Papers d'OVNIS

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue: Number 13
Date: January 1995
Publisher: Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris (CEI)
Language: Catalan

This issue of Papers d'OVNIS, the bulletin of the Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris, leads with the obituary of Joan Crexell, a Catalan historian and journalist. The magazine also delves into the question of humanity's readiness for extraterrestrial contact, reviews historical UFO cases, and discusses the CEI's origins and activities.

Joan Crexell: An Obituary

The cover story announces the death of Joan Crexell, a historian and journalist, at the age of 48 due to a heart attack in Barcelona. Crexell was noted for his extensive work on clandestinity and his passion for Catalan history and independence. He authored around twenty books, including works on the history of Catalonia and its independence movements. He was also involved in journalism, contributing to publications like El País and collaborating on historical investigations.

The issue includes tributes to Crexell, highlighting his meticulous research, his instinct for uncovering hidden truths, and his dedication to understanding the past. His work is described as fundamental for understanding recent Catalan history. The article also mentions his involvement in the reorganization of the CEI and the creation of STENDEK, and more recently, PAPERS D'OVNIS.

Are We Prepared for Contact?

This section explores the public's reaction to potential extraterrestrial contact. It recounts several historical incidents where mass panic and confusion ensued due to misidentified phenomena, such as Orson Welles' radio broadcast of 'The War of the Worlds,' meteor showers, satellite re-entries, and even balloons mistaken for UFOs. The article suggests that the public, globally, is not prepared to accept such events without trauma, attributing this to factors like population instability, lack of critical thinking, and a deep-seated fear of the unknown, amplified by the pervasive myth of extraterrestrials.

Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

The magazine discusses the SETI project, initiated by NASA in 1992 to detect intelligent extraterrestrial signals using radio telescopes. Despite budget cuts leading to its cancellation in 1993, the project was revived in 1994 as 'Phoenix' through private funding. During its operation, SETI/HRMS detected numerous anomalous radio signals, some of which were initially considered potentially extraterrestrial but later dismissed as terrestrial interference or uncatalogued signals. The article mentions the 'Wow! signal' detected in 1977 as a notable anomaly.

Scientific Opinion on Extraterrestrial Discovery

The issue presents conflicting views from scientific and governmental bodies regarding the implications of discovering extraterrestrial intelligence. An early Brookings Institution report from 1960 suggested keeping such a discovery secret to avoid destabilizing society, religions, and governments. Conversely, a secret NASA document from 1988, 'SETI Post Detection Protocol,' outlined a policy of official public disclosure, and a 1990 declaration by the International Astronomical Union supported similar transparency.

Historical Context: CEI and 'La Vanguardia'

This section revisits the founding of the CEI in October 1958, as reported by the Spanish newspaper 'La Vanguardia.' The article highlights the newspaper's contemporary report, which noted the CEI's connection with similar international societies and its mission to investigate UFOs and prepare for contact. The report's tone is described as cosmopolitan, contrasting with the general isolationist atmosphere of Franco's Spain at the time. The article also reflects on the early optimism of the CEI regarding imminent contact, noting that despite advancements like moon landings, open contact has not yet materialized.

'Paraciencia' Magazine and OVNI Section

The magazine reviews the December 1994-January 1995 issue of 'Paraciencia,' a publication from Valencia, which features a new OVNI section coordinated by Jaime Servera. 'Papers d'OVNIS' commends 'Paraciencia' for its serious and objective approach to UFO topics, suggesting it could become a leading OVNI platform in a commercial magazine. The review also notes 'Paraciencia's' coverage of a 'Papers d'OVNIS' article debunking the UMMO case, attributing it to José Luis Jordán Peña.

Other Articles and Features

Further content includes an article on Portuguese UFO photographs from 1990, which appear to be genuine, and a discussion on declassified Spanish military reports concerning UFO incidents. The CEI also announces the availability of duplicate books from its library for acquisition or exchange.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Papers d'OVNIS maintains a focus on UFO phenomena, historical investigations, and the potential implications of extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, aiming to inform readers about UFO research, historical events, and the activities of organizations like the CEI. There is a clear emphasis on objective reporting and analysis, as seen in the review of 'Paraciencia' and the discussion of declassified documents. The magazine also highlights the importance of historical context, both in terms of UFO research and Catalan history, as exemplified by the tribute to Joan Crexell and the retrospective on the CEI's founding.