CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

CENAP REPORT Nr. 246, dated September 1997 (though the cover also mentions December 1997 and content refers to events in 1997 and 1998), is a German-language UFO magazine focusing on historical and contemporary UFO phenomena. The issue prominently features the 50th anniversary of the 'flying saucer' era, marked by Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting.

Editorial and Contact Information

The magazine is published by CENAP, with Werner Walter serving as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief. The editorial office is located in Mannheim, Germany. Hansjürgen Köhler handles distribution and subscriptions. The magazine is a bi-monthly publication. CENAP is described as a private, non-commercial, and ideologically independent organization dedicated to the collection, analysis, and evaluation of reports on unidentified flying objects (UFOs). It is integrated into the GWUP (Society for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal) and has been recommended by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior as a point of contact for UFO reports.

Cover Story: 50th UFO Anniversary

The cover highlights the 50th anniversary of UFOs, with the main headline "50. UFO-Jahrestag: Sumpfgas-Story, Helium-Ballone, Umfrage, Märchenonkels" (50th UFO Anniversary: Swamp Gas Story, Helium Balloons, Survey, Fairy Tale Uncles). A sub-headline proclaims "Europa: Beginn der FU-Invasion" (Europe: Beginning of the Flying Object Invasion).

The cover image depicts Earth with a U.S. Air Force/Army flying saucer superimposed, referencing an original NASA photo combined with a USAF-AVRO-Car.

Key Articles and Themes

The 'Flying Saucer' Era Begins: 1947

The issue revisits the pivotal sighting by Kenneth Arnold on June 24, 1947, near Mount Rainier, Washington, where he described nine crescent-shaped objects flying at high speed. This event is credited with launching the 'flying saucer' saga. The magazine notes that while Arnold's sighting marked the beginning, the Roswell incident, though sensationalized later, became a major focus for the 50th anniversary, with CENAP being one of the few to recall Arnold's original sighting.

The Michigan 'Swamp Gas' Story (1966)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 1966 UFO sightings in Michigan, particularly in Livingston and Washtenaw counties. The article details how police officers and sheriff's deputies reported seeing unidentified flying objects, leading to a widespread 'UFO chase'. Witnesses described various lights and objects, including a football-shaped craft with a dome and antenna. The incident was investigated by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who, based on his visit and research, attributed the sightings to 'swamp gas', referencing theories by astronomer Minnaert. This explanation, however, was met with skepticism and criticism from some witnesses, like Van Horn, who felt their accounts were being dismissed.

The article also touches upon other explanations and related incidents, including the case of a 'plastic laundry sack' mistaken for a UFO and the role of students in perpetuating sightings. The 'swamp gas' affair is presented as a classic case that, despite attempts at rational explanation, fueled public interest and debate.

Early European UFO Sightings (1950s)

The magazine explores the influx of UFO reports in Europe during the 1950s, contrasting it with the relative quiet in the US during the same period. It highlights reports from Austria, Italy, Denmark, and Germany, describing objects as rocket-like and moving at high speeds. The article discusses the initial skepticism in Europe, with some attributing sightings to Soviet or American secret weapons, while others, like scientists, considered extraterrestrial origins. The role of balloons, particularly helium-filled ones, as a source of misidentification is emphasized, with accounts of large balloon formations creating the illusion of flying saucers.

The 'Foo Fighters' and Early UFO Theories

The issue briefly mentions 'Foo Fighters' from World War II, objects that accompanied Allied aircraft and were rumored to be German radar-controlled machines. It also delves into early theories about UFOs, including the possibility of them being advanced Soviet or US spy technology. The magazine references a confidential US State Department report from 1948 describing 'saucer-like projectiles' with intelligent control and significant speed capabilities.

Public Perception and Explanations

A Gallup poll from August 1947 reveals public opinion on UFOs, with a significant portion attributing them to imagination, optical illusions, or secret weapons, rather than extraterrestrial visitors. The article notes that the concept of UFOs being alien spaceships was not yet widely accepted. It also discusses how media reports, like those in LIFE magazine, influenced public discourse, often linking UFOs to atomic tests or new media technologies.

Charles Harnett's Experiences

The magazine includes a section on Charles Harnett, a former Public Information Officer at Ramstein Air Base in the 1950s. Harnett, who had personal experiences with UFOs that were later explained conventionally, wrote a manuscript on 'Science and the Flying Saucers'. His account includes a personal UFO sighting in 1954, which he later identified as a new, unlit highway overpass, and another in the early 1960s that was likely a weather phenomenon.

Balloon Misidentifications

A significant theme is the misidentification of balloons as UFOs. The article details how helium-filled balloons, especially when released in large numbers, could appear as disc-shaped objects from a distance. Mrs. Hester Wilson, who ran a balloon company, explained how contract dealers would release multiple balloons, creating formations that observers mistook for flying saucers. The speed estimates given by witnesses were often wildly inaccurate due to the difficulty in judging the size and distance of these balloon clusters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CENAP-REPORT strongly emphasizes the historical context of UFO phenomena, particularly the pivotal year of 1947 and the subsequent decades. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, presenting various accounts and explanations, including scientific ones like misidentifications (swamp gas, balloons) and potential technological explanations (secret weapons, experimental aircraft). While acknowledging the enduring mystery and public fascination with UFOs, the magazine seems to lean towards rational explanations for many reported sightings, while leaving room for the possibility of genuinely unexplained phenomena. The recurring theme is the evolution of UFO theories, from early notions of extraterrestrial visitors to more grounded explanations involving terrestrial technology and natural phenomena, all viewed through the lens of historical anniversaries and ongoing research.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated December 1997 (Issue No. 246), focuses heavily on the theme of UFO hoaxes, alleged government cover-ups, and the critical examination of UFO phenomena and personalities within the field. The magazine adopts a skeptical tone, aiming to debunk sensational claims and expose fraudulent or exaggerated accounts.

UFO Hoaxes and Falsifications

The cover story, "UFO-Fälschung" (UFO Hoax), highlights the ease with which UFO sightings can be fabricated. It references a prank from 1951 where a photograph of an empty hangar was doctored to include a flying saucer, a story shared by Charles Harnett. Harnett recounts how his friend, a photographer at Scott AFB, created a convincing fake image of a 25-meter aluminum flying saucer in an empty hangar. This photo was used for years, even fooling Harnett's brother. The article notes that such fabricated images can resurface and be presented as genuine evidence.

A related piece on page 20, "Die Fotofälschung von S.20" (The Photo Hoax from p.20), analyzes an image circulating online that purports to show a UFO in a hangar. Through image analysis, it's determined to be a "cut-and-paste job," a common technique for creating fake UFO evidence.

LIFE Magazine's 1952 UFO Article

The issue revisits a significant event in UFO history: the April 7, 1952, feature article in LIFE Magazine titled "Have we Visitors from Space?" The article is described as having caused considerable stir and significantly influenced public perception of UFOs. It notes that while the USAF provided some data, LIFE's interpretation may have exaggerated possibilities into certainties, leading some high-ranking officers to consider the possibility of interplanetary origins for the objects.

Scrutiny of UFO Claims and Individuals

Captain Daniel A. McGovern and Edward A. Kolar

Captain Daniel A. McGovern of the USAF reportedly admitted to working on projects TWINKLE and GRUDGE and confessed to seeing unexplained objects himself. Captain Edward A. Kolar of the USMCR reported hearing about green fireballs from pilots who described them as fast-moving, bright green objects that were unexplainable.

Professor C.C. Wylie and the Lubbock Witnesses

Professor C.C. Wylie of the University of Iowa reported photographing green fireballs multiple times in 1951, attributing them to the Taurid meteor shower. This scientific explanation contrasted with the military intelligence perspective. Witnesses from Lubbock, including Professors Robinson, Oberg, and Ducker, and a person named George, stated that the objects they saw were not in geometric formations like those depicted in some photographs, casting doubt on the authenticity of certain photographic evidence.

Robert O. Dean and the "Cosmic Top Secret" Document

The magazine critically examines the claims of UFOlogist Robert O. Dean, who emerged as a prominent figure in the UFO conspiracy movement. Dean claims to have had access to a "Cosmic Top Secret" NATO document titled "An Assessment (An Evaluation of a Possible Military Threat to Allied Forces in Europe)" in the early 1960s. This document was allegedly based on a three-year study of UFO events in Europe. However, the article, citing Philip J. Klass, disputes Dean's assertion that he worked as an "Intelligence Analyst" at NATO HQ. Instead, his military records allegedly indicate he was a Chief Clerk in the Language Service Branch. Despite Dean's claims of having specialized intelligence training, his service record does not support this. His claims were made during a presentation in Roswell in 1997.

Philip J. Corso and "The Day After Roswell"

Philip J. Corso, a former US Army Intelligence Officer, is presented as another figure whose claims are scrutinized. His book, "The Day After Roswell," alleges that he was involved in the dissemination of alien technology derived from the Roswell crash. The article notes that while Corso's military career is verifiable, his UFO-related claims are not. It highlights that Senator Strom Thurmond, who provided a foreword to Corso's book, was misled about its content, believing it to be Corso's military memoirs rather than a UFO exposé. The publisher later retracted the foreword due to this misrepresentation.

Corso claims that the Roswell crash material was used to develop technologies like fiber optics, computer microchips, and lasers, leading to America's technological advancement in the 1960s and 70s. He also asserts the existence of MJ-12, a secret group tasked with managing the Roswell incident.

Lee Shargel: The "Professor" of Egyptian Quantum Mechanics

The magazine questions the credentials of "Dr." Lee Shargel, who gained prominence in mid-1996. Shargel claimed to be a NASA physicist with insider knowledge of UFOs and aliens. He published a newsletter called "Galactic Observer" and gave lectures with sensational content. However, investigations revealed that Northeastern University had no records of him obtaining a doctorate in "Egyptian Quantum Mechanics," and his NASA credentials were also questioned. Shargel himself admitted to having only a Bachelor's degree from Northeastern University and working for NASA contractors, not NASA directly. The article suggests Shargel's claims were part of a strategy to become a "Stephen King of science fiction."

Robert Spencer Carr and the "Alien Autopsy" Story

Timothy Spencer Carr, son of Robert Spencer Carr, casts doubt on his father's credibility. Robert Spencer Carr gained notoriety in 1974 for claiming that refrigerators at Wright-Patterson AFB contained alien bodies from a UFO crash. Timothy Carr states his father was a high school graduate who falsely presented himself as a "Professor" and "Dr." He suggests his father lived more in an imaginary world than reality, creating elaborate UFO stories that captivated fans. The article notes that Carr's claims, while fantastical, influenced the UFOlogy narrative, particularly the idea of aliens being stored at Wright-Patterson AFB.

The Rendlesham Forest Incident

The issue revisits the Rendlesham Forest UFO incident of December 1980. Larry Warren, a key witness who claimed to be a USAF security policeman at the time, is presented as a storyteller whose account is questioned. The article suggests Warren's story, as detailed in the book "Left at East Gate," is filled with contradictions and fabrications. It also mentions Chris Arnold, a former MP at Bentwaters AFB, who recalls the incident but downplays its significance, stating there were no secret instructions, interrogations, or unusual events beyond some lights. Arnold also disputes Warren's presence at the incident.

Colonel Halt, a key figure in the Rendlesham investigation, is quoted as stating that there was no official USAF investigation, no secret underground bunkers at Bentwaters, and that the British never requested a report. Halt also mentions that he was given a UFO t-shirt by his colleagues as a memento. He expresses skepticism towards UFOlogists, particularly those from Britain, due to past negative experiences.

Other UFO Personalities and Claims

Sir Peter Horsley's Encounter

Air Marshal Sir Peter Horsley reportedly claimed a close encounter with an alien he called "Mr. Janus" in Chelsea, London, 43 years prior. He described speaking with the being for hours about space travel and time. Horsley, a decorated war hero and advisor to the Queen, intends to include this account in his autobiography. The article notes that while Horsley's military career is reputable, his UFO claims are viewed with skepticism.

UFOlogy's Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine concludes by highlighting the persistent nature of UFO claims and the tendency for individuals to sensationalize events. It criticizes the lack of critical thinking within some UFO circles, where elaborate stories are readily accepted. The editorial stance is clearly one of debunking and critical analysis, aiming to separate fact from fiction in the often-sensationalized world of UFOlogy. The publication seems to position itself as a voice of reason against what it perceives as unsubstantiated claims and deliberate misinformation within the UFO community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP REPORT consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards UFO claims. Recurring themes include the exposure of hoaxes, the questioning of witness credibility and military records, and the debunking of sensationalized accounts. The magazine emphasizes the importance of verifiable evidence and scientific methodology, often contrasting these with the speculative and anecdotal nature of many UFO narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rational inquiry and challenging what it views as unsubstantiated beliefs and conspiracy theories within the UFO field. The publication aims to provide a counter-narrative to the more sensationalist aspects of UFOlogy, often highlighting the potential for deception, self-delusion, and opportunism among those who promote UFO stories.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated December 1997, delves into various UFO phenomena, book reviews, and alleged encounters with extraterrestrial beings. The publication maintains a critical and often skeptical stance, aiming to debunk sensational claims and promote rational analysis.

Book Review: "Leben im Weltraum" by Roland Horn

The central piece of this issue is a lengthy and critical review of Roland Horn's book "Leben im Weltraum" (Life in Space). The reviewer, Rudolf Henke, expresses strong reservations about the book's scientific accuracy and methodology. Horn's work is accused of blending popular science with questionable fiction, relying on speculation rather than rigorous research. Henke points out Horn's uncritical acceptance of "pre-astronautic" theories, such as alleged "pyramids on Mars" and "faces" on the planet, which he dismisses as easily explainable phenomena or misinterpretations.

Horn's approach to scientific evidence is also scrutinized. He is criticized for misrepresenting scientific findings, such as the nature of amino acids and the properties of Martian meteorites. The review highlights Horn's tendency to equate scientific arguments with mere opinions, thereby degrading factual evidence to the level of speculation. His sources are described as chaotic, with many speculative works and a lack of serious scientific literature on the topic of extraterrestrial life.

Furthermore, Horn's critique of established science is deemed superficial, as he fails to engage with the actual arguments of critics and instead attacks their academic credentials. The review concludes that Horn's book is largely superfluous, lacking original research and failing to offer new insights beyond what is already available in the vast body of UFO literature. Henke suggests that both the author and the publisher could have benefited from more rigorous editing and fact-checking.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

The magazine presents several reports of alleged UFO sightings and encounters:

• Jim Templeton Photograph (1964): A photograph taken in England shows a figure in a spacesuit behind a child. While some consider it evidence of aliens, the report suggests it could be a firefighter in protective gear.
• Ronnie Hill Photograph (1967): A photograph from North Carolina allegedly shows an alien with a spherical object near a landed UFO. This case is later debunked as a staged photo involving a small figure.
• Swissair Boeing 747 Near-Miss (1997): A Swissair flight near New York reported a near-collision with an unidentified, wingless object. While pilots described it as rocket-like, authorities identified it as a weather balloon, a conclusion met with skepticism by the pilots.
• UFO Explosions in Scotland (1997): Reports of bright flashes and explosions off the coast of Scotland were initially investigated as a potential aircraft crash but were later attributed to a "cosmic bomb."
• Daylight Meteor over Texas (1997): A bright fireball, shockwave, and smoke cloud were observed in West Texas, later identified as a daylight meteor fireball.
• Russian UFO Incident (1997): Witnesses near Lake Ladoga, Russia, reported a flying triangle phenomenon, described as signal flares.
• Ohio UFO Sightings (1996): Multiple reports from Ohio described red, flare-like objects in the sky, later identified as military signal flares.
• New Mexico/Texas Fireball (1996): A fireball observed over New Mexico and Texas was initially thought to be a single meteor bouncing back into space, but later analysis suggested it was two separate meteor events.

Government and Military Involvement

The issue touches upon the role of governments and military organizations in UFO phenomena. A letter from a former Swiss Air Force employee suggests that UFO reports are not considered a matter of national interest and are often dismissed or filed away without proper investigation. The article criticizes the lack of transparency and the tendency to downplay or ignore UFO evidence.

Other Topics

• NSA and Alien Contact: The report mentions claims by a former NSA analyst, Staff Sergeant Dan Sherman, who alleges that the US government has been in contact with aliens since 1947 and has been involved in a program to identify individuals with telepathic abilities for communication with these beings.
• Billy Meier and the "Adrain" Case: The magazine discusses new UFO photos attributed to a contactee named "Adrain" (Manny Escandon), who claims to be a "Plejadian spirit." The report casts doubt on the authenticity of these photos, suggesting they are computer-generated fakes and linking the case to the controversial Billy Meier.
• Sir Eric Gairy's Death: The passing of Sir Eric Gairy, former Prime Minister of Grenada and a proponent of UFO investigation, is noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, the debunking of sensationalist accounts, and the questioning of official explanations. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific investigation and cautioning against uncritical acceptance of anecdotal evidence or speculative theories. The magazine advocates for critical thinking and a rational approach to the UFO phenomenon, often highlighting instances where mundane explanations suffice for seemingly extraordinary events. There is a consistent effort to differentiate between genuine scientific inquiry and what is perceived as "para-science" or "pop-UFOlogy."

This issue of CENAP REPORT, number 246, dated December 1997, is a German-language publication focusing on UFO and paranormal phenomena. The cover story details the 'Seattle Lights' sighting from November 14, 1997, while other articles delve into internet hackers investigating UFOs, and the skeptical approach of the 'Skeptiker' organization.

The Seattle-Lights vom 14.November 1997

On November 14, 1997, starting around 9:06 PM Pacific Time, numerous reports flooded radio stations, TV channels, and UFO hotlines across Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. Witnesses described lights moving from west to east, creating a spectacular aerial display likened to fireworks. KING TV in Seattle aired video footage of the event, which quickly became a widespread topic of discussion. Art Bell's internet homepage also featured information about the sighting. Some witnesses reported the lights forming a triangular shape. Official explanations from NORAD, USAF, and the National Weather Service attributed the phenomenon to the burning-up of a Russian space object, likely debris from an SL-12 rocket, which eventually fell into the Pacific. Some witnesses claimed to have seen faint smoke wisps after the passage.

Associated Press reported on November 15, 1997, that many observers interpreted the lights as a UFO fleet, drawing comparisons to the Phoenix Lights of March 1997. Dale Goudie of the UFO Reporting and Information Service in Seattle received 44 calls that evening, with witnesses reporting up to eight fragments seen as individual objects or UFOs between 9:06 PM and 9:09 PM. Dave Way described it as the 'bizarrst thing' he had ever seen, comparing it to something from Star Trek. June Akiyama likened it to a 'giant firework rocket'. Frank Frazee described the lights as a 'pile of shooting stars' that were 'totally fiery', orange-red at the front and white at the tail.

Das Spiel mit der Welt der UFO-Realität

This section critiques the tendency within UFOlogy to create a subjective 'UFO reality' based on misinterpretations and psychological effects. It argues that many perceived UFOs are actually misidentified natural phenomena (IFOs) or re-entry events. The article suggests that UFOlogists often develop explanations that fit pre-existing beliefs, leading to a distortion of objective reality. This is exacerbated by the media and UFO reporters who, influenced by popular UFO mythology, create a feedback loop. The 'Great Northwest Mass Sighting of 1997' is presented as a case study for understanding the human reactions and the UFO problem.

The author criticizes UFOlogists for their lack of rigorous research and reliance on anecdotal evidence, stating that they often dismiss critical viewpoints and engage in mutual self-congratulation within their own publications. The lack of practical field research is also highlighted.

US-Präsident Clinton's heimlicher Wunsch

An article from The New York Post on November 23, 1997, reported that US President Bill Clinton was fascinated by UFOs and wanted to know more about them. This claim comes from Webb Hubbell, a former Justice Department representative and Clinton's golf partner, in his book 'Friends in High Places'. Hubbell alleges that Clinton tasked him with finding out about UFOs as a top priority upon his appointment. Clinton also reportedly inquired about who killed JFK. Hubbell claims he could not provide satisfactory answers to either question.

Fall Bariloche, Argentinien, Nachtrag

Alejandro C. Agostinelli provided an update on the August 31, 1995, incident in Bariloche, Argentina, described as the 'most important Argentinian UFO incident in 10 years'. Investigations revealed that the reported power outage in the nearby city was not related to the phenomenon but was caused by human error from a transformer station employee. The transcript of radio communication between a Boeing 727 and the Bariloche Airport Tower clarified that the runway lighting failure, which was activated for the incoming aircraft, was due to an overload of the airport's own generator acting as a backup power supply. This also led to malfunctions in airport instruments. The airport was reportedly closed due to heavy snowfall at the time, operating only in a minimal personnel capacity.

INTERNET-Hacker auf UFO-JAGD

The Times reported on November 22, 1997, about two young, UFO-enthusiast hackers, nicknamed 'Kuji' (16 years old) and 'Datastrom Cowboy' (23 years old), who gained unauthorized access to secret US administration computer networks via the internet between March and May 1994. Their activities, which included eavesdropping, alerted the US Senate Affairs Committee. Facilities like the USAF Research Facility at Griffiss AFN and Wright-Patterson AFB, as well as NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and Lockheed, were targeted. The US Air Force Office of Special Investigation (OSI) became involved due to the potential damage these network intrusions could cause. Scotland Yard was engaged, and the two hackers were apprehended. However, instead of finding spies, authorities discovered two 'X-Files' fans searching for information about UFOs and conspiracy theories. Despite accessing highly sensitive databases, they were reportedly disappointed.

The hackers were ultimately prosecuted by the telephone company for using fraudulent 'blue-boxing' methods to bypass charges, resulting in a £300,000 phone bill. The hackers were convicted on November 21, 1997, and each was fined £1,200. However, the full £300,000 damage claimed by British Telecom could not be proven.

„Der Glaube ist oft stärker als die Vernunft"

This section, featuring a comic strip of historical UFO incidents, discusses the German organization 'Skeptiker' (Society for the Scientific Investigation of Paraphenomena), which held its 8th congress in Nuremberg. Amardeo Sarma, the managing director, stated that flying objects without immediate explanation are often labeled UFOs, but many people prefer to believe in supernatural explanations. He noted that thousands of UFO reports occur annually, often explained by disco lights, laser shows, bright planets, or aircraft. Sarma emphasized that even when presented with rational explanations, many observers cling to supernatural beliefs, stating, "Belief is often stronger than reason."

The 'Skeptiker' group uses scientific methods to investigate paranormal phenomena, neither accepting nor rejecting claims outright but seeking underlying causes. The organization has about 450 volunteer members, many of whom are scientists, doctors, and psychologists. Rainer Rosenzweig, an organizer, warned that the inclination towards supernatural phenomena can be dangerous, particularly in medicine, where unproven healing methods and devices are offered.

The 'Skeptiker' aim to bring order to the 'esoteric confusion' by scientific means, often finding practices like Edu-Kinestetik or Bach flower therapy to be ineffective. Wolfgang Hund, a magician and occultism representative, explained that charlatans use sensory illusions and suggestion to deceive people, similar to fortune tellers who create the illusion of predicting the future. The group seeks to sensitize the public to "dishonest business and dirty tricks" involving the supernatural.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards unverified UFO claims, emphasizing scientific investigation and rational explanations. It highlights instances where phenomena are misidentified or exaggerated, often attributing them to psychological factors, media influence, or deliberate deception. The publication appears to favor skepticism and evidence-based analysis over speculative theories, while still acknowledging the public's fascination with the unknown. The inclusion of a comic strip depicting historical UFO incidents suggests an interest in the history of the phenomenon, but the accompanying text frames it within the context of technological advancement rather than extraterrestrial visitation.