Vimana - 2a epoca - No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: VIMANA
Issue: Año 2, Número 3
Date: 1979 (estimated from context)
Publisher: C.I.O.V.E. (Coordinadora de Estudios sobre el Fenómeno O.V.N.I.)
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of VIMANA, a publication dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles, reports, and interviews. The cover features a striking image of a futuristic helmet and the bold title "UIMANA" (a stylized representation of VIMANA), with the subtitle "Publicación Informativa Sobre el Fenómeno OVNI" (Informative Publication on the UFO Phenomenon).

Editorial: The 'Men in Black'

The editorial, titled "EDITORIAL," written by Julio Arcas, addresses the well-known "Men in Black" (MIB) phenomenon, particularly in its Hispanic context. Arcas describes MIB as sinister figures who attempt to intimidate witnesses and interfere with UFO research. He notes their presence in specialized literature and their alleged activities, such as silencing witnesses or disrupting investigations. The editorial contrasts these figures with genuine researchers and expresses a hope that these "little men dressed in black" will eventually cease their interference.

Approaching Fortian Phenomenology

"Aproximación a la Fenomenología Fortiana" by Charles Noel Martin discusses the work of Charles Fort, a researcher who cataloged unexplained phenomena from the world's press. Martin highlights Fort's continuation of the work of Charles Fort (1874-1932) and his "Book of the Damned." The article emphasizes that Fort's method was to let the facts speak for themselves without personal interpretation, a characteristic appreciated by scientists. The piece touches upon the idea that science, while explaining much, cannot claim to have explained everything, and that rare, difficult-to-access observations might still challenge our understanding.

Luminous Wheels of the Sea of Siam

This section details the phenomenon of "luminous wheels," which is largely unknown to the public. It reports on numerous serious testimonies collected over 100 years, primarily occurring in the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Siam. A notable account from January 1880 describes luminous waves in the sea near the Malabar coast, appearing as a large wheel with luminous spokes, moving at high speed. Another account from the ship "Consellor" in the Sea of Siam on July 24, 1908, describes luminous bands of phosphorescence extending about 5 meters above the surface. More recent observations from March 1967 in the Gulf of Thailand describe similar luminous bands, alternately light and dark, with a silvery-white appearance and a greenish glow, appearing to rotate.

Waves of Aerial Light Followed Without Rest

This sub-section complements the "luminous wheels" discussion by describing aerial light phenomena. It recounts an incident where a ship was enveloped in a light mist with luminous pulsations. The article notes that these phenomena seem to emanate from a center and possess a rotational movement, evoking the rays of a rotating lighthouse. The speed of these pulsations is estimated to be very rapid, occurring at a rate of 2 to 6 per second.

The Brocken Spectre

"Los Espectros Desmesurados de las Cimas de Brocken" (The Disproportionate Spectres of the Brocken Peaks) discusses the Brocken Spectre, a phenomenon observed on the Brocken mountain in Germany. The article explains that when the sun sets behind an observer on the mountain, their shadow can be cast onto a cloud bank, appearing immense and distorted. The phenomenon is attributed to optical illusions and the mind's interpretation of distance and size. The article also touches upon the subjective nature of perception and how the intellect might interpret events before they are fully observed.

Balls of Fire with a Sulfur Smell

This section covers "Bolas de Fuego" (Balls of Fire), also known as ball lightning. The literature on this phenomenon is extensive, with thousands of testimonies. The article recalls cases of "pestilent fireballs," which are often preceded by lightning strikes. The disappearance of these fireballs leaves behind a yellowish vapor or dust with an acidic smell, identified by some chemists as nitrous vapors. A specific case from July 25, 1889, describes a chemist who experienced a similar odor and color in his home after being exposed to a diluted mixture containing nitrogen tetroxide.

It Transformed Rapidly into a Luminous Wheel

This brief section recounts a specific incident from November 8, 1930, where a ball of fire, described as a radiating sphere, left behind a smoky mist with an "acidic taste" smell, identified as nitrous vapors.

Burning Thorns

"Las Zarzas Ardientes" (The Burning Thorns) describes a phenomenon where distant flames appear to engulf vegetation, particularly beech trees, creating the illusion of a fire without smoke. When witnesses investigate, they find nothing. This phenomenon is compared to electrostatic spark phenomena like St. Elmo's Fire, suggesting a mechanism that remains a mystery.

Gelatinous Meteors and Painted Stones

This section discusses more concrete phenomena, including "gelatinous meteors" and "painted stones." Gelatinous meteors are described as a substance with the consistency of liquid soap, with a nauseating odor, which evaporates quickly, leaving behind a faint powdery residue. These substances are often reported to fall with rain or tornadoes. "Painted stones" are stones with drawings that witnesses interpret as images of saints or demons.

UFOs in the Press

This section compiles recent UFO sightings reported in newspapers:

• UFO Sighted in Lanzarote: Two EGB professors reported a cylindrical object with a green ring moving at high speed and disappearing. One witness stated it split into two.
• Uruguayan Police Pursued by a UFO: A high-ranking police official and his wife in Melo, Uruguay, reported being pursued by an unidentified object described as ovoidal and very luminous.
• Observations in Colombia: A group of unidentified objects hovered over Ibague for an hour, causing alarm. Five distinct points were observed, with four disappearing quickly, leaving one that emitted yellow and red lights.
• Mother Ship OVNI: The military in the Philippines is investigating reports of unidentified objects landing in a town, with a "mother ship" reportedly sending smaller objects that landed in a valley.
• Luminous Phenomenon in the Canary Archipelago: A luminous phenomenon observed on March 5, 1979, caused a patrol car and its radio to stop working for 45 seconds. A witness described a round object with windows that hovered before ascending rapidly.
• Observations in Brazil: A flying saucer landed in a field in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, creating a 80-meter circle of burned grass.

Interview with Manuel Pedrajo

"Estudiosos del Fenómeno: Manuel Pedrajo" features an interview with Manuel Pedrajo, a ufologist and professor of Philosophy. Pedrajo recounts his interest in UFOs beginning over 25 years ago due to numerous newspaper reports. Initially, he considered the phenomena to be either propaganda or experiments by terrestrial powers (North America or Russia). However, his extensive research led him to conclude that they were likely extraterrestrial in origin, possibly from Mars. He defines the UFO phenomenon as a powerful entity with a profound interest in the human race, potentially seeking contact or conducting experiments on human psyche. His primary focus as an investigator is to understand the nature and intentions of this entity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of VIMANA include the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the psychological and sociological aspects of UFO sightings, and the reporting of specific UFO incidents from around the world. The magazine appears to adopt a serious and investigative stance towards the UFO phenomenon, presenting testimonies and research findings without definitive conclusions, encouraging further study and critical analysis. The editorial stance, as seen in the MIB piece, is to differentiate between genuine research and potential interference or misinformation within the ufological community. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration and information exchange, as indicated by the multilingual statements about exchanging publications.

This issue of VIMANA magazine, dated July 1979, focuses on the psychological and control aspects of the UFO phenomenon. It features a cover story titled "EL FENOMENO OVNI: ESTRUCTURA DE CONTROL" by Pierre Delval, with the subtitle ""OURANO"". The magazine includes interviews with investigators, analysis of UFO sightings, and discussions on the psychological impact of these events on witnesses.

Key Articles and Interviews

Interview with Manuel Pedrajo

Manuel Pedrajo, a private investigator and coordinator of studies on the UFO phenomenon, expresses his joy at the formation of a coordination team, believing it will lead to more effective research. He discusses the complexity of the phenomenon and its potential connection to human history and destiny. Pedrajo considers the UFO phenomenon to be "nefarious" and "completely negative" in its observable aspects, though he acknowledges a potential benefit in its unseen aspects.

He believes the phenomenon is driven by a "most powerful mentality," akin to a super-calculator, acting both positively and negatively. While the phenomenon's manifestations appear to follow a rigid line, its artifacts show parallels with human inventions. Pedrajo suggests the core message of the phenomenon, especially in the context of humanity's self-destruction, is to treat humanity like a flock, discourage excessive study, and prioritize spiritual over material development, while suppressing the human 'self'.

Pedrajo also addresses the perceived absurdity of occupant behavior, offering three explanations: direction by a non-human mathematical entity, deliberate deception, or the use of residual biological parts from humans and animals.

Direct Involvement in UFO Research

Pedrajo agrees with researchers like Jacques Vallée and Jerome Clark that direct involvement with UFO manifestations is necessary. He believes the current state of the problem requires practical, tangible research, aiming to obtain verifiable physical evidence of these entities.

Psychological Interpretation of UFOs

Amelia de Fco. and Javier Parra, a psychologist, explore the psychological underpinnings of UFO interpretation. They argue that humans have always needed a reason for existence and that in the current crisis of social and religious values, extraterrestrial 'gods' are filling this void. They cite C. G. Jung on the current era of dissociation and disease, and the rise of superstitions. The authors suggest that contemporary society's emphasis on consumption and rapid living leads to a sense of 'wearing out' and a devaluation of the real, which may stem from an "unconscious" need to 'spend' or 'consume' UFOs and extraterrestrials.

They propose that UFO sightings, strange lights, and physical forms can be projections of the human unconscious, a way to 'feel' their 'savior' or 'new extraterrestrial gods'. The aggressive nature often reported in UFO encounters is also analyzed as a manifestation of psychic aggression, stemming from the unconscious's need to project its anxieties.

The Unconscious and UFOs

The unconscious is described as amoral and illogical, capable of influencing behavior through hypnosis or other means. The authors suggest that UFO phenomena can be analyzed through "psychoanalytic symbology," linking the shapes of UFOs to unconscious desires, such as the desire for security or the maternal breast. The concept of the 'mandala' is presented as an archetype of the unconscious, representing the 'perfect One' or 'Divinity'.

Critique of Classic UFO Hypotheses

The magazine critically examines the hypothesis of extraterrestrial origins for UFOs. The authors find it improbable due to the vast distances involved, even between star systems. They question the variety of beings and vehicles reported, suggesting it's unlikely a single civilization could produce such diversity. Furthermore, they question the purpose of these visitors, noting that if they are here to 'help', their passivity in the face of humanity's self-destruction is perplexing. Conversely, they point to instances of aggression, humiliation, and abuse, suggesting these are not benevolent interventions.

The article posits that symbols interpreted as evidence of extraterrestrial visits in past civilizations might actually be archetypal ideas from the "collective unconscious" of our ancestors, reflecting a primal need to understand the universe and seek 'gods' or 'saviors'.

Psychic Characteristics of Entities

Pierre Delval discusses the psychic characteristics of UFO entities, noting their potential to influence human consciousness and behavior through hypnotic induction. He highlights their exceptional psychic powers, ability to probe human consciousness, and induce fascination or ecstasy. The entities are described as invulnerable to human weapons and capable of dematerializing and materializing at will, making them difficult to study.

UFOs and Time-Space Transcendence

The phenomenon is described as transcending space-time and the material laws of our world, requiring concepts like "hyperphysics" and "hyperchemistry." While some contacts describe extraterrestrials as immortal, wise, and loving beings, the magazine points to instances of interference and threat, questioning this idealized portrayal.

Influence on Witnesses

Several cases illustrate the influence of UFO phenomena on witnesses, including strong impressions, premonitions, and hypnotic effects. The article details an incident in Torrelavega, Spain, involving an elongated object, and a case near Orange, France, where a hypnosis session predicted a UFO landing.

Torrelavega Sighting

A significant UFO sighting occurred over Torrelavega, Spain, on October 5, 1979. Witnesses, including children and adults, described an elongated object, sometimes shaped like a rocket or missile, with specific colorations. Some reports mentioned the object landing near a mountain, producing smoke, though no physical evidence was found. The event caused considerable commotion in the city.

Castillo Sighting

On May 4, 1979, Don Angel Cobo reported seeing a large, arrow-shaped structure with a triangular top and rectangular base near his home in Castillo, Spain. The object illuminated and then ascended rapidly before disappearing. An investigation team from VIMANA documented this encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the psychological and subconscious dimensions of the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that many sightings and encounters can be interpreted through the lens of psychoanalysis and archetypal symbolism. There is a critical stance towards the simplistic notion of benevolent extraterrestrial visitors, emphasizing the mysterious, potentially manipulative, and sometimes aggressive nature of the phenomenon. The editorial stance supports direct, evidence-based investigation while acknowledging the profound psychological impact on witnesses and the potential for suprahuman intelligence to influence human evolution. The magazine highlights Spain, particularly Cantabria, as a significant area for UFO research.

This issue of "Ovni en Andalucía (España)" is dedicated to exploring UFO phenomena within the Andalusian region of Spain. It features a collection of reported sightings, detailed investigations, and a significant sociological study on the perception and cultural significance of UFOs among the Spanish population.

Case Studies of UFO Sightings

The magazine presents a series of documented UFO cases, providing dates, locations, and witness testimonies. A prominent case is from Castillo Siete Villas, where a witness named Don Angel Cobo described an object approximately three to three-and-a-half meters high, with a triangular top and a columnar base. The object's upper part was violet on one side and lighter on the other. It emitted no sound, but dogs in the vicinity barked incessantly. Despite a search with Geiger counters three days later, no traces or radiation were detected.

Other reported incidents include:

• Romilla la Nueva (Granada), 11-12-68: A witness observed a powerful, reddish light that performed aerial evolutions before descending and disappearing. No traces were found.
• Chauchina (Granada), 12-12-68: A light was observed for a significant distance, stopping and then reappearing before finally disappearing.
• Aguadulce (Almería), 14-12-68: Several neighbors witnessed a luminous object stationary over Roquetas de Mar for an hour at an altitude of 200 meters, before it moved away with a bright light.
• Lora del Río (Sevilla), 16-12-68: A lawyer reported being followed by a bright light with multicolored flashes.
• Umbrete (Sevilla), 22-12-68: Multiple observers saw a gaseous-looking object with a large diameter that moved slowly and then disappeared.
• Padul (Granada), Year 1960: A witness and his mother observed a large, low-altitude light that changed color and appeared to descend rapidly towards their car.
• Montoro (Córdoba), 07-01-69: An object with a strong orange color and two black spots was observed moving south.
• Almería, 07-01-69: An unidentified object emitting strong luminosity was seen, both stationary and moving.
• Almería, 09-01-69: A rounded object emitting white light was observed stationary.

These cases are often accompanied by details about the object's appearance, behavior, and the witness's reactions. The magazine also notes the lack of physical evidence in many instances.

Sociological Study of UFO Belief

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a sociological study by Ma. Carmen Garmendia and Felix Ares de Blas, investigating the perception of UFOs among the Spanish population. The study aimed to understand the cultural associations (mythology) with the term OVNI and to identify any distinct subcultures interested in the phenomenon.

The researchers divided the population into two groups: those strongly interested in UFOs and a control group representing the general population. Their findings suggest that interest in UFOs is more prevalent among men than women and is more common in middle to upper social classes, with a notable absence of individuals from lower social classes attending UFO-related events.

The study also explored the relationship between UFO belief and religious belief. It found that as religious incredulity increases, belief in UFOs tends to increase, suggesting that UFOs may be substituting for conventional religious beliefs for some individuals. The data indicates that non-practicing Catholics, those of other religions, and those with no religion are more likely to believe in UFOs than very practicing Catholics.

Furthermore, the study examined the duration of interest in UFOs, finding it to be around four years on average, slightly longer for women. Preferred topics among respondents included UFOs (scoring highest), art, and parapsychology. A curious negative correlation was noted between interest in UFOs and interest in football, suggesting a potential social maladjustment for some individuals who prioritize UFOs over more common interests.

Other Sections

Nazca Enigma

This section discusses the Nazca lines in Peru, exploring theories about their origin and purpose. It compares the drawings to Nazca ceramics, noting their elongated forms and suggesting they were designed to be viewed from the air or from specific elevated points, similar to architectural techniques used in ancient Egyptian pyramids and Greek columns to create optical illusions.

Celestial Bodies Beyond Light Speed

This part of the magazine touches upon recent astrophysical discussions regarding celestial bodies that might exceed the speed of light. It mentions observations of objects in the distant galaxy 3C120 traveling at speeds five and eight times that of light, and suggests that visual distortion or oblique trajectories might explain these observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the characteristics of reported UFOs, the investigation of these phenomena, and the sociological and psychological aspects of belief in UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting reported cases and scientific/sociological analyses without necessarily endorsing the extraterrestrial hypothesis as the sole explanation. The sociological study, in particular, highlights the cultural and psychological dimensions of UFO belief, positioning it within broader societal trends and belief systems.

This issue of Aviation magazine, dated from the late 1970s, presents a diverse range of articles covering UFO phenomena, astronomical advancements, and historical mysteries. The content is primarily in Spanish, with a focus on intriguing cases and scientific endeavors.

Articles

The Illusion of Speed and Quasars

This section explores the optical illusions related to high speeds, drawing parallels to how observers might misinterpret the velocity of celestial objects. It discusses how the perceived duration of radio emissions from fast-moving objects can be shortened, leading to assumptions about their size. The article posits that if these are optical illusions, they raise questions about evaluating the speed of celestial bodies and could lead to new theories concerning black holes and quasars. It highlights the enigma of quasars, whose red-shifted light suggests immense distances, yet they appear unusually bright. The text speculates about the possibility of invisible, super-rapid particles from the universe's confines carrying photons at speeds exceeding the speed of light, referring to them as 'fast ghosts, carriers of light.'

Dolmens Explained Without Extraterrestrials

This article details an archaeological experiment where a 32-ton dolmen was successfully erected by two hundred individuals, disproving the need for supernatural or extraterrestrial intervention. The project, led by archaeologist Jean Pierre Mohen and producer Robert Clarke, involved moving the massive stone using ropes and levers. The event took place near Poitiers, France, with approximately 170 men pulling and 30 pushing the stone, which moved on rollers. The dolmen was eventually raised using levers, and stakes were used to slide it into place.

Case Study: The Hermes Case

This detailed report investigates a UFO sighting by Hermes lanelli on August 25, 1978, in Itaquera, São Paulo, Brazil. Lanelli, a painter facing financial difficulties, encountered a luminous, disk-shaped object with a dome while walking in a field. The object hovered, emitted a fluorescent blue light from its upper part, and had a reddish band around its middle. It was approximately three meters in diameter and two meters high. Lanelli felt an inexplicable force preventing him from approaching the craft. He observed an opening on the upper part of the object, through which he saw a yellow light and three dark, rounded objects inside, though he saw no beings. Upon takeoff, the object tilted vertically and ascended rapidly, emitting an orange light. Lanelli, initially a skeptic, was deeply affected by the experience, which he interpreted as a good omen. He believes UFOs are secret American or Russian weapons and does not believe in extraterrestrial life.

Discovering Planets Beyond the Solar System

This article discusses the ongoing scientific efforts to detect planets orbiting stars other than our Sun. It explains the indirect methods used, such as observing the 'wobble' of a star caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet, a technique pioneered by mathematician Bessel. The article mentions how this method was used to discover companions around stars like Sirius and Procyon, which were later identified as white dwarfs. The challenge lies in detecting smaller planets, especially those similar in size to Earth, which cause even more subtle stellar movements. The text highlights the advancements in electronic techniques and the development of instruments like the Hipparcos satellite, designed to measure stellar positions with unprecedented precision, aiming to detect exoplanets.

#### The Hipparcos Satellite

The Hipparcos satellite is presented as a crucial instrument for astrometry, a field dedicated to mapping the positions and movements of stars. Its mission is to provide highly accurate measurements of stellar coordinates and parallaxes, enabling the discovery of exoplanets. The satellite operates by scanning the sky and using a system of mirrors and a grid to precisely measure the light from stars. The article explains that Hipparcos aims to determine the positions of a vast number of stars with a precision of thousandths of an arcsecond, potentially detecting planets up to 10,000 light-years away. The project, named after the ancient Greek astronomer Hipparchus, is expected to provide an extraordinary catalog of the celestial sphere.

Books Review: 'The Mystery of UMMO'

This section reviews Antonio Ribera's book, 'El Misterio de UMMO,' which delves into the controversial UMMO phenomenon. The book analyzes alleged messages from extraterrestrial beings from the planet UMMO, who supposedly contacted Earth in 1950. Ribera's work presents an analysis of these texts, accompanied by graphics and vocabulary from the supposed extraterrestrials. The review notes that the UMMO messages lack the typical 'messianic' tone found in other contactee cases and instead encourage critical examination. The book is recommended for those interested in the UMMO affair, though the reviewer acknowledges the persistent ambiguity and contradictory aspects of the case, suggesting a potential for fraud.

#### Biographical Notes: Antonio Ribera

Antonio Ribera, born in Barcelona in 1920, is a prolific author and researcher in the fields of Ufology and underwater exploration. He has a background in Philosophy and Letters and has worked extensively as a translator. Ribera co-founded the Center for Underwater Recovery and Research (CRIS) and has authored numerous books on UFOs, including 'Objetos Desconocidos en el Cielo' and 'El Gran Enigma de los Platillos Volantes.' His work on Ufology has earned him several awards, including the 'Astronomy' prize.

'ENIGMAS' Radio Program

This section announces the radio program 'ENIGMAS,' produced by C. I. O. V. E. and broadcast on 'Radio Popular.' The program focuses on the phenomenon of UFOs and 'Paranormal Sciences' (Parapsychology, etc.), aiming to present the latest research with objectivity and rigor. It is broadcast every Wednesday at 10:30 PM.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, scientific inquiry, and historical mysteries. There is a clear interest in UFO sightings, extraterrestrial contact, and the scientific pursuit of understanding the universe, particularly in astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting both reported phenomena and scientific explanations, while acknowledging the controversial and often ambiguous nature of these subjects. The inclusion of archaeological feats and book reviews further broadens the scope of inquiry into the unexplained and the historical.