CENAP Report - No 238

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 238, 1/97 (January/February 1997)
Publisher: CENAP (Centrale Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, a German UFO journal, focuses on UFO cases within Germany and critically examines alleged misinformation in the field. The cover prominently features the headline "Ahoi, Deutschland! UFO-Fälle aus dem Giftschrank des Cenap" (Ahoy, Germany! UFO Cases from CENAP's Poison Cabinet), suggesting an exposé of previously hidden or sensitive UFO-related information.

Editorial and Production Challenges

The editorial section, titled "Das fängt ja gut an: Der totale Horror, der elektronische Super-GAU muß nun überwunden werden!" (This is a good start: The total horror, the electronic super-disaster must now be overcome!), reveals significant production difficulties. The editor-in-chief, Werner Walter, describes a catastrophic data loss event on his computer on December 24, 1996, which resulted in the loss of approximately 700 MB of material, including extensive text, correspondence, and addresses. This incident jeopardized the timely publication of the CENAP REPORT and necessitated a significant effort to reconstruct the lost content. The editorial apologizes in advance for any potential delays in future issues.

Critical Analysis of Michael Hesemann's "Jenseits von Roswell"

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed critique of Michael Hesemann's book "Jenseits von Roswell" (Beyond Roswell), authored by Uli Thieme. The review argues that Hesemann's work, despite its subtitle promising to lift the veil on UFOs, actually promotes misinformation. Thieme meticulously points out several alleged flaws:

• Falsified Timelines: Hesemann is accused of misrepresenting dates, such as the timeline of Mac Brazel's discovery of debris and his subsequent report to Sheriff Wilcox.
• Omission of Key Information: The review claims Hesemann deliberately omits crucial details from witness statements and historical documents, such as the initial newspaper reports mentioning Major J.A. Marcel and the context of the USAF's 'Roswell Report'.
• Misrepresentation of Witnesses: Hesemann allegedly misrepresents witness testimonies, including those of Major Jesse Marcel and Bessie Brazel-Schreiber, to fit his narrative.
• Inaccurate Photos and Drawings: The article criticizes Hesemann for using outdated or misidentified photographs, such as the 'Hangar 18' photo, and for misinterpreting drawings, like the one related to the Mogul project.
• Fabricated Dialogues: Hesemann is accused of inventing dialogues and witness descriptions, such as the interaction between Sheriff Wilcox and Mac Brazel, to enhance the narrative's authenticity.
• Misleading Explanations: The review highlights Hesemann's misinterpretation of historical facts, such as the status of the Socorro dry lake or the purpose of General Nathan Twining's visit to New Mexico.

Thieme concludes that Hesemann's book is one-sided, manipulative, and ultimately useless for readers seeking accurate information about the Roswell incident.

UFO Cases in Germany

The magazine also presents several UFO sightings reported in Germany, with investigations and explanations provided by Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP.

• Sembach Incidents (1976): Two alleged UFO sightings from August 1976 near the Sembach Air Base are discussed. Hansjürgen Köhler, contacted by the German newspaper 'Die Rheinpfalz', investigated these cases. While US ufologists considered them authentic, Köhler suggests they were likely misidentified phenomena like balloons or rockets. Local authorities and residents in Sembach had no recollection of such events.
• Other German Sightings: Several other cases are detailed, with Köhler providing explanations:
• Münchweiler (1973): A green-blue fireball was identified as a daytime meteor.
• Enkenbach (1973): A 'blue clump with silver stars' was identified as a meteor.
• Reichenbach (1975): An unidentified object was observed, but details were too vague for a definitive explanation, though possibilities like aircraft or weather balloons were considered.
• Otterberg (1985): A white 'boomerang' was identified as a meteor from the Perseid meteor stream.
• Grünstadt-BAB (1985): A 'yellow egg' was identified as a Perseid meteor.
• Kaiserslautern (1988): An 'orange ball' was identified as a party balloon.
• Wattenheim (1989): Two white spheres that lit up and exploded were identified as meteorites.
• Kaiserslautern (1993): An 'orange pear' was identified as a party balloon.
• Trippstadt (1996): A 'black triangle' with lights was identified as a USAF C-141 transport aircraft.
• Rockenhausen (1996): 'Circling whitish discs' were identified as 'Skytracker' effects (searchlights).
• Grünstadt (1996): A 'flying saucer with many lights' was identified as a Lufthansa Boeing 747.
• Alsenborn (1996): A 'glowing star' was identified as the planet Venus.

Köhler emphasizes his role as a 'UFO-Enttarner' (UFO debunker), aiming to provide rational explanations for sightings and debunking the notion of extraterrestrial visitation.

Frankfurt UFO Sighting (1953/1954)

A witness named Hans K. recounts an observation from Frankfurt am Main in May 1953 or 1954. He and his then-fiancée observed three white, flat-domed objects hovering at high altitude. The objects then moved at extreme speeds in various directions before disappearing. The witness concluded they were unidentified flying objects, possibly advanced military prototypes or extraterrestrial probes, as they ruled out balloons, parachutes, and conventional aircraft.

CENAP's Mission and Approach

CENAP is presented as Germany's oldest and most comprehensive UFO journal, operating since 1973. It positions itself as a critical and independent organization dedicated to analyzing and evaluating UFO reports. CENAP aims to provide rational explanations for sightings, often debunking claims of extraterrestrial activity. They collaborate with various national and international institutions and maintain an extensive UFO video archive. Their goal is to educate the public through media and scientific institutions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, particularly those involving extraterrestrial visitation, and a commitment to rigorous, evidence-based investigation. The editorial stance is clearly that of debunking and demystifying UFO phenomena, attributing most sightings to misidentifications of natural or man-made objects. The critique of Michael Hesemann's book underscores the magazine's dedication to exposing what it perceives as misinformation within the UFO community. The publication also highlights the importance of critical thinking and independent verification of claims, even when dealing with seemingly extraordinary events.

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: Nr. 238
Date: January/February 1997
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP REPORT delves into a series of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFO) sightings reported across Germany, spanning from the 1960s to the mid-1990s. The publication aims to investigate these events, often providing detailed witness accounts and attempting to offer rational explanations, frequently attributing sightings to misidentified conventional objects.

UFO over the Sports Field in Glane?

The first reported sighting (Nr. 1) occurred in the summer of 1965 in Glane (Teuteburger Wald). Wilhelm S. (born 1930) witnessed a bright light in the sky during a football field inauguration. Initially appearing like a star, it later became a grey object with small dancing lights before fading. The witness described it as moving south and then west. The second sighting (Nr. 2) from the 1970 New Year's Eve period involved a group camping in Emsland who saw a fireball-like object ascend rapidly, move silently overhead, and disappear after 15 minutes. The article suggests these sightings likely correspond to two different classes of balloons: the 1965 event possibly a weather balloon reflecting sunlight, and the 1970 event a misinterpreted miniature hot air balloon (Party-Gag).

What Was Above Bad Homburg v.d.H.?

On July 1, 1987, Michael M., an Englishman living in Germany, observed a spherical, red-glowing object in the sky above Bad Homburg. The object was seen moving from the direction of Feldberg and was described as having flames and rotating. The witness, a "security employee" whose father was a ufologist, described it as a UFO with a propulsion defect. The article, however, suggests this was likely a misperception of a miniature hot air balloon, attributing the perceived flames to enthusiasm and "ufological predisposition."

Rare: UFO in the Saarland

This section highlights a rare UFO report from the Saarland, a region with few reported sightings. On January 12, 1992, in Saarlouis, Martin M. (born 1969) observed a red-glowing sphere ascending from the horizon. The object moved slowly and silently, taking on the size of a football. The witness consulted observatories and astronomers without success. The article again suggests a miniature hot air balloon as a possible explanation.

Schwelm near Wuppertal

In August 1993, Frau C. Schmidt reported an unusual light phenomenon over Schwelm. While driving, she and her guest observed a bright light moving from north to south, which then ascended vertically and disappeared. Several other witnesses, including their dogs, also saw the object. The article suggests this could be explained by a weather balloon, possibly at a lower altitude than initially assumed.

Grossbreitenbach: Star Explodes?

On August 23, 1994, Ing. Aiga U. witnessed an unusual celestial event near Grossbreitenbach. He described a very bright, star-like object that appeared to explode, followed by a white cloud from which smaller, flashing spherical objects emerged. The event was silent. A few days later, a local newspaper reported a similar UFO sighting in Gräfenroda. The article suggests these phenomena might be related to exploding weather balloons.

And What Happened Over Dresden?

On August 8, 1995, Ralf M. observed a bright phenomenon in the eastern sky over Dresden-Loschwitz. Initially mistaken for a star, it was confirmed by others not to be one. The object moved slightly northwest and appeared elliptical. Upon observation with binoculars, it seemed to shrink and then break apart into smaller points, resembling fireworks, before being obscured by clouds. Approximately 12 people witnessed this event, which lasted about 10 minutes. The article notes its similarity to the Grossbreitenbach sighting.

Did the UFO Appear Over Zechin Again?

In August 1996, a family in Zechin witnessed a strange phenomenon. A teacher couple, Volker and Margit M., observed a bright object that appeared to be a star. Further observation revealed it to be a small, bright disc. The object was later described as a silver-grey, elliptical object, the size of a two-story house, that followed their car. The article suggests this might be related to laser effects from a nearby disco, as confirmed by police reports.

The Sky Beam of Artern

Hedi B., a linguist, reported a phenomenon on January 27, 1995, near Artern. She observed a golden, vertical beam of light moving east, which then reappeared as a black, vertical beam. The article discusses the possibility of this being related to "Solar-Zeppelins" (inflatable balloons) but notes that the color and brightness do not fully align with this explanation. It also considers the possibility of light effects from a distant source.

Noon over Worms

In late September/early October 1994, Karl S. observed a bright, disc-shaped object in the sky over Worms. The object was described as being twice the size of the moon and completely non-blinding. The weather was overcast and rainy. Several people observed the phenomenon for about 15 minutes. The article suggests this could be a weather balloon.

UFO: Reported by a Scientist!

In August 1995, M. Sarcander, a scientific employee at the Mannheim Planetarium, reported an observation made with a C-8 telescope. He described an object with a yellowish color and a dark shadow, appearing spherical. A bright, star-like blueish light moved erratically around the object. After investigation, the German Weather Service suggested this was likely a weather balloon launched from Stuttgart, which reached its peak altitude and burst.

Two Objects over Welden in the Morning

In the spring of 1996, Alois M. observed two bright, stationary objects in the morning sky near Welden. These objects, described as having metallic, sunlit surfaces, remained motionless for about fifteen minutes before one emitted a green beam of light towards the other, which then ascended rapidly and disappeared. The article suggests these might have been related to a weather balloon and its radio sonde, with the green beam possibly being an atmospheric phenomenon.

What Was Happening Over Petersdorf?

In July 1993, Frau B. Schärf reported seeing an unidentified object over Petersdorf. Described as a grey, shapeless light cluster, it moved and transformed into something resembling a "metallic kitchen sieve" before disappearing. The article suggests this might have been a laser effect from a traveling circus.

Light Formations over Frankenberg

In September 1994, a young couple observed multiple light points dancing in the sky over Frankenberg. These were followed by a large, dark, elongated body emitting a monotonous humming sound. The article suggests these might have been "Lightships" or "Blimps," possibly related to advertising displays.

Light Dance in the Sky over Bad Münder

In August 1995, Kay S. and his mother observed several moving objects in the sky over Bad Münder, described as bright stars moving at high speeds. The article suggests these were likely light projections from a disco or similar source, appearing as points of light due to the lack of atmospheric scattering.

UFOs over the Tree Tops near Ried (Fulda)

In March 1995, Sebastian G., a student, observed a bright, round object above the treetops near Ried. The object had a warm, reddish color and remained stationary. The article suggests this could have been the planet Mars, visible in the eastern sky at that time, with atmospheric conditions affecting its appearance.

The Setting Tennis Ball of Dresden

Gretel H., an elderly woman from Dresden, reported seeing a bright, stationary object, described as the size of a tennis ball, over the city in August 1995. The object slowly descended and disappeared. The article suggests this might have been the planet Jupiter, visible in the sky at that time, with the witness's perception influenced by its brightness and stationary appearance.

Mallorca - A Holiday UFO

Herta R. reported seeing a very large star-like object over the sea in Paguera, Mallorca, in September 1994. She described it as not being a star but something else, possibly an aircraft. The article suggests this could have been the planet Saturn, which was visible in the southeastern sky around that time.

UFO is IFO, but IFO is UFO!

Frau Ursula P. reported a series of sightings between January and February 1995. She observed an intensely bright, stationary object in the southeastern sky, which she initially identified as the "morning star." The article concludes that this was likely a misidentification of the planets Venus and Jupiter, which were visible in the sky at that time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CENAP REPORT revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) and their potential explanations. The publication consistently presents witness testimonies and then attempts to provide rational, often mundane, explanations, frequently attributing sightings to weather balloons, party balloons, atmospheric effects, or misidentified celestial bodies like planets. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, aiming to demystify UFO reports by finding logical causes, while implicitly acknowledging that some phenomena might remain difficult to explain. The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed reporting and cross-referencing to ensure accuracy in its investigations.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated January/February 1997, focuses on UFO sightings and investigations, presenting a collection of witness testimonies and the magazine's analysis. The publication aims to explore unexplained aerial phenomena and provide potential explanations.

Article: The Bright Light in Wolfschlugen

The issue begins with an account from Wolfschlugen, Germany, where an elderly woman reported seeing a large, bright light in the sky that moved in an unusual manner. Initially, she believed it to be an unidentified flying object. However, after consulting with astronomical institutions and the magazine's own research, the phenomenon was identified as the planet Jupiter. The article highlights the challenges witnesses face when reporting such sightings to authorities and the importance of accurate identification.

Article: Herr Walter, Can You Explain This to Me?

This section details the experience of Annemarie Z. from Wolfschlugen, who reported seeing a large, bright light in the sky that moved in a peculiar way. She contacted various observatories and the German UFO hotline. The article discusses the difficulty witnesses have in getting official explanations and how the UFO myth is perpetuated by unhelpful responses. It also touches upon the possibility of misinterpreting celestial bodies like Venus and Jupiter as UFOs, especially when they appear close to the horizon.

Article: On the German-Czech Border

This report details a UFO incident that occurred on May 5, 1992, near the German-Czech border. The Czech air force detected an unknown object flying at 2000m altitude and 200 km/h, which crossed the border. Interception attempts failed, and the object's course changed multiple times before disappearing from radar. The Czech air force considered it unlikely to be a mistake or a weather balloon, and meteorological data ruled out balloons and clouds. The German Ministry of Defense suggested it might have been an unauthorized flight of a small aircraft, a conclusion that CENAP REPORT finds unsatisfactory.

Article: The Flying Manta Ray of Zwingenberg

This case involves a report from Peter S. about his friend Reinhold H. and Erika S., who observed a bright light on July 1991 near Zwingenberg. The object was described as having the shape of a manta ray or a flying wing, moving silently at an estimated 20 km/h. The article notes that the area is used by model aircraft enthusiasts and that the object had navigation lights, leading to speculation about it being a sophisticated model aircraft or a delta glider.

Article: Green Light in Elika, Greece

Lars-Oliver M. reported an intense, bright green light that appeared behind an olive tree on the Peloponnese peninsula in June 1989. The light hovered silently for about 30 seconds before moving rapidly to the right and disappearing over the sea within 1-2 seconds. The witness, familiar with UFO literature, could not explain the phenomenon, which was described as a glowing sphere.

Article: UFOs at the Garden Gate

Karl-Heinz E. reported seeing five strange, self-luminous objects moving rapidly in formation from north to south over Basdorf, near Berlin, on September 23, 1995. The objects were described as smaller than a jet and moved silently. The witness's sketch suggests a possible interpretation as a flock of birds illuminated by residual light, but the description of their movement and self-luminosity raises questions.

Article: UFO over the Avenue of Cosmonauts?

Christel S. and her family observed a bright light in the sky over Berlin-Marzahn on April 8, 1996. The light suddenly moved, rotated red lights, and then disappeared rapidly and silently. The witness initially considered it a crane's spotlight but dismissed it due to the height. The object's silent movement and rapid disappearance left her husband, who does not believe in UFOs, puzzled.

Article: Kreisformation über Weinheim (Circular Formation over Weinheim)

Fred M. reported a UFO sighting on March 10, 1994, in Weinheim. He observed a circular formation of six to seven white lights that moved rapidly across the sky. The formation was described as resembling a ring and disappeared in about three seconds. The witness compared it to a UFO from the movie 'Independence Day'.

Article: Dreiecksformation über Wolfsburg (Triangular Formation over Wolfsburg)

On September 29, 1995, two women reported seeing three lights in a triangular formation in the sky over Wolfsburg. The lights were the size of medium stars and moved together before separating and increasing the size of the triangle. A fourth light later appeared below the formation. The witnesses ruled out satellites and aircraft due to the lack of blinking lights and the formation's movement.

Article: UFO Appearances Abroad

This section covers several international sightings:

• Alicante, Spain: Pilot Dieter J. reported seeing a bright oval disc with three strong lights in Alicante in August 1983. The object moved at an angle and disappeared with a white-blue trail.
• Gran Canaria, Spain: Monika S., a stewardess, reported a UFO sighting on March 5, 1979. She described a heliblue/rose-colored flying object with a bright tail moving silently over the sea. This event is discussed in detail, with a proposed explanation involving a rocket launch with a barium/sodium payload.
• Santa Ponca, Spain: Patrick K. reported seeing a bright, stationary object over the sea near Santa Ponca on August 10, 1995. The object was described as 'saucer-like' and was observed for about 10 minutes.
• Sicily, Italy: Fredi L. reported two sightings between 1963 and 1965 of a bright point of light that grew into a ring with a central point, resembling a face. The phenomenon was described as a silent, self-luminous light phenomenon.
• San Remo, Italy: An unnamed couple reported seeing two large, bright objects moving silently and parallel to each other over the sea near San Remo on August 13, 1996. They compared the objects to meteors but noted their parallel movement and lack of fading.
• Port Sudan, Sudan: Herbert and Johanna K. observed a bright fireball moving slowly and horizontally over the horizon on February 7, 1994. The object was described as self-luminous and about half the size of a full moon, resembling a re-entry vehicle.

Article: The Picture of a Saucer...

This section discusses a photograph taken by Elisabeth S. in Maria Taferl, Austria, on May 23, 1994. A small, bright 'saucer' was noticed after the photo was developed, appearing above a tree. The article concludes that this was a reflection of the flash from the camera in a wine glass in the foreground, explaining the 'saucer' shape.

Article: Korsika, 2. Juli 1994: A Case for the X-Files

This report from Korsika describes a sighting by a couple on July 2, 1994, of eight to twelve triangular lights moving in formation near the sea. The lights were of varying intensity and moved like 'musical notes'. Their presence caused a nearby parasol to glow as if illuminated from behind, and the witness later found a red mark on his arm and experienced the disappearance of three benign tumors.

Article: ...and over the Sea near Sicily Seen

This brief mention refers to a sighting over the sea near Sicily, likely related to the earlier report from Fredi L.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the difficulty witnesses face in reporting UFO sightings and the tendency for official explanations to be dismissive or inadequate. The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed investigation and analysis, often pointing to misidentification of known objects (planets, aircraft, natural phenomena) as the most common explanation. However, the publication also leaves room for the possibility of genuinely unexplained phenomena, suggesting that the UFO myth is perpetuated by a lack of open-mindedness and professional investigation from authorities. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many sightings.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated January/February 1997, is dedicated to the topic of UFOs, with a particular focus on debunking common sightings and exploring media portrayals. The cover headline, "UFOs in the News: Side blows against extraterrestrials," sets the tone for a critical examination of the phenomenon.

Werner Walter: The Skeptic's Voice

The lead article profiles Werner Walter, a UFO investigator and author of the book "UFOs - The Truth." Walter, who has been active in debunking UFO claims for 20 years, argues that most sightings are misidentifications of terrestrial aircraft, balloons, or natural celestial bodies like Venus or meteorites. He founded CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Celestial Phenomena) 20 years ago, which now has 70 members. Walter views his work as a "civic service" and believes society is increasingly susceptible to UFO-related myths, with some people creating a "substitute religion" around them. Despite the scientific and political establishment largely ignoring the topic, Walter and CENAP continue their investigations, viewing each report as an intellectual challenge.

Media and UFOs: From Television to News Reports

The issue highlights several instances of UFOs appearing in the media. A news report from Essen details a police investigation into alleged "flying saucers" that turned out to be searchlights from a party. The television crime drama "Tatort" is featured for its episode "Tod im All" (Death in Space), which involves an alien abduction plot. Singer Nina Hagen, a self-proclaimed UFO enthusiast who claims to have witnessed a UFO 15 years prior, guest-starred in the episode, playing herself. The article notes that Dietmar Schönherr, known for the 1960s sci-fi series "Raumpatrouille Orion," also makes a comeback in the episode. Another article mentions Nina Hagen's appearance on Sat1's late-night talk show with Harald Schmidt, where she discussed her UFO experience.

A separate report from Wiesbaden discusses "Tatort All: CENAP advises," where Werner Walter offers reassurance that the "Tatort" episode is fictional and aims to prevent a new wave of "alien hysteria." He provides his contact number for those seeking clarification.

The Million-Mark Abduction Case

A significant story from London details how Joseph Carpenter, a 23-year-old Briton, received over 2 million Marks from Grip Versicherung after claiming he was abducted by aliens. The CEO of Grip Versicherung, Simon Burgess, stated that Carpenter provided "irrefutable evidence," including a transparent claw found on his coat and photos/videos of his alleged abduction. Carpenter described a triangular craft and an alien with a triangular head. This is presented as the first worldwide case of its kind, with the insurance company reportedly negotiating with US media for the sale of the "evidence."

Critiquing UFO Investigators

An article titled "Wg M. Hesemann: Nachgefragt!" (Regarding M. Hesemann: Asked!) critically examines the credentials of UFO investigator M. Hesemann. The author questions Hesemann's self-proclaimed titles such as "futurist," "cultural anthropologist," and "expert in fringe sciences," pointing out that these are often unprotected designations. The article suggests that Hesemann's claims of studying at the University of Göttingen are misleading, as the university does not offer a degree in "Cultural Anthropology" but rather in "Anthropology," "Ethnology," or "Folkloristics." The author concludes that Hesemann lacks any verifiable academic or vocational qualifications, contrasting him with a retail salesman who at least has a trade certificate.

Another section critiques J.v. Buttlar for also using the title "Astrophysicist" loosely. The article also mentions Uli Thieme, a graphic designer and former Hesemann supporter, who reportedly had a rational discussion with him.

Roswell Incident

A brief mention of the Roswell incident in 1947 is made with the caption "ROSWELL 1947: ERROR DURING 'BACKWARD PARKING'," suggesting a dismissive or skeptical view of the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards UFO claims, the critical examination of UFO investigators' credentials, and the media's role in popularizing or sensationalizing UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, largely driven by Werner Walter's contributions and the critical article on M. Hesemann, leans heavily towards debunking and rational explanation, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the topic. The inclusion of the insurance case and the "Tatort" episode shows an interest in how UFOs are perceived and treated in different spheres of society.