Papers d'Ovnis - 2a epoca - No 13

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'OVNIS
Issue: 13
Volume: II Época
Date: January-February 1999

This issue of "Papers d'OVNIS" delves into the complex world of UFO phenomena, featuring a blend of historical case studies, scientific analysis, and critical perspectives. The cover prominently highlights "Thirty Years Ago: UFOs in Russia" and "UFOs at the General Air Academy," setting the stage for an exploration of significant sightings and investigations.

HACE TREINTA AÑOS: OVNIS EN RUSIA (Thirty Years Ago: UFOs in Russia)

This section, penned by Marius Lleget, revisits the early investigations into UFOs in the Soviet Union, particularly focusing on the work of physicist Félix Zigel. Lleget notes that in 1968, Soviet official science had largely dismissed interest in UFOs, often attributing sightings to natural phenomena or misinterpretations. However, he points to a shift in attitude, with the creation of a commission similar to that in the United States to investigate UFOs. This commission, headed by General Stolyerov, reportedly unearthed thousands of cases, leading to its dissolution, which Lleget suggests was a tactic to downplay the phenomenon while official studies continued behind closed doors.

The article details the "Sochi phenomenon" of October 3-4, 1967, where scientists reported a strange, blinding light of extraterrestrial aspect. It also recounts observations by astronomer H.I. Botter on July 18, 1967, of a large, cloud-like formation, and Anatoly Sazánov's sighting on August 8, 1967, of a half-moon-shaped object. Lleget emphasizes that the sheer volume of sightings, numbering in the thousands over two decades across the globe, warrants serious consideration.

He argues against dismissing UFOs as mere hallucinations or hoaxes, stating that science's role is to investigate and explain, not to ignore. Lleget also touches upon the Tunguska event of 1908, suggesting that its characteristics might align with those of a flying saucer rather than a meteorite, citing evidence of radioactive residues and a pre-explosion maneuver.

Lleget concludes by calling for a global, scientific investigation into UFOs, free from preconceived notions, and poses questions about potential government cover-ups and the possibility of private researchers being sidelined.

OVNI EN EL ACADEMIA GENERAL DEL AIRE (UFOs at the General Air Academy)

This article by Pere Redón discusses the presence of UFO phenomena in relation to the General Air Academy in Spain. It notes how UFOs have become a part of popular culture, appearing in advertising and children's literature. The author highlights that even military institutions have acknowledged UFO sightings, with the Academy General del Aire history book mentioning cases and using the term OVNI.

The article details specific incidents, including those observed around the San Javier base in August 1962. Three non-commissioned officers reported seeing a luminous object with atypical movements, no radar echo, and an unclear shape. The report mentions official investigations, including contacts with foreign air forces, to detect genuine phenomena and dismiss superstitions.

It also touches upon the phenomenon of "flying saucers" becoming a widespread topic of discussion and the emergence of ufology as a field of study. The author points out that while many sightings can be explained by conventional means, a significant percentage remain unexplained, prompting further investigation.

FENÓMENO LUMINOSO EN ALGECIRAS: ¿OVNI TRIANGULAR? (Luminous Phenomenon in Algeciras: Triangular UFO?)

Authored by Ángel Carretero Olmedo, this piece investigates a series of luminous object sightings in Algeciras, Spain, on February 19, 1997. Witnesses reported observing multiple formations, generally composed of red lights, with one formation described as "face-like." The article details the observations, including the color, size, and movement of the lights, and notes that some witnesses heard a sound similar to that of a large aircraft.

Carretero discusses the potential explanations, including military maneuvers or natural phenomena, and questions the accuracy of the reported duration of the sightings. He also analyzes the composition of the lights, noting that a white light at the vertex of a formation was actually a cluster of smaller white lights, and red lights sometimes appeared as pairs of red and blue lights.

LOS O.V.N.I. EN EL PAÍS VASCO Y NAVARRA (UFOs in the Basque Country and Navarre)

This extensive report by Luis R. González analyzes UFO cases recorded in the Basque Country and Navarre, Spain. González compiles 406 observations, categorizing them by province and year. He identifies three major waves of sightings: 1950, 1968, and a period between 1974-1980, with 1978 being the peak year.

The author attributes these waves to significant events such as the "flying saucer" phenomenon in 1947 and the moon landing in 1969. He also highlights the role of media coverage, particularly "La Gaceta del Norte," in fueling interest in UFOs during the 1970s.

González categorizes the explanations for these sightings, with astronomical phenomena (Venus, Jupiter, meteors) accounting for 45% of cases, and aeronautical stimuli (planes, satellites, balloons) for 29%. He notes that a significant portion of cases remain unexplained due to a lack of data, but suggests that many could be attributed to phenomena like ball lightning or hypnopompic/hypnagogic hallucinations.

The article also discusses specific cases from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, often providing conventional explanations or highlighting potential fraud. The "Proyecto IVAN" in 1978, which aimed to create a local wave of UFO appearances, is also mentioned.

OTROS PAÍSES, OTROS BOLETINES (Other Countries, Other Bulletins)

This section provides a roundup of recent publications and news from the ufological community worldwide. It covers:

• MUFON UFO Journal: Discusses the Mexican UFO video case, the possibility of alien hybrids, and the work of Lonnie Zamora.
• Skeptics UFO Newsletter: Critiques scientific explanations for UFO sightings and mentions the death of Philip Corso.
• UFO Historical Review: Focuses on early UFO phenomena and the role of skepticism.
• Journal of Scientific Exploration: Features a report on a scientific committee's findings on UFO cases and the death of Philip Corso.
• Magonia: Reviews books and articles on ufology, including critiques of the extraterrestrial hypothesis and discussions on the nature of UFOs.
• International UFO Reporter: Reports on the Roswell case and UFO sightings in Canada.

CEI: LA OPINIÓN DEL SOCIO (CEI: The Member's Opinion)

Mercedes Soler expresses her perspective as a member of the CEI (Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios). She defends the role of skeptics in ufological research, arguing that their critical approach is essential for validating genuine phenomena and preventing fraud. Soler believes that the vastness of the universe makes the existence of extraterrestrial life probable, but questions the typical narratives of alien encounters, finding human psychology and potential self-deception more fascinating.

She emphasizes that skeptics do not necessarily disbelieve in UFOs but rather seek evidence-based explanations, often attributing sightings to psychological factors or misinterpretations. Soler criticizes those who exploit beliefs for personal gain and advocates for rigorous, evidence-based investigation.

CONFESIONES DE UN UFOLOGO ESCEPTICO (Confessions of a Skeptical Ufologist)

Luis R. González clarifies his skeptical stance, emphasizing that his role is not to debunk but to critically examine claims within ufology. He argues that skepticism is crucial for scientific progress and that the conversion of a skeptic to a believer is more significant than the reverse. González finds the human capacity for self-deception and deception of others more intriguing than the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

He suggests that UFO phenomena might stem from internal psychological factors rather than external alien intelligence. While not dismissing the possibility of extraterrestrial life, he questions the typical portrayals of aliens and their actions. González highlights the importance of rigorous investigation and criticizes those who profit from sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims.

ACTUALIDAD (News)

This section covers recent news related to ufology:

• Joe Firmage's Resignation: The article reports on Joe Firmage, a successful Silicon Valley executive, who resigned from his company to pursue his belief that extraterrestrial beings influenced scientific advancements. He founded the International Space Science Organization and the "Kairos Project" to promote his views.
• OVNI sobre Torrox (Málaga): Residents of Torrox, Spain, reported seeing a UFO described as a large mass of light with white and red lights. The object was not detected by radar, and experts suggest it could be a military aircraft or a genuine UFO.
• ¿Un planeta fuera del sistema solar con vida? (A planet outside the solar system with life?): An international team of scientists reportedly discovered an Earth-sized planet in the Milky Way that could potentially harbor life, based on new microlensing techniques.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Papers d'OVNIS" revolve around the persistent mystery of UFOs, the challenges of scientific investigation in the face of skepticism and potential misinformation, and the cultural impact of the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for rigorous, evidence-based inquiry, while acknowledging the complexity and often unexplained nature of many sightings. There is a clear emphasis on critical thinking, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes or misinterpretations, and questioning official narratives. The magazine also highlights the role of media and public perception in shaping the understanding of UFOs.

Title: Actualidad
Issue Date: February 5, 1999
Content Focus: This issue of 'Actualidad' covers significant developments in space exploration, astrobiology, and the ongoing public fascination with UFOs and unexplained phenomena.

Spain Investigates Extraterrestrial Life with NASA

The lead story details Spain's growing involvement in the search for extraterrestrial life, highlighted by the inauguration of the new Astrobiology Center. Daniel Goldin, Director of NASA, emphasized Spain's crucial role in space exploration during his visit to Madrid. The new center, a collaboration between Spain's National Institute of Aerospace Technique (INTA) and NASA, aims to bridge the gap between the Big Bang and biology. Its multidisciplinary approach will involve geologists, biologists, physicists, and engineers to study the origin and evolution of life, planetary conditions, and the potential for extraterrestrial life. The center, with an initial budget of 1.05 billion pesetas, is set to be operational the following year. NASA's contribution is described as providing initial impetus and interaction, rather than direct financial investment.

Juan Pérez Mercader, a researcher at INTA and a key proponent of the project, explained that the center's longitudinal structure is designed to facilitate interaction between theorists and experimentalists. The article also notes Goldin's high-level meetings with Spanish ministers, including Josep Piqué (Industry), Eduardo Serra (Defense), and Mariano Rajoy (Education and Culture).

New BBC Report on Crop Circle Fraud

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a report by the BBC that exposes crop circles as a deliberate hoax. Doug Bower, a 74-year-old man who confessed in 1991 to creating the first crop circles, recently participated in a BBC program to recreate his nocturnal 'game'. Under the cover of darkness and before television cameras, Bower, along with a new generation of 'defrauders', created an enormous and intricate geometric figure using only wooden planks and ropes. Despite this demonstration and Bower's assertion that the circles are a fraud, many followers reportedly still believe they have extraterrestrial origins. The article attributes this persistence partly to the numerous imitators worldwide.

Bower and David Chorley began their crop circle creation in 1978. By 1981, the phenomenon had gained global attention, prompting scientific investigations. Theories ranged from static electricity and microwaves to plasma vortices, but extraterrestrial explanations were favored by tabloids. The article notes that as crop circles multiplied, scientists began monitoring areas, and farmers charged fees for visitors to see the affected fields. The intense interest in Great Britain, bordering on hysteria according to the English press, even attracted the attention of members of the royal family, such as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, further fueling the controversy.

Congress on UFOs in Jumilla

The issue also reports on a UFO congress held in Jumilla, Murcia, from February 5th to 7th. Organized by the association "La senda del infinito" (The Path of Infinity), the event featured speakers such as Salvador Freixedo, who discussed extraterrestrials and new technologies, Magdalena del Amo on abductions, and Javier Sierra on the Roswell incident. A notable segment was a round table discussion on February 6th at 6:00 PM, focusing on the "Declassification of official UFO reports."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Actualidad' demonstrates a clear interest in the intersection of science, unexplained phenomena, and public perception. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on scientific advancements (like the NASA collaboration) while also critically examining popular beliefs and phenomena (such as crop circles) through investigative journalism. The coverage of the UFO congress in Jumilla suggests an open approach to exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon, including official investigations and public discourse.

The magazine balances reporting on official scientific endeavors with exposing hoaxes and exploring public fascination with the unknown, indicating a commitment to providing a comprehensive view of these topics.