Papers d'Ovnis - 2a epoca - No 30

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue Date: October-December 2002 (Issue No. 30)
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)
Language: Spanish

This issue of Papers d'Ovnis delves into various aspects of ufology, astronautics, and historical aviation. It features a tribute to Antoni Pelegrí, a co-founder of the CEI, who passed away at 94. The magazine also highlights the work of the Fundación Anomalía in managing UFO data and explores early developments in Spanish astronautics.

Key Articles and Features

Editorial: HUÉRFANOS

The editorial, written by Martí Flò, pays tribute to Antoni Pelegrí i Partegàs, a co-founder of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), who died at the age of 94. Pelegrí is remembered for his dedication to democracy, Catalanism, and the dissemination of cosmic knowledge. The article recounts his long-standing involvement with the CEI, even after his more public distancing, and shares an anecdote about his collaboration with Antoni Ribera.

ÁLBUM DE ARTEFACTOS VOLADORES INSÓLITOS (Album of Unusual Flying Artifacts)

Authored by Dr. A. Font Sallarés, this article explores early inventors' attempts to achieve flight beyond the limitations of hot air balloons. It discusses concepts like the 'balloon-velocipede' by Dixon and Jacob Degen's wing-flapping machine, highlighting the ingenuity and often impractical nature of these early designs. The piece also touches upon the public's reaction to these experiments, sometimes met with skepticism or disappointment.

OBJECTS OVER HAVANA

This section features the work of artist Rubén Gutiérrez, whose photographic series 'Objects over Havana' (2000) uses image manipulation to make Cuban deposits appear as flying saucers. The article explains how Gutiérrez's work subtly comments on the political and social crisis in contemporary Cuba, using the decaying urban landscape as a metaphor for the collapse of real socialism.

XII EDICIÓN DEL PREMIO UPC DE CIENCIA-FICCIÓN 2002 (12th Edition of the UPC Science Fiction Award 2002)

This brief report announces the winners of the UPC Science Fiction Award. The first prize for short novels was awarded to 'Escamas de cristal' by Pablo Vilaseñor and 'Ruta a Trascendencia' by Alejandro Javier Alonso. The article provides a synopsis of 'Ruta a Trascendencia' and biographical details about Alejandro Javier Alonso.

GESTIÓN CIENTÍFICA DE FENÓMENOS AÉREOS ANÓMALOS (Scientific Management of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena)

This article details the 'Proyecto Klaatu' launched by the Fundación Anomalía. This advanced software aims to process millions of data points on UFO sightings in Spain over the past 50 years, with the goal of analyzing the information and drawing definitive conclusions about the phenomenon. The article also mentions the foundation's other activities, including awards and scholarships.

EL CEI Y LA ASTRONÁUTICA (The CEI and Astronautics)

Authored by Martí Flò, this extensive piece traces the history of astronautics in Spain, focusing on the role of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI). It discusses early pioneers like Juan Arboles and Màrius Lleget, the formation of astronomical associations, and the CEI's involvement in international congresses. The article highlights the CEI's contributions to discussions on space law, extraterrestrial life, and the 'two astronautics' – human and alien.

UNA APUESTA SOBRE LA VIDA EXTRATERRESTRE (A Bet on Extraterrestrial Life)

Written by Malen Ruiz de Elvira, this article discusses Freeman Dyson's bet regarding the discovery of extraterrestrial life. Dyson believes life will be found in interstellar zones, not on planets, and has wagered $1,000 on this theory. The article contrasts his view with that of Peter Spark, who believes life will be discovered on a planet. It also touches upon the challenges of recognizing alien life if it differs significantly from terrestrial forms.

EL MISTERIO DE STENDEK (The Mystery of Stendek)

This piece revisits the disappearance and subsequent discovery of the wreckage of the plane 'Star Dust,' known as 'Stendek.' The article mentions the unexplained final message from the plane, 's-t-e-n-d-e-c,' which inspired the name of a UFO magazine. It notes that while the accident's causes and wreckage recovery are explained, the meaning of the final transmission remains a mystery.

OVNIS SOBRE ESPAÑA (UFOs over Spain)

Authored by Jordi Ardanuy, this section compiles recent UFO sightings in Spain. It categorizes sightings into those from the Mediterranean region (Xàtiva and Murcia) and the central peninsula (Badajoz, Móstoles, and Madrid). The article highlights the role of internet publications and radio programs in disseminating these reports, including a specific sighting over Badajoz and multiple sightings in Xàtiva involving unusual lights and metallic objects.

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

This is a brief section by Luis R. González, likely a review or mention of other publications related to ufology.

EL CEI Y EL TERRORISMO INTERNACIONAL (The CEI and International Terrorism)

This title suggests an article connecting the CEI's work or discussions to the topic of international terrorism, though the content is not detailed in the provided scan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, technology, and the unknown. There's a strong focus on the history of aviation and astronautics, particularly in Spain, and the role of organizations like the CEI in fostering interest and research. UFO sightings and the search for extraterrestrial life are central themes, often presented with a scientific or investigative approach. The publication also touches upon conspiracy theories and the philosophical implications of discovering other life forms. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the study of anomalous phenomena while maintaining a connection to scientific methodology, as exemplified by the Fundación Anomalía's project.

Notable Mentions

• Antoni Pelegrí i Partegàs: Co-founder of CEI, honored for his contributions to democracy, Catalanism, and cosmic knowledge.
• Antoni Ribera: Co-founder of CEI, involved in early astronautics and UFO research.
• Màrius Lleget: Co-founder of CEI, active in promoting astronautics in Spain.
• Fundación Anomalía: Dedicated to the scientific study of anomalous aerial phenomena.
• Proyecto Klaatu: A data management system for UFO sightings in Spain.
• Early Aviation Inventors: Figures like Dixon and Jacob Degen whose inventions are discussed.
• Freeman Dyson: Scientist featured for his bet on extraterrestrial life.
• Rubén Gutiérrez: Artist whose work 'Objects over Havana' is presented.

Publication Details

• Issue: No. 30
• Date: October-December 2002
• Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)
• Content: Articles on UFOs, astronautics, early aviation, scientific management of anomalies, and extraterrestrial life.
• Language: Spanish

This issue of *Papers d'Ovnis* (Issue 30, October-December 2002) from the CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS INTERPLANETARIOS (CEI) in Spain, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including sightings, investigations, and cultural phenomena. The cover story highlights the SEIP's dismissal of underwater UFO bases around Mallorca, while other articles discuss UFO sightings in Spain, a symposium on UFOs at George Washington University, and the conspiracy-laden miniseries 'Taken'. The magazine also reviews other UFO publications and newsletters, offering a mix of investigative reports, witness accounts, and critical analysis.

SEIP Dismisses Underwater UFO Bases in Mallorca

The lead article reports on the SEIP's investigation into mysterious sounds heard in the waters off Mallorca. These sounds, described by local fishermen as systematic and artificial, have been reported since May. The SEIP, led by investigators from Madrid, deployed specialized equipment, including underwater microphones and cameras, to study the phenomenon. Despite the unusual nature of the sounds, which some compare to old steam trains, the SEIP concluded that they are likely of natural origin. The article also mentions ongoing research using a special floating microphone developed by the UIB and Imedea, with the support of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas.

UFO Sightings in Spain

The issue details several recent UFO sightings across Spain:

• Xàtiva: Rafael Esteller reported seeing a fast-moving light with two static lights on November 27th.
• Murcia: On November 22nd, friends of a narrator observed a bright light, possibly a planet or star, similar to the Xàtiva sighting.
• Madrid: On December 4th, witnesses, including members of the 'Milenio 3' program, saw a powerful, blue-flashing, round light that disappeared suddenly. It was determined not to be a star, planet, or satellite.
• Near Móstoles: On December 8th, two individuals saw a large, white, sphere-shaped light that appeared to grow and then shrink without moving.

UFO Symposium at George Washington University

The magazine covers a symposium held at George Washington University on November 8th, sponsored by SCI FI Cauce. The event aimed to provide a scientific understanding of interstellar travel and the evidence for unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). Key speakers included:

• Dr. Richard Henry (astrophysicist, Johns Hopkins University), who questioned the sufficiency of the scientific method for studying UAP.
• Dr. Michio Kaku (theoretical physicist, City University of New York), who discussed wormholes and the theory of the cord, suggesting possibilities for interstellar travel.
• Dr. Bernard Haisch (Director, California Institute of Physics and Astrophysics), who spoke about theories on the limitations of space travel and potential government cover-ups.
• Dr. Jacques Vallee (astrophysicist and computer scientist), who focused on physical evidence in UFO cases and argued that the UFO phenomenon presents an opportunity for scientific advancement.
• Ted Roe (Executive Director, NARCAP), who reported on his organization's activities and cooperation with international agencies.
• John Callahan (former Head of FAA Accident Investigations), who discussed the 1986 Japanese Airlines case where a B-747 detected an object over Alaska, with information later classified by the CIA.
• Dr. Peter Sturrock (Professor Emeritus of Applied Physics, Stanford University), who analyzed the Condon Report.

'Taken' Miniseries and Conspiracy Theories

The issue reviews the miniseries 'Taken', which premiered on the Sci-Fi Channel on December 3rd. Produced by Steven Spielberg and others, the 20-hour series depicts the history of alien abductions across three families and four generations. The article notes the series' blend of UFOs, Roswell, and genetic mutations, and its potential for entertainment. It also touches upon the series' connection to the CFI and PodestaMattoon, and mentions Steven Greer's 'The Disclosure Project', which advocates for the declassification of official UFO-related documents. The article suggests that the promotion of 'Taken' may be linked to a broader agenda to instill fear of extraterrestrials, potentially as a prelude to a manufactured global threat, referencing warnings from Wernher von Braun.

Reviews of UFO Publications

The magazine includes reviews of several UFO newsletters and journals:

• Northern UFO News (September 2001): Discusses the disappearance and reappearance of the BFSB, and mentions a video of a UFO filmed in Derbyshire, which skeptics suggest might be a distortion of Venus.
• Skeptics UFO Newsletter: Critiques Dr. Greer's 'Project Disclosure' and the credibility of its witnesses. It also notes the resignation of Richard Hall from MUFON.
• MAGONIA (Issue 75): This issue is dedicated to frauds in ufology, with an editorial discussing the impact of such deceptions. It also reviews a supposed 'Majestic Twelve Special Operations Manual'.
• Fortean Times (Issue 150, September 2001): Features an article on a Bolivian sect adopting Ummo mythology and discusses the 'Ummo affair'. It also touches upon the psychology of the paranormal and a case of a misidentified UFO.
• MUFON UFO Journal (Issue 399): Reports on a multiple-witness UFO sighting in the US, DNA analysis of alleged alien hair, and the work of researchers like Nancy Talbott on crop circles.

El CEI y el Terrorismo Internacional

A brief section discusses the arrest of Mauricio Hernández Norambuena, a former leader of the FPMR, in Sao Paulo. The article notes the discovery of falsified Argentine documents in his possession, including credentials from the 'Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios', suggesting a surprising connection between his activities and ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of *Papers d'Ovnis* maintains a critical yet open stance towards the UFO phenomenon. While reporting on sightings and investigations, it also engages with skepticism and potential hoaxes, as seen in the reviews of skeptical newsletters and the discussion of UFO frauds. The magazine appears to be concerned with the scientific study of UAPs, as evidenced by the coverage of the George Washington University symposium and the SEIP's investigation. There's also an undercurrent of interest in conspiracy theories and government secrecy, particularly in relation to the 'Taken' miniseries and historical cases like the Alaska B-747 incident. The editorial stance seems to encourage a thorough, evidence-based approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the complexities and controversies within the field.