Papers d'OVNIS

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue Date: July-August 1995
Publisher: Butlletí del Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris (CEI)

This issue of Papers d'OVNIS, number 19-20, is dedicated to continuing the work of their late colleague and friend, Joan Crexell. The editorial highlights the CEI's efforts to rescue and disseminate important but little-known texts on the UFO phenomenon. It also announces plans for new monographs and a potential monthly publication of Papers d'OVNIS.

Articles and Content

Editorial: Vuelve Papers d'OVNIS

The editorial reflects on the six months since the passing of Joan Crexell. The CEI has decided to continue publishing, honoring Crexell's legacy by releasing two numbers he left behind. The editorial also addresses the challenges faced by the CEI, including pressure from property owners, but reaffirms the organization's commitment to its mission. New members have joined the editorial committee, and plans are in place to increase the publication frequency of Papers d'OVNIS.

La búsqueda vida extraterrestre (The Search for Extraterrestrial Life) by Carl Sagan

This article, the first part of a series, explores the scientific search for life beyond Earth. Sagan discusses the chemical requirements for life as we know it – liquid water and organic molecules – and notes that while no extraterrestrial organisms have been found, the universe appears to be rich in organic chemistry. He highlights the findings of the Galileo spacecraft's observations of Earth, which detected an abundance of oxygen, a chlorophyll-like pigment, methane imbalance, and electromagnetic emissions, all indicative of life. These findings serve as a crucial control experiment for detecting life on other planets.

Casuística: Los aterrizajes nocturnos de Bujaraloz (The Nocturnal Landings of Bujaraloz)

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred on November 2, 1968, near Bujaraloz, Spain. Five young men on military service reported seeing a large, metallic, orange-glowing disc. The incident caused their car radio and watches to stop working, and their headlights to dim. The following day, their car battery was found to be discharged. The case was investigated by the CEI and initially classified as unsolved. The article also briefly touches upon a related case in Tivissa and discusses alternative explanations, such as confusion with the moonrise, though this does not fully account for all the reported phenomena.

Bibliografía: !El Libro; by Pere Redón

This is a review of the book "Expedientes Insólitos" (Unusual Files) by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos. The reviewer praises the book for its comprehensive documentation of UFO cases and its balanced approach, including discussions on the declassification of documents by the Spanish Air Force. The book is recommended for those interested in learning about UFOs from a scientific perspective.

II Encuentro «Colectivo CdU» Santander 29 y 30 de abril 1995

This report covers the second meeting of the 'Colectivo CdU' (Ufology Notebooks Collective). A significant outcome of the meeting was the decision to establish a foundation, 'Fundación Anomalía,' aimed at promoting the rational and scientific analysis of UFO phenomena and their socio-cultural influence. The foundation's primary objective is the preservation of ufological archives. The report also mentions discussions about the magazine's content and future publications.

Los últimos expedientes OVNI desclasificados (The Latest Declassified UFO Files)

This section provides an update on the declassification of military UFO files by the Spanish Air Force. It lists several recently declassified cases, including their dates, locations, and brief conclusions based on private investigations. These include cases from Gallarta (1977), Alcorcón (1978), a flight from Barcelona to Zaragoza (1979), Agoncillo (1978), and the Mediterranean Sea (1979).

Noticias de Prensa (News from the Press)

• This section includes several news clippings:
• An interview with astrophysicist Martin Rees discussing the possibility of other universes.
• A report on the TVE series 'Fuerzas Ocultas' (Hidden Forces), which aims to explore paranormal phenomena from a scientific perspective.
• A report on the detection of microwave signals from Earth by astronomers searching for extraterrestrial signals in space.
• A report on a meteor explosion observed over the Canary Islands.

Fenómenos Celestes en la Cataluña Antigua (Celestial Phenomena in Ancient Catalonia)

This article, a posthumous contribution by Joan Crexell, compiles historical accounts of celestial phenomena observed in Catalonia. It lists numerous sightings, including unusual lights, comets, and atmospheric events, dating from 215 BC to the 18th century. The article notes that these events were often interpreted as omens or divine signs.

Publicaciones del CEI (CEI Publications)

This section lists various publications available from the CEI, including monographs on Spanish UFO waves, celestial phenomena, and analyses of UFO observations, along with their prices in pesetas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and the scientific investigation of these topics. There is a strong emphasis on historical cases, declassified documents, and the work of organizations like the CEI. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded scientific inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The passing of Joan Crexell and the continuation of his work are central to this issue's narrative.