DIOVNI - No 10

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 10, of the "Boletín Informativo" (Informative Bulletin) from the "División de Investigaciones de Objetos Volantes No Identificados" (DIOVNI), a division of the "Centro de Investigaciones en Cohetería y Astronomía" (CICA), was published in Santiago, Chile, covering the period of January to April 1968. The bulletin is a free publication aimed at scientific organizations and researchers globally, focusing on UFO phenomena and related astronomical topics. The cover prominently displays the title, the issuing organizations, and the issue number.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The bulletin is directed by Sr. Alberto Bernal Berk. The editorial team includes collaborators such as Gres. Juan Aguillón M., Pablo Petrowitsch S., and Leopoldo Valenzuela Berton. The CICA, founded in 1961, is an organization with legal status granted by the Ministry of Justice. Its president is Sr. Fernando Bertrand L., with vice-presidents Sr. Marcio Isamitt D. and Sr. Sergio Guzmán B. DIOVNI itself was established in December 1964. Due to printing difficulties, the publication frequency was reduced to two issues annually, with plans to include more photographs and graphics.

The bulletin acknowledges valuable collaborations from associations and researchers worldwide, particularly mentioning the significant contributions of French investigator Jean Vuillequez. It also notes the creation of the "Grupo Independente de Pesquisadores de Objetos Voadores Nao Identificados" (GIPOVNI) in Brazil, led by J. Víctor Soares.

General Information and Sightings Reports

The "Informaciones Generales" section details recent activities and events. In early April 1968, the division hosted Sr. Cristian Vogt, an investigator from CODOVNI (Argentina), who provided addresses of international UFO research associations. A postal strike in Chile caused delays in correspondence, and a fire at the Central Post Office further complicated mail delivery. The creation of the "Comisión Investigadora de Naves Aereas No Identificadas" (CINAI) in Uruguay by Walter Fernández Luna is also reported.

A significant event mentioned is a forum on UFOs held on April 10th on Channel 13 of TV, Universidad Católica de Chile, featuring members of "UFO-Chile." The bulletin promises to include excerpts from the recorded interviews.

Several specific UFO sightings are documented:

• March 23, 1968: Two resplendent UFOs were observed in Santiago, Chile, at low altitude, described as cigar-shaped and remaining suspended for about fifteen minutes. One ascended diagonally, while the other emitted a small red jet before moving away.
• June 6, 1968: Two pilots from "Aewolíneas Argentinas" observed a brilliant, spindle-shaped UFO at the Chabunco airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, performing ninety-degree turns.
• March 17, 1968: Professor Gabriel Alvial Cáceres of the "Centro de Radiación Cósmica El Infiernillo" released a photograph of a UFO, referred to as "F.P.E." (Phenomena to be explained), which remained visible for over an hour at approximately 2,000 meters altitude.
• September 11, 1967: In Olinda, Brazil, a flattened UFO emitting a red light that turned yellow as it moved away, hovered over a factory.
• November 9, 1967: The Meteorological Office at "El Dorado" airport in Bogotá, Colombia, investigated a UFO that appeared briefly in the city center and was photographed.
• November 12, 1967: In Caracas, Venezuela, a circular object with three fixed lights traversed the sky slowly before disappearing.
• May 7, 1968: A resident of Canoas, Brazil, observed a luminous, fire-colored object that grew to the size of the full moon, appearing as a globe and moving from southwest to east.

Scientific Investigation: 'Ortotenias' and Extraterrestrial Life

A substantial portion of the bulletin is dedicated to a scientific article by Pablo Pétrowitsch S. titled "Algunos Métodos para el Cálculo de Ortotenias" (Some Methods for Calculating Ortotenias). The article explains how to calculate and determine the trajectories of "ortotenias," which are described as terrestrial great circles, using mathematical methods. Pétrowitsch has compiled hundreds of cases worldwide to verify these alignments. The method involves using two base points to calculate the great circle and then determining deviations of other points from this calculated path. The article provides detailed formulas and an example calculation using South American observation data from April 29, 1966, involving locations in Argentina and Uruguay.

In an interview, Dr. Gabriel Alvial, director of the "Observatorio de Radiación Cósmica de El Infiernillo," discusses his scientific interest in extraterrestrial life, linking it to his research on cosmic rays and the formation of planets. He states his absolute belief in extraterrestrial life based on scientific foundations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the collection and analysis of sighting reports, and the exploration of astronomical concepts related to potential extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance is clearly scientific, emphasizing rigorous analysis, mathematical methods, and the pursuit of verifiable evidence. The bulletin aims to disseminate information and foster collaboration among researchers in the field, distinguishing itself from mere speculation by focusing on scientific inquiry. The inclusion of detailed technical articles like the one on 'ortotenias' underscores this commitment to a scientific approach.