Papers d'Ovnis - 2a epoca - No 22

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue: No. 22, October-December 2000 (2nd epoch)
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)
Language: Catalan (original), Spanish (content)
Country: Spain

This issue of *Papers d'Ovnis* delves into historical and contemporary UFO phenomena, featuring a tribute to Nigel Kneale, analysis of the seminal Kenneth Arnold sighting, and reports from various locations.

Articles

"Platillos, pulgas y pelícanos: Recordando a Kenneth Arnold" by Manuel Borraz

This article revisits Kenneth Arnold's famous sighting on June 24, 1947, near Mount Rainier, Washington. Borraz highlights that the entire case rests on Arnold's testimony and that interpretations of the objects' shape and size are subjective. He notes that while the term "flying saucer" became popular, the objects described were unusual and did not fit later UFO typologies. The article discusses the "pelican hypothesis" proposed by James Easton, which suggests Arnold might have mistaken a flock of pelicans for UFOs. Borraz outlines the challenges of this hypothesis, including explaining the observed speed, apparent size changes, and the order of objects, concluding that while it offers a more plausible explanation, it leaves many questions unanswered.

"El Gran «Flap» de 1965" by Antoni Ribera

Ribera discusses the UFO wave of 1965, noting that despite official denials, "they" continue to visit. The article posits that these beings, possibly human-like in form, observe humanity with peaceful but inscrutable intentions. It criticizes the US Air Force's stance, which dismissed all sightings as normal aerial activity, despite numerous reports and investigations. The article suggests that the silence from official sources is a key part of the mystery.

"OVNI en Punta Calnegre (Murcia)"

This is a brief report of a UFO sighting in Punta Calnegre, Murcia, Spain.

"Alarma en Aljarafe por el avistamiento de una bola de fuego en el cielo"

This report details an incident in Aljarafe, Spain, where a fireball was sighted, causing alarm.

"Un extraño socavón alarma a los vecinos de una aldea de Brión (La Coruña)"

This article covers a strange sinkhole that alarmed residents in a village in Brion, La Coruña, Spain.

"NASA Astrobiology Institute" by Jordi Ardanuy

This section likely discusses the NASA Astrobiology Institute, though details are not provided in the scanned pages.

"Otros países, otros boletines" by Luis R. González

This piece by Luis R. González likely reviews UFO news or bulletins from other countries.

"Aerohidrolitos ¿Hasta cuándo?" by Jordi Ardanuy

Jordi Ardanuy writes about "aerohidrolitos," possibly referring to atmospheric phenomena or unidentified aerial objects.

"Sitges 2000. Homenaje a Nigel Kneale" by Jordi Ardanuy & Luisa Romero

This article commemorates Nigel Kneale at the Sitges 2000 International Film Festival of Catalonia, acknowledging his contributions, likely related to science fiction and mystery.

"Breves" (Redacción)

A section of short news items or brief reports.

"Hemeroteca: Selección de la redacción"

A selection of articles or clippings from other publications, curated by the editorial staff.

"Publicaciones" (La redacción)

This section reviews or lists publications, likely related to ufology.

"Papers d'Ovnis" (Staff and Editorial Stance)

Details the staff of *Papers d'Ovnis*: Jordi Ardanuy, Martí Flò, Josep Ma Orta, Pere Redon, Ma Luisa Romero, Ma. Carmen Tamayo. It explains that *Papers d'Ovnis* is a publication of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), maintaining its Catalan name to honor creator Joan Crexell i Playà. The CEI does not necessarily share the opinions expressed in the magazine. Articles from the publication are free to use if cited and not for commercial purposes. *Papers d'Ovnis* welcomes contributions from CEI members and anyone interested in the UFO phenomenon.

"Special Investigation Report on UFO Incident Over Seto Inland Sea, March 18, 65."

This report details an incident on March 18, 1965, where pilots of two civilian aircraft over the Seto Inland Sea in Japan reported a UFO approximately 13 meters in diameter with a greenish luminosity. The sighting caused disturbances in the aircraft's instruments. The article includes a graphic of the flight path.

"The Valensole Incident" (Reported by Maurice Masse, analyzed by General Lionel Max Chassin)

This section describes the Valensole incident in the French Alps on July 5, 1965. An agriculturist, Maurice Masse, reported seeing a strange vehicle resembling a rugby ball with metallic legs and a central pivot. A singular human-like figure emerged from it before the object ascended rapidly. The incident was studied by the "Groupe d'Etude des Phénomènes Aériens" (GEPA), headed by General Lionel Max Chassin, who emphasized the importance of the case for technical, scientific, and national defense reasons, urging authorities to provide clarification.

"Fe de erratas" (Errata)

This section corrects errors from previous issues. It lists three omitted references from an article about "OVNIs de Diez Minutos" in the 1950s and corrects the meaning of the acronym CEAN from "Centro de Estudios Antárticos" to "Centro de Estudios Aéreos y Navales" in an article about the CEI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena with a critical yet open-minded approach. It favors detailed analysis of historical cases, such as the Kenneth Arnold sighting, and presents contemporary reports from various countries. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging investigation and discussion within the ufological community, while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the need for further research. The CEI, as the publisher, explicitly states it does not necessarily endorse all opinions presented, fostering a platform for diverse viewpoints within the UFO field. There is a clear interest in the scientific and historical aspects of UFO sightings, as well as a critical examination of official explanations and debunking attempts. The tribute to Nigel Kneale suggests an appreciation for narratives that explore mystery and the unknown.

This issue of "Papers d'Ovnis" (Volume 22, October-December 2000) focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a cover story about a "fireball" sighting in Aljarafe, Seville, Spain. The magazine presents a calm and serious analysis of the event, highlighting the potential implications if the object were not a conventional aircraft.

"Provenza 65" and Territorial Defense

The article "Provenza 65" discusses an incident where an object reportedly landed in a field. The author, a military officer, calmly analyzes the situation, questioning whether it was a military helicopter or an extraterrestrial craft. The absence of official reports from pilots or military authorities raises concerns and suggests the possibility of an unknown origin, posing significant problems for territorial defense and human understanding.

Military Censorship and the UFO Question

The text highlights the "rigorous military censorship" and "Top Secret" imposed by the Pentagon on the UFO issue, which is seen as an obstacle to understanding. Organizations like NICAP are mentioned as working to lift this secrecy.

Unexplained Aerial Phenomena and Technology

The magazine presents several cases of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP), emphasizing the advanced technology observed. It notes that UAP have demonstrated instantaneous accelerations, moving from complete immobility to high speeds, suggesting a technology far superior to that of 1965, when the modern era of UAP sightings began.

Sightings in the Atlantic and Azores

Two significant sightings are detailed: one involving the Norwegian tanker "Jawesta" in the Atlantic, where the crew observed a large, intense blue fiery object. Another incident occurred in Vila do Porto, Azores, where a large white cylinder passed overhead, causing electronic devices to malfunction.

The "Jawesta" Incident

The "Jawesta" sighting describes an object with a fiery blue tongue of light, moving at high speed. The object was observed by the captain and crew, who noted its unusual shape and the trail of incandescent blue balls it left behind. The object was seen emerging from and disappearing into the sea.

The Azores Cylinder

Three days after the "Jawesta" sighting, a large white cylinder was observed over Vila do Porto in the Azores. The object, estimated to be at 9,000 meters altitude, caused all magnetic clocks to stop for ten minutes when it passed over the airport.

Matosinhos and Vila do Porto Observations

In Matosinhos, Portugal, a green luminous disk was seen, described as a "huge inverted soup plate." In Vila do Porto, a large white cylinder was observed.

Huelva and Ayamonte Sightings

On the same day as the Matosinhos sighting, hundreds of people in Huelva and Ayamonte, Spain, reported seeing unidentified flying objects (O.N.I.) during the day.

"Mariner IV" and Mars

The magazine suggests a possible link between the wave of O.N.I. sightings and the "Mariner IV" mission to Mars. It notes that historical data shows an increase in UAP observations during Mars' oppositions, suggesting a potential connection or that Mars might be a base for extraterrestrial visitors.

Japanese Aviators and Catalonian Factory Workers

Past observations are mentioned, including one by Japanese aviators over the Seto Inland Sea and another by over a hundred workers at the MANHUSA factory in San Celoni, Catalonia, Spain, who saw a cylindrical object moving slowly across the sky.

Scientific Skepticism and the UFO Problem

The article criticizes the "official Science" for its inaction in investigating UFOs, leaving the field open to charlatans and sensationalists. It calls for scientists to overcome their reticence and address the problem openly, citing the example of a French investigator who would "look at the wall" if he saw a UFO.

The "Aljarafe" Fireball Incident

The cover story details a "fireball" sighting in the Aljarafe region of Seville. Multiple calls to the Guardia Civil reported seeing a "ball of fire" that seemed about to crash. Investigations by the Guardia Civil, firefighters, and airport control found no evidence of an aircraft accident or a crash. The Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia suggested it could be a meteor, but the lack of detectable remnants and the consistent witness reports fueled speculation about UAP.

Meteorite Explanation and Optical Effects

While a meteorite is proposed as a possible explanation for the Aljarafe fireball, the article also considers optical effects or simple "travesuras de la vista" (tricks of the eye) as alternative explanations, especially given the lack of concrete evidence.

Brión Sinkhole

A separate report details a strange geological phenomenon in Brión, La Coruña, Spain: a 25-meter diameter sinkhole appeared in a village, causing alarm. While technicians are investigating, the phenomenon is tentatively linked to geological processes like landslides in clayey areas with weak rocky substrata.

UFO Historical Revue and Skeptical Inquirer

Other publications are reviewed, including "UFO Historical Revue" which discusses a 1968 photograph of flying objects and "Skeptical Inquirer," which features articles on prominent skeptics and critiques of UFO phenomena, including the "rods" phenomenon and claims about Marilyn Monroe's death.

Magonia and Fortean Times

The magazine also references "Magonia," which dissects the myth of a "British Roswell," and "Fortean Times," featuring articles on various strange phenomena, including UFOs in China and a case involving Jack Parsons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for open scientific inquiry into UFO phenomena, criticizing the secrecy and skepticism that hinder investigation. It highlights numerous sightings from around the world, suggesting a global pattern of unexplained aerial events. The magazine appears to lean towards the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement while also exploring other potential explanations, such as advanced terrestrial technology or natural phenomena. The editorial stance advocates for a more rigorous and less dismissive approach from the scientific community.

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue Date: October-December 2000 (Issue 22)
Content Focus: This issue of Papers d'Ovnis delves into various anomalous phenomena, with a significant focus on unexplained events in Spain and historical UFO cases. It also touches upon the work of science fiction writer Nigel Kneale and highlights new developments in ufological research and publications.

Articles and Features

Weird Ice Chunks Fall on Spain

The lead article discusses the perplexing phenomenon of large ice chunks, described as melon-sized and sometimes pyramidal, falling across southern Spain in January 2000. Scientists from Spain's Higher Council of Scientific Investigation investigated these falls, which occurred far from commercial flight paths and without obvious meteorological conditions. Initial theories, such as human waste from aircraft or cometary debris, were ruled out due to the ice's density, purity, and lack of typical coloring. The article notes that the falls occurred in a specific pattern, stretching over 130 miles from Valencia to La Union. While some objects were identified as sugar or snow, others remained unexplained. Investigator Enrique Martinez suggested a meteorological phenomenon, but the exact mechanism for how such large chunks could form and remain suspended in the atmosphere, particularly the stratosphere, remained a mystery. The article references similar large ice falls in Brazil and China in 1993 and includes a sidebar detailing other historical ice falls from various periods and locations.

The Anomalist No. 8 and Ufological Publications

This section reviews 'The Anomalist' magazine, specifically issue number 8, which is dedicated to UFOs. It highlights contributions covering the history of UFO abductions, a review of Adamski's world tour, an updated analysis of the Socorro case, and a critique of the Aztec crash case as a potential fraud. The review also mentions an analysis of whether believers or skeptics are more catastrophic in their views on UFOs. The disappearance of 'Abduction Watch' is noted, with editor Kevin McClure promising a less frequent but more extensive publication. The review also mentions criticisms of certain authors for allegedly promoting misinformation.

Aerohidrolitos: ¿Hasta Cuándo? (Aerohydrolytes: Until When?)

This article by Jordi Ardanuy critically examines the scientific explanations for the ice falls, particularly referencing an article in 'Geotimes' by Jesús Martínez-Frías and his team from the CSIC. The author expresses skepticism, stating that the 'Geotimes' article, despite claims of demonstrating ice formation through theoretical models and computer simulations, provided no concrete data to support its hypothesis. The article also touches upon a critical response from 'Interviu' magazine, deeming the CSIC's explanation too prosaic. It mentions that further work by Martínez-Frías is slated for publication in 'Terralia,' a magazine focused on agriculture, which the author finds peculiar given the scientific nature of the topic. The article concludes by expressing hope that the research will be published in appropriate scientific venues.

Sitges 2000 Festival: Homage to Nigel Kneale

This piece by Jordi Ardanuy and Luisa Romero covers the Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia in 2000, which paid homage to the British screenwriter Nigel Kneale. While the festival's main film prize went to 'Ed Gein,' the focus here is on the screening of 'Dr. Quatermass and the Pit.' The article details Kneale's career, including his early work like 'Tomato Cain' and his influential Quatermass television serials ('The Quatermass Experiment,' 'Quatermass II,' and 'Quatermass and the Pit'), which were later adapted into films by Hammer Films. It also mentions later works such as 'The Quatermass Conclusion' and 'The Stone Tape.' A letter from Nigel Kneale is included, regretting his inability to attend the festival due to unavoidable circumstances and reflecting on the film adaptations of his work.

Briefs: Fundación Anomalía Awards and Projects

This section reports on the 2000 awards given by the Fundación Anomalía for scientific research into UFOs. Ignacio Cabria García received a grant for his analysis of UFO phenomena through social sciences, and biologist José Miguel Alcíbar Cuello was awarded for his monograph 'El Condesito: Un viaje al corazón del fenómeno OVNI.' The foundation also announced grants for field research projects for 2001. Additionally, it details ongoing projects by the Fundación Anomalía, including the creation of databases for anomalous phenomena (BIDFA), scientific ufological references (BDRU), and ufological bibliography in Spanish (BDBU). A project called FOTOCAT, a catalog of images of non-conventional aerial objects and luminous phenomena, is also mentioned.

Book Presentation: OVNIS, 50 años de investigación en el campo de Gibraltar

This brief announcement details the presentation of a book titled 'OVNIS, 50 años de investigación en el campo de Gibraltar' by ufologist Andrés Gómez Serrano. The presentation was scheduled for December 23rd in Fuengirola, Málaga. The event included a talk by Gómez Serrano about his 50 years of research, a prologue by J.J. Benítez, and a round table discussion on UFOs with notable figures.

Hemeroteca: News from 1950

This section compiles several news reports from 1950 related to UFO sightings across Spain:

• ¿«Platillo volante» entre Reus y Tarragona?: Two brothers reported seeing a luminous disk-shaped object about one meter in diameter near Reus and Tarragona.
• Más "platillos volantes" SOBRE MIRANDA DE EBRO: An engineer and others witnessed a brilliant object crossing the sky at high speed with a luminous trail near Miranda de Ebro.
• MAS DISCOS volantes sobre España: Two young men in Irún reported seeing two brilliant, metallic objects moving at high speed (estimated 1,000 km/h) that changed direction and altitude.
• En Palma de Mallorca se ha fotografiado un "platillo volante": A local newspaper claimed to have captured the world's first photograph of a flying saucer.
• Un extraño fenómeno observado en Almansa: Reports from Almansa described phosphorescent flashes and incomprehensible words picked up on radio receivers, leading to speculation about extraterrestrial origins.
• EXTRAÑO OBJETO EN EL CIELO DE VICH: Numerous witnesses in Vich observed a strange object in the sky, described as circular or elongated with extraordinary brightness, which remained stationary for over two hours.
• ¿«Platillos volantes» cerca de Madrid?: A journalist reported seeing a phosphorescent, ovoid object moving at high speed near Madrid, which appeared to crash but then regained altitude and disappeared.

Publicaciones: Nace @nomalía

This section announces the launch of '@nomalía,' a new semi-annual publication by the Fundación Anomalía. The publication aims to provide timely coverage of UFO-related news, research projects, and reviews, complementing their other publications like 'Cuadernos de Ufología.' José Ruesga Montiel heads the project.

Guía biográfica de la ufología argentina. Los primeros veinticinco años. (1947-1972)

This is a review of a new monograph by Roberto Banchs, published by Cefai Ediciones in Buenos Aires. The book provides a biographical record of individuals involved in the investigation, debate, and dissemination of unidentified phenomena in Argentina during its first 25 years of ufology. It includes an inventory of organizations, bibliographic material, and social context.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, scientific investigation into anomalies, and the historical documentation of UFO sightings. The magazine maintains a stance of reporting on these phenomena with a degree of scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the speculative and sometimes controversial nature of the subject. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between scientific analysis and the public's fascination with the unknown, as evidenced by the coverage of both academic research and popular media reports. The editorial approach seems to favor detailed reporting of cases and research, encouraging critical thinking and further investigation within the ufological community.