CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: 202
Volume: 1/93
Date: January 1993
Publisher: CENAP (Centrales Forschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher-Himmelsphänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German
Cover Headline: Geheimnisvolle UFO-Welt (Mysterious UFO World)

This issue of CENAP-REPORT focuses on the 'Mysterious UFO World,' 'Alien Technology,' and the 'MJ-12' case, with a special emphasis on the intersection of UFOs and the military. The editorial highlights the start of 1993 as a phase of 'UFO secrecy lifting' and presents a packed issue with themes from the past and present.

CENAP and its Mission

CENAP, established in 1976, is a private, non-commercial, and ideologically independent organization dedicated to the collection, analysis, and evaluation of reports on unidentified aerial phenomena. It is integrated into the non-profit Gesellschaft zur wissenschaftlichen Untersuchung von Parawissenschaften. CENAP has been recommended by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior as a contact point for UFO reports and serves as an advisor to DARA (German Aerospace Agency). Its goal includes public information and awareness work through media and scientific institutions.

The CENAP-REPORT is edited by Werner Walter, with subscription management handled by J. Köhler. The publication emphasizes its role as a public service, acting as a reporting center for UFO sightings and a private, non-commercial news agency.

New Publication: 'UFO-Geheimnislüftung: Phantome des Verstandes!'

The issue announces the release of a new, comprehensive UFO documentation titled 'UFO-Geheimnislüftung: Phantome des Verstandes!' (UFO Secrecy Lifting: Phantoms of the Mind). This 152-page, desktop-published booklet is presented as a culmination of 45 years of UFO research, compiled by Werner Walter. It features contributions from leading researchers across eight main chapters and 39 sub-chapters, covering a wide spectrum of UFO phenomena with 81 illustrations, tables, and graphics. The publication is priced at DM 35 and is available for order.

Special Focus: UFOs and the Military

A significant portion of this issue is dedicated to the relationship between UFOs and the military, with a particular focus on the historical Project Blue Book. The article pays tribute to E.J. Ruppelt, who directed the project from 1951 to 1953, acknowledging his work as some of the best in the field. The issue explores various insights into UFOs and military involvement, making it a central theme for this edition.

Critique of the TREAT Commission

Rudolf Henke issues a strong warning against the 'TREAT Commission,' an organization often cited by UFO protagonists regarding abduction reports. Henke, citing a participant of the IV. TREAT Conference in Atlanta, describes the conference as similar to 'UFO-spiritualist, sensation-mongering DU events.' He highlights questionable speakers and practices, including a medium demonstrating 'magnetic sticking powers' and a Russian UFO society vice-president with a history of financial misconduct. The article criticizes the organization's approach, suggesting it lacks scientific rigor and borders on the pseudoscientific.

Analysis of UFO Research Trends

The magazine discusses various approaches to UFO research, contrasting the American focus on extraterrestrial hypotheses (ETH) with European trends that lean towards psychological and sociological interpretations. It notes the influence of figures like Jacques Vallee and John Keel in Europe, who explored the idea of UFOs originating from parallel realities. The article also touches upon the rise of 'neo-skepticism' and the challenges faced by researchers who try to maintain a balanced, evidence-based approach.

Book Review: 'Geheimnisvolle Welt der UFOs' by John Spencer

Werner Walter reviews John Spencer's book, 'Geheimnisvolle Welt der UFOs' (Mysterious World of UFOs). While acknowledging Spencer's work as a comprehensive overview, Walter notes that the book is primarily aimed at club members. He critiques the foreword by Erich von Däniken for its 'brainstorming' and 'anti-UFO lobby' claims, finding them unsubstantiated. Spencer's book is described as a broad, publicly engaging work that attempts to demystify UFO phenomena by examining various cases, including alleged abductions, sightings, and the concept of 'flying saucers.' The review highlights Spencer's view that UFO phenomena are often misunderstood due to sensationalism and cult-like behavior, and that their reality might be tied to specific levels of understanding.

European UFOlogy vs. American UFOlogy

The issue contrasts the European approach to UFO research, which often incorporates sociological and psychological perspectives, with the American tendency to favor the extraterrestrial hypothesis. It points out that European researchers are more inclined to investigate the human background of UFO incidents, while Americans tend to view UFOs as physical objects from other worlds. The article suggests that European UFOlogy is increasingly seen as a modern mythology, while American UFOlogy reflects its technological and cultural environment.

Specific Case Discussions

• Several UFO cases are discussed, including:
• The 'Linda Cortile' Abduction Case: Mentioned in relation to the TREAT conference, with a photo of Linda Cortile and Budd Hopkins.
• The Maury Island UFO Crash: Described as a hoax that led to the deaths of two intelligence officers.
• Kenneth Arnold's Sighting: The origin of the term 'flying saucer,' with commentary on the artistic license in sketches and the media's distortion of the event.
• The Roswell Incident: Discussed in the context of alleged government cover-ups and the possibility of it involving a crashed experimental balloon.
• The Aztec Incident: Identified as a fabricated UFO crash that influenced early Hollywood portrayals.
• The Warminster Phenomenon: Seen as a sociological event rather than a UFO concentration, with a critique of amateur investigations.
• The Dyfed Riddle: A case in Wales involving numerous sightings that culminated in a folk festival, attributed to mass appearances of light phenomena.

Reader Letters and Debates

The issue includes letters from readers, notably from Luc Bürgin and Thomas Mehner, who offer critical perspectives on CENAP's methodology and editorial stance. Bürgin criticizes CENAP for mixing facts with speculation and for its perceived 'self-overestimation,' while Mehner questions CENAP's trust in government authorities and suggests that CENAP's approach to UFO research is too simplistic.

CENAP responds to these criticisms, defending its role in debunking and clarifying UFO phenomena. It argues that critical investigations are necessary and that its position is not one of arrogance but of seeking truth. The magazine also addresses specific points raised by readers, such as the Belgian UFO wave and the interpretation of radar data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate between scientific skepticism and belief in extraterrestrial hypotheses, the role of government secrecy in UFO phenomena, the psychological aspects of UFO experiences (abductions, altered consciousness), and the critical analysis of UFO research organizations and their methodologies. CENAP maintains a skeptical but open-minded stance, emphasizing evidence-based investigation and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is one of promoting critical thinking and objective analysis in the field of UFOlogy.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated January 1993, delves into a wide range of topics related to UFO phenomena, including witness accounts, abduction claims, and the potential involvement of secret military technology and government cover-ups. The publication features discussions among various participants, including UFOlogists and skeptics, presenting a multifaceted view of the subject matter.

Abductions

The discussion touches upon the possibility of abductions, with a "hypnosis therapist" named Schulte being brought in to discuss investigations into such cases. Schulte describes the phenomenon as something being "tried to be investigated" and notes that while it's possible to draw conclusions about extraterrestrials, it's not definitively proven. He mentions that some "abductees" experience "real" events, and that alleged skin samples were taken, with some scars appearing overnight and not visible on X-rays, suggesting they were internal.

Witness Testimony

E. raises concerns about the reliability of witness testimony, drawing parallels to reports of Marian apparitions and other supernatural events. He emphasizes that such accounts, unless supported by hard data, cannot be considered proof. K. criticizes sensationalized reports, such as alleged ET corpse discoveries, and points out that investigations often lead to claims of government cover-ups. V.B. suggests that during the Cold War, superpowers believed UFOs might be secret weapons of the opposing side, and that even though the Cold War is over, intelligence agencies are still involved and that FOIA documents provide evidence.

Photographic Evidence and UFOs

The issue questions the lack of clear UFO photographs. V.L. argues that astronomers who photograph the sky nightly never find anything unusual, but then refers to an incident at the Bamberg observatory where a strange object was seen on a photographic plate. E. counters that another observatory 65 km away saw nothing on a different plate, suggesting a plate defect. V.L. insists it wasn't a plate error and claims it was visible on another plate, leading to a heated exchange. V.L. also mentions that satellite images occasionally show "such things."

EM-Cases and Skepticism

V.L. discusses "EM-cases" (electromagnetic phenomena) and highlights that MUFON-CES cataloged over 1000 such cases. He notes that these cases involve both extreme heat and cold effects, requiring further explanation. E., a self-proclaimed skeptic, points out that the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE), founded in 1982, has only presented one well-documented physical case (Trans-en-Provence, 1981) out of thousands of alleged cases.

Crop Circles

E. suggests that crop circles are not related to UFOs and are an "earthly phenomenon." While acknowledging that some circles might be genuine, he expresses uncertainty about pictograms. V.B. speculates about morphogenetic fields as a cause, but this is presented as speculation. The text criticizes V. Buttlar for claiming crop circles are linked to UFOs in his book "Drachenwege."

The Greifswald Case

A video of the Greifswald phenomenon is presented. V.L. describes similar sightings in Usedum, Rügen, and Rostock involving "strange spheres" that disappeared quickly. The moderator compares them to "illuminated balloons," which V.L. refutes, stating they are not tracer ammunition or atmospheric reflections. V.L. labels the phenomenon as "unidentified."

UFO Photos

The moderator questions the lack of credible UFO photos with clearly structured objects. V.L. claims they have many such photos, referencing "Blue Book" microfilm rolls. However, the text notes that only two "Blue Book" photos (McMinnville, Oregon, 1950) were not proven to be fakes, and no "authentic" photos from 1947 exist.

UFO-Melders and Psychological Phenomena

V.B. defends "UFO-melders" by pointing to astronauts and other "highly qualified observers" who have reported sightings. E. argues that 99% of UFO cases are psychological phenomena, suggesting a search for religious substitutes and collective hallucinations. V.L. insists on the existence of 1000+ cases with traces, while F. only accepts two cases. E. explains that UFOs are 99% psychological, leading to a heated debate with V.L. about evidence and research.

The Belgian UFO Flap

The report details the "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique" (UFO Flap over Belgium) phenomenon, which began in November 1989 with sightings of large, triangular aircraft. The SOBEPS organization played a significant role in promoting these sightings. The report mentions a book published by SOBEPS, "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique - Un dossier exceptionnel," which was well-received. The book's introduction was by Dr. Jean-Pierre Petit, Director of a research department at the French Centre National de Recherches Scientifiques (CNRS), with contributions from physicists Auguste Meessen and Leon Brenig. The report notes that scientists like Petit and Meessen were criticized by other Belgian scientists for their involvement in UFO research, with accusations of pseudoscientific claims.

Secret Military Bases and Technology

The issue extensively covers secret US military bases, particularly Area 51 (Groom Lake) and Tonopah AFB. It discusses the development of advanced aircraft like the F-117 Stealth Fighter and the SR-71 Blackbird, highlighting their technological capabilities and the secrecy surrounding their testing. The report suggests that these bases are involved in developing technologies that could be applied to "alien-human flying saucer bases" and that the US might possess a "fleet of flying saucers" with capabilities far exceeding current stealth fighters. The article speculates that these advanced aircraft might be used for defense or as first-strike weapons in a "Star Wars" scenario. It also touches upon the possibility of these advanced technologies being used for psychological warfare or as a cover-up for other activities.

Urologisches Objekt der Begierde: Geheim-Basis Groom Lake, Tonopah AFB

This section details the history and development of Tonopah AFB, focusing on its role in testing advanced aircraft, including the F-117 Stealth Fighter. It mentions the significant investments made in its infrastructure and the secrecy surrounding its operations. The report notes that the base is involved in developing technologies for communication disruption and radar spoofing. It questions the idea of "alien-human" facilities and dismisses the notion of extraterrestrial ET relationships based on the Roswell incident. The article also discusses the use of commercial satellites like SPOT and LANDSAT, which can detect activities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The "Home of the Fighter Pilot"

This section describes Edwards Air Force Base, known as the "Home of the Fighter Pilot," and its role in testing advanced aircraft, including the SR-71 Blackbird. It highlights the base's contribution to aviation history, such as the breaking of the sound barrier and the development of stealth technology. The report suggests that Edwards AFB is a hub for cutting-edge aerospace research and development, with a significant portion of its activities classified as "top secret."

The Ufos of Eupen

This section focuses on the UFO sightings in Eupen, Belgium, and the role of the organization SOBEPS in documenting and promoting these events. It discusses the sightings of triangular craft and the involvement of police officers and military personnel as witnesses. The report also touches upon the scientific community's skepticism towards UFO phenomena and the criticism directed at researchers like Dr. Jean-Pierre Petit and Professor Auguste Meessen.

Photographic Evidence of Belgian UFOs

The report examines photographic evidence related to the Belgian UFO flap, including a photograph of a triangular object taken in Petit-Rechain. It discusses the analysis of this photograph by students from a military academy and the anomalies observed, such as a background illumination and the composition of the lights. The article questions the reliability of the photograph and the witness's account, suggesting that the lights might be consistent with conventional aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent mystery surrounding UFO sightings, the debate between believers and skeptics, the role of government secrecy in concealing advanced technology, and the psychological aspects of witness testimony. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and evidence while also highlighting skepticism and potential explanations for phenomena. The magazine seems to lean towards exploring the possibility of advanced, possibly terrestrial, technology being mistaken for extraterrestrial craft, while not entirely dismissing the extraterrestrial hypothesis. There's a strong emphasis on the secrecy surrounding military projects and the potential for these to be misinterpreted as UFOs.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated January 1993, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, with a strong emphasis on critical analysis and debunking. It covers the Belgian UFO flap, the controversial MJ-12 documents, media portrayals of UFOs, and the concept of synchronicity. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance, often attributing sightings to misidentifications and criticizing sensationalist reporting.

The Belgian UFO Flap: Photographic and Video Evidence

The issue begins by examining photographic evidence, specifically the 'Petit-Rechain dia,' which is analyzed and replicated by the author to demonstrate how it could be artificially created. The author suggests that many UFO sightings are stimulated by common phenomena like aircraft lights, reflections in windows, or even disco lights. Several video recordings from the Belgian UFO flap are also discussed, with the Maaseik video being analyzed and shown to potentially be a reflection of streetlights rather than an actual UFO.

Radar Evidence and Professor Meessen's Analysis

The report then turns to radar evidence, referencing recordings from F-16 fighter jets that intercepted UFOs during the Belgian flap. Professor Meessen's analysis is presented, which suggests the radar phenomena could be explained by meteorological conditions, instrument malfunctions, or distorted echoes of real targets. However, Meessen controversially concluded that UFOs had appeared, indicating a non-terrestrial origin. The author questions Meessen's objectivity, suggesting a bias towards extraterrestrial explanations.

Other Evidence: Electromagnetic Effects and Ground Markings

The article notes the absence of typical UFO-related electromagnetic effects, such as cars stopping or compasses malfunctioning, during the Belgian flap. However, four cases of unusual ground markings are mentioned, including circular grass patches and a cross-shaped imprint. The report expresses skepticism about these findings, particularly a case where witnesses claimed to see 'clear tracks' that others could not perceive.

Eyewitness Accounts and SOBEPS

The role of eyewitness accounts is explored, with a focus on the Belgian UFO wave of 1989-1991. The organization SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux) is discussed, noting its efforts to collect and analyze thousands of eyewitness reports. The report highlights that SOBEPS was struggling financially before the wave of sightings revitalized it, attracting new members and volunteers. However, it is also pointed out that only a small fraction of the collected cases were thoroughly investigated and documented.

Ultralight Aircraft as a Possible Explanation

A significant portion of the report, particularly from CENAP, posits that many UFO sightings, especially those involving triangular craft, could be explained as ultralight aircraft (ULs). These aircraft are described as quiet, low-flying, and equipped with powerful spotlights for night navigation. The report references past incidents where ultralight aircraft evaded detection by authorities, drawing parallels to UFO reports.

Critiques of UFOlogy and HENDRY's Analysis

The article critically examines common arguments made by UFOlogists, such as the tendency for witnesses to dismiss all conventional explanations. It references Allen Hendry's analysis of UFO reports, which found that police officers, often cited as reliable witnesses, were also frequently involved in cases that were later identified as conventional phenomena. The report suggests that UFOlogists may be prone to 'UFOria,' leading them to misinterpret events and create a narrative that supports their beliefs.

The 'Intruders' Phenomenon: UFOs in Media

The issue dedicates a section to the media's portrayal of UFOs, specifically discussing the TV series 'Intruders.' The report notes that the series is based on numerous abduction accounts and explores the influence of such media portrayals on public perception of UFOs. It references the work of Philip J. Klass and Robert Sheaffer, who have criticized the dramatization of UFO events in media, arguing that it leads to misconceptions and distracts from factual investigation.

The MJ-12 Documents: A Hoax Exposed?

A major focus of the latter part of the magazine is the 'MJ-12 documents,' which allegedly detail a secret US government committee formed to handle UFO-related matters. The report presents an argument, primarily from Armen Victorian, that these documents are a fabrication. Victorian's investigation, including a call to the White House, suggests that the 'Special Classified Executive Order #092447' mentioned in the documents is fictitious and that the numbering and classification systems do not align with official procedures. The report concludes that the MJ-12 documents are likely a 'swindle' and a 'hoax.'

Project Blue Book: A Visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Walter N. Webb recounts his visit to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 1956, a key location in UFO history due to its alleged connection to the Roswell crash and the Project Blue Book investigation. Webb describes his meeting with Capt. George T. Gregory, the chief of Project Blue Book at the time. Gregory expresses skepticism about UFOs, attributing most sightings to misidentified balloons or other conventional phenomena. He dismisses many UFO reports as sensationalized and emphasizes the project's goal of explaining away sightings. Webb notes that Gregory seemed frustrated by his persistent questions about unexplained cases.

Media Criticism: SAT-1 and 'Phantastische Phänomene'

The report includes a scathing critique of the SAT-1 television program 'Phantastische Phänomene' and its host, Rainer Holbe. The author accuses Holbe of presenting sensationalized and unverified claims as fact, likening his show to 'hokuspokus' and criticizing his 'hypocritical' enthusiasm. The review suggests that Holbe is misleading viewers and that his program does little to advance genuine understanding of the phenomena discussed.

Synchronicity: The World of Wonders and Unexplained Phenomena

The final section, presented as a comic strip by Dr. Schlonz, explores the concept of synchronicity. It defines synchronicity as meaningful coincidences where events occur simultaneously without a causal link. Examples are given, such as a man reading a book while another cannot sleep, or a man finding a hair in his soup just as his wife criticizes his hair loss. The strip questions whether such occurrences are mere chance or possess deeper psychological significance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are skepticism towards UFO claims, a critical examination of evidence, and a strong emphasis on debunking. The editorial stance is clearly that most UFO sightings can be explained by conventional means, and that media sensationalism often distorts the public's understanding of the phenomenon. The magazine appears to align with organizations that promote scientific investigation and rational explanations for unexplained events, while actively challenging what it perceives as pseudoscientific claims and hoaxes within the UFO community.