CdU Suplemento Internacional - 1995

Magazine Overview

This issue of CdU Suplemento Internacional, dated 1995, focuses on two distinct UFO/UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) cases and a detailed exploration of the psychological implications of such experiences, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Case 1: Russian Tanker 'Gori' Observation (1984)

The issue details an encounter that occurred in mid-June 1984, around 4:10 PM, in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 20 nautical miles east of Gibraltar. Observers Alexander Globa and Sergey Bolotov, aboard the Russian tanker 'Gori', witnessed an object that initially resembled an airplane with landing lights. The object approached the ship from the stern, flying at an elevation of about 30 degrees and an altitude not exceeding 1,500 meters. The observers estimated its distance to be about two nautical miles.

Globa described the object as a "saucer upside down" with a shiny, metallic grey surface that emitted strong, irregular flashes of light. For a time, it appeared to follow the ship in a zigzag trajectory. At 4:12 PM, the object suddenly increased its speed, positioning itself near the ship and maintaining its altitude for about three minutes. During this period, the observers were able to get a closer look through binoculars.

The object was described as perfectly circular, with a diameter of 20-25 meters, comparable in apparent size to an Antonov An-24 aircraft. It seemed to consist of two segments rotating slowly in opposite directions. The lower segment had lights resembling portholes, and was smooth and yellow. A dark circle was visible in the center, with three circular spots forming a triangle around it. A cylindrical object, like an exhaust pipe, was situated at the junction of the rotating segments, identified as the source of the pinkish, neon-like flashes. The upper part of the object featured a rotating black object shaped like a 'trident' and a large red dome.

After several minutes, the object stopped rotating and moved southwest. It then began emitting different shades of red and yellow. At 4:20 PM, the observers noticed another ship approaching, and the UAP rapidly moved towards it and positioned itself vertically above it. The entire crew of the 'Gori' witnessed this, and contact with the other vessel, an Egyptian dry-cargo ship, confirmed the UAP's presence above them. The observation lasted a total of 12 minutes.

Case 2: Alfena, Portugal (1990)

This section details a case from Alfena, Portugal, on September 10, 1990. A group of children alerted observers to an object in the sky around 8:30 AM. The object was described as resembling a "tortoise with legs," circular in shape with appendages. It was estimated to be between 1 and 3 meters in diameter and reflected sunlight. The object moved towards Santo Tirso and Paços de Ferreira, evolving over the area for about 50 minutes. A local photographer captured a sequence of four photos of the object.

The investigation into this case was conducted by the Comissão Nacional de Investigação do Fenómeno OVNI (CNIFO). The initial stages involved gathering witness testimonies, drawings, and photographic negatives. Contact was made with various authorities, including the Serra do Pilar observatory and the Pedras Rubras airport, to rule out conventional explanations like atmospheric balloons or aircraft launches, which were denied.

Subsequent analysis of the photographic negatives was performed by Raúl Berenguel, who confirmed the originals were genuine. The negatives were then sent to Dr. Richard F. Haines, a vision psychology specialist and NASA consultant. Haines noted the high quality of the photographs and provided detailed observations on each frame, including the object's shape, reflectivity, rotation, and apparent movement. He concluded that the object was unlikely to be a rigid balloon due to shape alterations between photos and suggested it was a non-conventional, possibly metallic, material.

Another analyst, Jeff Sainio from MUFON, also analyzed the photos, focusing on comparative sizes, background details, and the object's appendages. He concluded that the credibility of the photographs was high and ruled out the possibility of it being a helium balloon.

Further analysis was requested from INETI in Portugal and SEPRA in France. INETI's analysis described the object's well-defined boundary, variable reflectivity, and regular vertical segments. SEPRA's Jean-Jacques Velasco concluded that the object did not match meteorological or stratospheric balloons and suggested exploring the possibility of Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs). However, consultation with the Portuguese Air Force confirmed no such military aircraft were active in the area at the time.

PTSD and Abductions

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the relationship between UFO abductions and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The article, authored by Keith Basterfield, draws heavily on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R) criteria for PTSD.

The DSM-III-R defines PTSD as a condition arising from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event that involves a threat to life or bodily integrity. Symptoms include persistent re-experiencing of the trauma (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, and increased arousal (difficulty sleeping, irritability).

The article highlights the work of sociologist Ron Westrum, who observed that many abduction cases exhibit symptoms consistent with PTSD, similar to those seen in Vietnam veterans. Psychiatrist Rima E. Laibow is also cited, suggesting that individuals exhibiting PTSD symptoms might be experiencing "UFO 'Abduction' Scenarios." She posits that these patients often present with a unique medical situation where seemingly well-integrated individuals display material clearly linked to PTSD, considering themselves victims of abductions.

Thomas E. Bullard and John Carpenter are mentioned for their research linking PTSD to the abduction phenomenon, with Carpenter concluding that only a real, external event could trigger the observed responses in abductees.

The argument presented is that if abductees suffer from PTSD, and PTSD only arises from real, physical trauma, then the abduction itself must have been a physically real event.

The article then discusses research by M.J. Scott and S.G. Stradling, who identified cases of PTSD without a clear, singular traumatic event, suggesting that chronic stress or less dramatic experiences could also lead to PTSD. However, the authors of the CdU article maintain that the symptoms of abductees are more consistent with PTSD triggered by a singular, extraordinary event.

Other Cases and Themes

The issue also briefly mentions other related topics:

• The "Rawhide" Sound: A personal account from Orton, Canada, describes experiences with bright lights and strange, pulsating sounds in the woods, leading to headaches and a sense of unease.
• The Alfena Object's Sound: The article "POR EL RUIDO SE SABE DONDE ESTA EL OVNI" (By the Noise, One Knows Where the UFO Is) by Lindy Tucker discusses the association of UFOs with sounds, noting that while many reports focus on silent, bright lights, some involve auditory phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO and UAP phenomena as subjects worthy of serious investigation, often highlighting cases with photographic evidence or multiple credible witnesses. There is a clear interest in exploring both the physical characteristics of reported phenomena and their psychological impact on individuals. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific approach, seeking explanations through analysis and expert consultation, while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the need for ongoing research. The connection between extraordinary experiences and psychological responses like PTSD is a recurring theme, suggesting an interest in the subjective and objective aspects of UFO encounters.

This issue of UFO magazine, identified by its cover number '21', delves into the complex world of UFO sightings and associated phenomena, with a particular focus on auditory experiences and psychological interpretations. The content spans a range of articles, research reviews, and personal accounts, primarily in Spanish, with some translated material.

Auditory Phenomena and Witness Accounts

The magazine opens with a personal account of a UFO sighting in Orton, Canada, describing a dull white, dome-shaped object approximately 20-25 feet long. The witness recounts its low altitude and the movement of red lights on its perimeter. This is followed by other local sightings, including a disc-shaped object seen by Harry Walker and a silver disc reported by Jim Overland. The issue highlights the persistence of pulsating sounds alongside UFO sightings in the community.

A significant section details a personal experience with pulsating sounds, where the author, after initially being hesitant to share her story, eventually published it, leading to numerous calls from other residents who had witnessed similar phenomena. These often involved bright, pencil-thin beams of light projected downwards. The sounds are described as pulsating and having a biological response, increasing in intensity and frequency when approached with noise. A particularly intriguing incident involved whistling the sound's tone, causing the pulsating sounds to accelerate into a vibration that shook the ground.

Scientific Investigation and Research

The magazine features the involvement of researchers like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Henry McKay in documenting these phenomena. A specific investigation in Orton on June 14, 1975, involved recording pulsating sounds, which were noted to be high and constant, and potentially affected by electromagnetic fields. The analysis of these sounds, along with others from North America, revealed similarities, with pulsating frequencies around 1050 HZ.

Further research is presented, including the analysis of sounds from the Yakima Indian Reservation in Washington, USA, which were found to be nearly identical to those recorded in Orton. The issue also references historical cases, such as the 1976 incident in Bilbao, Spain, where a family recorded a 'ship's sonar'-like whistling sound, and the 1972 case in Logroño, Spain, involving a seminarian recording sounds during a UFO presence.

Psychological Perspectives on UFO Experiences

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of a study by Nicholas P. Spanos and colleagues titled "Close Encounters: An Examination of UFO Experiences." This study challenges earlier hypotheses that UFO witnesses are psychologically disturbed or prone to fantasy. Instead, it suggests that while witnesses are not necessarily pathological, their experiences are often shaped by pre-existing beliefs in extraterrestrials and a tendency to interpret anomalous sensory input within an "extraterrestrial hypothesis" framework. The study highlights the significant role of imagination and fantasy, particularly when linked to sleep-related phenomena, such as sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations, and the sensation of a presence.

Robert A. Baker's commentary on this study emphasizes that these experiences, while not confirming the existence of extraterrestrials, offer insights into the human mind's capacity to create alternative realities. Baker draws parallels between UFO abduction accounts and historical accounts of supernatural encounters, suggesting that the content of these narratives is often shaped by cultural and personal factors, and that the brain's interpretation of ambiguous stimuli plays a crucial role.

Other Sections

The magazine includes a section on "Perspectivas Ufológicas" (Ufological Perspectives) by John Rimmer, which discusses the concept of "virtual reality" in human cognition and its potential relevance to understanding UFO experiences. Rimmer suggests that the mechanism of the experience itself is key, regardless of its content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings and associated anomalous phenomena, particularly auditory ones. There is a strong emphasis on scientific research and analysis, alongside psychological interpretations of witness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the subjective nature of many reported experiences. The magazine promotes the idea that these experiences, while perhaps not extraterrestrial in origin, reveal significant aspects of human psychology and perception.

This issue of "Cuadernos de Ufología" is presented as a "Suplemento CdU Internacional" (International CdU Supplement), published by Fundación Anomalía. It is designated as Nº 1, Año 1995, with content selected from 1994. The publication is described as a specialized magazine focused on the objective study of the UFO phenomenon, operating on a non-profit basis. It aims to provide in-depth studies on the most pressing ufological issues, contrasting with commercially driven publications that prioritize sensationalism and fantastic elements.

Content Highlights

The issue features a selection of articles and research pieces, including:

• "Disco con cúpula rotatoria observado cerca del estrecho de Gibraltar por un barco ruso en 1984." (Disk with a rotating dome observed near the Strait of Gibraltar by a Russian ship in 1984.)
• "Las abducciones y los trastornos por stress post-traumático" (Abductions and post-traumatic stress disorders.)
• "Alfena, Valongo, (Portugal): Un caso único (1)" (Alfena, Valongo, Portugal: A unique case (1).)
• "Por el ruido se sabe donde está el OVNI" (By the noise, one knows where the UFO is.)
• "Estudiando la psicología de la experiencia OVNI" (Studying the psychology of the UFO experience.)
• "Mentes poseidas." (Possessed minds.)
• "Banalidad virtual." (Virtual banality.)
• "Notas para una historia revisionista de las abducciones (Parte 4)." (Notes for a revisionist history of abductions (Part 4).)

"Virtual Banality" Case Study

The article "Banalidad virtual" (Virtual banality) details an experience of a woman named Val. After her husband left for work, Val experienced a series of unusual events: her bedroom light and television turned off inexplicably, and when her husband returned, she saw his car approaching, despite her house having no driveway. Val concluded she was dreaming or experiencing a 'false awakening'. She returned to sleep and woke up to find the light and TV on again, with everything else normal. The author notes the mundane nature of the paranormal event, but questions what can be learned from it.

Val pointed out that until she realized the impossibility of the driveway, she believed the events were real. She also raised the hypothetical scenario of waking up to find her deceased grandmother at the foot of her bed, questioning if that alone would have convinced her of the unreality of the experience. The author suggests that the concept of alien abductions has become so culturally accepted that such an encounter might be considered more plausible than a garden transforming overnight.

Revisionist History of Abductions (Part 4)

This section, "Notas para una historia revisionista de las abducciones (Parte 4)", by Peter Rogerson, revisits cases that were previously omitted from official abduction records. It highlights how these cases shed light on the evolution of the phenomenon. The article contrasts the typical North American abduction imagery with reports from other countries.

It mentions an early non-American semi-abduction case from Kenya in December 1965, involving Michael Mudachi who saw an elliptical object with transparent windows land. The article also discusses cases from Argentina, including the Vidal case (teleportation, possibly a cover for a wife fleeing home) and the first post-Hill abduction in Latin America, involving Alejandro Eru. Another case is that of Benjamin Solar Parravicini, an Argentine artist who encountered a Nordic-looking being and a craft.

Further cases include Pedro Dema from Brazil, who reported being examined by small green beings after being caught in a luminous ray. The author notes that cases like Restier, Parravicini, Martinez, and Dema show the transformation of contactee narratives into abductionist ones, though elements of telepathic contact persist.

The article then moves to cases from the 1970s, such as Paulo Caetano Silveira from Brazil, who described encounters with beings and a UFO that stopped his car for an examination. It also discusses Elvio B., a witness to one of Paulo's encounters, whose account differed, leading to speculation about hypnosis. Maureen Puddy's experience is described as subjective, possibly influenced by her difficult personal circumstances. Mimi Gorzelle's account involves seeing a UFO with small beings and a dream of being taken aboard a craft. Gladys Maldonado Quinonas from Puerto Rico reported encounters with beings in her bedroom and receiving a ring and a stone.

Mrs J's experience is presented with a focus on her recurring medical complaints and potential Munchausen syndrome, questioning the reliability of her UFO encounter narrative.

The author concludes by emphasizing the essential scarcity of these accounts and how most have not been incorporated into the UFO canon. The pre-1973 accepted abduction sequence is listed as Vilas-Boas, Hill, Dema, de Silva, with Schirmer. The article stresses the heterogeneity of the material and the lack of a clear distinction between contactees and abductees, suggesting that many accounts are fragments of science fiction, distorted narratives, or dreams.

Fundación Anomalía Project

The issue also promotes the "Fundación Anomalía" project, an initiative by Colectivo Cuadernos de Ufología. Its goal is to establish the first comprehensive Database of UFO Culture in Spain, drawing from Spanish archives and bibliographical resources. The foundation also offers research grants, specialized publications, and public events, seeking support from subscribers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of anomalous experiences, particularly UFO abductions and 'virtual experiences'. The magazine adopts a critical and analytical stance, attempting to deconstruct sensationalist claims and examine the psychological and cultural factors that may influence witness testimonies. There is a clear effort to provide a revisionist perspective on abduction history, highlighting cases that challenge conventional narratives and questioning the established canon of ufology. The editorial stance favors in-depth analysis and a balanced approach, distinguishing itself from purely commercial or sensationalist ufological publications. The publication also emphasizes the importance of international research and the synthesis of information from various sources.

This document is the cover of a special supplement to 'Cuadernos de Ufología'. The publication is identified as being edited by the 'Fundación Anomalía'. The cover features a distinctive logo composed of the letters 'C', 'U', and 'de U' arranged in a geometric pattern. The text at the top clearly states 'Suplemento especial de "Cuadernos de Ufología"' (Special supplement of "Ufology Notebooks"), and the text at the bottom reads 'Publicación editada por la "Fundación Anomalía"' (Publication edited by the "Anomaly Foundation").

Content Overview

As this is only the cover page, no specific articles, authors, or detailed content can be extracted. The primary information available pertains to the identity of the publication and its publisher.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is clearly ufology, indicated by the title 'Cuadernos de Ufología' and the publisher's name 'Fundación Anomalía'. The editorial stance, based solely on the title and publisher, suggests a focus on the study and documentation of UFO phenomena and related anomalies.