CENAP-REPORT

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-REPORT
Issue: 2/2000 (CR 265)
Date: May 25, 2000
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German
Cover Headline: With the CR into the 21st Century and into the 25th Year of CENAP Activities.

Content Summary

This issue of CENAP-REPORT, a German UFO journal, offers a critical examination of pseudoscientific claims and media phenomena, particularly in the context of the turn of the millennium.

Book Review: "Phantastische Wissenschaft" by Markus Pössel

The issue features an extensive review of Markus Pössel's book, "Phantastische Wissenschaft - Über Erich von Däniken und Johannes von Buttlar." Pössel, a physicist, critically analyzes the works of Däniken and Buttlar, who are prominent figures in the realm of 'fringe science' and pseudoarchaeology. Pössel urges readers to approach such claims with skepticism, conduct their own research, and consult conventional scientific sources. He highlights that while these authors present exciting narratives, their claims often lack rigorous evidence and scientific validity. Pössel debunks specific theories presented by Däniken and Buttlar, such as those related to ancient Egypt, evolution, and the Bermuda Triangle, by providing scientific counterarguments and pointing out logical fallacies and neglected evidence.

The "UFO-Baron": Johannes von Buttlar

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to scrutinizing the background and claims of Johannes von Buttlar, also known as the "UFO-Baron." The article questions his academic credentials, particularly his claimed "Dr." title and his affiliation with the "Royal Astronomical Society." It suggests that his titles may have been acquired through questionable means and that his scientific background is exaggerated. The article contrasts Buttlar's public persona with his actual qualifications, citing Pössel's research which indicates a lack of formal scientific training and a tendency to misrepresent scientific concepts. Buttlar's involvement in various media appearances and publications promoting fringe theories is also discussed.

The TV Millennium Hype and the Marpingen Apparitions

The issue critically examines the media's obsession with the millennium, labeling it as "completely unnecessary." It analyzes how various TV programs capitalized on the turn of the millennium, including a segment on the "Marien-Wunder von Marpingen" (Marian apparitions in Marpingen, Germany). The article details the events in Marpingen, where three women claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary, attracting thousands of pilgrims. It discusses the skepticism surrounding these claims, including the potential for mass psychology and the financial motives behind such events. The local community's resistance to Marpingen becoming a pilgrimage site is also noted. The magazine contrasts these events with the church's official stance on private revelations, emphasizing that the church does not endorse them as supernatural events but rather as phenomena that can be explained by psychological factors or are used to reinforce faith.

Public Safety and Y2K Concerns

Another section addresses the public's anxiety surrounding the Year 2000 (Y2K) bug. It reports on the precautionary measures taken by authorities in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, including increased police presence and emergency response readiness. The article notes the range of public reactions, from sober preparedness to outright hysteria, and highlights the psychological pressure associated with the millennium change.

Esotericism and Fraud

The magazine also touches upon the darker side of the esoteric market, detailing cases where individuals have been defrauded by self-proclaimed psychics and healers. It warns against "partner reunification" services and other fraudulent practices that prey on people's emotional vulnerabilities. The article emphasizes that such rituals have no scientific basis and often lead to financial and emotional distress.

UFOs in the News

Briefly mentioned are UFO reports in the news, including a NASA photo from Gemini XII that captured an unidentified object, and a TV program that discussed an alien conspiracy. The magazine also touches upon the theme of 'UFOs as a media topic' and the potential for their resurgence in public discourse.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

CENAP-REPORT consistently promotes a skeptical and critical approach to extraordinary claims, particularly in the fields of UFOlogy, pseudoscience, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine emphasizes the importance of scientific methodology, evidence-based reasoning, and critical thinking. It aims to debunk sensationalism and misinformation, providing readers with well-researched analyses and counterarguments to pseudoscientific narratives. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of established science and against the uncritical acceptance of unverified claims, especially those amplified by media hype.

This issue of CENAP REPORT, dated December 28, 1999, with the identifier 265,2/2000, focuses on phenomena that blur the lines between the unexplained and the mundane, particularly around the turn of the millennium. The cover story, "Zum Jahreswechsel falsche Ufos" (False UFOs at New Year's), addresses the anticipated surge in UFO sightings during the millennium celebrations, attributing them to predictable sources like hot air balloons.

Key Articles and Topics

False UFOs at New Year's

The lead article by Frank Riedel discusses the phenomenon of 'false UFOs' expected during the New Year's Eve celebrations. The Mannheimer UFO-Forschungsgruppe CENAP predicts numerous reports, not from extraterrestrial visitors, but from 'Party-Gag' hot air balloons, which have been commercially available since 1999. These balloons, often red and white striped, are 150 cm in diameter and have a burning element that creates a flickering effect, making them appear like flying objects. CENAP notes that this has been observed for 19 years and that these sightings can confuse even trained observers.

Ice Bombs and Hoaxes

A significant portion of the report is dedicated to the 'ice bomb' phenomenon that occurred in Spain and Italy. The article "Eisbomben fallen reihenweise vom Himmel" (Ice Bombs Fall in Rows from the Sky) details numerous reports of ice blocks, some as large as footballs, falling from clear skies across Spain. Initially, these were met with fascination and speculation, with theories ranging from aircraft toilet waste to extraterrestrial origins. However, as the number of reports grew, many were identified as hoaxes or pranks, with individuals intentionally dropping ice blocks. Scientific commissions were formed, and chemical analyses revealed the ice to be mostly ordinary water, with some cases showing traces of salt and lime, suggesting a spontaneous freezing process in the stratosphere. The report highlights the media's role in amplifying the hysteria, likening it to the 'crop circle effect' where initial genuine phenomena are followed by widespread imitation and hoaxes.

Similar incidents were reported in Germany, with ice blocks falling in Blaufelden-Wiesenbach and Homburg. The article "Auch Deutschland wird von Eisbomben infiziert" (Germany Also Infected by Ice Bombs) details these events, including a 10 kg ice block that created a hole in a roof in Wiesenbach. Experts initially suspected aircraft waste but also considered the possibility of hoaxes. The report also mentions Italian and Spanish speculation about 'flying objects' causing these 'ice bombardments'.

Cyber Warfare and Information Control

Another prominent section, "Cyber-Krieg als das größte Schwarze Programm" (Cyber War as the Biggest Black Program), shifts focus to the emerging threat of cyber warfare. A VOX documentary is discussed, which explored how future conflicts will be fought not with traditional weapons but through the manipulation of information and computer systems. The article emphasizes that control over information and the ability to disrupt enemy computer networks are becoming the most powerful weapons. It highlights the role of the NSA and CIA in developing software to disable enemy infrastructure, rendering them incapable of functioning or waging war. The concept of 'electronic Pearl Harbor' is introduced, referring to the potential for devastating cyber attacks on critical systems.

Historical Predictions and UFOs

The issue also includes a retrospective look at predictions for the year 2000, "Wo bleiben die Ufos?" (Where are the UFOs?). It contrasts earlier, often sensational, predictions about UFOs and alien contact with the reality of the new millennium, suggesting that many of these predictions did not materialize as expected. The article "Der Berliner und die Mond-Sensation" (The Berliner and the Moon Sensation) features a hobby astronomer who photographed a potential meteorite impact on the Moon, sparking debate among scientists.

Other Noteworthy Items

• "Dorf lockt Aliens mit Sonderangeboten" (Village Attracts Aliens with Special Offers): A brief report on the English village of Bedlington attempting to attract extraterrestrial tourists with discounts.
• "Spinnerei oder echter Spuk? Ein Geist guckt sich Gemälde an" (Madness or Real Haunting? A Ghost Looks at Paintings): A story about a supposed ghost sighting in a museum.
• "Ufo-Alarm auf Mallorca: Meteor stürzte ins Meer" (UFO Alarm on Mallorca: Meteor Crashed into the Sea): A report of a bright light and fiery trail over Mallorca, attributed to a meteor.
• "Bei UFO-Forschern knallt's ganz gewaltig" (Things are Exploding Among UFO Researchers): An article detailing a dispute between Austrian and German UFO researchers.
• "Jesus nicht zu Weihnachten geboren, sondern im April" (Jesus Not Born at Christmas, but in April): A report on astrological and historical research suggesting Jesus's birth date was in April.
• "Feuerwehrtaucher suchen Ufo, das über Stausee abgestürzt ist" (Firefighters Search for UFO That Crashed into Reservoir): An incident in Australia where a mysterious object left a large tunnel in a lakebed.
• "Alarm in Australien: Meteorit schlägt Krater in Damm" (Alarm in Australia: Meteorite Strikes Dam): A golf-ball-sized meteorite created a large crater in a dam.
• "Ufos und Aliens: Unfassbare Phänomene im Net" (UFOs and Aliens: Unfathomable Phenomena Online): A review of websites dedicated to UFOs and alien phenomena.
• "Rätsel um Feuerkugel: Dicke Sternschnuppe oder Rakete?" (Mystery of Fireball: Big Meteor or Rocket?): A report on a bright light seen over Northern Europe, likely a meteor.
• "Rätselraten über Ufo" (Riddles About UFOs): A report on a UFO sighting over Shanghai.
• "Die Geburt Christi" (The Birth of Christ): A fresco by Giotto di Bondone is mentioned.
• "Weihnachtsstern" (Christmas Star): A report on a bright celestial phenomenon seen over Northern Germany.
• "Wieder Feuerkugel am Himmel" (Fireball in the Sky Again): Another report on a bright celestial event.
• "Deutscher Wissenschaftler ist ein Stück vom Kreuz Jesu" (German Scientist is a Piece of Jesus's Cross): An article about a historian claiming to have authenticated a relic from the cross of Jesus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP REPORT consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards sensational claims, particularly in the realm of UFOs and paranormal phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained events, the magazine prioritizes rational explanations, scientific analysis, and the debunking of hoaxes. The "ice bomb" incidents serve as a prime example, where initial widespread media attention and public hysteria were eventually tempered by scientific investigation and the identification of fraudulent cases. The report also demonstrates a keen interest in emerging technological and military developments, such as cyber warfare, viewing them as significant contemporary phenomena that warrant serious attention, often contrasting them with the more speculative aspects of UFOlogy. The editorial stance appears to be one of grounded investigation, seeking factual evidence and logical explanations while remaining open to genuine mysteries.

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: Nr. 265.2/2000
Date: January 12, 2000
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP REPORT delves into the media's portrayal of UFOs, critically examining a prominent television series and a magazine feature, while also highlighting the work of a young UFO investigator.

UFOs as a Media Topic

The report begins by noting the potential resurgence of UFOs in the media, citing the American LIFE magazine's decision to feature UFOs as a cover story for its March 2000 issue. A poll conducted by Yakelovich Partners for LIFE revealed that 30% of 1564 respondents believed aliens had landed, with a majority finding the UFO phenomenon 'real'. Interestingly, belief in alien abductions had decreased. The poll also indicated that men were more likely than women to believe in extraterrestrial life, and that those with a freer belief system were more captivated by the UFO concept than conservative Christians. However, a significant majority (74%) would refuse an invitation to board an alien spacecraft, though 54% supported the US government's efforts to search for extraterrestrial life.

RTL's UFO Documentary Series "UFOs 2000"

The core of the report scrutinizes the RTL television series "UFOs 2000", a co-production with Britain's Channel 4. The series, which began airing in late 1999 and continued into January 2000, is presented as a documentary exploring UFO phenomena.

Episode Analysis:

• Pilot Episode (December 2, 1999): Aired to 1.45 million viewers, it was considered a pilot for the new series.
• January 13, 2000 Episode: Focused on "UFO Sightings by Pilots and Astronauts". This episode, like the pilot, was praised for its production quality but criticized for lacking balance. The report suggests that more input from UFO skeptics would have been beneficial, as many presented 'unexplained phenomena' could have been re-examined.
• Viewership: 1.53 million viewers, with a 13.6% market share, making it the highest-rated program in its time slot among commercial channels. The 14-49 demographic had a 17.4% market share, indicating a significant portion of the audience was outside the primary target group.
• January 20, 2000 Episode (Part II: UFOs and the Military): This episode drew 1.35 million viewers (11% market share), with 0.77 million in the 14-49 demographic (13.9% market share). RTL aimed to shed light on the topic and feature eyewitnesses outside the usual UFO community, a move that may have cost them viewers.
• Content Criticism: The report notes that the episode presented familiar UFO reports and attempted to create sensationalism from limited evidence. It criticized the equation of unidentified flying objects with alien spacecraft and phenomena in the atmosphere or near the Earth's surface. The report suggests that the discussion often devolves into speculation and 'faith wars', with no concrete proof of extraterrestrial intelligence to date.
• Military Focus: The episode highlighted alleged 'military secrets' related to stealth aircraft like the F-117A, claiming decades of public concealment. It also discussed experimental aircraft and the mysterious 'Aurora' project, suggesting that while advanced technologies exist, they are not necessarily alien in origin. The report dismisses the idea of secret military technology in the form of 'flying saucers' as non-existent.
• Soviet UFOs: A six-minute segment explored UFO reports in the Soviet Union. It featured Yuri Platov, who acknowledged that the Academy of Sciences often lacked explanations for reported UFO incidents. The report mentions that KGB and military UFO reports are now publicly available, including the Tver photo case from November 4, 1991, where two boys photographed a large, black, two-dimensional flying saucer. Despite an official investigation by Major Viacheslav Buloichek, the report concludes that the images are likely a simple photographic trick, such as an object painted on or glued to a windowpane.
• January 27, 2000 Episode (Part III: What's Behind UFOs?): This final episode garnered 1.19 million viewers overall and 700,000 in the 14-49 demographic. The report found the visual material poorly matched the script, leading to a more critical presentation than the footage warranted. It pointed out an error regarding the Nagora photo case and suggested that the series incorrectly attributed the majority of UFOs to misidentifications of high-tech aircraft.

Overall Critique of "UFOs 2000":

The series is described as falling between sensationalist tabloids and more critical reporting. While it presented images of alleged military secrets, the claims were often exaggerated. The report argues that the series conflated real military developments with speculative alien technology and that the idea of alien-controlled triangular UFOs, as proposed by Edgar Fouche, is unfounded. The RTL commentary itself is noted for suggesting that Russia, like America, might be exploiting the UFO phenomenon to conceal sensitive military secrets.

Dennis Kirstein: A Young UFO Investigator

The Filder-Zeitung article introduces Dennis Kirstein, a 19-year-old from Möhringen, who serves as a regional representative for CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Sky Phenomena) in the Stuttgart region. Kirstein believes in extraterrestrial life but is skeptical of abduction claims, stating that "98 percent of all UFO stories are comprehensible and scientifically explainable."

CENAP, an organization with over 25 years of history and involvement from professors in various scientific fields, aims to investigate all extraordinary sky phenomena. Kirstein's role involves receiving reports, verifying them, and seeking corroborating witnesses. He acknowledges working in a field that borders science and utopia, emphasizing that most phenomena have astronomical or physical explanations.

Kirstein runs an online magazine and a homepage, where he answers numerous emails daily. He is reachable via the CENAP UFO hotline at 0172/835 72 59.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP REPORT consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the public's fascination and the existence of unexplained events, the report emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific investigation and critical analysis. It frequently debunks sensationalist claims, attributing many sightings to misidentification, hoaxes, or misinterpretations of known phenomena, including advanced military aircraft. The editorial stance appears to be that while extraterrestrial intelligence is a possibility, current evidence presented in popular media is largely insufficient and often misleading. The report champions a scientific approach, as exemplified by Dennis Kirstein, who seeks rational explanations for the vast majority of sightings, leaving a small percentage for genuine, yet-to-be-explained phenomena.