Papers d'Ovnis - 2a epoca - No 25

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue: No. 25
Date: July-September 2001 (2nd Epoch)
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)
Language: Catalan (original), Spanish (articles)

This issue of *Papers d'Ovnis* is dedicated to the memory of Antoni Ribera i Jordà, the honorary president of the CEI, and features several articles on UFO phenomena.

Falleció Antoni Ribera

This article, authored by Pere Redon and the editorial staff, announces the passing of Antoni Ribera i Jordà on September 23rd. Ribera is remembered as a notable figure in Catalan culture, an insatiable intellectual, and a good person. Born in Barcelona in 1920, he resided in Sant Feliu de Codinas from 1970. His father was Ignasi Ribera-Rovira, a writer and president of the Barcelona Press Association. Ribera maintained a strong connection with Miguel de Unamuno and served as the Consul of Romania in Barcelona. He received his education in Catalanist schools and, during the Civil War, was mobilized. After the conflict, he opposed the suppression of Catalan language and culture. His livelihood in the post-war period involved translating English, French, Italian, and Portuguese texts into Spanish. He connected with the cultural and political resistance against the prevailing regime and became its spokesperson. He also had a connection with Agustí Bartra, who lived in exile in Mexico, and was the Barcelona correspondent for the Catalan-Mexican publication *La Nostra Revista*, writing under the pseudonym Joan de Malniu i Arnau de Ribesalbes. He lived in a modernist villa where clandestine meetings were held with individuals linked to "Estat Catalá" and the "Front Nacional de Catalunya." In 1947, he was the editor and director of the clandestine cultural magazine *Antología del Fets, las idees i els Homes d'Occident*, which aimed to be a counterpoint to the elitist publication *Ariel*. This led to his arrest. In 1950, using the pretext of its publication in Italy, he began editing the magazine *Occident*, which only published six issues before ceasing due to economic hardship. In 1953, Ribera translated "The Silent World" by Jacques Cousteau into Spanish. This experience led to his contact with pioneers of autonomous diving in Catalonia. He befriended Eduardo Ametlla and the Vilarrubia brothers, founders of CRIS (Center for Recovery and Underwater Research). In 1958, along with Eduardo Buelta, Marius Lleget, and Antoni Pelegrí, he founded the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI). After a period of inactivity, Ribera published "El Gran Enigma de los Platillos Volantes" (1966) and other books on the subject and science fiction. When the CEI resumed its activities, he became its honorary president, participating in research and public conferences. In that era, he published "El Misterio de UMMO" (1977), followed by many other works published in Spain and South America. From 1968 to 1971, he directed the magazine *Horizonte*. In 1974, he organized "Operation Rapa-Nui," traveling to Easter Island to investigate aspects of its history and participate in underwater activities. He wrote a book about this expedition. In 1977, he became involved in organizing the First National Ufology Congress in Barcelona. As an author, he published titles such as "Secuestrados por Extraterrestres" (1981), with many of his works translated into Arabic. In 1979, he was invited to the British House of Lords (UFO Study Group) to give a lecture. Ribera is considered by many to be the father of UFO investigation in Spain. The article includes photographs of Ribera in 1968, when he was elected honorary president of the CEI, and in April 1997, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the CEI's founding. A photograph from 1976 shows him appearing on the TVE program "La Clave." The article notes that the Catalan press published his obituary, as he was a recipient of the Creu de Sant Jordi.

Un OVNI en Navarra en 1998

This article by Inko Zubillaga discusses a case from Navarra in 1998, based on a survey titled "'Motherships' Overflying Navarra?" from the MIZAR bulletin. The incident involved a sighting near Mendilibarri. The authors encourage readers to conduct serious field investigations. The article details the testimony of José Ignacio Chasco, a resident of Ancín, who reported observing a large, silent, cone-shaped light moving slowly from the Sierra de Lóquiz towards Mendilibarri on a stormy night in the summer of 1998. He initially thought it might be a helicopter but was puzzled by the lack of sound. The light, described as white and normal like a flashlight beam but enormous, lasted about ten minutes before it reached Mendilibarri and extinguished. Chasco also reported seeing a gigantic, static disc hovering over the Sierra de Learza during a lightning flash, which he compared in size to the village of Olejua. He described the object as completely black and circular with a dome on top. He stated that the phenomenon was not accompanied by any unusual sounds, apart from the storm. He believed the object was not of terrestrial origin due to its advanced nature. The article includes a map showing the observation area and a diagram illustrating the sighting.

Un Objeto Muy Identificado

Authored by Pere Redon, this section addresses a reported UFO sighting in Ceuta on June 3, 1999. The observer, Emilio V. Pomares Martínez, reported seeing two jets followed by a much larger, slower jet, a Jumbo-type aircraft, flying relatively low. This larger aircraft was flanked by four circular, flat objects in a symmetrical triangular formation. Redon interprets this sighting as a mid-air refueling operation. He explains that the Strait of Gibraltar is considered international waters, and military aircraft from any nation can operate there without hostility. He suggests the observer likely saw a US Air Force KC-10 Extender or KC-135 tanker aircraft refueling four combat jets, a common maneuver for flights from the United States to bases in Saudi Arabia or other allied countries in the Gulf of Oman. The article notes that such maneuvers are habitual and not exceptional, especially during daylight hours.

Un Escenógrafo en Escena

This article by J. A. Cezón recounts a UFO sighting that occurred on the night of June 25, 1978, in Madrid. The event, initially reported in an editorial in the newspaper "ABC" on October 26, 1997, involved a witness who was a member of the Royal Spanish Academy of Language. The witness, along with his companion, poet Francisco Brines, observed a strange, powerful light for about twenty minutes in the Retiro Park. The light performed rapid zig-zag movements, described as faster than any airplane. The witness stated that the light was "very rare" and that they had to "demonstrate it better" before continuing on their way. Cezón notes that the "ABC" editorial, written by Francisco Nieva, described the phenomenon as an "extraordinary and powerful light." The article also mentions that other individuals may have witnessed the light over the outskirts of Madrid. Cezón's investigation, prompted by the "ABC" editorial, dated the event to the late 1970s. He cross-referenced this with data from FAECOM, which showed an increase in reported UFO cases in Madrid from 1978 to 1981. Two specific cases are highlighted: one on June 25, 1978, over Vallecas-Moratalaz, reported in the newspaper "Pueblo," and another on the night of May 10, 1980, mentioned in the magazine "Contactos Extraterrestres." The article concludes by emphasizing the credibility of the witnesses, Francisco Nieva and Francisco Brines, noting their established reputations and emotional stability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of *Papers d'Ovnis* focuses on honoring the legacy of Antoni Ribera, a key figure in Spanish ufology and Catalan culture. The articles present a mix of contemporary UFO sightings and historical case analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of unexplained phenomena, while also providing rational explanations for some sightings, as seen in the Ceuta case. The magazine maintains a commitment to preserving the history of UFO research in Spain and promoting open discussion on the topic.

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue: 25
Date: July-September 2001
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of 'Papers d'Ovnis' delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, featuring personal accounts, investigative reports, and commentary on the nature of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Personal Accounts and Skepticism

The issue opens with a personal reflection by an unnamed author who, while acknowledging having seen something that could be interpreted as a UFO, expresses skepticism about their existence, likening them to the 'dreams of the century' akin to spiritualism in the previous century. The author recounts an experience in Madrid in the late seventies where, while in a taxi with poet Francisco Brines, the driver repeatedly stopped to look at the sky, claiming to have seen UFOs. The author dismisses these as mere suggestions fueled by fantasy and pseudo-scientific magazines.

A Detailed Sighting in Sierra Norte de Sevilla

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an investigation by José Manuel García Bautista into a UFO sighting by two military personnel on January 22, 2000, in the Sierra Norte of Seville. The witnesses described a powerful, distant light, approximately 120 meters in size, hovering and moving with incredible speed and agility, far exceeding that of any known aircraft. The object was oval, with a light that was reddish-orange, and lacked any visible propulsion marks. The report emphasizes the witnesses' high credibility and the thoroughness of the investigation, which included checking meteorological data and air traffic control records, all of which indicated no conventional explanation for the phenomenon.

Further reports from the same region include a sighting on February 12, 2000, of a rhomboidal artifact with four orange lights flying silently at low altitude, and an account from June 12, 1999, where a witness saw a large, brilliant white object emerge from a lake, form a circle, and then hover before disappearing. The article highlights the increasing number of UFO sightings in the Sierra Norte of Seville.

The Nature of Witness Testimony and Investigation

Bautista's report stresses the critical importance of analyzing witness testimony in UFO investigations. He outlines numerous factors that can distort perception, including alcohol, drugs, emotional stress, fatigue, physical or mental alterations, extreme subjectivity, excessive credulity, and the desire for fame or profit. However, he asserts that despite these potential distortions, witnesses must be interrogated to rule out anomalies. The investigation process is described as lengthy, involving the analysis of celestial charts, meteorological reports, and even the witness's psychological profile. The author also cautions against fraud, which he believes is prevalent in this field.

Broader Context and Scientific Monitoring

Another section discusses the broader context of UFO phenomena, with J. A. Cezón reflecting on the human tendency to seek the extraordinary. Cezón touches upon the 'scientific' approach to UFOs, comparing it to the spiritualism of the romantic era, and notes how popular culture has shaped the image of extraterrestrials. He also mentions the role of night as a 'great concealer of mysteries' that facilitates UFO sightings.

The magazine also reports on the evolution of military surveillance systems. An article, citing The New York Times and William Broad, details how systems designed to detect nuclear explosions are now capable of detecting large meteorites. Scientists like Douglas O. Revelle are quoted, explaining that these systems have revealed that Earth is being continuously impacted by space rocks at a higher rate than previously assumed. The article notes that the US Air Force initially downplayed a significant meteorite explosion, describing it only as 'bright lights.' The potential for these advanced detection systems to also monitor UFO activity is implied.

Historical Perspective

An article by Oscar Rey Brea, an engineer and investigator from the 1950s and 60s, revisits his studies on UFO phenomena. Brea recounts sightings from the 1960s, including two large, bright spheres observed over La Coruña and another incident on the Galician coast. His work is presented as an early contribution to the study of UFOs in Spain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the detailed reporting of specific UFO sightings, the critical analysis of witness testimony, the challenges of scientific investigation in the field of ufology, and the potential role of advanced military technology in detecting and possibly studying aerial anomalies. The magazine appears to adopt a serious, investigative stance, presenting both detailed accounts of sightings and thoughtful commentary on the complexities and skepticism surrounding the UFO phenomenon. There is an underlying suggestion that while many sightings may have mundane explanations, some remain genuinely unexplained and warrant further study.

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue: 25
Date: Julio-Septiembre 2001 (July-September 2001)
Publisher: CEI - CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS INTERPLANETARIOS
Country: SPAIN
Language: Spanish

This issue of Papers d'Ovnis, number 25, published in the third quarter of 2001, delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring articles on international sightings, historical cases, scientific theories, and the cyclical nature of UFO phenomena. The cover highlights "OTROS PAÍSES. OTROS BOLETINES" (Other Countries. Other Bulletins), with a contribution from Luis R. González and an article by Oscar Rey.

Featured Articles and Content

A Sighting Near Betanzos, Spain

The issue begins with a detailed account of a sighting that occurred near Betanzos, Spain. A witness, observing from his home, initially mistook a bright, white-yellow luminous object for a supernova. The object, visible even in daylight, was calculated to be between -4 and -5 magnitude and at an altitude of forty-five degrees above the southern horizon. The witness suspected it was not a star when it began to move slowly from East-Southeast to West-Northwest, then at a greater speed. Using theater binoculars, he estimated the object to be a perfect semisphere, appearing to be five minutes of arc in size. The object then disappeared. Thirty minutes later, in the nearby town of Sada, many people witnessed the phenomenon, described as a large artifact, shining white-yellow, appearing stationary above the horizon for about twenty-one minutes, then moving vertically at high speed. A local resident described it as triangular, about the size of a child's outstretched hand (approximately four degrees), and its color turned red before it accelerated vertically into space, disappearing in seconds.

Analysis of UFO Cycles and Planetary Alignments

An article by Oscar Rey presents a diagram illustrating the relative positions of Mars and Earth, along with the volume of UFO observations. The diagram suggests a correlation between UFO sightings and planetary alignments, particularly oppositions (closest approach) and conjunctions (farthest apart). The author notes three coincidences: the rhythm of maximum observations coincides with Mars' oppositions, the volume of sightings corresponds to the degree of separation between the planets, and during conjunctions, there is an almost complete absence of sightings, with only sporadic occurrences. The author posits that the cyclical nature of these visits, occurring in approximately biannual or twenty-six-month cycles, and also in longer fifteen to seventeen-year cycles, suggests a connection to the distances between Earth and Mars. He predicts future waves of sightings based on these cycles, having previously forecast a wave in the summer of 1952 and another in the autumn-winter of 1954.

The Origin of 'Flying Saucers' and Scientific Perspectives

Several news clippings from March and April 1950 discuss the topic of 'flying saucers'. One article from "La Vanguardia" reports on Austrian aeronautical engineer Erich Meixol's theory that 'flying saucers' were initially secret weapons developed by Hitler, based on a design by a scientist named Doblooff. This design, an advanced supersonic aircraft, was reportedly tested during the war and described as a luminous rotating disc by day and a burning globe by night. Another clipping from "El Noticiero Universal" relays Professor Obert's statement that if 'flying saucers' exist, they must be powered by atomic energy, and their shape is the most suitable for such propulsion. A report from London in "The Times" indicates that while the English might not be seeing 'flying saucers', they are hearing continuous, unidentified vibrating noises, prompting an appeal for written reports.

Jean Piccard's View on UFOs

An interview with Jean Piccard, the stratosphere explorer, published in "Diario de Barcelona" in March 1950, presents a skeptical view on many UFO reports. Piccard suggests that he himself might be responsible for a significant portion of sightings, attributing them to his large cellophane balloons, approximately 30 meters in diameter, which are launched to conduct scientific instruments at high altitudes (up to 30 kilometers). He explains that when these balloons are joined together, they can reach immense heights and may appear as 'flying saucers' to observers unfamiliar with them. He categorizes 'flying saucers' into three types: those that are scientifically inexplicable, those that are purely products of popular imagination, and those that he may have inadvertently caused.

Other Countries, Other Bulletins

This section, contributed by Luis R. González, reviews other ufological publications. It mentions an article in "Skeptical Inquirer" titled "Reptoids and Martians Invade Silicon Valley," which critiques a UFO congress in California. It also discusses an article in "Fortean Times" about the 1783 fireball event in England, noting that some of these phenomena could be identified as UFOs today. The "Fortean Times" also addresses the scientific acceptance of meteorites and explores potential explanations for the Bermuda Triangle, such as methane emissions from the seabed affecting buoyancy. Another article in "Fortean Times" debunks 'orbs' as artifacts of digital camera flashes.

Cosmological and Philosophical Considerations

Two articles on pages 22 and 23 delve into more philosophical and cosmological questions related to life in the universe. One piece explores the concept of life's origin, questioning whether it is a casual process or divinely inspired. It discusses the vastness of the cosmos and the low probability of life arising elsewhere, suggesting that humanity might be virtually alone. The author contrasts the idea of a purely random evolutionary process with the concept of a guided, divine creation, finding the latter more appealing. The other article touches upon the potential for interstellar travel, considering the immense distances involved and the technological advancements needed, such as hibernation and large, self-sufficient spacecraft.

Historical UFOs and Government Statements

A clipping from "Diario de Barcelona" in March 1950 reports on a statement by President Truman's press secretary, Charles Ross, who denied that the President had any knowledge of 'flying saucers' or that the US military was experimenting with them. This contrasts with earlier suggestions made by radio commentator Henry Taylor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Papers d'Ovnis consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs from multiple angles: eyewitness accounts, scientific analysis, historical context, and speculative theories. There is a clear interest in identifying patterns and seeking rational explanations, whether through scientific inquiry, the examination of historical events, or the debunking of sensationalism. The magazine appears to maintain a stance that acknowledges the existence of unexplained phenomena while critically evaluating claims and seeking evidence-based understanding. The inclusion of diverse perspectives, from eyewitness reports to scientific skepticism and historical reviews, suggests a commitment to a comprehensive exploration of ufology. The editorial focus seems to be on presenting information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the cyclical nature of sightings and their potential connection to astronomical events.