The Centrale Erforschungsnetz außergewöhnlicher Himmelsphänomene (Cenap) in Odenwald reported a significant increase in UFO sightings in 2024, with 1,084 reports from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—double the average of 600 to 800 sightings in previous years.
Despite the surge, Cenap's director Hansjürgen Köhler confirmed that no actual alien spacecraft were involved. Many sightings were attributed to bright planets such as Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, as well as 176 reports related to SpaceX's Starlink satellites.
Observers submitted photos and videos, which often turned out to be lens reflections or blurred images of insects and birds. Other reported phenomena included LED balloons, industrial drones, bright meteors, and light effects from events, leading to calls to Cenap's 24-hour hotline.
Founded in 1973, Cenap encourages individuals to report unidentified objects, providing helpful details like date, time, and location. Köhler recommends using free astronomy apps to help identify celestial objects that may be mistaken for UFOs.