DIOVNI - No 11

Magazine Overview

Title: Boletín Informativo
Issue: N.° 11
Volume: III
Date: July-December 1968
Publisher: DIOVNI (Division de Investigaciones de Objetos Volantes No Identificados)
Country: Chile
Language: Spanish

This issue of the "Boletín Informativo" (Informative Bulletin) from DIOVNI, a Chilean organization focused on the investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), presents a compilation of sightings and related research primarily from Chile. The bulletin serves as a semiannual publication, distributed to scientific organizations and researchers globally.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The "Boletín Informativo" is directed by Alberto Bernal Berk. The publication is associated with the "Centro de Investigaciones en Cohetería y Astronomía" (CICA), founded in 1961, which is affiliated with the Latin American Association of Astronomy. The "Division de Investigaciones de Objetos Volantes No Identificados" (DIOVNI) itself was created in December 1964 and is directed by Sr. Juan Aguillón Hieres, with Sr. Alberto Beral Berk as sub-director.

Correspondence for CICA is addressed to Alameda Bernardo O'Higgins, Office 16, 6th floor, Santiago, Chile. Correspondence for DIOVNI should be sent to Pedro Prado 4580-Hacul, Santiago.

General Information and Reports

Official UFO Investigation in Chile

Since July 9, 1968, an official organization in Chile has been investigating UFO observations. This department belongs to the "Uficina Meteorológica de la Fuerza Aérea de Chile" (Meteorological Office of the Chilean Air Force). The methods and questionnaires used are based on those employed by the research group at the University of Colorado (USA). This department, led by Commander Bercio Bravo Flores, is currently investigating strange objects sighted on Isla Koche.

Astronomical and Research Projects

"El Mercurio de Santiago" reported on March 31st about the projected construction of a "sky patrol" by the Center for Cosmic Radiation at the University of Chile, directed by Professor Gabriel Alviel. The cost for one year of operation was estimated at US$35,000.

Dr. Vladimir Vasiliev's Views on Extraterrestrial Life

During the "Tierra y Espacio" exhibition in Santiago, astrophysicist Dr. Vladimir Vasiliev discussed the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. He stated that cellular life is only possible on Earth and perhaps on Mars due to similar conditions. When asked about UFOs, he responded, "It's very simple. They are optical and atmospheric effects."

UFO Sightings and Cases

Archeological Discovery: Stylized Human Figure

An article from "El Mercurio" on August 26th reported on an archeological discovery made from the air by a group of "expectos" (experts) over the desert of Tarapacá. They observed a stylized human figure, approximately 100 meters long, outlined by volcanic stones on a 200-meter high plateau. This discovery is compared to the mysterious lines and figures found in Nazca, Peru, which are only significant when viewed from a great height.

UFO-Serena and Centro Expedicionario Andino

Dr. Darwin Arriagada L. informed that UFO-Serena, an investigative committee exclusively composed of distinguished professionals, began operating on September 2nd. This new group is undertaking significant efforts in UFO studies. Correspondence can be sent to P.O. Box 47, La Serena, Chile.

The "Centro Expedicionario Andino" projected a trip to the "El Enladrillado" sector in the Talca province, known for strange rock formations. They began their ascent on October 16th amidst a wind and snow storm, reaching their objective on the 20th. They discovered two platforms, each 700 square meters, composed of porous rocks with black spots resembling burns. The average weight of these blocks is 10,400 kilograms, and their origin is volcanic. The heavy snowfall prevented them from investigating a tunnel located on the side of the plateau, which they speculated might contain remnants of an ancient civilization. This discovery is of interest because luminous phenomena had been observed in the area for weeks prior.

Historical UFO Cases in Chile (1950s)

This section, contributed by Pablo Pétrowitsch, summarizes notable UFO cases from the 1950s:

• March 18, 1950: A strange aerial object, described as circular with two white lights, was seen over Concepción at an altitude of about 500 meters.
• March 20, 1950: A bright, moon-sized object moved from the mountains towards the sea over La Serena, emitting blue sparks.
• March 29, 1950: Two bright objects were observed over Las Salinas, Valparaíso, one resembling a shiny body with self-propelled movement.

Recent UFO Cases in Chile (1968)

This section is compiled from press information, with DIOVNI not having investigated these cases directly:

• July 23, 1968: An engineer from the Ministry of Agriculture witnessed a burning ball that fell into the sea off Coquimbo, emitting white smoke. NASA reported no knowledge of any special artifact falling in the area.
• September 7, 1968: A red cigar-shaped object was observed hovering over Les Melosas (near Santiago) for several minutes.
• October 18, 1968: UFOs have been appearing daily near Punta Arenas, performing evolutions before disappearing southeast.
• October 25, 1968: A bright white, disc-shaped UFO was seen over the coastal hills near San Fernando, moving at high speed.
• November 16, 1968: A brilliant, orange, glowing object with a white tail was observed over Santiago, appearing to disintegrate and leaving a white trail.
• October 19, 1968: Two objects were seen near Valparaíso, ascending from a ravine, separating, and performing rapid evolutions before heading south. Later, two objects approached at high speed near Santiago before heading south.

Satellite vs. UFO Debate

Regarding the Plecilla case on October 19, 1968, the Chilean Association of Astronomy and Astronautics suggested it was the disintegration of a satellite. However, DIOVNI consulted Chester H. Shaddeau Jr. of NASA, who indicated that while confirmation was difficult due to lack of data, it could possibly be the Apollo VII booster rocket falling, given the timing.

Concepción UFO Observations

Since October 22nd, a luminous object with strange characteristics has been seen nightly over the Gulf of Arauco near Concepción, remaining visible for about 50 minutes. Several high-definition photographs were taken, showing a luminosity of unusual conformation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The "Boletín Informativo" consistently focuses on documenting UFO sightings and related phenomena within Chile, drawing from both official investigations and press reports. It also touches upon broader astronomical research and intriguing archeological discoveries that might have connections to unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various cases and perspectives while acknowledging the limitations of current data and the need for further scientific investigation. The comparison of geoglyphs to Nazca lines suggests an interest in ancient mysteries potentially linked to aerial observations.