Papers d'Ovnis - 2a epoca - No 36

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue: Nº 36
Date: Abril-Junio 2004 (April-June 2004)
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)
Language: Spanish

This issue of Papers d'Ovnis focuses on UFO phenomena, with a prominent feature on "OVNIS EN MEXICO" (UFOs in Mexico), alongside articles on recent sightings in Spain, the artistic connections of Salvador Dalí with extraterrestrials, and a discussion on UFO abduction hotspots.

OVNIS EN MEXICO

The lead article details a significant event on March 5, 2004, where a Mexican Air Force aircraft on a counter-narcotics patrol encountered unidentified flying objects (UFOs) for over 30 minutes. The encounter, which occurred over Campeche, was recorded by both radar and an infrared camera (FLIR). The article highlights the subsequent press conference organized by the Secretary of National Defense, which included ufologist Jaime Maussán. The military's decision to release the video footage is framed within a new policy of transparency under President Fox. The report includes testimonies from the aircraft's crew: pilot Major Magdaleno Castañón, radar operator Lieutenant Germán Marín Ramírez, and FLIR operator Mario Adrián Vázquez Téllez. Castañón estimated one object to be about 15 meters in size. The article also touches upon the controversy surrounding the video's release, with some suggesting it was a diversionary tactic amidst Mexico's political and economic instability. Various explanations for the phenomena are presented, including reflections, atmospheric effects, and even potential fraud.

Últimos avistamientos en España (Latest Sightings in Spain)

This section compiles recent UFO sightings across Spain during the second quarter of 2004. Reports include:

• April 1: Llandosu (Langreo) - Six lights observed in the sky, similar to those seen in Mexico.
• April 7: Málaga - A UFO was photographed during a religious procession.
• April 28: Santiago de Compostela - A large, brilliant object performed a ninety-degree turn.
• April 30: Arnedo (La Rioja) - An intense white/yellowish light was observed for five minutes.
• May 1: Gandía - An oval, yellowish-orange object was seen moving towards the sea.
• May 3-4: Roses and Figueres - A bluish sphere exhibited erratic movements and high-speed ascent.
• May 9: Casteldefels to Barcelona - A rhomboid-shaped object was observed.
• June 2: Southern Galicia, Portugal, Western Spain - An object moved at high speed towards the west.
• June 5: Vigo - Eight large white spheres with smoke trails were sighted.

The article notes that while these sightings are reported, the accompanying data is often scarce, making in-depth analysis difficult.

Círculos de Heno en Castellfullit del Boix (Crop Circles in Castellfullit del Boix)

Pere Redón reports on the appearance of mysterious crop circles in hayfields in Castellfullit del Boix, Catalonia, Spain. The phenomenon of crop circles, which has been observed globally for decades, is characterized by increasingly complex and artistic designs. The author notes that while some cases have been attributed to hoaxes, others remain unexplained, possibly linked to UFO activity or unknown natural phenomena. The specific case in Castellfullit involved a large spiral and subsequent circles, noted for their precision and difficulty to replicate with conventional means.

Dalí y los Extraterrestres (Dalí and the Extraterrestrials)

This article explores the relationship between the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí and the world of UFOs and extraterrestrials. It begins with a quote from Alice Cooper suggesting Dalí, along with The Beatles and Groucho Marx, would be among his suspects if aliens were to visit Earth. The piece recounts Dalí's encounter with Uri Geller, a psychic who could bend spoons and describe objects in Amanda Lear's room, which unnerved Dalí. Dalí's fascination with Geller's abilities is linked to his own artistic motifs like melting clocks. The article also delves into Dalí's potential involvement in Alejandro Jodorowsky's ambitious but unrealized film adaptation of "Dune" in the 1970s, where Dalí was considered for the role of the Emperor. The project involved other notable artists and musicians, including H.G. Giger, Pink Floyd, and actors like David Carradine and Charlotte Rampling. The article suggests that Dalí's own imagination and his engagement with the paranormal fueled his unique artistic output.

¿Desea ser secuestrado por extraterrestres? (Do You Wish to Be Abducted by Extraterrestrials?)

This section discusses a report by British researchers identifying the top 40 locations in the UK for UFO abductions. The study, part of a campaign that included a TV show and a Grolsch beer promotion, highlights Bonnybridge, Scotland, as a major hotspot, comparable to Roswell, New Mexico. The article cites statistics suggesting millions of people in the UK and North America claim to have been abducted. It also mentions the role of Nick Pope, former head of the UK Ministry of Defense's UFO desk, in the research. The piece notes the official denial of a cover-up by the Ministry of Defense, which attributes sightings to conventional aircraft and insists that all UFO reports are publicly available.

Suicidio Colectivo con Zumo de Frutas (Mass Suicide with Fruit Juice)

This article investigates a case from January 1998 in Tenerife, Spain, where authorities intervened to prevent a suspected mass suicide by a group influenced by a German woman named Heide Fittkau-Garthe. The group believed an alien spacecraft would collect them. While the intervention prevented the suicide, the legal proceedings against Fittkau-Garthe for inciting suicide and illicit association were complex. Analysis of the fruit juice they intended to consume revealed no poison, and the charges against most members were dropped. The article frames this event within a context of other cult-related suicides in Europe around that time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with various aspects of society, including military encounters, government transparency, artistic expression, and popular culture. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting diverse perspectives and case studies, while also critically examining potential explanations and societal implications. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings and fostering discussion within the ufological community.

This issue of *Papers d'Ovnis* (April-June 2004, Issue 36) from the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI) in Spain covers a range of topics within ufology, including legal proceedings, theological interpretations, research methodologies, and book reviews. The magazine features articles on a legal case in Germany concerning a Spanish resident, the theological views of Vicente Cháfer on UFOs, and the work of ufologists like Albert Adell and J.-J. Vélasco.

Legal Case in Germany

The article details the ongoing legal proceedings against Heide Fittkau-Garthe in Germany, related to events in Tenerife, Spain. The Spanish Ministry of Justice requested testimony from 20 individuals detained on January 8, 1998, in Tenerife. However, only six have testified, with four declarations deemed unfounded and two 'interesting.' A significant obstacle is the refusal of the German witnesses to travel to Spain to ratify their statements, citing their desire to avoid revisiting past events and potential legal repercussions. German judicial authorities are described as strict in protecting their nationals' interests, requiring detailed explanations for any requests from Spain. The case is considered to have 'deflated' due to the lack of concrete evidence and witness cooperation, with a possibility of being archived before summer. The article contrasts the difference between suspicion and proof.

Albert Adell Reivindicated in Argentina

This section highlights a weekly program on MULTICANAL in Argentina, hosted by Alberto Brunetti of the GIFA group, which discusses UFO phenomena. The program, broadcast on Tuesdays, focuses on evaluating witness testimonies using methods like the 'Strangeness Index' and 'Credibility Index' proposed by Allen Hynek. These indices are complemented by the 'Adell diagram,' developed by Albert Adell and published by Ballester Olmos and Miguel Guasp. This diagram helps classify cases into four zones: PROBABLE UFO, OVI, POSSIBLE FRAUD OR MYSTIFICATION, and UNACCEPTABLE FOR POSTERIOR EVALUATION. The article defends the continued relevance of these 30-year-old tools, emphasizing their simplicity and objectivity, and criticizes modern skepticism that dismisses the work of early ufologists.

Vicente Cháfer's Theological Interpretation of UFOs

This article summarizes a series of five lectures given by Vicente Cháfer, a theologian and Seventh-day Adventist, at the University of Salamanca. Cháfer posits that the existence of extraterrestrial life is compatible with the Bible, arguing that it would be arrogant to assume humanity is alone in the universe. He suggests the Bible implies other inhabited worlds but focuses on terrestrial life. Cháfer believes that advanced civilizations capable of interstellar travel would not create uncertainty by visiting Earth. His central thesis is that the devil, confined to Earth, creates UFO phenomena to divert attention from Christ's promise of eternal life for pure souls. He estimates that only 20% of UFO sightings might be credible, but attributes them to demonic influence rather than extraterrestrial origins. This interpretation is presented as Cháfer's personal view and not that of the Catholic Church.

Book Reviews

'El Triángulo de las Bermudas' by Claudio Soler & Mónica Quirón

This review discusses a book that compiles various hypotheses about the Bermuda Triangle. The authors, Claudio Soler and Mónica Quirón, present a chronological overview of disappearances in the region, from the mid-19th century to 1996. The book examines numerous explanations, including Atlantis, telluric lines, electromagnetic forces, wormholes, conspiracy theories, and extraterrestrial connections, alongside more mundane explanations like methane concentrations. A curious chapter details a maritime exorcism performed by Reverend Donald Omand. The review notes the bibliography, while short, includes previously unpublished literature in Spanish.

'Incontri del quarto tipo' by Gianfranco Degli Esposti

This review introduces Gianfranco Degli Esposti's first major work, 'Incontri del quarto tipo' (Fourth Kind Encounters), which explores UFO phenomena after extensive research. Degli Esposti, a professor of Germanic philology, presents his findings with a journalistic style, focusing on 'fourth kind encounters,' which he equates with abductions. He analyzes these experiences from anthropological, historical, and psychological perspectives, avoiding sensationalism. The book is described as presenting 'absolutely incredible events documented by highly credible people,' offering an uncomfortable but not alarmist look at the subject.

'UFO Il dizionario enciclopedico' by Roberto Malini

This review covers Roberto Malini's encyclopedic dictionary of UFOs. Malini, an artist, writer, and UFO investigator, defines ufology as a young science still in the speculative stage. The dictionary includes icons to categorize entries (e.g., 'Recognized as false,' 'Paleoastronomy,' 'Contactism'). It mentions Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and the CEI. The review notes a substantial bibliography of 15 pages, listing works by Antonio Ribera, though it expresses surprise at Ribera's limited mention given his significant contributions. The final chapter lists ufological associations worldwide.

Crisis in the SEPRA

This article discusses a controversy surrounding J.-J. Vélasco, a French ufologist associated with CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) and its research body, SEPRA. Following the publication of his book, 'OVNIS: l'evidence,' which allegedly contains errors, Richard D. Nolane reportedly requested Vélasco's resignation from SEPRA. Vélasco refused, citing the involvement of other institutions. The article suggests that attacks against Vélasco have become personal. It also touches upon the possibility of Vélasco's retirement. Some opinions suggest that Vélasco's departure from SEPRA would not be a significant loss to French ufology, given SEPRA's perceived lack of significant output compared to GEPAN. There is speculation that SEPRA might be closed entirely, leading to concerns about the future of French ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of *Papers d'Ovnis* maintains a focus on rigorous investigation and the critical evaluation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor the continued study of ufology, defending the work of past pioneers against what it perceives as dismissive modern skepticism. There is an emphasis on the importance of evidence and credible testimony, as seen in the discussion of the German legal case and the review of Degli Esposti's book. The inclusion of theological interpretations by Vicente Cháfer suggests an openness to exploring diverse perspectives on the UFO question, even those outside mainstream scientific discourse. The magazine actively promotes new publications and research efforts within the ufological community, both nationally and internationally.