Papers d'Ovnis - 2a epoca - No 11

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue: No. 11, II Época
Date: September-October 1998
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)
Country: Spain
Language: Catalan (original), English (translation)

This issue of *Papers d'OVNIS* focuses on significant UFO cases and the historical development of UFO research in Spain and internationally. It features a cover story on '40 Years of CEI: 1968-1977' and a detailed investigation into the 'Compact-Disc' UFO case.

The 'Compact-Disc' UFO Case

This article details a remarkable UFO sighting that occurred on August 15, 1967, near Alcolea del Pinar, Guadalajara, Spain. The witness, a 17-year-old executive, recounts seeing a 'compact disc' shaped object land briefly on a mound. The object was described as solid, metallic, orange in color, with a more silvery center and sharp edges. It hovered silently before ascending rapidly to the northwest. The witness's dog showed signs of fear, and the sky was orange, suggesting dawn. The object was estimated to be about 20 meters in diameter and 3 meters high. The witness, a keen aviation enthusiast at the time, was struck by the object's silent operation and incredible acceleration, which he compared to a 'hovercraft' and noted was unlike any known aircraft.

The article also touches upon the witness's background and his decision to share the experience, emphasizing the general skepticism surrounding UFO reports. The witness's testimony is presented with detailed questions from a CEI form, including sketches and altitude/speed estimations.

UFOs According to Dr. Roberto E. Banchs

This section presents an analysis of the UFO phenomenon by Dr. Roberto E. Banchs, who argues that UFOs are a significant socio-cultural phenomenon requiring a balanced analysis. He posits that unusual phenomena have always existed across cultures and that UFO reports are shaped by cultural paradigms. Banchs suggests that the increase in UFO reports is not due to intrinsic cyclical variations but external factors, including the spread of information through media and popular culture. He highlights that the 'unidentified flying object' (UFO) category refers to a system understandable within human perception, often associated with aerial vehicles or other defined phenomena. Banchs emphasizes that the cultural interpretation of UFOs is more significant than the physical reality of the objects themselves. He notes that while many reports lack physical evidence, some remain unexplained, contributing to the popular mystery. Banchs also discusses the influence of science fiction in shaping perceptions of UFOs and extraterrestrial life, stimulating desires, fears, and fantasies.

He concludes that the UFO phenomenon is less a matter of physics and more of psychology and social dynamics, with its belief system being widespread and its social impact now more significant than the observed phenomenon itself.

The UFO of Ellicottville

This article recounts an 'sighting' in Ellicottville, New York, on February 6, 1994. During a harsh winter, a singular event occurred that resembled a Hollywood film. Witnesses reported seeing a dark, elongated object, described as a 'boomerang' or 'person with a rocket on their back,' hovering silently over trees. The object emitted a beam of light and a sound like a waterfall. Military helicopters were later seen in the area, with the Niagara Falls Air Base admitting to their presence for training exercises. Tony Miranda, a local resident, photographed the object, but the Air Force confiscated the negative, claiming it was a 'national security matter' and a 'meteorological device.' Miranda later received a mysterious photograph of the object and a 'tiger's eye' stone.

The article also mentions similar 'boomerang' sightings in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and discusses the potential explanations, including advanced military aircraft like the Stealth bomber or Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs). The article questions whether these sightings are indeed experimental aircraft or something else, citing the lack of noise and the unusual behavior.

The Haines Report and the U-2

This section discusses a report by Gerald Haines that implicates the CIA in a dishonest handling of UFO studies between 1947 and 1990, aiming to conceal secret reconnaissance flights. The article mentions the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and the U-2 spy plane, noting that the U-2's capabilities do not align with the reported speeds and lack of traces attributed to UFOs. It also points out that the 'silvery' fuselage was common on many military aircraft since World War II. The article briefly touches upon incidents where pilots of spy planes, like the X-15, reported unidentified objects, questioning what phenomena produced these images.

'Triangles' in the European Skies

This section explores the phenomenon of mysterious triangular, silent, and luminous aircraft observed across Europe. The article notes that these craft are often dark, covering large parts of the sky, or equipped with flashing lights. Observations typically occur at dusk, night, or dawn. The silence of these objects is a common characteristic, leading to speculation about advanced stealth aircraft. However, the article suggests that even stealth technology cannot fully suppress engine noise. Two cases from the French magazine *Phénomèna* are presented:

1. Triangular UFO in the Bas-Rhin Region, France: A witness, 'Señora M,' reported seeing a luminous phenomenon on January 21, 1997, near Strasbourg. Initially appearing as two bright stars, they merged into a single light source. Later, the witness observed two white rectangular lights with rounded angles, accompanied by intermittent blue lights and no red lights. The object was described as having a triangular shape and was seen at low altitude.
2. Low-Altitude Triangle in Pessac, France: On August 24, 1997, a witness, 'Señora S,' observed a large, black, isosceles triangular object approaching her house in Pessac. She noted rows of luminous blue and red spots and described the object as having a rear that was 'totally rectilinear.' The object passed directly over her house at a low altitude, giving the impression it was about to touch the roof. The witness estimated the observation lasted about ten minutes. The object moved silently from southwest to northeast.

The article concludes by noting the similarities between these cases: triangular shapes, luminous spots, total silence, and nocturnal occurrences, questioning whether they were advanced American aircraft or something else.

40 Years of CEI (IV): 1968-1977

This installment of the CEI's history details the period from 1968 to 1977, marking a significant shift in UFO research. The CEI, initially hesitant, saw a radical change in its approach, with a new generation of members pushing for more active investigation rather than just dissemination. The article highlights the CEI's involvement in promoting the film '2001: A Space Odyssey' in Barcelona. It also describes internal conflicts between the older generation, focused on scientific multidisciplinarity, and the younger members who favored a more action-oriented, UFO-centric approach. This led to the creation of 'Stendek' magazine in 1970, funded partly by Joan Crexell. The period also saw the establishment of a 'Network of Correspondents' by Pere Redón, which grew to 150 members across Spain. The article mentions political activities involving Joan Crexell, which led to his arrest and influenced the CEI's operations. It also discusses the formation of a 'CEI-Madrid' branch and the broader landscape of UFO research in Spain, including the emergence of different groups and the challenges of unifying the field.

UFO: A Layman's Perspective

This article offers a critical perspective on the UFO phenomenon, lamenting its commercialization and the polarization between speculative and positivist viewpoints. The author suggests that while modern UFO reports are questionable, cases from 1945-1969, prior to the 'Condon Report,' were more compelling. The 'Condon Report' is criticized for dismissing most cases as explainable, with only one deemed inexplicable. The author questions the scientific rigor of the report and suggests that the phenomenon is more psychological and social than physical. The article also touches upon the influence of science fiction and the tendency for sensationalism in UFO reporting, often at the expense of scientific investigation. It criticizes the 'romantic' radicalization of some UFO proponents and the 'positivist' dismissal of certain phenomena, highlighting the difficulty in distinguishing between natural phenomena, optical illusions, and potentially genuine anomalous events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, historical UFO cases, and the history of UFO research organizations. There's a clear emphasis on presenting detailed case studies, witness testimonies, and analyses from various perspectives, including scientific, psychological, and historical. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding the UFO topic while striving for a balanced and evidence-based approach. The CEI, as the publisher, positions itself as a serious research entity, aiming to provide a platform for discussion and investigation within the field of ufology.

This issue of 'OTROS PAISES, OTROS BOLETINES' (Other Countries, Other Bulletins) compiles reports and analyses from various international UFO publications, covering a range of topics from alleged UFO crashes and abductions to government declassification efforts and scientific investigations into anomalous phenomena. The content spans multiple bulletins, including MUFON UFO journal, Internacional UFO Reporter, Skeptics UFO Newsletter, Skeptical Inquirer, Fortean Times, and Magonia, offering a diverse perspective on the UFO field.

MUFON UFO Journal (Issue 358 & 359)

Issue 358 of the MUFON UFO Journal presents a model of the Roswell UFO, emphasizing its triangular shape, a departure from the circular design, based on W.L. McDonald's sketches and witness accounts. It also features an abductee, Katharina Wilson, discussing the empathy between 'greys' and human pets. Robert Duran's detailed analysis of the Roswell debris continues, aiming to debunk the 'Mogul balloon' hypothesis. Issue 359 includes an article on nanotechnology, linking it to Roswell and Dr. Vannevar Bush, and continues Durant's analysis of the Roswell photos, asserting they are not genuine. It also covers Bill Chalker's work on Australian 'saucer nests'.

Internacional UFO Reporter (Vol. 23, nº 1)

Jan Aldrich, director of 'Proyecto 1947', opens this issue with a 'Top Secret' document from 1949 that does not mention crashed UFOs. A significant portion is dedicated to the first official UFO victim, Lieutenant Mantell, and the real explanation for his incident: a Skyhook balloon. The issue also includes a broader version of Susan Blackmore's work on the Roper survey and commentary from Joe Nickell on Whitley Strieber's 'The Communion Letters'. R. Bartholomew examines precedents for the crashed UFO myth, and an examination of the second US Air Force report on Roswell is presented, along with a critique of 'skeptical' books about Roswell and a section on human spontaneous combustion.

Skeptics UFO Newsletter (Issue 51)

This issue reports that lawyer Peter Gershten is taking over the CAUS group, shifting its focus to three objectives: a private rocket to the Moon for extraterrestrial structure photos, a scientific committee for crop circle studies, and a lawsuit concerning the 'Tully (Australia) saucer nests' investigated by Bill Chalker. The newsletter also notes the growing number of children contacting BUFORA with abduction claims and critiques a case where a witness allegedly filmed a UFO during an abduction recovery, which appeared to be a balloon.

Skeptical Inquirer (Vol. 22, nº 2 & 3)

Volume 22, number 2, focuses on alleged human spontaneous combustion and its conventional explanations. It also includes brief contributions on ufology, featuring a critique of Colonel Corso's book for alleged falsehoods and an article by Elizabeth F. Loftus on recent court rulings against therapists in cases of alleged satanic abuse recovered under hypnosis. Volume 22, number 3, is largely dedicated to ufology, including a detailed article on the Roper survey and commentary on Strieber's 'The Communion Letters'. It also examines the 'multiple personality disorder' syndrome's epidemic proportions in the US.

Fortean Times (Issue 111 & 112)

Issue 111's cover story discusses meteorites, contrasting with the usual UFO focus. Issue 112 features an exclusive interview with Betty Hill, the abductee, who questions how planes can continue flying with so many abductions occurring. The issue also touches upon Leonardo da Vinci, modern taxonomy, and genetic analysis. It includes a note about the creation of a Charles Fort Institute and mentions a report on the 'face' on Mars, debunking the myth, and a discussion on lunar cities. Issue 112 also includes a piece on American Computer Company's alleged development of products based on alien technology and the release of a 'Windows' computer.

Magonia (Issue 63 & Double Issue 8-9)

Magonia issue 63 explores parallels between UFO crash legends and Christianity. The double issue (8-9) recounts the story of 14-year-old abductee Jason Andrews, whose experience is detailed in the book 'Abducted - The True Story of Alien Abduction in Rural England'. The review recommends the book for understanding how abduction beliefs spread and become a cult. It also mentions Tony Dodd, an English ufologist who claims to be an abductee, and new data on Nazi UFOs. A letter from a veterinarian is cited, claiming to have examined mutilated animals and denying any alien tissue received. The issue also includes a critique of a supposed alien implant that turned out to be dental amalgam, highlighting the rapid scientific response via the internet. Furthermore, Robert Bartholomew and Philip Cole draw parallels between the 1912-13 'phantom airship' hysteria in England and the subsequent proliferation of UFO sightings.

DESCLASIFICA.... QUE ALGO QUEDA (Declassified... Something Remains)

This article reports on the declassification of 83 UFO-related files by the Spanish Air Force, making them available at the General Air Library in Valencia. The process, which began in September 1992, concluded with the release of 2,000 pages of documentation on anomalous phenomena observed between 1962 and 1995. The expert Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos states that the declassification process faced criticism from sensationalist ufologists and that the Air Force's investigation into UFOs was limited to the period between 1968 and 1980. He emphasizes that the secrecy was not due to a government cover-up of a 'horrible truth' but rather a standard procedure for classified information. The Air Force now views UFO phenomena as more sociological than aeronautical, posing no risk to national security. All known UFO information has been made available to the public.

Las misteriosas bolas de fuego (Mysterious Fireballs)

This section discusses the phenomenon of 'fireballs' or ball lightning, often observed when aircraft are struck by lightning. Spanish physicist Antonio Ranada of the Complutense University of Madrid proposes an explanation involving the interaction of horizontal and vertical magnetic fields created by lightning, which can trap plasma and form a glowing ball that survives momentarily. This theory accounts for the ball's appearance and its ability to burn despite not emitting significant heat.

La sonrisa del monstruo (The Monster's Smile)

This is an announcement for an exhibition titled 'La sonrisa del monstruo. Un viaje fantástico' (The Monster's Smile. A Fantastic Journey) held at the Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona from September 30, 1998, to January 10, 1999. The exhibition, part of the 13th International Puppet Festival of Barcelona, explores various environments where monsters are found, including forests, caves, children's rooms, television, fairs, public squares, and cinema.

Tras 90 años de la explosión de Tunguska siguen las especulaciones (90 Years After the Tunguska Explosion, Speculation Continues)

This article revisits the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, a massive explosion in Siberia that has remained an enigma for 90 years. It highlights the ongoing scientific debate and mentions theories proposed by Russian scientist Alexandr Kazántsev, who believes an extraterrestrial spacecraft exploded over Siberia. Kazántsev points to the lack of a crater, the absence of celestial body fragments, and the pattern of fallen trees as evidence of an aerial explosion. He cites Alexei Zólotov's conclusion that the explosion resulted from 'internal energy.' The article also mentions Vadim Chernobrov's expedition, which discovered mutated mosquitoes and trees with electrical burn marks. Kazántsev speculates that the Tunguska object might have been a probe from a larger spacecraft that remained in orbit. Another theory by Alexandr Portnov suggests it was a 'space iceberg' of frozen gases. Chernobrov's own hypothesis involves a UFO landing attempt that resulted in a powerful shockwave. The article concludes by noting that none of these hypotheses have been proven and that Chernobrov's team is collecting samples for future analysis.

Mas OVNIs en Chile (More UFOs in Chile)

This report from Santiago, Chile, confirms that a widely reported UFO sighting was actually the flames of a balloon exploding. Rodrigo Fuenzalida of the Agrupación de Investigadores Ovnilógicas de Chile (AION) stated that all available data and images indicate the object was a balloon. He also acknowledges the possibility of it being a satellite that changed orbit. The report notes that Chile has recorded about 500 sightings up to 1997, with over 100,000 worldwide.

Ovnis en Vigo (UFOs in Vigo)

This brief report describes a sighting in Vigo, Spain, on August 22, 1987, where a witness observed two oval, white objects with jerky movements emerge from the sea and disappear into the sky. The objects appeared to reflect light rather than emit it and were estimated to be the size of a van. The sighting lasted for three minutes, accompanied by high-pitched, rhythmic buzzing sounds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFO phenomena, the challenges of investigating them, and the role of government secrecy and declassification. There's a clear editorial stance favoring critical analysis and debunking sensationalist claims, as seen in the critiques of skeptical books and the detailed explanations provided for certain incidents (e.g., Mantell's case, the Vigo sighting). The issue also highlights the international scope of UFO research, featuring reports from various countries and publications. The declassification of Spanish Air Force files underscores a shift towards understanding UFOs as a sociological rather than purely aeronautical matter. The persistent nature of certain myths, like the Roswell incident and the Tunguska event, is also a prominent theme, with ongoing speculation and research presented.