Papers d'Ovnis - 2a epoca - No 35

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue: Nº 35
Date: Enero-Marzo 2004

This issue of *Papers d'Ovnis* delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, blending eyewitness accounts, scientific speculation, and cultural commentary. The cover prominently features J.J. Benítez and the question "¿DÓNDE ESTÁN LOS MARCIANOS?" (Where are the Martians?), setting a tone of inquiry into extraterrestrial life and its presence.

Key Articles and Features

UN OVNI PERSEGUIDO POR EL INTERIOR DE GIPÚSKOA

This extensive article by Juan Carlos Victorio Uranga details a notable event from July 10-11, 1985, in Gipúzkoa, Spain. What began as a phone call reporting a UFO sighting escalated into a collective experience involving multiple witnesses, emergency services (DYA), police, and media. The object, described as a large, pulsating light that changed size and shape, was pursued for hours. However, the article, citing *El Diario Vasco*, concludes that the phenomenon was most likely the planet Jupiter, which was particularly bright due to its proximity to Earth. The author suggests that the event was a case of collective suggestion, amplified by media attention and the public's fascination with the unknown.

¿OVNI EN EL COBRE?

Manuel Gutiérrez reports on a sighting in El Cobre, Algeciras, Spain, by Francisco Rodríguez Marchante. He describes seeing a large, star-like object emitting light and hovering immovably. The object reappeared the following morning, and while it was not identified as a star, official police and meteorological sources reported no unusual aerial activity. The article notes that El Cobre is known among UFO investigators for previous sightings.

ESTELA DE FUEGO SOBRE EL ALJARAFE

Trinidad Perdiguero recounts an incident in Aljarafe, Spain, where witnesses, including the Guardia Civil, reported seeing a large ball of fire with a red tail moving slowly across the sky for several minutes. While scientists initially suggested it was the condensation trail of an airplane, the witnesses' descriptions and the object's slow movement led to speculation about its true nature.

CULTURA, ESPECTÁCULOS, TELEVISIÓN, CINE

This section covers several cultural items:

• V Festival de Titelles de Xàbia: A puppet festival held in Xàbia, featuring performances like 'Los dundis siderales' and 'Alerta roja, extraterrestres,' which included an alien landing theme.
• NIE, UN INMIGRANTE DE OTROS MUNDOS: A review of a play that uses the metaphor of an alien immigrant to explore themes of displacement and the human condition.
• PLANETA ENCANTADO, UN VIAJE CONFIDENCIAL CON J.J. BENÍTEZ INFILTRADO: This section includes multiple pieces related to J.J. Benítez and his work.
• A review of the TVE series "Planeta Encantado," which is criticized by some scientists for presenting speculative theories as fact, particularly regarding extraterrestrial influence on human history.
• An interview with J.J. Benítez, who discusses his career, his approach to investigating mysteries, and the challenges faced during the production of "Planeta Encantado," including potential conflicts with the military and religious institutions.
• A piece titled "MISTERIOS, LOS JUSTOS" by Manuel María Meseguer, which reflects on J.J. Benítez's work and the nature of mysteries, contrasting Benítez's speculative approach with scientific rigor. Meseguer also shares a personal anecdote about a geode found in the Sahara.
• A critique of "Planeta Encantado" by a group of scientists who signed a manifesto expressing concern that the series presents unverified theories, potentially undermining scientific divulgation.

LA VÍA LÁCTEA PODRÍA ALOJAR FORMAS DE VIDA EXTRATERRESTRE

This article discusses a study published in *Science* by Australian scientists who identified a region in the Milky Way galaxy that could potentially host extraterrestrial life. This "habitable galactic zone" contains stars with sufficient heavy elements to form Earth-like planets and has existed for at least 4 billion years, providing ample time for complex life to evolve.

¿DÓNDE ESTÁN LOS MARCIANOS?

Josep Corbella reports on the scientific interest in Mars following the discovery of past water activity. The article highlights upcoming missions by NASA and the European Space Agency in 2009 to search for signs of microbial life. Scientists suggest that if life existed on Mars, it would likely be simple organisms similar to Earth's bacteria.

LA 'FIEBRE MARCIANA' INVADE INTERNET

Alfonso Jódar Reyes describes the surge in online interest following NASA's Spirit rover landing on Mars. The article notes the massive increase in website traffic for NASA and related space agencies, with millions of visits recorded, indicating a strong public engagement with space exploration.

OTROS PAÍSES, OTROS BOLETINES

Luis R. González provides a brief mention of other UFO bulletins and publications.

EL 'SPIRIT' FOTOGRAFÍA UN OVNI EN MARTE

This short piece notes that the Spirit rover photographed a UFO on Mars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena, scientific inquiry, and cultural interpretations. There's a clear interest in eyewitness accounts and unexplained events, often contrasted with scientific explanations or skepticism. The publication seems to lean towards presenting a wide range of perspectives, from believers to skeptics, and highlights the media's role in shaping public perception of these topics. The recurring focus on J.J. Benítez suggests his work is a significant driver of content and discussion within the UFO community.

Editorial Stance: While presenting various accounts and theories, the magazine often includes scientific counterpoints or explanations, as seen in the Gipúzkoa case and the critique of J.J. Benítez's series. The overall stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting on the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging both the unexplained and the potential for misinterpretation or hoaxes.

This issue of Papers d'Ovnis (Enero-Marzo 2004, n° 35) is primarily dedicated to reviewing new editorial publications from 2003 related to UFOs and mysteries. It also includes updates on space exploration and a review of other international UFO bulletins.

Web Resources for Astronomy and Space Exploration

The magazine highlights several websites dedicated to astronomy and space exploration, catering to Spanish-speaking audiences. The principal web of the North American Space Agency (NASA) is mentioned as a space created by astronomy enthusiasts for translating articles and creating discussion forums. Another site, www.nodos.com, is described as a digital publication for space science and technology in Spanish, characterized by its up-to-the-minute reporting on events, drawing news from various media outlets.

Several other websites are recommended for those interested in astronomy, including www.surastronomico.com, www.cielosur.com, and www.amazing.com. For more scientific information online, readers are directed to www.andaluciainvestiga.com, www.jpl.nasa.gov, www.infoastro.com, www.nasa.gov, and www.astroseti.org.

Infoastro is noted as a Spanish-language forum providing extensive information on the Spirit mission and other space-related topics, including a special report on Mars and previous projects related to the red planet. The discussion forums on these sites cover topics such as the potential for extraterrestrial life and the nature of the Martian soil where the Spirit rover landed, with one author proposing it resembles humid clay based on NASA photographs.

The issue also mentions upcoming space events, such as the second manned mission by China scheduled for 2005, and ongoing work by the European probe Mars Express, including the search for the Beagle 2 robot on Mars.

Editorial Reviews: Books from 2003

Tras las Huellas del Pasado Imposible

This section reviews 'Tras las Huellas del Pasado Imposible: la arqueoastronomía y el conocimiento oculto de la antigüedad' by Tomé Martínez Rodríguez. Published in June 2003 by Nowtilus, the book is part of the collection 'La puerta del misterio' directed by Fernando Jiménez del Oso. The author, a journalist and audiovisual producer, examines archaeological constructions, sites, and objects whose official dating he questions. Martínez Rodríguez argues that the advanced technological and cosmological evolution suggested by these findings could not be the sole work of ancient civilizations. He posits the influence of supposed cosmic visitors and lost civilizations whose knowledge might have been preserved by a mysterious organization. The review notes Martínez Rodríguez's previous works, including 'El Secreto de Compostela' and 'Galicia Secreta'.

La Invasión OVNI™

'La Invasión OVNI™' by Bruno Cardeñosa, published in November 2002 by Nowtilus, is reviewed. Cardeñosa, a journalist and regular contributor to mystery magazines, aims to present documentary, physical, and testimonial evidence for the existence of UFOs and to demonstrate alleged government cover-ups over the past sixty years. The book, which is over 350 pages and illustrated with nearly a hundred photographs and official documents, focuses on significant sightings from the last 15 years, particularly those involving military organizations and official bodies. The review notes Cardeñosa's previous works, such as 'Los expedientes secretos del Ejército del Aire' and 'Ovnis en España, lo que oculta el Ejército del Aire'.

The review includes critical commentary, quoting Cardeñosa's strong opinions on ufologists like Ballester Olmos, whom he accuses of acting under military directives, and Joan Plana Crivillén, described as Olmos's executor whose actions are deemed suspicious and manipulative. Cardeñosa also criticizes 'Alternativa Racional a las Pseudociencias' as a potentially compromised organization.

The reviewer expresses reservations about the editorial approach of Nowtilus, particularly regarding accusations made within the book, and states a desire to remain impartial. The author, Bruno Cardeñosa Chao (1971), is described as a journalist specializing in mysteries, a conference speaker, and a contributor to various media outlets.

Últimas Investigaciones OVNI

This review critically assesses 'Últimas Investigaciones OVNI' by Gabriel Gomis Martín. The reviewer describes the book as presenting a 'biological intellective entity' and criticizes its 'insipid casuistry' and sensationalist cover. The content is said to mix topics such as apparitions, Nazi submarines, chupacabras, and orthodox UFO phenomena, with the only common thread being a lack of rigor in the analysis. The book is noted for its impertinent and unsubtle moralizing, numerous spelling errors, and printing mistakes. The reviewer concludes that the book is unlikely to find critical correction in future editions.

The book reportedly delves into aeronautics, then speculates about UFO propulsion mechanisms. It includes lengthy interviews with witnesses, which the reviewer finds tedious and lacking synthesis. The author is accused of conflating diverse themes, including civil war, Buddhist shamanism, and dialogues with forest beings. The review highlights the author's lack of scruples in presenting testimonies, treating all accounts as equally valid regardless of the witness's background. The reviewer concludes that the book contributes to a soporific and crude literary experience.

Other Countries, Other Bulletins

This section, authored by Luís R. González, reviews various international UFO and Fortean publications.

Fortean Times

The review covers issues of Fortean Times from March to May 2003. Issue n° 168 (March 2003) focuses on the resurgence of paranoid ideas about the moon landing, fueled by the internet, and the controversy surrounding the supposed 'virgin birth' of cloned children by the Raëlian movement. It also mentions peculiar 'winged' animals, identified as cats with a skin condition causing fragile, flexible skin. Issue n° 169 (April 2003) discusses Erich von Däniken's latest venture, a theme park in the Swiss Alps, and his interview with Bob Rickard, where Däniken expresses skepticism towards ufology, abductions, and Marian apparitions. Other articles in this issue cover Kaspar Hauser and a Utah ranch associated with paranormal activities and alleged cattle mutilations, now owned by billionaire Robert Bigelow for his NIDS group. The review notes that NIDS claims to have conducted documented investigations but refuses to publish the data, possibly to avoid ridicule.

Issue n° 170 (May 2003) is noted for its increased price and page count. It features a section on Ufology by Andy Roberts and David Clarke, discussing alleged UFOs photographed by the SOHO satellite near the Sun. David Clarke, a sociologist, also analyzes the history of the 'Angels of Mons,' supposed saviors of British soldiers in World War I. Regarding crop circles, the 2002 season is mentioned as being used to announce programs.

Magonia Supplement

The Magonia Supplement n° 45 (Enero 2003) celebrates 35 years of publication of the Merseyside UFO Bulletin, now known as Magonia. The issue discusses reasons for its survival. It touches upon themes also found in Fortean Times, such as rumors about a photograph of the 'Angels of Mons' (clarified as a montage by David Clarke and Andy Roberts) and Gareth Medway's insistence on the skepticism of lie detector users. The supplement includes book reviews by Peter Rogerson.

Issue n° 46 addresses a recent discussion on the UFO Updates mailing list concerning the Trans-en-Provenze case, noting that American ufologists were unfamiliar with French publications on the matter. Martin Kottmeyer questions whether the interruption of air operations after 9/11 and the ensuing psychosocial effects led to more UFO sightings, concluding that statistically, the answer is likely no. Another article examines the Mothman phenomenon, questioning whether it was a monster or a myth. The author, M.J. Graeber, recounts a personal encounter in 1973 with a figure described as headless with gigantic wings, which turned out to be a hiker with a large backpack and poncho.

The review highlights Roger Luckhurst's recent book, 'The Invention of Telepathy' (Oxford University Press), as potentially interesting.

The section 'Otros países, otros boletines' concludes in this issue, with the hope for its future continuation.

'Spirit' Photographs a UFO on Mars

A significant report details the detection of an "unidentified flying object" (OVNI) by researchers analyzing images sent by the Spirit rover on Mars. The object, observed moving along the horizon, surprised scientists. Initial speculation suggested it might be a meteorite or the old Viking-2 probe. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of NASA reported that the object was the brightest one crossing the robot explorer's panoramic camera's field of vision. However, scientists were unable to provide a definitive explanation.

Most hypotheses lean towards a meteorite passing near the planet or one of the seven spacecraft that might still be in Martian orbit, though defunct. Scientists ruled out Russian probes (Mars 2, Mars 3, Mars 5, Phobos 2) and US probes (Mariner 9, Viking 1) due to the object's movement pattern, which described a 4-degree arc in 15 seconds. This leaves Viking 2 as a possibility, as its polar orbit could partially align with the OVNI's observed path.

However, some individuals, like Mark Lemmon from the University of Texas, expressed that the photograph might represent more than a natural phenomenon, questioning if it's the first image of a meteorite taken from Mars or a craft from another civilization conducting its own space exploration program. The report notes that the presentation of this photograph, coupled with NASA's lack of a precise explanation, has reignited discussions that began with the first images of Mars' surface from the Viking probes in the 1970s. The Viking-1 and Viking-2 missions in 1976 were sent to photograph the Martian surface and gather atmospheric data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO literature and alleged evidence, with a particular focus on books published in 2003. The magazine displays a skeptical yet open-minded approach, critically analyzing claims made by authors while also reporting on new developments in space exploration and UFO sightings. There is a clear emphasis on journalistic rigor, with reviewers often pointing out a lack of evidence, logical fallacies, or sensationalism in the reviewed works. The editorial stance appears to favor well-researched and documented accounts, while cautioning against unsubstantiated theories and conspiracy narratives. The inclusion of international UFO bulletins suggests a broad scope of interest in the phenomenon across different regions.