Papers d'Ovnis - 1a epoca - No 35-36

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue: N° 35-36
Date: November-December 1996
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of 'Papers d'OVNIS' delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, with a prominent cover question about water on the Moon. The magazine features a comprehensive list of alleged UFO crash incidents, a detailed catalog of sightings in Catalonia, and reviews related to UFOs in popular culture.

Key Articles and Features

¿HAY AGUA EN LA LUNA?

The cover story poses the question about the presence of water on the Moon, a topic of significant interest. The image on the cover features three men, with a circular depiction that could represent a celestial body or a UFO.

LA NAVE PORTADORA DE 1953

This section likely details a specific alleged UFO incident from 1953, possibly related to a 'carrier ship'.

Supuestos Ufo-Crash

This extensive section, compiled by Todd Bigs for the Phoenix Foundation, presents a chronological list of alleged UFO crash incidents from 1897 to 1953. It includes details such as dates, locations, descriptions of the objects and occupants, and sometimes mentions official investigations or cover-ups. Notable cases include:

• April 17, 1897, Aurora, Texas, USA: A mysterious aircraft crashed, with reports of small, green occupants and peculiar alloy analysis.
• December 22, 1909, Chicago, USA: A large flying craft was reported, with an accident west of the city yielding no wreckage.
• 1933 or 1934, Ubatuba, Brazil: An object reportedly dived and exploded, with humanoids found among the debris.
• May 1947, Spitzbergen, Norway: Reports of excavation of a flying craft and recovery of extraterrestrial bodies.
• July 2, 1947, Roswell, Texas, USA: The infamous Roswell incident, detailing alleged government recovery of a crashed saucer and bodies.
• August 1948, Laredo, Texas, USA: Officers witnessed a crash and body recovery.
• August 19, 1949, Death Valley, California, USA: Explorers reported a 7-meter object crash.
• Before 1950, Mexico: A report of a disk crash near Mexico City.
• April 1950, Argentina: Discovery of a disk and bodies, with a cigar-shaped object observed later.
• 1953, Brady, Montana, USA: A witness reported an oval object and saw men carrying laundry bags with humanoid bodies.

The section also includes notes on the sources and potential explanations or controversies surrounding these cases.

OVNI EN CATALUÑA: 1991-1996

This article provides a preliminary overview of UFO phenomena reported in Catalonia between 1991 and 1996. It lists numerous sightings with dates, locations, brief descriptions, and sources, often including proposed explanations or proposed official responses. The sightings range from lights and spheres to more complex phenomena, with some involving alleged electromagnetic effects or unusual movements. The article acknowledges potential errors and invites collaboration for further documentation.

UNA HISTORIA DE FICCIÓN

Authored by Ricardo Campo, this piece discusses a reported UFO incident in the Canary Islands in April 1991. It describes an alleged military patrol encountering strange beings on a beach after a UFO alert. However, the article concludes that official sources deny the event, suggesting it might be a 'new story of fiction' rather than a documented case.

MISTERIOSA EXPLOSIÓN EN LOS ALPES

This article, written by Jordi Ardanuy, details a mysterious explosion in the French Alps (Annecy and Thones) on November 21st, 1996. It mentions a significant electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that interfered with radar at Nice airport. French Air Force Mirages were scrambled. While one report from ABC suggested a private plane crash, the article contrasts this with information from the Internet (UFOROUNDDUP) and notes discrepancies in witness accounts and official statements, suggesting the possibility of a UFO-related event or a cover-up. It also references similar cases in Spain.

Staff and Editorial Information

The magazine lists its editorial staff, including Director Pere Redón Trabal, and a Editorial Committee comprising Jordi Ardanuy, Vicente J. Ballester, V. Cererols, Martí Flò, Luis R. González, Josep Mª Miquel, Joan Plana, Mª Luisa Romero, and Mercè Soler. Jordi Ardanuy and Martí Flo are credited with composition and layout.

The Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI) is based in Barcelona, Spain, and provides contact information including phone, email, and postal address. A disclaimer states that the CEI does not necessarily share the opinions expressed in the publication. The bulletin is open to contributions from CEI members and interested individuals. The magazine retains its Catalan name in memory of its creator, Joan Crexell i Playà.

Independence Day Review

Authored by V. Cererols, this piece reviews the film 'Independence Day' from a UFO perspective. While acknowledging the film's technical merit and entertainment value, Cererols critiques the extensive marketing campaign that preceded it, suggesting it created an atmosphere of anticipation for a world-changing event. He concludes that the film is ultimately just an adventure movie, a 'war of the galaxies on our own planet,' and sarcastically notes the scene where alien worshippers are eliminated by the invading ship, implying a commentary on blind faith.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical UFO crash cases, contemporary UFO sightings (particularly in Catalonia), and the intersection of UFO phenomena with popular culture and potential government secrecy. The editorial stance, as indicated by the CEI's disclaimer, is to present information and allow readers to draw their own conclusions, while acknowledging that not all published opinions are necessarily endorsed by the organization. The magazine appears to be a platform for documenting and discussing UFO reports, often with a critical eye towards official explanations and potential cover-ups.

This issue of the magazine, with pages numbered 287-296 and dated September 1996, focuses on the declassification of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) cases by the Spanish Air Force between 1992 and 1996. The cover prominently displays the headline "CASUISTICA OVNI DESCLASIFICADA POR EL EJERCITO DEL AIRE 1992-1996" (UFO Casuistry Declassified by the Air Force 1992-1996).

Declassification of UFO Cases by the Spanish Air Force

The declassification process, initiated in 1992 by the Air Operations Command (MOA), had by September 1996 released 63 files comprising 87 cases and a total of 1,496 pages. The article states that over half of the archived files had been processed, with approximately 30 to 40 cases remaining for public disclosure. The list of cases is presented chronologically, detailing the date of the event, the location, and the declassification date. The earliest case listed is from August 6, 1962, and the latest is from April 1993, with some earlier dates mentioned in the context of historical analysis.

Notable Cases and Details

One of the highlighted cases is from August 6, 1962, at the San Javier Air Base in Murcia, Spain. An officer observed a powerful light that exhibited unusual lateral and vertical movements before descending. Similar observations were recorded on August 7 and 26, 1962, in the same location. The declassification dates for these cases are noted as September 1992.

The magazine also includes a table showing the temporal distribution of declassified UFO cases from September-December 1992 through January-February 1996, indicating the number of files, cases, and pages processed in each period.

Historical Analysis and Related Topics

The "Carrier Ship of 1953"

An article by Matías Morey delves into the historical case of a "carrier ship" reportedly sighted in June 1953 from Mallorca and Ibiza. This case, popularized by Antonio Ribera, involved an object described as bright and arrow-shaped, observed at a high altitude. The article discusses its potential connection to other sightings and explores the possibility of it being a weather balloon, while also noting the lack of contemporary press coverage in Ibiza.

Other UFO News and Bulletins

Several sections cover international UFO news and publications:

• International UFO Reporter (CUFOS): Discusses critiques of Carl Sagan's book, research on abduction experiences, and analysis of the Roswell case.
• Forbes Magazine: Features an article on Roswell, New Mexico, highlighting how the UFO phenomenon has become a significant business for the town.
• LDLN (Luz de Luna): Reports on "Project Failles," which explores the link between UFOs and geological faults.
• Phénomèna: Includes a photo of the Chupacabras and discusses the Hessdalen Project.
• Les mystères de l'Est: A new bulletin from CNEGU, focusing on regional humanoid sightings and the connection between science fiction and ufology.
• JAPAN UFO SCIENCE SOCIETY (JUFOSS): Publishes a bulletin denouncing alleged manipulations by a supposed ufologist.
• La Alternativa Racional: Features an article by Javier Esteban on UFO bases.
• Argentina: Dr. Roberto Banchs publishes a bulletin on personal investigations into UFO cases involving occupants.
• BOLETÍN CEPEХ: Reports on a pastor's UFO experiences and the Varginha UFO incident in Brazil.
• MAGONIA: Includes alleged nude photographs and an article on Ancient Astronaut theories.
• Fortean Times: Features articles on UFO cases, the first UFO postmark, and the electromagnetic theory of poltergeists.

Specific Incidents and Investigations

• The Chupacabras: The Skeptical Inquirer published an article by Joe Nickell debunking claims of the Chupacabras, suggesting that the deaths were due to normal circumstances and that the creature was likely just dogs.
• Art Exhibition in New York: An exhibition at the American Primitive Gallery showcases art inspired by extraterrestrial life, featuring works by abductees and artists.
• Flying Saucer Review (Spanish Edition): The launch of the Spanish edition of the long-standing UFO magazine is announced.
• Raëlian Movement: The arrival of the Raëlian movement in Spain is noted, with planned presentations in Barcelona and Madrid.
• "Trolls" or Extraterrestrials: The case of a missing Italian couple in Norway is discussed, with initial theories involving a mythical "Troll" or extraterrestrials, later resolved by the discovery of their bodies in a glacier.
• Selenite Water on the Moon: News about the Clementine probe detecting frozen water in a lunar crater is reported.
• Zaragoza UFO: New data on the Zaragoza UFO sighting from June 28 is provided, suggesting it may have been a flare.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently addresses the declassification of UFO information, historical cases, and international UFO news. There's a recurring theme of skepticism versus belief, with articles often presenting both investigative findings and debunking efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and news from the ufological community worldwide, while also acknowledging the scientific and skeptical viewpoints. The issue highlights the ongoing efforts to understand the UFO phenomenon through official declassification and independent research.