Papers d'OVNIS

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue: Nº 33-34
Date: Septiembre-Octubre 1996
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)
Country: Spain

This issue of Papers d'OVNIS, published by the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), focuses on the CEI's new online presence and delves into various UFO-related topics, including the mysterious Chupacabras phenomenon, a mistaken UFO sighting, and scientific investigations into extraterrestrial life.

CEI Goes Online

The lead article announces that the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), a long-standing organization dedicated to the study of anomalous aerial phenomena, has launched its own website. Developed by Josep Maria Orta, the website provides access to the CEI's information, including summaries and covers of 'Papers d'OVNIS', details on their monographs, and contact information. The article highlights the accessibility of this information via the Internet, allowing global access to the CEI's resources.

The Chupacabras: An Alien?

This extensive section investigates the phenomenon of the 'Chupacabras', a creature blamed for the mysterious mutilation of animals, particularly in Puerto Rico starting in March 1995. The article details how animals like rabbits, chickens, and goats were found drained of blood, often with a single, precise puncture wound. Initial descriptions of the creature varied, leading to its popularization as 'El canguro' and 'El conejo', with artistic renditions circulating widely. The phenomenon spread across the island, causing significant fear. The article notes that authorities organized search parties, and political sectors called for official investigations. Scientific explanations initially pointed to wild animals like monkeys or dogs, but witnesses insisted on a more sinister origin. The phenomenon also extended to Mexico, with similar reports of animal mutilations in regions like Jalisco, Sinaloa, and Veracruz. The article explores various theories, including exotic animals, genetic experiments, and extraterrestrial origins, and discusses the media's role in amplifying the legend. It also touches upon similar historical accounts of animal mutilations in the United States and folklore surrounding creatures like the 'Jersey Devil'. The section concludes by noting the widespread speculation and the lack of definitive answers, leaving open the possibility of an extraterrestrial explanation.

False Sighting in Asturias

This article by Carlos León Martínez debunks a reported UFO sighting in Asturias, Spain, which turned out to be the planet Venus. The author recounts how he and his collaborators were alerted by a neighbor observing a bright object in the sky. Upon investigation, they found that the 'object' was indeed Venus, its apparent movement and color distortions being due to atmospheric conditions, the observer's own pulse, and the limitations of binoculars. The article serves as a cautionary tale about the unreliability of eyewitness testimony and the importance of objective analysis in UFO investigations.

Martian Fossils and Jovian Ecosystems

This section discusses recent findings related to the possibility of life on Mars and Jupiter's moon Europa. It references the 20th anniversary of the Viking mission and new discoveries suggesting past Martian life, particularly from the analysis of Martian meteorites like ALH84001. These meteorites have yielded evidence of microscopic structures and organic compounds that could indicate primitive life billions of years ago. The article also touches upon the potential for life on Europa, Jupiter's moon, which is believed to have a vast subsurface ocean with conditions that could support life, possibly in the form of bacteria feeding on internal heat and chemicals.

UFOs: Photographic Encounters in Arles

This article by Mª Luisa Romero reviews an exhibition of UFO photographs held in Arles, France. The author discusses the challenges of interpreting photographic evidence of UFOs, noting that while some images are compelling, many are fakes or misidentifications. The article traces the history of UFO photography from the early 'flying saucer' sightings to more recent phenomena like alien abductions and encounters. It highlights how media sensationalism and the desire for concrete proof have shaped public perception of UFOs. The author also touches upon the role of photography as a means of knowledge and how the advent of computer technology is now being used to analyze and potentially authenticate UFO images.

Other Countries, Other Bulletins

This section provides a roundup of recent UFO publications and news from various countries. It mentions articles from 'Papers d'OVNIS' itself, 'International UFO Reporter', 'Perspectivas Ufológicas', and European publications like 'Inforespace' from Belgium and 'Phenomena' from France. The roundup covers topics such as alleged alien autopsies, animal mutilations, and photographic evidence of UFOs. It also includes news about the 'Chupacabras' spreading via the internet and a report on a UFO sighting in Pretoria, South Africa.

News Briefs

This section contains several short news items:

• Extraterrestrials in Brazil: Reports on the alleged capture of an extraterrestrial in Varginha, Brazil, including details of its appearance and the subsequent investigation.
• Listening to the Stars: An announcement about the SETI@home project, which enlists volunteers to use their home computers to search for extraterrestrial intelligence.
• UFO Pursued in Pretoria: A report of a UFO being pursued by a helicopter and police vehicles in Pretoria, South Africa.
• Two References to Articles: Mentions articles in 'Fortean Times' and 'Skeptical Inquirer' discussing UFOs in rock music and John Mack's abduction research, respectively.
• More Planets Outside the Solar System: Updates on the discovery of exoplanets.
• Almost Half of Americans Believe in UFOs: Cites a Newsweek poll indicating significant public belief in UFOs and government cover-ups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific inquiry, media influence, and public perception. There is a clear effort to present both skeptical analyses and reports of unexplained events. The CEI, as the publisher, appears to maintain an open but critical stance, encouraging scientific study while acknowledging the persistent mysteries surrounding UFOs and related phenomena. The magazine also emphasizes the growing role of the internet in disseminating information and fostering discussion within the ufological community.

This issue of "Noticias" (Issue 276, Volume 12, dated 1996) is primarily in Spanish and focuses on ufology, extraterrestrial life, and related conspiracy theories, with a cover headline referencing H.G. Wells, Toxoplasma Gondii, and weapons against aliens.

Wells, Toxoplasma Gondii, and Weapons Against Aliens

This section commemorates the 50th anniversary of H.G. Wells' death by recalling his novel "The War of the Worlds." It highlights a theory proposed by Roy D. Meléndez of the Universidad Centrocidental «Lisandro Alvarado» in Venezuela. Meléndez suggests that Toxoplasma Gondii, a parasite, could serve as an effective biological weapon against extraterrestrial invaders. This would only be effective if the aliens' immune systems were similar to those of terrestrial animals, as they would not have prior exposure to the parasite. The source cited for this claim is "Parasitology Today, vol. 12, nº 4, 1996."

TWA, Flight 800: Collision with a UFO?

This article delves into the crash of TWA Flight 800 on July 17th, where all passengers and crew perished. It reports numerous eyewitness accounts, including that of a pilot from the New York Air National Guard, describing a bright object approaching the aircraft moments before the explosion. Witnesses described it as a "burst of stars" entering the atmosphere, or "rays of light" striking the plane. One witness, Paul Angelides, described a red meteor with a smoke trail. Some residents speculated it was a missile. The FBI reportedly searched for witnesses of the explosion in Smith Point Park.

Air traffic controllers detected a circular radar signature near Flight 800, which was identified as the TWA plane. For six minutes, another signal, not belonging to any known aircraft, was observed approaching the TWA flight. However, the Pentagon, via CBS News, stated that this radar irregularity was unrelated to the accident, despite some media interpreting it as a surface-to-air missile.

The article also notes that in the days preceding the crash, there were numerous UFO sightings reported on Long Island. Specifically, three women in New Jersey observed a stationary object in the sky for 15 minutes on July 13th.

Internet forums, both ufology-focused and general aviation-related, discussed the incident extensively. An unusual rational post from the forum alt.conspirancy.area51 is quoted: "What are you idiots? Put your feet on the ground and you'll reach the conclusion yourselves. It was a bomb!"

The Dangers of Divulging Ufological Secrets

This section discusses the repercussions faced by German filmmaker Roland Emmerich and producer Dean Devlin due to their inclusion of UFO-related elements in their blockbuster "Independence Day." According to a report from Mexico by Hugo Lazcano, the US Army had initially collaborated with the film's production, assisting with locations, organization, and aerial battle scenes. However, upon learning that the script included details about the Roswell incident and the secret Area 51 base, the military rescinded their cooperation and support.

The production company, 20th Century Fox, was forced to use computer graphics to simulate the remaining scenes. Emmerich and Devlin stated they had no direct knowledge of UFO phenomena and based their script on publicly available articles and commercial videos.

The article also touches upon the "chupacabras" phenomenon. When questioned about it, Emmerich humorously responded that cow mutilations have always occurred globally and that he doesn't believe a superior intelligence would engage in draining animals, suggesting it might be a new culinary practice.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt a stance of exploring and reporting on UFO phenomena, alleged alien encounters, and government secrecy surrounding these topics. It presents witness testimonies and speculative theories alongside official denials or explanations, encouraging readers to consider various possibilities. The editorial tone seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging skepticism and the potential for misinterpretation or hoaxes, as seen in the quote about the TWA Flight 800 incident.