Vimana - 2a epoca - No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: VIMANA
Issue: 3
Publication Date: 1978
Publisher: C.I.O.V.E.
Country of Publication: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of VIMANA, a publication dedicated to the UFO phenomenon, presents a diverse range of articles and reports. It includes an editorial by J. Arcas, discussions on Mars exploration, UFO sightings from various locations, and a detailed analysis of the controversial 'Evora organism' case.

Editorial: The Evolving Landscape of Ufology

J. Arcas's editorial highlights the growing international interest in the UFO phenomenon, noting the UN's recommendation for coordinated studies. The editorial suggests that increased official transparency could lead to more comprehensive investigations. It emphasizes the need for objective research, free from political or strategic manipulation, to advance our understanding of the universe and humanity's place within it. The author expresses a desire for scientists to pursue this research honestly, opening new avenues of knowledge.

Mars: Still a Mystery

Ignacio Cabria Garcia's article, "MARTE TODAVIA un MISTERIO" (Mars Still a Mystery), explores the enduring fascination with Mars and the search for life on the planet. It recounts historical speculation about Martian canals, later debunked by Mariner 9's findings of a barren landscape. The article details the Viking missions of 1976, which landed on Mars to search for signs of life. While experiments yielded some positive reactions, they were ultimately attributed to non-biological processes. The article describes the Martian surface, comparing Chryse Planitia and Utopia Planitia to terrestrial rocky deserts and stony plains. It discusses the possibility of past liquid water and a denser atmosphere, which could have supported primitive life. The potential for life to adapt to changing climatic conditions is considered. The article also touches upon the debate regarding the formation of Martian channels, with theories ranging from fluvial erosion to cataclysmic events. It mentions the periodic color changes on Mars, initially thought to be vegetation, but later explained by wind-blown dust revealing darker terrain. The author concludes that while the romanticized notions of Martians are dispelled, the planet still holds many mysteries, and the search for life continues, potentially in other planetary systems.

UFOs in the Press

This section compiles recent UFO sightings reported in newspapers. One report from 'ABC' on September 15, 1978, describes a luminous object leaving a trail of light and powerful spotlights before ascending rapidly. Another section details a 'wave of UFO observations' in Italy on August 17, 1976, where hundreds of people witnessed strange objects, including a bright star that grew to the size of a half-moon, emitting lights and changing shape. A 'cigar-shaped' object was also observed near Florence. A separate report from Gibraltar on August 17, 1976, describes a UFO observed on a beach, characterized by its bright light and unusual behavior. A photograph of a UFO taken by a police patrol in France on June 6, 1975, is also included.

UFO Sightings: Specific Cases

Observation in Isla de un Humanoide (Observation of a Humanoid on an Island)

This report details an observation made on December 20th, around 9:45 PM, near Peña de Aya, Guipuzcoa. A witness described a large, cigar-shaped object, approximately 150 meters long and 40 meters wide, with bright, yellowish windows. The object emitted intense light and two brilliant white 'balls' detached from its front, one heading towards a mountain and the other towards the beach. The main object then appeared to 'absorb' the smaller ball before ascending rapidly. The witness reported feeling nervous but no other strange effects.

OVNI en 'Cala Truent' (Mallorca)

Two individuals reported witnessing a luminous object emerge from the sea near Cala Truent, Mallorca, on the night of December 2, 1978. The object, described as violet, ascended vertically with three intense white light beams. It then accelerated towards the Sierra de 'Son Torrella', passing overhead and leaving a cold air current. The object was described as hexagonal with a dazzling violet outline and a yellowish semi-sphere on top.

About the Iberian Ovnilogy Congress

This article discusses a colloquium held on the program 'Enigmas' featuring national ufological investigators who attended the 'I Iberian Congress of Ovnilogy' in Portugal in October 1978. The congress faced controversy following a presentation by Portuguese ufologist Raúl Berenguel about a supposed living organism of unknown origin found among filaments from a phenomenon in Evora in 1959. The presenter's refusal to disclose the names of the scientific team and the laboratory involved led to significant debate and skepticism. The article includes contributions from Antonio Ribera, Félix Ares de Blas, Enrique Vicente, and Juan G. Atienza, who express their views on the Evora case. Ribera refutes the sensationalist conclusions and criticizes the lack of scientific rigor. Ares de Blas agrees that the evidence is insufficient and questions the scientific validity. Vicente emphasizes the need for transparency and detailed information. Atienza finds the situation suspicious, suggesting a single person might be monopolizing the issue for personal gain.

The Evora Organism Controversy

Antonio Ribera, Félix Ares de Blas, and Enrique Vicente discuss the Evora organism case. They express skepticism regarding the scientific validity of the findings, noting the lack of transparency and the unusual circumstances surrounding the discovery and investigation. Ribera points out that since the mid-19th century, meteorites have been analyzed for signs of life, and while some 'carbonaceous chondrites' have shown potential, the Evora case lacks the necessary scientific guarantees. Ares de Blas highlights that if the results were not published in scientific journals, their existence is questionable, even if investigated by a university. He also notes the twenty-year delay in revealing the information and the current lack of sufficient guarantees for its dissemination. The participants question the behavior of the scientists involved, suggesting a possible cover-up or lack of confidence in their own findings. The article also touches upon the possibility that the scientific team might have been from the University of Evora, but the Portuguese Ministry of Education allegedly refused to release the report for 18 years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of VIMANA consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry and the unexplained. The magazine champions objective, transparent research into UFO phenomena, advocating for a move away from sensationalism and political manipulation. There is a clear interest in Mars exploration and the potential for extraterrestrial life, balanced with a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims. The controversy surrounding the Evora organism highlights the magazine's commitment to examining evidence and questioning the methods and motives behind scientific investigations, particularly when transparency is lacking. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism, encouraging scientific rigor while acknowledging the profound questions that UFOs and the search for life pose about humanity's place in the cosmos.

"ENIGMAS" is a Spanish-language publication dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena and related topics. This issue, identified by its cover headline "Estudio de 177 observaciones" and the author Jose Ruesga Montiel, appears to be part of a series, possibly a special edition or a regular feature focusing on observational data. The magazine delves into various aspects of ufology, including witness testimonies, analysis of contact cases, and the formation of research organizations.

Analysis of UFO Phenomena and Contact

The issue features a detailed discussion on the nature of communication with extraterrestrials, particularly focusing on potential 'pathologies' that arise from misunderstandings or the inherent differences between human and non-human intelligences. Victor Zalvidea, in his article "¿MIMETISMO O CARNAVAL?", explores different contact systems, such as those attributed to Adamsky, UMMO, and others, examining how these communications are perceived and processed. He highlights the importance of critical analysis in distinguishing genuine contact from potential deception or psychological phenomena. The article touches upon the controversial George Adamsky case, detailing his alleged encounters and the skepticism surrounding them, including the possibility of manipulation or a deliberate attempt to discredit him.

Formation of a UFO Research Coordination Body

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the creation of "La Coordinadora de Estudios sobre el Fenomeno Ovni" (The Coordinator of Studies on the UFO Phenomenon). This initiative, stemming from a meeting in Huesca in December 1978, brought together representatives from various research groups and institutions across Spain. The primary goal was to establish an organizational structure to coordinate research efforts, share information, and foster a more unified and scientific approach to studying UFOs. Key points from the convocatoria include the assertion that the UFO phenomenon exists and is largely physical in nature, with an unknown origin. The organization aimed to standardize data collection, utilize various communication channels, and promote objective research, distancing itself from sensationalism and personal gain.

Case Studies of UFO Observations

The issue presents a compilation of 177 UFO observations, with several detailed case studies from various locations in Spain, primarily Andalusia. These include:

• CASO 51: On September 5, 1968, in Las Palmas del Condado (Huelva), a witness reported seeing a large, wheel-shaped object with intermittent red and green flashes.
• CASO 52: On September 6, 1968, in Seville, two luminous objects were observed for twenty minutes. The first hovered and disappeared northwest, followed by a second object moving northeast.
• CASO 53: On September 12, 1968, near La Rinconada (Seville), an object estimated to be 8-10 meters in diameter, shaped like two concave plates, was observed.
• CASO 54: On September 12, 1968, in Villanueva del Río y Minas (Seville), employees observed an oval object approximately 75 cm in diameter that emitted bothersome reflections.
• CASO 55: On August 14, 1968, between Guillena and Seville, a luminous, white, spindle-shaped object resembling a zeppelin was seen flying low.
• CASO 56: On September 14, 1968, in Seville, witnesses at a drive-in cinema reported an object with an intensely white upper part and a rotating light.

These cases often include details about the date, time, location, and descriptions of the objects, as well as the sources of the information, frequently citing AEONI and ABC de Andalucía.

Ufological Congress and Speakers

The magazine also provides an advance program for the "CONGRESO MADRID" organized by O.T.I.U. (Organización Técnicos Investigaciones Ufológicas). The congress, held from April 27-29, featured numerous speakers and topics related to UFOs, parapsychology, extraterrestrial life, and scientific investigations. Notable speakers included Fernando Jimenez del Oso, Jose Luis Jordan Peña, and Juan Jose Benitez, covering subjects ranging from life in the cosmos to close encounters.

Radio Program "ENIGMAS"

Finally, the issue announces a radio program called "ENIGMAS," produced by C.I.O.V.E., which airs every Thursday at 10:30 PM on Radio Popular. The program aims to inform about UFO phenomena and parapsychology, emphasizing objectivity and rigor in its investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "ENIGMAS" revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of alleged extraterrestrial contacts, and the challenges of interspecies communication. There is a strong emphasis on rational analysis and critical thinking, cautioning against uncritical acceptance of claims and highlighting the potential for manipulation and misinterpretation. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, research-oriented approach to ufology, aiming to move beyond sensationalism and establish a more grounded understanding of the phenomenon. The formation of the "Coordinadora" signifies a desire for organized, collaborative, and objective research within Spain.

This issue of "Ovni en Andalucía (España)" is a compilation of UFO and humanoid sightings primarily from the regions of Andalusia, Cantabria, and Huesca in Spain, with some international references. The publication date appears to be around 1968-1969, based on the volume and issue information, though some articles reference later dates.

UFO Sightings in Andalusia

The magazine details several specific UFO incidents in Andalusia:

• Case 57 (September 14, 1968, Guadalcanal, Sevilla): Two TV technicians reported seeing an orange, circular object moving from west to east, disappearing behind clouds.
• Case 58 (September 16, 1968, Guadalcanal, Sevilla): A family observed a dome-shaped object, the size of a truck, with bright orange light, ascending and descending vertically. Rectilinear tentacles emerged from the object, and the dome appeared to flatten before the tentacles retracted.
• Case 59 (September 17, 1958, Ayamonte, Huelva): An oval object, orange in color, was seen moving slowly and oscillating vertically over the horizon.
• Case 60 (September 20, 1968, Málaga): Witnesses reported a large UFO with intense orange light moving north-south at high speed towards Morocco.
• Case 61 (Puerto Serrano, Cádiz): A shepherd saw a round object emitting light beams and claimed the object spoke to him before flying away.
• Case 62 (September 23, 1968, Puerto Serrano, Cádiz): Many people observed a round object with light beams circling the city. The incident left four-legged tracks and scorched ground.

Humanoid Encounters

The issue also features significant reports of humanoid encounters:

• Escalante and Isla (Cantabria): A series of reports details sightings of anthropomorphic beings and humanoids. A notable case involves Don Pedro Higuera Pérez, a 74-year-old sacristan in Isla, who reported seeing a floating, humanoid figure approximately three meters tall in the church bell tower on November 1, 1976. The being was described as very thin, with a body covered in a suit of dark green and butane/strong orange colors.
• Isla (Cantabria): Another incident on May 31, 1977, involved a woman and her daughter observing a luminous cloud that separated into three smaller, bright white light-emitting objects that rejoined the main object before it moved away.
• San Mamés de Meruelo (Cantabria): Reports mention large white and red light-emitting spheres pursuing a couple in a car.
• Puente San Miguel (Cantabria): The magazine announces that the next issue will detail a significant humanoid case from this location.

UFO Investigations in Huesca

The magazine dedicates a section to UFO activity in the province of Huesca, noting that it has been relatively scarce until 1977, when a significant "flap" occurred. Investigations were conducted in the Sierra de Caballera region.

• Pusilibro (Huesca, November 2, 1977): Photographs were taken of an object that appeared to be a large carrier craft with a smaller disc entering it, causing a color change to intense orange.
• Castillo de Loarre (Huesca, September 22, 1977): A forest guard reported observing a large, red-orange sphere, approximately thirty meters in diameter, composed of many cells, similar to a 1957 sighting in Longmont, Colorado.
• Monasterio de San Juan de la Peña (Huesca): A witness reported an unusual phenomenon involving a large, luminous, reddish circle that descended rapidly, rotated, and then ascended at high speed.

Statistical Analysis of UFOs by Claude Poher

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a statistical analysis of UFO sightings conducted by Claude Poher, chief of the sonda rocket division at the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales. The study, which processed 1,000 UFO testimonies from 1947 to 1970 (780 foreign, 250 French), aimed to identify patterns and characteristics of the phenomenon.

Key findings from Poher's study include:

• Witnesses: 70% of observations involve at least two witnesses. Many cases had thousands of witnesses.
• Population Density: The number of observations is proportional to population density.
• Cloud Cover: Sightings are directly related to clear skies; 60% occurred in clear weather, often at distances over 10 km, while 25% were observed at less than 150 meters.
• Media Influence: The number of known observations is limited by media dissemination and public willingness to report.
• Duration: Most sightings last only a few minutes.
• Day/Night: 30% of UFOs were observed during the day, and 70% at night.
• Trajectories: 60% of UFOs are described as fast and mobile. 45% exhibit complex, erratic trajectories with abrupt changes in direction. Some cases involved "quasi-landings" or full landings. 30% reported rapid take-offs with extreme acceleration (up to 20,000 G in one documented case).
• Speed and Silence: UFOs often travel in straight lines at speeds of 2,500 to 3,000 km/h and are frequently silent, even when exceeding supersonic speeds.
• Time of Observation: Maximum observations occur between 9 PM and midnight, with a peak in October and a minimum in February.

Photographic Evidence and Material Analysis

The magazine includes photographic evidence of UFOs, including images taken in Pusilibro (Huesca) and descriptions of a carrier craft. It also mentions the analysis of an aluminum fragment found in Fuenfría, which was of high quality and resistance, though its extraterrestrial origin could not be confirmed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, humanoid encounters, and the statistical analysis of these phenomena. The magazine adopts a serious, investigative tone, presenting witness testimonies and scientific analyses. It aims to document and understand UFO events, exploring various hypotheses, including the possibility of extraterrestrial or paranormal origins. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging further investigation and reporting.

This issue of the magazine, identified as Volume 1, Issue 2, with a raw date of October 1978, focuses on UFO investigations in Brazil. The cover prominently features the title "INVESTIGACION DE OBSERVACIONES EN BRASIL" (Investigation of Observations in Brazil) and highlights the work of OSNI SCHWARZ and CIOVE de Brasil. The main headline on the cover is the same as the title.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Sightings and Landings in Brazil

The magazine details numerous testimonies and investigations from the region of Assis, Maracai, and Paraguaçu Paulista in São Paulo, Brazil, primarily from October 1978.

One of the earliest reported incidents occurred on October 15, 1978, when a married couple and their four children in Maracai were pursued by a strange apparatus emitting an intense light. They sought refuge in a restaurant, which the following night was destroyed by a "strange force," injuring four people. A light was then observed over a meadow, causing panic.

On October 17, a "giant fireball" was seen near Maracai. Four days later, two circular patches, approximately 6 to 7 meters in diameter, were found on the ground where the object may have landed. Analysis of the soil beneath these marks showed a higher proportion of calcium, and rootlets were found intact but appeared burned internally. Experimental attempts to replicate this effect by calcination in a high-frequency oven were mentioned.

Another report from October 1978 describes a pursuit incident involving a married couple and their two children. A circular object emitting an intense light pursued them. On November 1, a similar circular object, about the size of the full moon, crossed the sky over Conceição de Monte Alegre at reduced speed. Taxi drivers in the region reported being pursued by its light, and the local population became more cautious about going out at night.

Objects were also observed over the region of Assis in October. These reports, communicated to "CIOVE de Brasil," led to numerous new testimonies. Military police noted people parking their cars in outlying areas at night, hoping to witness the strange lights.

Assis: The First Sighting

On October 4, 1978, around 8:30 PM, a round object approximately 10 meters in diameter, emitting a faint violet light that sometimes turned garnet, was observed for about 20 minutes by a large portion of the population in Assis. Benedita Macruz, a correspondent for "CIOVE de Brasil," was a key witness. She described the object passing over the city towards Cândido Mota and then accelerating and disappearing.

Observations at Coperçucar (Tarumã)

Between October 1 and 13, 1978, workers at the Coperçucar sugar cane plantation in Tarumã reported a strong white light. The principal witness was Sr. D. José Rodrigues. The light caused panic among the workers. The report notes the disappearance of two "Boias-Frías" (day laborers) from Coperçucar, who were presumed lost. Sr. José Rodrigues, a lawyer, also reported seeing a strange white light with occasional movements.

The First Persecution in Maracai

On October 15, 1978, at 8:30 PM, a circular object emitting an intense white light, approximately 10 meters in diameter, was observed. Valdemir Camargo Marques, his wife Angela, and Onofre Paladino were witnesses. Valdemir and his family were driving when they noticed a white light accompanying their vehicle. As the light approached, Valdemir accelerated, but the object kept pace. He eventually braked his car, which was traveling at 120 km/h, as the object was very close.

Destruction of a Restaurant by a UFO

On October 16, 1978, at 8:00 PM, four people were in the "Joia" Restaurant in Conceição de Monte Alegre when the Valdemir and Angela Marques couple arrived, having been pursued by a strange luminous object. According to Onofre Paladino, the owner of the restaurant, the establishment was suddenly destroyed by a loud "flash" and noise. Onofre stated that the destruction was a punishment from the object for disrespectful comments made by the patrons. Witnesses described a circular object emitting a white light that illuminated the area. The object then moved about three kilometers away. Other witnesses reported seeing a white ball of fire with rapid movements. Some believed the destruction was due to the building's construction, but others, including Commissioner D. Antonio Ubirajara Rodrigues Olivier, acknowledged that the luminous object was beyond the scope of a police investigation.

Analysis of UFO Phenomena

The magazine discusses the challenges of UFO investigation, noting how widespread media coverage can lead to an increase in "noise" (rumors) and make it difficult to separate real cases from misinterpretations. It highlights the collaboration between the military and police in investigating the Cantareira case.

Scientific Hypothesis: UFOs as Butterflies?

An article titled "Are Martians Butterflies?" presents a hypothesis from researchers Phillip S. Callaghan and R. W. Mankins of the University of Florida. They suggest that some UFO sightings, particularly those observed between 1965 and 1968 in Utah, might correspond to large swarms of butterflies passing through atmospheric electrical fields. These insects can release electrical discharges, creating visible flashes and ionizing the air. The researchers propose that large swarms could create phenomena resembling flying objects.

Official UFO Research in France

The issue also covers the opening of "Official UFOlogy" in France with the establishment of GEPAN (Group for the Study of Aerospace Phenomena). GEPAN, part of CNES, aims to scientifically investigate UFOs. The organization comprises several working groups, including Rapid Intervention, Sample Collection, Radar Alert, and Classification. Claude Poher, director of GEPAN, summarized the 1978 findings, stating that witnesses generally observed real events, that these phenomena were unidentified, and that they related to a flying machine with unknown propulsion. GEPAN's work aims to eliminate doubtful cases and misinterpretations, believing that studying these phenomena could lead to significant advancements in current technology.

Book Review: "OVNIs: El Fenómeno Aterrizaje"

A review of Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos's book "OVNIs: El Fenómeno Aterrizaje" (UFOs: The Landing Phenomenon) is included. The book is praised for its precise approach, distinguishing between serious investigation and opportunistic claims. It is described as a rigorous work demonstrating the measurability and analyzability of the UFO phenomenon. The review highlights the author's scientific methodology and the book's value for those interested in the objective study of UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific investigation into UFO phenomena. It presents eyewitness testimonies alongside attempts at scientific analysis and official inquiry (like GEPAN). There's a clear stance against sensationalism, favoring detailed reporting and methodical study. The inclusion of the butterfly hypothesis and the book review of "OVNIs: El Fenómeno Aterrizaje" underscore a commitment to exploring various facets of the UFO topic, from anecdotal evidence to potential scientific explanations and organized research efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking factual data and reasoned conclusions.