Busqueda Boletin - No 67

Magazine Overview

Title: BÚSQUEDA

Issue: 67

Volume: 1994

Issue Date: Sunday, November 28, 1994

Publisher: Búsqueda

Country of Publication: Spain

Original Language: Spanish

ISSN: GI-554/89

Cover Headline: OVNIS EN CONCHALÍ

This issue of 'Búsqueda' delves into various aspects of ufology and parapsychology, with a prominent focus on the "Ovnís en Conchalí" case in Chile and the ongoing mystery of crop circles.

OVNIS EN CONCHALÍ

The lead article, "Ovnís en Conchalí," by Oswaldo Murray, details a series of intriguing events occurring in the hills surrounding Santiago, Chile. The phenomenon began with mysterious vegetal inscriptions, described as 'pictograms,' appearing in fields. These formations, some covering up to 70 m², are characterized by intricate designs, including a heart shape. The author notes that the grass within the 'drawn' areas appears scorched, yet remains green around the edges, suggesting a high-temperature effect without burning.

Murray recounts how his 13-year-old son discovered one of these pictograms. Accompanying his son, Murray found a second pictogram about 300 meters away. The article describes the 'heart' pictogram in detail: a large heart shape, seven meters wide and ten meters high, with a smaller five-meter-wide heart in its center. The external edges of the heart are made of very green and lush grass, while the interior appears 'burned' with a reddish-brown crust.

Beyond the crop circles, the Conchalí area has a history of unexplained phenomena, particularly luminous aerial displays. Murray describes witnessing 'flying lights' in the summer of 1990 that performed a 'fantastic show,' sometimes lasting for hours. He dismisses conventional explanations like airplanes or helicopters, noting that these lights appear erratically, without a disciplined schedule, and are only visible at night.

He recounts an incident where two lights 'explored' the hills near his apartment. During the summer of 1990/1991, these lights became a source of fascination for his family and friends. The lights reappeared in the summer of 1991/1992, typically from October to May. He details several notable behaviors, including three lights merging into a single, brilliant red sphere that danced over the hills for over 45 minutes. Another incident involved three lights separating and then merging again. A particularly striking event occurred on New Year's Eve 1990, when a large, cherry-red sphere emerged and performed an extraordinary circuit, eventually hovering over a hill near 'El Mercurio' for several minutes before descending rapidly and disappearing.

The article also mentions a peculiar event where one of the lights became stationary on a hillside, prompting other lights to surround it, resembling a rescue scenario. The author notes that the lights sometimes appear in formations, such as a perfect equilateral triangle, and can remain stationary for extended periods.

Murray also shares a personal anecdote about his son's desire for an electric guitar and his efforts to earn money. During this time, his son discovered the crop circles. The article concludes by questioning the nature of these lights and drawings, suggesting that 'the idlers' might be coming from 'the mystery.'

OTRO FRAUDE?

This section, by Sean Connors, critically examines the UMMO case, questioning the swift resolution and the alleged sole responsibility of J.L. Jordán Peña. Connors expresses skepticism about the reliability of photographic evidence, citing the San José de Valderas photos as an example of deception. He suggests that the UMMO phenomenon, whether extraterrestrial or an experiment by 'Guardians of the New Order,' is inherently absurd. Connors doubts that a single individual could sustain such a complex 'show' for over 25 years, proposing that multiple individuals might be involved in a larger game.

He questions whether the UMMO case was simply a means to sell books and magazines, and if its closure is merely a business decision. Connors believes that the UMMO phenomenon, even if not real, highlights that the world was not created in seven days, implying a deeper, unknown reality. He criticizes the idea of a single author for the entire UMMO affair, suggesting that something 'too bothersome' for certain parties might be at play.

Connors also touches upon the 'Crisis televisada' and the 'European Vietnam' in Yugoslavia, contrasting them with the ongoing UMMO mystery. He concludes that the UMMO case might be more complex than presented, possibly involving the removal of something that inconveniences certain groups.

POLEMIQUE AUTOUR DE LA PHOTO DE « L'HOMME D'ALUMINIUM »

This article discusses the controversial photograph of the "Aluminum Man," first revealed in 1954 by Donald Keyhoe. The photo allegedly depicts a small, metallic humanoid surrounded by two men in trench coats, with two women in the background. Keyhoe cited an article from 'Talk of the Times' in June 1950, which claimed a flying saucer was shot down in Arizona, and a humanoid was captured by FBI agents, including one named McKennerich. Keyhoe himself did not seem to take the case too seriously.

In 1990, the Danish journal 'SUFOI Newsletter' revisited the case, with investigator Claus Westh-Henrichsen analyzing the photo. Westh-Henrichsen concluded the photo was impossible, as the humanoid's feet would not be on the ground if the scene were reconstructed, suggesting it was a photomontage of two separate images: one of two men with a stroller and two women, and another of an acrobat saluting an audience.

However, ufologist Umberto Telarico, writing in 'Il Giornale dei Misteri' in December 1992, contested this interpretation. Telarico argued that Westh-Henrichsen used a cropped photo, preventing a clear view of the men's feet. He identified four distinct planes in the photo and believed it was coherent if the photographer were crouching. Telarico estimated the humanoid's height at 80 cm.

The article concludes that while nothing can be definitively concluded, the photo bears a strong resemblance to an April Fool's joke published in the 'Wiesbadener Tagblatt' in 1950. The lack of basic data (date, location, witness names, photographer) makes the photo's interest purely anecdotal.

Notes: The article mentions that the Spanish edition of Donald E. Keyhoe's book, "Platillos Voladores de Otros Mundos," is nearly impossible to find, and that the French translation of "Flying Saucers from Outer Space" omits pages 44-59 of the original edition.

It also references a report from 'Talk of the Times' describing a UFO crash in Arizona, a 'rain of sparks,' and the capture of a 'first Martian' by agents, including a 'secret police' officer named Mc Kennerich. The report details the humanoid's metallic covering and the perplexity of two young women witnessing the event. The article also mentions Frank Scully's earlier report in 'Variety' and his book 'Behind the Flying Saucer,' which claimed two Venusian (?) discs crashed and yielded similar alien bodies, which were then secretly analyzed by the Air Force. The article suggests Scully may have been misled.

¡MANOS ARRIBA, TERRÍCOLAS!

This section reports on a debate about extraterrestrial life held at the Planetarium of Pamplona. Félix Ares de Blas, a science popularizer, presented a lecture arguing for the low scientific probability of life existing beyond Earth and critiquing the reasoning of those who believe otherwise. The audience, expecting UFO and alien encounters, was reportedly disappointed by the scientific and skeptical approach.

CENTRO DE INVESTIGACIÓN OVNI EN NAVARRA

This article introduces the Centro de Investigación OVNI en Navarra, a group of scientists and professionals dedicated to investigating UFO phenomena. Javier Carpio, the center's head, emphasizes their rejection of unscientific stances and esotericism, focusing on data collection and analysis. He notes that ufologists are being discredited by both 'doomsday predictors' and those advocating for 'rational alternatives.' Oscar Urbiola and Ramón Orozco, from the Comisión Nacional de Investigadores Ufólogos Españoles, are creating a computerized database of UFO cases in Navarra, intended to be publicly accessible. Their primary goal is the declassification of UFO-related information, which is currently classified as national security material, hindering research into numerous sightings.

UFÓLOGOS DE EEUU DICEN QUE LA TIERRA ESTÁ INVADIDA POR EXTRATERRESTRES

A congress of UFO specialists in Berlin concluded that "more developed beings from other galaxies have taken control of Earth." The majority of specialists, primarily from the United States, advised against panic, stating that Earth receives both 'bad beings' and those who 'wish to help.' The congress, attended by around 400 people, featured presentations on UFOs from speakers worldwide.

ÚLTIMA HORA SOBRE GEORGE ADAMSKI

Investigator Jerome Clark has circulated information suggesting that George Adamski was an agent of intelligence services. This aligns with previous claims by Josep Guijarro. The report states that in January 1953, Adamski met with FBI agents and was taken to an office of the Air Force Intelligence Service in Los Angeles. This agency is noted for its role in other disinformation campaigns, such as the Majestic-12 incident involving agent R. Doty. Letters collected by G. Barker indicate that the Department of Defense compensated Adamski for some of his services.

ANTES DE LA 1ª GUERRA MUNDIAL

This piece recounts an alleged early encounter with extraterrestrial phenomena in Chile, predating World War I. It refers to a letter written by Commander Agustín Prat Von Seitz, descendant of Arturo Prat, to a friend. The letter describes observing two large, white lights resembling a lighthouse, moving rapidly and hovering over the water near his ship in the southern part of the country. The lights then approached the coal sheds of Ancud and remained on the beach for a while before rapidly moving away. The article notes that the area was fenced with barbed wire, and no terrestrial animals could explain the observed phenomenon.

OVNIS: EL SECRETO MEJOR GUARDADO

This article by Antonio Aguilera describes a meeting of approximately 50 UFO investigators and divulgators held in La Manga del Mar Menor, Murcia, on October 30-31, 1993. Notable attendees included B.M. Carballal, Bruno Cardeñosa, Vicente Moros, Ramón Navia, and notably, Juan José Benítez. The meeting began with a peculiar inquiry from the hotel management, stating that the Naval Intelligence Service had requested explanations about the group's intentions and topics of discussion, indicating significant interest in the phenomenon and its researchers.

The meeting's agenda included discussing investigation methodologies, media treatment of UFOs, establishing a data bank, and, most importantly, the declassification of secret documents by the military. Benítez presented on this topic, revealing that official reports had been manipulated, with testimonies of pilots, flight times, and planetary positions altered to support the idea of witness confusion. Aguilera notes that comparing documents from the 1970s with recently declassified ones revealed discrepancies, raising questions about the importance of the withheld documents.

A manifesto was signed against the manipulation of the UFO phenomenon. Aguilera expresses concern about the potential for deception, with elements unrelated to the true UFO phenomenon being introduced to confuse the public. He suspects a large-scale effort to entertain and confuse, with the ultimate objective unclear, but involving discrediting investigators and witnesses, falsifying evidence, and issuing threats.

The article also touches upon the debate regarding a connection between UFOs and parapsychology, with opinions divided. Aguilera reflects on the 1988 San Rafael seminar, noting that the La Manga meeting represented significant progress. He emphasizes the need for investigators to unite, collaborate, and conduct serious research, acknowledging that the current level of understanding is generally low.

He criticizes the ufological community for its divisions and for focusing on personal egos rather than the phenomenon itself. Aguilera calls for a unified effort to raise public awareness and encourage scientific investigation, believing that the phenomenon itself is already raising individual consciousness about something beyond the ordinary.

Queridos amigos:

This personal letter, likely from Josep Guijarro, expresses his reflections following the La Manga meeting. He begins by stating his preference for clear communication and acknowledges that this has sometimes caused him problems. He recounts his early fascination with ufology, inspired by authors like Antonio Ribera and Juanjo. Guijarro admits to initially struggling to believe in the possibility of living such an intense ufological life, but emphasizes the importance of an open mind.

He criticizes the tendency within ufology to create new religions or dismiss phenomena as mere illusions or 'hot minds.' Guijarro expresses doubt about the UMMO case being orchestrated by a single individual, suggesting a more complex scenario. He criticizes the lack of progress in the field, with many investigators seemingly stuck in the past, focusing on outdated cases and neglecting modern phenomena like bedroom visitations and abductions.

Guijarro describes his experience at the La Manga meeting as anachronistic, feeling as though many attendees were still operating in the 1970s. He notes the absence of critical debate, with the proceedings resembling a monologue. He expresses disappointment that collaboration and information exchange were not accepted due to attendees' distrust and lack of participation. He also recounts a personal disagreement with Rafael Casares, highlighting the resistance to criticism.

He argues for humility and simplicity in UFO research, stating that the primary mission should be to acknowledge the phenomenon's strangeness and raise public awareness to encourage scientific investigation. Guijarro believes the current level of ufology is generally low and that the phenomenon itself is already raising individual consciousness.

He quotes Manuel Carballal, who described the ufological community as composed of divulgators whose sublimation lies in local radio or conferences. Guijarro admits he once shared this view but now believes in the importance of sharing data and avoiding 'ghettos.' He suggests that even 'vampires' might be part of the UFO theater.

Guijarro calls for reflection and sharing of experiences, urging the community to move beyond public image and embrace a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon. He believes that only through such unity can ufology be saved and its scientific standing improved.

Letters to the Editor

Letter 1 (Sr. Dtor.): This letter questions the naive expectation that the Spanish Army would hand over UFO dossiers. The writer suggests that without a serious, unified association where all investigators are welcome, regardless of their ideas, and where information is shared freely without personal ego, no progress will be made. The writer criticizes the current division and infighting within ufology, stating that it leads to discrediting the field and being taken advantage of.

Letter 2 (Sebastián Ayer Pérez): This letter asks why 'Búsqueda' (the magazine) was not invited to the La Manga meeting, given its role in disseminating ufological culture. The writer questions the magazine's identity and purpose, stating that it is a humble bulletin run by an individual with the intention of promoting the seriousness of the UFO phenomenon. The writer expresses that not being invited is not a major issue but emphasizes the shared goal of unification and creating a publication.

Response from Sr. Dtor.: The editor responds by stating that he has friendships with everyone and no grudges. He explains that 'Búsqueda' is a personal effort driven by passion and the desire to convey the seriousness of the UFO phenomenon. He notes that if other publications receive more coverage, it's because they send in material. He reiterates that not being invited is not a problem for him but highlights the contradiction in everyone wanting to unify while remaining divided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Búsqueda' revolve around the unexplained, particularly UFO sightings and mysterious crop circles, and the challenges faced by ufologists. There's a strong emphasis on the need for unity, critical thinking, and scientific rigor within the ufological community. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a more serious, unified, and transparent approach to UFO research, pushing for the declassification of information and challenging perceived manipulations and cover-ups. The magazine also highlights the skepticism faced by researchers and the public's fascination with the unknown.