CENAP Report - No 214

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, dated March/April 1994, is identified as issue number 214 and volume 3/94. The magazine, published in Germany, presents itself as an 'uncomfortable - other UFO magazine' with a critical and skeptical stance on UFO phenomena. The cover features a striking image of a glowing object and highlights an exclusive critique of the Nagora UFO photos by Klaus Webner, as well as a UFO seminar.

Editorial and Content

The editorial, titled 'Zu diesem CR, geschätzter Leser...', invites readers to engage in a learning process, framing the issue as a 'UFO seminar.' It emphasizes a commitment to providing skeptical analysis and background information on the UFO phenomenon, aiming to broaden the reader's understanding beyond conventional ufology. The editorial notes the absence of recent German UFO observations, explaining that the focus is on global analysis and the re-evaluation of existing cases.

Klaus Webner's Critique of Nagora UFO Photos

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Klaus Webner's detailed debunking of the famous Nagora UFO photographs. Webner criticizes a TV program hosted by Hans Meiser on RTL, which he felt favored believers over skeptics. He analyzes the Nagora photos, originally taken in 1971 by Rudi Nagora, and argues that they are likely hoaxes. Webner demonstrates how a car hubcap, when photographed under specific conditions, can produce similar visual effects to the Nagora images, including blurring and apparent size changes. He points out inconsistencies in the ufologists' explanations and highlights his own photographic experiments that replicate these effects. Webner also criticizes organizations like MUFON-CES and MUFON for promoting questionable cases, citing the Monguzzi and Ed Walters cases as examples of inflated or fabricated evidence.

Groom Lake and Area 51

Several articles focus on the secretive US military installations at Groom Lake and Area 51 in Nevada. These reports discuss the expansion of the restricted airspace around Groom Lake, the alleged development of advanced spy planes and 'exotic aircraft,' and the government's efforts to conceal these activities. The articles suggest that the US Air Force, CIA, and other agencies are involved in highly classified projects, possibly including the reverse-engineering of alien technology. The secrecy surrounding these bases is highlighted, with reports of unusual aerial phenomena and the challenges faced by UFO enthusiasts trying to observe them.

Other Articles and Features

• Klagenfurter Hexenjäger – keine Geister im Salon: This piece discusses parapsychologist Pater Dr. Dr. Andreas Resch's investigation into unexplained phenomena in Klagenfurt, Austria, suggesting telekinesis rather than ghosts.

• Pilots flew saucer to Mars & back – on a Wednesday afternoon!: This short article, accompanied by a purported secret Pentagon photo, claims that the US government has salvaged alien technology from the Roswell crash and is using it for its own military purposes, with an image allegedly showing a UFO prototype monitored by a B-52 bomber.

• U.S. AIR FORCE BUILDS UFO!: This article from 'Weekly World News' is presented as a sensational report about the US Air Force developing a flying saucer capable of traveling to Mars. It also touches upon other outlandish news items from the publication.

• UFOs: Buchkritiken - Pro und Kontra in der Wertschätzung !: This section reviews the book 'Die größten UFO-Geheimnisse der Welt' (The Greatest UFO Secrets of the World), criticizing it for sensationalism, lack of sources, and reliance on dubious cases and misinterpretations, particularly regarding the Nagora photos and other well-known UFO incidents.

• UFOs – 2000 – Die Eskalation!: This is an announcement for a new CENAP/GWUP documentation that covers Belgian UFO triangles and UFO abductions.

• CENAP-Anmerkung Werner Walter: A note from the editor regarding a TV program from 1982 about the Rendlesham Forest incident, offering a video copy for interested parties.

• Ufo-Glaube: A brief statistic on UFO belief in Germany.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, critical analysis of photographic and testimonial evidence, and an emphasis on scientific investigation. CENAP-REPORT consistently adopts a debunking stance, aiming to expose hoaxes and misinterpretations within the UFO community. The magazine also highlights government secrecy and the potential for advanced, possibly non-terrestrial, technology being developed in clandestine military projects. The editorial stance is clearly that of an investigative journal seeking to provide a more rational and evidence-based perspective on phenomena often shrouded in mystery and speculation.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated March/April 1994, is a German-language publication focusing on UFO phenomena. The cover story, "UFO-SEMINAR IM CR," along with the special section "Absturz der Crash-Behauptungen" (Crash of the Crash Claims), indicates a critical and analytical approach to the subject matter.

Key Articles and Content

The Adamski Case and Police Encounters

The issue begins by discussing the mysterious death of a man in West Yorkshire and its connection to a UFO sighting reported by Police Officer Alan Godfrey. Godfrey's encounter with a black-and-white-clad, bearded figure and a large dog is recounted, with the case being described by Graham Birdsall as the "most exciting case in UFO history." The article questions the sensationalism surrounding such cases.

Roswell and Alien Autopsies

The Roswell incident is revisited, detailing Bill Brazel's discovery of metallic debris and a "shattered disc" with non-human beings. The article mentions Major Jesse Marcel and a professor named Dr. Weisberg, who allegedly participated in autopsies of six "Ufonauts." It notes discrepancies in descriptions of the aliens' appearance, with some having webbed fingers and unified organ systems.

Baron Nicholas von Poppen and Government Secrecy

The case of Baron Nicholas von Poppen is also mentioned, where beings in spaceships were described as being between 80 cm and 1.60 m tall, wearing black clothing. The article touches upon the idea of a negative of the spaceship being hidden and only to be revealed after death. It questions why President Carter would fund UFO research if the government already possessed alien spacecraft from a 1947 crash, labeling such logical questions as cynical.

UFO Hotspots and "Window Areas"

The magazine highlights "window areas" with high UFO activity, including Tres Coroas in Brazil, Winsted in Connecticut, the Michigan Rectangle, and Childs in Arizona. It questions why organizations like APRO haven't established observation campaigns in these areas and references findings of unusual powder and "angel hair" that defied scientific analysis.

International UFO Sightings

Further locations of UFO activity are discussed, such as St. George, Australia, which experienced UFOs for twelve years, and Broadhaven in Welsh Middle Wales, where the Coombs family reported UFOs burning out their appliances. The article also mentions the case of a boy in Beallsville, Ohio, who allegedly suffered second-degree burns from a UFO beam, and the Cash-Landrum incident involving a diamond-shaped UFO.

Identified Flying Objects (IFOs) and Misidentifications

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the concept of IFOs, emphasizing that most UFO sightings are misidentifications. Examples include a filmed object by the Oldfields that turned out to be an optical illusion caused by the aircraft's window, a glowing UFO that was actually an owl, and a small alien mistaken for a circus dog. The article stresses that UFO researchers often overlook simple explanations.

The Psychology of UFO Witnesses

Jenny Randles, an English UFO investigator, is quoted extensively. She discusses the "paradox of the UFO image" and the high percentage of IFOs. The article delves into the psychological aspects of UFO reporting, suggesting that witnesses may project their own concepts and fantasies onto sightings. It highlights that many "high-strangeness" reports lack corroborating evidence and that witnesses can be influenced by social pressure and sensationalized media.

UFO Crash Claims and Government Cover-ups

The section "Absturz der Crash-Behauptungen" critically examines the claims of UFO crashes and retrievals. It points to the lack of concrete physical evidence and suggests that government secrecy might be employed to conceal military testing rather than extraterrestrial technology. The article references the Roswell incident again, noting that official documents from 1948 did not mention any recovered alien craft, but rather suggested Soviet reconnaissance flights as a possible explanation.

Analysis of UFO Evidence

The magazine questions the validity of photographic and film evidence of UFOs, stating that most are trick photos or easily explained. It suggests that UFOs might be a psychological phenomenon, reflecting human desires and fears rather than actual extraterrestrial craft. The article cites Mark Moravec, who views UFOs as a psychological and sociological phenomenon.

Expert Opinions and Research Methods

Leonard Stringfield, a UFO crash researcher, is mentioned as having lost contact with many of his sources and encountering numerous hoaxes. The article also references the work of Dr. Alexander Keul and Ken Phillips, who studied the psychology of UFO witnesses, finding that many CE-III witnesses had prior PSI experiences and that their reports could be influenced by psychological factors and cultural narratives.

Cultural Influence and Folklore

The influence of popular UFO sagas, sensational books, and media on public perception is discussed. The article posits that UFO claims, particularly crash stories, have become a form of modern folklore, perpetuated by the desire for mystery and the suppression of rational explanations.

The Role of the Witness

Ballester Olmos emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating witness testimony, noting that hypnosis can be unreliable and that witnesses' personal beliefs and prior exposure to UFO concepts can color their accounts. He suggests that only a small percentage of witnesses can provide purely objective accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of UFO claims, the high prevalence of misidentifications (IFOs), the psychological and sociological factors influencing witness testimony, and skepticism towards government secrecy as evidence of extraterrestrial cover-ups. The editorial stance is clearly one of skepticism and a demand for rigorous, evidence-based investigation, contrasting with what the magazine perceives as sensationalism and folklore within the UFO community. The publication aims to provide a more grounded and scientific approach to understanding UFO phenomena.

This issue of CENAP REPORT (NR. 214), published in March/April 1994, is a German-language magazine focusing on UFO phenomena, psychological interpretations, and societal influences. It features articles by various researchers and journalists, exploring the complexities of UFO sightings, belief systems, and the role of media and skepticism.

The Psychology of UFO Sightings

Mark Moravec, a UFO enthusiast with extensive experience in investigating cases, argues that UFO witnesses often interpret events based on their pre-existing notions rather than objective reality. He highlights that dramatic emotional reactions do not necessarily increase the credibility of a UFO report. Moravec points out that a lack of knowledge about celestial phenomena, combined with social conditioning and the nature of perception itself, can lead to the transformation of ordinary objects into 'alien objects.' He emphasizes that physiological and psychological factors can create illusions, and that the tendency to overestimate time, speed, and distance is common in witness testimonies. A CENAP/GEP experiment is mentioned, showing that witnesses tend to drastically overestimate the size of familiar objects.

Moravec also discusses how memories can be altered over time, becoming modified by prior information about the UFO phenomenon or by external influences like media portrayals and discussions with other UFOlogists. He notes that short observation times often lack details, increasing the chance of misidentification. The emotional shock of witnessing something new and alien can also block the ability to perceive and recall details.

Regarding psychological disturbances, Moravec suggests that while most UFO witnesses are not psychologically disturbed, a small number may suffer from 'paranoid schizophrenia,' leading to substantial misinterpretations of real events. These individuals may project personal failures onto external 'enemies.' He cites a 1979 study by Hendry, which estimated only 0.5% of cases to be in this category, with Moravec suggesting two to three cases per 100 sightings might stem from psychopathological causes.

Belief Systems and the UFO Witness

The article explores how belief systems shape the interpretation of UFO experiences. Robert Hall is quoted stating that people are more easily convinced when experiences align with existing knowledge and beliefs. The concept of UFOs is presented as a 'distillation of our needs for a superior intelligence,' as suggested by Lyall Watson. This can lead to UFOs being perceived as a self-created reality, influenced by media and cultural expectations.

Hilary Evans connects UFOs to social and cultural phenomena, suggesting that the UFO phenomenon generates its own mythology, stereotypes, and cultural patterns. He questions whether a witness is reporting a physical sighting or a psychological process, and how cultural conditioning modifies these experiences. Evans also probes the motivations behind skepticism and conformity when dealing with UFO reports.

The comparison between UFO phenomena and historical witch hunts is drawn, with UFOs serving as a modern 'accepted myth' and a substitute for religion for those dissatisfied with traditional faiths. UFOs are seen as providing hope, security, and answers to life's mysteries, externalizing personal problems and offering a sense of belonging to a universal family.

UFOs and Skepticism

Phil Klass, an aviation journalist, and the University of Colorado's UFO Project led by Dr. Edward Condon are mentioned as proponents of scientific inquiry. The article questions whether the existence of pseudo-UFOs proves the existence of real UFOs. It distinguishes between 'true skeptics' who objectively evaluate evidence and 'debunkers' who hold a pre-conceived negative stance.

John Rimmer discusses the 'level of mystification' and hoaxes in the UFO field. He differentiates between genuine cases and hoaxes, noting that genuine witnesses often report misidentified ordinary objects, while hoaxers aim to deceive. The Adamski case is presented as a prime example of a hoax that spawned a cult.

UFOs and the Media

The influence of media, particularly Hollywood films from the 1950s, on shaping the UFO image is highlighted. Films like 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' and 'Earth vs. the Flying Saucers' are cited as examples that contributed to a cultural myth of alien visitations. The article suggests that media portrayals often reflect and reinforce public imagination rather than objective truth.

UFOs and Politics

The article touches upon the political involvement in UFO research, mentioning the GEPAN in France and the push for a European UFO observation center. It also discusses the US Congress's interest in the Roswell incident, with Congressman Steve Schiff demanding an investigation, which is seen by some as potentially driven by political motives or influenced by UFOlogists.

UFOs and Society

Michel Monnerie argues that UFOlogy has become a form of modern folklore, exploited for decades to introduce humans to the space age. He criticizes the uncritical acceptance of anecdotal evidence and the lack of rigorous scientific investigation. Monnerie suggests that the focus should be on why people believe they see UFOs, rather than solely on the existence of UFOs themselves.

Specific Cases and Reports

The issue includes several localized reports of alleged UFO sightings:

• A sighting in Hollington, England, of a bright yellow object later identified as the Moon.
• A report from Riddagshausen, Germany, by Dr.-Ing. Peter Hattwig, describing a triangular object with moon-like diameter.
• A jet pilot's account from Chemnitz, Germany, of a fast, silent, low-flying object without lights.
• A waiter's report from Chemnitz of a hexagonal object with blinking lights.
• A teacher's observation from Chemnitz of a square object with blinking lights.

UFOs and the 'New Age'

Kevin McClure discusses UFO cults as a form of 'religious experience,' fulfilling a need for the unknown and providing a sense of meaning and security. He suggests that abduction experiences can be seen as a modern manifestation of religious folklore, offering a 'cosmic citizen' perspective.

The UFO Conspiracy and Government Secrecy

OMNI magazine's 'Project Open Book' is introduced as an initiative to gather documented information on alien encounters and alleged government cover-ups. The project aims to bring transparency to the UFO phenomenon by encouraging the release of government files.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the issue are the psychological and sociological factors influencing UFO beliefs, the impact of media on public perception, the role of skepticism versus uncritical belief, and the potential for government secrecy or disinformation. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging rational investigation and skepticism while not entirely dismissing the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The magazine emphasizes that understanding UFOs often reveals more about human psychology and societal needs than about extraterrestrial visitors.

This issue of CENAP REPORT (NR. 214, March/April 1994) is a German-language publication focusing on UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and related controversies. It features articles that critically examine various UFO cases, interview alleged insiders, and discuss the skepticism surrounding the field.

The Roswell Incident and Government Secrecy

The issue begins by discussing the Roswell incident, framing it as a symbol of the UFO community's frustration with government transparency. Aerospace historian Curtis Peebles is quoted, stating that while the US government is secretive, there's no evidence it has reverse-engineered UFO technology. Major David Thurston from the Pentagon's Public Affairs Office is noted for directing UFO information requests to the Air Force Historical Research Center and then to the National Archives, where Project Blaubuch files are kept. The article suggests that Project Blaubuch itself was unimpressed by the case. Steven Aftergood, Director of the Project on Government and Secrecy, highlights the immense cost and backlog of declassifying government documents. Brig. Gen. C.H. Bolender's final report on Project Blaubuch is cited, stating that reports concerning unidentified flying objects affecting national security were not part of the Blaubuch system, leading UFOlogists to believe these significant reports were handled elsewhere.

Philip Klass, Senior Editor of Aviation Week & Space Technology, offers a counterpoint, suggesting that the military's interest in UFOs is natural due to concerns about Soviet rockets and other national security threats, requiring quick reactions that Project Blaubuch might not have been equipped for. The closure of Project Blaubuch is seen as a relief for the USAF, freeing them from press conferences about potentially sensitive topics like secret test facilities such as Groom Lake.

Inside the Military UFO Underground

An article from OMNI magazine is discussed, featuring three alleged insiders who claim to know more about UFOs, aliens, and military conspiracies. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert O. Dean is highlighted, though his credentials remain unverified. OMNI itself admits to a lack of confirmation for these stories, labeling it the 'fun part' of their UFO coverage. Dean's alleged service at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe) in 1963 is mentioned, where he supposedly had access to the SHOC (Supreme Headquarters Operations Center). During that period, large, metallic, round objects were reportedly sighted over Central Europe, tracked by radar and fighter jets, originating from the Soviet Union and East Germany, and flying over Western Germany, France, and the English Channel before disappearing towards Norway. These objects, flying at altitudes over 30 km and seemingly under intelligent control, triggered red alerts, raising concerns about a potential Third World War. Dean claims to have seen a document called 'Assessment' within SHOC, which was one of only 15 copies. The article notes that this story has never been confirmed and that UFO reports from that era do not strongly support Dean's claims. Dean is reportedly working to retrieve this NATO document and gather witnesses for a congressional hearing. A response from Lt. Col. Rainer Otte of the German Air Force at SHAPE's Public Information Office states that their list of secret documents does not contain anything cited by Dean, and information about military personnel's security clearances can only be released by US authorities. Jerome Clark of CUFOS dismisses the O. Dean affair as a fantastic anecdote.

The article then turns to Bob Lazar, who claims to be close to understanding alien technology. Lazar currently runs a photo lab and earns income from a contract repairing nuclear facilities. He also builds and races cars. Lazar has sold film rights to his story and is working on a cable channel film. The Air Force Public Affairs office at Nellis AFB provided a non-committal response, stating they have no comment. Technical Sergeant Henderson is quoted saying the USAF has no records of Lazar working at Nellis AFB, but they have received many inquiries about him. It is noted that Lazar worked in Los Alamos and was listed in the phone book, but his activities there are unknown, according to Mark Rodeghier.

The Rendlesham Forest Incident and Other Cases

Colonel Charles Halt, formerly of the USAF, is introduced in relation to the Bentwaters AFB incident in late 1980, known as the Rendlesham Forest incident. Halt, who retired in 1991 as Director of the Inspection Directorate in the Ministry of Defense, is described as having moved into a high-profile position despite his involvement in a significant UFO case. The article contrasts this with the disappearance or 'punishment' of other crash witnesses. Halt claims that a witness to the events spread 'disinformation' (lies) in the UFO field, stating that stories about aliens from spaceships are pure fiction. UFO investigator James McGhana, a former USAF pilot, investigated the case and found nothing remarkable, attributing the lights to astronomical objects, the reentry of Kosmos 746, and a bright meteor. British officers identified ground traces as rabbit scratches, and Geiger counter readings showed normal background levels, leading to the case's collapse. The article questions why many supposedly 'good' UFO cases seem to fall apart.

The Abduction Phenomenon and Linda N.

Patrick Huyghe's article on the abduction problem in OMNI magazine is discussed, focusing on the case of Linda N., which Budd Hopkins considers the best evidence for UFOs and aliens. CENAP presents counterarguments to this case, but Hopkins remains unimpressed, as does MUFON chief Walt Andrus. Linda criticizes the UFOlogy leadership, suggesting they control what the public reads about UFOs. Huyghe reported the case to the Secret Service in NYC, and Special Agent James Kaiser confirmed the existence of a file on 'Special Agent Alleged Misconduct, February 10, 1993,' which related to Linda N.'s case. The file concluded: "Linda's claims are unfounded and without basis. Case closed." Hopkins remains unfazed. When asked if she had staged a hoax, Linda replied, "No. How can this be a hoax? I take this assumption as a compliment." The article sarcastically notes that one doesn't need to be super-intelligent to impress UFOlogists. Jerome Clark of CUFOS states that Linda N. makes an extraordinary claim but lacks proof. Hopkins promises to present evidence in his next book. Linda, meanwhile, seems to enjoy her notoriety, attending UFO meetings in conspicuous attire.

Russian UFO Research and Project Blaubuch Revelations

The issue mentions that details about secret Russian flying saucer research cannot be covered in this edition and will be postponed to the next issue. Similarly, the third part of the Project Blaubuch revelations is also being postponed due to current developments.

On the Trail of UFOs

This section discusses an exhibition that transformed the Hanse Quarter into a hub for information on unidentified flying objects for 14 days. The exhibition featured models of flying saucers and flying machines, including depictions of Ezekiel's spacecraft from the Bible landing in Solomon's Temple. The organizers, including Gerhard Cerven of the Regional UFO Research Center (Rufon) in Hamburg, aimed to bring UFO skeptics and believers together. A daily video film provided an overview of the UFO phenomenon, with afternoon films delving into specific issues. The sighting by Kenneth Arnold in 1947, which coined the term 'flying saucers,' is mentioned, with Cerven suggesting Arnold only saw the flight pattern of objects, not actual saucers. The cause of Arnold's sighting remains unexplained, as does the mystery of some crop circles. The exhibition presented documents suggesting alternative explanations for some UFO sightings, including student pranks for crop circles and a small Russian metal fragment found in an exhibition case, which was speculated to be of extraterrestrial origin.

The Latest for this CR - News: Short & Sweet

This section reviews various UFO-related media and events. An article from the Hamburger Abendblatt about a UFO exhibition is mentioned, which apparently yielded little interest in Mannheim. A CENAP representative attended the exhibition and was disappointed, finding it filled with "Ventla-machwerke" (likely referring to low-quality or fraudulent items) and Adamski-style photos without critical commentary. The reviewer criticizes the lack of books by notable authors and the presentation of Adamski's claims as factual. The reviewer also notes a sensational report from the publication NEUE SPEZIAL, which is presented as authentic, indicating a lack of critical thinking among some UFO enthusiasts.

An article in ASTRO VENUS is criticized for being a generic piece on UFOs. The review mentions that Hesemann/von Ludwiger's work is presented as "Pro & Contra," questioning if it truly makes the reader a "potential dialogue partner for extraterrestrial cultures." A color photo of a cup from March 8, 1993, in Braunschweig, related to the Brettschneider case, is noted.

Johannes von Buttlar's involvement in videos and reports is mentioned, along with his association with Frank Drake of the SETI Institute. Despite their collaboration, Drake reportedly distances himself from "UFO crackpots" and does not believe in "hyper-space routes" through wormholes.

Friedrich Lorenz's nearly 350-page book "UFOs, Ungeheuer, Dunkle Mächte" is reviewed. The author is noted for taking an unexpectedly critical stance.

UFOs 2000 - The Escalation

This section promotes a detailed analysis titled "UFOs 2000 - Die Eskalation," covering abductions, Belgian triangle UFOs, and elves and UFOs. This A4-sized work, over 160 pages, is described as a "must" for readers and UFO students. It features insights from Werner Walter (CENAP) and Rudolf Henke (GWUP) on the UFO problem. Readers are encouraged to send DM 35 to CENAP-Hilfe for the document. A book review from the Munich UFO REPORT is also discussed, which the CENAP authors feel failed to properly engage with their work, accusing the reviewer of ignorance and a narrow-minded approach. The review criticizes the reviewer for not having read the detailed CENAP/GWUP work and for dismissing it as "personal collapse and naive kindergarten UFO nonsense."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT include a critical examination of UFO phenomena, a focus on government secrecy and alleged cover-ups, and a skepticism towards sensationalist claims within the UFO community. The publication aims to present a more rational and evidence-based approach, often contrasting its findings with those of other UFO publications and researchers. There is a clear emphasis on debunking or providing alternative explanations for widely accepted UFO cases, as seen in the analysis of the Rendlesham Forest incident and the Linda N. abduction case. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, questioning unsubstantiated claims, and promoting critical thinking in the study of UFOs.