Los Identificados- No 05

Magazine Overview

Title: LOS IDENTIFICADOS
Issue: V
Volume: V
Date: 1994
Publisher: DR. ROBERTO BANCHS: CEPAI
Country: ARGENTINA
Language: Spanish

This issue of 'Los Identificados' delves into UFO phenomena in Argentina, with a particular emphasis on cases involving occupants. The publication, edited by Dr. Roberto Banchs, revisits the 'belle époque' of Argentine ufology in 1968 and presents detailed accounts of various sightings and encounters.

Editorial: On a serious note

The editorial reflects on the year 1968 as a pivotal period for ufology in Argentina, marked by a significant increase in UFO observations and encounters with occupants. It notes a shift from suspicion to a more receptive attitude, influenced by the space race and technological advancements. The editorial contrasts the early days of ufology, often relegated to spiritualists and fringe groups, with the growing mainstream interest. It mentions figures like Ed Keffel, A.O. Pérez Aleman, and Federico Kirbus, who played roles in disseminating UFO information through photography and journalism. The piece also touches upon the skepticism faced by researchers and the tendency for charlatans to exploit the topic, quoting Victor Hugo: "The charlatans will take over them."

The 1968 Ufological Landscape

In 1968, the 'belle époque' of Argentine ufology, the topic of UFOs gained considerable traction. The editorial highlights the public's fascination with the idea of technological civilizations visiting Earth, fueled by rapid news cycles that often discouraged critical reflection. Scientists generally remained silent or made cautious statements, while journalists like Federico Kirbus attempted to cover the phenomenon, though Kirbus himself later shifted to tourism after facing public criticism. Ricardo Falcis is mentioned as a founder of an early skeptical group.

Fabio Zerpa is noted for his public engagement with UFO cases starting in 1968, moving from theater to public platforms. He is credited with influencing a generation of investigators. The magazine '2001' also emerged, promoting 'anticipation journalism.' A group of eleven investigators began offering conferences, connecting with existing UFO organizations.

Television played a role in popularizing UFO stories, with Nicolas Pipo Mancera's show 'Sábados Circulares' leveraging sensational narratives for high viewership.

Military Involvement and Early Investigations

The issue touches upon the Argentine Air Force's involvement with UFOs, specifically the OVNI Division, established in 1961. Sub-officer Roalde Moyano was tasked with gathering public reports of unusual aerial phenomena. Moyano himself presented his findings as a 'private investigator,' discussing UFOs and extraterrestrial origins. A notable incident involved Captain Ormc R. Pagani, who reportedly accepted the UFO phenomenon as real, leading to a naval communiqué clarifying that his views did not represent official Navy opinion.

Engineer Angel Binaghi Pagés, director of the Hudson Geophysical Observatory, expressed concern that the lack of serious scientific study had allowed the UFO topic to fall into the hands of opportunists. He criticized associations that relied on anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous investigation.

Despite these challenges, 1968 saw UFOs debated at a university level, with a conference held at the Faculty of Medicine in Buenos Aires, focusing on the scientific, philosophical, and psycho-social aspects of the phenomenon. The university opened its doors to integral treatment of the subject, with Dr. César Blumtritt emphasizing the need for thorough investigation.

The publication advocates for a rigorous, systematic, and human-centered methodology in UFO research, emphasizing the importance of verifiable and repeatable findings, adequate investigator training, and a focus on problem resolution rather than reinforcing pseudoscientific beliefs.

The Atencio-García Sighting (1954)

The article details the case of Federico Atencio and his friend García, who reported an encounter in the early morning of September 20, 1954. While driving near Monte, Argentina, their car stopped, and they observed a large, luminous object descend behind eucalyptus trees. Atencio described it as a cross-shaped craft moving at high speed. After an hour of maneuvers, it descended, and two small, human-like figures, approximately one meter tall, dressed in white with silver helmets and capes, emerged. Atencio attempted to communicate, but the figures returned to the craft, which then departed rapidly. Initially disbelieved, García's account was later recorded and shared. The report notes that Atencio passed away in November 1967, and his wife, Ada Elvira C. de Atencio, provided her testimony, corroborating the story and mentioning that the Aeronautica had collected data and a recording of the event.

Mauro Esteban García's Testimony

Mauro Esteban García, the companion of Federico Atencio during the 1954 sighting, provides his account. He describes the object as a very intense light that moved in a zig-zag pattern. He initially mistook it for a star but then realized its extraordinary speed and unusual movements. He noted that the object crossed a fenced field without disturbing the fence, suggesting a significant altitude. García did not see any occupants, only a white light with dark, diffuse shadows inside. He recalls that after the event, they stopped at a service station, and the attendant also observed the phenomenon. García mentions that the news of others seeing similar phenomena in the same area and at the same time, as reported in 'La Razón,' brought renewed attention to their experience.

Comparative Analysis of Testimonies

The issue presents a comparative analysis of the testimonies of Mauro Esteban García and Federico Atencio (as relayed by his wife). Notable discrepancies exist, particularly regarding the presence of "two almost human figures" described by Atencio, which García does not recall seeing. The article suggests that 'La Razón' may have distorted the original accounts. It also considers the possibility of imaginative embellishment on Atencio's part or a desire to protect his reputation, as suggested by his wife. However, both witnesses agreed on the sighting of a luminous object and its unusual movements. They also both recalled reading about similar sightings in 'La Razón' the following day, which rekindled their interest.

The San Lorenzo, Salta UFO Cases (1956)

This section details several unusual events in the province of Salta, Argentina, in 1956. In April, a 'flying cigar' was reportedly sighted multiple times over the Salar de Arizaro, near Tolar Grande. This sighting, accompanied by photographs, led to controversy, with some suggesting military aircraft as an explanation. Around the same time, a violent explosion occurred near the Nevado Macón, attributed by some to a celestial body or a 'flying cigar.'

Three months later, a miner in the Macón area discovered large footprints (40 cm) belonging to an unknown, hairy being, compared to the Tibetan 'yeti.' Further reports from the Quebrada de Escoipe described a strange creature. In August, a miner in Quitilipo encountered a similar giant creature in a cave.

Two professors from the University of Tucumán suggested that these sightings might be products of mountain mythology, linked to altitudes below the snow line. However, the issue also reports a new sighting on September 25th in Pajas Blancas, Salta, where inhabitants witnessed a large, egg-shaped aircraft land and then ascend in a spiral. The newspaper 'El Tribuno' played a significant role in reporting these events.

Astronomical and Meteorological Context

The article provides astronomical data for the night of September 20th, noting the moon's phase, the positions of planets like Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, and prominent stars like Sirius and Rigel. It also mentions the peak of the Piscis Austrinids meteor shower on that date. Meteorological data from the National Meteorological Service indicates temperatures between 14.2°C and 15°C, relative humidity of 62-69%, partly cloudy skies, and winds from the NE.

Conclusion

The investigation into the Atencio-García case and related events highlights a "proverbial disagreement" among testimonies, making it difficult to definitively resolve the controversy. The article concludes that while the truth may eventually emerge, the contradictions presented by these cases leave a persistent reality that cannot be easily dismissed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, encounters with alleged extraterrestrial occupants, and the challenges of investigating such phenomena in Argentina. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, aiming to present documented cases and eyewitness accounts with a degree of rigor, while acknowledging the difficulties posed by conflicting evidence, media sensationalism, and the potential for misinterpretation or deliberate deception. The publication seems to advocate for a more scientific and systematic approach to ufology, contrasting it with the more speculative or opportunistic elements within the field.

This issue of "El OVNOLOGO" (Issue 18, October 1978) focuses on UFO phenomena in Argentina, particularly in the Salta and Mendoza regions. The cover story highlights claims of strange objects crossing the sky over the Puna de Atacama. The magazine delves into witness testimonies, investigations, and the cultural context surrounding UFO sightings in the country.

The 'Equipo Jordan' and Early Salta Sightings

The issue begins by referencing the initial 'hullabaloo' surrounding communications from the 'medium-radar R. Jordán,' who claimed to be actively preparing to establish contact with 'extraterrestrial navigators of flying saucers.' This is presented as the precursor to platillista sects and contactee groups, with origins in spiritualism. In late October 1956, R. Jordán predicted the appearance of 'flying machines from other planets' in the United States, other parts of the world, and specifically in Argentina, in the Salta region, stating they would arrive with a mission of peace and would be of various forms (discs, cigars, cubes, spheres) emitting beams of light of different colors.

The San Lorenzo Episode

In November 1956, a notable sighting occurred in San Lorenzo, Salta. The newspaper 'El Tribuno' and other sources reported the account of Mrs. Dora Arão Castellanos de Jovanovies. She described seeing a strange aerial artifact on the night of November 25-26, 1956, near her summer residence. The object, described as circular with two small domes, descended into a dense monte near a river. It emitted a milky glow from what appeared to be a porthole. The machine descended to about 200 meters, and a powerful beam of light, similar to a searchlight, illuminated the area. Small, brown spots were observed on its surface. Mrs. Jovanovies initially felt panic but then observed the object ascend vertically and disappear. A soft humming sound, likened to a motor at high speed, was noted throughout the event. The article notes that this sighting confirmed previous strange appearances, including one in 1955 at Cerro El Macón, where something that was believed to be a meteorite descended violently.

'Bases in Salta?'

Following the San Lorenzo sighting, R. Jordán, feeling vindicated, published an article on December 10, 1956, titled "Los anuncios del 'Equipo Jordan', hechos para Orbe 8, tienen confirmación: 'Platos voladores en Salta y la Capital Federal'." In March 1957, investigator Cristian Vogt presented findings in Switzerland, suggesting that the Salta region had become a 'neuralgic point of the globe' concerning mysterious activity by 'astronaves' around Earth, urging attention to the area for potential future important events. In response, the Asociación Universal Metapsíquica (AUM) was founded in Buenos Aires on September 29, 1957, by 25 members (previously seven, forming the 'Equipo Telepático R. Jordan') to 'connect with the elevated planes and planets and be intermediaries between Them and our scientific and spiritualist humanity.'

In December 1957, Agapito Millán, president of AUM, made surprising revelations, stating that Salta was 'privileged and chosen by the brothers from another world.' He explained that the numerous celestial phenomena were due to Salta being a 'depot-station for interplanetary apparatuses' where beings were acclimatizing, not invading. These beings, according to mediums who even drew a bell-shaped mountain with a large opening, used this 'mountain' as an entry point to Earth, releasing a small amount of atmosphere to acclimatize before closing it. Thus, Salta was considered their 'hideout' and 'airport' on Earth. In July of the following year, 'Agor' (A.O. Pérez Alemán, president of the Asociación de Hermandad Cósmica) reiterated that Salta was 'privileged and chosen by the brothers from other worlds, as landing strips for flying saucers.' These accounts are presented as the genesis of the 'myth' of Salta's UFOs.

Investigation of the San Lorenzo Case

In May 1987, the author conducted interviews and reconnaissance in San Lorenzo to locate the observation site. The location was identified as being on a main artery, at the corner of 9 de Julio and Joaquín Castellanos, a two-story house with gardens, facing east towards the provincial route 38, the San Lorenzo River, and the Medeiro hills, whose 'military zone' lands extended to Salta city, about 9 kilometers away. The property was rented at the time, delaying the interview with the witness. Mrs. Dora Arãoz Castellanos de Jovanovies, described as having good lineage and refined manners, recounted her experience.

She stated that the event occurred around 8:30 PM during a storm with fine rain and low clouds. Her daughter's friend, Juanita Flemming (11 years old), alerted her to a 'glowing thing.' Mrs. Jovanovies initially saw nothing but heard a persistent humming sound. Following the sound, she saw the object. It was oval, with a white opal appearance, and had an arc around it. It did not rotate or oscillate but descended, making a soft humming sound. A bright beam of light emanated from its lower part, illuminating the surroundings. She described seeing 'milky spots' on its surface as it moved slowly. The object then disappeared inexplicably among the trees. The humming sound was likened to air escaping from an inflating tire but was very weak.

She described the object as flying over a neighbor's house and then descending near the route. It had an oval shape, a white metallic appearance, and an arc. It emitted a powerful beam of light from its rear, which she believed could have blinded someone if it had rotated. She noted that when she first saw it, the light was off, but it turned back on. The ground appeared as if covered in transparent crystals, and the landscape was illuminated. The object moved slowly over the wooded areas, not illuminating houses but trees. She described it as a 'machine, a machine, God help me, a machine unknown!' It descended slightly, moving slowly, and she estimated its size to be about 5 x 3 meters. It moved from the cordillera towards Salta city, disappearing among the trees. She confirmed that the girl had seen the lower part first, and then she saw the same. She described the experience as 'unreal.'

Impressions of the Witness

Dora Aráoz Castellanos de Jovanovies, then 32 years old (born May 27, 1924), was married to Julio S. Jovanovies, who was the 2nd Chief of the 7th Cavalry Regiment of Salta. He confirmed the dialogue. Mrs. Jovanovies stated that the experience felt unreal and that the speed was immense. She initially thought it might be a plane in a dive, asking for lights to be turned on the terrace for orientation. She slept with a revolver that night. She compared the object to drawings and descriptions of flying saucers, noting its oval shape and two domes, though unlike those that make them appear round. The light emanated from the rear, not the front. She observed 'spots' on the arc of the object, which were not fully defined but appeared 'lively.'

She mentioned that the news of the sighting became public, and a journalist from 'El Tribuno' reported it, allegedly misrepresenting the facts by claiming multicolored lights, inhabitants, and that the object had landed and stayed overnight. She clarified that the object was not on the ground, nor did anyone see inhabitants. She stated she never saw colored lights or anything similar. The object was initially static or moving very slowly, then began to descend, losing its metallic appearance and showing the spots. She estimated it traveled about 300 meters.

Julio Jovanovies added that he was not at home during the sighting but was alerted by his wife's panicked call. He was at the barracks 8 km away and observed nothing. He noted that the area between Salta and San Lorenzo was mostly undeveloped, with military zones and shooting ranges. He recalled the event and stated he never used the term 'flying saucer' in his report to the Army, referring to it as 'not an airplane.'

Possible Analysis

The author's interviews provided a more detailed account than the journalistic reports. Dora Aráoz Castellanos de Jovanovies was precise in her description, stating the aerofonm did not descend to land and she did not observe any 'portholes' or 'doors,' nor any occupants, contrary to the newspaper article. This suggests the episode might not be an 'encounter of maximum strangeness.' The witness reported no physical traces or significant climatic or physiological disturbances, apart from being unable to sleep for two days due to the unusual appearance. Her testimony, devoid of interpretive additions (like attributing fantastic speed or calling it a 'machine' or 'cupola'), and despite minor discrepancies with her husband's account regarding details like time and brightness, was found to be convincing and persuasive.

However, the author acknowledges that the witness might have been influenced by recent events in the province that had been reported by a local newspaper, potentially sensitizing the population. Meteorological data from the National Meteorological Service for Salta Aero station indicated that at the time of the observation (20:00-21:00 hours), the temperature was between 19.4-18.4°C, humidity 48-60%, surface wind 10-7 km/h, and pressure 883.8-885.0 hPa. The sky was cloudy, with no significant phenomena reported. Light rain occurred in the vicinity of the station between 20:05 and 22:15 hours.

Astronomical data showed the Moon in its 23rd waning phase, with 38% illumination at 20:00 hours. Jupiter was also visible with considerable brightness. The Sun set at 19:52 hours on November 25, 1956. The analysis suggests that meteorological phenomena, such as dense, extraordinary cloud formations known as lenticular clouds ('nubes lenticulares' or 'pileus'), can produce shapes resembling UFOs, especially to an untrained observer. These clouds can persist for an hour or more and have been photographed as if they were extraterrestrial craft.

The author concludes that the San Lorenzo sighting could be explained by these meteorological phenomena. The 'milky-white' disc-shaped formation, the slow displacement, the humming sound (likened to air escaping), and the beam of light could all be attributed to the interaction of wind with mountainous terrain, creating lenticular clouds. The 'spots' observed might have been interpreted as 'mirrors, portholes, or occupants' due to imagination, as suggested by Leonardo da Vinci's observations of shapes in random patterns.

Villa Nueva, Mza: The Pursuit of a UFO

This section details an incident that occurred in Villa Nueva, Mendoza, on June 24, 1978. Carlos William Brandi, a 19-year-old telephone employee, requested a taxi at around 3:00 AM. The taxi driver, Aldo Modesto Nievas, picked him up. While driving, they observed a white object with a luminosity similar to high beams of a car, moving at an estimated altitude of 500 meters. The object began to follow them. Brandi suggested pursuing it, offering to cover any extra costs. Nievas agreed, and the taxi's progress was communicated to the radiotaxi central.

The object, which at times took on a 'giant mushroom' shape, initially appeared as a faint light but intensified significantly after about five minutes, to the point of being blinding. Brandi repeatedly leaned out of the window to observe it, despite the discomfort. The object would become momentarily invisible, possibly due to trees or by reducing its altitude. It moved slowly, and Nievas estimated its speed to be around 2-3 km/h when it was descending. He later stated that he never thought he would experience such an event but had always believed in the existence of such apparatuses.

As they continued, the object moved erratically, sometimes zig-zagging. Nievas noted that the taxi's speedometer showed 95-100 km/h, and the object maintained its position ahead of them. It moved from side to side and then back towards the road. It stopped near a service station, then reappeared and entered a neighborhood before exiting again, always moving silently and following the road's path. It then moved downwards alongside the taxi on the left, stopping after about 2 km. Two other people in the Santa Ana neighborhood also witnessed the object.

The object varied its direction constantly, moving in a zig-zag pattern eastward. Near the Broadway autocine, the taxi drivers had their last contact. The object stopped at the intersection of roads connecting Corralitos and Rodeo de la Cruz. At this moment, the taxi's lights and radio, which had been transmitting intermittently, failed completely, as did the car's engine. The taxi rolled a few meters due to a slope before stopping. The object then began to move towards the witnesses. Brandi, panicked, exited the taxi and hid behind a house. Nievas, however, experienced temporary paralysis in his legs and remained frozen behind the steering wheel for several minutes before managing to exit the vehicle and join Brandi.

Nievas explained his paralysis was due to the emotion of witnessing the event. He stated that he could feel his legs but could not move them. When he got out of the car and saw the craft still there, he experienced a 'crisis of nerves, of desperation.' He had always believed in the existence of these apparatuses.

Silhouettes of Human Resemblance

The object approached to about 100 meters, at an altitude of 80 meters. Nievas observed large windows through which he could distinguish, for about 5 minutes, silhouettes resembling very tall and slender humans. He speculated that the distortion from the apparatus's glass might have affected the image. He described them as wearing a hood similar to that of divers, but more elongated. The object was estimated to be 10 meters in diameter and 5-6 meters in height.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "El OVNOLOGO" strongly leans into the narrative of UFOs as real, advanced craft piloted by extraterrestrial beings. The editorial stance appears to validate witness testimonies, even those that are sensationalized or lack concrete evidence, by presenting them as significant events. The magazine explores the idea of 'bases' or 'depots' for extraterrestrial craft on Earth, particularly in Salta, and discusses the role of mediums and investigators in deciphering these phenomena. While acknowledging meteorological explanations (like lenticular clouds), the primary focus remains on the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The detailed accounts of sightings and pursuits, coupled with the inclusion of witness drawings and investigative efforts, aim to solidify the reality of UFOs and potential contact with non-human intelligence.

This issue of CRONICA, dated June 24, 1978, focuses on UFO phenomena in Argentina, featuring detailed witness testimonies, investigative analysis, and contrasting official explanations. The main cover story, "DICE QUE HA SIDO RAPTADA POR UN PLATO, UNA MADRE," highlights a case from Quilmes, while another significant report details a sighting in Mendoza.

Mendoza Sighting: The Nievas and Brandi Testimony

The issue presents a detailed account of an event involving Aldo H. Nievas and Carlos Brandi, who reported a UFO sighting in Mendoza. They described seeing four equal shadows, tall and slender, with long legs, one of whom appeared to be controlling the craft from a dashboard. The interior of the craft was illuminated by a soft white light. The witnesses felt fear and a sense of impending harm. Nievas described the occupants moving rapidly within the craft, which hovered silently. He felt paralyzed and experienced intense fear, comparing the scene to an operating room. After the object approached, it returned to its original position, and the witnesses' car, which had been stopped, suddenly started on its own.

Following this, the object reportedly stopped again, emitted a white flash, and a loud detonation, then disappeared. Nievas reported feeling disoriented and losing consciousness, later waking up in the Hospital Central de Mendoza, where he was given sedatives. He recalled the events vividly and insisted on leaving the hospital, which he eventually did after 10:30 AM.

Nievas also recounted a subsequent nervous state lasting several weeks, forcing him to temporarily abandon his taxi driver profession. The report notes that other taxi drivers and a municipal worker also witnessed unusual lights.

Air Force Explanation and Analysis

Despite the witnesses' spectacular account, the IV Air Brigade, based in El Plumerillo, issued a statement attributing the lights to military aircraft conducting night exercises. The statement explained that the detected lights corresponded to landing reflectors used for aircraft landings, specifically mentioning the north headboard of El Plumerillo's runway.

The magazine critically examines this explanation, noting that it is unusual for military organizations to comment on UFO sightings, especially when their own forces are involved. The article points out discrepancies between the witnesses' testimony and the official statement. The witnesses consistently referred to a single, silent UFO with erratic behavior, not multiple aircraft. The prolonged observation period (nearly 40 minutes) also raises questions, as the witnesses claimed not to have noticed any aircraft, despite their proximity.

The analysis suggests that the witnesses' consistent descriptions of a single, unusual object, despite the official explanation, warrant further investigation. The article questions whether the witnesses were mistaken, confused, or if the aircraft were in a different, unobservable location.

The Quilmes Abduction: Alejandra Martinez de Pascucci

A separate, lengthy section details the alleged abduction of Alejandra Martinez de Pascucci from Quilmes, Buenos Aires, on July 2, 1968. Her story was published in the popular newspaper Crónica. Described as a serious and well-regarded individual, her account was initially supported by her doctor.

Pascucci recounted walking home when she was drawn by a magnetic force. She felt immobilized and influenced, unable to resist. She then saw a bright light and found herself aboard an apparatus she identified as a flying saucer. Inside, everything was white and clean, with windows emitting various colors. She described a total silence and a feeling of being lifted off the ground. She experienced intense heat, noting that her gold bracelet became burning hot.

She estimated the object's diameter to be about three meters. Pascucci described seeing two beings inside, taller than average, with luminous aspects. She couldn't discern their features but felt one might be male and the other female. They communicated through gestures and possibly speech, but she couldn't understand them. She felt a sense of superiority from the taller being. The beings emitted lights from their hands and feet. She was then ejected from the craft and landed in the Ezpeleta cemetery, experiencing intense fear.

Her 17-year-old son, Carlos Atilio Pascucci, corroborated parts of the story, mentioning a humming sound and the public lighting in their street going out. He also noted a hole in the ground and scorched grass near their home.

Skepticism and Investigation

However, the article presents significant skepticism regarding Pascucci's account. Neighbors interviewed expressed strong doubts, with some calling her story a lie and suggesting she was drunk. One neighbor's son later admitted that the story was fabricated to gain publicity and help him enter television.

Further investigation by the magazine revealed contradictions in Pascucci's own testimony. Initially, she did not mention occupants, but later claimed to have seen them. Her account of the radio restoring function after the UFO left was contradicted by a later statement that the equipment's lamps broke spontaneously. The circumstances of her alleged fainting and the detonation also remain unclear.

The article concludes that while the case has elements of a genuine, unusual phenomenon, the details provided by Pascucci, particularly regarding the occupants, are highly improbable given the circumstances and the subsequent revelations of fabrication.

Bibliographical References

The issue includes a list of bibliographical references related to UFO sightings and investigations, citing various newspapers, magazines, and books.

Errata

A correction is included regarding an error in a previous report about the planet Venus, clarifying its visibility and position in the sky, which might have been mistaken for a UFO in a San Rafael case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of CRONICA demonstrates a commitment to investigating and reporting on UFO phenomena, presenting detailed witness accounts alongside critical analysis and skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events while also scrutinizing testimonies for inconsistencies and potential fabrications. The magazine highlights the challenges of distinguishing between genuine sightings and hoaxes, particularly when personal gain or publicity might be involved. The contrast between witness accounts and official explanations is a recurring theme, suggesting a distrust of official narratives and a belief in the importance of independent investigation.