CdU Suplemento Internacional - 2003

Magazine Overview

This issue of CdU Suplemento Internacional, published by Fundación Anomalía as issue number 9 from the 2002 selection, delves into historical UFO phenomena with a focus on physical evidence and investigative research. The cover prominently features "Cities in the Air" by Edmond Hamilton, illustrated by Frank R. Paul, evoking a sense of retro-futuristic aerial adventure.

The Sad End of the Aluminum Man

The lead article, "El triste final del hombre de aluminio" (The Sad End of the Aluminum Man) by Giuseppe Stilo, reconstructs the history of the famous "captured alien" photo. Stilo details how Loren Gross's research in his series "UFOs: A History" shed light on the photo's origins, particularly an article from the June 1950 issue of "Talk of the Times." This article, purportedly from Cologne, Germany, presented a second photo alongside the "little green man," allegedly taken on March 21, 1950, in Monument Valley, Arizona, by Sergeant D. Ussel. The photo showed a flying disk that was supposedly shot down. Stilo notes that this second photo might be a retouched copy of a 1948 model presented by E.W. Kay to the US Air Force. The "Talk of the Times" article also attributed the dissemination of the images to Meade Layne, an activist with the "Borderland Sciences Research Associates." Stilo suggests Layne played a key role in initiating the "little green man" saga. The article further mentions a promised third photo related to "language used by these space travelers," described as similar to inscriptions found on Easter Island, a detail Stilo finds ludicrous. The "Point" newspaper in San Diego later published an article titled "Man from Etheria!" which further clarified the matter, with Layne claiming Etheria was the dimension from which the spaceships originated. The article critically examines the "Talk of the Times" reporting, suggesting malice rather than mere credulity, and links the "fallen Martian" myth to the discovery of messages from crashed flying saucers.

Angel Hair: The Australian Perspective

Authored by Keith Basterfield, this section, "Cabello de Angel: La perspectiva australiana" (Angel Hair: The Australian Perspective), examines reports of "angel hair," a substance resembling cobwebs that falls from the sky and disappears quickly. Basterfield compiles a catalog of 19 Australian cases between 1914 and 2000, with additional information from members of the Australian UFO Research Network (AUFORN). Notable incidents include:

• Undated, Kingsthorpe, Queensland: Large amounts of toilet paper-like material seen high in the sky, found to be like soap flakes that melted.
• Winter 1914, Mount Lyndhurst, South Australia: Strange substance falling, fragments dissolving.
• October 1953, Victoria: A sample analyzed as an amorphous mass similar to nylon, with traces of magnesium, calcium, boron, and silicon, which reduced in size over time.
• October 9, 1953, Caulfield, Melbourne: A gray, cobweb-like filament seen and recovered, which quickly crumpled and disintegrated.
• May 12, 1954, Shepparton, Victoria: Silky threads observed, analyzed and found to dissolve in caustic soda and burn quickly.
• October 1955, Port Augusta, South Australia: White filaments reported falling during a UFO sighting.
• July 10, 1956, Melbourne, Victoria: Countless threads fell, evaporating within hours.
• August 5, 1961, Mount Hale, Western Australia: A substance described as light, white, and strong, which dissolved upon handling.
• June 6, 1962, Caroda, New South Wales: Six objects seen, leaving a trail of bright, cobweb-like filaments that disintegrated.
• May 11, 1968, Brinkley, South Australia: Strips of material, about 20 meters long, fell, resembling asbestos cords.
• May 11, 1968, Cheltenham, Adelaide: A "very fine thread cotton" found on the grass, similar to cobwebs.
• August 29, 1969, Grafton, New South Wales: White filaments fell, diminishing in size and disintegrating.
• March 14, 1971, Christies Beach, South Australia: Five silver objects seen, with filaments falling.
• March 15, 1971, Maslins Beach, South Australia: White "fairy silk" discovered, which tended to melt or disappear.
• November 28, 1972, Glenelg, South Australia: Brilliant material found falling, which disintegrated.
• May 19, 1973, Gawler, South Australia: Strange nylon-like forms seen, evaporating upon touch.
• August 10, 1998, Quirindi, New South Wales: A silver sphere and other objects observed, with white material falling in long strips.
• June 9, 1999, Esperance, Western Australia: Material similar to cobwebs fell, evaporating upon handling.

Basterfield notes that microscopic comparison of the Quirindi material with known cobwebs indicated it was identical, including colored elements. However, he also mentions that the original container was reopened by the witness, who added more material, potentially blurring the distinction between actual UFO traces and ordinary cobwebs.

The Birmingham Case: A Historical Australian Sighting

This section details the extraordinary account of Fred Birmingham, an engineer from Parramatta, Australia. In 1868, Birmingham reported a "marvelous dream" or vision involving floating heads, including that of the Archbishop of Sydney and the Prime Minister. He then observed a peculiar "arca" or "ship" moving in the sky. A disembodied voice declared, "It is a machine for traveling through the air." Birmingham was invited aboard by a "spirit" and experienced a journey within the craft, which he described as having a brown exterior with blue steel accents and peculiar, non-living forms. The craft moved in a zigzag pattern before descending. The article also touches upon a later incident in 1873 where Birmingham described a "tortoise"-shaped object with rotating screws and a pilot spirit. The author confirms Birmingham's existence and his professional background, noting that his house was still standing in 1980. The article posits that Birmingham's unusual experience, though seemingly dreamlike, remains relevant to modern UFO accounts, suggesting that the impossible and absurd have become commonplace in UFO reports.

Other Articles and Features

The issue also includes a brief mention of the "Dr. Gee" case, identified as Leo A. GeBauer, and his alleged involvement with the "Talk of the Times" articles. There is also a brief note about the first air race in Australia won by William E. Hart in 1912, a dentist from Parramatta.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores historical UFO cases, with a strong emphasis on physical evidence, witness testimony, and investigative research. The articles often attempt to debunk sensational claims or provide a more grounded analysis of reported phenomena. There is a clear interest in the origins and evolution of UFO lore, tracing connections between historical accounts and modern interpretations. The publication also highlights the work of various ufologists and researchers, suggesting a commitment to documenting and understanding the UFO phenomenon from a global perspective. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to separate fact from fiction while acknowledging the enduring mystery of UFOs.

This issue of INFORESPACE, dated December 2002, is primarily dedicated to the critical examination of UFO phenomena and the crucial need for archiving related research. The cover prominently features a photograph of a triangular object observed in Belgium and highlights an article on safeguarding UFO archives.

Safeguarding UFO Archives

Jacques Scornaux, in his article "LA SALVAGUARDA DE ARCHIVOS UFOLOGICOS," addresses the urgent need to preserve the memory of ufology. He laments that upon the death or dissolution of researchers or groups, valuable documents often become dispersed, lost, or destroyed. To combat this, Scornaux advocates for depositing these archives in public archival centers, which are legally obligated to accept private collections and ensure their preservation. This approach also grants public access, unlike some specialized libraries. The article details the establishment of SCEAU (Salvaguarda y Conservación de Estudios y Archivos Ufológicos), a French non-profit association founded in 1990 to secure and conserve UFO research materials. SCEAU aims to collect books, journals, correspondence, field surveys, and other related documents, offering them for consultation. They have established partnerships with libraries and universities, including a significant collection at the "Médiathèque" of Pontiffroy in Metz and deposits at the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis.

The 'Belgian Anomaly' and French Skepticism

Sergio Sánchez R. contributes an analysis titled "EL ÚLTIMO MÉHEUST DE LA 'ANOMALÍA BELGA' A LA 'ANOMALÍA' FRANCESA." This section delves into Bertrand Méheust's critique of the psycho-sociological hypothesis (HPS) as an explanation for the Belgian UFO wave. Méheust, a sociologist and critical ufologist, argues that the Belgian anomaly remains unexplained. He criticizes his neo-skeptic colleagues for dismissing the case, suggesting their eagerness for academic recognition leads them to trivialize UFO phenomena. Méheust contends that the HPS, by reducing complex phenomena to simplistic explanations, hinders the discovery of new and original findings. He also discusses the "French Anomaly," which he defines as the apathy of French neo-skeptics towards intriguing UFO waves, despite their critiques of organizations like SOBEPS.

Analysis of 'Angel Hair' Phenomena

Several articles focus on the phenomenon of "angel hair," a substance reported to fall from the sky, often associated with UFO sightings. The magazine presents data from 19 cases in Australia, noting that these events are concentrated between 25º and 38º south latitude. The falls occur in autumn, winter, and spring, exclusively during daylight hours. The material is described as white, thread-like, and similar to cobwebs, often dissolving or evaporating upon touch. Chemical analysis of samples from Esperance revealed the presence of copper, aluminum, zinc, iron, sodium, manganese, and silicon.

Comparisons are drawn between the Australian cases and historical reports, including a significant fall in Melbourne in 1956. The article "LOS DATOS AUSTRALIANOS" by an unnamed author presents statistical data on these occurrences. Another section, "Tabla 1. Detalles de los informes con OVNIS," and "Tabla 2. Propiedades de las Caídas," provide specific details on reported incidents, including color, shape, duration, and disappearance characteristics of the material.

Hypotheses and Skeptical Counterarguments

The issue explores various hypotheses for "angel hair," including the possibility of it being a residue from UFO propulsion systems or, more commonly accepted by ufologists, a product of "flying spiders" (arañas voladoras). The pros and cons of the spider web hypothesis are debated, with proponents pointing to seasonal and diurnal patterns, rural occurrences, and weather conditions similar to spider web falls. Skeptics question the rapid dissolution of the material and the consistency of analytical findings.

UFOs and Potential Explanations

The magazine also touches upon other UFO-related topics. The idea of "tele-guided aerostats" (ULMs) is discussed as a potential explanation for some sightings, particularly the Belgian wave, though Méheust finds this hypothesis less convincing than others. The article "¿PROTOTIPOS ESTADOUNIDENSES?" examines the possibility of advanced US military prototypes being responsible for sightings, but Méheust argues that the reported characteristics of the UFOs exceed current technological capabilities. The text also mentions the "tectonic lights" phenomenon, suggesting a link between seismic activity and unusual aerial lights, and explores Michael Persinger's Tectonic Strain Theory (TST), which posits that subterranean geological stress can create electromagnetic fields that may induce UFO-like experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the importance of rigorous scientific investigation, and the preservation of historical UFO research. The editorial stance appears to favor a nuanced approach, acknowledging the limitations of purely skeptical explanations (like HPS) while also demanding solid evidence and careful analysis. There is a clear emphasis on the need to avoid premature conclusions and to keep an open mind to genuinely unexplained phenomena, as exemplified by the ongoing debate surrounding the "Belgian Anomaly."

This issue of "Cuadernos de Ufología" is a special supplement focusing on various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, with a particular emphasis on psychological interpretations, historical government investigations, and the influence of media. The content is presented in Spanish and includes articles, case studies, and information about the "Fundación Anomalía" organization.

Psychological Explanations for UFO Experiences

The magazine explores several psychological theories that attempt to explain UFO-related experiences, particularly abductions. These include:

• TST (Tesla's Stimulus Technology): The article suggests that scientists should independently verify the viability of TST, noting that if Persinger's theories are correct, its implications extend beyond UFOs to human behavior manipulation through electromagnetic fields.
• Ball Lightning: This natural phenomenon, poorly understood, is proposed as a potential explanation for some UFO cases. Detailed examination of UFO data might help identify ball lightning candidates, and geophysicists are encouraged to document its frequency.
• Dissociative Disorders: The tendency to experience temporary memory lapses is linked to chronic dissociative disorders, such as multiple personality disorder, which some have used to explain UFO abductions. The article questions the real occurrence and implications of these episodes.
• Fantasy-Prone Personality: This personality type, characterized by a tendency to imagine elaborate scenarios, is presented as another explanation for abduction experiences. The prevalence of this tendency in culture and its implications are explored.
• False Memory Syndrome (SFR): This controversial idea, debated in legal contexts, suggests that memories of events, including abductions, might be implanted or fabricated. The article notes the strong opposition from victims' advocates and the claims by SFR proponents that it is crucial for justice.
• Psychology of Perception: The article touches upon phenomena like autokinesis and autoestasis, which can explain why people perceive stationary lights as moving objects, like stars or planets 'dancing'. It highlights the need for studies on people's ability to judge distances and altitudes.
• Group Behavior: The dynamics of UFO reporting are examined, questioning whether the reporting of a sighting can become contagious and influence others.

Historical Government Investigations and Media Influence

The issue delves into the historical involvement of governments, particularly the British, in investigating UFO phenomena.

• Early Interest: The British Admiralty, War Office, and Air Ministry showed interest in aerial phenomena perceived as potential threats. In 1912, an investigation into an "unidentified aerial object" over Sheerness led to reports of "phantom zeppelins."
• World War II: Military intelligence investigated reports from bomber crews describing pulsating lights that followed their aircraft, raising concerns about potential enemy technology.
• Post-War Investigations: The "foo fighters" phenomenon encountered by American aircrews during WWII was initially suspected to be a new Nazi weapon but was later dismissed as an innocuous natural phenomenon. However, official interest persisted.
• "Foo Fighters" and "Ghost Rockets": In the post-war period, RAF radars detected "ghost planes," and "ghost rockets" were reported in Scandinavia. British intelligence investigated, initially suspecting the Soviet Union, until Dr. R.V. Jones presented a report suggesting natural explanations.
• The "Secret of Room 801": In 1952, a UFO wave over Britain led Prime Minister Winston Churchill to inquire about the phenomenon. An "intelligence study" concluded that most sightings could be explained by confusions, natural phenomena, or hoaxes. This led to the formation of a "Committee on Flying Saucers" under the Ministry of Defence, later transferred to the Ministry of Air and placed under Dr. Jones's supervision.
• "Alto Secreto" (Top Secret) Study: Investigations revealed that the Ministry of Defence had conducted informal studies on UFOs, contrary to official declarations. A 1954 report, declassified decades later, concluded that while many UFOs could be explained by natural phenomena, "flying saucers" remained a matter of belief.
• "Operation Mainbrace" and the "Foo Fighters": The article mentions the "foo fighters" encountered by American crews during WWII and the subsequent investigation by the British. It also references a 1952 incident involving radar detection and jet pursuit over Washington D.C.
• The "Flying Star-Cross" Incident: In October 1967, a UFO wave in the British Isles was triggered by police reports of a "flying star-cross" pursued at high speeds. This led to a final investigation team, including a physicist and a psychologist, which concluded that the individuals reporting the incidents were more worthy of study than the cases themselves.
• The BBC Investigation of a Lightning Jet Crash: An article by David Clarke details a BBC TV investigation into the 1970 crash of a Lightning jet over the North Sea. Initial speculation suggested the pilot, Captain Bill Schaffner, was pursuing a UFO. However, the investigation revealed that the "OVNI" was actually a Shackleton aircraft used as a target in a TACEVAL exercise, initiated without prior warning.

Fundación Anomalía

The magazine also provides information about "Fundación Anomalía," an organization established in 1997 with the objective of studying anomalous aerial phenomena. Its activities include safeguarding UFO documentary heritage, promoting scientific analysis, managing grants for research, and disseminating information through publications. The foundation offers various donation levels (Collaborator, Principal, Benefactor) with different benefits, including access to publications and discounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena, exploring psychological, historical, and governmental dimensions. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the enduring mystery and public fascination with UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and the importance of distinguishing between verifiable evidence and subjective belief or psychological factors. The role of media is consistently highlighted as a significant influence on public perception and the reporting of UFO events. The magazine also promotes the work of Fundación Anomalía as a dedicated entity for the objective study of these phenomena.