Papers d'Ovnis - 1a epoca - No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue: Number 12
Date: December 1994
Publisher: Butlletí del Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris (CEI)
Language: Catalan (with some Spanish content)

This issue of 'Papers d'OVNIS' delves into the historical context of unidentified aerial phenomena (UFOs), exploring how comets, meteors, and other celestial events were documented and interpreted in past centuries, particularly the 17th and 18th.

Editorial: The Importance of Past UFOs

Joan Crexell's editorial, "La importancia de los OVNIS del pasado" (The Importance of Past UFOs), addresses the skepticism faced by UFO research and argues that examining historical accounts of UFOs from before the modern era (pre-1947) reaffirms their reality. While acknowledging that some historical reports can be explained as natural phenomena like meteors or ball lightning, Crexell highlights a significant percentage that describe objects moved by an intelligence, especially given the absence of aircraft and satellites in earlier times. He posits that the sporadic sightings of the past might have been a precursor to the massive and continuous presence observed since 1947, suggesting a long-term, intelligent program behind the phenomenon. The editorial contrasts the past's interpretation of such events as 'prodigies' or 'signs from heaven' with the modern explanation of extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Cover Feature: Comets, Meteors... and UFOs in the Past

The cover prominently features the headline "Cometas, meteoros... y OVNIS en el pasado" (Comets, meteors... and UFOs in the past). It showcases a reproduction of a 1618 publication titled "DISCVRSO Y POEMA ASTRONOMICO DEL FENOMENO y Cometa que aparecieron en el mes de Noviembre del año 1618" by Rafel Homeron, an Astrologer Poet from Catalonia. The illustration depicts a 'Phenomenon' with feathery wings and a comet. The text accompanying the illustration describes the phenomenon as a bright object with starry wings flying towards the east, inspiring admiration and detailed observation.

Historical Documents: Papers on Meteors, Comets... from the 17th and 18th Centuries

This extensive section, compiled by Joan Crexell, lists numerous historical documents from the 17th and 18th centuries that describe celestial events. The compiler notes that while most are likely natural phenomena, some might represent early UFO sightings. The list includes titles such as:

• 1605: "Pronosticación. De las grandes señales que parecieron en el Cielo..." by Reyes de Castro.
• 1611: "Relación verdadera y digna de ser sabida de todos, de unos espantosos, y maravillosos señales de fuego, y truenos..." describing phenomena on Mount Etna.
• 1618: Rafel Homeron's "Discurso y poema astronómico del fenómeno y Cometa..."
• 1622: Antonio Luciano de Valencia's "Verdadera Estampa de los tres soles que se vieron en la Ciudad de Roma..."
• 1639: "Relación certíssima de las prodigiosas visiones de exércitos de hombres..." seen near Santiago de Compostela.
• 1642: Descriptions of "maravillosos, y horrendos prodigis" over the city of San Giorgio.
• 1680: De Garitier's "Discurso astrológico sobre el Cometa que se manifiesta en nuestro orizonte este año de 1681."
• 1730: Diego de Torres y Villarroel's "Juicio, y prognóstico del Globo, y tres columnas de fuego que se dexaron ver en nuestro orizonte español el día 2 de Noviembre de este año de 1730..."
• 1733: Ignacio de Aguirre Agustín's "Carta philosófica sobre un fenómeno de los más peregrinos de estos tiempos..."
• 1734: Gerónimo Agustí's "El maravilloso fenómeno de los tres soles que se han visto en Italia..."
• 1737: Mariano Hayen Torrero's "Dissertación metheorológica, sobre el fenómeno o aurora septentrional que se descubrió en el orizonte de Madrid el día 16 de Diciembre de este año de 1737."
• 1744: Various works by Diego de Torres y Villarroel, Francisco de Horta y Aguilera, and Sebastián Miguel Guerrero Herrero y Reina discussing comets and phenomena observed in January 1744.
• 1750: Gómez Arias' "Descripción astronómica y Juicio astrológico del promontorio de fuego..."
• 1760: José Joaquín Benegasi y Luján's "Papel nuevo, Benegasi contra Benegasi..."
• 1787: Fr Bruno de Zaragoza's "Descripción del fenómeno de los tres soles que aparecieron en el hemisferio oriental de la Villa de Caspe..."

The list includes publication details, locations, and library references where available. The section concludes by noting that out of 33 documents, only a few appear to be potential UFO cases.

Retrospective Vision of UFO Declassification

Joan Plana Crivillén's article, "Visión retrospectiva de la desclasificación OVNI" (Retrospective Vision of UFO Declassification), discusses the declassification of UFO files by the Spanish Air Force. Plana recounts the announcement made in 1991 about the impending declassification and the subsequent criticisms and skepticism from some ufologists and journalists. He defends the integrity of the declassification process, which began in October 1992 and has since released over 40 files comprising more than 800 pages. Plana criticizes those who label the declassification as a 'montage' or an attempt to hide information, suggesting their motives are rooted in misinformation or a desire to maintain controversy. He emphasizes that the declassification has benefited ufology as a whole and calls for a more serious and informed approach to the subject.

CEI General Assembly 1995

An announcement for the General Assembly of the CEI (Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris) to be held on January 23, 1995, is included. The agenda covers financial reports, the CEI bulletin 'Papers d'OVNIS', the organization's activities, the election of a new board, and a reception.

Humor about UFOs

A humorous cartoon by 'Nitka' is presented on page 104, depicting various figures interacting with UFOs and aliens in a lighthearted manner.

CEI Permanencies

A notice informs readers that the CEI local is open every Monday from 4 PM to 8 PM, inviting members and friends to discuss UFO-related topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical investigation of UFO phenomena, the interpretation of past celestial events as potential early sightings, and the ongoing process of official UFO file declassification. The editorial stance, as expressed by Joan Crexell and Joan Plana Crivillén, is one of advocating for the reality of UFOs, supporting the declassification efforts, and criticizing those who sow doubt or misinformation within the ufological community. There is a strong emphasis on using historical evidence to bolster the case for extraterrestrial visitation and on maintaining a serious and informed approach to the study of the phenomenon.