CENAP Report - No 201

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, dated December 1992, is a German-language publication focusing on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and critical analysis of paranormal and esoteric claims. The cover highlights topics such as 'Cosmic Wonders,' the 'SETI Project,' 'Esoteric Critique,' and the 'Mystery of the Flying City.'

Editorial and Publisher Information

The magazine is published by CENAP, the 'Central Research Network for Extraordinary Celestial Phenomena.' The editorial team includes Werner Walter (publisher and editor), H. J. Köhler (subscription distribution), and R. Henke. CENAP is described as a private, non-commercial organization dedicated to analyzing UFO reports, integrated with the 'Society for the Scientific Investigation of Parascientific Phenomena.' It has been active since 1976 and is recommended by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior as a contact point for UFO reports, also serving as a consultant to DARA (German Aerospace Agency).

Articles and Features

The Cosmos: Fascinating Mysteries and Wonderful Spheres!

This lead article explores the fascination with space, including the Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) regarding UFOs. It discusses the Hubble telescope's images of a black hole in galaxy M51, noting the scientific significance of these findings. The article also touches upon the 'Red Planet,' Mars, referencing past mysteries like the 'Martian Canals' and the 'Face on Mars,' and current exploration efforts like the 'Mars Observer' mission. It highlights the debate surrounding the possibility of past life on Mars and the concept of 'terraforming.'

SETI Project: The Big Show of the Tabloid Press!

This section critically examines the 'Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence' (SETI) project, particularly its portrayal in the media. It details the launch of a major SETI initiative on October 12, 1992, involving radio telescopes like Arecibo and Goldstone. The article quotes astronomer Jill Tarter and discusses the technical aspects of signal detection, as well as the immense scale of the search. It also touches upon the Drake Equation and the potential for finding extraterrestrial civilizations. The piece expresses skepticism about sensationalist claims, distinguishing between UFO signals and potential extraterrestrial communication.

UFOs and the Search for ET Signals

This article delves into the technicalities and challenges of the SETI project. It explains the use of radio telescopes and sophisticated computer programs to analyze vast amounts of data. The article mentions specific instances of potentially anomalous signals detected in the past, such as the 'Wow! signal' from 1977, and discusses the difficulties in distinguishing artificial signals from natural cosmic noise. It also notes the significant investment in the SETI project and the skepticism some scientists hold regarding its success.

Meteorites: Destroying Cars

This section reports on a large meteor that illuminated the night sky over the US East Coast on October 12, 1992. It describes how a meteor shattered a car in Peekskill, New York, and discusses the phenomenon of meteor showers. The article quotes Allan Hendry, who suggests that a significant portion of nighttime UFO sightings might be misidentified meteors.

Esotericism: With Old Magic Against New Problems

This critical article examines the rise of esotericism and New Age beliefs in Germany and Eastern Europe. It argues that these movements offer simplistic solutions to complex modern problems and appeal to a sense of disorientation and a search for meaning. The author criticizes the commercialization of esotericism and its detachment from scientific rigor, contrasting it with the rational approach of UFOlogy. It mentions various esoteric practices like astrology, channeling, and crystal ball gazing, and critiques figures associated with these movements.

First Experimental Study of the Influence of Bending Wheat Stalks on Growth

This article presents an experiment investigating the phenomenon of crop circles. It discusses the criteria used to distinguish 'genuine' crop circles from hoaxes, focusing on the way wheat stalks are bent rather than broken. The experiment aimed to determine if bent stalks continue to grow and if there are observable differences between bent and unbent stalks, seeking to provide a scientific basis for understanding these formations.

Uri Geller and UFO Abductions

This piece discusses Uri Geller's claims about UFO abductions, noting his assertion that millions of Americans have been abducted. It highlights Geller's belief that abductees often have no memory of the events, which can be retrieved through hypnosis. The article also mentions Geller's interpretation of ancient cave paintings and jewelry as evidence of UFOs and extraterrestrial contact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP-REPORT consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards sensationalist claims, particularly in the realms of UFOlogy and esotericism. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the magazine emphasizes the need for scientific investigation and rational analysis. It distinguishes between genuine scientific inquiry and what it perceives as superstition, commercial exploitation, and 'brainwashing.' The publication aims to provide factual information and encourage critical thinking among its readers, often contrasting the 'scientific' approach with the 'esoteric' or 'paranormal' interpretations of events.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated December 1992, focuses on UFO investigations and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on witness testimonies, skeptical analysis, and potential terrestrial explanations. The cover story, "Das Geheimnis der 'Fliegenden Stadt von Hemsbach gelüftet! Warten auf die Marsmännchen' - Beinahe-Entführung?" (The Secret of the 'Flying City of Hemsbach Revealed! Waiting for the Marsmen' - Near-Abduction?), sets the tone for the detailed case studies within.

Investigation into the Hemsbach Sighting

The issue details an investigation into a sighting by Frau Gertrud K. and her friend Herr Kr. near Hemsbach on October 13, 1992. The witnesses described a large, triangle-shaped object with multiple lights, perceived as 'larger than the moon'. Initially, Frau K. was very agitated and fearful of abduction, linking the sighting to her religious beliefs and fears of extraterrestrial contact. Herr Kr. described the object as more prism-shaped and likened it to a 'flying city'.

Rudolf Henke of CENAP-Heidelberg led the investigation. He notes that while initial interviews focused on the object, further conversations revealed Frau K.'s strong predispositions, including fears of abduction and unusual religious beliefs, which he suggests might influence her perception. Henke emphasizes the importance of understanding the witness's personality and background, not just the object's description.

Analysis and Explanations

Initial hypotheses included astronomical phenomena and conventional aircraft. The report discusses how stars like Mars, Sirius, Venus, and constellations could be mistaken for UFOs, especially given the witnesses' limited astronomical knowledge. The possibility of aircraft was also explored, with the C-141 Starlifter, a large transport aircraft, being identified as a likely explanation for the Hemsbach sighting.

Further investigation by CENAP-Mannheim, involving checking flight statistics from Frankfurt Airport, confirmed that a C-141 aircraft was indeed flying over Hemsbach at a low altitude around the time of the sighting. This led to the conclusion that the 'Flying City' was a misidentified aircraft.

Other Cases and Themes

The issue also includes a report on a sighting near Dortmund on June 5, 1992, where two witnesses observed three moving light spots on the cloud cover. This case is also attributed to a terrestrial phenomenon, specifically a SKY-TRACKER from a newly opened disco.

Another section discusses a UFO-related conference in Budapest, where scientists and ufologists gathered. The report touches upon the 'New Age' aspect of UFOlogy and the desire for 'help and assistance' from higher extraterrestrial cultures, questioning if this is a form of substitute religion.

Psychological and Skeptical Perspectives

Throughout the issue, there is a strong emphasis on a skeptical approach to UFO reports. The authors highlight how witness perception can be influenced by psychological factors, fear, and pre-existing beliefs. The article "Ufo oder Laserstrahlen? 'Gag' sorgte für Verwirrung" (UFO or Laser Beams? 'Gag' Caused Confusion) illustrates how ordinary events can be misinterpreted as UFOs.

CENAP's role as a research network is presented, including the establishment of a "UFO-Telefon" (UFO hotline) to provide information and advice to the public. The organization aims to critically examine UFO phenomena and differentiate between genuine mysteries and misidentifications or psychological projections.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO sightings, the importance of psychological and environmental factors in witness accounts, and the tendency to misidentify conventional phenomena as extraterrestrial. CENAP's editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for rigorous investigation and a rational approach to understanding aerial anomalies, often debunking sensational claims by attributing them to misidentification, psychological factors, or terrestrial explanations.

The magazine also features a section on the C-141 Starlifter, detailing its specifications and operational history, further supporting its role in explaining some of the reported sightings.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated December 1982, focuses on the manipulation of the public by alleged extraterrestrials and criticizes the media's sensationalist approach to UFO phenomena. The cover headline, "SO MANIPULIEREN UNS DIE AUSSERIRDISCHEN" (This is how the aliens manipulate us), sets the tone for the issue.

Articles and Features

"Jesus Christus ist der UFO-Kommandant" (Jesus Christ is the UFO Commander)

This article critiques a new magazine that sensationalizes UFO topics, calling it "brainwashing on all channels" and criticizing the press for its lack of objectivity. It questions the credibility of stories about bleeding statues, resurrected dinosaurs, and crop circles, and dismisses the idea of Jesus Christ as a "UFO Commander" as absurd. The author notes that the magazine's approach is not even entertaining, and that its motto implies that the more one knows, the more fantastic the world becomes, leading to a decline in critical thinking.

"Senatoren aus dem Weltall" (Senators from Outer Space)

Written by Andrea Böhm, this piece discusses a sensational claim from the "Weekly World News" that at least five US senators are from outer space. It mentions Orrin Hatch and John Glenn as potential candidates. The article also touches upon the media's focus on celebrity scandals and personal details, diverting attention from more significant issues. It humorously suggests methods for identifying "Space Aliens" based on their behavior and reactions to technology.

"Wenn Däniken auftaucht, rauschen die Ufos ab" (When Däniken Appears, the UFOs Fly Away)

This article reports on Erich von Däniken's book tour, where he presented his theories about ancient astronauts and alien influence on human civilization. Däniken uses slides to illustrate his points, connecting ancient sites and religious texts to extraterrestrial visits. He describes a hypothetical mother spaceship at Lagrange point L5 and interprets biblical accounts as evidence of alien contact. The article notes Däniken's self-proclaimed status as a "fantast" and his criticism of archaeologists.

"Jeder zweite Deutsche glaubt an Außerirdische" (Every Second German Believes in Aliens)

This section presents findings from a Wickert Institute survey indicating that nearly half of Germans believe in intelligent extraterrestrial life. The survey shows a higher belief rate among men than women, and among younger people compared to older demographics. It also highlights regional differences in belief and notes that only 23% of Germans believe public funds should be spent on researching this question.

Media Criticism and UFO Coverage

Several articles critique the media's handling of UFO topics. One piece lambasts the SAT1 show "Phantastische Phänomene" (Fantastic Phenomena) hosted by Rainer Holbe, calling it a rehash of old sensationalist content and criticizing the superficiality of its "critical commentary." Another article discusses the "UFO-TV" promotion tour and the BILD newspaper's sensational reporting on alleged UFO evidence, including claims of 120 people being kidnapped by aliens. The magazine expresses skepticism about these claims, suggesting they are part of a media hype.

"Ich sah ein Riesen-UFO" (I Saw a Giant UFO)

This section features an account from a Lufthansa Chief Pilot, Werner Utter, who claims to have witnessed a UFO resembling a "giant spider" and a "huge cigar." The article notes that Utter's story was previously reported in 1981, questioning the timing of his current revelations. It also includes a brief mention of other alleged UFO sightings and a SAT1 program about UFOs.

"Foo Fighters" and Historical UFO Reports

An article discusses Barry Greenwood's research into the "Foo Fighters," mysterious aerial phenomena reported by pilots during WWII. Greenwood's findings from the National Archives are described as fragmented and difficult to interpret, highlighting the challenges of accessing and deciphering historical documents related to UFOs. The article also includes a log of "Foo Fighter" sightings from December 1944 to March 1945, detailing observations of lights and unidentified objects.

"Jesuit will Außerirdischen Fragen stellen" (Jesuit Wants to Ask Aliens Questions)

This piece reports on Jesuit priest George V. Coyne, director of the Vatican Observatory, who believes the Church should be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial life and even consider baptizing aliens. The article frames this as a theological and scientific consideration, suggesting that the Church has learned from past mistakes, such as the Galileo affair.

"Ufo-Anhänger wurden bitter enttäuscht" (UFO Believers Were Bitterly Disappointed)

This section recounts two instances where UFO-related prophecies failed to materialize. One is the case of a doomsday sect in South Korea that predicted the end of the world on October 29th, leading to widespread anticipation and subsequent disappointment. The other is the failed prophecy of a spaceship landing from Jupiter in Brazil, which attracted thousands of onlookers but turned out to be a false alarm. Both incidents highlight the gullibility of some UFO believers and the potential for exploitation by charismatic leaders.

"Ostbelgien im UFO-Fieber..." (East Belgium in UFO Fever...)

A comic strip depicts the UFO craze in East Belgium, showing thousands of witnesses reporting triangular spaceships. It portrays police, military, and authorities as clueless, while skeptics attribute the sightings to ultra-light aircraft. The strip concludes with a humorous "truth": "Es ist Batman!" (It is Batman!). It also teases future revelations about George Adamski, Gremlins, Betty Hill, and Steven Spielberg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT include the manipulation of public perception regarding UFOs, media sensationalism, and the psychological aspects of belief in the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to be critical of unsubstantiated claims and sensationalist reporting, advocating for a more rational and scientific approach to UFO research. However, the magazine does engage with UFO reports and theories, suggesting an underlying interest in the subject matter, albeit with a skeptical lens.