DIOVNI - No 06

Magazine Overview

This is the sixth issue of the "BOLETIN INFORMATIVO DE LA DIVISION DE INVESTIGACIONES DE OBJETOS VOLANTES NO IDENTIFICADOS(DIOVNI)", a trimestral publication from Chile, covering January-March 1967. The bulletin is directed by Alberto Bernal Bork and features contributions from Eduardo Cabello Anex and Leopoldo Valenzuela Berton. The editorial highlights numerous events in late 1966 related to UFO research and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Editorial

The editorial section discusses several key developments. In October 1966, several US scientists shared their views: Dr. Harlow Shapley, a retired Harvard astronomer, stated that at least a hundred million planets in the Universe likely have vegetation and inhabitants similar to Earthlings. Dr. Philips Morrison of MIT suggested that extraterrestrials might resemble humans more than commonly imagined. Dr. Urey from the University of California affirmed that the chemical elements essential for life are present throughout the Universe. Additionally, Dr. Richard Young posited the possibility of rudimentary life on Mars.

In the Soviet Union, a system is being developed to receive signals from intelligent beings in space, led by Professor Martinov of the Moscow Observatory, who has requested international cooperation. The USSR is also conducting psychological experiments to establish contact with presumed space beings.

A significant event reported is the US Air Force's decision in November 1966 to commission scientists from the University of Colorado, led by Dr. Edward Condon, to investigate UFOs publicly for the first time. The bulletin notes this as a clear indication that governments are finally taking the issue of mysterious celestial objects seriously, after years of dismissive commentary from some scientists. After twenty years of uncertainty, official UFO investigation is beginning.

The editorial also touches upon the idea that humans have been visited by extraterrestrials for a longer time than generally believed. It references Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels," where he wrote about Martian satellites and a circular artifact used for space travel, suggesting Swift may have intuitively grasped the purpose behind UFO appearances.

Testimonies of UFO Presence in Antiquity

This section, authored by Eduardo Cabello Anex, details historical accounts of UFO sightings.

Case from Marseille (October 1898)

A young woman reported a fireball entering her room, rolling across the floor, and then ascending. The object changed course, circled the room, and entered the chimney, causing a rupture in the paper covering it and a subsequent impact that damaged the upper part of the chimney.

Case from Villa de Gay (July 7, 1886)

A luminous ball, about thirty to forty centimeters in diameter, jumped onto a rooftop, bounced, and flattened staircase steps. It then moved towards a group of onlookers, who fled. The object followed them briefly before vanishing without emitting any sound.

Cases from the 20th Century

The article notes that observations from the current century are far more numerous and detailed. It specifically mentions "flaming objects" and "flying saucers" (OVNIS) that pursued aircraft and squadrons. Pilots reported being chased by objects shaped like flames or lights, which were termed "cazas foos" or "phantom fighters." Initially suspected to be enemy secret weapons, investigations after the war found no enemy plans for such machines.

Seattle Sighting (November 6, 1951)

Gordon Hachbarth of Seattle reported an experience of Robert Burgh, an electronics mechanic. Burgh saw a red-orange ball enter his room through the window, accompanied by a strong light and a loud noise. He fell and sustained second-degree burns. A basket of papers nearby was burning, and a "samsonite" suitcase under his window was scorched and smoking, as were his radios and the window frame.

Scientific Notes

This section focuses on scientific research related to Mars and UFOs.

Atacama Desert Research

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile, the driest region in the world, is being studied for its unique humidity and geological characteristics, which are similar to those of Mars. American microbiologist R.W. Davies conducted scientific work there to familiarize humans with conditions on the red planet. He is advised by chemist Roy Brereton and geologist Roy Vameron. Chilean geologists from the Institute of Geophysical Investigations are also collaborating. This research is of great interest due to the proximity of a supposed landing site on Mars, being investigated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

Biological Life on Mars

Professor Cheraus Weston of the University of Rochester, USA, is studying the Atacama Desert to verify the possibility of biological life on Mars, noting similarities between the desert and the planet. Observations suggest that Mars may have volcanism similar to the lava flows in the Atacama.

UFO Concentration in Atacama

Interestingly, the Atacama region is also where the highest number of UFO observations in Chile are concentrated, though the bulletin questions if this is merely a coincidence.

UFOs (Continued)

Brazil (October 2, 1966)

An unusual luminous object moving north-south was observed in Recife and Natal. It had a bright bluish nucleus, a yellow-orange tail, and made no noise. It was circular with an estimated diameter of ten meters.

Italy (October 9, 1966)

A luminous triangular object was seen moving at high altitude and speed towards the northeast, emitting a clear celestial luminosity.

New Jersey, USA (October 25, 1966)

Two police officers in Randolph Township observed a bright, round object whose luminescence changed frequently. It disappeared when illuminated by car headlights, and was visible for five minutes.

Angola (December 13, 1966)

A passenger plane from Portuguese Airlines was followed by two UFOs before landing in Luanda. The captain reported that the objects had great maneuverability.

Chile (October 26, 1966)

In Santiago, during the last week, several flying objects were observed that could not be identified as aircraft or natural phenomena. These observations were made at night.

Testimonies of UFO Presence... (Conclusion)

This section concludes the discussion on UFO testimonies.

Fireballs and Potential Weapons

The article notes that most reported destructions, injuries, or damages are attributed to "fireballs," suggesting these objects might be the only indication of UFOs possessing potential weapons. It questions whether these are indeed weapons with unknown functioning, or exploratory craft studying humanity. The origin of these beings and their civilization remains a mystery.

Lack of Knowledge

Despite numerous close-range observations, little is known about these phenomena. It is known they have been observed since before Christ, can cause damage, explode, or extinguish mysteriously, and appear to be directed by intelligent forms. The mystery of "flying discs" is as old as humanity itself.

Santiago Observations (Continued)

Further observations in Santiago could not be explained by the presence of a NASA tracking station aircraft, which flies at 18,000 feet. This aircraft, with its unusual bright spotlight, is often mistaken for a UFO. However, the Santiago observations were different. An official explanation was not provided. An object was also observed by an airport official in Los Cerrillos, Santiago, who described its luminous artifact as having unparalleled speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently reports on UFO sightings, scientific speculation about extraterrestrial life, and historical cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and open-mindedness towards the UFO phenomenon, contrasting with past dismissiveness from some scientific circles. There is a clear emphasis on gathering evidence, reporting observations, and exploring the scientific and historical dimensions of UFOs. The publication aims to inform its readers about ongoing research and significant events in the field.