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Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Investigator
Issue: n° 1, 2 année (January/February 1973)
Publisher: NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena)
Country of Publication: USA
Language: French

This issue of UFO Investigator delves into two significant UFO-related topics: a detailed investigation of a suspected UFO landing in Romania and an overview of a burgeoning global wave of UFO sightings.

Romanian Landing Case: Valea-Plopului

The magazine presents a comprehensive report on a suspected UFO landing in Valea-Plopului, Romania, which likely occurred in September 1972. The information was sourced from a scientific circle in Bucharest. The investigation, conducted on-site, yielded a detailed report of over 30 pages.

The Incident and Setting

On the night of September 27-28, 1972, a 69-year-old night watchman, Vasile Carabus, observed a strange luminous object flying at high speed over the fields before it plunged towards the ground and disappeared. The following day, traces were discovered on the southern slope of Odaia hill (520m altitude) in Valea-Plopului. The area is described as typical of the Southern Carpathians, with rolling hills, complex geology, and frequent earthquakes. The specific site was a clay layer about 1-2 meters thick, covered by 40-50 cm of fertile soil, used for growing corn.

Folklore Connection

Interestingly, the night watchman related the event to local folklore, describing a 'Zmeu' (a legendary figure with bat-like wings and serpent-like scales, capable of transforming into flames) that came to fetch a young girl. This interpretation by villagers of a luminous object with a tail flying over the fields as a 'Zmeu' highlights the cultural context of the sighting.

Investigation and Findings

An investigation was initiated by Professor Calin Turcu, who submitted the initial report to a UFO research circle. A team of 12 people conducted a thorough examination of the site, measuring and photographing traces, undertaking topographical surveys, interviewing locals, and collecting soil and vegetation samples. These samples were sent to a laboratory in Bucharest for analysis.

#### Physical Traces

The visible traces included:
1. A circle 5.82 meters in diameter with irregular traces in the clay.
2. A central cylindrical hole, 2.60 meters deep and 0.14 meters wide, with smooth, compacted walls.
3. Raised earth (a mix of clay and soil) around the central hole, forming a diameter of 0.70 meters.
4. Three equidistant imprints (120°) around the central point, with the earth heavily compacted.
5. Corn stalks within the area were partially broken or bent about 1 meter high.
6. Horizontal imprints on the slope, indicating the object created a platform.

#### Secondary Facts

• Further observations related to the incident included:
• The corn inside the affected zone was more advanced in its maturation process than outside.
• The grass within the traces was 'all scorched'.
• The local moles' biological rhythm was disturbed; they had returned to their winter sleep earlier than usual but were active again shortly after the suspected landing.

#### Laboratory Analysis Results

• Soil samples from the 'landing zone' showed an abnormal increase in radioactivity (5 milliroentgens of gamma radiation).
• The hardness of the soil at the imprint sites was studied.

#### Secondary Facts and Conclusions

The circle of traces was located at varying distances from three nearby apple trees. Analysis of these trees yielded no particular findings. The vertical nature of the landing and approach suggested extreme piloting skill, though this might contradict the night watchman's account of not observing a vertical descent. The corn stalks being bent rather than crushed implied the object had a landing device with a total height of about one meter. The researchers concluded that the measured traces could not be attributed to any known natural phenomenon or agricultural instrument, and a solid hypothesis regarding the nature of the phenomenon could not be advanced.

A New Global Wave

The issue also highlights a significant increase in UFO activity worldwide starting around September 1973. Numerous reports from the USA, particularly Georgia, described hundreds of witnesses observing luminous, often multicolored objects. In late October, electrical voltage drops in La Spezia, Panama, coincided with UFO sightings, with photographs being taken. On December 1st, a Peruvian commercial aircraft was followed for 15 minutes by a UFO, observed by all 70 passengers and the crew.

Similar sightings were reported in Italy (Piedmont, Abruzzes) and France. On the evening of November 30th, a luminous object was observed hovering over the Turin airfield, with telephoto lens photographs taken. On December 13th, a reserve aviation captain reported a cigar-shaped object over Marcoulle, France. On January 14th, 1974, a UFO was reported above the Yvelines by an engineer in Vernouillet.

The article emphasizes that these are just a few examples from recent press reports, but they demonstrate a strong increase in observations and a global concern regarding this phenomenon. The current nature of these observations suggests an important phase of the phenomenon is underway.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, presenting detailed case studies and acknowledging the growing global interest. The editorial tone suggests an open-minded approach, as indicated by the concluding thought: "Perhaps one day we will have to accept the idea that these objects come and go in our sky as they please, and that we can do nothing about it." The publication also connects UFO sightings to local folklore and cultural interpretations, suggesting a multi-faceted approach to understanding the phenomenon. The recurring theme is the increasing frequency and global nature of UFO sightings, suggesting a significant and ongoing event.