Papers d'Ovnis - 2a epoca - No 19

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue: Nº 19
Date: Enero-Marzo 2000 (2ª época)
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)

Main Articles

Desvelado el misterio del avión perdido en los Andes (1947) - Pere Redon i Trabal

This article meticulously details the disappearance of the Lancaster Star Dust aircraft, operated by British South America Airways, which vanished on August 2, 1947, while en route from Buenos Aires to Santiago de Chile. The news of its discovery broke on January 24, 2000, over 52 years later, when a patrol found its remains at an altitude of 5,500 meters in the Andes, southeast of Mendoza. The article recounts the initial search efforts, involving military patrols, ski troops, and civilian pilots, hampered by severe winter conditions in the Andes. It lists the crew members and passengers, including Reginald James Cook (pilot), Norman Hilton Cook (second officer), Donald Cheeklin (radio operator), Dennis Harmer (mechanic), Iris Moreen Evans (stewardess), and passengers like Paul Simons (diplomatic courier) and Peter Young. The mystery surrounding the disappearance was amplified by the crew's alleged last transmission of the word "Stendec." The article explores theories about the cargo, including diplomatic documents and gold bars, and speculates about the passengers' backgrounds, especially in the context of Cold War anxieties and the burgeoning UFO phenomenon in the US at the time. The report also references the British Ministry of Civil Aviation's accident report from 1948.

El Hielo Que Cayó... Del Cielo - Jordi Ardanuy

This extensive article investigates a series of unusual events in January 2000 where blocks of ice reportedly fell from the sky across Spain. The phenomenon gained significant media attention, with numerous reports from various locations including Tocina (Seville), La Alcudia de Carlet (Valencia), Elche, Denia, Albacete, Murcia, and Huelva. The article details the characteristics of these ice blocks, their sizes, weights, and the damage they caused, such as to a Fiat Uno in Tocina. It highlights the scientific investigations initiated, primarily by the CSIC (Spanish National Research Council), involving geologists like Jesús Martínez Frías. Initial hypotheses ranged from aircraft waste (particularly from toilets or condensation on wings) to more exotic explanations like cometary fragments or unusual atmospheric phenomena. The article notes the public's fascination and the media's role in amplifying the events, sometimes leading to confusion with other phenomena like UFOs. It also touches upon the psychological aspects, such as 'meteorofobia' or projective identification, and the skepticism of some experts who suggested hoaxes or misinterpretations. The article includes a survey indicating public opinion on the origin of these ice blocks, with 'Comet' and 'Atmospheric Phenomena' being significant theories, alongside 'Aircraft Waste' and 'A Hoax.'

El Crisol y El Ave Fénix: Historia del CEI (VII) - Martí Flò

This section continues the historical account of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), detailing its origins and evolution. It mentions the publication of 'Stendek,' a magazine created by Joan Crexells i Playá, Josep Serra i Planas, and the author, which was intended to replace the CEI's printed press service. The name 'Stendek' was chosen for its suggestive and memorable quality, and its connection to the 'Stendec' mystery of the Lancaster Star Dust. The article touches upon the CEI's efforts to disseminate information and its role in investigating UFO phenomena.

Los Círculos de Els Omellons - Redacción

This brief section likely discusses crop circles, specifically those attributed to 'Els Omellons.' Further details are not provided in the scanned pages.

Los «OVNIS» de Humboldt - Ricardo Campo Pérez

This article explores Alexander von Humboldt's observations and encounters related to UFOs during his expeditions. It delves into his writings and potential sightings, examining them within the historical context of his travels and scientific inquiries.

Nuevo Número de Cuadernos de Ufología - Publicaciones

This is a brief announcement or review of a new issue of 'Cuadernos de Ufología,' a publication related to UFO studies.

Staff and Editorial Stance

The magazine's staff includes Jordi Ardanuy, Martí Flò, Josep Ma Orta, Pere Redon, Ma Luisa Romero, and Mª. Carmen Tamayo. The editorial states that Papers d'ÓVNIS is a publication of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI) and does not necessarily share the opinions expressed within its pages. It also permits free use of articles provided the source is cited and the purpose is not commercial. The publication welcomes contributions from CEI members and those interested in the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly aviation mysteries and UFO sightings, as evidenced by the prominent articles on the Lancaster Star Dust disappearance and the 'ice falls.' The CEI's stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging research and discussion while maintaining a distinction between the publication's content and the official views of the organization. The recurring theme is the investigation of anomalous events, seeking explanations through scientific analysis, historical context, and eyewitness accounts, while acknowledging the speculative nature of many of these topics.

This issue of "Papers d'Ovnis" (Issue 19, January-March 2000) focuses on the widespread phenomenon of ice blocks falling from the sky, referred to as "aerolitos," which occurred across Spain and Italy in late 1999 and early 2000. The magazine details numerous reported incidents, scientific investigations, media coverage, and public reactions to these events.

The "Aerolito" Phenomenon in Spain

The magazine begins by describing the public's reaction to the falling ice blocks, noting how the media, particularly online platforms, contributed to the phenomenon's visibility, sometimes with humorous or sensationalist tones. The CSIC (Spanish National Research Council) initially announced it would no longer collect samples due to the overwhelming number of reports and the perceived hoax element. However, specific incidents, like the one in Suflí (Almería) where Juana Sánchez Sánchez reported a 1.5 kg block falling near her, prompted further investigation.

Several other cases are detailed, including blocks found in Villalonga del Campo (Tarragona), Mérida (Badajoz), Nijar (Almería), Terrassa (Barcelona), Benifayó, Villanueva de Castellón, Iribas (Navarra), and La Cañada (Valencia). The media often highlighted the unusual nature of these events, with some reports suggesting connections to movies like "Armageddon" and "Deep Impact."

CSIC's Initial Conclusions

The CSIC, through its president César Nombela, initially suggested that these were "unusual natural phenomena" originating from high altitudes in the atmosphere. On January 21, the CSIC differentiated between "falls" and "finds," acknowledging at least nine "falls." Their morphological study indicated compact ice with resistant surface textures, suggesting formation processes from atmospheric ice. Hydrochemical analysis revealed natural water with variable mineralization, and isotopic analysis of hydrogen and oxygen concluded it was meteoric water. The CSIC ruled out origins from aircraft leaks, aerolites, meteorites, or common meteorological processes in the troposphere. They considered it unlikely to be condensation on aircraft fuselages or mini-comets, deeming it probable that it was an unusual meteorological process in the upper atmosphere, posing no significant risk.

The CSIC communiqué recalled similar antecedents, such as blocks found in Zhejiang (China) in 1995 and Campinas (Brazil) in 1998. The CSIC concluded that the phenomenon, though little understood, warranted further investigation.

Antonio Delgado Huertas, from the Laboratory of Stable Isotopes in Granada, collaborated with the CSIC and noted that the isotopic composition of samples from La Alcudia and Tocina was very similar to water from the Iberian Peninsula. However, samples from Chilches were peculiar and might have been a hoax, while those from Tocina and La Alcudia were deemed authentic.

Divergent Scientific Opinions

Eduardo Coca, Director General of the National Meteorological Institute (INM), publicly stated that no known meteorological phenomenon could explain the ice blocks, contradicting the CSIC's hypothesis. He suggested the ice might form in areas with little vapor, but admitted the origin remained an enigma. Scientists from the University of Valencia analyzed water from blocks found in La Alcudia, Godella, and Torre de Cotilla, finding it comparable to continental waters but with higher cation and anion content than typical rainwater. They also noted weakly basic pH levels, unlike the slightly acidic nature of rainwater. This led them to suggest the water might have originated from continental water released from an aircraft.

The University of Valencia team's report questioned the stratospheric formation hypothesis unless the origin of water vapor and condensation mechanisms could be explained, along with the higher metal and anion content. They emphasized their findings were based on data and analysis, suggesting a need for broader studies.

International Cases and Media Frenzy

The international press, particularly in Italy, also reported extensively on the phenomenon. Italy experienced around 265 cases between January 17 and February 3. Reports included a block falling in San Marino di Lupari (Padua), and the Italian meteorological office and CNR (National Research Council) investigated. Michele Colacino of the CNR attributed the cause to aircraft, while others suggested volcanic eruptions or other atmospheric processes.

The phenomenon in Spain continued with reports of blocks falling in Asturias, Alicante, Granada, and Catalonia. The INM maintained its stance that no meteorological phenomenon could explain the falls, while the CSIC continued its investigation, inviting new scientists to join, including those from the University of Valencia and the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands. Mark Kidger, an astrophysicist, dismissed the comet hypothesis. A CSIC commission met to analyze the evidence and reach conclusions.

Further Investigations and Theories

The article delves into the detailed work of various scientific teams, including physicists, geologists, and chemists, who were analyzing the ice blocks. They examined atmospheric conditions, isotopic composition, and the possibility of microorganisms. The CSIC also collaborated with AENA (Spanish Airports and Air Navigation) to correlate flight paths with the locations of ice falls, but found no direct link.

One theory proposed by José A. Canicio and colleagues suggested volcanic eruptions as the source of stratospheric water. However, the frequency of eruptions made this less likely. The CSIC's investigation continued, with a meeting on February 25 highlighting the lack of correlation between aircraft routes and ice fall locations. Hydrogeochemical analyses suggested the ice could have formed in varying atmospheric conditions.

The "Interviú" Article and Alternative Explanations

A significant development was an article in the magazine "Interviú" by José Macca, which strongly criticized the CSIC's investigation and proposed that the ice blocks originated from aircraft. The article highlighted the difficulties in studying the phenomenon and suggested that the CSIC's approach was being ridiculed. It also mentioned the case of an Aviocar C-212 aircraft that crashed in Guadalajara, potentially due to ice formation.

The "Els Omellons" Crop Circles

Separately, the magazine reports on two large crop circles (36 and 25 meters in diameter) appearing in Els Omellons, Lérida. While initially attributed to a prank, investigations by ufologists like Josep Guijarro and Javier Sierra, along with analysis by Ramón Navia of the IIEE, suggested the possibility of microwave radiation or unknown phenomena. The IIEE and Karma-7 magazine proposed that the circles were caused by "massive microwave radiation," leading to a reverse photosynthesis effect on the barley stalks.

Historical Context and Organizations

The magazine also includes historical context on UFO research in Spain, mentioning the CEI (Center for Interplanetary Studies) and its publications like "Stendek." It details the CEI's activities in the 1980s, including its struggles with funding and declining readership, and the shift in focus towards "contactism." The article touches upon the legacy of Albert Adell i Sabatés, a pioneer in scientific UFO investigation in Spain.

It also references the publication "Cuadernos de Ufología" by Fundación Anomalía, which features articles on abduction phenomena, the parallels between abductions and horror narratives, and the scientific investigation of UFO cases. The magazine highlights the ongoing debate and friction between mainstream science and ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mystery surrounding the origin of falling ice blocks, the conflicting scientific explanations, the role of the media in shaping public perception, and the persistent interest in UFO phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of critical inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and scientific analyses while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unexplained. It highlights the challenges in establishing definitive conclusions due to the complexity of the phenomena and the differing methodologies employed by researchers and institutions.

This document represents the cover of a publication from the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI). The publication is identified with issue number 13 and volume number 14, and the year 1999 is inferred from these details.

Contact and Location Information

The CEI is based in Barcelona, Spain, with a physical address at Bruc 88, Despatxos 13 i 14, 08009 Barcelona. The publication provides multiple contact methods, including two email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected]. Additionally, a website URL is listed: http://www.ctv.es/USERS/netcei.

Organization and Themes

The primary organization featured is the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), which focuses on Interplanetary Studies. The logo of the CEI is prominently displayed on the cover, featuring a stylized globe with orbital paths and a central motif.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

As this is only the cover page, detailed themes and the editorial stance of the publication cannot be determined. However, the name and logo suggest a focus on space exploration, astronomy, and potentially related phenomena investigated by the CEI.