CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: 210
Volume: 11/93
Date: October/November 1993
Publisher: CENAP (Centrale Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German
Price: DM 70.- (annual subscription)

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, subtitled 'Das unbequeme - andere UFO - Magazin' (The uncomfortable - another UFO magazine), focuses on the intersection of UFO phenomena with politics and intelligence agencies, particularly in the former Soviet Union. The cover features a striking image of a glowing, possibly artificial light source, and headlines like 'UFO's und KGB +++ Feuer vom Himmel' (UFOs and KGB +++ Fire from Heaven), 'UFO's und Politik +++ UFO - Horror'.

Editorial and Introduction

The editorial section, 'Zu diesem CR, geschätzter Leser...' (To this CR, dear reader...), announces a new color cover and reflects on the media's increased attention to UFOs in the autumn of 1993. It mentions CENAP's involvement in various media appearances, including WDR, RTL, PRO7, Radio GONG 2000, ZDF, and SDR1, highlighting appearances by Werner Walter and Hj. Köhler. A price reduction for a 20-hour UFO demonstration package from CENAP's video archive is also announced.

Special Report: GUS: UFOS UND KGB

This extensive report delves into the history of UFO investigations and government involvement in the Soviet Union and Russia. It begins by introducing the Russian magazine 'AURA-Z', edited by mathematician Alexander Avshalunov, which aims to explore ufology and parapsychology more freely after the fall of communism.

The report details the efforts of Soviet researchers and enthusiasts like Lev Chulkov, F. Zigel, and others who attempted to study UFO phenomena despite official suppression. It recounts Joseph Stalin's early interest in UFOs, ordering an analysis of foreign materials. Despite initial enthusiasm, the Soviet government, through entities like the KGB and various committees, often suppressed or dismissed UFO reports. The article mentions the 'Initiative-Gruppe von UFO-Untersuchern' (Initiative Group of UFO Investigators) and the establishment and subsequent closure of a UFO department within the All-Union Committee of Cosmonautics.

• Key incidents and periods of interest include:
• Early 1950s: Stalin's directive for Korolev to study UFOs.
• 1967: Formation of a UFO department and its quick dissolution.
• 1976: Renewed appeals to the government for UFO research.
• 1977: The 'Petrozavodsk phenomenon', a significant UFO event.
• 1982: Establishment of the Commission for Paranormal Phenomena.

The report also touches upon the difficulties faced by UFOlogists in gaining official recognition and publishing their findings. It highlights the role of media censorship, mentioning the 'Glavlit' system and the consequences faced by journalists who published UFO-related articles.

UFOlogy: From Total Rejection to Secret Labs

This section features an interview with Professor Valery Burdakov, who worked with Soviet rocket scientist S. Korolev. Burdakov recounts an incident where Korolev presented his findings on UFOs to Stalin, concluding that they did not pose a military threat but acknowledged the phenomenon's existence.

The report traces the Soviet government's negative classification of UFOs, noting that in the 1950s, official discourse often mocked UFOs, influenced by political ideology. Despite this, an underground ufological movement continued to conduct expeditions and gather data using specialized instruments.

Object Characteristics and Analysis

The magazine presents various UFO sighting reports, often accompanied by photographic evidence. One section discusses 'invisible black balls' emitting visible light, with the author attributing such phenomena to photographic artifacts or film errors, referencing a similar case from 1980.

• Another part of the report, 'Klassifikation Geheion: Aus dem KGB-Archiv' (Classification Secret: From the KGB Archive), reveals declassified UFO sighting reports from the USSR, dating from 1982 to 1990. These include accounts from civilian pilots, air traffic controllers, and military personnel. Specific cases detailed are:
• July 26, 1989: Air traffic control in Sochi receives reports of two objects from three aircraft.
• May 23, 1985: A bomber regiment reports an elliptical, dull-orange UFO near Khabarovsk.
• November 3, 1985: A pilot near Vladivostok witnesses a UFO and a satellite moving in parallel.
• December 1987 - September 1988: Ball-shaped UFOs observed near the Shiveluch Volcano.
• July 28, 1989: Soldiers near Kapustin Yar report a disc-shaped object emitting light beams.

Personal Encounters and Analysis

Lt. Col. Lev Vyatkin recounts a personal encounter from August 13, 1967, where his fighter jet was targeted by a light beam from an unidentified object, causing a portion of his wing to ignite.

Walter N. Webb: Allen Hynek, as I Knew Him

This section is a tribute to Allen Hynek by Walter N. Webb, recalling their professional relationship and Hynek's evolving views on UFOs.

• Early Career: Webb met Hynek in 1954. They worked together on the Smithsonian Optical Satellite Tracking Program (STP) for the International Geophysical Year (IGY) in 1957-1958. Hynek was initially skeptical of UFOs, viewing them through the lens of Project Blue Book, where he sought conventional explanations for most cases.
• Project Blue Book: Hynek's role as a consultant for Blue Book is discussed, including his efforts to improve reporting standards and his eventual disillusionment with the project's limitations.
• Hynek's Shift: Over time, Hynek's stance evolved. He began to advocate for the scientific study of UFOs, publishing articles like 'UFOs Merit Scientific Study' and 'Are Flying Saucers Real?'. He became more open to the possibility of unexplained phenomena, particularly after encounters with researchers like James E. McDonald.
• Later Years: Webb recounts Hynek's later work, including his book 'The UFO Experience' and his founding of CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies). Despite his growing openness, Hynek faced criticism for allegedly mishandling evidence and for his past role in 'debunking' cases.
• Legacy: Webb portrays Hynek as a charismatic figure who significantly influenced the scientific perception of UFOs, even if he didn't achieve full scientific acceptance for the phenomenon.

Fire from Heaven: A Familiar Stimulus

This section reports on a significant event: a green fireball observed over the US East Coast on October 9, 1992. The object eventually broke up and landed as a 27-pound meteorite in Peekskill, New York. The event was widely witnessed and captured on numerous video recordings, making it one of the best-documented fireball events.

• The Event: The fireball was seen from Kentucky to the District of Columbia, breaking up over New York. It was exceptionally bright, comparable to the full moon.
• Witnesses and Media: The timing of the event coincided with Friday evening activities, including football games, allowing many to record it. Over two dozen video recordings were made.
• Meteorite Impact: The meteorite fragment landed in Peekskill, creating a small crater and damaging a car. The owner reportedly sold the meteorite for a significant profit.
• Scientific Analysis: The event provided an opportunity for detailed analysis of the fireball's trajectory, with the Peekskill meteorite being the fourth case where such precise calculations were possible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the historical suppression of UFO information by governments, particularly in the Soviet Union, and the subsequent efforts by independent researchers and organizations like CENAP to uncover and disseminate this information. There is a clear critical stance towards official explanations, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous scientific investigation. The magazine promotes a view that UFO phenomena are real and warrant serious study, often highlighting cases that defy conventional explanations. The personal accounts and historical retrospectives suggest a belief in the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena and a desire to bring these topics into the public discourse, even if controversial.

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: NR.210
Date: October/November 1993
Publisher: CENAP

This issue of CENAP REPORT delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings, meteorite events, and the enduring mystery of crop circles. It presents a blend of scientific analysis, eyewitness accounts, and critical investigations into these topics.

Meteorite Events

The issue features several articles on meteorites. One detailed account describes the Peekskill, New York, meteorite fall of October 9, 1992, where a 27-pound meteorite struck a 1980 Chevy Malibu. The article highlights the owner Michelle Knapp's experience and the scientific identification of the object. Another piece discusses Walter N. Webb's perspective on large fireballs, emphasizing that their apparent descent is often an illusion due to their proximity and trajectory. The magazine also touches upon the historical context of green fireballs from the late 1940s and early 1950s, suggesting a possible link to cometary debris. A scientific article by Peter H. Schultz and Ruben E. Lianza examines the impact traces of a large, ancient meteorite in the Argentine pampa, detailing the formation of multiple craters and the discovery of glass objects.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Several UFO sightings and related investigations are covered. The magazine reports on a UFO sighting over Salzgitter, Germany, with an expert suggesting that extraterrestrials might be interested in regions facing financial difficulties. It also mentions a UFO landing in a garden in Berlin. The Canadian MUFON director, Michael Strainic, provides an overview of ufological events in Canada for 1992, noting a variety of sightings and the ongoing debate about animal mutilations. The issue also includes a report on the Spanish Air Force's UFO files, detailing the efforts of researchers like Ballester-Olmos to access and declassify these documents. A significant portion is dedicated to the UMMO phenomenon, exploring its origins, alleged communications, and potential links to political extremism and hoaxes. The magazine questions the motivations behind such phenomena and warns about the infiltration of UFO groups by neo-Nazi ideologies.

Crop Circles

The phenomenon of crop circles is extensively discussed across multiple articles. The magazine presents reports of crop circles appearing in various locations, including Germany (Aachener Schneeberg, Halle/Bitterfeld), Switzerland (Klettgau), and the UK. While some eyewitnesses and researchers attribute these formations to extraterrestrial activity, the articles also explore the possibility of human-made hoaxes. One piece details an investigation in the Klettgau region where a pilot filmed a crop circle, and local authorities and residents lean towards a prank explanation. Another article from Germany suggests that 'fun-loving individuals' might have created crop circles using skis. The magazine also references the work of researchers like Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, while noting a decline in the number of reported crop circles in 1993 compared to previous years, leading some to believe that many are indeed man-made.

Scientific and Theoretical Discussions

The issue includes discussions on more theoretical aspects of UFO phenomena. One article examines the 'Oregon photo' and explores scientific explanations involving gravitational waves and atmospheric effects, contrasting them with extraterrestrial hypotheses. It also touches upon the concept of MHD drives as a potential propulsion system for UFOs. The magazine criticizes the tendency of some UFOlogists to force data into pre-conceived theories, advocating for a more rigorous scientific approach.

Other Topics

Briefly mentioned are reports of unusual lights and circles, a peculiar incident involving a woman claiming telepathic contact with an alien needing rescue, and a critical review of an organization called IFEC/ICOFEC, questioning its legitimacy and financial practices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the ongoing debate between scientific and pseudoscientific explanations, and the potential for hoaxes and political manipulation within the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to approach UFO reports with a healthy dose of skepticism while remaining open to genuine mysteries. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible evidence and sensationalism, and a concern about the infiltration of fringe elements into the UFO research field.

This issue of CENAP REPORT (NR.210, October/November 1993) features two main investigative articles: a detailed re-examination of the famous Oregon UFO photo from 1966 and an extensive report on multiple luminous object sightings over the Baltic Sea in August 1990.

The Oregon UFO Photo Revisited

The article begins by recounting the 1966 incident where a photographer captured images of an unidentified object near Diamond Peak in Oregon. The witness initially described the object as rising in pulses and disappearing rapidly. However, upon developing the photos, his wife noticed unusual details, leading to a confession of having seen something extraordinary.

Initial investigations by the USAF dismissed the photo, suggesting it was caused by thrown frisbees. Later, Dr. William K. Hartmann and UFO investigator Paul Cerny became involved. The photographer's wife played a crucial role in the investigation, as she was the first to examine the developed film and later recounted the details of the sighting.

The article highlights several points of contention and analysis:

• Witness Testimony vs. Photo: Discrepancies arose between the photographer's account of the object's movement (vertical ascent) and the visual evidence in the photo, which suggested horizontal movement and blurring.
• Photographic Analysis: The original negatives were examined, showing no signs of manipulation. However, the landscape was not clearly visible in the photo, raising questions.
• Adrian Vance's Interpretation: UFO investigator Adrian Vance was convinced of the photo's authenticity and explored technological explanations for the object's behavior.
• Dr. Hynek's Assessment: Dr. Hynek later described the photo as one of the most puzzling in history.
• Wieder's Investigation: Investigator 'Wieder' became deeply involved, initially believing the witness's account. He conducted experiments to replicate the photographic effects.
• The 'Standing Wave' Theory: The concept of a 'standing wave' was proposed to explain the visual appearance of the object, particularly the pulsating effect.
• Replication Experiments: Wieder and his team conducted experiments using a moving car and a traffic sign, successfully replicating the visual characteristics of the Oregon photo, including the blurring effect and the appearance of 'materialization'.
• Conclusion on Oregon Photo: The investigation strongly suggests that the 'UFO' in the Oregon photo was likely a traffic sign (DIAMOND PEAK) photographed from a moving car under specific lighting and motion conditions, creating an illusion of a UFO.

Baltic Sea Sightings: August 24, 1990

The second major section details numerous reports of luminous objects observed over the Baltic Sea, primarily on the evening of August 24, 1990. These sightings involved multiple witnesses, video recordings, and photographs.

Key Aspects of the Baltic Sea Sightings:

• Object Description: Witnesses consistently described formations of seven to twelve luminous, spherical objects, often appearing as yellow or white lights, sometimes with an orange hue. They were described as hovering, moving in formation, and sometimes rotating.
• Locations: Sightings were reported from various coastal towns and islands, including Rostock, Usedom, Greifswald, Rügen, and areas further inland like Neubrandenburg.
• Duration and Behavior: The objects were observed for periods ranging from a few minutes to nearly half an hour. Their behavior included hovering, moving in formations (like a 'M' or a 'traube' - cluster), and eventually disappearing, sometimes described as 'dissolving' or fading out.
• Witnesses: A significant number of people reported seeing the phenomena, including families, individuals on vacation, and even military personnel.
• Media Coverage: The event received attention from German media, including BILD newspaper and SUPER ILLU magazine, which published reports and appeals for witnesses.
• Investigative Efforts: CENAP, along with other organizations like MUFON-CES and SOS-OVNI, actively investigated these reports. Efforts included sending out questionnaires, making phone calls, and attempting to collect photographic and video evidence.
• Challenges in Investigation: The investigation faced numerous hurdles, including language barriers (especially with East German witnesses), poor communication infrastructure, uncooperative witnesses, and the difficulty of verifying photographic and video evidence.
• Specific Witness Accounts: The report details accounts from individuals like Karl-Heinz Behrens, Marion Dörfer, Herr Bitterlich, Herr Heimsdorfer, Frau Michalek, and Gunter Röhling, each providing unique perspectives and details about the sightings.
• Comparison to Other Cases: The Baltic Sea sightings are compared to other UFO cases, such as the Greifswald UFO and the McMinnville case, highlighting similarities and differences.
• Proposed Explanations: While initial reports suggested UFOs, the investigation explored possibilities like weather balloons, aircraft, or even misinterpretations of natural phenomena. However, the consistency and duration of the sightings made simple explanations difficult.
• The Greifswald Video: The video footage from Greifswald is mentioned, with reports suggesting the objects were about 4 meters in diameter and possessed an 'own force field'. However, details about the video's content and analysis are limited.
• German-French Cooperation: The magazine also touches upon CENAP's efforts to foster international cooperation, specifically mentioning a meeting with SOS-OVNI in France and participation in an astronomical observation night.

Book Review: Luc Bürgin's "Götterspuren - Der neue UFO-Report"

The issue includes a review of Luc Bürgin's book, which is described as a compilation of various unexplained phenomena, including UFOs and ancient astronaut theories. The reviewer notes the book's lack of scientific rigor but acknowledges its potential to spark interest and challenge conventional views.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of photographic evidence in UFO cases, the importance of witness testimony, and the challenges inherent in UFO investigations. CENAP REPORT adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach, aiming to uncover the truth behind unexplained phenomena through rigorous investigation and data analysis. The editorial stance emphasizes the need for scientific methodology while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many UFO sightings. The magazine encourages reader participation and the sharing of information to further the understanding of these events.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, NR.210, from October/November 1993, delves into the complex and often controversial topic of UFO phenomena. The magazine adopts a critical and investigative stance, scrutinizing various UFO reports, alleged evidence, and the methodologies employed by UFO researchers and enthusiasts. It contrasts sensationalist claims with scientific analysis and journalistic rigor, aiming to provide a more grounded perspective on unexplained aerial events.

Critiques of UFO Literature and Research

The issue begins with a critique of Luc Bürgin's work, questioning his research methods and the validity of his conclusions. The author points out perceived flaws in Bürgin's arguments, such as his reliance on anecdotal evidence and his dismissal of skeptical viewpoints. Specific examples are cited, including the case of falling ice blocks, which the author argues are unrelated to UFO sightings. The article also references Ulrich Magin's book "Trolle, Yetis, Tatzelwürmer" as a source that Bürgin seemingly overlooked.

The review highlights Bürgin's chapter on UFOs as the 'century's riddle,' noting the inclusion of photographs that are described as resembling staged models. The author expresses skepticism about the claim that the CIA acknowledges the existence of UFO phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial origins, suggesting this is an exaggeration. The article also questions the assertion that Herr von Ludwiger is the sole profound expert on UFOs in Germany.

Several specific cases are discussed and analyzed, including the sighting by the family from Opfikon, Switzerland, in 1985, which might have been ball lightning. The case of Peruvian pilot Oswald Sanviti, who reported strange lights in 1967, is also mentioned, with the implication that he was dismissed as a drunkard. The Newhouse film, officially explained as seagulls, is brought up, with Bürgin's attempt to discredit the USAF explanation by citing computer calculations of a 15-meter diameter bird being challenged due to the impossibility of such a size calculation from the provided material.

The article criticizes Bürgin for falling for a hoax case, the 'Atlas-F-Rocket,' which was a prank that naive ufologists, including Bürgin, believed. The French case of Trans-en-Provence is acknowledged as significant but is characterized as a localized ecological catastrophe whose cause remains undetermined, with the UFO event being secondary and isolated. The report also notes that scientists from the Society for Scientific Exploration have debunked seemingly authentic photos, such as the Willamette Pass, Oregon, photo, using scientific photometric calculations and investigative journalism, particularly source research.

UFOs in Munich and Other Cases

The issue touches upon the phenomenon of large searchlights being mistaken for UFOs, specifically mentioning Peter Wodarz's theater restaurant in Munich, which used 'Sky-Trekker' spotlights that attracted UFO enthusiasts. The article humorously suggests appointing Wodarz as the official UFO representative for the city.

Scientific Perspectives and Skepticism

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Werner Walter, Chairman of CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Sky Phenomena). Walter, who has been involved in UFO research for two decades, explains that CENAP's initial curiosity has evolved into a scientific approach. He states that CENAP, along with the Society for Scientific Exploration of Parascientific Phenomena, critically analyzes UFO reports to provide explanations.

Walter acknowledges that many UFO sightings are reported during times of societal or individual crisis, linking this to a human tendency to seek explanations in the supernatural during economic depressions. He criticizes those who exploit this by creating sensationalist stories, particularly those suggesting government cover-ups. Walter estimates that five percent of UFO observations lead to psychological problems for the affected individuals.

When asked if he has personally seen a UFO, Walter replies with a definitive 'No,' and expresses skepticism about 'exotic phenomena.' He finds the human element in UFO sightings more fascinating than the phenomena themselves, noting that multiple people often witness the same event but interpret it differently.

He also addresses the question of whether certain populations are more susceptible to UFO sightings, stating that the phenomenon can affect anyone, regardless of social standing. He dismisses sensational stories about alien encounters or abductions.

Alternative Explanations

The magazine explores various alternative explanations for UFO sightings. One reader suggests that the 'Grünewalde UFO' might have been a meteor that did not fully disintegrate in the atmosphere but heated up to become fiery dust. The article supports this by stating that about one-third of all UFO sightings can be explained by meteors or shooting stars.

Another section discusses ball lightning, citing a consensus among 30 scientists at a Salzburg congress that it is a real phenomenon. Professor Boris Smirnov attributes it to discharges in metal vapors, while Belgian nuclear physicist Jacques Steyaert suggests a fusion reaction of atmospheric nitrogen, and Austrian geophysicist Anton Pührinzer hypothesizes a water droplet formation with different charges.

Reader Contributions and Editorial Stance

The issue includes reader letters, such as one from Ilse Seemann who satirizes UFO enthusiasts, and Kai Müller who expresses certainty about the existence of UFOs but acknowledges that many sightings are hoaxes. Roy Dittmann from Rostock suggests that the numerous stars in the sky are solar systems, implying the possibility of other life forms.

The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, emphasizing scientific methodology and skepticism towards sensational claims. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the magazine strives to debunk hoaxes and provide rational explanations, distinguishing between genuine eyewitness accounts and pseudoscientific speculation. The article by Andreas Albes humorously comments on the Munich UFO sightings caused by spotlights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the distinction between genuine sightings and hoaxes, the role of scientific investigation versus sensationalism, and the psychological aspects of belief in the unexplained. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism towards many UFO claims, advocating for rigorous scientific analysis and investigative journalism as the primary tools for understanding these events. The magazine aims to demystify the UFO phenomenon by providing rational explanations and challenging unsubstantiated assertions, while still acknowledging the possibility of genuinely unexplained occurrences.