CENAP Report - No 205

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: 205
Volume/Date: 4/93 (April 1993)
Publisher: CENAP (Centrales Forschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher-Himmelsphänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 70,-- (annual subscription)

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, a German-language magazine dedicated to the study of unidentified aerial phenomena, delves deeply into the complex and often controversial topic of UFO abductions. The cover prominently features an article by Werner Walter, questioning if he himself is an abduction victim, alongside pieces on UFOs in Russia and the broader context of 'abductions' in the 'golden age' of UFOlogy. The magazine positions itself as a comprehensive UFO news magazine, aiming to provide objective information and analysis.

Editorial and Content Overview

The editorial section, penned by W. Walter, highlights the extensive material CENAP archives and the magazine's commitment to covering the latest developments in UFOlogy. It notes that while CENAP also publishes in other outlets, their own archive is overflowing with new information. The editorial points to 'abductions' as a current dominant theme in UFOlogy, acknowledging the need to address this bizarre aspect despite its potentially peripheral nature to the core UFO phenomenon. Readers are also directed to the '2000, Magazin für Neues Bewußtsein' for historical perspectives on the topic.

The issue includes a call for reader participation regarding the format of cover headlines and announces upcoming postal code changes. The magazine emphasizes its role as a public reporting center for UFO sightings and a private, non-commercial news agency.

The UFO Phenomenon in the Sign of Abductions

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to exploring the UFO phenomenon, particularly through the lens of alleged abductions. The article "U.F.O.'s - Ein Phänomen im Zeichen der Entführungen" by UFO Historian W. Walter traces the evolution of the UFO concept from its literal meaning to the popular 'flying saucer' narrative, influenced by science fiction and 'contactees'. It critiques the rapid jump to conclusions about extraterrestrial visitors without scientific investigation, highlighting the role of sensationalist authors, Hollywood, and pseudoreligious groups in shaping public perception.

The article discusses how the UFO phenomenon has become a self-sustaining mystery, fueled by speculation and a market for books and conferences. It notes that while UFO reports are often based on fleeting luminous phenomena, the lack of concrete evidence for alien intelligence persists. The piece also touches upon the rise of 'cover-up' theories and the subjective nature of many UFO claims.

The Abduction Syndrome: Psychological and Sociological Perspectives

Several articles delve into the psychological and sociological dimensions of UFO abductions. One section, "Interessante Neuigkeiten aus der phantastischen Welt der Entführungen; mehr aus dem Sektor 'ungewöhnlicher persönlicher Erfahrungen' in diesem CR...", presents findings from the UFO Research Institute of Canada (UFORIC). This research indicates that a majority of alleged abductees are women and often exhibit symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, along with poltergeist activity and physical anomalies. The study suggests a potential link between UFO waves and abduction reports, and notes the presence of 'Unidentified Body Markings' (UBMs) that may resemble crop circle formations.

Another article, "Psychologie: Ist Ihr Herausgeber des CRs ein blockierter UFO-Entführter?", explores the psychological profile of alleged abductees. It references the work of Dr. Elizabeth Slater, who studied nine individuals and found they shared certain 'deficits,' including identity disturbance, paranoia, low self-esteem, and a sense of not being at home in their bodies. The author, Werner Walter, even speculates about his own potential as a 'blocked abduction victim,' linking his critical stance on UFOlogy to a possible suppressed experience.

Case Studies and Research

The issue features a detailed case study of a "typische britische Entführung" (Typical British Abduction) reported by Philip Mantle. This case involves a 19-year-old man who claims to have been taken aboard a UFO and transported to a mothership. The investigation by CI (Contact International) found no physical evidence but noted the witness's distress and subsequent interest in 'Green' themes and poetic writing. The article highlights the difficulty in verifying such claims and the tendency for the phenomenon to be influenced by cultural narratives, such as the prevalence of 'Greys' in American reports versus 'Nordic' types in European ones.

Further research is presented from a survey conducted by Lloyd Stires, a psychology professor, which estimated that 3.7 million Americans might have been abducted by aliens. However, the methodology and the validity of the five indirect questions used in the survey are critically examined, with the author concluding that they are likely unreliable.

CENAP-REPORT Special Editions

The magazine also promotes its "UFOs Grenzenlos" (UFOs Without Borders) series of special editions. These volumes are described as international documentations, many translated into German for the first time, covering a wide range of UFO-related topics. The listed volumes include:

• Band 1: UFOs hinter verschlossenen Türen (UFOs Behind Closed Doors): Focuses on US government secrecy, disinformation, and cover-ups.
• Band 2: Der Ruppelt-Report (The Ruppelt Report): A critical examination of a significant UFO report.
• Band 3: Bevor die UFOs kamen (Before the UFOs Came): Explores pre-1947 UFO phenomena, including airship panics and 'ghost rockets'.
• Band 4: UFOs - ein zeithistorischer Rückblick (UFOs - A Historical Retrospective): Covers the history of the UFO phenomenon in the USA up to the mid-1970s.
• Band 5: UFOs hinter dem eisernen Vorhang (UFOs Behind the Iron Curtain): Investigates UFO sightings in Eastern Bloc countries.
• Band 6: Das Entführungssyndrom (The Abduction Syndrome): A collection of articles exploring the abduction phenomenon from various perspectives.
• Band 7: Frankreich 1954: Invasion vom Mars? (France 1954: Invasion from Mars?): Detailed research into the 1954 French UFO wave.
• Band 8: Angeklagt: Der UFO-Beweis (Accused: The UFO Evidence): A critical look at the evidence for UFOs.
• Band 9: UFOs - Das Europäische Haus (UFOs - The European House): Highlights European UFO research and cases.
• Band 10: UFOs - am Ende des Regenbogens (UFOs - At the End of the Rainbow): Provides arguments and studies on the UFO phenomenon, including media influence and belief systems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the psychological underpinnings of UFO experiences, the critical examination of evidence, and the distinction between genuine phenomena and fabricated or misinterpreted events. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism towards sensational claims, while acknowledging the persistent and widespread interest in UFOs and related phenomena. There is a clear effort to ground the discussion in research, even if that research itself is subject to critique. The magazine aims to provide a platform for diverse viewpoints within the UFO community, including critical perspectives, while also promoting its own extensive research materials.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated April 1993, is titled "CENAP REPORT NR.205" and features a cover headline of "UFO-Geheimlüftung: Phantome des Verstandes!" The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting a mix of case studies, critical analyses, and debunking perspectives. The publisher is CENAP, and the country of publication is Germany.

CENAP Book Series

The magazine extensively promotes the CENAP book series, detailing volumes such as "Projekt UFO I - das Jahr 1947" through "Projekt UFO III," which delve into historical UFO cases and official government investigations, including documents from the CIA and US Air Force. These volumes are described as comprehensive, featuring numerous pages, photographs, and documents. Special volumes like "Sonderband I" and "Sonderband II" focus on UFO research in France, while "Unsere alltägliche Desinformation" critiques media sensationalism. "Das Gläserne Buch" is presented as a comprehensive database of UFO cases.

Debunking and Criticism of UFO Proponents

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to critiquing UFO proponents and their methods. Audolf Henke, in his "Debunker's Corner," discusses the reluctance of UFO enthusiasts to engage with critics and their tendency to create isolated groups. He criticizes the use of pseudo-arguments and personal attacks by some in the UFO community. The article highlights instances where critics are dismissed or their arguments ignored, likening it to Orwellian tactics.

Specific criticisms are leveled against authors like J. v. Buttlar and Michael Hesemann for their alleged use of inflammatory language and associations with right-wing ideologies. The magazine questions the credibility of certain UFO claims, particularly those related to alleged government cover-ups and the MJ-12 documents, which are dismissed as fabrications.

Case Studies and Reports

The issue includes various UFO sighting reports and case studies:

• Band 11-13: These volumes cover early UFO cases from 1947, official US Air Force investigations, and discussions of extraterrestrial hypotheses.
• Band 14-15 (Sonderband I & II): These focus on UFO research in France, detailing sightings and interviews with French researchers.
• Band 16 (Unsere alltägliche Desinformation): This volume examines the sensationalist reporting of UFOs by the tabloid press, specifically mentioning the newspaper BILD and author J. v. Buttlar.
• Band 17 (Das Gläserne Buch): A comprehensive index and database of UFO cases covered by CENAP REPORTS.
• Band 18 (UFOs - Phantome des Verstandes): A new volume presented in high-quality DTP printing.

• Russian UFOs: An interview with General Ivan Tretyak discusses UFO sightings in Russia and their challenge to air defense systems. While acknowledging unexplained phenomena, Tretyak suggests many sightings can be explained as optical phenomena or related to rocket launches.
• Moscow UFO Incident (March 21, 1990): A report details a "disc-shaped object" sighted over Moscow, which was investigated by a fighter pilot but not detected by radar, suggesting it might be a natural phenomenon.
• Rossendale Anomaly (England): This case study examines sightings of an "orange light ball" in England, which was initially believed to be a UFO but was later identified as a DC-9 cargo plane. The article discusses how misidentifications can fuel UFO beliefs and the role of media in sensationalizing such events.
• Mittel-Franken Sightings (New Year's Eve 1993): Reports of "Silvester-UFOs" (New Year's Eve UFOs) in Germany are discussed, with the conclusion that these were likely party balloons.
• The Prophetess Comes: Global Awakening?: A brief mention of American New-Age prophetess Chris Griscom and her claims about UFOs and consciousness.

Critical Analysis of UFO Claims

The magazine strongly advocates for a rational and scientific approach to UFO research. It criticizes the tendency of some UFOlogists to sensationalize events, ignore evidence that contradicts their theories, and engage in personal attacks against skeptics. The article "Schweres Geschütz: Astrologie-Zeitschrift VENUS und der Absturz einer UFO-Geschichte - schlechte Zeichen am esoterischen Wunderhimmel!" critically examines an astrology magazine's coverage of UFOs, dismissing its claims as unsubstantiated and sensationalist.

The MJ-12 documents are repeatedly referred to as fabrications, and the magazine questions the narrative of government cover-ups surrounding the Roswell incident. The authors emphasize that many UFO sightings can be explained by conventional means, such as weather balloons, aircraft, or natural phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, the debunking of sensationalist reports, and the promotion of a scientific and rational approach to understanding unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of many UFO theories, particularly those involving extraterrestrial visitation and government conspiracies, while acknowledging that some phenomena may remain unexplained.

The magazine aims to counter what it perceives as ufological disinformation and to provide readers with a more grounded perspective on the UFO topic. It highlights the importance of rigorous investigation and the dangers of succumbing to sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated April 1993, focuses on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), particularly from a Soviet/Russian perspective, and delves into the history and key figures of ufology. The cover prominently features the headline "SOVIET UFO: Glasnost Gimmick or UFO Fact?", suggesting a critical examination of Soviet UFO claims.

Soviet UFOs and General Tretyak

The magazine begins by discussing the Soviet Union's (GUS) approach to UFOs, contrasting it with the American and French air forces' explanations. General Ivan Tretyak, head of the GUS air defense, is interviewed and expresses skepticism about the extraterrestrial nature of UFOs. He suggests that most sightings are natural phenomena or misidentified objects, and that the GUS air defense is not specifically tasked with searching for UFOs. Tretyak recounts an incident where a UFO was shot down, which turned out to be a Swedish weather balloon that had lost control and entered Soviet airspace. He dismisses claims of alien visitations as lacking proof and argues that the media may have exaggerated certain incidents, like the Rust affair, where a private aircraft violated airspace.

Tretyak also addresses questions about special UFO-ET interception programs, stating that none exist and that air defense measures are focused on real threats. He emphasizes that the GUS air defense sees no real threat from alleged alien visitors and that there are no secret agreements with NATO states regarding UFOs. Regarding the development of UFO-specific weapons, Tretyak finds the idea absurd as long as the nature of UFOs as extraterrestrial activities is not scientifically proven. He suggests that resources would be better spent on researching conventional threats like stealth bombers.

UFOlogy and Key Figures

The issue extensively explores the history of ufology, with a particular focus on figures like Gray Barker and Albert Bender. Werner Walter's article, "FLIEGENDE UNTERTASSEN: Das 'Goldene Zeitalter' der UFOlogie!" (Flying Saucers: The 'Golden Age' of UFOlogy!), examines the early days of UFO research, particularly the 1950s. Gray Barker is described as a legendary collector of UFO fables and an "ufological original" who played a significant role in building the UFO-saucer myth. His work, including the book "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers," is credited with popularizing the 'Men in Black' legend.

Michael D. Swords' research into Barker's archives is highlighted. Swords notes that Barker was more interested in collecting stories than in rigorous investigation, with his archives containing extensive correspondence with various ufologists and contactees, but few detailed case files. Barker's association with figures like George Adamski and George Hunt Williamson is mentioned, as well as his playful, sometimes mocking, interactions with other ufologists.

Albert Bender, another key figure, is discussed in relation to the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB), which he founded in 1952. The IFSB aimed to investigate UFO phenomena and had international reach. The article suggests that the IFSB's activities, particularly its international contacts and research into UFO routes, attracted the attention of government agencies like the CIA and FBI. The 'Bender Affair' is presented as a possible intelligence operation designed to deter civilian UFO research, possibly involving 'Men in Black' figures who pressured Bender into dissolving the IFSB.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine also reports on specific UFO sightings and investigations. Andrea Gibitz, a regional sighting investigator for CENAP in Germany, is featured. She explains that CENAP investigates UFO reports using detailed questionnaires and often finds natural explanations for sightings, such as balloons, atmospheric phenomena, or hoaxes. She states that 98% of reported cases have natural causes.

Several specific incidents are mentioned:

• A sighting over the Kola Peninsula in 1990, initially thought to be a UFO but later identified as a weather balloon.
• The Dalnegorsk incident in Russia in 1986, involving a reddish-orange sphere that crashed, leaving physical traces.
• A report from the Schwerin region in Germany about a sighting of an unidentified object, which citizens believe could be an extraterrestrial craft.
• An "UFO Alarm" in the Ansbach and Würzburg police districts in Germany, which turned out to be a meteor or a bright light.
• Sightings on New Year's Eve in Ansbach, which were explained as a hot air balloon, the planet Venus, and a promotional balloon.
• A report from Heessen, Germany, where a glowing red object seen on New Year's Eve was likely a birthday balloon.

Historical Context and Skepticism

The issue touches upon the historical context of UFO research, particularly during the Cold War, when there was suspicion of Soviet involvement or propaganda. The article about Barker and Bender suggests that government agencies were wary of civilian UFO organizations potentially uncovering sensitive information or engaging in espionage.

There is a recurring theme of debunking or providing rational explanations for UFO sightings, contrasting with the more sensationalist aspects of ufology. The magazine presents a critical perspective, questioning the validity of many UFO claims and highlighting the role of media in sensationalizing the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical development of ufology, the skepticism of official military and scientific bodies towards extraterrestrial explanations, the role of key individuals in shaping UFO narratives, and the tendency for many sightings to have mundane explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to separate factual investigation from sensationalism and myth-making within the UFO field. The magazine seems to favor rational explanations and historical analysis over speculative theories, while still acknowledging the enduring public fascination with UFOs.