Data Net - No 45 - 1971

Magazine Overview

DATA-NET, Vol. V No. 3, published in March 1971, is the official publication of the UFO Amateur Radio Network. The magazine is dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and is produced by amateur radio operators and enthusiasts. The issue is controlled by Michel M. Jaffe and edited by Mrs. Josephine J. Clark. The publication's core belief, as stated in its policy, is that sufficient evidence exists to prove the reality of UFOs, and its aim is to investigate their nature, origin, and purpose.

Special Report: Type-1 Phenomena in Spain and Portugal: A Study of 100 Iberic Landings

This issue features the first part of a comprehensive article by Vicente Ballester Olmos and Jacques Vallee, analyzing a catalogue of 100 UFO landing cases in Spain and Portugal. This study is a result of an unprecedented agreement and is also being published in France, Spain, and England. The article is divided into two parts: Data-Gathering and Reduction, and the subsequent analysis of the results.

Part I: Data-Gathering and Reduction

The authors emphasize the critical importance of documenting sources in UFO research, stating that hypotheses are worthless without verifiable records. They aim to avoid the pitfalls of American UFO research, which they suggest has fallen into a state of unreliability due to poor source documentation. The study focuses on "second-generation data"—reports overlooked in previous studies—and has revealed new patterns, including the Italian phase of the 1954 wave and subsequent waves in Western Europe.

The research for this article involved analyzing a large volume of previously unpublished Spanish material, suggested by Aime Michel. The process developed a simple and general method for data gathering and reduction. The first part of the article describes these techniques, leading to the selection of 100 landing cases for computer analysis. The second part will present the findings.

#### A. UFO Research in Spain: Current Status

UFO research in Spain is characterized by a strong nucleus of competent field researchers and several recently organized groups. These activities have complemented each other, particularly during the 1968 wave, leading to significant breakthroughs. The article identifies several key groups contributing to UFO research in Spain:

• CEI (Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios): Founded in October 1958 in Barcelona, it has conducted investigations and published analyses, including early attempts to correlate UFO activity with planetary proximity. Reorganized in 1968, it has modern offices, a network of over 200 correspondents, and publishes the magazine STENDEK. Its current focus is the 1950 Spanish UFO wave.
• CEONI (Circulo de Estudios Sobre Objetos No Identificados): Founded in February 1968 in Valencia, this group aims for a scientific approach, avoiding specific hypotheses. Its research includes Type-I Iberic reports, psycho-biological effects of UFOs, and a catalogue of Spanish UFO sightings from 1950-1965.
• RNC (Red Nacional de Corresponsales): Founded in March 1969 in Sevilla, this network centralizes field investigation reports from amateurs, focusing on case compilation and frequency studies.
• ERIDANI-AEC (Agrupacion de Estudios Cosmologicos): Officially started in February 1970 in Madrid, this group, founded by science students, applies computer techniques to analyze recent Spanish UFO waves.

#### B. Examination of the Sources of Data

The authors stress that all research must be based on documented records that allow for verification of data, reconstruction of methods, and checking of results. They apologize for the detailed discussion of sources but deem it necessary to preserve data integrity. For landing cases, full identification of sources is provided. Two-thirds of the cases were obtained directly from witnesses, while one-third came from the press or radio. When cases were too old or inaccessible, re-investigation was not possible.

Table 1 shows the main contributions from various sources, including CEI (21 cases), CEONI (12 cases), Mr. Ribera (11 cases), Mr. Osuna (9 cases), MAGONIA (6 cases), and ERIDANI (3 cases). The authors also acknowledge contributions from individuals like Mrs. Cecilia de Puig and Messrs. O. Rey, J. Merino, J. Vera, A. Felices, I. and J. Darnaude, J. Salas, J. Ruesga, F. Silva, and J. Roca.

#### C. Selection Method

Due to the vast amount of new information, a classical analysis was deemed unreliable. The study was therefore placed within the framework of global UFO landing phenomena. An effort was made to integrate Spanish data with the recently computerized MAGONIA catalogue. The scope was restricted to the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, excluding the Canary Islands and African territories, to ensure a geographical rather than political orientation.

The data-gathering method involved creating a master-list for each unknown case, which was then indexed and cross-correlated. Cases were encoded in a simple format allowing sorting by province, date, witness name, location, time, presence of occupants, and traces. The code also indicated if the object touched the ground. Updated lists were mailed weekly to local investigators. Hoaxes or natural phenomena were transferred to a "negative listing" rather than erased.

Approximately 130 landing reports were examined, leading to a primary list of 106 cases. The final catalogue includes 100 cases, considered a representative sample of the general UFO phenomenon in Spain, with specific notes on geographical distribution.

#### D. Format of the Main Index

Table 2 presents the index of the Iberian landings catalogue, detailing parameters such as:

• Case number in the MAGONIA catalogue.
• Date (precise date known for 81% of cases).
• Local time (known in 71% of cases).
• Geographical code (country and region).
• A three-character code indicating ground contact, ground-level sightings, presence of occupants, or existence of traces.
• Location of sighting.
• Province.
• Names of witnesses (withheld upon request).

Tables 2 and 3 list the 100 cases with their respective details, spanning from 1925 to August 1970. The data includes dates, times, coding (indicating ground contact, occupants, traces, etc.), locations, and witnesses.

Page 10 displays a map of Spain and Portugal, divided into provinces, with a legend for geographical codes (IA-IN for Spanish regions and IP for Portugal).

Announcements and Services

• Reward: A $25.00 reward is offered for an authentic, clear photograph of a flying saucer, open to members only.
• Shop & Swap: A free listing service for items wanted, for sale, or for trade, available to members.
• Library: UFO books and a copy of the original radio presentation of "War of the Worlds" are available from the Control Station on blank tape, free to members.
• Research Service: Technical research requests are handled free for members.
• Magnetic UFO Detector: "The Saucer Seeker" plans and parts list are available free to members. Permanent magnets can be purchased for $2.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this issue is the rigorous, data-driven approach to UFO research, exemplified by the detailed cataloguing and analysis of Iberian landing cases. The editorial stance is firm in its belief in the reality of UFOs, as stated in the 'POLICY' section, and its commitment to uncovering the truth through systematic investigation and the sharing of information among its members. The magazine actively encourages contributions and feedback from its readership, underscoring the collaborative nature of the UFO amateur radio network.

This issue of the DATA-NET REPORT, identified as the SPECIAL REPORT SECTION, presents a significant compilation of UFO sighting data. The primary focus is the "Survey of Iberic Landings: A preliminary Catalogue of 100 cases," a result of a year-long study involving teams of investigators across many provinces of Spain. The report aims to provide an unprecedented level of information on past and current UFO activity in specific areas, utilizing a technique designed for rapid searching on a digital computer. The issue also announces the second Annual Midwest UFO Conference and introduces a new "Research in Progress" column for disseminating timely information.

Survey of Iberic Landings: A Preliminary Catalogue of 100 Cases

The core of this issue is a detailed catalogue of 100 UFO landing cases, primarily from Spain and Portugal, spanning from 1872 to 1968. Each entry typically includes the date, time, location, a code indicating witness presence or physical traces, and a description of the sighting. The cases feature a wide array of object characteristics:

Object Characteristics:

• Shape: Objects are described as disk-shaped, lens-shaped, spherical, oval, rectangular, conical section, and square.
• Size: Estimates range from small (e.g., 1m diameter) to large (e.g., 150m long, 20m diameter).
• Color: Reported colors include white, blue, red, orange, yellow, green, and reddish-orange.
• Behavior: Common behaviors include hovering, spinning, rising, flying away, descending, landing, taking off, and moving at high speeds. Some objects illuminated the surrounding area.
• Altitude: Sightings range from ground level to several kilometers away, with some observed at low altitudes or treetop level.
• Electromagnetic Effects: Witnesses reported sensations such as chills, paralysis, and even nervous breakdowns. Radio reception was sometimes blocked.
• Physical Trace Evidence: Cases sometimes involved footprints, holes, metallic samples, pressed ground, and vanished vegetation.

Notable Cases and Incidents:

Several cases are highlighted for their detail and unusual phenomena:

• 1938, Guadalajara, Spain: A military man and his assistant observed a dark lens-shaped object that hovered, emitted a blue light, and departed at high speed.
• 1950, Villarta de San Juan, Spain: Two businessmen reported a cloud-like object emitting a bright light that seemed to interact with their vehicle.
• 1953, Villares del Saz, Spain: A boy described a "big balloon" from which three dwarfs emerged, possessing unusual physical features.
• 1954, Ordenes, Spain: A driver reported a spherical object that rose while dogs barked and radio reception was disrupted.
• 1966, Cistella, Spain: Three witnesses saw a stationary disk that descended rapidly, displaying fantastic colors, followed by cylindrical objects emitting dense smoke.
• 1968, El Padul, Spain: A university student and his mother witnessed a blinding oval object that caused their car's engine to stop.

Statistical Analysis:

Table 2 provides simple statistics on the 68 landings detailed in the catalogue, categorizing them by whether an occupant was seen and whether the object was on the ground or at ground level. Figure 1 illustrates the yearly distribution of Type-I reports in Great Britain from before 1900 to 1969, showing peaks in certain years.

DATA-NET Features and Announcements

• SPECIAL REPORT SECTION: Pages are independently numbered and can be compiled into a booklet.
• DATA-NET COMMUNICATION CENTERS: A list of communication centers across various locations in the USA, Canada, Australia, and South Africa is provided, along with their call signs and locations.
• NETWORK SCHEDULE: Information on radio frequencies and times for communication is included.
• "Research in Progress" Column: This new column is designed for rapid dissemination of "hot" information and preliminary findings to UFO researchers, filling a gap left by more traditional, slower-paced publications.
• Midwest UFO Conference: The second Annual Midwest UFO Conference is announced for Saturday, June 12th, in St. Louis, Missouri, featuring Stanton T. Friedman as the speaker. Information on advance reservations and tickets is provided.
• Subscription Invitation: Readers are invited to subscribe to the "Flying Saucer Review" for more in-depth studies.

Preliminary Census of British Landings

Table 3 presents a working list of sixty-eight observations of objects seen on the ground or at ground level in Great Britain, using a coding system to denote object presence, occupant sightings, and traces left behind. This list is intended as a framework for future research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the systematic collection and dissemination of UFO sighting data, particularly focusing on landing events. DATA-NET positions itself as a facilitator of rapid information exchange among UFO researchers, aiming to bridge the gap between initial sightings and fully documented studies. The editorial stance is one of objective research and encouragement for further investigation, as evidenced by the call for readers to contact the publication for further analysis of the British landing cases. The emphasis is on providing a structured, data-driven approach to understanding UFO phenomena.

Title: DATA-NET REPORT
Issue: February (implied by context of "Jan 1971" article reference and "February issue of 'Saga' magazine")
Date: January 1971 (based on "Physics Today" reference)
Publisher: DATA-NET
Country: USA
Language: English

Articles and Content

Stanton I. Friedman on UFOs

This issue features an item by nuclear physicist Stanton I. Friedman, who expresses his views on UFOs. Friedman advocates for replacing the term "UFO" with "earth excursion modules" (FEMs), believing that this new terminology would help remove the science fiction stigma and equate flying saucers with lunar excursion modules (LEMS). He asserts that UFOs are extraterrestrial in origin.

Friedman's opinion survey on UFOs, previously detailed in the D-N REPORT (Nov 1969), was utilized as the subject for the monthly "Opinion Poll Questionaire" in the January 1971 issue of "Industrial Research" magazine. This publication circulates among professionals in research and development fields, with a significant readership holding university degrees. The results of this survey are anticipated to be available soon.

Green Fireball Precedes Explosion in Ingersoll, Ontario

A significant event occurred on December 23, 1970, in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. A dynamite shed on the Canada Cement Co., Ltd. property near Thamesford exploded. The explosion caused windows to shatter up to 1.5 miles away. Herbert Dustin of Ingersoll reported seeing a large "green ball of fire" moving through the air at the time of the explosion, describing it as "like a star with sharp edges." Workers at the cement plant and 12 men building an outdoor skating rink at Thamesford also noticed a ball of fire in the sky just before the blast.

Comprehensive UFO News Report (DATA-NET REPORT)

The magazine presents itself as a comprehensive UFO news report. It includes a list of alleged UFO sightings with dates, times, and locations. The sightings documented span from May 20, 1954, to August 29, 1969, covering numerous locations across England, Scotland, Ireland, and other areas.

Subscription Information

DATA-NET REPORT offers a subscription service for its issues. The cost is $4.00 per year for domestic subscribers and $5.00 per year for foreign subscribers. Back issues and sample copies are available for 50 cents each. Membership and subscription orders can be sent directly to DATA-NET or to the DATA-NET REPORT Editor, Mrs. Josephine J. Clark, at 7900 Harvard Dr., Ben Lomond, Calif. 95005.

Contact Information

The magazine also provides contact information for "The UFO Amateur Radio Network," located at 624 Farley Street, Mountain View, Calif. 94040. It also notes "Third Class Mail" and "PRINTED MATTER" for postage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO sightings, with a particular interest in the extraterrestrial hypothesis, as championed by Stanton I. Friedman. The magazine aims to provide factual reporting and analysis, encouraging readers to engage with the subject matter through its subscription service and by promoting the use of more scientific terminology for unidentified aerial phenomena.