Papers d'OVNIS

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue: Número 10
Date: Octubre 1994
Publisher: Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris (CEI)
Country: Spain
Language: Catalan (with Spanish articles)

This issue of "Papers d'OVNIS" features a cover story that clarifies the controversial Roswell 1947 incident, presenting it as a military cover-up involving debris from the Project Mogul spy balloon program rather than a crashed alien spacecraft. The magazine also includes articles on historical UFO sightings, the methodology of UFO investigation, and correspondence with the Spanish Air Force regarding UFO document declassification.

Editorial: Deber de informar sobre la realidad (The Duty to Inform About Reality)

By Joan Crexell

The editorial emphasizes the importance of reporting the truth, even when it debunks popular UFO cases like Roswell. Crexell argues that by clarifying such cases, researchers can better focus on genuine unexplained phenomena, thus advancing the study of UFOs. He notes that the SEPRA (Service d'Enquête, d'Étude et d'Information sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés) in France has collected a significant number of UFO reports, with only a small percentage remaining unexplained. This, he suggests, indicates that the number of true UFOs might be smaller than commonly believed. The editorial also points out a lack of international coordination among UFO researchers and calls for better information sharing.

Cover Story: Un caso dudoso (Roswell 1947), aclarado (A Dubious Case (Roswell 1947), Clarified)

This section presents the widely publicized Roswell 1947 incident, which claimed the recovery of a crashed UFO and alien bodies. However, it cites a report from the International Herald Tribune (September 22) and the book "El incidente" by Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore, which reveal that the debris was actually from Project Mogul. Project Mogul was a top-secret US military initiative during the Cold War, utilizing high-altitude balloons with sensors and radar reflectors to detect Soviet atomic tests. The article suggests that the UFO story was a deliberate diversion to conceal the true nature of the project. General Roger Ramey, commander of the Eighth Air Force, had reportedly stated in 1947 that the wreckage was not a flying saucer but a weather balloon. The cover also includes a map illustrating the possible military transport route of the debris from Roswell to Muroc Air Base in California.

El laberinto ufológico. II. El encuestador (The Ufological Labyrinth. II. The Interviewer)

By V. Cererols

This article discusses the critical role of the UFO investigator (encuestador) in gathering information about sightings. The investigator's knowledge, approach, and personal beliefs can significantly influence witness testimony and the subsequent analysis of the case. The author notes that while some amateur investigators have produced excellent, detailed reports, others have focused on sensational aspects, neglecting crucial data. The piece also touches upon the historical use of UFO questionnaires, like those published by the Italian CISU (Centro Italiano Studi Urologici), as a tool for rationalizing investigations. However, it observes a trend among some modern enthusiasts to avoid structured questionnaires, leading to incomplete or poorly documented reports. The article concludes with a humorous anecdote about an investigator's overly detailed description of a witness's attire, highlighting the sometimes eccentric nature of ufological research.

Correspondencia entre investigadores OVNI y el Ejército del Aire (Correspondence Between UFO Investigators and the Air Force)

This section features a two-part correspondence:

1. Letter from UFO Investigators to Lieutenant General José Luis Tojeiro Aneiros (April 20): Signed by numerous professionals and scientists, this letter expresses gratitude to the Spanish Air Force for initiating the declassification of UFO-related documents. They recognize this as a significant step, comparable to similar efforts in the US, and offer their expertise to assist the Air Force in processing and understanding UFO information.
2. Reply from Lieutenant General José Luis Tojeiro Aneiros to V. J. Ballester Olmos (May 9): The General expresses his satisfaction with the collective recognition of the Air Force's efforts. He acknowledges that some media outlets have spread contrary opinions. He reaffirms his intention to continue and accelerate the declassification process with rigor, aiming to make available all relevant information to interested parties. He also thanks the investigators for their offer of collaboration.

El caso Roswell no era un OVNI (The Roswell Case Was Not a UFO)

By Joan Muntaner

This article reiterates the clarification of the Roswell incident, citing the book "El incidente" by Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore. It suggests that the USAF, CIA, and the Pentagon may have indirectly encouraged rumors about a crashed UFO and alien bodies to serve their own purposes. The author questions whether such diversions have occurred on other occasions.

Un libro sobre el CEI y los OVNI (A Book About the CEI and UFOs)

By Pere Redon

This review discusses the book "Sobre els OVNIS" by Joan Crexell, a co-founder and key figure of the CEI. The book chronicles Crexell's early experiences with UFOs, the challenges faced by the CEI in its early years (1968-1980), the organization of its archive, and the creation of its publication, Stendek. The review highlights the book's historical significance in documenting the CEI's evolution and its commitment to UFO research. It also mentions Crexell's conversation with scientist Joan Oró, which reflects the scientific community's cautious approach to UFO phenomena. The book concludes with a reflection on the CEI's present and future, emphasizing the enduring legacy of its founders.

Encara sobre l'OVNI del 1704 (Still About the UFO of 1704)

By Joan Crexell

This article revisits a historical UFO sighting in Barcelona on April 3, 1704, based on an account from Narcís Feliu de la Penya's "Anales de Cathaluña" (1709). The description details a bright, globe-like object with a smoke trail, accompanied by sounds resembling artillery fire. The author also presents two other historical accounts: one from Nadal 1704, describing a fiery, bomb-like object over Barcelona, and another from April 3, 1706, detailing a 'Metheoro' forming the cross of Santa Eulalia over Montjuïc, which was also witnessed by French soldiers. These accounts are compared to other historical sightings, suggesting a recurring pattern of unusual aerial phenomena.

Caso Mont Paní (Girona), 13 de septiembre 1991 (Mont Paní Case (Girona), September 13, 1991)

This is a brief call for information regarding a UFO sighting near Mont Paní, Girona, on September 13, 1991. A luminous circle was observed making a circular movement for over five minutes. The CEI is requesting readers to check newspaper archives for any references to this event and to investigate whether any local events, such as discotheques or special acts, might have used spotlights or lasers that could explain the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination and clarification of UFO cases, particularly the Roswell incident. The editorial stance strongly advocates for transparency and factual reporting, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between genuine mysteries and cases that have been explained or debunked. There is a clear commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of the UFO phenomenon by focusing on unexplained cases and improving investigative methodologies. The CEI's role as a platform for disseminating research, fostering collaboration among investigators, and preserving historical UFO data is also a prominent theme.