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Magazine Overview

This issue of "Inforespace" features a detailed report titled "Le dossier photo d'Inforespace Junin, Argentine, le 14 juin 1980," focusing on a significant UFO event that occurred on June 14, 1980. The report is based on correspondence from Professor Omar R. Demattei, an assessor for ONIFE (Organizacion Nacional De Investigacion De Fenomenos Espaciales) in Argentina.

UFO Event of June 14, 1980

The article describes a widespread UFO phenomenon that caused considerable excitement across central and coastal Argentina starting shortly after 7 PM on Saturday, June 14, 1980. The event was so significant that it dominated news cycles, with numerous phone calls flooding newsrooms and television stations.

Initial Observations and Explanations

Explanations ranged from atmospheric phenomena to space experiences. Some newspapers suggested the sightings were related to atmospheric experiments using rockets from the El Chamical base in Rioja. However, this was contradicted by other media, which stated that no rocket launches or experimental probes had occurred on that date. The article notes that contradictions and official denials of proposed explanations quickly emerged.

Key Sightings and Testimonies

The phenomenon occurred between 6:40 PM and 7:20 PM, generally moving from South to North. The first observation was reported in Punta Arenas, Chile, by the pilot of a regular LAN Chile flight between Punta Arenas and Santiago. The pilot encountered a UFO that moved at a speed superior to his aircraft, projected a yellow light, and approached his plane, risking collision before suddenly ascending and disappearing. The control tower at Punta Arenas could not identify the object.

In the Province of La Pampa, Argentina, the Urretavizcaya family observed a luminous circle surrounded by a halo, inclined at 60 degrees to the vertical, near Rolon. The observation lasted several minutes, with the object moving from Southwest to Northeast.

In the Province of Buenos Aires, UFOs were sighted in various sectors, particularly along the coast near Mar Del Plata. An Argentine Airlines commander reported an object that maneuvered as if to attack his plane, describing it as a ring or smoke vortex. Other witnesses in Pinamar reported a discoidal object with a halo at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters.

In Pehajo and Guanacos, discoidal objects surrounded by a cloud were observed ascending rapidly and disappearing to the East.

The article notes potential discrepancies in witness accounts, suggesting the possibility of a 'mother ship' accompanied by smaller 'observation' craft.

In Nueve de Julio, Hugo L. Conca, an accountant, described a metallic grey sphere, the size of the full moon, surrounded by a faint yellowish halo, moving from Southwest to Northeast and disappearing. He estimated the observation lasted about 3 minutes.

The Junin Photo

Hundreds of people in Junin witnessed the phenomenon shortly after 7 PM. The event was also observed in neighboring localities. Witnesses described a yellowish halo, with moments of other nuances. Many reported that the ring allowed stars to be seen through it, while the central part appeared opaque and solid. The object moved from Southwest to Northeast and then faded away. Airport personnel in Junin also recorded the event.

An important photographic record was obtained on June 14, 1980, at 10:05 PM in Junin by José Luis Gonzalès, a merchant. He used an Asahi Pentax MX camera with Fuji Color 100 ASA film, a diaphragm of 1.4, and a 10-second exposure. The photo captured a UFO, described as a luminous sphere, with the deformed moon visible to the left and the illumination from the Junin prison visible in the lower part of the photo. The UFO appeared in the center.

Gonzalès' testimony, considered credible, detailed how he took the photo. He initially tried a regular shot which failed, then used a long exposure of 4 to 5 seconds. An analysis by M. Harold Marresse, photographic assessor for ONIFE-Junin, confirmed the photo's authenticity, stating there was no evidence of trickery or montage.

Other Sightings

In Ituzaigo, Sara Berta de Penualoza described an object in the shape of a cylinder, about 10 meters wide, which emitted three smaller objects before disappearing. Another resident mentioned a similar event the previous year.

At the Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires, an Argentine Airlines plane was followed by a UFO, which then ascended rapidly to avoid a collision. Airport control personnel and military personnel confirmed unusual aerial activity.

In Rosario, a formation of unidentified flying objects, initially a cylinder, was observed and photographed by José Granata. His photos revealed halos and small triangular objects.

Other observations were reported from Cordoba (a luminous ring), Resistencia (rosettes and luminous rings), Santa Fe (a multi-colored circular object), and Parana (a flotilla of saucers).

In Uruguay, spherical objects emitting white lights were seen, and one illuminated a field from above.

Episodic information also arrived from various regions of Brazil.

Official Explanations and Dissent

Hypothesis 1: Congelation Cloud

An initial official explanation from the Ezeiza air traffic control suggested that the phenomena were caused by 'congelation clouds' reflecting sunlight. However, the article strongly refutes this, citing the objects' speed, direction of propagation against the wind, and maneuverability, which are inconsistent with clouds. A pilot's account of a near-collision with a UFO further undermines this explanation.

Hypothesis 2: NASA Experiment

A subsequent explanation proposed that the sightings were the result of a NASA experiment called 'Cercle de feu' (Circle of Fire), designed to create an artificial comet-like phenomenon. This explanation was based on a video sent by engineer Mario Hector Arunua. However, this hypothesis was also officially denied, as the 'Cercle de feu' project was postponed and had not been conducted at that time.

Conclusions and Editorial Stance

The article concludes that a UFO phenomenon undeniably occurred. It emphasizes the need for further analysis of the diverse observations. Key recurring characteristics include luminous halos with dark centers, formation flying, and simultaneous sightings across vast distances. The author suggests the possibility of a 'mother ship' accompanied by smaller 'observation' craft, potentially explaining the various forms and behaviors observed. The article notes that the phenomenon seemed to defy the typical UFO behavior of trying to remain unnoticed, as it was widely observed.

Pascal Deboodt provides commentary, acknowledging the coherence of the testimonies and the unusual nature of the event. He notes that while the case is still under investigation, the data collected so far is particularly noteworthy. He also mentions receiving three additional photographic documents of lesser quality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious investigation, contrasting eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence with official explanations that are often found to be inadequate or disproven. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to gather and analyze data without prematurely dismissing possibilities. The emphasis is on the coherence of testimonies and the need for further research, suggesting a belief in the reality of the phenomenon while acknowledging the complexity of understanding it.