Papers d'Ovnis - 2a epoca - No 37

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'Ovnis
Issue: Nº 37
Date: Julio-Septiembre 2004 (July-September 2004)
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)
Language: Catalan (original), Spanish (content)

This issue of "Papers d'Ovnis" delves into various aspects of ufology, with a significant focus on UFO sightings in Catalonia during the autumn of 2002. It also includes a debate on the existence of extraterrestrial life, obituaries for prominent figures in science and ufology, and articles exploring the connection between the comic character Tintin and UFOs, as well as other recent sightings and research.

OVNIS EN CATALUÑA EN OTOÑO DEL 2002 (UFOs in Catalonia in Autumn 2002)

This article by Jordi Ardanuy details a cluster of UFO sightings in Catalonia during the autumn of 2002, which garnered attention in the local press. The author notes that while this phenomenon was relatively new to the media at the time, "Papers d'Ovnis" had not previously covered these specific events. The information is largely attributed to investigator Marisol Roldán, who published a summary in "Enigmas Express".

Key incidents reported include:

• September 24th: J. C. Vila Cohen reported seeing a strange object over Tibidabo mountain in Barcelona, describing its oval shape, orange color, and peculiar vibratory movement. A friend in the area also observed a similar phenomenon, noting a more triangular shape.
• October 2nd: Two couples (Enric C. & Magdalena V; Julià Salvador & Enrica Cubas) observed an orange light near Castellfolit de la Roca (La Garrotxa) while driving. The object remained stationary for about a minute.
• October 8th: Two young people witnessed two intensely bright white luminous balls that appeared to move linearly and circularly, creating a rippling effect in the sky. Lluís Cardò and Pedro M. T. observed this phenomenon while traveling between Navata and Borrassà (Alt Empordà).
• October 12th: A letter to the newspaper "Metro directe" reported an event in Molins de Rei where all the road lights suddenly turned off, and the horizon illuminated with a strange blue light, followed by two flashes.
• November 2nd-3rd: Residents in the Baix Llobregat area (Castelldefels, Gavà, El Prat de Llobregat, and Viladecans) reported seeing unusual lights. On November 19th, a triangular formation was captured on camera in the same area, noted for its proximity to a high-traffic air zone.
• November 26th: A reddish sphere was observed being pursued by a jet aircraft, whose shape and contrail were discernible.
• December 6th: Two friends camping near Queralbs (Ripollès) observed a globular object, initially blue, which gradually changed to green, yellow, orange, and finally red. The object, appearing to be the size of a tree crown, lasted about 10 minutes before disappearing.

The article also references other sightings, including one on October 14th where two bright, identically moving lights were observed in Badalona, and another on September 9th involving a fast-moving green object and concentric circles of light near Lugo, as well as a similar sighting in Bilbao.

ÚLTIMOS AVISTAMIENTOS EN ESPAÑA (Latest Sightings in Spain)

This section compiles several recent UFO sightings across Spain:

• August 9th (Lugo): A camping site witnessed a green, nut-sized object moving at supersonic speed, followed by concentric circles of light.
• August 9th (Bilbao): A fast-moving green light was seen crossing the sky.
• August 25th (Logroño): An object was observed moving from west to east, its trajectory followed via a car.
• August (Castellón): Three red lights were seen forming a triangle over the sea at Moncofar beach, moving rapidly and silently.
• August 27th (Madrid): A metallic cylinder-like object was observed hovering in the sky, without visible wings, for an extended period.
• July 9th (Cádiz): An anomalous light was seen moving slowly over the Barrio de la Paz.

NUEVA PUBLICACIÓN Y UN CASO OVNI EN CATALUÑA (New Publication and a UFO Case in Catalonia)

Jordi Ardanuy reports on the launch of "Código X," a new monthly publication on esoteric and paracientific topics, including UFOs, based in Madrid. The article highlights a reference within "Código X" to a recent UFO case in Catalonia. The case involves Maria Constanza, a resident of Martorell (Alt Penedès), who, on March 19th, observed a metallic, irregular object near the road. She stopped her car, approached the object, which appeared to be less than a meter in size, and heard a sound like breaking glass before it rapidly ascended and disappeared. Other witnesses also observed the object. Maria Constanza later reported the incident to the local police and a radio program.

TINTÍN Y LOS OVNIS (Tintin and UFOs)

Martí Flò explores the connection between the beloved comic character Tintin and UFOs, noting that the creator, Hergé, was influenced by the UFO phenomenon prevalent in the late 1960s.

• Tintin's 75th Anniversary: The article marks Tintin's 75th anniversary, celebrating the character created by Georges Rémi (Hergé) and his 23 adventures sold worldwide.
• "Vuelo 714 para Sidney" (Flight 714 to Sydney): This specific adventure, published between 1966 and 1967, is highlighted for its direct engagement with UFOs and extraterrestrial themes. In the story, Tintin, Haddock, and Professor Calculus are involved in an encounter with aliens and a UFO, with the island of Pulau-pulau Boma serving as a base for extraterrestrials.
• Hergé and UFOs: The article discusses how Hergé incorporated elements related to UFOs, influenced by authors like Jacques Bergier and Robert Charroux. The character Mik Ezdanitoff, an "alter ego" of Jacques Bergier, is presented as a Dutch professor with telepathic abilities who directs a magazine called "Comète" interested in "other science" and extraterrestrials.
• "Objetivo: la Luna" (Objective: Moon) and "Hemos pisado la Luna" (We Have Landed on the Moon): These adventures, published earlier, are discussed for their scientific accuracy and foresight, particularly regarding the possibility of lunar exploration and the presence of water on the moon. Hergé consulted experts like Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans and Professor Alexandre Ananoff to ensure realism.
• Possible Extraterrestrial Influence: The article touches upon the idea that Hergé might have drawn inspiration from theories of astroarchaeology and ancient astronauts, referencing Robert Charroux's work.

DEBATE: ¿EXISTE VIDA EXTRATERRESTRE? (Debate: Does Extraterrestrial Life Exist?)

This section features a discussion with four experts on the question of extraterrestrial life, analyzing recent findings, particularly from Mars.

• Juan Pérez Mercader (Astrobiologist): Believes life could exist on Jupiter's moon Europa due to its conditions (liquid water, rocky core). He suggests any such life would likely be microscopic. He also considers the possibility of past life on Mars and predicts that civilizations, if found, would likely have different morphologies. Mercader is optimistic about the discovery of extraterrestrial civilizations within the next few generations.
• Juan Manuel García (Geologist): Considers the existence of life beyond Earth currently "undemonstrable" due to the lack of evidence beyond Earth's own example. He emphasizes the importance of understanding if extraterrestrial life, if it exists, is subject to natural selection like life on Earth. He notes that current findings on Mars do not prove the existence of past or present life.
• José Luis Ortiz (Astrophysicist): Thinks it's possible to confirm past microbial life on Mars and that some beings might have adapted to current conditions. He believes that most scientists in astrophysics perceive that life may exist elsewhere, as humans are likely not unique. He highlights the challenge of communication, as civilizations may not be coeval and may have short lifespans on a cosmic scale.
• Víctor Costa (Investigator): Argues that life's existence is not exclusive to Earth and that given the vast number of planets and stars, life is statistically probable. He suggests that life may have emerged and evolved elsewhere. Mars is considered a prime candidate for past or present life due to the presence of water. He also notes that past life forms on Earth were different from modern humans, suggesting extraterrestrial life might also have unique morphologies.

Regarding the discovery of extraterrestrial life, the experts generally agree that while direct proof is lacking, the probability is high. They also discuss the potential societal impact of such a discovery, with Ortiz stating it would be a profound philosophical implication.

¿PRIMER DOCUMENTO OVNI ENTREGADO AL GOBIERNO ESPAÑOL? (First UFO Document Delivered to the Spanish Government?)

Pere Redón discusses an initiative by Gabriel Gomis Martín, who compiled a 185-page dossier summarizing UFO research and sent it to various Spanish authorities, including the King, the President of the Government, and the Minister of Defense. The article notes that this is not the first attempt to bring UFO information to official attention, referencing earlier efforts by the CEI in 1979 and 1991. The author expresses skepticism about the content of Gomis's document, particularly regarding explanations of UFO propulsion, and questions whether it will be taken seriously by the authorities.

The article also references a historical event from 1979 when a parliamentary inquiry was made regarding an unusual aircraft landing, and notes the lack of official government reports on UFOs in Spain since then. It mentions a 2003 document titled "El Fenómeno OVNI ante la Ciudadanía Española" (The UFO Phenomenon Before the Spanish Citizenry) that was delivered to various governmental bodies.

NECROLÓGICA: JOAN ORÓ (Obituary: Joan Oró)

This obituary honors Joan Oró (1923-2004), a distinguished Catalan scientist who passed away at the age of 81. Oró, who emigrated to the United States in 1952, was a pioneer in the study of the origin of life. He worked at the Rice Institute in Houston and later at the University of Houston, where he conducted research on synthesizing organic molecules like adenine from simple compounds like hydrogen cyanide. His groundbreaking theory proposed that life originated from comets, a hypothesis published in the journal "Nature."

Oró joined NASA in 1963, contributing to the Apollo and Viking missions. He played a crucial role in the Viking mission to Mars by clarifying that detected carbon dioxide was not indicative of living organisms. He was a co-founder of the International Society for the Study of the Origin of Life (ISSOL). After returning to Catalonia, he continued his scientific work and was recognized with the Gold Medal of the Generalitat. The Joan Oró Foundation was established in his memory to promote scientific research and education.

NECROLÓGICA: JOHN E. MACK (1929 - 2004) (Obituary: John E. Mack)

Mark Feeney writes about the passing of John E. Mack (1929-2004), a Pulitzer Prize-winning psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School, who died in a car accident in London at age 74. Mack gained notoriety for his research into alleged alien abductions, which he considered real experiences, though possibly spiritual or transformative. He interviewed approximately 200 individuals who claimed to have been abducted.

Mack's work on T.E. Lawrence, "A Prince of Our Disorder: The Life of T.E. Lawrence," earned him the Pulitzer Prize for biography in 1977. His research into abductions led to a special committee at Harvard Medical School in 1994, which ultimately took no action against him. He authored "Abduction" (1995) and "Cosmos: Human Transformation and Alien Encounters" (1999). The article notes his early interests in dreams, nightmares, and adolescent suicide, and his involvement in the antinuclear movement. Mack was described as a creative and restless individual.

NOVEDADES SOBRE LA EXTRAÑA CRIATURA HALLADA EN CHILE (News About the Strange Creature Found in Chile)

This brief report updates readers on the strange creature found in the Noria region of Chile, previously featured in "Papers d'Ovnis." The Instituto de Investigación y Estudios Exobiológicos (IIEE), led by Ramón Navia, has taken possession of the specimen for scientific analysis. The creature, nicknamed "cochayuyo," was acquired for $30,000. The official handover ceremony took place at the Royal Academy of Science in Barcelona, receiving support from various scientific figures. The IIEE is expected to conduct a more thorough investigation.

A VUELTAS CON EL OVNI DE TUNGUSKA (Back to the Tunguska UFO)

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SHGB0214A ¿CONTACTO? (SHGB0214A Contact?)

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NOVEDADES EDITORIALES (Editorial News)

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and related scientific and historical inquiries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various cases and expert opinions while maintaining a critical perspective. The publication also seems to have a strong connection to the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), referencing its history and activities. The inclusion of obituaries for figures like Joan Oró and John E. Mack suggests an interest in the broader scientific and cultural context surrounding these topics.

Title: NOTICIAS INTERNACIONAL
Issue: 37
Date: Julio-Septiembre 2004
Publisher: Papers d'Ovus

This issue of Noticias Internacional delves into the enduring mystery of the Tunguska event and explores new findings, alongside discussions on potential extraterrestrial signals and the role of government secrecy in UFO phenomena.

A VUELTAS CON EL OVNI DE TUNGUSKA

The lead article revisits the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, a massive explosion in Siberia that flattened 2,200 square kilometers of forest. The article highlights a recent announcement by the Russian state foundation 'Fenómeno Espacial Tunguska,' whose director, Yuri Labvin, claims their expedition has found elements of an extraterrestrial artifact. Labvin, a proponent of the UFO theory for the event, stated they found craters up to half a kilometer deep and detected anomalous natural phenomena. He also presented metal fragments, identified as silicon and iron, which he believes are parts of an extraterrestrial device. The article notes that previous expeditions, notably by Professor Leonid Kulik in 1927, failed to find any extraterrestrial material. The Tunguska phenomenon has spawned numerous theories, including extraterrestrial spacecraft, antimatter, or black holes. The most common explanation involves an asteroid or comet fragment that vaporized upon entering the atmosphere, explaining the lack of a crater and debris. However, the trajectory of the object, observed by specialists at the Irkutsk Observatory, suggested unusual 'maneuvers,' hinting at a piloted object. Labvin's theory posits that an extraterrestrial spacecraft may have saved Earth by destroying or diverting a dangerous space object.

The expedition, comprising 14 explorers, geologists, professors, and students from Krasnoyarsk University, spent two weeks analyzing an area identified through satellite imagery. They reportedly discovered craters near the village of Poligus and transported a 50-kilogram rock fragment to Krasnoyarsk for analysis. Labvin also mentioned finding two metal bars, similar to those found in a previous expedition near Vanavara, which he believes are parts of an extraterrestrial device. The fragments have been sent to the 'Museum of the Tunguska Meteorite and Space Objects' in Krasnoyarsk for examination. The expedition's director expressed hope that the mystery would be solved by the centenary of the event. However, the newspaper Utro.ru sarcastically suggested that the word 'meteorite' should now be in quotes, implying the object was a UFO, and noted that ufologists are already preparing to visit the area.

SHGb02+14a: ¿CONTACTO?

This section discusses the detection of a radio signal named SHGb02+14a, reported by the prestigious journal New Scientist in February. The signal was detected by the Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico as part of the SETI@home project, which uses personal computers to analyze vast amounts of data. The signal, originating from a region between the Pisces and Aries constellations, was detected three times, each lasting about a minute. While initially considered a potential contact from an extraterrestrial civilization, scientists also considered other possibilities, such as an unknown astronomical phenomenon or a malfunction of the telescope itself. Carl Sagan had predicted that first contact would be through radio signals rather than physical encounters.

Astronomers noted that the signal's frequency oscillated between 8 and 37 hertz per second, suggesting a planet rotating very rapidly, nearly 40 times faster than Earth. However, experts also considered the possibility of a hoax by someone manipulating the SETI@home software. Eric Korpela from the University of California suggested that the signal might be a result of radio interference, lacking the signature of any known astronomical object. The signal's rapid frequency variation makes it difficult to analyze, as it would only be detectable for brief moments. The chance of such a signal being a message from an advanced civilization is considered very low due to its transient nature and rapid frequency changes. David Anderson, director of the SETI@home project, noted that SHGb02+14a is a known type of signal called a 'gaussian corrected barycentrically,' which typically remains within a narrow frequency band and does not vary rapidly. He added that a true transmission of this type would not change frequency so quickly, making it unlikely to be a message from an advanced civilization.

NOVEDADES EDITORIALES 2004

This section reviews several books related to UFOs and related topics.

Solving the 1897 Airship Mystery by Michael Busby

Michael Busby, an aeronautical engineer, examines the appearance of numerous flying machines in the US skies six years before the Wright brothers' first flight. The book compiles extensive information from sightings across North America, interviewing authorities from scientific, academic, and military fields. Busby suggests these sightings were part of a large-scale project by inventors and patriots aiming to develop aeronautical technology in response to the recent civil war and its combat experiences. The book includes tables, illustrations, and maps, contributing to the history of American aviation. From a classic ufology perspective, the book is deemed less relevant as it doesn't focus on inexplicable flying objects but rather connects them to a secret project possibly orchestrated by the US Army and Navy. An anecdote mentions the USS Maine explosion in Havana, which Busby attributes to a flying object (equivalent to a dirigible) dropping an aerial torpedo, contrary to the Spanish Navy being blamed.

Le rapport COMETA: Les OVNI et la Défense: À quoi doit-on se préparer? (2nd expanded edition)

This French book, published by du Rocher in 2003, is authored by a collective known as COMETA, comprising scientists and technicians who have worked for the French National Defense Higher Studies Institute. Notable contributors include Professor André Lebcau, former president of the CNES, General Bernard Norlain, and General Denis Letty. The book, spanning 220 pages, compiles cases, commentaries, citations, references, and critiques relevant to UFO research. It emphasizes the serious nature of defense and the significant investments made in it. The authors criticize those who accuse officials of lying and hiding information. The book highlights the lack of a French equivalent to the COMETA committee, which has conducted serious research. It presents testimonies, aeronautical cases from various countries, ground observations, close encounters, and counter-examples of natural phenomena. It also details the organization of research, methods of GEPAN/SEPRA, and international UFO research organizations, noting the absence of any Spanish ones. A third part analyzes strategic, aeronautical, scientific, technical, political, religious, and media applications. Seven annexes are considered particularly interesting, covering radar detection, disinformation chronology, psychological, sociological, and political reflections on UFOs.

OVNI: 60 ans de désinformation by François Parmentier

François Parmentier's book inaugurates the 'Desinformation' collection edited by Vladimir Volkoff. Parmentier, a well-known writer in France specializing in political disinformation, approaches the UFO question with seriousness. The book offers a meticulously documented analysis of political science, exploring the main aspects of the issue. It argues that since the Manhattan Project during World War II, the US administration has cultivated a complex culture of secrecy to protect its political and economic system. The second chapter extrapolates this to the UFO topic, suggesting that the Roswell incident marked a shift in this policy. The author contends that the US cannot afford to acknowledge a more advanced extraterrestrial power, fearing panic not from an invasion, but from a sense of vulnerability despite the perceived might of the American empire. The book uses contemporary examples like 9/11, the war on terror, the Iraq war, and contradictory alliances to illustrate the US's drive for absolute dominance. While not the first book to discuss UFO disinformation, it provides a comprehensive analysis, moving beyond simple enumerations of military-related cases. It also examines secrecy in other countries, particularly France, noting societal differences. The final chapters focus on the actors and methods of disinformation in the US, including how it is manufactured, spread, and used to manipulate public opinion and serve political agendas. Parmentier also critically examines prevailing skepticism, suggesting that skeptics might inadvertently be aiding the establishment by downplaying the significance of UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles, including scientific investigation, historical events like Tunguska, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact through signals like SHGb02+14a. There is a strong emphasis on government secrecy and disinformation surrounding UFOs, as highlighted by the book reviews. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various hypotheses while critically examining official narratives and the role of skepticism. The publication also engages with the broader implications of UFO research for defense, politics, and society.