maintaining a critical distance from unsubstantiated claims. The publication champions transparency and rejects the notion of a hidden agenda, positioning itself as a reliable source for UFO information.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, NR.200, dated November 1992, features a cover story questioning whether UFOs are time machines, illustrated by a cartoon depicting a scene from Nieder-Olm on July 23, 1992. The magazine delves into various aspects of UFO research, including investigations into crop circles, reports from Russian UFO researchers, and analyses of specific sightings.

Russian UFO Investigators' Perspective

The issue highlights a visit by two UFO investigators from the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor Sergey ChernousS and Professor Vladimir Pivovarov, to the AFU in Stockholm. They report that their committee investigates 10-15 cases annually, with 99% receiving satisfactory explanations, often attributed to human activities like rocket launches. They emphasize the importance of seeking tangible evidence like films and photos over mere witness statements. They also discuss the use of All-Sky cameras for scientific purposes, noting that no UFO evidence has been captured by these instruments. The article touches upon famous cases like the Tbilisi-Piloten-Sichtung and the Woronesch and Petrozavodsk sightings, explaining them as misinterpretations of rocket launches.

Crop Circles: Hoax or Phenomenon?

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the crop circle phenomenon. It reports on PM magazine's initiative to investigate crop circles, including an experiment where teams successfully created crop circles in complete darkness, concluding that they can be made by humans. The article also discusses the possibility of hoaxes and the challenges in distinguishing genuine phenomena from artificial creations. It mentions Rupert Sheldrake's hypothesis about morphogenetic fields and addresses common explanations for crop circle characteristics, such as bent stalks and sounds, attributing them to natural causes like wind, animals (Feldschwirr), and even primitive tools.

Contactee Reports and Analysis

The magazine revisits the topic of 'contactees' from the 1950s, focusing on Howarij Men's return to public attention with his book "The High Bridge Incident." Men's claims of visiting the moon and interacting with extraterrestrial beings are presented, along with skepticism from some quarters, including a physicist who identified his video evidence as elementary school experiments. The article critiques Men as a "master of contradictions" for his shifting claims and past retractments.

UFOs in Space and Media

An article discusses a video clip aired on SAT1, allegedly showing a UFO during a space shuttle mission being fired upon by NASA. CENAP's analysis concludes that the object was likely ice crystals from the shuttle, not a UFO, and debunks claims of laser attacks or secret military operations. The report also touches upon the media's role in sensationalizing UFO reports, citing the rapid sales of UFO-related books in Estonia.

CENAP's Public Outreach

The issue details CENAP's initiative to establish a UFO consultation hotline, which proved highly successful, generating extensive media interest and numerous interviews. This service aimed to provide a reliable source of information and a reporting channel for UFO sightings, positioning CENAP as a key organization in the field.

Specific Sightings and Explanations

Several witness accounts are presented, including a sighting of a dark line moving across the moon, which is speculated to be clouds or contrails. Another report describes a bright, silent fireball observed near Kaiserslautern, explained as a bolide. The magazine also features a detailed analysis of lights observed near Frankfurt, attributed to ice crystals reflecting light, rather than extraterrestrial objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the distinction between genuine sightings and hoaxes, and the role of media in shaping public perception. CENAP REPORT maintains a critical and analytical stance, seeking rational explanations for reported events while acknowledging the enduring mystery of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine emphasizes the need for verifiable evidence and scientific rigor in UFO research, often debunking sensational claims and providing alternative, grounded explanations.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated November 1992, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, presenting a critical analysis of sightings, research, and media coverage. It highlights the challenges and controversies within the ufological community, contrasting sensationalist claims with more grounded investigations.

Articles and Features

"Ufos" entpuppten sich als Werbegag (UFOs Revealed as Publicity Stunt)

This article from the Trostberger Tagblatt reports on a UFO sighting in Traunstein that was later revealed to be a publicity stunt using spotlights for a new local establishment. It notes how such events can cause excitement and confusion among the public.

Suche nach Ufo: Endstation Disko (Search for UFO: End Station Disco)

Published in the Segeberger Zeitung, this piece details a case where a reported UFO sighting near Eckernförde turned out to be a test run of a large light installation for a discotheque's reopening. It illustrates how mundane explanations often lie behind seemingly mysterious aerial phenomena.

UFO-Start in der Steppe: Büsche und Sträucher brennen (UFO Take-off in the Steppe: Bushes and Shrubs Burn)

This section presents photos from a film allegedly showing a UFO taking off from a steppe in Canada, causing bushes and shrubs to burn. UFO researchers claim it's evidence of an extraterrestrial craft, while the report implies it might be a staged event or misinterpretation.

Heimarbeit-UFO überm Hegau (Homemade UFO over Hegau)

This article from the Singener Wochenblatt describes a report of a burning object falling from the sky, which was later identified as a homemade mini-UFO made of paper and metal that caught fire and crashed.

UFO in Engenhahn?

This brief report from the Taunussteiner Wochenpost details a sighting of a UFO with a fire trail that disappeared, later identified as a small hot air balloon that caught fire and fell.

Astronaut Reinhard Furrer's Perspective

Astronaut Reinhard Furrer states that he has seen about 30 UFOs, but clarifies that these are simply 'Unidentified Flying Objects' – physical puzzles, not necessarily alien spacecraft. He analyzes a UFO video shown on TV, suggesting it could be ice particles, dust, or an electrical discharge, not an alien ship.

Beweis ist da (Proof is Here)

This article by Rainer von Holst discusses a video from the Space Shuttle 'Columbia' allegedly showing a UFO. It mentions astronaut Bonnie Dunbar's report and the claim that the US military has been meeting with extraterrestrials since 1947, with evidence of recovered UFOs and attempts to reverse-engineer alien technology. The article also references a NATO secret report suggesting Earth is under intense observation by extraterrestrial civilizations.

UFO-Forscher: US-Militärs treffen sich seit 43 Jahren mit außerirdischen Wesen (UFO Researchers: US Military Has Met with Extraterrestrials for 43 Years)

This piece from the Kieler Nachrichten reports on claims by UFO researcher Johannes von Buttlar, who alleges that the US military has been in contact with extraterrestrials since 1947, citing recovered UFOs and secret government projects. It mentions a supposed NATO secret report indicating intense extraterrestrial observation of Earth.

"Gremlin" aus Ufo (Gremlin from UFO)

A short report from the Keininger Tageblatt describes a man who reported seeing a 'Gremlin' from a UFO, which turned out to be a dog.

"Ufo-Insasse« war ein Hund ("UFO Occupant" Was a Dog)

This article from the Coburger Tageblatt recounts an incident where a man reported an alien occupant from a UFO, but the 'occupant' was identified as a large black mixed-breed dog.

Teurer Spaß mit „UFO-Kreisen“ (Expensive Fun with "UFO Circles")

Reported in the Lüdenscheider Nachrichten, this article details a court case in Hungary where students created crop circles, leading to a UFO-like phenomenon and a lawsuit by the field's owner for damages caused by curious visitors.

"UFO-Telefon" (UFO Telephone)

Several articles mention the establishment of a 'UFO-Telefon' service by CENAP (Centrale Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene) as a consultation line for UFO sightings and related inquiries.

Unbemannter Heißluftballon fällt als „Ufo“ vom Himmel (Unmanned Hot Air Balloon Falls as "UFO" from the Sky)

This report from the Rhein-Main-Zeitung describes an incident where a resident reported a UFO, which was later identified as an unmanned hot air balloon that caught fire and fell.

Aeronautik: High Tec-Ecke im CR, natürlich für UFO-Freaks! (Aeronautics: High-Tech Corner in CR, Naturally for UFO Freaks!)

This article discusses advanced aeronautical technology, including the rumored AURORA project and stealth aircraft, contrasting it with UFOlogy's claims of alien technology. It criticizes the sensationalism and lack of scientific rigor in some UFO research, suggesting that many UFO claims are based on misinterpretations or hoaxes.

UFO-Weltkongreß in Budapest (UFO World Congress in Budapest)

An announcement for a UFO World Congress to be held in Budapest in October, where specialists would present their latest findings and theories on extraterrestrial phenomena.

Erich von Däniken Letter

A letter from Erich von Däniken to Michael Hesemann, dated January 17, 1991, discusses a legal dispute involving Andreas Schneider and expresses disappointment with Hesemann's alleged actions against a young, AIDS-infected individual.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP REPORT consistently adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. The editorial line emphasizes debunking hoaxes and misidentifications, attributing many sightings to terrestrial explanations like spotlights, balloons, or atmospheric conditions. While acknowledging the fascination with the unknown, the report criticizes sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community, advocating for a more scientific and objective approach. The magazine frequently highlights the commercial aspects of UFOlogy and the ideological divisions among researchers. There's a clear effort to differentiate between genuine scientific inquiry and speculative or pseudoscientific claims, often by presenting evidence and counter-arguments from various sources, including official reports and expert opinions.