CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: Nr. 256
Date: January/February 1999
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, Germany's oldest and most comprehensive UFO journal, delves into the anxieties surrounding the approaching millennium, the rise of end-time prophecies, and the intersection of these themes with UFOlogy. The publication maintains a critical and skeptical stance, aiming to counter misinformation and promote rational inquiry.

Editorial: Welcome to the Last Year of the Millennium!

The editorial section, titled "Welcome, im letzten Jahr des Jahrtausends!" (Welcome, in the last year of the millennium!), sets the tone for the issue. It highlights the widespread "millennium fever" and the "turn of the ages" prophecies that are gaining traction. The article notes that cults and doomsayers are exploiting this sentiment, and the media is likely to contribute to the atmosphere of fear with sensationalized content. The upcoming solar eclipse on August 11th, 1999, is mentioned as a significant astronomical event, coinciding with the birthdays of CENAP's founders, Werner Walter and Hansjürgen Köhler. The eclipse is compared to a similar event in 1991 during which UFO waves were reported in Mexico City.

The editorial also touches upon celestial phenomena like the Venus as an evening star and the appearance of Jupiter and Saturn. It discusses the potential for new planets to be discovered, increasing the likelihood of extraterrestrial life. The article expresses concern about the proliferation of cults and sects, citing examples like Heaven's Gate and Uriella, and their apocalyptic predictions for 1999 or 2000. CENAP sees its role as providing public education and promoting common sense to counteract such irrational beliefs.

CENAP's Mission and Activities

The "Impressum" section details CENAP's history, founded in 1976, and its mission to critically analyze UFO reports. It highlights CENAP's association with the German Society for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (GWUP) and its past recommendation by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior. CENAP also offers a specialized UFO information service to astronomical institutions and works with various national and international organizations to clarify UFO-related topics. Their goal is to conduct public awareness campaigns through media, universities, planetariums, and public discussions.

Scene News and More

This section covers various media and cultural phenomena related to science fiction and the paranormal:

• On the Screen, On the Screen...: This part reviews recent and upcoming films and TV shows. "The Enemy of the State" starring Will Smith and Gene Hackmann is mentioned, as is the trailer for "Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace," highlighting the long-awaited return of the franchise. The article criticizes the inclusion of children in films like "Lost in Space" and "The Phantom Menace," finding them detrimental to the plot. "23 - Nothing is as it seems," a German film about a hacker drawn into a conspiracy theory, is discussed as a potential cult film. "Star Trek IX: Insurrection" is dismissed for its perceived "kindergarten stories" and "clownish aliens." The article also mentions Roland Emmerich's upcoming films and the TV series "Roswell High," which depicts human and alien teenagers attending high school.
• "UFOs über Waterloo": A comedy film broadcast on N3 is reviewed. It tells the story of a man who claims to have worked in a UFO department for the Stasi and encounters a Russian MIG pilot who claims to have intercepted a UFO.

UFOlogy in Decline and the Rise of Skepticism

Several articles discuss the state of UFOlogy and the growing skepticism towards it:

• The German version of the British magazine "Aliens & UFOs" has ceased publication, signaling a "shrinking process" in the UFOlogy sector. The article questions how long "Faktor X," another UFO magazine, can survive given its limited content and high price.
• New Regional UFO Investigators: CENAP is recruiting new regional investigators across Germany and Switzerland, including Sascha Schomacker, Carsten Bade, Tino A. Günter, and Stefan Haller. These individuals are described as "fresh blood" who are tired of being misled by sensationalist UFO literature and are seeking a more rational approach, inspired by works like Werner Walter's "UFOs: The Truth."
• "The Dreamland File" by David Darlington: This book is recommended for its comprehensive background on Area 51, UFOlogy, aviation technology, paranoia, and madness. It is noted that some of the information may be familiar to long-time CENAP readers but is presented with additional details and historical material.
• "Area 51" by Andreas Kasprak: This novel is mentioned as a companion to "The Dreamland File," exploring the Roswell incident and the mysteries of Area 51.
• "The Search for Life in Space" by Silvia von der Weiden: This book is presented as a summary of astronomical and astrophysical findings.

Media and the Paranormal

The issue critically examines the media's role in shaping public perception of paranormal phenomena:

• Edgar Wunder, an astrology critic and sociologist, has stepped down as head of astrology at GWUP and editor of their magazine. He has founded a new association called "Forum Parawissenschaften" (Forum Paranormal Sciences) to promote the scientific investigation of anomalies and paranormal claims without a priori rejection.
• "Magazin 2000": This magazine is criticized for its sensationalist coverage of the millennium, generating unnecessary fear of cosmic catastrophes and world-ending scenarios. The article suggests that media outlets are creating this "millennium panic" for their own interests.
• Michael Hesemann's book "The Coming World Crisis - How to Survive World War III?" is discussed as a sensationalist guide to survival, promoting apocalyptic prophecies. However, Hesemann is quoted as assuring readers that there will be no world-ending event in 2000 or beyond.
• The Pro7 media group's acquisition of the news agency ddp/ADN is seen as a blow to independent journalism, particularly in the "mystery" sector, due to the focus on profit maximization.

UFO Investigations and Controversies

Several articles delve into specific UFO cases and controversies:

• "The X-Files": The article notes upcoming changes to the series, including the departure of two key figures and Dana Scully's transformation from skeptic to believer in the government/alien conspiracy. The film "The X-Files: Fight the Future" is also mentioned.
• "Operation Phoenix - Hunters Between Worlds": This is an upcoming German TV series for RTL, described as a normal police procedural despite its paranormal themes, contrasting with the FBI's association with UFO investigations.
• "The X-Files" movie: The film is mentioned as being available on video, with a warning about potential copy protection issues.
• "The Dreamland File": This book is highlighted for its coverage of Area 51, UFOlogy, and paranoia.
• "UFO Cases Europe": A book by Illobrand von Ludwiger, published by Robert Bigelow's National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), is announced. It covers prominent German UFO cases and European radar anomalies.
• Robert Bigelow's involvement: Bigelow, a wealthy real estate mogul and New Age philanthropist, is noted for funding ufological research and supporting individuals like Bob Lazar and Bill Newhouse. His attempt to create a research center at the Sherman Ranch is mentioned, but it reportedly ceased when the previous owners left.
• Erich von Däniken's "Mysteries of the World" park: This attraction in Switzerland is discussed, with plans for a large-scale park dedicated to pre-astronautics.
• Peter Gersten's support for Richard "The Red Face" Hoagland's prophecy of an ET spacecraft landing in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 7, 1998, is mentioned. The landing did not occur, attributed to "hyperdimensional interference" or a severe snowstorm.
• New MJ-12 Documents: The emergence of new MJ-12 documents, allegedly from Dr. Robert M. Wood, a retired McDonnell Douglas engineer, is reported. These documents are presented as evidence supporting the Roswell crash and the existence of a secret US government UFO program. However, the article points out numerous inconsistencies and contradictions within these documents, suggesting they are likely forgeries. The role of Stanton Friedman, who previously debunked similar papers, is also mentioned.
• "Cosmic Watergate: New Evidence of Retrieved UFOs": This is the title of a presentation by Wood and his son Ryan concerning the new MJ-12 documents.
• Joseph "Joe" P. Firmage: A Silicon Valley businessman who supports the MJ-12 documents, calling them the "most exciting proof" of the last 2000 years. He is referred to as the "Fox Mulder of Silicon Valley."
• Philip J. Klass's skepticism: Klass is cited for his critical analysis of the new MJ-12 papers.

UFOs and Science

• National Institute of Discovery Science (NIDS): This organization, funded by Robert Bigelow, is involved in publishing UFO-related research.
• "UFOs for Science?": This question is posed, reflecting the ongoing debate about the scientific validity of UFO research.
• MSNBC Internet Poll: A poll on whether the government should fund UFO research showed a decline in public support compared to a previous poll.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the approaching millennium, the rise of apocalyptic prophecies and cults, and the media's role in sensationalizing these events. CENAP-REPORT consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance, advocating for rational thinking and scientific investigation of paranormal claims. The magazine aims to debunk pseudoscience and misinformation, particularly within the UFOlogy field, and to educate the public. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine scientific inquiry and sensationalist or cult-driven narratives. The editorial stance is one of promoting critical awareness and a healthy dose of skepticism towards claims that lack empirical evidence, especially when they exploit public anxieties.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated January/February 1999, focuses on mysterious government secrets and aerospace technology, with a particular emphasis on UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the headlines "GEHEIMNISVOLLE ORTE..." (Mysterious Places...) and "Amerikanische Government-Geheimnisse..." (American Government Secrets...), hinting at the content within.

American Government Secrets and Aerospace Hubs

The issue delves into the secretive nature of American government facilities, particularly Area 51 and Groom Lake. It traces the history of these locations, noting that Area 51 was not fully established in 1954 and Groom Lake was still under construction. The article questions the logic of sending recovered ET technology to these sites when their infrastructure was nascent. It also touches upon the origins of UFO sightings and the evolution of UFO shapes, referencing the famous Belgian flying triangle photo from 1990.

The magazine highlights the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, located near Los Angeles in the Mojave Desert. This center is described as a hub for developing and testing air and space technology, working in conjunction with other NASA facilities, industry, and universities. Dryden's history is linked to pioneering flights like the X-1 and X-15, and it played a crucial role in the development of the space shuttle. The article notes the center's ideal flying conditions and its contribution to aviation safety and efficiency.

The 'Barnacle Bill' Controversy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "Barnacle Bill" incident, where the Mars Pathfinder mission allegedly discovered "earthly barnacles" on Mars. The article critically examines a report by the Nordsee-Zeitung, which sensationalized this finding, claiming NASA was hiding it to prevent global panic. The CENAP REPORT debunks this, pointing out flaws in the newspaper's reporting, such as the misinterpretation of the name "Barnacle Bill" and the reliance on a dubious source published on April 1st. The magazine suggests the Nordsee-Zeitung fell victim to a false report and criticizes its lack of journalistic integrity for not issuing a correction.

UFOlogy, Media, and Skepticism

The issue also explores the activities of UFOlogists and the media's portrayal of UFO phenomena. It discusses the case of Joe Firmage, a computer millionaire who left his company to pursue evidence of extraterrestrial life, and his controversial views on government cover-ups. The magazine touches upon the role of figures like Art Bell and his radio talk show, where a debate between a NASA contractor and a proponent of unconventional theories was reportedly censored.

Furthermore, the CENAP REPORT covers various UFO sightings and conferences. It mentions a UFO congress in Kempten, where speakers like Rainer Holbe and Omnec Onec (claiming to be from Venus) presented their views. The magazine expresses skepticism towards sensational claims and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and factual investigation in UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government secrecy, the development of advanced aerospace technology, and the critical examination of UFO phenomena and their media coverage. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a call for rigorous scientific investigation. The magazine actively debunks unsubstantiated claims and criticizes media outlets that prioritize sensationalism over accuracy. There's a clear effort to differentiate between genuine scientific inquiry and pseudoscientific or conspiratorial narratives within the UFO community.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated January/February 1999, delves into the complex world of UFOlogy, exploring its intersection with New Age beliefs, the influence of the internet, and the psychological underpinnings of belief.

Esotericism and UFOlogy: A Critical Look

The magazine begins with a critique of New Age esotericism and its approach to UFOs, exemplified by a 'Transformation Seminar' led by Sheila Gibson. Moderator Gunther Latsch humorously dismisses esotericism as 'when cellulite moves from the buttocks to the brain.' The article highlights how such seminars claim to provide 'cosmic highlights' and 'liberation.'

A more critical piece focuses on an editorial by Peter Krassa in UN-Ausgabe 338, who warns against treating the UFO topic on a 'religious-mystical' level. Krassa criticizes the simplistic 'salvation message' from alleged 'heavenly messengers' and the 'deluded' nature of some followers who adhere to fundamentalist contactee philosophies. The author notes the irony of this critique appearing in an organ that has historically promoted such views, while the rest of the issue continues with book recommendations that align with these esoteric themes.

20 Bobbys Saw UFOs in England

This section reports on a group of over 20 former and active British police officers who have come forward to share their alleged UFO encounters. The stories, compiled in a book called 'Policing the UFO,' include accounts of alien abductions and sightings of large light masses. Many of these reports are drawn from recently declassified Ministry of Defence documents. Author Irene Bott emphasizes the credibility of police officers as witnesses, noting that many remained silent for years due to fear of ridicule and professional repercussions.

Pop Myths in the Digital Age

The article discusses the impact of the internet and multi-media on information dissemination, particularly concerning UFOs and conspiracy theories. It suggests that the internet, while offering rapid information exchange, also leads to a loss of social orientation and can foster 'chaos' and 'excesses.' The author posits that the internet's openness to unusual ideas contributes to the flourishing of conspiracy myths online. The piece contrasts the 'digital age' with earlier forms of disseminating such ideas through pamphlets and books, highlighting how the internet amplifies these narratives and creates 'confirmation and reinforcement effects.' It notes the tendency for the internet to foster a 'shift to the right' in discourse and mentions the rise of online communities for those with 'bizarre belief systems.' The article points to specific Usenet discussion groups like alt.conspiracy and alt.ufo.reports as examples of this phenomenon.

The Condon Report and UFO Research

Several articles delve into the challenges and methodologies of UFO research, often referencing the Condon Report. One section discusses the difficulty of distinguishing between genuine UFOs and IFOs (Identified Flying Objects), emphasizing that many 'classic UFO cases' have flaws that diminish their 'strangeness.' The author highlights the work of Allan Hendry, who investigated numerous UFO cases for the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) and found conventional explanations for most.

A detailed account of the Ray and Cathy Thomas case from May 1978 is presented. They reported a disk-shaped object hovering over a highway, which allegedly caused their digital watches to malfunction and their dog to become distressed. The case became complicated by alleged MIB (Men in Black) encounters and a subsequent confession from Cathy Thomas that the entire story was fabricated. This case serves as an example of how UFO stories can be embellished and how researchers must be vigilant against deception.

The article also examines the ZOND IV incident of March 1968, where a Soviet spacecraft's re-entry was observed by hundreds of Americans and initially reported as UFOs. The Condon Report analyzed these accounts, noting that while many witness descriptions were detailed, they often contained a mix of accurate observations and 'suspicious elements' that led to misinterpretations as 'flying saucers.' The analysis revealed that witnesses often projected their expectations onto the phenomenon, leading to embellished narratives. The importance of distinguishing between objective data and subjective impressions is stressed, particularly in cases where witnesses are influenced by media hype.

Psychology of UFO Believers

Further sections explore the psychology of UFO enthusiasts, describing them as often seeking a 'glittering world of illusion' and being susceptible to sensationalized claims. The article draws parallels between UFOlogy and historical phenomena like witchcraft, suggesting that as science dispels old beliefs, new ones, such as aliens, emerge to fill the void. The 'paranoid system' theory of UFO belief is discussed, linking it to a 'disparity between the peculiarity of the claim and the triviality of the evidence.' The author suggests that UFOlogy can become a 'psychogenic mass illness' driven by a need for social validation and a sense of power among those who feel marginalized.

Challenges in UFO Research

The magazine highlights the difficulties faced by UFO researchers, including the tendency for believers to reject evidence that contradicts their beliefs and the media's role in sensationalizing UFO reports. The article criticizes the 'kindergarten UFOlogy' prevalent in some circles, where critical analysis is lacking. It emphasizes that many UFO authors focus on 'selling good stories' rather than conducting rigorous investigations. The piece concludes by stressing the importance of differentiating between IFOs and genuine UFOs, and the need for researchers to maintain a critical and objective approach, even when faced with compelling narratives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the distinction between genuine sightings and misidentifications (IFOs), the psychological motivations behind UFO belief, and the impact of media and the internet on shaping public perception. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, advocating for rigorous scientific investigation, critical thinking, and a rejection of unsubstantiated claims and esoteric interpretations of UFO sightings. The magazine aims to debunk myths and provide a more grounded understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, titled 'UFO Forum', published in January/February 1999, focuses on a critical examination of UFOlogy. The magazine's stance is highly skeptical, aiming to debunk common UFO phenomena and expose what it views as sensationalism and a lack of rigorous investigation within the UFO community.

Critique of UFOlogy and Media Coverage

The article begins by discussing the tendency of media to 'kill' UFO stories by reducing them to banal explanations, yet paradoxically, it argues that UFO stories without an 'exotic index' have low sales value. This creates a dilemma for UFO promoters. The authors criticize the way UFO stories are often reported, citing examples of amateurish interpretations, overemphasis on hearsay, and a naive selection of data from dubious sources. They point to Frank Edwards' 1966 report of a celestial object, later identified as a jet, as an example of how even credible witnesses can be misled, and how the 'explanation' itself can be questioned.

The magazine argues that UFOlogists often dismiss criticism by focusing on the 'will to believe' as a psycho-social phenomenon, a point also made by the Condon Report. However, this truth is uncomfortable for those invested in UFO narratives, leading to efforts to 'combat the fire' with 'smoke bombs' (i.e., distractions). The critique extends to how UFO literature often avoids confronting skeptical findings, instead promoting a mythological worldview that can lead to mental distortions and problems for enthusiasts, including those reporting abduction experiences.

Case Studies: Hoaxes and Misinterpretations

Miniature Hot-Air Balloons

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to debunking the common hoax of miniature hot-air balloons. Citing research from the Condon-UFO Project by Roy Craig, the article explains how these balloons, often made from plastic bags, wire, and candles, create flickering red-orange lights that are mistaken for UFOs. Examples are given from Boulder, Colorado, in 1967, where students launched such balloons, leading to numerous UFO reports, including one instance of a telephone failure. Another case from Castle Rock, Colorado, involved adults mistaking a plastic bag for a large, transparent UFO.

The authors lament that this common hoax, known in the US since the 1960s, was not widely recognized in German UFO literature until around 1980, when CENAP began field investigations. They claim to have provided 'development aid' to colleagues in Australia and England by sharing comparative reports and sketches.

The McMinnville Photographs

The article addresses the famous McMinnville photographs from 1950, acknowledging that they have not been definitively identified as a hoax or a natural phenomenon. However, it cites William Hartmann's analysis for the Condon Report, which found no conclusive proof of flying saucers and noted that many publicized 'classic' UFO photo cases were either identified as fakes or were worthless for investigation. Hartmann's assessment of the McMinnville case suggested it was either a trick or an extraordinary object, leaving its 'special value' open to speculation. The authors suggest that the suspicious circumstances surrounding the case hint at a prank.

Skepticism and the Nature of UFO Research

The magazine emphasizes that the popular UFO literature is not conducive to genuine enlightenment, as it is often driven by sensationalism rather than scientific inquiry. It criticizes the close relationship between UFO promoters and the tabloid press, who are quick to dismiss skeptical viewpoints. The article notes a recent shift, with some skeptical UFO movements gaining traction, leading to a more nuanced approach in some publications to help readers understand the UFO phenomenon better, possibly as a strategy to regain reputation.

However, the core message is that genuine UFO research requires practical experience and knowledge, a principle that even the Condon team had to learn from scratch. The article stresses that the power of suggestion can lead even respected academics to misinterpret unusual aerial objects, misjudging their dimensions and parameters. It suggests that a 'need for knowledge' is met by over-reliance on fantasy, leading to a situation where UFO research cannot proceed with pure, unverified sensations and wild speculation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critique of UFOlogy, the exposure of common hoaxes (particularly miniature hot-air balloons), the role of psychological factors like the 'will to believe' and the power of suggestion, and the perceived sensationalism and lack of scientific rigor in much of UFO literature and media coverage. The editorial stance is clearly that of a critical skeptic, aiming to demythologize the UFO phenomenon and promote a more rational, evidence-based approach to unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine positions itself as a source of critical analysis, contrasting its approach with what it sees as the more credulous and commercially driven aspects of the UFO community.