Papers d'Ovnis - 2a epoca - No 23

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue: Nº 23
Date: Enero-Marzo 2001 (2ª época)
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)

Main Articles and Features

El OVNI de Antofagasta (16-II-2001)

This article by Jordi Ardanuy investigates a significant UFO sighting in Antofagasta, Chile, on February 16, 2001. The object, described as a very bright point in the sky, remained visible for about 30 minutes and was observed by multiple witnesses, including professional ones. The article notes the heightened attention to UFOs in the Chilean press at the time, with some media also focusing on other phenomena like the 'chupacabras'.

Crucially, the article presents a strong case that the observed object was a MIR (Mongolfiere Infra-Rouge) balloon. These balloons, launched from Bauru, Brazil, for atmospheric studies, are large (40,000 m³ volume, over 100 meters diameter) and highly reflective, capable of being seen from great distances. The trajectory of a MIR balloon launched on February 15, 2001, matches the reported path of the Antofagasta object. The description of the object as 'flattened and elongated, like two opposing plates' is also consistent with MIR balloon characteristics. The article concludes that the Antofagasta case is likely explained by this scientific phenomenon.

Los OVNIS ilusorios

Authored by Juan Carlos Victorio Uranga, this section explores how common celestial objects, particularly the planet Venus, can be mistaken for UFOs. Uranga provides several case studies from November and December 1968 where observations were likely misinterpretations of Venus.

• Monte Serantes (November 1, 1968): A family observed a luminous object descending slowly, described as two or three times larger than a star. The article notes Venus's position and angular height at the time, suggesting it was the likely object.
• Castellbisbal (November 6, 1968): A witness described a bright, silent, luminous circle moving up and down, then turning into a disc with flashing rays. The article calculates Venus's position and angular height, indicating a potential misidentification.
• Barrio de Amara, San Sebastián (November 30, 1968): Journalists and an engineer saw an intense light moving erratically. The description of its shape and flashing lights is analyzed, with Venus's position again suggested as the explanation.
• Puerto de Iso (December 2, 1968): A witness observed a brilliant luminous object with twinkling arms. The article points to Venus as a probable explanation.
• Monte Pagassarri (December 14, 1968): Several people reported a large, fluorescent UFO. The article again suggests Venus, noting its position and the witness's description aligning with the planet.

Uranga emphasizes that these examples demonstrate the habitual nature of such confusions and that witness descriptions, while sincere, may not accurately reflect reality due to factors like experience, beliefs, and desires influencing perception. He aims to temper the idea that all UFO reports are literal accounts.

A propósito del caso Castellbisbal 6-XI-1968

Manuel Borraz provides a follow-up and detailed analysis of the Castellbisbal case, complementing Uranga's article. This section includes notes from May 1988 and an update from February of the current year (2001). Borraz discusses the official declassification of an investigation into the case by the Spanish Air Force (exp. n° 681106). However, he notes that the official file does not contain the original witness testimony but rather a transcription of a letter sent to the mayor. Borraz scrutinizes the details from the declassified file, particularly the timing and direction of the sighting. He points out discrepancies in the reported times (18h30' vs. 19h30') and notes that Venus would likely have set by 19h30', making a Venus explanation less certain for that specific time. Nevertheless, he concludes that the description of the phenomenon is reasonably compatible with Venus's appearance and that the lack of other corroborating sightings suggests it was not an extraordinary event. He suggests the timing in the declassified report might be erroneous.

La ciència-ficció pedrera de noves idees

This article by Antoni Ribera discusses the influence of science fiction on new ideas, though the specific content is not detailed in the provided pages.

Yo anduve con el CEI

Luis R. González shares his personal experiences with the CEI (Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios), detailing his involvement and perhaps observations or activities with the organization.

La Revista Española de Defensa entrevista a Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos

This feature presents an interview with Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, conducted by Raúl Díez and the editorial staff. Ballester Olmos is a prominent figure in ufology, and the interview likely covers his views on UFO phenomena, investigations, and the state of the field.

Breves (Agencias/Prensa/Redacción)

This section provides short news items compiled from various agencies, press sources, and the editorial team, likely covering recent UFO-related news or related topics.

Otros Países, Otros Boletines

Luis R. González curates this section, offering a look at UFO reports and publications from countries other than Spain, providing a broader international perspective on the phenomenon.

Hemeroteca (1951)

This is a selection from the magazine's archives, specifically focusing on content from 1951, offering a historical glimpse into ufology from that era.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings but leans towards rational explanations, often identifying celestial bodies like Venus as the source of misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be critical and analytical, encouraging readers to approach UFO reports with a degree of skepticism and to consider scientific explanations. The CEI, as the publisher, clarifies that it does not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed in the articles, maintaining a stance of open inquiry while promoting critical thinking. The inclusion of historical sections and international reports suggests a comprehensive approach to the study of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of "Papers d'Ovnis" (UFO Papers), dated January-March 2001, features a prominent cover story titled "Desde Rusia, sin pudor" (From Russia, without shame), focusing on the "light balls of Ulan Ude" and questioning the nature of UFO investigations. The magazine also includes articles on an "invisible plane" incident in Northern Ireland, an interview with a Spanish UFO researcher, and a discussion on the prophetic role of science fiction.

"Desde Rusia, sin pudor: Las bolas de luz de Ulan Ude, o un dudoso ejemplo de investigación OVNI"

Authored by Mª Luisa Romero, this article details alleged sightings of bright light spheres in Ulan Ude, Russia, during June, August, and December of 1994. The spheres were described as resplendent in red, orange, and yellow, visible in broad daylight, and exhibiting incredible speed and unusual movements, including horizontal lines and spirals before disappearing towards Lake Baikal.

One key witness, Valery Dabaev, an amateur paranormal investigator, recounts her experiences. She initially thought the phenomena might be natural, like solar reflections, due to their stationary appearance. However, their subsequent movements and color changes suggested otherwise. Dabaev attempted to document the events with her Polaroid camera, but the resulting photos did not reveal the nature of the lights due to the glare.

Another witness, Katherine Strekolovskaya, who lived in an apartment building over which the lights were seen, reported having a vivid dream after the event. In the dream, a man in a black suit told her she would receive a gift and be prepared for something, and showed her places in Europe she had never visited. Dabaev found Katherine's account credible and consistent.

Dabaev's investigation led her to propose four hypotheses: (1) unusual natural phenomena, (2) alien spacecraft or technology stationed beneath Lake Baikal, (3) spiritual entities, or (4) a mass psychological hallucination. She quickly dismissed the last hypothesis due to the number of independent witnesses. To investigate the possibility of spiritual origins, she consulted Galina Aleksandrovna Turik, a medium.

During a sighting on December 27, 1994, five luminous spheres appeared. Turik, upon advancing towards the lights, seemed to cause them to ascend and retreat, leading Dabaev to believe the spheres reacted to Galina's presence. The lights then moved rapidly towards Lake Baikal and were not seen again. Turik reported sensing an alien intelligence but was unsure of its nature.

Valery Dabaev's investigation did not involve consulting physicists, meteorologists, or geologists, focusing instead on psychic and paranormal avenues.

"«Avión inexistente» en Irlanda del Norte"

This article by Jordi Ardanuy reports on a case in Kinawley, Northern Ireland, on February 12, 1999, where police received a report of an aircraft crashing into Benaughlin mountain. A search operation involving emergency services and a British Army helicopter equipped with infrared detectors was launched but found no trace of any aircraft. The incident was subsequently concluded to be a false alarm, likely caused by the fall of a meteorite. The article notes that such cases of mistaken aerial incidents are not uncommon and cites previous examples in France and England.

Paul McCaffrey, a witness, described seeing a point in the sky followed by a trail of black smoke descending towards the mountain. The article also mentions other similar incidents in Spain, including one in Tenerife in 1992 and another near Soller, Mallorca, in 1994. A more recent case from April 15, 2000, involved a false alarm near Platja d'Aro, where an aircraft was thought to have crashed but later landed normally.

"La Ciència-Ficció pedrera de noves idees" (Science Fiction, a Quarry of New Ideas)

This section presents an article by Antoni Ribera, originally published in Catalan in May 1970 in the magazine "Serra d'Or." The editors note the exceptional decision to transcribe the article in its original language due to its significance.

Ribera argues that science fiction, often dismissed as a "poor relative" of literature, has a prophetic quality, serving as a probe into the future. He highlights how authors like Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and John Wyndham have produced remarkable works. He points out that even in the Soviet Union, an organization was dedicated to researching new ideas from science fiction for practical application, citing examples like the radar technology predicted in science fiction.

The article discusses the concept of the "extraterrestrial" or "alien" as a recurring and essential theme in science fiction, particularly in the works of authors like Asimov and Heinlein, who depict vast galactic empires and super-organisms of government. Ribera suggests that Earth is often portrayed as the technologically "poor" newcomer in galactic affairs.

A particularly intriguing point is the mention of "The Urantia Papers," described as a work dictated by extraterrestrials to humans in the "happy twenties." The papers are said to contain detailed classifications of beings throughout the universe and their interactions. Ribera connects this to the broader themes of science fiction, including the idea of future contact with extraterrestrial intelligences.

He also touches upon the technological pulse of the present, which science fiction amplifies and projects into the future. He notes that while science fiction once explored concepts like space travel when they were considered remote possibilities, today it delves into ideas like future contact with extraterrestrial intelligences, which some "serious" scientists dismiss as absurd.

"Yo anduve con el CEI" (I Walked with the CEI)

This personal account by Luis R. González details his involvement with the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI) from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. González recounts his initial interest in ufology, possibly sparked by the magazine "STENDEK" and photographs of UFOs in Málaga in 1974. He describes his visit to the CEI in Barcelona, likely after the 1st National Ufology Congress in December 1977.

He recalls limited interactions with the "serious ufologists" at the congress and his initial shyness. His primary engagement with the CEI involved spending time in their archive, impressed by their collection of foreign books and magazines. He mentions his early work on "temporal anomalies" and his first published article in "STENDEK" in March 1978.

González also recounts an embarrassing experience where he was asked to give a small talk on the "1897 aerial wave" but lost his composure and was unable to finish. He mentions his subsequent move to Barcelona for business studies and his more active role in ufology after leaving the city, including writing for bulletins and translating articles. He became a distant member of the CEI and contributed to their "Air-Sonic" magazine. He expresses gratitude for the support he received, particularly from Pedro Redón and his wife, and highlights his extensive collection of photocopied cases of humanoids from the CEI archive.

Interview with Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos

This section features an interview with Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos, conducted by Raúl Díez for the "Revista Española de Defensa" (Spanish Defense Magazine), issue 155 (January 2001). Ballester, a researcher with a scientific and rationalist approach to ufology since the 1960s, discusses his work.

He highlights his role in proposing the declassification of Spanish Air Force UFO files, which led to the opening of 84 case files from 1962 onwards, now publicly accessible. Ballester states that out of 122 analyzed sightings, 90% have conventional explanations, refuting the idea of stored extraterrestrial evidence. He explains that most sightings were due to misperception, false echoes, stratospheric balloons, meteors, or confusion with planets like Venus.

Ballester emphasizes that military UFO cases conform to general patterns, with the vast majority being explainable by conventional means. His research, spanning over thirty years and resulting in five books and numerous articles, is driven by a desire to find plausible explanations for these phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes a critical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases, there is a clear preference for rational explanations and a skepticism towards sensationalism. The magazine features diverse perspectives, from witness testimonies and amateur investigations to academic research and historical accounts of science fiction. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous analysis and the pursuit of evidence-based conclusions, as exemplified by Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos's work and the critical examination of the Ulan Ude case. The inclusion of science fiction highlights its role in shaping public perception and inspiring future research, while also cautioning against accepting its narratives uncritically.

This issue of "Papers d'Ovnis" (Issue 23, January-March 2001) focuses on the declassification of UFO files by the Spanish Air Force and explores various aspects of ufology, including eyewitness accounts, scientific analysis, and historical cases.

The Spanish Air Force and UFO Declassification

Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos, an investigator who studied the Spanish Air Force's UFO documentation, states that the Air Force has been a pioneer in declassification in Europe. He notes that while the USAF declassified some archives in 1979, Spain's actions have encouraged other countries like Switzerland and Sweden to be more open. The declassification has caused a significant impact on Spanish ufology, exciting researchers but also unsettling those who benefit from maintaining UFO mysteries.

Analysis of UFO Sightings

The issue delves into the reasons behind UFO sightings, with a significant portion attributed to media coverage and the resulting psychological effect, leading to a 'copycat' phenomenon. Cases are categorized, with the majority (38%) explained by aerospace phenomena such as planes, balloons, rockets, and missiles. Another 36% are attributed to confusion with celestial bodies, particularly Venus, while 14% are due to psychological factors, including hoaxes and fantasies. Meteorological causes like reflections and lenticular clouds account for a smaller percentage.

Unexplained Cases and Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

Out of 122 analyzed sightings, 97 (80%) have rational explanations. Sixteen (13%) have insufficient information to classify, and nine remain unexplained. For seven of these unexplained cases, a motive is suspected but not documented. The magazine explicitly states there is no reason to affirm an extraterrestrial origin for these unexplained cases, defining a UFO simply as an unidentified flying object.

Specific Case Studies

Two 'X-files' from the Spanish Air Force are detailed: one from July 14, 1978, in Mazarrón (Murcia), involving soldiers witnessing a powerful luminous phenomenon, and another from September 9, 1978, concerning a bright light reported by commercial airline pilots over the Mediterranean Sea.

International UFO News and Publications

The issue reviews various international UFO publications and news items:

• UFO Historical Revue (Sept 2000): Analyzes a 1950 film of flying saucers from Great Falls, questioning the official explanation of aircraft.
• Skeptical Inquirer (Vol. 24, No. 3): Features articles on mass delusions, the MJ-12 documents, and the struggle for reason in academia. Philip Klass scrutinizes the MJ-12 documents, and Robert Bartholomew and Erich Goode discuss mass hysteria.
• Fortean Times (June 2000): Reports on the 'Avroplane' photo, the Giant Rock conventions, and the evolution of life, questioning the concept of 'convergent evolution' in relation to alien appearances.
• Fortean Times (cont.): Discusses Kenneth Arnold's sighting, with James Easton proposing pelicans as an explanation. It also mentions strange luminous phenomena over Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela.
• Skeptical Inquirer (Vol. 24, No. 3): Notes a lack of UFO references, with attention shifted to 'chemtrails'.
• MAGONIA: Features articles on Rupert Sheldrake's work, critiques of the Psycho-Social Hypothesis (HPS), and discussions on cryptology and psychology. It also clarifies the nature of 'nocturnal burglars' using narcotic gases in Italy.
• MAGONIA Monthly Supplement (No. 29): Reviews a book on the Fátima miracle and discusses cryptology and psychology.
• MAGONIA Monthly Supplement (No. 30): Calls for double-blind studies on electromagnetic radiation sensitivity and presents a 'light' version of the HPS, focusing on clearing psychological elements from UFO cases.
• EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF UFO & ABDUCTIONS STUDIES (EJUFOAS) (Sept 2000): Includes an article on Hessdalen, an analysis of the Manises case, a bibliography on hypnosis in ufology, and a study on the link between nocturnal paralysis and abductions.
• THE SKEPTIC (Vol. 13, No. 2): Features an article on Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, with little UFO content.
• Skeptical Inquirer (Oct 2000): Contains no UFO references, focusing instead on 'chemtrails'.

Scientific Discoveries and Theories

• Meteorite ALH 84001: The debate continues regarding potential signs of life in this Martian meteorite, with new research finding magnetita crystals similar to those in magnetotactic bacteria.
• CM Draconis System: Astronomers may have found a solar system 57 light-years away with planets in the habitable zone, suggesting the possibility of liquid water and life, though findings are treated with caution.

Historical UFO Sightings

Several historical news items from 1951 are included:

• Louisville, USA (Jan 1951): A teacher and students reported seeing a flying saucer.
• Kansas City, USA (Jan 1951): A pilot and co-pilot observed a strange cylindrical object with wings.
• Alicante, Spain (Jan 1951): Over 200 people witnessed six flying saucers in formation.
• Alcoy, Spain (Jan 1951): Three bright discs were seen over the Batoy neighborhood.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, often contrasting it with more sensationalist or pseudoscientific claims. There is a clear emphasis on rational explanations and critical analysis, while acknowledging the existence of genuinely unexplained cases. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, encouraging skepticism towards unsubstantiated theories and promoting the declassification and study of official documents.

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue: 23
Date: Enero-Marzo 2001 (January-March 2001)
Publisher: CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS INTERPLANETARIOS (CEI)
Country: SPAIN
Language: Spanish

This issue of "Papers d'Ovnis" (UFO Papers), published by the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), focuses on reports of mysterious aerial phenomena and UFO sightings that occurred in Spain during January 1951. The magazine presents several accounts from different regions, highlighting witness testimonies and the characteristics of the observed objects.

Cervera Sighting

The article "EXTRAÑO PLATILLO VOLANTE SOBRE CERVERA, JUNTA GENERAL DE LA ASOCIACION DE LA PRENSA. INCENDIO EN EL PUEBLO DE VILAMUR" reports an incident in Cervera. On a Friday morning, shortly after midnight, witnesses at the Bar del Norte in the city observed a flying saucer crossing the sky. The object was described as being in the shape of two egg fruits and left behind a luminous trail visible for several kilometers. This report is attributed to "El Noticiero Universal" dated January 25, 1951.

Vizcaya and Guipuzcoa Sightings

Under the headline "VUELAN DE NUEVO ARIE FACTOS MISTERIOSOS HAN SIDO VISTOS EN VIZCAYA Y EN GUIPUZCOA," the magazine details sightings in the Basque Country. On January 4th, strange objects were observed in the sky over Vizcaya. The phenomenon is considered significant because hundreds of people in various towns reported seeing an object divided into three parts: one large central object and two smaller ones on either side. These objects reportedly emitted a "hurd" (likely a sound or light emission). A report from Dos Caminos mentioned the object colliding with Monte Vizcargui or a nearby mountain. However, subsequent investigations did not confirm the supposed crash of these strange apparatuses. This report is from "La Vanguardia" dated January 5, 1951.

Zaragoza Sighting

The article "OTRA VEZ LOS PLATILLOS VOLANTES" details a sighting in Zaragoza on the night of January 14th. According to several individuals, including two civil guards, a taxi driver, three municipal employees, and two journalists, a flying saucer was seen. It was described as a brilliant light, unlike any star, that intermittently flashed an electric blue color and sometimes turned red. The object moved from right to left and from top to bottom. The sighting occurred at various times between 11:30 PM and 3:45 AM. This report is attributed to "Cifra."

Object Characteristics

The descriptions of the flying objects vary across the reports. In Cervera, the object was shaped like "two egg fruits" and left a "luminous trail." In Zaragoza, the object was a "brilliant light" that changed color between "electric blue" and "red" and exhibited erratic movement. The Vizcaya sighting described an object divided into "three parts: one large and two small." No specific size, speed, or altitude estimates are provided in these reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena and UFO sightings across different regions of Spain in early 1951. The magazine, through its publisher CEI, appears to be documenting and disseminating these accounts, presenting them as factual occurrences based on witness testimonies and newspaper reports. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious reporting and investigation into these phenomena, as evidenced by the inclusion of details about investigations into the Vizcaya crash report. The use of multiple newspaper sources suggests an effort to corroborate and provide a broader picture of UFO activity during the period.