CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, Nr. 253, dated September/October 1998, is a German-language UFO journal published by CENAP, an organization dedicated to the research and analysis of unidentified flying objects and related phenomena. The issue, spanning 1973-1998, marks 25 years of UFO research from Mannheim, Germany, and aims to counter public misinformation.

Editorial Stance and Introduction

The editorial team expresses their continued dedication despite the perceived 'emptiness' in some political spheres, highlighting that UFO problems persist. They note the complexity and potential for deception within the UFO phenomenon, lamenting the prevalence of 'ufotainment' and public misinformation that distorts the true nature of UFO sightings. The issue aims to 'clean out the UFO stable' and provide clarity.

Articles and Features

The Yeti, UFOs, and the Same Problem This article explores the legend of the Yeti, or 'Abominable Snowman,' detailing Reinhold Messner's encounters and his eventual conclusion that the creature is likely a bear, not a hominid. It draws parallels between the Yeti myth and the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that both rely on a 'will to believe' and a desire for the extraordinary, which often leads to disappointment when confronted with mundane explanations. The article critiques sensationalized media reporting and the tendency for people to cling to myths despite evidence to the contrary.

UFOs, Photos, and Lies: The Saucer Photo from Beaver Falls... This section thoroughly debunks the famous 1965 Beaver Falls UFO photograph, revealing it to be a hoax perpetrated by two teenagers, John Lucci and his friend, using a kitchen bowl. The article details how the photo gained international fame and was used as evidence for UFOs, despite being a prank. It criticizes the UFO community for not investigating such cases more thoroughly and for readily accepting questionable evidence.

News on a Classic: The Heflin Case This segment revisits the Rex Heflin UFO photos from 1965, which were also revealed to be a hoax. Ed Riddle, a former colleague of Heflin, confirms that the photos were staged using a toy train wheel and fishing line. The article explains that Heflin and Riddle created the hoax for fun, and it later escalated due to media sensationalism. It highlights how such hoaxes can persist for decades, and how even official investigations like Project Blue Book had classified the photos as fakes.

Billy Meier News The article critically examines the Billy Meier case, known for its numerous alleged UFO photographs. It discusses skepticism from UFO researchers like Luc Bürgin and Kal K. Korff, who question the authenticity of Meier's evidence. The piece highlights inconsistencies and accusations of fakery, including claims that some photos were manipulated or taken from television screens. It also touches upon the role of Michael Hesemann, a promoter of Meier's case, and his shifting stance on the evidence.

History: The Mora Case, Sweden This section analyzes two unexplained UFO photographs taken by Nils Frost in Mora, Sweden, in 1952. Despite investigations by military personnel and experts like Hannes Alfvén, the spherical objects captured in the images remain unidentified. The article also discusses another Swedish case, the Värnamo saucer photo from 1974, which was later identified as a hoax involving a piece of paper taped to a window.

UFOs over New York City This article investigates a UFO photograph allegedly taken over the East River in New York City in 1993. The photographer, Manuel Fernandez, is revealed to be a trick photography enthusiast. The photo, initially presented as evidence of a UFO emerging from the water, is exposed as a staged hoax using a simple water bottle and a camera. The article criticizes Wendelle Stevens for promoting such questionable material without proper investigation.

Gulf Breeze: Aftermath... This part of the magazine discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding the Gulf Breeze UFO case, referencing an open letter by Jerry Black to MUFON representatives. Black, a former MUFON investigator who was dismissed for his negative findings on the case, expresses disappointment with the organization's continued promotion of the case as evidence. He maintains his belief in extraterrestrial UFOs but criticizes the lack of rigorous investigation by some.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographs, and the exposure of hoaxes and misinformation within the UFO community. CENAP-REPORT adopts a strongly skeptical stance, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and caution against sensationalism and 'ufotainment.' The magazine aims to educate its readers by debunking popular myths and encouraging a more grounded approach to the study of aerial phenomena. The editorial stance is one of diligent investigation and a commitment to uncovering the truth, even when it challenges cherished beliefs.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated September/October 1998, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon with a critical and often skeptical lens. The publication appears to be a German-language magazine focused on ufology and related topics, characterized by in-depth articles and investigative reporting.

Key Articles and Themes

Criticism of UFO Investigations and the Gulf Breeze Case

The lead article heavily criticizes the handling of UFO investigations, particularly citing the Gulf Breeze case. Jerry Black, a former MUFON investigator, expresses disillusionment with the field, stating that UFOlogists have made fools of themselves and that many in the community are driven by ego and financial gain rather than scientific rigor. Black points to the compromised objectivity of MUFON's investigation into the Gulf Breeze case, highlighting the personal relationships between investigators and the subject, Ed Walters, a UFO photographer. He questions the integrity of the process, noting how Walters' friend, Art Hufford, was sent to investigate after the initial team found no evidence, and how Walters himself became part of the investigation. The article also touches upon Peter Newman's discovery of Ed Walters' past use of Polaroid double exposures for 'fun photos' and how this was ignored.

Budd Hopkins' involvement is also scrutinized, with Black suggesting Hopkins merely reviewed photos and had dinner with Walters before declaring the case 'very solid,' thereby helping Walters produce a successful book. Hopkins is accused of being a reporter rather than an investigator, prioritizing his own dreams and falling for 'liars' like Linda Cortile. The article contrasts this with the work of researchers who conduct thorough investigations.

The Role of Media and Skepticism

The report highlights how media outlets can be manipulated or influenced by UFO promoters. The case of Bob Oechsler is discussed, who allegedly received $5,000 from Ed Walters to 'help' the MUFON team. Oechsler's claims about the production costs of an 'Unsolved Mysteries' episode about the Gulf Breeze case are debunked by producer Tim Rogan, who states Oechsler was never in a position to influence the production and that the claims about expenses were false. The article suggests that many in the UFO community are primarily seeking media attention rather than objective research.

Jeff Sainio, presented as MUFON's photo and film analysis expert, is questioned for his rapid rise within MUFON despite no prior investigation experience. His analysis of the Gulf Breeze material is also challenged.

Balloon Sightings as Misidentifications

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of balloon sightings being mistaken for UFOs. The article argues that the 'UFO-stimulus balloon' is consistently underestimated as a cause for UFO reports. It details various types of balloons, including miniature hot air balloons, party balloons, solar zeppelins, and weather research balloons, that can be easily misidentified. The report cites an incident in Rio de Janeiro where gas balloons carrying fireworks and explosives posed a threat to air traffic, and draws parallels to similar issues in Mexico City. The article suggests that the vital imagination of people, combined with social and housing structure problems, leads to the creation of unexpected balloon objects that surprise pilots.

Another section discusses a helium-filled weather balloon that became a threat to international aviation over the North Atlantic. Launched for an ozone measurement project, it lost its trajectory and was monitored by the Canadian Air Force, which unsuccessfully attempted to shoot it down. The balloon eventually drifted towards Iceland and later descended over Finland.

Espionage Balloons and Historical UFO Cases

The report also touches upon the history of espionage balloons, referencing a Daily Telegraph article about US spy balloons launched from Britain in the 1950s to spy on the Soviet Union. These balloons, some up to 40 meters in diameter, were part of 'Project 119L' and were intended to capture aerial reconnaissance data.

Media and Science Fiction

The magazine reviews recent science fiction films and TV series, including 'Akte X' (The X-Files), 'Fight The Future,' 'Starship Troopers,' 'Godzilla,' 'Armageddon,' and 'Deep Impact.' The article discusses the production of 'Fight The Future,' noting that the film's plot was altered due to the extension of 'Akte X' for further seasons. It critiques the trend of Hollywood blockbusters prioritizing special effects over plot, leading to a sense of emptiness for the audience.

UFOs and Aliens Magazine Launch

The launch of a new monthly magazine titled 'Aliens & UFOs' is announced, described as the German version of the British magazine 'Sightings.' The magazine aims to explore 'the dawn of discovery' and the 'world of aliens.'

Decline in UFO Sightings and Research Challenges

The report notes a decline in UFO publications and public interest, leading to a decrease in reported UFO sightings, particularly in England. The British Ministry of Defence now records UFO reports via an answering machine due to reduced workload.

Project Experiences and Archival Research

The magazine details a research project initiated by CENAP called 'Wie die UFOs nach Deutschland kamen' (How UFOs Came to Germany), which sought to gather information on UFO sightings. The project faced challenges in getting coverage from other UFO publications and received limited responses. The article also describes the difficulties encountered by researchers trying to access archival materials, such as those left by Dr. James McDonald at the University of Arizona, due to understaffing and budget cuts.

Blockade in Bookstores

A peculiar incident is recounted where a bookstore employee actively discouraged a customer from purchasing a book titled 'UFOs: Die Wahrheit' (UFOs: The Truth), suggesting a deliberate attempt to block the sale of UFO-skeptical literature. This is presented as an example of how UFO-skeptical books might be suppressed.

Meteorite Sightings and 'New Catastrophism'

Several reports detail sightings of fireballs and meteorites across the globe, including in Argentina, Arizona, Turkmenistan, Australia, and the UK. These events are often initially mistaken for UFOs. The article then delves into the concept of 'New Catastrophism,' referencing Immanuel Velikovsky's theories about cosmic impacts and planetary changes. It discusses how these ideas, combined with popular culture, contribute to a sense of impending doom and 'apocalyptic' narratives, often intertwined with religious or spiritual beliefs.

Esoteric and Religious Interpretations of UFOs

The report explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with esoteric and religious beliefs. It discusses figures like 'Uriella' and the 'Fiat Lux' sect, who interpret UFOs and 'extraterrestrial' messages through a Christian lens, predicting apocalyptic events and 'evacuations' by 'spacecraft.' The article critiques these interpretations as a form of 'Christian-tinged esotericism' and a way to satisfy 'eschatological needs.' It also mentions the 'URgemeinde-Verlag' and its promotion of ideas about 'spacecraft' and 'evolutions' for humanity, linking these to the concept of Jesus Christ returning in flying saucers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is a critical examination of ufology, with a strong emphasis on skepticism towards sensational claims and a focus on identifying misidentifications and potential hoaxes. The magazine appears to champion a more grounded, scientific approach, often contrasting it with what it perceives as the ego-driven, financially motivated, and uncritical elements within the UFO community. There is a recurring concern about the media's role in sensationalizing UFO reports and how this can influence public perception. The editorial stance is clearly one of debunking and questioning, urging readers to look for rational explanations and to be wary of esoteric or pseudoscientific interpretations of unexplained phenomena. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by genuine researchers in accessing information and gaining credibility.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated September/Oktober 1998, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, cults, and apocalyptic beliefs prevalent at the time. The cover story features a diagram of a 'Miniature Spaceship without Crew' and discusses the concept of 'mini-UFOs' for evacuation purposes, linking it to Gertrud Schweiger and the 'UFO sects'. The magazine critically examines the pronouncements of Uriella and her group 'Fiat Lux', who predicted a global catastrophe for August 1998. It details Uriella's legal troubles, including charges of tax evasion and smuggling, and her court appearances, where she declared her indifference to worldly matters and her belief that the world would end before the trial concluded.

Cults and Apocalyptic Prophecies

The issue highlights the growing influence of 'end-time prophets' and cults, drawing parallels between their predictions and media portrayals of apocalypses. It references a ZDF report titled 'Endzeitfieber' and a Pro7 program that discussed Uriella's prophecies. The article notes that these groups often blend religious beliefs with UFO theories, creating a 'confused mixture of Christianity, esotericism, and UFO belief', as described by Prof. Georg Schmid. The text also touches upon the psychological appeal of such prophecies, particularly to individuals with inferiority complexes or emotional anxieties, who seek new ideals and values.

Uriella and Fiat Lux

Uriella's group, Fiat Lux, is described as a sect that finances itself primarily through donations and private loans, with a small portion coming from the sale of health products like 'Astrotropfen' and 'Etherampoules'. The group reportedly owns nine luxury houses. The article questions whether their actions are a genuine religious conviction or a means to exploit followers, posing the dilemma of earthly versus divine justice.

Metharia and Other Sects

Another sect, METHARIA, led by Edeltraud Schröder in Eckernförde, is presented as a mix of esotericism, spiritual healing, and UFO belief. Its members await a 'ticket' for a UFO escape to the planet Metharia during the apocalypse. The article also mentions Hermann Illg's 'Santiner contacts' and the group's belief that physical bodies are unnecessary for space travel during Armageddon. The growing number of such groups is seen as a response to societal anxieties and a search for meaning.

UFO Investigations and Sightings

The magazine reports on several UFO-related incidents and investigations:

Crop Circles

Werner Moeller observed a crop circle near Saarbrücken, Germany, and documented it with his son. The article references the FGK-Report and an experiment to create crop circles, suggesting that simple circles can be made by two people, but complex formations require larger teams. The report notes that skilled fakers can create almost anything in fields.

Hessdalen Observation Station

The 'Project Hessdalen' in Norway established an automatic field station to monitor UFO light phenomena. This initiative aims to move beyond relying solely on witness testimony, which is considered unreliable due to human observational inaccuracies and subjective interpretations. The station uses S&W video cameras and a Silicon Graphics Indy computer to analyze images and record any detected anomalies.

Ardennes UFO Sighting

A significant triangular UFO sighting occurred over the Ardennes region in France on August 13, 1998. Approximately 150 witnesses reported seeing a triangular object with unusual flight maneuvers. The object was described as having red lights at the edges and a white light at the front, and some reports mentioned condensation trails and a humming sound. The incident was widely reported by French media, including AFP, France 2, and local newspapers.

French UFO Activities

Further UFO activity in France is reported, including a sighting near Chaumont of a flying object described as not being an airplane, and an incident in Voreppe where witnesses reported seeing a metallic sphere. The Voreppe case initially generated excitement, with SEPRA investigating and calling the video evidence 'valuable'. However, it was later identified as a commercial, helium-filled children's balloon.

Critical Analysis of UFOlogy

The magazine presents a critical perspective on UFOlogy, questioning its scientific basis and highlighting its tendency towards sensationalism and speculation. It argues that UFOlogy has become a 'social phenomenon' driven by fantasy and myth rather than rigorous scientific inquiry. The article criticizes the 'UFOtainment' industry, which it claims profits from unverified stories and exploits public fascination with the unknown. It also points out the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, citing instances of alleged UFO photos and videos that were later revealed to be fakes or misidentifications.

The 'Sturrock Report' and Scientific Skepticism

The issue discusses the 'Sturrock Report' and its call for a global UFO research initiative. However, the magazine expresses skepticism, suggesting that the report was biased and influenced by UFO believers. It contrasts the 'scientific study' of UFOs with the 'pseudoscientific' nature of much UFOlogy, citing Carl Sagan's view that pseudoscientific beliefs thrive when real science is misunderstood. The article also notes a decline in membership for organizations like MUFON, suggesting a potential loss of credibility or interest in the field.

The 'UFO-Proof' in Court

The magazine explores the hypothetical scenario of a UFO case being brought to court, highlighting the lack of concrete, physical evidence that would convince a jury. It argues that despite decades of research and numerous books and documents, there is still no irrefutable proof of extraterrestrial visitation. The article suggests that the lack of verifiable evidence makes it difficult to establish UFOlogy as a legitimate scientific discipline.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of UFO phenomena with cults, apocalyptic prophecies, and the media's role in shaping public perception. The editorial stance is highly critical of UFOlogy, viewing it as largely pseudoscientific, driven by fantasy, and often exploited for commercial gain. The magazine emphasizes the need for critical thinking and scientific rigor when examining such phenomena, contrasting this with the sensationalism and speculation that often characterize UFO discussions. The issue advocates for a grounded, rational approach, even while acknowledging the enduring human fascination with the unknown.

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: Nr. 253
Date: September/Oktober 1998
Language: German
Country: Germany

This issue of CENAP REPORT critically examines the alleged Pentagon UFO cover-up and the complexities of UFOlogy, contrasting scientific skepticism with popular belief. It features a satirical cartoon on the cover about "Budget Cuts in Space."

The Alleged Pentagon UFO Cover-Up

The article details an alleged attempt by the US government to involve prominent UFO researchers Jacques Vallée and J. Allen Hynek in a documentary about UFOs. Two high-ranking officials from the Defense Audio-visual Agency (DAVA), General Glenn E. Miller and General Scott, approached Vallée and Hynek, suggesting that the Pentagon possessed substantial physical evidence. Miller, who claimed to have seen and photographed UFOs himself, and Scott, who believed in UFOs and even claimed to be a "contact person," presented themselves as knowledgeable sources. However, Vallée remained deeply skeptical, viewing the situation as a potential manipulation and feeling like a pawn. He and Hynek ultimately refused to participate, stating they would not "cooperate in a deliberate deception of the public."

Hynek, however, agreed to a private meeting with Miller and Scott at Norton Air Force Base. There, they assured Hynek that they would "release the evidence according to their own discretion" under certain circumstances. During this meeting, it became apparent that Miller and Scott held naive beliefs, even citing the case of Billy Meier and his alleged photos of Pleiadian UFOs, which Hynek dismissed. Vallée later visited Norton AFB and met with Dr. Miller, who held degrees in Political Science and Theology. Miller recounted his own UFO sightings and showed Vallée a photograph he had taken, which Vallée identified as "a very ordinary thick round cloud." Miller, however, insisted it was a UFO, linking it to Adamski's theories about aliens from Mars or Venus.

Vallée's experience with Miller is described as surreal, feeling like he was in a back room of a New Age bookstore rather than meeting a high-ranking Pentagon official. Miller's assistant, Mr. Atkins, then gave Vallée a tour of the DAVA archives, which contained millions of feet of film. Vallée's persistent questioning about UFO film material was met with evasiveness. He was then passed on to Miller's superior, Robert Scott, who explained that DAVA was established by a Pentagon directive in 1979. Scott, like Miller, was a UFO enthusiast who believed in alien visitations and ancient civilizations like Atlantis and Lemuria. Vallée found their beliefs to be unsubstantiated and their claims of government secrecy hindering the dissemination of messages from benevolent aliens to be "bare nonsense."

Vallée diplomatically described his impression of the DAVA as a "storage room for the oldest cinematic film equipment and material," rather than a high-tech facility. He concluded that Scott and Miller lacked genuine knowledge and were driven by personal beliefs. Their careers at DAVA ended a year later when a new Secretary of Defense was appointed, and the Norton base was later closed. The article suggests that the UFOlogy community often exploits such individuals within government circles, fueling paranoia and the belief that "government people know more about UFOs."

Scientific Skepticism and the Challenges of UFOlogy

The issue emphasizes the scientific community's struggle with UFO phenomena. It highlights the inherent difficulty in conducting repeatable experiments, making UFOs hard to study using conventional scientific methods. The article references physicist Edward Condon's view that the question of alien intelligence would be quickly resolved if a UFO landed and its occupants provided verifiable information.

Despite government-funded UFO research and conferences, the fear of ridicule remains a significant barrier. Professor Stephen Braude of the University of Maryland is cited for pointing out how the fear of public judgment hinders the study of parapsychological phenomena, a challenge also faced by UFO researchers.

Hudson Hoagland, in a 1969 article for *Science*, compared UFO reports to spiritualist mediums and the claims of ectoplasm. He recounted debunking a fraudulent medium with magician Harry Houdini. Hoagland argued that while some UFO cases remain unexplained due to lack of data or faulty reporting, this does not justify continuing research if the paranormal hypothesis has been overwhelmingly refuted. He stated that "unexplained cases are simply unexplained" and cannot prove any hypothesis. Hoagland concluded that the Condon Report significantly increased the improbability of alien visits and that, like ectoplasm, the idea of alien visitation would eventually be discarded as proof for communication with the deceased was.

Hoagland believed that UFO adherents would continue to believe for their own psychological reasons, not based on scientific evidence, thus banishing UFOlogy from the realm of science and labeling it as superstition.

Global Spread of Pseudoscientific Beliefs

The article then broadens its scope to discuss the global rise of pseudoscientific beliefs and superstitions. It contrasts historical periods where such beliefs were suppressed (e.g., under Russian Tsars and in communist regimes) with the current influx of UFOs, poltergeists, faith healers, and quackery. Popular figures like Vladimir Zhirinovsky and Anatoli Kashpirovsky in Russia are mentioned.

In China, following Mao Zedong's death and the rise of a market economy, UFOs and "mediums" have also become prevalent. The case of amateur chemist Wang Hongcheng, who claimed to have created a synthetic liquid that could turn water into gasoline, is presented. Although initially supported by the military and secret police, he was arrested when his invention proved to be a fraud. The narrative surrounding his arrest, however, shifted to him being a victim for not revealing his "secret formula" to the state.

The Chinese government issued a statement in 1994 expressing alarm over the decline of scientific education and the rise of superstition and pseudoscience, calling for measures to strengthen scientific literacy. This is compared to the recommendations of the 1953 Robertson Forum. The article suggests that the information problem regarding UFOs is international and that many powerful individuals are drawn to parapsychology, a phenomenon historically prevalent in royal courts (e.g., astrology in ancient China and Rome).

Satirical Cartoon: "Budget Cuts in Space"

The final page features a three-panel comic strip titled "Budget Cuts in Space." The first panel shows aliens discussing how budget constraints are forcing them to use robots for operations, with one alien lamenting, "I'd really like to lend a hand again sometime." The second panel depicts aliens performing cattle mutilations without high-tech equipment, with a cow exclaiming, "Run, defend yourself!" The third panel humorously suggests that to continue funding Area 51, "Miss Lewinsky" might be needed for a "side job," referencing the political scandal of the time. The panel also shows classified ads, including one for "Experienced Stud Cat" and "Punk CDs."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the distinction between scientific evidence and personal belief, and the societal factors that contribute to the spread of pseudoscience. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, emphasizing the importance of rigorous scientific methodology, debunking fraudulent claims, and warning against the dangers of uncritical acceptance of paranormal or conspiratorial narratives. The magazine appears to advocate for a rational, evidence-based approach to understanding unexplained phenomena, while acknowledging the persistent public fascination with UFOs and related topics. The satirical cartoon underscores a critical and somewhat cynical view of both government operations and the UFO phenomenon itself.