Cuadernos de Ufologia - No 09 - 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: CUADERNOS de UFOLOGIA
Issue: No. 9
Volume: Año III
Date: March 1985
Publisher: Informal group of UFO phenomenon researchers
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

Editorial Stance and Content

CUADERNOS DE UFOLOGIA presents itself as a non-commercial publication, serving as a summary of activities and a communication channel for an informal group of UFO researchers. The magazine explicitly states that it does not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed in signed articles, attributing responsibility to the authors.

Key Articles and Investigations

Baracaldo (Vizcaya): The Humanoids Were Joking This lengthy article investigates a supposed UFO sighting in Baracaldo in December 1976, involving humanoids. The authors detail their research process, which began in mid-1983 after a suggestion from Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos. They faced difficulties in locating witnesses, relying instead on journalistic reports from publications like "La Gaceta del Norte," "Ya," and "Contactos Extraterrestres." The incident, reported by journalist Juan José Benítez, described an "oval cabin" with a white and red light, and two tall, frogman-suited figures emerging. The article critically analyzes the evidence presented by Benítez, including flattened grass, a broken tree, a chipped wall, and skin rashes on one child witness. The authors offer alternative explanations, suggesting the grass could have been flattened by bonfires from vagrants, the tree broken by children playing, and the wall chip predating the event. They also note the children's suspicious behavior of staying until the end of the event before fleeing. The investigation highlights the difficulty in verifying such cases due to the lack of direct witness testimony and the potential for media sensationalism.

Editorial: Navigating the UFO Landscape

The editorial reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of UFO research. It laments the tragic suicide of two UFO enthusiasts in Tarrasa, influenced by mystical-religious sects, and discusses two negative events from late 1984. One concerns disputes among researchers, and the other, the manipulation of the phenomenon to mislead younger, less experienced individuals. The editorial specifically addresses the lawsuit filed by J. J. Benítez against Luis Hernández Franch, resulting in a fine for Franch for criticizing Benítez. The editorial quotes Benítez's critique of researchers who rely on "testimonial ufology" prone to subjectivism, errors, fraud, and commercialism, while ignoring the objective, scientific aspect. It criticizes those who invent stories or present half-truths, and those who engage in public disputes with insults.

The editorial emphasizes the need for serious, objective, and measured research, urging researchers to present their findings clearly and to combat unsubstantiated movements that gain easy acceptance. It advocates for a line of response based on reason and evidence, rather than emotional disputes. The editorial concludes by stressing the obligation to inform the public and the importance of researchers sharing their progress.

Other Content

• Fraude al descubiertos Utrera 1/5/79: A case concerning alleged fraud in a sighting near Utrera.
• Ovnis y testigos: réplica de su autor: A response from an author regarding UFOs and witnesses.
• Examinando los casos OVI: El factor humano: An examination of UFO cases focusing on the human element.
• Empecemos por nosotros: An article suggesting introspection within the research community.
• El estudio del fenómeno humanoide (II): The second part of a study on humanoid phenomena.
• Puntualizaciones al Sr. Ripoll Campos: Clarifications regarding a negative case in Madrid.
• Miscelánea Ufológica: A section for miscellaneous ufological topics.
• Pool bibliográfico para los colaboradores de CUADERNOS: A bibliographic resource for contributors.
• Circulo Ovnilógico Riocuartense: Information about a ufological circle.
• Relación de casos de supuestos OVNI ocurridos en 1984: A list of reported UFO cases from 1984.
• La búsqueda de explicaciones alternativas: An article exploring alternative explanations for UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include critical analysis of UFO cases, the importance of objective and scientific methodology in ufology, the dangers of sensationalism and misinformation, and the challenges of dealing with media coverage and inter-researcher disputes. The editorial stance strongly advocates for rigorous investigation, evidence-based conclusions, and a measured approach to the phenomenon, warning against unsubstantiated claims and emotional responses. The publication aims to foster a serious and collaborative environment for UFO researchers.

This issue of "Cuadernos de Ufología" (Volume II, Issue 6), published by Editorial 7 1/2 in Spain, focuses on the Utrera UFO landing case of May 1, 1979. The cover headline announces "FRAUDE AL DESCUBIERTO: UTRERA 1/5/79" (FRAUD UNCOVERED: UTRERA 1/5/79), and the main image depicts the house where the phenomenon was reported, with a dislodged tree and a drawing of a UFO.

The Utrera Case: Investigation and Conclusions

The article "FRAUDE AL DESCUBIERTO: UTRERA 1/5/79" by José Ruesga Montiel details an investigation into a case previously reported in the magazine VIMANA. The primary witness, José Manuel Romere, then 13 years old, reported seeing a UFO land in a football field near his home. He described the object as having numerous lights, emitting a bright, dazzling light that seemed to collect dust, stones, and sticks, and then becoming invisible before reappearing as a distant light. The incident also involved a strange noise and wind.

Investigators Luis Alfonso Gamez and Juan-Marcos Gascon conducted re-interviews with the witness. Their findings, presented in a report dated September 26, 1984, led them to estimate that the case had a high probability of being a "sainete" (farce or hoax), possibly devised by children or third parties with the aim of misleading the journalist who publicized the event. They recommended classifying the case as negative in the Iberian Landings Catalog (CATIB).

• Key points from the investigation include:
• The witness initially provided a vague date for the event, later specifying it as April 25 or May 1, 1979. The investigation suggests neither date is definitively real.
• The witness exhibited moral reservations about his initial actions, emphasizing he put on pants before going to the balcony and did not go out in his underwear.
• He insisted no other family members were witnesses as they were asleep.
• His attempts to fix a specific time for the event led to contradictions.
• His claim of other witnesses was undermined by the sole corroborating witness whose account seemed to be an attempt to align with the primary witness's story.
• The witness's narrative evolved over time, with details being added and adjusted to fit investigators' questions.
• Additional details, such as landing gear and lights, were described with the mentality of a 13-year-old, lacking advanced technological descriptions.

Debate on UFO Case Interpretation

"Ovnis y Testigos: Replica de su Autor" by Mario T. Martines Serrano

This section features a response from Mario T. Martines Serrano to a commentary by José Ruesga Montiel regarding Serrano's article "Ovnis y testigos" (UFOs and Witnesses) published in "Cdu" (issue no. 6). Serrano criticizes Ruesga for focusing on superficial details rather than the content of his article. Serrano's original article argued that the phenomenon of UFOs is not entirely external to the witness but is directly linked to the witness's psychology, folklore, and cultural background. He suggests that UFO experiences are often psychological projections or archetypes that materialize the witness's desires, rather than purely extraterrestrial phenomena.

Serrano posits that the heterogeneity of UFO appearances corresponds to the heterogeneity of witnesses' psychology and cultural backgrounds. He argues that if UFOs were entirely alien, such dependencies would not exist. He uses the Villas Boas case as an example, suggesting the humanoid encounter materialized the witness's desire for a relationship with an urban woman.

"Comentario de Jose Ruesga" by José Ruesga

José Ruesga responds to Martines Serrano, stating that his initial commentary on Serrano's article was brief due to a lack of presentation and Serrano's failure to respond to his letters. Ruesga clarifies that his intention was not to create conflict but to provoke further documentation for the benefit of readers and to adhere to the publication's standards. He expresses regret if his words were harsh but firmly opposes the idea that his intention was to foster rivalries among ufologists. Ruesga emphasizes his long-standing commitment to fostering teamwork in Spanish ufology and notes that Serrano has not yet materialized the support he offered.

"Examinando los Casos O.V.I.: El Factor Humano (I)" by Paolo Toselli

Translated by Manuel Borraz Aymerich, this article explores the human factor in UFO (OVI) cases. Toselli acknowledges that many reports are misidentifications of conventional objects (aircraft, meteors, etc.). However, he argues that the remaining cases, often termed "unexplained," share similar "patterns." The article proposes that the fear and emotions associated with both identified and unidentified sightings are intense and similar. Toselli's work aims to shed light on the physical, physiological, psychological, and social processes involved in UFO sightings, suggesting that witnesses may interpret stimuli through pre-existing "OVNI models" influenced by folklore and myth.

He distinguishes between "confusion" (misinterpretation) and "transposition," where a conventional event is transformed into a more exotic OVNI experience. Toselli believes that most UFO cases are not due to a witness's altered state of consciousness or pathology but rather stem from common human psychological and social factors, including folklore and myth. He notes that the proportion of explained to unexplained cases is roughly nine to one.

Errata

A "Fe de Erratas" (Correction Notice) is included, correcting transcription errors in a previous article by Manuel Borraz Aymerich titled "CAMBIOS EN EL HORARIO CIVIL." The corrections pertain to dates in 1938 and 1940, and the designation of time from T.V. to T.U. (Universal Time) for the 1984 line.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly leans towards a skeptical or critical examination of UFO reports, particularly those involving landings and direct witness testimony. The Utrera case is presented as a prime example of a potential hoax or misinterpretation, with investigators concluding it was likely negative. The articles by Martines Serrano and Toselli delve into the psychological and sociological aspects of UFO sightings, suggesting that the witness's own mental framework, cultural background, and desires play a significant role in shaping their experiences and reports. The debate between Serrano and Ruesga highlights a tension within ufology between those who emphasize psychological explanations and those who advocate for more traditional investigative approaches. The overall stance appears to be that many UFO phenomena can be explained by human factors, misperceptions, or deliberate deception, rather than solely by extraterrestrial visitation.

This issue of "Cuadernos de Ufología" (Issue 8) delves into the critical aspects of UFO investigation, with a particular emphasis on the methodology and the challenges posed by eyewitness testimony. The articles, primarily authored by Jesús Suárez García and Cassiano José Monteiro, explore the psychological factors influencing perception, memory, and reporting of anomalous phenomena.

The Investigator's Role and Report Analysis

Jesús Suárez García, in his article "EXPECEMOS POR NOSOTROS" (Let's Expect from Ourselves), highlights a common pitfall in ufology: the tendency for investigators to interpret and rephrase witness accounts rather than presenting them verbatim. He argues that this subjective interpretation, often driven by the investigator's desire to create a coherent narrative or promote themselves, can lead to a distortion of the original experience. García emphasizes the importance of objective methods, citing the work of researchers like Luis R. Gonzales and Ballester Olmos, but stresses that the final report should prioritize the witness's own words, with the investigator providing only necessary clarifications. He critiques the notion of the "ufologist" feeling superior to the witness, suggesting that both are human and prone to interpretation.

Ballester Olmos's principle of including the witness's original expressions in reports is discussed. García agrees with the need for objectivity but questions the ability to determine "most relevant aspects" a priori, suggesting this should occur during analysis, not data collection. He also advocates for the investigator's words to clarify, not substitute, the witness's account, using the example of describing an object as "like an omnibus" rather than "large dimensions."

Psychological Factors in Eyewitness Testimony

The issue extensively examines the psychological underpinnings of eyewitness testimony. It explains that the perception of a UFO is not a simple recording but a complex process involving sensory input, memory, and cognitive interpretation. Factors such as the observer's state of vigilance, extreme tension, or anxiety can lead to misinterpretation and distortion of sensations. Dr. Robert Reckout's research is cited, indicating that individuals under nervous tension are less capable of recalling details accurately and are more prone to misinterpreting signals, prioritizing personal safety over environmental details.

Numerous studies are referenced to support the idea that psychological "illusions" and biases can significantly affect what is perceived and reported. These include the autokinetic effect, image persistence, and adaptations to darkness. The text notes that witnesses may "invent" details, not out of dishonesty, but as an unconscious effort to make the experience more coherent or acceptable, often by incorporating elements from their memory or imagination.

The Nature of Humanoid Phenomena

Cassiano José Monteiro's article, "EL ESTUDIO DEL FENOMENO HUMANOIDE (II)" (The Study of Humanoid Phenomena II), addresses the classification and nature of humanoid encounters. It proposes parameters to define the boundaries of study, distinguishing cases of contactees, Marian apparitions, yetis, and psychological projections. Monteiro suggests that humanoid phenomena can be understood through two main aspects: immateriality (projections, telepathic or hypnotic induction, hallucinatory images) and materiality (biological beings, possibly enhanced with mechanical intelligence like robots or cyborgs).

He posits that both aspects presuppose the existence of a non-human intelligence. The article acknowledges that some cases blur the lines between material and immaterial entities, and that projections can sometimes be detected by animals, suggesting holographic-like images. The study aims to understand the nature of the stimulus that provokes these phenomena, moving beyond speculation about their origin (e.g., Mars or parallel worlds).

References and Case Examples

The issue includes extensive reference lists, citing numerous academic and ufological works that underpin the discussions on perception, memory, testimony, and humanoid phenomena. Specific case examples are mentioned, such as the "MADRID 13/10/82" case and a reconstruction of an object observed in Utrera on 1/5/79, based on witness descriptions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO investigation methodologies, the psychological complexities of eyewitness testimony, and the classification of humanoid phenomena. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a more rigorous, objective, and scientifically grounded approach to ufology, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting and a critical understanding of the human element in witness accounts and their subsequent analysis. There is a clear call for investigators to be more self-aware of their own biases and interpretive tendencies.

Title: CUADERNOS DE UFOLOGIA
Issue: 8
Issue Date: December 1984
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial Content

This issue of CUADERNOS DE UFOLOGIA features a detailed critical analysis of a UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) case that occurred in Madrid on October 13, 1982. The primary article, titled "PUNTUALIZACIONES AL SR. RIPOLL CAMPOS (CASO NEGATIVO, MADRID, 13-10-82)," is authored by José Luis Caso. It serves as a response and critique to an earlier interpretation by Sr. Ripoll Campos, which suggested an aircraft as the explanation for the sighting.

Case Analysis and Critique

Caso begins by expressing his respect for Sr. Ripoll Campos and acknowledging the importance of multidisciplinary approaches and humility in scientific inquiry. However, he states his intention to challenge Ripoll's explanation, asserting that it has not been definitively proven erroneous.

Caso meticulously dissects the witness's account and Ripoll's proposed explanation. He addresses several key points:

1. The Witness's Account: The witness, a 13-year-old boy, reportedly described a luminous object. The article suggests that the boy's account might have been influenced by the television series "INVESTIGACION OVNI," and that his motivation might have been to gain credibility among his peers who had previously ridiculed him.
2. Object Characteristics: The article questions the interpretation of the object's structure and effects, noting that they align with typical UAP observations. It also touches upon the inconclusive results of germination tests performed on soil samples from the alleged landing site, attributing the lack of conclusive evidence to the poor quality of the soil and potential issues with photographic development.
3. Aircraft Hypothesis: Caso directly challenges Ripoll's aircraft hypothesis. He argues that while an aircraft (specifically an ultralight or conventional plane) is a plausible explanation, the witness's description does not perfectly match such an object. He speculates about the possibility of the "Red Arrows," the RAF's aerobatic team, flying their "Hawk" aircraft in a "Big 9" formation, but dismisses this as highly improbable and not fitting the witness's details.

Detailed Arguments Against the Aircraft Hypothesis

Caso presents five main arguments against the ULM (Ultralight Motorized) hypothesis:

• Argument 1 (Size and Distance): Based on the witness's description of the object being "large and flying low," and comparing it to building proportions in a diagram, Caso estimates the angular size of the object to be at least 10° (0.174 radians). Using a typical wingspan for a ULM (around 10-12 meters), he calculates the distance to the object to be approximately 68 meters. He argues that even with a reduced angular size estimate, the distance would still be less than 140 meters. He also notes that the witness did not hear any noise from the object, which would be expected from a ULM.
• Argument 2 (Wing Shape - "Flecha"): The witness's drawings depicted two rows of lights forming a "V" shape, described as having a "flecha" (arrowhead) angle of approximately 75°. Caso explains that such a sharp wing sweep is characteristic of high-speed or supersonic aircraft (like the F-14 Tomcat or Panavia Tornado) and poses stability issues for low-speed flight. He argues that conventional ULMs and planes do not have such extreme wing sweeps. He suggests that the perceived "V" shape might be due to the arrangement of lights on an advertisement, but questions how this would create such a specific formation.
• Argument 3 (Light Description): The witness described luminous "triangles" with two small, pale yellow lights at their extremities. Caso finds it difficult to reconcile this with the lights of an aircraft advertisement, which are typically rectangular and fixed. He contrasts this with his own understanding that the object consisted of "points of light," not "triangles," and that these lights were intermittent, not fixed.
• Argument 4 (Direction of Flight): Ripoll argued that migratory birds fly south in autumn, and the object's reported eastward to northwestward (E to NO) direction invalidated the bird hypothesis. Caso counters this by stating that estimations of direction by untrained observers can be highly inaccurate (errors of 45° or more are common). He also points out that migratory birds can deviate from their normal routes due to various factors like wind, food availability, and weather conditions. He notes that the meteorological forecast for Madrid on that day indicated moderate to strong northwesterly winds, which would be a tailwind for birds migrating south, making a deviation northwards not impossible.
• Argument 5 (Initial Identification): The witness initially identified the object as a flock of pigeons, only discarding this explanation due to the unusually ordered arrangement of the lights. Caso suggests that if the witness were more familiar with formations of birds like ducks or geese, she might have identified the object as such, thus preventing the UAP report.

Conclusion and Editorial Notes

Caso concludes that the case appears to be fraudulent, especially since the witness refused to answer further questions. He reiterates his willingness to change his opinion if presented with sufficient contradictory evidence.

The issue also includes a section titled "REFERENCIAS" (References), listing several publications and articles by José Ruesga Montiel and others related to UAP cases, particularly the Utrera (Sevilla) case from 1979. It also contains a note about the "RED NACIONAL DE CORRESPONSALES" (National Network of Correspondents) and an announcement regarding the renewal of its board of directors for the next three years.

Bibliography

A significant portion of the latter part of the magazine is dedicated to a "POOL BIBLIOGRAFICO PARA LOS COLABORADORES DE CUADERNOS" (Bibliographic Pool for CUADERNOS Collaborators). This section lists various Ufology-related publications, including their titles, the range of issues available, and the contact person or center where they can be obtained (e.g., RNC, Ruesga, Contreras-Ruesga). This serves as a resource for readers and collaborators interested in accessing a wider range of Ufological literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical examination of UAP reports and the pursuit of rigorous, evidence-based explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a strong emphasis on scientific methodology, multidisciplinary approaches, and the importance of verifiable data. The magazine actively encourages collaboration and the sharing of information among its readers and researchers, as evidenced by the extensive bibliographic pool and the call for contributions to the "Red Nacional de Corresponsales."

This document is an excerpt from a Spanish-language ufology publication, likely a newsletter or magazine, featuring content from issue number 38, dated February 1985. The primary focus is on the activities and philosophy of the CIRCULO OVNIILOGICO RIOCUARTENSE (C.O.R.), an Argentine ufological organization.

CIRCULO OVNIILOGICO RIOCUARTENSE (C.O.R.)

The C.O.R. was founded in 1978 by a group of individuals, including students, inspired by Mario Luis Bracamonte Baes. Its mission is to conduct studies, investigations, and disseminate information on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) with a focus on originality and truthfulness, guided by seriousness, honesty, and objectivity.

The organization has established a robust network of national and international correspondents, contributing to its extensive documentary archive. This archive is supported by two working groups and a system for preparing summary files, crucial for managing the collected documentation. C.O.R. also boasts a 'diapoteca' with over 200 slides and 450 safety copies, along with technical equipment for filming, recording, and projection.

Communication within C.O.R. is facilitated by its Diffusion Department, which produces the 'INFORMATIVO COR'. This consists of cassette recordings detailing field research findings, classification studies, general commentaries, and news of interest. This information is distributed periodically through three national and three international circuits.

'MUNDO ONI' serves as the official publication of C.O.R., distributed without charge. The editorial direction is managed by Carlos Agustín Botta and Mario Luis Bracemonte. Under Bracamonte's leadership, a local and regional catalog of UFO sightings within a 120 km radius of Rio Cuarto was initiated, with its first edition published in 1984. This cataloging effort is complemented by systematic review of local newspapers, aiming to provide a rational and concrete framework for ufology in Argentina and project it internationally.

C.O.R. emphasizes teamwork and has strengthened ties with colleagues in other countries, particularly Spain, due to the shared language. They assert that their work is not imitative but rather an adaptation of foreign colleagues' efforts to the national ufological reality, striving for originality and truth.

International Cooperation and Case Cataloging

The organization actively seeks to foster international exchange, hoping to broaden the scope of UFO research and archives through sincere friendship. They believe in strengthening bonds among researchers to achieve better results and invite correspondence to their address in Rio Cuarto, Argentina.

The issue mentions a relation of supposed UFO cases that occurred in 1984. However, due to space constraints, a detailed list was omitted, but it is noted that this section was intended to follow page 35.

Solidarity Appeal

A section titled 'PETICION DE SOLIDARIDAD' (Solidarity Appeal) calls for support for a fellow CdU member, Hernandes Franoh, who was ordered to pay a significant indemnity to J.J. Benites following a lawsuit. The lawsuit stemmed from an article published in the magazine 'Interviá' by Antonio José Alés. The appeal asks for financial contributions or notes of support for Franoh.

Alternative Explanations and Soviet Submarines

An article by José Ruesga Montiel, titled 'LA BUSQUEDA DE EXPLICACIONES ALTERNATIVAS' (The Search for Alternative Explanations), discusses the frequent argument that UFO phenomena have purely terrestrial explanations. Montiel suggests that scientific advancements often surpass the average person's understanding. He proposes paying close attention to the activities of military forces worldwide, as they may offer alternative explanations for certain UFO cases.

The article references a news item from the ABC newspaper (Sevilla, dated 20/11/84) about Soviet mini-submarines operating in the Strait of Gibraltar for over a decade. The Soviet newspaper 'Pravda' reportedly published a photograph of one such submarine, claiming it was involved in 'investigations of the lost civilization of Atlantis.' The article notes that these mini-submarines, equipped with tracked wheels, correspond to traces found on the seabed in Sweden in 1982, where the Swedish Navy was investigating infiltrations in a restricted military zone.

Montiel concludes that the margin for 'strangeness' in UFO sightings is shrinking, urging a critical and open-minded approach. Only when an explanation is definitively impossible after serious study should a case be classified as 'unidentified.'

Annex: 'INCREIBLE REALIDAD' (Incredible Reality)

Another piece by José Ruesga Montiel, titled 'INCREIBLE REALIDAD', published as an annex, expresses surprise and embarrassment at an article in 'Karma-7' (issue 147, February 1985) titled 'ENFRENTAMIENTO BENITEZ-BALLESTER OLMOS' (Benitez-Ballester Olmos Confrontation). Montiel criticizes the article for reigniting old disputes between two ufologists, Benitez and Ballester Olmos, at a time when Spanish ufology needs less belligerence and more cooperation.

He laments the publication of a 'personal and confidential' document and the alleged betrayal of trust by one individual who shared private concerns. Montiel calls for a more mature approach, emphasizing demonstration and healthy criticism as the path to elevating ufology's status, rather than engaging in petty disputes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the importance of rigorous investigation, documentation, and international collaboration in ufology. There is a clear emphasis on objectivity, honesty, and originality in research. The publication also explores the possibility of terrestrial or military activities, such as submarine operations, as potential explanations for some UFO sightings, while maintaining an open mind to genuinely unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance advocates for maturity and constructive dialogue within the ufological community, moving away from personal conflicts and towards a more scientific and unified approach to the study of UFOs.