CENAP Report - No 216

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: 216
Date: June/July 1994
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, Germany's oldest and most comprehensive UFO journal, focuses on UFO phenomena in Switzerland, the analysis of alleged UFO evidence, and the media's role in reporting on these topics. It features articles on Swiss television's UFO coverage, a critical examination of the Falcon Lake incident, and the debunking of UFO photography from Puerto Rico.

Swiss UFO Fever: 'Schweiz aktuell' and UFO Coverage

The magazine details the "UFO fever" in German-speaking Switzerland, particularly highlighting the eight-part series "Der große UFO Report" aired on SF DRS's "Schweiz aktuell" from April to June 1994. The series, moderated by René Munz, aimed to explore UFO phenomena, featuring interviews with eyewitnesses, UFO researchers, and discussions of related media like the TV drama "INTRUDERS." The report notes that while the series was well-produced, it lacked a concrete skeptical viewpoint, with the skeptical stance being presented by the moderator.

Key segments of the series are discussed, including the account of journalist Ronald Goldberger's observation of a luminous, arc-shaped phenomenon in Basel. The series also presented eyewitness testimonies, including those of a Swissair pilot, a radio journalist, and a couple, who reported sightings of large, luminous objects and even a "giant UFO." The magazine points out that eyewitnesses were often in the company of others, a detail that lends some credibility to their accounts.

UFOs in the Media: 'Schweiz aktuell' and Beyond

The issue critically analyzes the media's approach to UFOs, noting that "Schweiz aktuell" dedicated several episodes to the topic. It mentions the involvement of UFO researchers and the presentation of various theories. The magazine also touches upon the broader media landscape, referencing the TV drama "INTRUDERS" and a talk show on Zischtigsclub. The article "Ufo im Anflug auf «Schweiz aktuell»" provides a detailed look at the series' content, including the presentation of eyewitness accounts and the use of animations to depict UFOs.

The Falcon Lake Incident: A Case of Questionable Evidence

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to re-examining the Falcon Lake UFO incident of May 19, 1967, involving Stefan Michalak. The article "UFO-BEWEISE: EIN NEUER KOLLAPS" (Evidence Breaks Down) by Werner Walter, expresses a growing skepticism towards previously accepted UFO cases. The Falcon Lake incident, where Michalak reported an encounter with a landed UFO that caused burns and other physical effects, is scrutinized. The investigation into the case is detailed, including the involvement of the Royal Canadian Air Force, the RCMP, and various scientific bodies. The magazine highlights inconsistencies and questionable aspects, such as Michalak's initial reluctance to report the incident accurately, his association with individuals considered 'subversive,' and the eventual conclusion that the alleged radioactive metal found at the site was likely ordinary silver foil contaminated with radium, possibly from a watch or other source.

The article points out that initial analyses of soil samples showed high radiation levels, leading to recommendations for area closure. However, later investigations by the Canadian Department of Mines and Natural Resources and the Environmental Sanitation Laboratory suggested the contamination might have been due to fluorescent paint or photographic emulsions. The magazine also notes that the site itself was difficult to relocate later, and that the official government stance was to deny information about the incident.

UFO Photography: Hoaxes and Deception

The issue addresses the issue of fabricated UFO evidence, particularly focusing on photographic hoaxes. The article "UFO-Kontakt auf Puerto Rico: Fotografisch dokumentiert?" exposes the case of Amaury Rivera's alleged UFO photos from Puerto Rico. These photos, which included a purported encounter between a UFO and an F-14 Tomcat, were widely publicized but later revealed to be a hoax. Rivera reportedly used an F-14 model airplane and a simple camera to create the images, with the alleged NASA computer tests also being fabricated. The magazine criticizes the ufological community for readily accepting such evidence and highlights the role of UFO magazines in promoting these stories.

Another section discusses the debunking of the Gordon Faulkner photograph from Warminster and the Willamette Pass "UFO" photo, suggesting a pattern of sensationalism and a lack of critical examination within the UFO community.

Military and Official Investigations

The magazine touches upon official investigations into UFO phenomena. It mentions the Swiss Air Force's handling of UFO reports and the involvement of the Canadian military in the Falcon Lake case. The article also references the Condon Committee and its role in investigating UFO reports in the United States. The general sentiment conveyed is that while governments may have investigated UFOs, the findings often led to explanations involving known phenomena or were kept classified.

Eyewitness Accounts and Skepticism

Beyond the detailed case studies, the issue includes letters from readers, such as Martin Zesiger, who expresses support for serious UFO reporting and questions the human-centric view of intelligence in the universe. Conversely, Roberto Diaz dismisses UFOs as "figments of imagination" but acknowledges radar sightings and official admissions of UFOs as a "real phenomenon" in Belgium.

The magazine also features a report from a Swissair pilot, Oberst W.B., who recounts an extraordinary encounter with a luminous, fast-moving object in 1971. This account, detailed in the "Abnorme Himmelsobjekte" military dossier, is presented as a significant sighting, though the magazine's overall tone leans towards critical analysis and skepticism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP-REPORT consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards UFO phenomena, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions. The magazine actively seeks to debunk sensationalized claims and expose hoaxes within the UFO community. It highlights the role of media in both promoting and scrutinizing UFO reports, often pointing out the financial motivations behind sensationalism. The editorial stance is one of informed skepticism, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and to rely on verifiable facts. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious UFO research, distinguishing itself from more credulous publications.

This issue of CENAP REPORT (NR.216, June/July 1994) focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, particularly in England, with a prominent cover story titled "England: Bricht die MAUER DES SCHWEIGENS?" (England: Breaking the Wall of Silence?). The magazine features an exclusive interview with the Earl of Clancarty, Brinsley Le Poer Trench, who discusses his views on UFOs and their presence within the House of Lords. The issue also delves into government secrecy surrounding UFOs, the analysis of video evidence, and reports of meteorite impacts.

England: Breaking the Wall of Silence?

The main article introduces Tim Beckley's interview with the Earl of Clancarty, a noted UFO author and proponent of theories about alien origins of humanity. The Earl believes that world powers are aware of UFOs and are even in possession of alien technology, which he suggests could be used to revolutionize global industries and politics. He recounts an instance in June 1976 when he raised the UFO topic in the House of Lords, receiving a response from Lord Winterbottom that the government was only interested if there was a threat to the kingdom. Lord Harris of the Foreign Ministry also claimed no knowledge of French UFO reports.

Brinsley Le Poer Trench highlights the work of France's GEPAN in investigating UFOs and mentions that Lord Winterbottom promised to look into the matter. The Earl of Clancarty also initiated a debate in the House of Lords with 14 Lords present.

Ministry of Defense and UFO Information

The article "Steht ein Durchbruch in England bevor?" (Is a Breakthrough Imminent in England?) discusses the UK Ministry of Defense's (MoD) evolving approach to UFO information. Jenny Randles, a UFO researcher, notes that obtaining documents from the MoD was previously difficult. She mentions her book "From Out of the Blue" was initially not released in England due to a "D" (Defense) notation, likely because it focused on the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident. Randles suggests the British government knows UFOs are real but fears public acknowledgment due to uncertainty about their origin and potential implications for government image.

Since 1982, the MoD has become slightly more open, possibly influenced by FOIA laws in the US and Australia. UFO reports are occasionally shared with researchers from the MoD's Air Staff 2A. The MoD acknowledges receiving 300-350 sighting reports annually, with a 30-year secrecy period, meaning early documents would not be available until 1997. However, released documents are described as disappointing, with little data and censored witness accounts.

Nick Pope is introduced as a key figure in handling UFO inquiries for the MoD's Air Staff 2A, bringing a "fresh wind" to the subject. Witnesses are reportedly being referred to Jenny Randles by the MoD.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine details several specific UFO sighting cases:

• March 30/31, 1993: Bright lights with light trails were seen over Southwest England. BUFORA investigated, finding similar reports from Ireland, France, and Portugal. The phenomenon was later identified as the re-entry of the Russian satellite COSMOS 2238.
• June 28, 1993: A strange light was observed near Hartcliffe, Bristol, for weeks, described as a "huge white mass." While some suggested it was the planet Venus, witnesses rejected this explanation.
• August 1993: A family in Devon reported a UFO on video, which they believed transformed into a spaceship, rejecting the Venus explanation.
• September 2, 1993: A pulsating ball of white light was captured by surveillance cameras in West Manchester.
• February and April 1991: A white light, initially tennis ball-sized, was recorded by surveillance cameras at Birchwood Mall, Warrington, later appearing as a white doughnut shape. Subsequent investigation suggested it might be an insect illuminated by infrared light.

The UFO Video Problem

Several articles address the challenges and potential pitfalls of analyzing UFO video evidence. The "UFO-Video-Problem" section discusses how low resolution, image degradation from copying, and electronic manipulation can distort footage. Optical artifacts, such as lens flare and camera iris effects, are highlighted as common sources of misidentification. The article warns against accepting video evidence at face value, especially when magnified, and advises caution with NTSC format recordings due to potential color distortions.

Examples like the Hamazaki video from Japan and a video from Norfolk, England, are analyzed, with suggestions that the observed phenomena might be camera artifacts rather than actual UFOs.

Meteorites and Cosmic Events

Beyond UFOs, the report touches upon other celestial events:

• Extraterrestrial Planets: Astronomers have discovered two planets outside our solar system, raising questions about the possibility of life beyond Earth.
• Meteorite Impacts: Several instances of meteorites impacting Earth are mentioned, including a large one in Arizona forming a crater, a smaller one in Quebec, Canada, that caused an explosion, and the potential impact of the Shoemaker-Levy comet.
• Mysterious Lights: A puzzling celestial phenomenon observed in May 1994 over Northwest Europe was initially thought to be a comet but was later suggested to be noctilucent clouds or rocket exhaust.

Other UFO Reports and Speculation

• Roswell Incident: The 1947 Roswell incident is revisited, with mention of the Roswell Daily Record's initial report of a crashed flying saucer, followed by a military retraction claiming it was a weather balloon. The article notes the ongoing interest and demand for truth from the public.
• Octagonal UFO in Ostia, Italy: Reports of an octagonal, red UFO seen over Ostia caused excitement, with police pursuing the object.
• Bielefeld UFO: A mysterious light observed over Bielefeld, Germany, was initially thought to be a UFO but was later identified as a powerful spotlight used for advertising at local events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the perceived reluctance of governments to disclose information, and the challenges of verifying evidence, particularly video recordings. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various accounts and expert analyses while cautioning against jumping to conclusions. There's a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and debunking, but also an acknowledgment of unexplained phenomena that warrant further study. The magazine seems to advocate for transparency from official bodies and encourages critical evaluation of all evidence presented.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated June/July 1994, titled "UFOs in Deutschland," presents a collection of UFO sighting reports from Germany, alongside critical analyses of abduction phenomena, media coverage, and scientific skepticism.

UFO Sightings in Germany

The magazine details several UFO sightings:

• Bödigheim (March 6, 1994): A housewife, Sabine H., reported seeing 10-20 pulsating lights of bluish, white, and yellow hues moving in a zig-zag pattern in the sky. She experienced a "humming in her head" and nightmares afterward, though she also attributed some effects to low blood pressure. Her interpretation was influenced by UFO literature and a neighbor, and she expressed fear of alien abduction, mixing fascination with anxiety.
• Bremen (December 19, 1992): Herr Günthers and a colleague observed a pear-shaped, blue light body moving from west to east, which then ascended and disappeared. While initially unexplained, the report suggests it was likely a meteorite.
• Oldenburg (May 23, 1993): Frau Wahle and her mother saw a "bright star" approaching, which grew brighter and seemed to descend. They ruled out a weather balloon due to its behavior and light. The report concludes it was likely an aircraft.
• Ludwigsburg (November 8, 1993): Frau and Herr Meiser observed a yellow-orange "lamp" with fluctuating brightness. It appeared to shrink and move upwards, later reappearing smaller and dimmer. This was identified as a party-gag hot air balloon.
• Ulm (May 11, 1994): Herr F.C. reported seeing a bright object, described as having the color of bright embers, moving silently and quickly across the sky for about 90 seconds.
• Bavarian Region (May 25, 1994): A bright fireball (bolide) with a long, colorful trail was witnessed.
• Germany (May 3): A luminous phenomenon was attributed to the residual fuel of an American Titan rocket.

Analysis of UFO Phenomena and Witness Behavior

Rudolf Henke of GWUP analyzes the Bödigheim case, suggesting that while the phenomenon might have been a light show, the witness's subjective interpretation and predisposition towards UFOs are more significant. He critiques ufologists who might exploit such witnesses' beliefs, emphasizing the need for more skeptical researchers to acknowledge the subjective aspects of UFO experiences.

UFO Reports from the Köhler Archive

This section presents brief UFO reports:

• Bremen (December 19, 1992): A pear-shaped, blue light body was observed. The report suggests it was likely a meteorite.
• Oldenburg (May 23, 1993): A bright object was seen approaching and disappearing. Identified as likely aircraft.

Media and Scientific Criticism

Johannes von Buttlar and Media Scrutiny

Fritz Rumler, writing for SPIEGEL, criticizes author Johannes von Buttlar for re-packaging old material and misusing academic titles. The article details von Buttlar's questionable credentials, including his claimed professorship from an obscure Prague university and his fellowship in the Royal Astronomical Society, which he was expelled from for non-payment of dues. The piece highlights how media outlets like SPIEGEL and FOCUS engage with UFO topics, sometimes critically, sometimes promoting authors like von Buttlar.

John E. Mack and Abduction Research

The magazine discusses criticism leveled against Harvard professor John E. Mack for his research into UFO abductions. The article references a TIME magazine exposé that questioned Mack's findings, with former patients and experts suggesting his research is flawed. A specific case of Donna Bassett, who claimed to have been abducted during the Cuban Missile Crisis and met Kennedy and Khrushchev, is presented as a fabricated story that Mack initially seemed to accept.

The Psychology of Abductions and False Memories

Ulrich Magin, in an article titled "The Dream of the Repressed Trauma," argues that UFO abductions are often a product of psychological phenomena, where witnesses, under hypnosis, recall repressed memories. He draws parallels to cases of child sexual abuse where therapy can lead to the creation of false memories. Magin cites research suggesting that traumatic experiences are not typically repressed to the extent claimed and that hypnosis can facilitate confabulation. He critiques the work of researchers like Budd Hopkins, suggesting their theories are based on imagined rather than real experiences. The article emphasizes that the "aliens" in these scenarios may originate from the human psyche rather than external sources.

The Roswell Incident and Project Mogul

The issue revisits the Roswell incident, suggesting that the crashed object was likely part of the "Project Mogul," a top-secret U.S. Air Force project involving high-altitude balloons used for detecting Soviet nuclear tests. The article cites research by independent UFO investigators and the USAF that points to this connection. It questions the authenticity of the MJ-12 papers, which are presented as evidence of a government cover-up. The report highlights that official documents from the time show the USAF was still investigating the nature and origin of UFOs a year after the Roswell crash, indicating a lack of definitive knowledge within the intelligence community.

European UFO Research and Skepticism

An article discusses a proposal within the European Parliament for a "European UFO Observation Center," which was ultimately rejected. MEP Tullio Regge's report on UFO sightings is mentioned, suggesting that while most sightings can be explained, a small percentage remain unexplained. The article also touches upon the astronomical community's approach to UFOs, with Dr. Erich Übelacker's lecture being described as a "typical case of pseudoscientific" reasoning. The magazine advocates for a more interdisciplinary approach to UFO research, integrating serious UFO research with established science.

Clarifications and Corrections

Klaus Webner provides a clarification regarding errors in a previously published article about the "NAGORA ULK-FOTOS." He details specific corrections to the text, emphasizing that the inaccuracies were not part of his original manuscript.

Other UFO News

• Hamburg (May 28, 1994): A large number of witnesses reported seeing two "chasing, sometimes merging" light points for several hours. This was later identified as a disco party using two light projectors.
• Bielefeld-Sennestadt (May 1): A mysterious flying object was sighted, leading to an investigation by the German Air Force. Similar objects were reported a week later over Füssen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP REPORT consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It prioritizes evidence-based analysis and critical examination of witness testimonies, media reports, and scientific claims. The magazine appears to lean towards psychological and conventional explanations for many reported sightings, particularly in cases involving alleged abductions, while acknowledging that some phenomena may remain unexplained. There is a clear critique of sensationalism in media coverage and a push for more rigorous, interdisciplinary research that bridges the gap between ufology and mainstream science. The editorial stance seems to be that while UFOs are a topic worthy of investigation, many claims are fueled by psychological factors, misinterpretations, or deliberate fabrication, and that a critical, evidence-based approach is paramount.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated June/July 1994, delves deeply into the ongoing controversies and disinformation surrounding the Roswell UFO crash incident. The cover prominently features "THE TRUTH ABOUT THE UFO CRASH AT ROSWELL" by Kevin D. Randle and Donald R. Schmitt, setting the stage for a critical examination of the evidence.

The Roswell Debate: Debris and Disinformation

The article begins by addressing the conflicting interpretations of the alleged UFO debris found near Roswell. It highlights the differing stances of research teams, particularly the one formed by Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt, who authored a recent book on the subject, and others like Karl Pflock. A central point of contention is the famous photographs taken in General Ramey's office on July 8, 1947, showing alleged UFO wreckage. While Randle and Schmitt's team believes these are authentic, other researchers, including Phil Klass, suggest further investigation by the GAO. The article questions how General Ramey would have quickly obtained comparable material if the debris were merely a balloon, noting that Warrant Officer Irving Newton, who was present, did not recall being asked to procure a balloon and radar reflector for the General's office.

Further complicating the Roswell narrative, the article mentions Major E.M. Kirton's statement to the Dallas Morning News, five hours after the initial press release, declaring the found object to be a weather balloon and calling it the "final answer."

Forgeries and Deceptive Practices

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to exposing disinformation tactics. The magazine reveals a 22-page document allegedly from a "Majestic-12 Group Special Operations Manual," dated April 1954. However, the article meticulously debunks its authenticity, pointing out glaring anachronisms such as the use of a typewriter font that did not exist until 30 years later and the mention of "Area 51, S-4," a term that was not in use in 1954. The manual's instruction to use false explanations like meteors, satellites, weather balloons, and military aircraft as cover stories is highlighted, especially given that satellites were not yet a known concept in 1954.

George Knapp's presentation at the MUFON Symposium in Richmond, Virginia, is discussed, where he spoke about "Area 51, Bob Lazar, and Desinformation." Knapp expresses concern that the Area 51 narrative has been co-opted by conspiracy theorists, profit-seekers, and religious fanatics. He criticizes claims of alien abductions for medical experiments and mind-control weapons, as well as alleged links between Area 51 and the Waco incident. Knapp famously described Area 51 as "the bastard of UFOlogy."

The article also touches upon efforts by ufologists to engage Congress, citing journalist Jim Thomas's outreach to Senator Sam Nunn regarding the Roswell affair. Nunn acknowledged awareness of the debate and the GAO's investigation.

Book and Media Reviews

The issue includes several reviews and mentions of related media:

• "The Truth About The UFO Crash At Roswell" by Randle & Schmitt: Summarized as having little new information, with former proponent Brigadier General Arthur Exon now downplaying his previous statements.
• Associated Press Report: The AP sent two journalists to Roswell, but their story about seeing a balloon and radar reflector, which Randle and Schmitt suggest could be the key to cracking the case, was never published.
• Project MOON DUST: Mentioned as a highly classified project for recovering space debris, distinct from Project Blue Book and not located at Wright-Patterson AFB, thus debunking the Hangar 18 legend.
• Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9: The magazine notes public concern about the comet's impact on Jupiter and how astronomical institutions directed callers to a "Central Research Network for Extraordinary Celestial Phenomena."
• TV Program "Komet auf Kollisionskurs" (Comet on Collision Course): A July 13, 1994, broadcast featuring meteor footage, with VHS copies available for purchase.
• STAR OBSERVER Magazine: The July-August issue is recommended for its coverage of a UFO alarm on May 3, 1994.
• "UFO-Video" by Videotechnik: A 180-minute video featuring highlights from a UFO congress in Vienna, with Erich von Däniken as a prominent speaker, along with Dr. Johannes Fiebag, Luc Bürgin, and others. The video costs DM 100.
• "Die Beobachter - Das große UFO-Buch" by Raymond E. Fowler: Published by Bastei-Lübbe, this book is described as a continuation of Fowler's previous work. While offering personal case research, the reviewer notes a shift from the author's earlier objective style to a more naive approach, particularly concerning abduction reports and conspiracy theories.

Other Content

• "UFO-Cartoon von U. Magin im CR": A cartoon questioning the "MIKRO HYPOTHESIS" (whether aliens adapt to witnesses' perceptions) and presenting a photo by Budd Hopkins of a 7-year-old named Charles N. as potential proof.
• "Inhalt dieses CR 216": A table of contents listing various articles, including reports on UFO sightings in Switzerland, a TV reportage series, a collapse of the "UFO-Proof-of-Concept" regarding radioactivity at Falcon Lake, a debunked photo-evidence case from Puerto Rico involving Amaury Rivera, a new "Capt. Ruppelt" report from the British MoD, UFO video issues, the German UFO scene, "Abductions - The Dream of Repressed Trauma," and a critique of Prof. Mack's work on "The Return of the Space Brothers." The issue also features an article on Roswell titled "The Curtain Lifts! What about Project MOGUL?"
• "Korrekturen & Entgleisungen": A section discussing the historical perspective of UFO research, particularly the development of UFO "research" within NICAP and the actions of D. Keyhoe. It also reviews Gero von Randow's book "Mein paranormales Fahrrad und andere Anlässe zur Skepsis," which includes UFO chapters.
• Collaboration with GEP: Hansjürgen Köhler and Werner Walter visited colleagues from GEP in Lüdenscheid, where they viewed new photographic evidence.
• PROTEG: An initiative by Frank Oschatz in Stuttgart aiming for critical insight into the borderlands of science. It publishes a quarterly newsletter and plans an interdisciplinary magazine starting September 1994.
• "Der Wahrheit auf der Spur: Die Miethe-Flugscheibe": A seven-page article in the "Flieger-Kalender 1995" by Hans-Justus Meier, discussing the alleged Nazi flying saucer.

And in the Next CR?

Future content for CR 217 (August/September 1994) is previewed, including articles on UFO sightings via spy satellites, the "Aerial-Impacts" and Earth's defense from space threats, an exposé by a CIA agent embedded in the UFO scene, and a new UFO cartoon by Ulrich Magin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent debate surrounding the Roswell incident, the critical examination of evidence, and the exposure of disinformation and alleged forgeries within the UFO community. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance, aiming to sift through claims and present a more grounded perspective on UFO phenomena, while acknowledging the public's fascination and the ongoing research efforts. The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims, particularly those involving elaborate conspiracy theories or fabricated documents.