Vimana - 1a epoca - No 3 - 1976-77

Magazine Overview

Title: VIMANA
Issue: 1976-77
Publisher: CENTRO INVESTIGADOR DE OBJETOS VOLANTES EXTRATERRESTRES (C.I.O.V.E.)
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of VIMANA, dated 1976-77, is a publication from the Spanish organization C.I.O.V.E. (Centro Investigador de Objetos Volantes Extraterrestres), dedicated to the study and dissemination of UFO phenomena. The cover features a stylized illustration of a spacecraft or space station, hinting at the extraterrestrial themes within. The magazine includes a table of contents listing various articles, an editorial, and a section on bibliography.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "EDITORIAL," discusses the initial goals of C.I.O.V.E. upon its formation, which were to study and publicize the UFO phenomenon, a topic seemingly lacking public interest. However, over the years, the organization found that public information was scarce, often replaced by biased news aimed at discrediting the phenomenon, especially by official media. C.I.O.V.E., along with other similar centers, has been organizing conferences and public meetings to present objective research on the subject. The editorial highlights the importance of informing the public, who have historically been sarcastic or even contrary to the existence of these phenomena. The organization has held two symposia, which revealed the public's limited knowledge on the subject. The results of a sociological survey conducted during the "II Simposio sobre el Fenomeno OVNI" will be published in the next issue. The editorial notes a shift from open opposition to curiosity, but warns that critical thinking has not kept pace, with a dangerous attraction towards the fantastic and supernatural aspects of the topic. It advocates for objectivity, imagination, and collaboration with official scientific bodies, suggesting a national congress in 1977 to unite UFO researchers and enthusiasts in Spain, marking the 30th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting.

Interview: "YO NO CREO EN LOS PLATILLOS VOLANTES" (I Don't Believe in Flying Saucers)

This section features an interview conducted by Professor Manuel Pedrajo with Professor Ruppert Winchester, identified as the Director of the Real Observatory of Golden Hills. The interview begins with Professor Pedrajo asking about the understanding of human origins and its relation to the cosmos. Professor Winchester responds by discussing the early universe, the formation of matter, and the vastness of space, suggesting that while humans may be the "king of Creation" on Earth, interstellar travel to other realms is impossible, even at the speed of light.

Professor Pedrajo then steers the conversation towards UFOs. Professor Winchester expresses surprise and dismisses the topic as a humorous one, stating that it doesn't interest him. When pressed for his opinion, Winchester, emphasizing his credentials (over 14 academic titles and work with a million-power telescope), firmly states that in all his observations, he has never seen a flying saucer. He attributes the lack of scientific interest in UFOs to science's focus on phenomena that can be studied under a microscope, implying that UFOs do not fit this criterion.

Pedrajo attempts to draw parallels, asking if an elephant could be studied if it couldn't fit under a microscope, to which Winchester humorously replies that fragments of an elephant could. He then asks about materials found from alleged UFO crashes, listing iron, aluminum, magnesium, tin, and unknown plastics. Winchester claims complete ignorance of such findings.

Pedrajo then shifts to human relations and societal beliefs, asking if Winchester credits the opinions of others. Winchester states he does so only if they come from respectable and competent individuals. He poses a hypothetical scenario about observing an "arc iris" (rainbow) to illustrate the difference between an outdoor observer and someone in a car, implying the former would have a better view. He then asks if Winchester believes in the integrity and veracity of ordinary people, or if he thinks the world is 99% paranoid and crazy. Winchester avoids a direct answer, stating he believes what he sees, and often not even that.

Pedrajo asks about the possibility of a father reporting a UFO sighting and if Winchester would consider his father a liar. Winchester, offended, defends his father's integrity and states that he would never lie. He then expresses frustration with Pedrajo's persistent questioning about UFOs, calling them "strange questions" and comparing it to a child's game. He asserts that in England, lying is not common, and that national pride is based on detesting falsehoods, referencing the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" (Shame on him who thinks evil of it).

When Pedrajo asks if lying is uncommon in England, Winchester agrees, except for specific, concrete reasons. He then states that he has read numerous reports about UFO landings and encounters with occupants but dismisses them as "gibberish" and an attempt to "pull his leg." He suggests that Pedrajo's interview should have focused on his astronomical knowledge, as he shows "certain ignorance" on the UFO topic.

Winchester emphatically declares, "¡Los platillos volantes no existen!" (Flying saucers do not exist!), citing his reading of Jung and Dr. Condon (though admitting he only read the first twenty pages of Condon's work, finding it indigestible). He concedes that some luminous points have been observed in the sky but attributes them to natural phenomena like ball lightning, ionization layers, mirages, migrating birds, insect swarms, and large condors.

Professor Pedrajo thanks Professor Winchester for the interview.

ESTUDIO DE 333 OBSERVACIONES DE HUMANOIDES (3ª parte) (Study of 333 Observations of Humanoids - Part 3)

This article, authored by Jader U. Pereira, continues an investigation into UFOs, specifically focusing on humanoid encounters. The author posits that the UFOs discussed are likely spacecraft of unknown, possibly extraterrestrial, origin. The article explains that the observed maneuvers of these craft—sudden stops, sharp turns, and instantaneous acceleration—can only be explained if they control their mass and inertia, which is directly linked to gravity and the surrounding environment.

The author proposes that radioelectricity is the fundamental phenomenon underlying gravity and the attraction between matter. He suggests that a radio wave is essentially a gravitational field, and that a radio transmitter can attract a receiver tuned to it, although this attraction is practically undetectable due to the low energy involved.

The article explains that a radio wave consists of perpendicular electric and magnetic fields. When these fields are close, they tend to mix. Using the example of hydrogen atoms, the author illustrates that the electrostatic forces (electron-proton attraction vs. proton-proton and electron-electron repulsion) result in a net attractive force. Electrons in motion create a magnetic field, causing atoms to behave like small magnets. When two magnets are brought close, they orient themselves and attract each other.

Extending this concept, the author argues that if both electrical and magnetic forces favor attraction, then matter attracts matter. He proposes that gravity is essentially a radioelectric emission. The article suggests that gravity could be channeled, directed, and controlled, similar to light, by creating a mirror capable of reflecting all types of radioelectric emissions. A concave mirror, like the one depicted in Figure II, could focus this gravitational energy to a point, potentially serving as a propulsion mechanism.

The article then discusses the heating of a black sphere when exposed to light (Figure III), explaining that absorbed energy is converted into heat. If the sphere were silvered, it would act as a mirror and reflect most of the light, thus not heating up significantly. This illustrates the concept of communication and energy exchange between an object and radiation. The author then applies this to a sphere that reflects not just luminous spectrum emissions but all radioelectric emissions. Such a sphere, he suggests, would become weightless within a gravitational field, its mass and inertia becoming null relative to that field. This, he concludes, would make the fantastic maneuvers observed in UFOs possible.

The problem, therefore, is reduced to creating mirrors capable of reflecting all radioelectric emissions. The author mentions that he has conceived of a system, though he admits it may not be viable, which he presents as a hypothesis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of VIMANA are UFOs, extraterrestrial phenomena, humanoid encounters, and the scientific investigation of these subjects. The editorial stance, as expressed in the editorial and implied by the content, is one of promoting objective research, public education, and a critical yet open-minded approach to the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientific inquiry and sensationalism or unfounded speculation. The interview with Dr. Winchester, despite his skepticism, serves to highlight the contrast between established scientific views and the burgeoning field of ufology, while also underscoring the need for rigorous evidence and methodology in scientific pursuits.

This issue of "Fenómenos Aéreos" (Aerial Phenomena) delves into theoretical aspects of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and presents a detailed case study. The primary focus is on the hypothetical propulsion systems of these craft and the physical characteristics and behaviors of their occupants, based on witness accounts and statistical analysis.

Hypotheses on UFO Propulsion

The article "HIPÓTESIS SOBRE LA PROPULSIÓN DE LOS O.V.N.I.S" (Hypothesis on the Propulsion of UFOs) by M. Alcover Iglesias explores the idea that UFOs might utilize gravity control for propulsion. The author suggests that by manipulating the communication between atoms within a structure, such as a spacecraft's fuselage, it could create a gravitational field that isolates it from external gravitational forces. This would effectively make the craft behave like a gravitational mirror, unable to absorb external energy and thus achieving a state of 'gravitational superconductivity'.

One proposed mechanism involves creating a toroidal structure filled with positively ionized gas, such as mercury, which could be accelerated by external electric fields. This 'anti-atom' structure would generate a gravitational field that could be manipulated for propulsion and maneuverability. The concept of a 'protomagnetic' field, distinct from electromagnetic fields generated by moving electrons, is introduced as a means to facilitate this atomic communication and prevent energy dispersion.

Further concepts include the use of a concave mirror to concentrate gravitational forces, creating a powerful attraction that could propel the craft. The author also touches upon the possibility of conventional rocket engines being used in conjunction with these advanced systems, especially given that a desgravitated (gravity-reduced) craft would have significantly less mass, making any thrust more effective.

The article discusses how a UFO might achieve propulsion without relying on atmospheric or water resistance, unlike conventional vehicles. It proposes a gyroscopic system as a potential solution, where a rapidly spinning mass resists changes to its axis of rotation, providing a point of support for maneuvers. The diagrams illustrate these concepts, showing a closed nave, a nave with an opening for gravitational communication, and a concave mirror system.

For energy, a small nuclear reactor is suggested as the most suitable power source for these advanced systems.

Physical Characteristics of Occupants

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a statistical analysis of the physical characteristics of UFO occupants, based on 197 reported cases concerning stature and 77 cases concerning skin color. The data is presented in tables and detailed descriptions:

Stature

• Microscopic (approx. 15 cm): 1 case (0.5%)
• Small stature (70 cm to 1.60 m): 123 cases (62%)
• 70 cm to 1.20 m: 59 cases (30%)
• 1.25 m to 1.60 m: 18 cases (9%)
• Described as 'small': 46 cases (22%)
• Normal stature (1.65 m to 1.85 m): 43 cases (22%)
• Tall stature (2 m to 3 m): 27 cases (14%)
• 'Giant' stature (4 m to 5 m): 3 cases (1.5%)

The analysis notes that minor stature differences (up to 5 cm) can pose classification problems but are not decisive when other criteria are considered.

Skin Color

• White or pale: 20 cases
• Normal (white/pale): 8 cases (Total white/pale: 28 cases)
• Dark: 7 cases
• Black: 4 cases
• Gray: 2 cases (Total dark/black/gray: 13 cases)
• Brown/dark-skinned: 8 cases
• Yellow: 7 cases
• Red: 4 cases
• Purple: 1 case
• Bluish: 1 case
• Green: 7 cases
• Hairy: 7 cases
• Resembling metallic hair: 1 case

The report emphasizes that descriptions like 'white' or 'white as cloth' were classified as white, even if observed in Europe. 'Normal' skin color was interpreted relative to local norms, with darker skin tones noted as specific in certain regions.

Body Type

• Normal: 18 cases
• Robust and muscular: 20 cases (with some noted for broad shoulders or large chests)
• Slender and elongated: 8 cases

Other physical variations included lack of neck, swollen abdomen, and in one case, a female occupant with perceptible breasts. Anomalies were rare, such as a thorax wider on the right, transparent legs, or wing-like appendages. Some beings were described as 'robots'.

Limbs

• Arms: Normal (16 cases), 'Delgados' (slender, 3 cases), 'Gruesos' (thick, 1 case). Elongated arms were noted in 5 cases, with short legs in 3 of those. Short arms were also reported in 3 cases, sometimes appearing as segments or like 'wings'.
• Legs: Normal (16 cases). Short legs were noted in conjunction with short arms in one case. Elongated legs were reported in 2 cases. Some occupants had slender and short legs, with one instance of legs so slender that knees were not visible. Feet were described as booted (14 cases), with short boots (4 cases), or shod (5 cases). Some had sandals (2 cases). Tall occupants were noted to have bare feet. Webbed feet were reported in 2 cases. Some occupants' 'legs' lacked heels, while others had 'inflated' heels. Some wore boots without heels or 'luminescent' boots without heels. Footprints were reported in 10 cases, described as 'child-like', 'elephantine' (30 cm wide), or with three toes.

Head

• Normal head (without helmet): 25 cases.
• Disproportionate head size: 16 cases, with heads described as 'large' (12 cases), three times normal size ('pumpkin-like'), round and 'pointed', elongated forehead, or flat. One case reported a small head relative to the body, and one instance of a being without a head.
• Headwear: Many occupants wore something on their heads (30 cases), including helmets or masks (14 cases), closed hoods (7 cases), military-style kepis (6 cases), or a 'gray hat' (2 cases). One case mentioned a Scottish bonnet.
• Helmets varied: normal proportion (18 cases), large (3 cases), transparent (9 cases), or luminous (8 cases). Some heads were covered by fabric similar to their clothing.

Hair

• Light-colored hair (blond or white): 24 cases.
• Dark-colored hair: 7 cases.
• Long hair: 15 cases (8 blond, 3 white, 4 dark). Some had curly hair.
• Bald: 10 cases.

Face

• Normal face: 22 cases.
• Chin: Pointed (7 cases), with beards, sideburns, or receding chin. Some had sideburns or facial hair.
• Face shape: Carnal (2 cases), oval (2 cases), round (1 case), wide (1 case), elongated (2 cases), high forehead. Prominent cheekbones were noted in 2 cases.
• Facial expressions: Described as having 'beautiful features' (5 cases), 'inexpressive' (2 cases). Other descriptions included 'young features', 'Caucasian features', 'elephant face', 'frog face', and 'cat face'.

Eyes

• Normal eyes: 12 cases.
• Large and round: 20 cases.
• Large, bright red: 3 cases.
• Very large: 6 cases.
• Prominent protuberances: 5 cases.
• Luminous or phosphorescent: 5 cases.
• Large and oblique (Japanese-like): 6 cases.
• Cat-like: 1 case.
• Hollowed sockets: 1 case.
• Small and round: Other cases.
• Gaze: Described as 'flaming' (5 cases) or 'fixed' (4 cases).
• Anomalies: 8 cases, including a single eye on the forehead or one eye higher than the other.

Eyebrows

• Observed as 'white' or 'bushy and triangular' in one instance. Some occupants had no eyebrows.

Nose

• Normal: 10 cases.
• Pointed: 7 cases.
• Long and straight: 3 cases.
• Thin and straight: 1 case.
• Almost flat: 3 cases.
• No perceptible nose: 2 cases.

Mouth

• Normal: 8 cases.
• Appeared as a slit without lips: 7 cases.
• Thin lips and perfect teeth: 1 case.
• Inverted V-shape: 2 cases.
• Large and red: 1 case.
• Hole-like without lips: 1 case.
• Small teeth: 1 case.
• White teeth with long canines: 1 case.
• Normal mouth with thin lips and black teeth: 1 case.

Ears

• Normal: 7 cases.
• Large: 2 cases.
• Bat-like: 1 case.
• Dog-like: 1 case.
• Pointed: 1 case.
• Appeared to have no ears: 2 cases.

Behavior of Occupants

The article categorizes occupant behavior based on witness observations:

Observed Attitudes

• Approaching: 24 cases
• Fleeing: 27 cases
• Hostile or counter-attacking: 27 cases

These behaviors are further broken down into specific scenarios, including attacks by occupants on humans, attacks by humans on occupants, combats, accidental violence, attempted abductions, and physical examinations of witnesses.

• Friendly: 36 cases, including smiling occupants, occupants placing a hand on a witness's shoulder, and occupants gesturing or waving.

Interactions with the Environment

• Sample collection: 26 cases involving water (22 cases, with 6 collecting water), plants (12 cases, with 6 collecting samples), and soil (16 cases, with 9 collecting soil or stones).
• Animals: Attempts to take animals aboard (4 cases), with success in taking a bull and rabbits.
• Miscellaneous: Taking a witness's paintbrush after paralyzing them.

Paranormal Actions

• Telepathy or similar phenomena: 11 cases.
• Mental manipulation or influence: 11 cases, where witnesses were 'tele-directed' or experienced altered perception.
• 'Threatening' or 'fascinating' gaze: Considered a form of mental power, reported in 5 cases.

Case Study: Unidentified Object on the Gerena-Olivares Road

This section details a specific sighting that occurred on February 15, 1976, at approximately 8:10 PM, near kilometer 7 of the road between Olivares and Gerena, Seville, Spain. Two witnesses, Francisco Calero Gelo (27, construction worker) and Ignacio Pérez Carmona (26, farmer), were traveling on a motorcycle when they noticed something unusual to their right.

As they approached "La Torre Mocha," their motorcycle stopped about 100 meters from the phenomenon. They observed an object shaped like a cigar, approximately 30 meters long, hovering one meter above the ground and about 5 meters from the road, and 20 meters from the old tower. The object had about 20 windows emitting an intense red light, making it impossible to discern their shape.

Alarmed, the witnesses turned back. About a kilometer later, Ignacio, who was driving, noticed something following them in the rearview mirror. Francisco, the passenger, looked back and saw a bright white light directly above their heads. This pursuit continued for 4 to 5 kilometers until they were a couple of kilometers from Olivares.

Upon entering Olivares, the witnesses stopped at a gas station, in a state of panic. They explained that they nearly had an accident due to excessive speed caused by their fear of the pursuing object. The investigation indicated that both witnesses are serious and solvent individuals, not prone to exaggeration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the more speculative and theoretical aspects of UFO phenomena, focusing on potential technological explanations for propulsion and detailed, often statistical, analyses of occupant characteristics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting hypotheses and witness accounts as data for further consideration, rather than definitive proof. The inclusion of detailed physical descriptions and behavioral patterns suggests an attempt to categorize and understand these phenomena through empirical observation, even when dealing with highly unusual claims.

This issue of 'HUMOR OVNI' (Issue 19) appears to be from September 21, 1976, based on the date cited for the 'Estrecho' sighting. The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, astronomical discoveries, and related scientific inquiries, interspersed with a touch of humor as suggested by the title and cover illustration.

Strange Phenomenon Over the Strait

The lead story details an extraordinary event witnessed by numerous individuals, including fishermen and members of the Civil Guard, near the Strait of Gibraltar. At midday, under a clear sky, a powerful, fixed light appeared directly overhead. This light, though not blinding, was intensely bright. It was briefly obscured by a single cloud before reappearing. Subsequently, four smaller lights detached from the main light and moved in distinct directions until they disappeared over the horizon, while the central light gradually dimmed. The event is described as strange and inexplicable, posing the question of whether it was a UFO or an atmospheric phenomenon. The report cites the newspaper 'Sur' of Malaga, dated September 21, 1976.

"OVNI" Observed by Fishermen

Another report describes a flying object observed by three fishermen in Galdar, Las Palmas. The object reportedly came from land and disappeared into the sea, emitting strong luminous flashes. Witnesses stated it was not an airplane but a strange object losing altitude in an unusual manner and shining intensely. The article also mentions a previous report from the same area in northern Gran Canaria concerning an object that left traces in an onion field. Additionally, some residents have been observing an unexplained light in the night sky. This report also references 'Sur' newspaper from Malaga, dated September 21, 1976.

"OVNIS" in France

This section details an incident in Eyms (Perygeus), France, where two UFOs reportedly disrupted television broadcasts. The Martin couple witnessed the unidentified flying objects descending at approximately 300 meters altitude. They were described as green and surrounded by intense light. After disappearing into the clouds, they reappeared, and the couple then noticed that it had suddenly started to snow. The source cited is 'El Diario Montañés' from April 29, 1976.

News Briefs (Noticias Breves)

Towards the Discovery of Life Molecules

This article discusses the scientific pursuit of discovering molecules related to life in space. It references Soviet astrophysicist I. Shklovsky's assertion that the discovery of ethyl alcohol molecules in space would be irrefutable proof of intelligent life in the Universe. The article notes that in the summer of 1974, astronomers discovered the molecule, the thirtieth on a growing list of such intermolecular molecules. These molecules, synthesized by dust clouds near young stars, are considered by biochemists to be the elemental building blocks of life. It highlights the surprising fact that these molecules, once thought to be exclusively terrestrial, are now found throughout the Universe.

Dry Ice on Mars?

This piece explores the hypothesis that Mars might be covered in dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide), similar to frozen natural gas found underground in Siberia. American geologist Daniel J. Milton suggests this dry ice could be responsible for the excavation of Martian canals, some of which are forty kilometers wide. Milton compares this potential thawing process to the Missoula Lake event in Washington, which created canyons resembling those on Mars. For this theory to be valid, the article states, there must have been or still be water on Mars, with temperatures and pressures sufficient to prevent its rapid evaporation, allowing for regular cycles of thawing and glaciation. Recent astronomical observations indicating two distinct seasons on Mars seem to support this condition.

After 10,000 Years...

Two geologists, Roy E. Cameron and Frank A. Morelli, participating in an American research program in Antarctica, discovered bacteria in excavation samples taken at depths of 140 and 335 meters. These bacteria were found to be at least 10,000 years old, possibly much older. Upon exposure to air, the bacteria revived.

Hypothesis on the Nazca Plains

German mathematician Maria Reich from the University of Hamburg proposes that the Incas did not need flying artifacts to create the giant figures on the Nazca plains in Peru. Reich, who does not believe in UFOs or extraterrestrials, demonstrates that geometric methods available to the Incas were sufficient. She found miniature, exact representations of each giant drawing near the actual figures. By using these miniature drawings and ropes, the Inca designers could have traced the giant figures. Reich divided the miniature drawings into arcs of a circle and used ropes to transfer these arcs to much larger dimensions. She also noted stones and holes that marked the centers of the traced circles. However, the article concludes that Reich does not explain the meaning or purpose of these drawings, leaving the debate open.

BOOM! In the Milky Way

While physics may be in crisis, astronomy is experiencing significant discoveries. The article reports that a few months prior, a galaxy and two quasars were observed traveling at ten times the speed of light. One quasar was nicknamed the "Christmas Tree" due to its unknown irregular brightening. In early September of the previous year, the Palomar telescope, along with several radio telescopes and X-ray analyzers on board three satellites, detected four explosions in the Milky Way, all originating from the same point, possibly near Cygnus 8-3, close to Cygnus X-1, suspected to be a "black hole." The cause of these events is unknown. These observations were confirmed by radio astronomers from the Meudon Observatory. The article also mentions the ongoing "Cyclops" project, which aims to build a thousand radio telescopes in the United States, linked together to focus on stars in our galaxy. The goal is to capture signals from one of the 10,000 technological civilizations believed to exist in the galaxy, potentially sent 1,600 years ago. This ambitious project would require twenty years and an estimated 50 billion dollars.

JUPITER: A MAGNETIC TAIL OF 690 MILLION KILOMETERS

Similar to a comet, Jupiter possesses a vast magnetic tail extending over 690 million kilometers. While Jupiter's strong magnetic field was known, this immense tail surprised researchers. It is composed of the interaction between the planet's magnetic field and the solar wind. This tail extends on the side of the planet not exposed to the Sun, forming a bridge between Jupiter's orbit and Saturn's, setting an impressive record.

Bibliography

The issue concludes with a bibliography listing various books and publications related to UFO studies, extraterrestrials, and related topics. Titles include "U.F.O.S. Explained" by Phillip Klass, "El Legado Extrahumano" by Eduardo A. Azcuy, "Los Extraterrestres Existen" by Gianni Lucarini, and works by Erich Von Daniken and Walter Sullivan, among others. It also lists proceedings from the First Symposium of the Center for UFO Studies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the search for extraterrestrial life and intelligence, and astronomical and geological discoveries. The magazine presents a range of reported phenomena, from the seemingly inexplicable lights over the Strait of Gibraltar to potential evidence of life beyond Earth through molecular discoveries. While the title suggests a humorous approach to UFOs, the content itself is largely reportorial, presenting eyewitness accounts and scientific findings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena and the frontiers of scientific exploration, without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, as evidenced by the questioning nature of the reports and the inclusion of diverse scientific topics.