CENAP Research - no 7

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP RESEARCH, identified as NR. 7 and dated October 9, 2003, focuses on the "Croeffelbacher UFO Forum" which took place on October 3-4, 2003. The magazine explores the efforts of UFO researchers to demystify the phenomenon of 'flying saucers' and presents a critical perspective on some of the more sensational theories.

"False UFOs" Event in Heilbronn

The lead article details an event in Heilbronn (Hohenlohekreis) where scientists attempted to 'debunk' the mystery of 'flying saucers.' Werner Walter from CENAP (Central Research Network for Extraordinary Sky Phenomena) in Mannheim stated that many unexplained sightings have simple explanations, cautioning against jumping to conclusions about alien visitors. He stressed that UFO stands for 'unidentified flying object,' not 'alien spacecraft with aliens.'

During the meeting in Heilbronn, German UFO experts launched seven mini hot air balloons, each measuring 1.50 by 1.80 meters. These balloons hovered for approximately 15 minutes, emitting an 'orange-red, eerie glow.' According to CENAP, the balloons appeared to form 'V-formations' and 'chains,' which, from a distance, seemed 'intelligently controlled.' Walter recounted that people from the area were amazed, with some describing it as 'almost like Hollywood.'

However, the researchers aimed to encourage rational thinking. Walter mentioned that throughout the summer, the 'UFO' reporting center in Mannheim had received numerous false alarms, often due to the unusually clear visibility of the planet Mars. In early September, an unusually large shooting star also caused calls to CENAP. Walter expressed the organization's goal to offer insights into the phenomenon that go beyond 'gossip press' reporting.

Roland Gehardt, the organizer of the Heilbronn meeting, stated that the 46 participants were 'serious UFO phenomenon enthusiasts' who discussed 'flying saucers' on various levels. The agenda included lectures on 'digital UFO fakes,' 'atmospheric research balloons,' and 'crop circle artists.'

UFO Invasion Reenacted in Cröffelbach

A separate report from Stuttgarter Zeitung online and Die Rheinpfalz covers a similar event in Cröffelbach (Schwäbisch Hall district). On Saturday evening, UFO researchers staged a 'UFO invasion' by releasing seven mini hot air balloons. These balloons, 1.50 meters in diameter, were internally lit, creating the appearance of 'a formation of flying fire-orbs.' While the experiment was observed with interest, the presence of observers during the preparations meant the 'UFO effect' was somewhat diminished. The event in Cröffelbach brought together 46 UFO researchers from Germany and France to exchange experiences and discuss unexplained UFO phenomena.

Roland Gehardt: A Critical UFO Researcher

A feature article profiles Roland Gehardt, a critical hobby UFO researcher from Heilbronn who believes in UFOs but not in aliens. Gehardt, who once believed in flying saucers after reading Erich Däniken as a child, now believes that most phenomena have rational explanations. He distinguishes himself from more 'superstitious' colleagues. Gehardt once believed in the possibility of extraterrestrial life but found Däniken to be more of a storyteller than a factual reporter.

Gehardt acknowledges that the 'magic of the supernatural' did not disappear for him when he realized the mundane causes of many alleged sightings. He criticizes modern UFO theories, such as the idea that UFOs are Nazi secret weapons that escaped to Alaska and are still influencing world events, calling it 'madness.' He sees a dangerous trend where people dreaming of aliens might believe they have been abducted, finding like-minded individuals in online forums who 'egg each other on.'

Gehardt, who works as a data analyst in Magstadt, advocates for a rational approach. He co-founded the 'Centrale Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene' (CENAP) with other critical UFO experts. CENAP, based in Mannheim, comprises 40 specialists from across Germany and operates a UFO hotline (0621/701370) for sightings.

Gehardt and his CENAP colleagues hold an annual meeting in Cröffelbach. The recent UFO Forum simulated a 'UFO invasion' using 'Party-Gag-Hot-Air-Balloons' that were 'very realistic.'

Presentations and Discussions

The magazine includes images from the event, showing participants and presentations. Notable speakers and topics mentioned include:

• SPICA-Frankreich, Odratzheim: An image suggests a presentation or gathering related to SPICA in France.
• Cröffelbach - 2003: A photo of attendees at the meeting.
• Ferhat Talayhan: Pictured presenting.
• Uli Thieme + C. Morgenthaler-SPICA: Pictured together, likely presenting.
• Uli Thieme: Discussing 'New Findings on the Roswell Incident.'
• Dominik Chr: Presenting on 'UFOs over France' with SPICA.
• J. Ickinger: Discussing 'Methodology of Witness Questioning' with organizer R. Gehardt.
• Sebastian Krull: Presenting on 'UFOs and Aliens on the Internet.'
• Crop Circles: Images and discussions on crop circles, with researchers H. Hoos and F. Brunner asserting that 'All crop circles in GB were created by human hands.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the debunking of sensationalist theories, and the distinction between unidentified flying objects and extraterrestrial spacecraft. The editorial stance, as represented by Werner Walter and Roland Gehardt, is one of critical inquiry, emphasizing rational explanations and scientific methodology over speculation and unfounded beliefs. The magazine promotes a grounded approach to understanding aerial anomalies, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and man-made phenomena or misidentifications.