Boletín Informativo

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Boletín Informativo (Informative Bulletin) from the Centro de Investigaciones en Cohetería y Astronomía (C.I.C.A.) in Santiago, Chile, is identified as N.° 15 and covers the period from July 1970 to June 1971. The publication is distributed free of charge to scientific and cultural organizations globally. The cover features an illustration related to space exploration, possibly depicting a celestial body and a spacecraft.

Key Articles and Content

Astronomy: Variable Star Luminosity

The issue includes a detailed article titled "Variación Luminosa en las Estrellas de Largo Período" (Luminosity Variation in Long-Period Stars) by Leopoldo Celis S. The research, which began over three years prior, utilized statistical methods and electronic computers to study the luminosity variation of 250 Mira and Semi-Regular type stars. The study aimed to find a function correlating the period of variation (in days) with the amplitude of oscillation in stellar magnitudes. The research involved two parts: the first with a sample of 250 stars, and the second with a selected group of 284 Mira-type stars. The findings suggest a physical law: "Luminosity variation is a function of the period." This research is noted for its high statistical satisfaction and the discovery of new functions that characterize stellar luminosity variation. The article also references the work of Paul W. Merrill and his Period-Amplitude diagram, highlighting how Celis S.'s more rigorous selection criteria led to more conclusive results. The study's implications extend to understanding the internal structure of stars and thermonuclear mechanisms, making it relevant for astrophysicists. The practical applications include a potential reduction in observation time for astronomical measurements.

The author, Leopoldo Celis S., is described as a Professor of State in Mathematics and Statistics, a professor at the Aeronautical Polytechnic Academy of the Chilean Air Force, and an Auxiliary Professor at the Catholic University of Chile, among other roles. The article also acknowledges the collaboration of the Computing Center of the Technical University of the State and the IBM of Chile for computational facilities, as well as the support of Dr. Erich Paul Heilmaier from the Catholic University of Chile.

Astronomy: Eclipses

Another section provides information on upcoming eclipses, extracted from the Department of Astronomy of the University of Chile. It details:

• Total Lunar Eclipse (February 10): Visible in Europe, Africa, North America, South America, and parts of Asia and Australia. Its magnitude was 1.313.
• Partial Solar Eclipse (February 25): Visible in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its maximum magnitude was 0.788.
• Partial Solar Eclipse (July 22): Visible in northern Alaska, northeastern Asia, and the Beaufort Sea. Its maximum magnitude was 0.069.
• Total Lunar Eclipse (August 6): Visible in the western Pacific Ocean, Asia (except southwest), Atlantic Ocean, and Antarctica. Its magnitude was 1.734.
• Partial Solar Eclipse (August 20): Visible in southeastern Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania. Its maximum magnitude was 0.508.

For most of these eclipses, visibility in Chile is noted as invisible or limited.

UFOs: Curicó Observation

A significant portion of the bulletin is dedicated to UFO phenomena, under the heading "O.V.N.I." (Unidentified Flying Object). One case detailed is an observation that occurred on Sunday, June 7, 1970, in Curicó, Chile. José Eduardo Valenzuela H., a 19-year-old agricultural worker, reported seeing an oval object hovering about five meters above a pasture, emitting colored lights from its windows. A small "being," about one meter twenty centimeters tall, descended on a ladder. The being and another small "little man" illuminated Valenzuela with a beam of light, causing him to lose consciousness momentarily. Upon waking, he found himself under the vehicle, and one of the beings inserted a tube into his finger. He attempted to flee but was again hit by a light beam and lost consciousness. He was later found around 3 AM and examined by Dr. Artemón Salgado, who indicated signs of a strong electric shock, burns, eye injuries, and difficulty walking. The report notes that an investigation was not possible on-site, but a member of the "UFO Chile" group reportedly traveled to the location.

UFOs: Latin America Cases

Another section, "OVNI EN LATINO AMERICA," introduces a list compiled by Engineer Pablo Pétrowitsch, secretary of the UFO-Chile group. This list contains 250 cases of unidentified phenomena observed in the skies of South America since 1944. It also includes strange occurrences in Central America and Mexico. The author carefully qualifies cases as "phenomena to be explained." The bulletin calls for collaboration from other groups and researchers, particularly from South America, to complete and revise the data.

A table follows, listing 100 cases (numbered 01 to 40, with some gaps and repetitions) with dates ranging from 1946 to 1949, and some later entries in 1971. For each case, the date, time, location (including country, province/state, and coordinates), and direction of movement are provided. The data's reliability is indicated by parentheses for dates and coordinates where doubt exists. The table includes numerous sightings across Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil.

C.I.C.A. Information

An "INFORMACIONES" section provides details about C.I.C.A. meetings scheduled for the second semester of 1971. These meetings were planned for 6:30 PM on specific Wednesdays in July, August, September, October, November, and December at the Department of Culture of the Ministry of Education.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin consistently covers both astronomical research and UFO reports, reflecting C.I.C.A.'s dual focus on rocketry and astronomy, and the investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry, presenting research findings on variable stars and astronomical events alongside detailed accounts of UFO sightings and a commitment to cataloging and analyzing such phenomena. The publication aims to disseminate information to a scientific audience and encourages further research and collaboration, particularly within Latin America.