CENAP Report - No 217

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, number 217, dated August/September 1994, is a German-language UFO magazine. The cover features a striking image of a glowing object and the bold headline "BEDROHUNG AUS DEM ALL ACTION: SKY-CRASH" (Threat from All Action: Sky-Crash). The issue's themes include "Entführungs-freier CR" (Abduction-free CR), "Öffentliche Meinung und UFO's" (Public Opinion and UFOs), and "Carp-UFO-Video".

UFO-Suche via Satellit?

This section explores the possibility of using satellite technology to detect UFOs, prompted by the Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact on Jupiter. It references a report claiming that Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites have detected UFOs. The article details how these satellites, designed for early warning of missile launches, also monitor Earth's surface for heat signatures. It mentions the 1976 UFO incident over Iran as a potential detection by DSP. The text also touches upon 'Fastwalkers,' which are described as meteors and similar objects entering the atmosphere.

Atmospheric Impacts and DSP Sightings

Rudolf Henke contributes an article based on a Sky & Telescope report from February 1994. It discusses the US military's release of data on energetic entries of non-terrestrial bodies into the atmosphere, systematically cataloged by US reconnaissance satellites since 1975. These 'Airbursts' are attributed to comets, asteroids, and meteors. The article highlights specific events like the 1965 meteor over British Columbia and the 1972 daylight bolide over the Rocky Mountains. It also mentions the work of Caltech researcher Eugene M. Shoemaker and the role of Simon P. Worden in releasing formerly classified data. The DSP satellite system's ability to detect these phenomena is discussed, with a focus on 'Fast Walker' events, which are often linked to meteors but are also speculated to be UFOs by some ufologists.

The issue includes a diagram of a DSP satellite, illustrating its various components. It details several significant atmospheric impact events detected by DSP satellites, including one on April 15, 1988, over Indonesia, and another on October 1, 1990, over the Western Pacific. The energy released by these events is compared to TNT equivalents, emphasizing their significant scale.

The Death from the Stars: Asteroid Impacts

This section, drawing from an ASTRONOMY magazine article, discusses the ongoing threat of asteroid impacts. It highlights the work of the Spacewatch telescope in cataloging near-Earth asteroids and the potential danger posed by smaller objects. The article recounts the 1965 meteor event over British Columbia and Alberta, noting its immense energy release and the lack of significant damage or a crater. It also discusses the Tunguska event of 1908, a massive explosion in Siberia, and the challenges in identifying its cause due to the lack of physical evidence. The text contrasts scientific explanations with sensationalist theories involving black holes, antimatter, or UFOs.

Project Moon Dust and Blue Fly

This part of the magazine delves into the controversial topic of government cover-ups and secret projects related to UFOs. It discusses the alleged involvement of the "MONDSTAUB" (Moon Dust) team in recovering crashed UFOs and alien bodies. The article references a 1961 FOIA-released document stating that Project Moon Dust was tasked with locating and recovering foreign space materials. It also mentions the "Blue Fly" project, which provided logistical support. The authors argue that these projects were not primarily focused on extraterrestrial craft but rather on recovering Soviet space debris or experimental aircraft.

The text scrutinizes the role of the 4602d Air Intelligence Squadron (AISS) and its connection to Project Blue Book. It suggests that the AISS was a legitimate intelligence unit that assisted in investigating UFO reports, but that ufologists have misinterpreted its role, portraying it as a secret UFO investigation unit that overshadowed Blue Book.

FBI: Doubts about the Roswell Crash

This section examines the Roswell incident and the FBI's involvement. It discusses an FBI memorandum from July 10, 1947, which suggested cooperation in investigating a recovered 'flying disc.' However, the article clarifies that this incident was not related to Roswell and was ultimately dismissed as a prank. The authors argue that the FBI's involvement in UFO investigations was limited and that the bureau eventually ceased its participation due to a lack of concrete evidence.

Connection: From Roswell to the Mantell Case

CENAP's previous research is mentioned, linking the Roswell incident to a crashed SKYHOOK reconnaissance balloon. This section revisits the Thomas Mantell case from January 7, 1948, where Mantell pursued an object he believed to be a UFO, which was later identified as a SKYHOOK balloon. The article explains that the US Navy was responsible for the secret SKYHOOK program and concealed its involvement to avoid jeopardizing the program. It highlights that the SKYHOOK program was used for reconnaissance and that the Navy admitted to its use in UFO sightings without specifying which cases were related.

Meinungsmache um UFOs (Opinion Making about UFOs)

This article analyzes public opinion on UFOs in the USA based on surveys conducted by Gallup, Roper, and Audits and Surveys Inc. It notes that belief in the reality of UFOs was widespread by the mid-1970s but declined afterward. The article criticizes the methodology of these surveys, particularly the wording of the questions, and points out the significant time gaps between them. It suggests that the media coverage of UFO sightings in the summer of 1947 significantly influenced public awareness.

Arbeits tagung der aktiven UFO-Forscher (Working Conference of Active UFO Researchers)

This is a brief announcement for an upcoming working conference for UFO researchers to be held on October 15-16, 1994, near Koblenz, Germany. The event aims to foster cooperation and discussion within the UFO research community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official narratives and government secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena. It emphasizes a critical and analytical approach, distinguishing between scientific explanations and ufological speculation. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalist claims while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena, particularly those that might involve advanced technology or unknown aerial objects. There's a recurring theme of debunking popular UFO myths and providing alternative, often more mundane, explanations for sightings. The magazine also highlights the role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated August/September 1994, focuses on the reality of UFOs and their potential alien origins, featuring a cover headline posing these questions. The magazine delves into public opinion surveys, historical UFO cases, and the alleged involvement of intelligence agencies in UFO research.

Public Opinion on UFOs (1947-1994)

The magazine presents a series of bar graphs illustrating public opinion trends regarding UFOs, based on polls from Gallup, Roper Organization, and Audits & Surveys. Early polls in 1947 showed a significant portion of the public attributing UFOs to optical illusions or hoaxes. By 1950, the explanation of military secret weapons gained traction. A notable shift occurred by 1966, when 46% of Americans considered flying saucers real, though only 6% believed in extraterrestrial origins. The belief in UFOs being real peaked around 1978, with 57% of adults holding this view, and 51% believing in intelligent life on other planets. However, by 1990, the percentage believing in 'real' UFOs had dropped to 47%, with only 27% believing they originated from space. The report notes that by 1990, admitting to a UFO sighting had become more socially acceptable.

Soviet/Russian UFO Research

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the UFO research conducted in the Soviet Union and later Russia. Bryan Gresh and George Knapp traveled to the CIS to gather stories, finding that the Russian UFO world presented a different perspective, with 'wildest SF-spin-offs' becoming everyday occurrences. Nikolai Kapranov, a Russian physicist and security advisor, introduced them to a circle of scientists, military personnel, and KGB agents who had information on UFOs.

Boris Sokolov, an ex-Colonel, claims that for ten years, the entire Soviet Union was a 'gigantic UFO surveillance post.' In 1980, a directive from the Ministry of Defense ordered all military facilities to report UFO sightings. Pilots, soldiers, and sailors were instructed to register and photograph UFO behavior. Sokolov states that numerous reports were received, but the findings were never published. He mentions 40 cases of pilots encountering UFOs, with initial orders to pursue and shoot them down proving unsuccessful. Two instances resulted in crashes. Later orders advised pilots to evade UFOs. The Soviet Air Force reportedly deployed 30 specialized radar systems for UFO tracking.

Sokolov explained that the military was interested in UFOs to potentially gain technological secrets and win the arms race. He also discussed the possibility of 'stealth technology' being an earthly development rather than extraterrestrial. A significant event cited is October 5, 1983, when a UFO sighting near an ICBM base in Ukraine allegedly caused control panels to light up and enter launch codes, though the missiles did not launch.

Russian UFO literature continues to highlight 'sickle-shaped' craft from 1967 and the 'Petrozavodsk phenomenon' of 1977, which involved reports of a 'strange natural phenomenon' causing unusual effects. While some Russian UFOlogists, like Yuri Platov, attribute most sightings to misidentifications, others, like Rem Varkamov, believe evidence exists, citing sterile landing sites and unusual soil samples.

Debunked Cases and Hoaxes

The magazine critically examines several prominent UFO cases, suggesting they are either misidentifications or deliberate hoaxes. The 'Willamette Pass' UFO photo from Oregon (1966) is revealed to be a photograph of a snow-topped road sign. The Avensa airline photo from 1963, initially presented as evidence of a UFO, is explained as a cockpit window button. The report criticizes the uncritical acceptance of such evidence by some UFOlogists.

James Oberg argues that many Russian UFO cases, particularly those involving 'sickle-shaped' craft, are likely misinterpretations of conventional phenomena, such as routine rocket launches from Plesetsk. He criticizes Russian UFOlogists for their lack of critical examination and their tendency to accept anecdotal evidence without rigorous verification.

Intelligence Agencies and UFO Organizations

The report touches upon the alleged infiltration of UFO organizations by intelligence agencies, particularly the CIA's supposed role in undermining NICAP. Karl Pflock, a UFOlogist himself, is discussed in the context of these accusations. The magazine suggests that conspiracy theories about government cover-ups are prevalent within the UFO community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent public fascination with UFOs, the challenges of distinguishing genuine phenomena from hoaxes and misidentifications, and the role of government secrecy and media in shaping public perception. The editorial stance appears critical of unverified UFO claims and emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific investigation, while acknowledging the enduring mystery of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated August/September 1994, delves into various aspects of UFOlogy, with a particular focus on developments in Russia and Japan, as well as a critical look at the Roswell incident and the Billy Meier case.

Russian UFOlogy: Commercialization and Misdirection

The article "Berg voller IFOs" (A Mountain of UFOs) by an unnamed author critiques the state of Russian UFOlogy, suggesting that the economic crisis in Russia has led to a commercialization of UFO phenomena. Western UFO investigators are warned against uncritical acceptance of Russian UFO stories, which are seen as potentially being sold for profit. The article highlights how Russian UFOlogists may be susceptible to selling 'exportable material' and engaging in a 'commercial conspiracy' with Western entertainment industries. Specific cases like the 1967 'sickles' and the 1977 'Jellyfish' UFO of Petrozavodsk are discussed, with the author suggesting that many of these events can be explained by rocket launches from Plesetsk. However, it is argued that Russian UFOlogists often fail to filter out sensationalism and prefer to believe in 'alien nature' rather than prosaic explanations, leading to a 'quarantine' of ignorance.

Another section, "Russisches UFO-Nachrichten-Marketing" (Russian UFO News Marketing), details how the Russian news agency RIA NOVOSTI is offering a special English-language service called 'The Unknown World' as part of a broader package of services. This initiative, in collaboration with the 'International Academy of Informatization' and the 'CIS UFOlogical Association', aims to cover UFOlogy, parapsychology, and other anomalous phenomena, presenting Russia as a source of daily scientific surprises.

The article "AUA (All-Union Ufological Association)" describes the official formation and activities of this organization, which aims to develop an academic concept for UFOlogy and build a material base for research. It offers a 'ufological distance learning' program and investigates reports of UFO contacts. The development of a 'Vega' UFO center in Moscow is planned for creating 'original ufometric apparatuses' to register space-time shifts at alleged UFO landing sites.

Further discussion on Russian UFOlogy touches upon the study of the abduction phenomenon, with AUA prioritizing it due to the alleged 'daily and widespread practice of alien visitors'. The article expresses skepticism about these claims, calling them "Auah-Auah-Auah nonsense". It also mentions the 'International Ufological Conference' in Moscow and various research interests, including time-distortion effects at UFO landing sites and protection against 'psychoenergetic aggressions'.

The company ATON is presented as a business that uses psychographic paintings by contactees to create calendars and posters, claiming they emit positive energies. Director V.K. Abramyan aims to build a database of all UFOlogy findings for practical application.

Japan: UFOs and Politics

"Japan: Nation der UFOs" (Japan: Nation of UFOs) explores Japan's unique approach to UFOs, which is characterized by government involvement and public information campaigns. The article notes that unlike other nations, Japan has integrated UFO research into its educational and public awareness efforts.

The establishment of the UFO Museum and Archive in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is highlighted as a key initiative. This project was supported by former Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu, who expressed his interest in UFOs and their potential contribution to international cooperation and peace. The article mentions the 'Space & UFO Symposium' held in Hakui City, which attracted experts from various countries and was attended by a large number of people.

Prime Minister Kaifu's statement about the need for a 'ufological organization' under the supervision of the Ministry of Education is discussed, indicating a government-sanctioned approach to UFO data collection. The article also touches upon a specific UFO sighting case in Hokkaido in 1978, involving radar anomalies and the scrambling of F-4/EJ Phantom jets, which was reported in major Japanese newspapers.

The Roswell Incident: Media Hype vs. Reality

"Roswell: jetzt reichts!" (Roswell: That's enough!) critically examines the media's portrayal of the Roswell incident. The author expresses frustration that the case is largely left to the interpretations of the media and the entertainment industry, which have significantly influenced public perception. The article questions the authenticity of alleged alien body footage presented in a Showtime Network special, suggesting it is fabricated. It notes that the line between reality and fantasy in the Roswell case remains blurred, with Hollywood's influence shaping the narrative for entertainment purposes.

The article also mentions the ongoing GAO investigation into the Roswell incident, highlighting the challenges of sifting through historical archives. It touches upon the evolving descriptions of the UFO object, moving from traditional flying saucer shapes to more 'fish-like' objects with hexagonal honeycomb patterns.

The Billy Meier Case: Exposed as a Hoax

"BILLY MEIER EXPOSED!" details the investigation by Underground Video, a Californian UFO research group, which concluded that the Billy Meier case is a hoax. After six months of inquiry, including analysis of photographs and claims, Underground Video found evidence of miniature models and deceptive methods used to create the illusion of authenticity. The group expresses disappointment, as they were previously defenders of Meier's material. They intend to present their findings to the Attorney General of California and offer legal recourse for customers who feel defrauded by the 'Beamship Trilogy'.

Project Blue Book and Scientific Skepticism

Claude Bernard's contribution, "Wahre Wissenschaft lehrt uns zu zweifeln und sich von der Ignoranz zurückzuhalten..." (True Science Teaches Us to Doubt and Refrain from Ignorance...), features an interview with Ex-Col. Robert J. Friend, former chief of Project Blue Book. Friend clarifies that 'UFO' simply means an unidentified flying object and not necessarily an extraterrestrial craft. He emphasizes that while Project Blue Book investigated UFO sightings, its primary objective was to determine if they posed a threat to national security. He acknowledges that scientific interest and the derivation of signature data were also pursued, but with lower priority. Friend also discusses the semantic difficulties in discussing unidentified phenomena and the public's tendency to equate UFOs with flying saucers. He notes that the USAF never denied the possibility of extraterrestrial life but lacked evidence of alien visits.

Carp UFO Landing Case

The article "Carp-UFO-Landefilm: Was ist falsch, wenn man nur die schnelle Mark machen will ?" (Carp UFO Landing Film: What's wrong when one only wants to make quick money?) discusses the Carp landing case, which has gained notoriety through television programs and UFO publications. The article suggests that the case is being promoted for financial gain, questioning the motives behind its widespread dissemination.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently questions the commercialization and sensationalism surrounding UFO phenomena, particularly in Russia and in media portrayals of cases like Roswell. There is a strong emphasis on scientific rigor, critical thinking, and the need for verifiable evidence, as advocated by figures like Claude Bernard and Ex-Col. Friend. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a call for a more grounded, scientific approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the topic. The magazine also highlights the efforts of various organizations and individuals attempting to bring a more structured and academic approach to UFO studies, while simultaneously critiquing those who exploit the subject for profit or sensationalism.

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: 217
Date: August/September 1994
Document Type: Magazine Issue

The Carlton Place UFO Crash Investigation

This issue of CENAP REPORT delves into the investigation of a purported UFO crash near Carlton Place, Canada, which began in 1989. The story originated from an individual calling himself "Guardian," who sent a package containing details of the crash, a photograph of an alien, and a map of the alleged landing site to Tom Theofanus, who was then working for the Canadian UFO Research Network (CUFORN).

Initially, CUFORN director Harry Tokarz contacted Arthur Bray, a respected UFO writer and researcher in Ottawa, to find someone to verify the story. Graham Lightfoot, a local investigator, was recruited. Lightfoot visited the alleged crash site near Manion Corners and interviewed witnesses, including Diana Labanek. Labanek claimed to have seen an intense light and helicopters on the night of November 4, 1989. A couple also reported a bright light shining through their bathroom window and the sound of a helicopter.

Lightfoot's initial investigation found no concrete evidence to support the crash story, noting the absence of heavy equipment tracks that would be expected for salvaging a crashed machine. He planned to re-examine the area in the summer. Meanwhile, the "Guardian" material was shared with other UFO researchers, including Clive Nadin and Christian Page from MUFON, who visited the area and spoke with witnesses. They concluded that "someone is trying to fool us – this is a hoax!"

In October 1991, more "information material" arrived from "Guardian," this time mentioning conspiracies between Chinese and "Greys" aiming for world domination. A Polaroid photo of a "UFO" flying over a street was also included, along with a black-and-white image.

Bob Oechsler's Involvement and Investigation

In early March 1992, Bob Oechsler, an American MUFON investigator and self-proclaimed "former NASA Mission Specialist," contacted CUFORN. Oechsler had also received the video and documents from "Guardian." His video material was slightly longer and lacked the original soundtrack, with additional photos of "grey aliens" appended. Oechsler and Bruce Maccabee were reportedly convinced it was a genuine UFO case.

Oechsler then met with CUFORN representatives in Carlton, Ontario, on May 10, 1992. Tom Theofanous arranged for Graham Lightfoot to attend this meeting. The group, including Tom and Lise Theofanous, Victor Lourenco, Vaughn Killin, Drew Williamson, Harry Tokarz, and Wayne St.John, met with Oechsler and his son at a hotel in West Carlton. Oechsler reportedly shared many "fascinating stories." However, Oechsler, who claimed expertise in video analysis, had difficulty setting up the equipment.

Following the meeting, the group embarked on a convoy to inspect the alleged crash site. Oechsler filmed the expedition, which included several stops. Despite claiming to have never been to Canada before, Oechsler seemed surprisingly familiar with the area, knowing side roads and detours. He had instructed the team to constantly check their compasses for magnetic field variations, as claimed by "Guardian."

Upon reaching the site, it was discovered to be an open field used for military war games, described as an "adventure playground for military fanatics." The area was swampy and overgrown, with swarms of mosquitoes, leading most of the participants to turn back after about twenty minutes. It was hot and stuffy, and only Oechsler and his son continued further.

Later, at a restaurant in Carp, Tom Theofanous confronted Oechsler, asking, "What game are you playing with us?" Oechsler responded candidly, "What's wrong with wanting to make a few bucks?" Theofanous agreed that this was acceptable as long as it didn't compromise the ethics of serious UFO research.

Hungarian Minister's UFO Sighting

An article from "Der Tagesspiegel" dated August 2, 1994, reports on Hungarian Minister of Defense György Keleti's claim of seeing a UFO. Keleti described an extraordinary, inexplicable experience of a bright, luminous object flying at several hundred meters altitude over Szolnok, changing shape and becoming darker. The object was described as ten times brighter than Venus and flew in a "Z-formation."

The article notes that Keleti's statement came after the Socialists lost the parliamentary elections, suggesting he might prefer this experience to be forgotten. The UFO magazine editor, Sándor Pusztay, expressed pride in Keleti as an author and mentioned his own good relationship with the minister. Keleti reportedly first saw a UFO in the Soviet Union and has been convinced of their existence since.

The article also touches upon Hungary's reputation for being UFO-friendly, mentioning a landing strip built for extraterrestrials in a suburb of Budapest and an estimated 3000 UFO enthusiasts organized in clubs. The UFO magazine has a circulation of 35,000 copies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP REPORT appears to focus on UFO investigations, alleged alien encounters, and potential government cover-ups or conspiracies. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical inquiry, as evidenced by the skepticism towards Bob Oechsler's motives and methods, and the questioning of the authenticity of the "Guardian" material. The inclusion of the Hungarian Minister's sighting suggests an interest in official or prominent figures reporting UFO phenomena. The magazine aims to present information and encourage readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the challenges and potential for deception within the UFO research community.