Papers d'Ovnis - 1a epoca - No 21-22

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue: 21-22
Date: September-October 1995
Publisher: Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris (CEI)
Language: Catalan (with Spanish content)

This issue of Papers d'OVNIS, a bulletin from the Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris, focuses on a significant UFO incident that occurred in Bariloche, Argentina, on July 31, 1995. The magazine also delves into broader topics within ufology, including the classification of ufologists, the scientific search for extraterrestrial life, and personal reflections on the UFO phenomenon.

Editorial: Sobre Serpientes de Verano

Pere Redón Trabal's editorial reflects on the phenomenon of 'summer serpents' – sensationalized news stories that used to appear only in summer but now seem to be a year-round occurrence in media. He laments the decline in quality of such stories, citing a recent television documentary about a supposed alien corpse as an example of a sensationalized yet ultimately disappointing 'summer serpent' that turned out to be more of a 'dung worm'. He notes that despite the low quality, promises of more such 'serpents' for the next summer were made.

Casuística: El OVNI de Bariloche

This section provides a detailed account of the UFO sighting over Bariloche, Argentina, on July 31, 1995. At 20:15, a Boeing 727 of Aerolíneas Argentinas, piloted by Commander Jorge Polanco, was on its landing approach when the crew observed a bright light heading towards them. The object stopped about a hundred meters away and then moved parallel to the aircraft. The pilot contacted air traffic control, which confirmed no other aircraft were in the vicinity, except for a Gendarmería plane at a distance. The object then appeared as an elongated form with green lights at the ends and a central orange light. As the plane initiated a second landing attempt, the airport lights went out, and the UFO accompanied the plane's descent. The pilot performed an escape maneuver, ascending to 3,000 meters, while the object remained stationary. Upon the plane's descent, the object disappeared rapidly in the direction of Cerro Otto. The Gendarmería pilot, Rubén Cipazuk, corroborated the sighting, stating that the lights were close to the Aerolíneas Argentinas plane and were mirroring its maneuvers. Commander Polanco described the experience as intense but stated he felt a sense of peace afterward.

A Propósito del OVNI Visto en Bariloche

Roberto E. Banchs offers commentary on the Bariloche sighting, emphasizing the seriousness and professionalism of the pilots involved. He notes that while the pilots and air traffic control confirmed the event, the passengers did not perceive anything unusual beyond the plane's abrupt change in direction. Banchs discusses the potential for misinterpretation of phenomena, cautioning against jumping to conclusions, especially when explanations from scientific experts are available. He cites physicist Horacio Ghielmetti, who suggests that atmospheric conditions and light reflections in Bariloche could create optical illusions. Banchs also touches upon the 'extraterrestrial hypothesis' (HET) and the need to consider alternative explanations.

Roberto E. Banchs: Nota Biográfica

This section provides a brief biography of Roberto E. Banchs, highlighting his long-standing collaboration with CEI since the 1970s. His background includes architecture, psychology, and social psychology, with a focus on the study of UFO phenomena and anomalous aerial phenomena from a biopsychosocial perspective. He has authored several books on the subject.

Pasajeros

This article contrasts the experience of the pilots with that of the passengers on the Aerolíneas Argentinas flight. While the pilots had a clear view of the UFO, the passengers, due to their seating positions and the cabin lighting, did not observe the phenomenon. One passenger, Mariano de Vedia, only noticed the plane's abrupt ascent and change of direction. The article also reiterates the confirmation of the sighting by the Gendarmería pilot.

Otros Testimonios

This section includes additional testimonies related to the Bariloche incident. The airport director, Major Jorge Luis Oviedo, confirmed the sighting and stated that both the Aerolíneas Argentinas pilot and the Gendarmería pilot filed written reports. Local residents also reported seeing bright lights in the sky. The article also details the unexplained power outage that affected the city of Bariloche around the time of the sighting, which was attributed to human error at an electrical substation.

El Apagón

This part elaborates on the power outage, noting that it affected the airport's lighting systems, including runways, terminals, and parking areas. The outage lasted for about an hour, during which the plane circled. The explanation provided by the energy distribution center was a human error at the La Paloma substation. The passengers on the flight witnessed the city go dark, but most did not see the anomalous lights due to their seating and the limited visibility from the windows.

En la Tierra como en el Cielo

This section highlights Commander Jorge Polanco's background, noting his experience not only as a commercial pilot but also as a race car driver. His passion for speed and his quick thinking are mentioned, along with his interest in space and UFOs.

Sobre Tipos de Ufólogos

Jordi Ardanuy presents a classification of ufologists into five categories based on their approach to studying UFO phenomena:

1. Sociologists: Focus on the social and cultural aspects of UFO reports, viewing them as part of urban beliefs.
2. Militant Skeptics: Actively seek rational explanations for UFO sightings, often debunking claims.
3. Troubleshooters: Dedicated to explaining specific cases, often with a scientific approach, aiming for natural or artificial explanations.
4. Critical Believers: Maintain that while rational explanations are important, an extraterrestrial or enigmatic hypothesis cannot be entirely ruled out.
5. Militant Believers: Firmly believe in the reality of UFOs, often attributing them to extraterrestrial craft, phenomena beyond conventional understanding, or paranormal manifestations.

The article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each category and names prominent Spanish ufologists associated with them.

Organismos Oficiales de Estudio OVNI en el Mundo

Joan Plana Crivillén provides a directory of official organizations worldwide that are involved in the collection and investigation of UFO sightings. The list includes government agencies and research bodies from countries such as Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Spain, the United States, France, Italy, Puerto Rico, Russia, Switzerland, and Uruguay. It details their responsible departments and, where available, the period of their activity and the number of cases collected.

La Búsqueda de Vida Extraterrestre (Segunda Parte)

Carl Sagan's article explores the possibility of life beyond Earth. He discusses the early conditions of Earth, suggesting that life may have emerged relatively quickly once the planet became habitable. Sagan considers the potential for life on Mars, given evidence of past water, and speculates on the chemical processes that could lead to life's origin. He examines the presence of organic molecules in meteorites, comets, and interstellar space, suggesting that the building blocks of life are widespread in the universe. The article also touches upon the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life through radio astronomy and the discovery of exoplanets. Sagan concludes that the universe likely harbors many worlds with conditions suitable for life.

La Evolución de Mis Pensamientos en Torno al Fenómeno OVNI

Félix Ares reflects on his evolving perspective on the UFO phenomenon over 25 years. He now views UFOs as a complex phenomenon comprising three main components: an anthropological aspect (urban myth and new religion), a potential for misunderstood physical phenomena, and a less probable extraterrestrial origin. Ares emphasizes that his belief has shifted towards giving more weight to the 'urban myth' aspect, while acknowledging the possibility of physical explanations. He contrasts his current views with his earlier beliefs, which were more focused on the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

'Alienígenas de Roswell' y Documental

This section briefly mentions a forthcoming issue of Papers d'OVNIS that will extensively cover the Roswell incident. It also announces the upcoming release of an 18-minute documentary showing an alleged alien autopsy performed in 1947, which was to be broadcast in Europe, the US, and Japan.

Publicaciones del CEI

This section lists various publications available from the Centre d'Estudis Interplanetaris (CEI), including monographs on specific UFO events and research topics, such as the 'Oleada Española de 1950', 'Fenómenos celestes de los siglos VII al XIX', and 'El fenómeno OVNI. Análisis de treinta años de observación en España'. Prices are listed in Spanish Pesetas (Pts).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed case studies of UFO sightings, particularly the Bariloche incident, analysis of ufological methodologies and classifications, and the scientific exploration of extraterrestrial life. The CEI's stance appears to be one of serious investigation, encouraging critical thinking, and presenting diverse perspectives within the field of ufology, while also acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the potential for misinterpretation. The editorial tone suggests a commitment to providing in-depth information and fostering discussion among enthusiasts and researchers.