Vimana - 2a epoca - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: VIMANA
Issue: Number 8, Year 2
Date: 4th Quarter, 1980
Publisher: CIOVE (Coordinadora de Estudios sobre el Fenómeno O.V.N.I. - C.E.F.O.)
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of VIMANA magazine is dedicated to informing the public about the UFO phenomenon. It highlights the efforts of the 'Coordinadora de Estudios sobre el Fenómeno O.V.N.I.' (C.E.F.O.) in fostering collaboration among researchers in the Iberian Peninsula. The magazine features a mix of historical investigations, contemporary reports, and discussions on UFO hypotheses.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Julio Arcas, emphasizes the growing trend of inter-center collaboration in the study of the UFO phenomenon in Spain. It highlights the establishment of the 'Coordinadora de Estudios sobre el Fenómeno OVNI' in 1978 as a significant step towards a more organized and rigorous approach to ufology in the Iberian Peninsula. Despite facing numerous difficulties, the initiative is deemed worthwhile for its potential to standardize research methodologies and create a more comprehensive body of information. The editorial expresses an open invitation for collaboration with individuals and groups who share a clear understanding of the phenomenon and employ rigorous methods.

Articles and Features

Aurora & Carcarañá, ¿Mitos de la Ufología? (Myths of Ufology?)

This article delves into the controversial UFO sightings reported in the United States and Argentina in 1897. It questions the authenticity of these accounts, which occurred during a period of rapid industrialization and technological advancement. The author presents two key events from this era, aiming to shed light on their extraordinary nature. The first part of the article focuses on the 'airship' sightings, particularly the phenomenon observed in Aurora, Texas, and Carcarañá, Argentina. The text describes the 'airship' as a cigar-shaped object with a superstructure, sometimes equipped with powerful lights and wheels. The occupants were described as normal humans. The article notes that the 1896 wave was primarily on the West Coast of the US, while the 1897 wave, involving 122 reports, occurred around the Great Lakes region.

The Aurora Incident:

The article details a report from the 'Dallas Times Herald' on April 19, 1897, describing a mysterious 'astronave' (starship) that appeared over Aurora, Texas. The object was reported to be flying low, possibly damaged, and moving slowly. It eventually crashed into the windmill of Judge Proctor, resulting in a large explosion and scattering debris over a wide area. The pilot was described as non-human, with one witness, a government telegraphist named T. J. Weems, suggesting the inhabitant was from Mars. Documents found at the crash site were reportedly filled with undecipherable hieroglyphics. The article notes that the vehicle was constructed of an unknown metal, possibly an aluminum-silver alloy, and weighed several tons. The town was filled with curious onlookers.

The Location and Evidence:

Aurora is described as a small town with a history as a stopover for pioneers. The crash site is now the property of Brawley Oates, who confirms that something unusual happened. Despite investigations using metal detectors, including those by Dr. Tom Gray and Alfred E. Kraus, definitive proof has been elusive. Some scientists have analyzed samples, suggesting the presence of aluminum alloys not manufactured until the 1900s.

Allegations of Fraud:

Investigator Donald Hanlon is mentioned for collecting testimonies that suggest the Aurora incident might have been fabricated. Oscar Lowry, a resident, claims that E. E. Haydon, a local writer, invented the story to boost the town's tourism. Lowry also states that T. J. Weems was the town blacksmith, not a government telegraphist, and that the judge's property never had a windmill. Furthermore, the local cemetery is Masonic, with records of all burials, and no anonymous tomb exists. Lowry asserts that Haydon later admitted to the fabrication to some people, but the legend persisted.

Fotos de un OVNI en Passa Tempo (Photos of a UFO in Passa Tempo)

This article reports on a photographic investigation conducted by CIOVE-Brasil in Passa Tempo, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The team, including Sergio Korenjak, Roberto Tadeo Tribuzzi, Celso do Prado, and Ignacio Caltabiano, aimed to verify frequent UFO sightings of type 1 and 2. They established contact with Sr. Antonio Faleiro, who had gathered photographic evidence.

Observations:

During their stay, the team recorded several sightings. The first, on July 29th around 12:15 AM, involved a red light ascending behind a mountain. The object appeared to stop and its luminosity increased before it disappeared. This observation lasted 40 seconds and was estimated to be 12 kilometers away.

On the second night, three observations were made. At 7:40 PM, a presumed UFO crossed the sky descending, then stopped and turned off. It was described as a yellow light flying northwest, with a size comparable to a first-magnitude star. This sighting lasted about 4 seconds.

Later that night, around 8:30 PM, another object emerged from the east, emitting a bright light and moving at moderate speed. It covered a large area before disappearing.

The fourth and most significant sighting occurred around 9:50 PM. A large, luminous, white ball, resembling a neon gas light, appeared from the east and moved west. Its size increased considerably, approaching lunar dimensions. The object moved moderately and disappeared behind a mountain. This observation lasted approximately 2 minutes. The following day, local residents corroborated seeing the object at the same time.

Fifth Sighting:

Another sighting occurred at 8:40 PM near 'Morro da Cruz'. A luminous red ball emerged from behind a mountain, ascended vertically, stopped, moved briefly to the right, stopped again, and then disappeared vertically. The movements were in a straight line, lasting 30 seconds. The object was slightly larger than a first-magnitude star and estimated to be 17 kilometers away.

Considerations:

All sightings occurred on clear nights with good visibility. The full moon was present each night. The article dismisses possibilities of car or airplane lights causing confusion. It also recounts a previous sighting by Antonio Faleiro on October 30, 1978, where he observed a red light on a hill that approached him and then disappeared, only to reappear and illuminate the surroundings.

Passa Tempo Data:

The article provides geographical and environmental data for Passa Tempo, including its altitude, coordinates, vegetation, mineral resources (manganese and hematite), and hydrography (Río Pará, Laguna Grande).

Acknowledgments:

The article concludes by thanking Sr. Antonio Faleiro for his collaboration and the use of his graphic material.

OVNIs en la Prensa (UFOs in the Press)

This section presents a UFO sighting photographed in Badajoz, Spain, on July 15, 1980. María Magdalena, wife of Juan Banderas, owner of a clothing store, observed a strange, very bright object from her apartment window. The object was initially melon-shaped, then changed to a reddish color with white flashes, and later to a bean shape. It repeatedly changed size and form, eventually appearing as a luminous point before returning to its initial melon shape. This process repeated four times.

Several families in the area also witnessed the phenomenon. The article also mentions a sighting by Mari Carmen, wife of Armando Alvarez Martínez, in the early morning of July 16th. She observed a luminous, circular object emitting a powerful light, larger than a ten-duro coin. Armando, an amateur photographer, took twenty-three photos of the object, which appeared to be situated above the Plaza Alta-Alcazaba area. The object's shape changed from egg-like to circular, with lights at the corners and a central light. At one point, a black line divided the object, and a light descended from its lower hemisphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of VIMANA strongly advocates for a collaborative and rigorous approach to UFO research. The editorial emphasizes the importance of inter-center cooperation and the establishment of standardized methodologies. The articles present a mix of historical UFO cases, such as the 1897 Aurora incident, and contemporary sightings, like those in Passa Tempo, Brazil, and Badajoz, Spain. The magazine appears to be open to investigating various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including photographic evidence and witness testimonies, while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes or misidentifications, as suggested in the Aurora case. The overall stance is one of serious inquiry and a desire to advance the understanding of this complex subject through collective effort.

This issue of VIMANA, dated July 18, 1980, focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring a detailed account of a photographic UFO sighting, an in-depth interview with a prominent ufologist, and a theoretical article on UFO propulsion.

Photographic Evidence: The Badajoz Sighting

The issue begins with a detailed report of a photographic series taken by Armando Alvarez on July 16, 1980, over Badajoz, Spain. The photographs, taken from the same tripod-mounted position with a telephoto lens, document a luminous object that initially appeared to have a hexagonal shape. The object's dimensions varied in the photos, suggesting movement. Armando observed the object moving in a semicircular trajectory, ascending obliquely, and eventually disappearing as a tiny luminous point. The entire process lasted over an hour, with both Armando and Mari Carmen observing it until daylight. Analysis of the enlarged photographs confirmed the hexagonal shape, leading to the conclusion that it was not an artifact of the camera's diaphragm, as initially suggested by Armando, but rather the object's actual form. The families involved are described as normal, and their accounts were consistent.

Interview with Félix Ares de Blas

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Félix Ares de Blas, a long-standing UFO investigator. He discusses his career, starting with the ALEPH group and co-founding ERIDANI A.E.C., and participating in the influential "Estudio de la oleada 1968-69" in Spain. Ares de Blas critiques the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), stating that it is not a scientific hypothesis because it lacks predictive power. He categorizes UFO phenomena into physical and psychosociological types. He emphasizes the importance of studying UFOs indirectly, by subtracting social elements to understand the physical substratum. Ares de Blas also discusses the utility of statistical analysis in UFO research, viewing it as a primary tool for understanding the phenomenon and measuring ignorance. He highlights the potential of computers in UFO research, particularly for data processing and photographic analysis, which can help determine the authenticity of photographic evidence.

Ares de Blas expresses concern about the current trend of "paraufology" and the sacralization of UFOs, which he sees as a resurgence of mysticism. He advocates for humility in research, acknowledging that the phenomenon may take centuries to understand. Regarding government stances, he suggests that governments are likely as clueless about UFOs as independent researchers are.

Theoretical Article: UFO Propulsion

Miguel Alcover Iglesias contributes an article titled "HIPOTESIS SOBRE PROPULSION: ¿MAGNETISMO O GRAVITACION?" (Hypothesis on Propulsion: Magnetism or Gravitation?). This piece explores potential propulsion mechanisms for UFOs, drawing on current scientific understanding of electromagnetism and gravity. Iglesias posits that a UFO might operate on principles of electromagnetism, potentially creating a localized field that negates gravity. He discusses the concept of atomic interactions and their role in generating electromagnetic fields, suggesting that a spacecraft could be designed as a giant "anti-atom" to achieve a state of superconductivity and antigravity. The article references a diagram (Figure 35) illustrating a proposed structure for such a craft, involving a fuselage, a habitable sphere, and smaller rotating spheres, all charged with specific potentials.

Study of UFO Observations in Andalusia

The magazine includes a section detailing 177 UFO observations in Andalusia, Spain, providing case numbers, dates, times, locations, and brief descriptions. Several cases from August and November 1969 are presented, including sightings in Sevilla, Granada, El Rocío-Almonte, Morón de la Frontera, Cabra, and Gines.

VI Symposium on UFOs

An announcement for the VI Symposium on UFOs, held in Santander from September 16-20, 1980, is featured. The symposium's theme was "the other side of the phenomenon," focusing on the relationship between UFOs and psychology, parapsychology, religion, and esotericism. The program lists speakers and their topics, including Salvador Freixedo on parapsychology, Juan G. Atienza on dimensional manipulation, Miguel Peyró on the human mind and UFOs, Enrique de Vicente on "contactees," and Andreas Faber-Kaiser on UFOs in archives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a critical and analytical approach to UFO research. It emphasizes the need for scientific rigor, questioning unsubstantiated hypotheses like the ETH, and exploring alternative explanations. The magazine promotes a multi-disciplinary approach, incorporating psychology, sociology, and physics into UFO studies. The editorial stance appears to favor empirical evidence and reasoned investigation over speculative or mystical interpretations, while acknowledging the complexity and persistent mystery of the phenomenon.

This issue of the magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring an exhibition and a seminar in Spain, and a sociological analysis of a mass event in Brazil.

EXPO-OVNI'80

The magazine reports on EXPO-OVNI'80, the first graphic exhibition on the UFO phenomenon in Spain, held in Santander. This event coincided with the VI Symposium on the UFO Phenomenon. The exhibition comprised several sections: a photographic display, a bibliographical section, graphic displays, and technical material. The photographic exhibition, spanning over 300 square meters with more than 400 black and white and color photos, offered a panoramic view of various aspects of the UFO problem. These included a graphic history of the phenomenon, research in ufology, 'astroarchaeology', public dissemination, researchers, exobiology, UFO 'folklore', and marginal phenomenology. Special attention was given to significant photographic documents considered verified, as well as those identified as hoaxes. The graphic sections presented observed constants in the phenomenon through diagrams, maps, and artistic interpretations by collaborating artists. EXPO-OVNI'80 attracted significant public curiosity in Santander, providing access to a new facet of UFO dissemination.

I SEMINARIO DE ESTUDIO SOBRE EL FENOMENO OVNI

From May 19 to June 4, the I Seminar of Study on the UFO Phenomenon took place, organized by CIOVE. This initiative aimed to present more in-depth studies to the interested public than typically found in symposia and conferences. Lectures by CIOVE members covered topics such as the scientific method applied to ufology, the sociology of the phenomenon, field investigation methodology, and the physical and psychobiological effects of UFOs.

A "SERVICIO INFORMATIVO" (Information Service) was announced by the Coordinadora de Estudios sobre el Fenómeno O.V.N.I. (C.E.F.O.), an organization grouping private research centers in the Iberian Peninsula. This service would periodically distribute information, including monthly printed summaries of available material, monthly photocopies of UFO cases published in Spanish press, monthly articles on the topic published domestically, and quarterly articles from specialized international magazines. Additionally, it would provide an annual report of observations, quarterly lists of new ufological works with reviews, field survey materials (forms, questionnaires, manuals), and discounts from specialized publishers.

OPINIONES: DECLARACIONES DEL GRUPO DE INVESTIGADORES UNIDOS PARA EL ESTUDIO Y DIVULGACION DE LAS CIENCIAS - HIPERGEA -

This section discusses declarations made by ufologist Mr. Berenguel from Portugal regarding a microorganism collected after a 'rain' of filaments, or 'angel hair', reportedly from a UFO observed in Evora on November 2, 1959. Hipergea was asked for its opinion, having previously studied a reproduction of this microorganism. Mr. Berenguel presented research suggesting these filaments came from unidentified flying objects. He described the microorganism as measuring about 4 millimeters in diameter and possessing immense strength, resisting pressures up to 350 grams. The article questions the feasibility of such pressure resistance for a microorganism of that size. The organism's shape was described as tentacle-like, similar to cephalopods, and it reportedly lost color, turning yellowish-brown, before disintegrating. The author expresses skepticism, suggesting it sounds more like a version of an invasive organism's struggle than serious scientific investigation, and regrets doubting the declarations.

REFLEXIONES EN TORNO AL ORGANISMO DE EVORA

Felix Ares de Blas offers his opinion on the Evora organism case. He acknowledges his lack of biological expertise but shares his perspective as a layperson. He draws a parallel between the Evora organism and the search for extraterrestrial life in meteorites, citing the 'Orgueil' meteorite case where 'extraterrestrial organisms' were allegedly found. He mentions the extensive research by biologist Ponamperuna and his team, who attempted to eliminate contamination effects. While they discovered a life form capable of development, they could not identify it as terrestrial. Later, another biologist suggested the organism was terrestrial and had entered the meteorite through contamination. Ares de Blas emphasizes the lesson learned: even expert biologists can err, and it's crucial to be cautious. He also touches upon the 'seed-like' nature of the collected filaments, suggesting they might be terrestrial seeds or pollen transformed by the 'angel hair' action. He concludes that the Evora case might involve such a transformation rather than an extraterrestrial organism.

EL CARNAVAL OVNI DE RIO DE JANEIRO

This article details a sociological event in Casimiro de Abreu, Brazil, where ufologist Edilcio Barbosa announced a UFO landing scheduled for March 8, 1980, to return four abducted humans. This announcement attracted approximately 50,000 people. The story involved the purported return of a Brazilian Navy officer, who had been part of a missing helicopter crew. The local authorities, including the mayor, judge, and police chief, investigated the claim. The helicopter in question, a 'Sikorsky' SH-3 Delta, had disappeared on August 19, 1976, during a submarine search operation. Despite extensive search efforts by the Navy, no trace of the helicopter or its crew was found. The article describes how Barbosa's sensational claims, amplified by the press, led to a massive public gathering, turning the event into a 'carnival'. The predicted UFO landing did not occur, leading to public disappointment and criticism of Barbosa.

ANALISIS: EL CARNAVAL DE CASEMIRO DE ABREU

This analysis examines the sociological implications of the Casimiro de Abreu event. The author highlights the remarkable feat of Edilcio Barbosa in congregating fifty thousand people with the promise of a UFO landing and contact with extraterrestrials. The article posits that this event reveals the deep-seated beliefs and desires within contemporary society regarding UFOs. Three key characteristics of the event are identified: 1) the expectation of direct contact with beings from other worlds, 2) the return of supposedly deceased individuals, and 3) spontaneous requests for miracles and cures. The author argues that the UFO phenomenon functions as a contemporary myth, fulfilling a human need for transcendence and a belief in superior beings, similar to how myths of fairies and elves served in the past.

SOCIOLOGICO: Veo girar los mundos con una increíble rapidez

This section, by Miguel Peyró, continues the analysis of the Casimiro de Abreu event, framing it within the broader context of UFO phenomena and sociological beliefs. Peyró discusses the three main characteristics identified: direct contact, the return of the disappeared, and requests for miracles. He elaborates on the 'myth' aspect of UFO beliefs, suggesting that they fulfill a need for transcendence and a belief in benevolent, superior beings who can offer salvation. The article references works by Patrice Gastón, Mircea Eliade, and others to support its sociological interpretation of UFO phenomena as modern myths.

..SE HA PUBLICADO.. SE HA PUBLI

This section reviews an article from "Lumiéres dans la Nuit" (No. 185, May 1979) titled "SOBRE LOS OVNIS Y EL PSIQUISMO HUMANO" (On UFOs and Human Psychism). The review discusses the hypothesis that human psyche plays a role in UFO observations. It explores how the forms of UFOs observed over time might be influenced by the prevailing civilization and its language, rather than being solely material objects. The article questions whether the diversity of UFO shapes is due to mental structures of witnesses or differing social contexts. It suggests that the witness's interpretation of an unknown phenomenon is influenced by their frame of reference (e.g., an aviator comparing a UFO to a rocket, a sportsman to a rugby ball). The review concludes by considering Pierre Vieroudy's hypothesis that the witness's psyche is not the cause of the phenomenon but rather influences how it is described, proposing that the witness observes an unknown phenomenon and is compelled to describe it based on their personal occupation and understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the sociological and psychological aspects of UFO phenomena, alongside reports of specific events and investigations. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that acknowledges the public's fascination with UFOs while also critically examining the claims and exploring the underlying societal beliefs and psychological factors that contribute to the phenomenon. There is a clear interest in scientific investigation and rigorous analysis, as evidenced by the discussion of the Evora microorganism and the critique of sensationalism in reporting UFO events.

This issue of VIMANA magazine, identified as issue 757 and part of Volume 25, published in September-October 1979, focuses on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related topics. The cover prominently features the headline "EL EFECTO ‘CAT FLAP'" (The 'Cat Flap' Effect), suggesting a central theme of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations.

The 'Cat Flap' Effect and Extraterrestrial Life

The magazine delves into the concept of the "Cat Flap" effect, introduced by Aimé Michel. This theory posits that the first civilization to achieve interstellar travel capabilities would rapidly colonize the entire galaxy within a relatively short cosmic timeframe. The article discusses the implications of this hypothesis, drawing on astronomical discussions and the work of astrophysicists. It suggests that a deep study of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (E.T.H.) might lead to a formulation that encompasses psychic realities, history, parapsychology, and religion. The author notes that while engineers are discussing interstellar propulsion, calculations by physicists like Stephen Dole and G. K. O'Neill suggest that full galactic occupation could take between one million and ten million years.

A key point raised is the potential rarity of intelligent life, as suggested by David W. Schwartzman, who observes that the period between a civilization's scientific advancement and its potential self-destruction is a mere "flash in the cosmic immensity." This leads to the idea that Earth might be in a unique or strange episode. The article also touches upon the possibility that advanced civilizations might have existed on Earth long before humanity, influencing its evolution.

Field Investigations: Luminous Phenomena in Cabuérniga

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to field investigations conducted by the C.I.O.V.E. (Equipo de Investigación de Campo) in the Comarca de Cabuérniga, Spain. The report details several sightings of luminous phenomena that occurred in late 1979, concentrated around the village of Correpoco.

One primary witness, Don Gabriel Iglesias Herrera, recounts an experience on December 2nd, 1979, where he observed a bright star descending and increasing in intensity. The object then changed direction, appearing as a powerful yellow-white light followed by a line of potent purple lights, moving at an estimated speed of 90-100 km/h above the trees. The object eventually disappeared behind a hill.

Other witnesses in the same region reported similar phenomena. Emilio San Juan Ruiz described a round, elongated light with a pointed end, moving downwards and to the right, estimated to be 40-50 meters in size. Emilio García Fernández observed a large, white, luminous circle, larger than a full moon, ascend slowly and move away.

The investigation team from CIOVE visited the area to gather data and noted that while Gabriel Iglesias has vision impairment in his right eye, he is knowledgeable about astronomical phenomena.

Political Interest and the OVNI Phenomenon

The magazine addresses the growing political interest in UFO phenomena, particularly in the United States and Spain. It references the Manises incident of November 11, 1979, where a TAE Caravelle aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing due to an unidentified aerial object. The official silence surrounding the incident led Socialist Deputy Enrique Múgica to direct questions to the government, seeking explanations for the event and the subsequent military response (scrambling of a Mirage F-1 fighter jet).

The article includes statements from Herzog, a politician who expresses skepticism about UFOs, stating he belongs to a "rational Spain" rather than a "magical Spain." The magazine criticizes politicians for confusing issues and not addressing the core of the UFO phenomenon.

It is mentioned that the Joint Chiefs of Staff declared UFO sightings in military airspace as "reserved matter" in October 1979, suggesting a focus on defense rather than a comprehensive clarification of the phenomenon.

UFO Cataloging and Research

V. J. Ballester Olmos from Stendek provides an update on the compilation of a new catalog of UFO landings in the Iberian Peninsula. This project aims to expand upon a previous catalog of 200 cases and includes reinvestigation of older cases, systematization of data, and the development of a mathematical system to assess the credibility of sightings. The project seeks contributions from UFO enthusiasts and researchers for cases prior to 1968.

Additionally, a call is made for volunteer investigators in several Spanish provinces (Madrid, Huelva, Segovia, Tarragona, Granada, Córdoba) to assist in researching landing incidents, particularly those predating 1968.

Book Review: 'Manifiesto OVNI'

The magazine reviews 'MANIFIESTO OVNI' by Sebastián Robiou L., an engineer from the Dominican Republic. The book is praised for its comprehensive study of UFO cases in the Antilles, presented chronologically and in relation to global UFO events. It also covers a wide range of phenomena, from ancient myths to modern abductions and contacts. Robiou's work is considered a significant reference for those studying Hispanic-American UFO cases, and he explores various hypotheses without settling on a single definitive explanation.

Ganymede: A New Map

In a departure from ufology, the magazine includes a section on Ganymede, one of Jupiter's moons. It discusses the detailed maps created by astrogeologists based on images from the Voyager 1 and 2 probes. The article describes Ganymede's varied landscapes, including craters, grooves, and parallel chains, and mentions the possibility of tectonic activity driven by phase changes in its icy interior. It also notes that some "contactees" consider Ganymede a base for extraterrestrial protectors, a notion potentially challenged by the new scientific data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of VIMANA demonstrates a strong commitment to the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, encouraging rigorous analysis and data collection. The magazine highlights the importance of field research, as seen in the Cabuérniga investigation, and advocates for transparency from official bodies regarding UFO sightings. There is a clear interest in exploring theoretical frameworks like the "Cat Flap" effect and the E.T.H. to understand the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial life. The inclusion of political commentary suggests an awareness of the societal and governmental dimensions of the UFO topic. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to reconcile scientific evidence with the more speculative aspects of ufology, while also critiquing sensationalism and official obfuscation.