CENAP Report - No 250

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 250
Date: 4/98 (May/June 1998)
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German
Theme: 25 Years of UFO Research from Mannheim Against Public Misinformation

Editorial Introduction

The editorial, penned by the CENAP REPORT team from Mannheim, announces the 250th issue with a new motto: 'Against Public Misinformation.' It reflects on 25 years of voluntary UFO research, positioning CENAP as 'uncomfortable research colleagues' and a 'red flag' for the UFO scene, akin to 'Viagra' for its excitement. The team emphasizes their role as UFO phenomenon investigators with extensive expertise, driven by intellectual challenge rather than personal gain, which allows them to remain critical and open.

Lunar Anomalies: Mondanomalien

This section delves into various purported phenomena on and around the Moon. It begins by referencing historical 'Mars canals' and the 'Face on Mars' as optical illusions, citing new NASA data. The focus then shifts to decades of 'lunar anomalies,' including reports of unidentified lights on the Moon by Sir John Herschel in the 19th century, and geometric light patterns observed by other astronomers. A three-year investigation by the Royal Astronomical Society in 1869 into anomalies in the Mare Crisium region is mentioned. The article highlights the observation by John O'Neill in 1953 of a 'bridge' across the Mare Crisium crater.

James A. Greenacre's 1963 observation of reddish-orange and pinkish spots near the Aristarchus crater, which later appeared as flickering white spots, is detailed. Edward Barr corroborated these sightings. The US Air Force officially acknowledged these 'lunar transient phenomena' (LTPs), with some scientists speculating about lunar volcanic activity. The article notes that NASA attempted to explain LTPs as gas emissions from lava tubes or solar wind particles, but acknowledged the Moon's geological inactivity. The role of the Apollo missions and subsequent books by George H. Leonard, Fred and Glenn Steckling, are discussed, with criticism leveled at their suggestive nature.

The Lunascan Project, led by Francis Ridge, is introduced as a legitimate effort to record Uncorrelated Lunar Objects (ULOs) and 'Fastwalkers' (fast-moving objects near the Moon). A specific 'Fastwalker' sighting from Japan in September 1996 is described, captured by a CCD video camera, appearing as a dark, rectangular object moving south of the Tycho crater.

The Moon Swindle: Der Mond-Schwindel

This section debunks the infamous 'Moon Hoax' story published in the New York Sun in the 1830s, attributed to Sir John Herschel. It reveals that the sensational reports of lunar life, including winged beings and bizarre creatures, were fabricated by British journalist Richard Adams Locke to boost newspaper sales. Locke used Herschel's name without permission, leading to widespread public excitement and a false belief in lunar inhabitants.

Mars Anomalies: Marsianische Geheimnisse

The article discusses the enduring fascination with Mars, particularly the 'Face on Mars' and the ALH84001 meteorite. The ALH84001 meteorite, initially believed to contain evidence of simple organic life from Mars, was later proven by scientists from the University of Arizona and Scripps Institution of Oceanography to contain terrestrial organic material. This finding, published in Science, dashed hopes of extraterrestrial life on Mars.

The 'Face on Mars,' a prominent feature in UFOlogy, is revisited. The article explains that the iconic images were taken late in the afternoon, creating long shadows that gave the formation its distinctive appearance. It critiques the sensationalist interpretations by figures like Richard Hoagland and Michael Hesemann, who linked the 'Mars Face' to ancient civilizations, pyramids, and even the Turin Shroud. The authors dismiss these claims as pseudo-scientific and part of a broader conspiracy narrative.

The article also touches upon the 'Cydonia Region' on Mars, a subject of intense speculation regarding artificial structures. It mentions the NASA Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) mission, which was tasked with imaging this region. The authors express skepticism towards the claims of UFO proponents and 'paranormal researchers' who accuse NASA of withholding evidence of Martian civilizations.

UFO Phenomena and Anomalies

The issue includes a section on 'solar phenomena,' detailing a report from Georgios Papageorgiou in 1987 who observed a spherical object on the Sun that appeared to cast a shadow, an event he found impossible to explain naturally. He theorized it might be a 'black hole.'

Under 'ufological anomalies,' the article discusses a UN report on a 'UFO sighting wave' over Southern Germany, linking it to the Thomas Rebohl case. The authors criticize the sensationalist reporting and the tendency to inflate minor sightings into major events.

CENAP's Data Material

The magazine highlights CENAP's extensive UFO video archive and its work with various national and international institutions. It also mentions the UFO-Hotline and internet presence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

CENAP REPORT maintains a critical and skeptical stance towards UFO phenomena, differentiating itself from both naive believers and dogmatic skeptics. The publication emphasizes rigorous investigation, intellectual challenge, and a commitment to uncovering the truth, even if it means challenging popular beliefs. The recurring themes include lunar and Martian anomalies, solar phenomena, alleged UFO cover-ups by authorities like NASA, and the debunking of sensationalist claims within the UFO community. The editorial stance is one of informed inquiry, aiming to provide factual analysis and counter public misinformation regarding UFOs and related mysteries. The magazine appears to be a platform for detailed, research-oriented discussions within the UFO field, often challenging established narratives from both official and fringe perspectives.

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: Nr. 250
Date: Mai/Juni 1998
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP REPORT delves into the controversial 'Face on Mars' phenomenon, critically examining the evidence and public perception surrounding it. It also reports on various unexplained aerial phenomena and UFO sightings from early 1998, questioning the scientific validity of some claims while exploring the public's enduring fascination with the unknown.

The 'Face on Mars' Debacle: Illusion vs. Reality

The lead story dissects the 'Face on Mars' controversy, a topic that had long fueled speculation about extraterrestrial civilizations. The article begins by referencing a critical review of a book by the Lammer couple, which accused UFO research of lacking evidence and resorting to speculation. The author criticizes the 'anomalists' and 'fringe science' community for their lack of critical thinking and reliance on subjective interpretations.

New images from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), released on April 6, 1998, are presented as the definitive resolution to the 'Face on Mars' debate. These images, taken with higher resolution than the original Viking photos from the 1970s, show the formation as a natural geological feature, a plateau with shadows and light playing tricks on the eye. The article highlights how media outlets, including ARD and Pro7, quickly reported the NASA findings, debunking the 'artificial structure' theory.

Geologists like Michael Carr from the US Geological Survey confirmed that the formation was a natural geological feature, similar to others found in the Cydonia region. NASA officials, like Glenn E. Cunningham, emphasized the transparency of their data release, making all raw data available to the public to prevent conspiracy theories about data manipulation. Despite the scientific consensus, the article notes that some proponents, like Richard Hoagland, continued to insist on the artificial nature of the 'Face on Mars,' accusing NASA of a cover-up.

The magazine contrasts the scientific approach with the 'phantastic' or 'fringe' approach, suggesting that UFO enthusiasts often seek confirmation of their beliefs rather than objective truth. It criticizes the 'UFO industry' that profits from such speculation. The article also touches upon the psychological aspect, suggesting that the 'Face on Mars' served as a 'Rorschach test' for the public's desire to believe in extraterrestrial life.

Further analysis of MGS images, including those of the so-called 'Mars City' and 'Pyramid' in the Cydonia region, also revealed natural geological formations, further diminishing the hopes of those seeking evidence of ancient Martian civilizations. The article concludes that the 'Face on Mars' phenomenon, like the 'Mars canals' and 'Man in the Moon,' is largely an optical illusion, a product of perception and wishful thinking.

UFO Sightings and Unexplained Phenomena in Early 1998

The issue also documents several other reported sightings and events that fueled public interest in UFOs and the unexplained:

• Space Debris Collision: On January 15, 1998, a Minuteman II ICBM test rocket collided with a piece of space debris about 240 miles above Earth, causing the rocket stage to explode. This event, described as a 'freak accident,' was unusual due to the difficulty in tracking such small objects.
• Meteor over Colorado Springs: On January 11, 1998, a meteor entered the atmosphere over Colorado Springs, causing an explosion and sonic boom that alarmed residents. The event was initially mistaken for a military jet.
• Mysterious Fireball over New Mexico and Texas: On March 2, 1998, a fireball was observed, producing a glowing cloud pattern. This was later explained as the exhaust trail of a Hera anti-missile rocket.
• Mysterious Lights over Bermuda: On March 7, 1998, witnesses in Bermuda reported seeing mysterious lights in the sky, which split into two and spread a haze. These were later attributed to a US Navy rocket launch.
• Meteor Shower over England: On March 15, 1998, a spectacular meteor shower over Southwest England caused public alarm, with many believing it was an alien landing. The event was attributed to the Virginid meteor swarm.
• Mysterious Meteor over Hawaii: On March 27, 1998, a blue-white light explosion was observed west of the Hawaiian Islands, accompanied by a loud sound. It was identified as a large meteor.
• Fireball over Lausitz: On April 20, 1998, a bright fireball with a tail was seen over Lausitz, Germany, which split into two parts and was followed by thunder. It was identified as a meteor.

The Psychology of Belief and Media Influence

Dr. Benso Saylor, a professor of anthropology, is quoted discussing the enduring popularity of UFO topics, linking it to a societal search for spirituality and wonder. He suggests that UFOs serve as a modern myth, a vehicle for expressing distrust in government (citing Watergate and the Vietnam War) and for individuals seeking attention. The article notes the significant impact of media, such as the TV series 'The X-Files,' in shaping public perception, with a considerable portion of the US population believing in intelligent extraterrestrial life.

The magazine also touches upon the role of the media in reporting these events, noting how quickly some outlets debunked the 'Face on Mars' while others were slower to report on it. The article questions the media's focus on sensationalism over factual reporting and the public's tendency to accept narratives that confirm their existing beliefs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the debunking of pseudoscientific claims, and the exploration of the psychological and societal factors that contribute to belief in the unexplained. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of unsubstantiated UFO claims, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence and rational explanation. The magazine positions itself as a voice of reason against what it perceives as a 'phantastic' and 'speculative' fringe community, advocating for a grounded, evidence-based approach to understanding mysteries, whether they be on Mars or in Earth's atmosphere.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated May/June 1998, delves into various UFO and astronomical phenomena, with a significant focus on a series of sightings and events occurring around May 2, 1998, particularly in the Hamburg region of Germany.

Leoniden Meteor Shower and Satellite Protection

The issue begins by discussing the Leoniden meteor shower and the potential risks it poses to satellites in orbit. It notes that while military satellites are generally better protected, even they are not immune to impacts. The article references the 902 Chinese astronomers who first recorded the Leoniden stream and explains its cyclical intensity, linked to the comet Tempel-Tuttle. Despite a lower expected meteor count for 1998 compared to 1966, the increased number of satellites in orbit raises concerns about potential damage.

Fireball Over Hamburg

A major section details a significant event on May 2, 1998, when numerous reports flooded the Hamburg police and UFO hotlines about a bright flash followed by a fireball passing through the night sky around 0:55 AM. The article recounts the efforts of the UFO hotline to gather witness testimonies, including those from police officers and civilians. Several witnesses describe a silent, fast-moving object with a yellowish-green or bluish-yellow color and a trailing tail. The direction of travel was inconsistently reported, leading to confusion among authorities and investigators.

• Specific witness accounts include:
• Kurt Peter Volz described a round object with a greenish-yellow hue, moving silently towards the horizon.
• The Schorch family reported a bluish-yellow, roundish light moving from southeast to northwest at a low altitude.
• Police officers W. & H. observed an object moving from north to south, with a bright yellow tail, estimated to be at an altitude of 200-300 meters, moving faster than a jet.
• Sonja Ziehmann described a fireball moving horizontally towards Hamburg, appearing like a glowing worm.
• Bernd Ewers saw a white-green light sphere, noting it was not a signal flare.
• Frau Sohle reported a light moving from east to west.
• The Kirinowski couple were awakened by a bluish-white light and saw a fireball, described as being about the size of a 'table tennis ball'.
• Herr Dickmann observed an oval, white light moving horizontally without sound, resembling a large shooting star.
• Herr Mohlke described a 'flaming sword' moving across the sky.

The Hamburg Airport's air traffic control reported no visual or radar confirmation, suggesting the object was likely high in the atmosphere and beyond radar range.

Analysis of the Hamburg Event

The article highlights the confusion caused by conflicting directional reports, emphasizing that it was a single phenomenon. It also touches upon the historical interpretation of such phenomena as celestial signs, comparing them to ancient beliefs about omens and divine messages, and modern interpretations as UFOs.

International Sightings and Related News

• Beyond the Hamburg incident, the magazine includes reports from other locations:
• Bariloche, Argentina: A series of power outages were reported, coinciding with sightings of UFOs described as large, silent objects with colored lights. Witnesses reported seeing a large mothership with smaller objects.
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: The issue addresses the danger posed by gas balloons carrying fireworks and explosives, which threaten air traffic. It notes that a law against such balloons has had little effect in the favelas.
• North Sea: Reports emerged of the British and Dutch air forces tracking a massive, unidentified object, estimated to be the size of a battleship, moving at extremely high speeds (up to 24,000 mph) and exhibiting remarkable maneuverability. This incident was reportedly being investigated by military and scientific experts.

UFOlogy and Research

• Several articles discuss the broader landscape of UFO research and related topics:
• CENAP's Research: The magazine highlights CENAP's work over 25 years, investigating 658 cases, with most identified as 'Ifos' (Identified Objects) rather than genuine UFOs. Only five cases were classified as 'Pufos' (Problematic UFOs).
• 'Contact' Movie and SETI: The article discusses the Hollywood film 'Contact' and the work of the SETI Institute, emphasizing the ongoing search for extraterrestrial signals and the challenges involved.
• Satellite Interference: A piece titled "Irritation durch Satelliten-Gefunkel! UFO-Alarme vorprogrammiert!" warns about the increasing problem of commercial satellites (like Iridium) causing false alarms for astronomers and UFO researchers due to their reflective surfaces and radio emissions.
• UFO Magazine Closure: The closure of the British magazine 'Alien Encounters' is noted, reflecting a challenging market for UFO publications.
• UFO-Mania in Germany: A brief mention of 'UFO-Mania' in Germany and the role of amateur astronomers and UFO enthusiasts.

Cults and UFOs

• The issue also touches upon the intersection of UFO beliefs with religious cults:
• Heavens Gate Cult: While not detailed in this excerpt, the mention of the Heavens Gate drama suggests a context of cult activity related to UFOs.
• 'Teacher Chen' Cult: A report details a cult in Garland, Texas, led by 'Teacher Chen,' who claimed God would appear in a flying saucer. The article notes the group's origins in Taiwan and their belief in an imminent divine arrival.
• Gilbert Bourdin: The death of Gilbert Bourdin, a French cult leader who claimed to protect against alien invasions, is reported.

Personal Reflections and Editorial Stance

Roland Horn contributes a piece reflecting on his relationship with CENAP and its editor, Werner Walter, discussing his own UFO research and publications. The magazine's editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, aiming to provide clarity on UFO phenomena by analyzing evidence, debunking hoaxes, and distinguishing between identified and unidentified objects, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unknown.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting of specific UFO and fireball sightings with detailed witness accounts, the analysis of potential causes (natural phenomena, satellites, misidentifications), the challenges faced by UFO researchers and publications, and the cultural impact of UFO beliefs, including their connection to cults and media. The editorial stance is one of diligent investigation, aiming to separate fact from fiction and to provide a platform for reporting and discussing UFO-related events, often with a skeptical yet open-minded approach to the unexplained.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, number 250, dated May/June 1998, is primarily focused on UFO phenomena, with a mix of personal accounts, media reviews, and statistical analysis. The magazine is published by CENAP and is in German.

Betty Hill on Abductions and Hypnosis

The issue opens with a section featuring Betty Hill, a well-known figure in UFO abduction lore. She expresses her frustration with people misinterpreting her experiences and warns against the use of hypnosis. Hill states that her primary reason for writing her book, "A Common Sense Approach to UFOs," was to caution people against letting others manipulate their minds through hypnosis. She emphasizes that hypnosis can create false beliefs, citing the example of people believing they were abducted after only 20 minutes of hypnotic suggestion. Hill estimates that millions of people in the US might believe they have been abducted, a number she finds unbelievable. She contrasts this with real abductions, which she believes are not widely reported because those involved do not write books about them.

Film Reviews: Blockbusters and UFO Themes

The "Lockere Medien-News" (Loose Media News) section delves into the summer cinema season, highlighting several major films. "Deep Impact," a disaster film about a comet impact, is reviewed, with a note that it might be too intense for children. Other anticipated blockbusters discussed include Roland Emmerich's "Godzilla," "Armageddon" starring Bruce Willis, and "The X-Files: Fight The Future." The review of "Godzilla" notes that Emmerich's version is a modernized, Americanized take on the Japanese original, emphasizing its action-packed nature and special effects, rather than deep plot.

"The X-Files" film adaptation is mentioned with little known about its plot, but it is suggested to be more complex than "Godzilla." "Armageddon" is also discussed, with anticipation for its action content. On video, "The Conspiracy Theory" starring Mel Gibson and Julia Roberts is recommended for its insight into American conspiracy culture, though it lacks a direct UFO connection. Other video releases mentioned are "Stargate" and "Alien: Resurrection," as well as the disaster film "Volcano."

Book Reviews: UFO Literature

The magazine also reviews recent UFO-related books. Werner Walter's "UFOs: Die Wahrheit" (UFOs: The Truth) is highlighted, noting its success and multiple editions. The Taschenbuch (paperback) version released by Goldmann-Verlag is seen as a key factor in reaching a wider audience. The review mentions difficulties in distributing Hans-Werner Peiniger's "Das Rätsel: Unbekannte Flugobjekte" (The Riddle: Unknown Flying Objects), despite a large advertising campaign in the "Perry Rhodan" science fiction series. David Bischoff's trilogy, "Die UFO-Verschwörung" (The UFO Conspiracy), consisting of "Entführt" (Abducted), "Getäuscht" (Deceived), and "Enthüllt" (Revealed), is recommended for summer reading, noting its engaging plot and the unusual element of a UFO skeptic being convinced by the reality of alien visits.

UFO Statistics: CENAP-STATISTIK 1973/1998

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to statistical analysis of UFO reports compiled by Hansjürgen Köhler, updating data from Rudolf Henke up to March 1991. The new CENAP statistic covers the period from 1973 to early 1998, encompassing 658 UFO reports from Germany and adjacent German-speaking regions. The analysis categorizes reports into:

• IFOs (Identifizierte Objekte / Identified Objects): 583 cases (88.6%)
• Ungenügende Informationen (Insufficient Information): 45 cases (6.8%)
• NIFOs (Near IFOs): 25 cases (3.8%)
• PUFOS (Problematic UFOs): 5 cases (0.8%)

Out of the total reports, 92.4% are classified as IFOs or NIFOs, with only 7.6% remaining as potential UFOs (including PUFOs).

The report emphasizes that the vast majority of sightings are explained by conventional phenomena. The most common explanations for IFOs include:

• Skytracker light effect devices: 46%
• Party gag miniature hot air balloons: 23.1% (a decrease from previous years)
• Aircraft and helicopter lights: 10%
• Natural phenomena: 23.1%, primarily planets like Venus and Jupiter (10.5%), followed by meteors (8.2%).

Other identified causes include satellites, drones, weather balloons, flares, and optical illusions. The magazine notes that while these explanations are conventional, they sometimes contradict established patterns in astronomical literature, suggesting that reality is often simpler than perceived.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the statistical prevalence of identified objects (IFOs), it reserves a category for unidentified phenomena (UFOs). The editorial tone seems to encourage rigorous investigation and data analysis, as evidenced by the detailed statistical breakdown. There is a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those relying on hypnosis, as expressed by Betty Hill. The magazine also engages with popular culture, linking UFO themes to current films and literature, suggesting an interest in how these topics are presented to the public. The overall stance appears to be one of seeking factual understanding, distinguishing between misinterpretations and genuine unexplained events.