CENAP Report - No 271

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: 2/2001
Volume: 271
Date: February 2001
Publisher: Centrales Erforschungsnetz Außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene (CENAP)
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP REPORT, a long-standing German UFO magazine, adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards the UFO phenomenon. It aims to provide a counterpoint to what it perceives as sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims within the ufological community.

Editorial Stance and Introduction

The editorial, titled 'This CR is dedicated as a cornerstone against ufological stupidity,' sets a confrontational tone. The editor, Werner Walter, expresses his commitment to critically examining UFO claims, contrasting CENAP's approach with what he views as uncritical acceptance and 'fictional' reporting by some in the field. He criticizes figures like Michael Hesemann for allegedly spreading unsubstantiated stories and labels those who challenge these narratives as 'fanatical UFO opponents.' The editorial highlights the influence of 'charlatans and blenders' in the UFO community and the difficulty in discerning truth from fiction.

Article: The Year 2001 Calls to Us!

This piece reflects on the year 2001, drawing parallels to Arthur C. Clarke's '2001: A Space Odyssey.' It discusses the human search for cosmic destiny and first contact, noting how the initial optimism of the space age has given way to more complex realities. The article touches upon the philosophical implications of scientific advancement and the persistence of belief in the extraordinary, even as scientific understanding grows. It references a discussion on Bavarian television featuring astrophysicist Harald Lesch and philosopher Wilhelm Vossenkuhl, who debated the rise of superstition alongside declining religious belief. Vossenkuhl posits that as religious faith wanes, people may turn to other forms of belief, including UFOs, as a way to find meaning or explanation.

Article: UFOs over Russia?

This section investigates a reported UFO incident at the Barnaul airport in southern Siberia. Initially reported by Russian news agencies as a UFO causing flight disruptions, the article reveals that the phenomenon was later identified by the local planetarium as the planet Venus. It critiques the sensationalist reporting by Pro7 and the AFP, and also discusses the MUFON-CES's initial interpretation of the event. The article highlights how astronomical objects, particularly Venus, are frequently mistaken for UFOs, especially by individuals lacking astronomical knowledge, such as pilots.

Article: Russian UFOlogy Update

Authored by Boris Shurinov, a Russian UFO researcher, this article provides a critical overview of the state of ufology in Russia and the former Soviet Union. Shurinov argues that many Western UFO researchers and journalists have been misled by 'ufological liars' and sensationalist stories originating from Russia. He criticizes figures like Jacques Vallée and Henry Gris for uncritically accepting unsubstantiated reports. Shurinov distinguishes between credible research and what he terms 'ufological clownery,' citing Vladimir Ajaja (Azhazha) as an example of a prominent 'liar' in the Russian UFO scene. He laments the lack of critical analysis and the prevalence of 'science fiction' narratives within Russian ufology, calling for a more honest and scientific approach.

Article: Your Last Word, Mr. Quintanilla! UFOs, An Air Force Dilemma...

This extensive piece focuses on the experiences of Lt.Col. Hector Quintanilla, the former head of the USAF's Project Blue Book. Based on his unpublished manuscript, the article details the challenges and frustrations Quintanilla faced in managing the project. It highlights the political pressures, public scrutiny, and the constant struggle to find credible evidence for UFO sightings. Quintanilla recounts his interactions with researchers like Dr. James Edward McDonald and J. Allen Hynek, detailing his skepticism towards their methods and conclusions. The article underscores the difficulties in separating genuine sightings from misidentifications, hoaxes, and the influence of media and public opinion on the project's operations. It also touches upon the project's budget and the internal dynamics within the Air Force regarding UFO investigations.

Article: Who is Who, and Where Do They Stand?

This section presents the results of an online poll conducted by UFO-Student in January 2001, surveying the German UFO community. The poll asked participants to identify themselves (e.g., UFO supporter, ufologist, skeptic) and their opinions on prominent UFO figures like Michael Hesemann and Werner Walter, who were ranked as the top two 'charlatans.' It also explored beliefs about the Roswell incident and preferred UFO magazines. The results indicate a significant portion of respondents believe in UFOs but are also critical of certain figures within the community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, a critical examination of the ufological community, and the importance of scientific rigor. The editorial stance is clearly one of debunking and challenging unsubstantiated narratives, advocating for a more grounded and evidence-based approach to the study of anomalous aerial phenomena. The magazine positions itself as a voice of reason against what it perceives as a tide of fantasy and misinformation within the UFO field.

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: 271.2/2001
Date: 2001
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP REPORT delves into various UFO phenomena, research, and related controversies. It features a mix of investigative journalism, case reports, and critical analysis of the UFO and pre-astronautics fields.

Project Blue Book and the Condon Committee

The article details the US Air Force's involvement with UFO investigations, including the eventual closure of Project Blue Book. It highlights the reluctance of universities to engage with the topic due to potential public relations issues. The University of Colorado was eventually chosen for a study, led by Professor Edward Condon, with initial skepticism from the USAF about the university's naivety regarding the complexity of the UFO phenomenon. The article notes that by January 1967, the Condon committee members had become more professional in their approach after studying Blue Book materials and visiting NORAD.

Carlos Diaz: A Dubious Mexican Contact Case

This section scrutinizes the claims of Carlos Diaz, a Mexican UFO contactee and photographer, who presented videos and images of alleged 'plasma ships' between 1981 and 1993. Scott Corrales from the Institute of Hispanic UFOlogy and Pascal Lopresti are mentioned, with Lopresti expressing skepticism about Diaz's case, particularly regarding the use of a tripod allegedly lent by aliens and the two-dimensional appearance of the 'ships'. The article suggests these might be clever trick images, possibly created with a plastic foil. Diaz's claims of rapid travel and his messages about global ecology are also discussed.

Family Films UFO in Texas

The Cardenas family from Washington state, while on vacation in Mexico, encountered a luminous object near Fort Stockton, Texas. Patricia Cardenas filmed the object with an RCA video camera. The object was described as larger than a star, moving, and changing in size and shape, appearing as a 'glowing red ball with a flaming part' and later a 'cylindrical shape'. Despite the unusual sighting, Juan Cardenas decided to drive on, which the UFO researcher Santiago Yturria found curious.

Other UFO Sightings and Incidents

Several other brief reports of UFO sightings are included:

• Rockford, Illinois: A UFO formation was observed and filmed on January 11, 2001, described as a greenish fireball that broke into multiple lights.
• Australia: Space junk from the MIR space station caused a spectacle over Australia, with reports of 'strange flaming objects' in formation.
• Chemnitz, Germany: Reports of mysterious flying objects were attributed to military exercises involving fighter jets.
• Alaska: A bright, green-white light, described as a giant firework, was seen on January 24, 2001.
• Norway: A video was taken of a large, spherical, gas-like light object in Namdalen.
• Malaysia: Orange light spheres were filmed in Petaling Jaya.
• Thailand: Orange and fiery globes were seen over Chiang Mai.
• International Space Station (ISS): A hobby astronomer photographed an object near the ISS.
• Berlin, Germany: A photographer captured images of a 'flying saucer' over Hohenschönhausen.

Military and Technology

• National Missile Defense (NMD): The article discusses the US's push for a 'Star Wars' program, focusing on NMD to defend against missile attacks, and its components like GBI's and radar systems.
• Aurora Program: The article mentions the mysterious 'Aurora' aircraft, a successor to the SR-71, and its potential development by companies like Boeing and Lockheed-Martin.
• UCAV (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle): The development of advanced drones for military missions is discussed, highlighting their potential for stealth and cost-effectiveness.

UFOs as Secret Weapons

This section explores the theory that some UFO sightings might be misidentified advanced military aircraft or secret technology, possibly reverse-engineered from alien craft. It mentions the Area 51 conspiracy and the development of UCAVs.

The Fiery End of MIR

The planned deorbiting of the Russian space station MIR is described as a spectacular event, with a group planning to observe its reentry over the Pacific Ocean.

UFO Identification Project

Dennis Kirstein has launched a website, 'Project UFO-Identifizierung', offering a comparative catalog of UFO sightings to help witnesses identify what they saw. The project aims to provide a more scientific approach to identifying Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and distinguishes them from Identified Flying Objects (IFOs).

Critique of Paläo-SETI

Dr. Klaus Richter critically examines the pre-astronautics (Paläo-SETI) movement, particularly the theories of Erich von Däniken and Johannes von Buttlar. Richter, who was once a proponent, now argues that many of these claims are not scientifically supported and rely on misinterpretations, selective citation, and a disregard for evidence. He criticizes the movement's resistance to criticism and its tendency to create 'self-help groups' where beliefs are reinforced rather than challenged. The article also touches upon the psychological aspects of belief in UFO abductions and the tendency for individuals to seek explanations within the UFO framework.

A.A.S. and the Nature of Belief

The article discusses the A.A.S. ('Forschungsgesellschaft für Archäologie, Astronautik und SETI') and its adherence to pre-astronautic theories. It highlights how proponents of such theories often dismiss or ridicule scientific findings that contradict their beliefs, drawing parallels to the UFOlogy community. The author suggests that many people who report 'visitor experiences' are dissatisfied with their current lives and seek validation through these extraordinary claims, sometimes leading to a reinforcement of delusions.

UFO in Berlin's Air

A report from the BZ newspaper details a sighting of a 'flying saucer' over Berlin-Hohenschönhausen on February 25, 2001. A photographer captured images of the object, which the newspaper hoped would be a significant UFO event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO sightings worldwide, the critical examination of UFO contactee claims, the role of government and military in UFO research, and the debate surrounding pre-astronautics and alternative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to differentiate between genuine phenomena, misidentifications, hoaxes, and the psychological underpinnings of belief in UFOs and related topics. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the persistent public fascination with the UFO phenomenon.

Title: CENAP REPORT
Issue: 271.2/2001
Date: 2001
Publisher: CENAP
Country: Germany
Language: German

This issue of CENAP REPORT delves into the investigation of a purported UFO sighting over Hohenschönhausen, Berlin, on January 27, 2001. The event gained media attention through the newspaper BZ, which published photographs of a bright, reddish object in the sky. The report details the initial observations by a photographer and witness, the subsequent media coverage, and the efforts by CENAP and other organizations to find a rational explanation.

The Hohenschönhausen Sighting Investigation

The incident began when a photographer, Herr Klug, noticed a bright, reddish object in the sky near Hohenschönhausen. He described it as initially appearing like a bright star or the setting sun's reflection, but it grew larger and descended, moving slowly and seemingly guided. He managed to photograph the object with a 500mm lens. The object was described as having a "thick belly and a dome on top," resembling a "flying saucer."

Following the sighting, the BZ newspaper initiated its own investigation, with reporter Gottmann contacting CENAP for information. CENAP, through its internal email list and public forums, sought additional witnesses. Tino Günter was tasked with regional research, but faced difficulties in obtaining official information from aviation authorities.

Initial media reports, particularly in the BZ, focused on the UFO aspect, with one article headlining "UFO über Hohenschönhausen." However, the investigation soon uncovered more plausible explanations. Several experts, including André Knöffel from the Meteorjäger-Netz of VdS and a meteorologist from the University of Hannover, suggested that the object was likely the illuminated contrail of a high-flying aircraft, especially given the cold winter air and the angle of the setting sun. The description of the object's movement and appearance was consistent with a contrail that appeared to glow or "afterglow" in the twilight.

Despite the growing evidence for misidentification, the BZ's reporting was criticized for sensationalism. The newspaper initially presented multiple witnesses but eventually focused on a single account, and the article included a quote from an IAN representative who vaguely suggested the possibility of UFOs. The BZ's own reporter, Gottmann, eventually admitted to having "no external confirmation for the photo story" and acknowledged that the contrail explanation was logical.

Further corroboration for the contrail theory came from Jörg Dendl, who reported seeing the exact same phenomenon in Steglitz on the same evening, clearly identifying it as the orange-lit contrail of a high-flying aircraft.

Media and Publications

The issue also highlights the launch of "ET-Magazin," a new publication by Dennis Kirstein and Roland Horn, which aims to bridge the gap between online and print media. It will be published four times a year in a DIN-A5 format, offering a platform for paranormal and fringe science topics.

Critique of TV Coverage

A brief critique is offered regarding a TV report on the Roswell incident aired on KI's "Abenteuer Leben." The author argues that the report perpetuated the mystery by omitting key facts and amplifying minority opinions, rather than providing a clear resolution. The report is seen as an example of how to keep a supposed mystery alive artificially.

CENAP's Research Philosophy

Sascha Schomacker, a UFO researcher from CENAP's Bremerhaven branch, is featured. He emphasizes CENAP's commitment to "clarifying rather than mystifying" and states that they do not believe in contact with extraterrestrials. Schomacker, influenced by UFO researcher Werner Walter, advocates for rational and factual arguments. He explains that many sightings are misidentifications of satellites, light effects, or hot air balloons. CENAP is currently investigating persistent UFO observers near flight paths, focusing on their psychological background and how societal issues might influence their perceptions, especially after media reports sensationalize UFOs.

Comic Strip

A three-panel comic strip titled "CRÖFFELBACH LIII!" is included, set in the year 2050. It features characters ETX1 and ETX2, who specialize in UFO sightings from 1970, presenting a blurry photo of an object, humorously implying a connection to Jupiter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical investigation of UFO sightings, media sensationalism, and the importance of rational explanations. CENAP's editorial stance is clearly in favor of debunking or providing logical explanations for alleged anomalous phenomena, prioritizing scientific inquiry and skepticism over sensationalism and unfounded speculation. The magazine aims to inform its readers about ongoing investigations and the methodologies used to distinguish between genuine mysteries and misidentifications.