NOUFA - No 09 - 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: NOUFA
Issue: 8
Volume: 2
Date: March 2, 2011
Publisher: IIEE
Country: Chile
Language: Spanish

This issue of NOUFA, a publication dedicated to the free exploration of thought and action regarding UFO phenomena, presents a collection of intriguing cases and discussions.

Cover Story: A Strange Story from Missouri (1954)

The main feature recounts the story of Buck Nelson, originally published in "Flkying Saucer Review" in May/June 1955. Nelson describes witnessing a UFO near his ranch in Missouri in July 1954. He first saw an object hovering about 300 meters above his ranch, which then descended and landed behind trees. He managed to take three photos, one of which clearly shows two objects. He also reported a powerful beam of light from the object that caused him to fall, but subsequently, his chronic lumbago and neuritis disappeared, a condition he has not felt since. The article suggests this healing might be related to the encounter.

Historical UFO Cases

1971 Rio de Janeiro Sighting: A photograph taken in Barrio San Cristóbal, Rio de Janeiro, by Nelson Silva on October 1, 1971, is presented. The image shows a UFO.

1555 Cuenca, Spain Inquisitorial Vision: Heliodoro Cordente contributes an account of an inquisitorial process in Cuenca, Spain, in 1555. During this period, a UFO was reportedly seen in the form of a cross. The report details how witnesses described a bright light and a cross-shaped phenomenon, which was later interpreted within the religious context of the time. The inquisitors, despite their skepticism, recorded the testimonies.

1966 Heathrow Airport Bat-Shaped UFO: This section details a sighting of a giant, bat-shaped UFO observed near Heathrow Airport in London in May 1966. The event was reported by Chris and Leisa Rowe, who captured the object on video. The UFO was described as approximately 30-40 meters long, with a bright white light. Military helicopters were seen approaching the object. Later, two smaller objects, one resembling a smaller version of the bat-shape and another with red lights, were also observed performing acrobatic maneuvers.

Reader Contributions and Discussions

Letters to the Editor: The magazine includes a section with correspondence from readers. Roberto Ampuero from Santiago comments on the state of UFO research in Chile. A reader from Argentina inquires about the magazine's origins. A reader from Brazil congratulates NOUFA on its direct and simple style. A reader from Colombia questions why NOUFA is distributed for free. The editorial team responds to these letters, confirming their continued principles and commitment.

Article by Luis Beltrán Molina Cazorla: This piece, titled "Pecados, Mimesis, Pluralismo y Biodiversidad," explores themes of sin, imitation, pluralism, and biodiversity. The author discusses religious and philosophical concepts, comparing figures like Jesus, Buddha, and Gandhi. He touches upon the nature of beliefs, the concept of truth, and the human tendency to imitate. The author also reflects on freedom of expression and questions the infrastructure of people's beliefs.

Sir Eric Matthew Gairy's Political and UFO Involvement: This section details the political career of Sir Eric Matthew Gairy, former Prime Minister of Grenada. It highlights his involvement in promoting UFO research and his efforts to bring the topic to the United Nations. His conviction that UFOs were real and his belief that they posed a potential threat led him to advocate for international study and a global defense strategy against potential extraterrestrial visitors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

NOUFA consistently promotes an independent and critical approach to UFO phenomena, free from official narratives or constraints. The magazine emphasizes freedom of thought and action, encouraging readers to explore these topics with an open mind. Historical cases, personal testimonies, and reader feedback are central to its content, reflecting a dedication to documenting and understanding the UFO phenomenon from various perspectives. The issue also touches upon broader philosophical and societal themes, such as the nature of belief, imitation, and freedom of expression, suggesting a view that the study of UFOs is intertwined with understanding human consciousness and society.

This issue of the magazine, identified as issue number 11 and potentially from November 1978, delves into a variety of intriguing topics, primarily focusing on UFO phenomena, their potential connection to natural disasters, and paranormal experiences. It also includes an investigation into an archaeological fraud.

United Nations and the UFO Debate

The article details how the issue of UFOs entered the United Nations, with Kurt Waldheim, then Secretary-General, transmitting a memorandum from Colman Vonkeczky to the organization's Committee on Space Affairs. This led to the creation of archives, though they were reportedly suppressed due to pressure from major powers. Waldheim himself is quoted as believing in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. A significant moment was when Sir Eric Gairy, Prime Minister of Grenada, appealed to the UN for global access to the UFO dossier, highlighting the denial of information by major world powers. The Delegation of Grenada's interventions were crucial, with a key session on November 27, 1978, involving Sir Gairy, Dr. Allen J. Hynek, and Jacques Vallée.

In response to this growing international attention, the US government initiated a counter-offensive. The Pentagon and the White House reportedly went on high alert to prevent the UN from controlling the UFO issue. US officials John M. Faigle and John Kriendler informed Prime Minister Gairy that the Condon Report was the only scientific basis for UFO study. The US State Department publicly declared its opposition to the creation of a UN UFO study agency. Following this, a campaign of psychological, sociological, and subliminal advertising techniques was employed to discredit UFO researchers and their work, aiming to sideline the issue.

Despite these efforts, Sir Eric Gairy sought to gather the most prominent figures in ufology for a special opportunity. Attendees included Dr. Allen J. Hynek, Dr. Claude Poher, and Dr. Jacques Vallée. The article notes that while Vonkeviczky and Gairy might not have been the most conventional figures to address the UN on UFOs, their efforts successfully brought the issue to global attention.

UFOs and Earthquakes

A significant section of the magazine explores the correlation between UFO sightings and earthquakes. A news report from the local newspaper 'Las Noticias' in Victoria, Chile, is featured, detailing an unusual event on January 2, 2011. An unidentified flying object (UFO) was reportedly sighted at 3:40 PM, approximately two hours before a strong earthquake affected the La Araucanía and Bío Bío regions. The object was described as a black point with zig-zagging movements. The article notes that similar sightings preceded earthquakes in Angol in February 2010 and in Antofagasta.

Paranormal Experiences and Mediumship

The magazine presents several accounts of paranormal experiences. One section details the case of Don Mario Alejandro Silva Arriagada, who reported seeing a short, stout, dark-clothed figure in his bedroom at 4:00 AM. His uncle had also experienced similar visits.

Another account features Marcelo Hermosilla Gómez, who described seeing a radiant white being, about 1.20 meters tall, in a praying posture in his room. This being emitted a beautiful white light and disappeared after about 40 seconds. Hermosilla's son has also reported similar experiences with a luminous globe of light.

The issue also includes a detailed account of mediumship sessions involving a man named Demófilo. During these sessions, pencils moved on their own, producing handwriting identical to that of Demófilo's deceased father. Demófilo also entered a trance state, speaking with his father's voice. These phenomena were documented with audio recordings and handwriting analysis, with experts confirming the authenticity of the writings. The sessions also reportedly involved phenomena such as white lights, breezes, and the materialization of objects like green leaves and old coins.

'Foo-fighters' and Scientific Implications

Dr. Allen J. Hynek is quoted stating that a growing international scientific community, particularly in France and the United States, is interested in the UFO problem. He asserts that many analyzed cases point to UFOs being a material phenomenon that cannot be explained as natural or human-made, with profound implications for science and the public.

Jacques Vallée, an astrophysicist and computer scientist, emphasized that UFOs represent a physical manifestation requiring scientific investigation. He noted that there is no lack of physical information or competent scientists willing to examine the phenomenon with an open mind. Vallée also described UFOs as a psycho-physical phenomenon, with witnesses exhibiting physical and psychological reactions, including long-term effects like sleep disturbances and behavioral changes.

The term 'Foo-fighter' is explained as a term used by World War II aviators to describe aerial phenomena they encountered, often appearing as metallic spheres or luminous balls.

The 'Ica Stones' Fraud

A lengthy investigation concludes that the 'Ica stones,' which purportedly depict an extinct civilization with advanced knowledge, are a fraud. The article argues that the engravings are modern, easily produced, and bear the marks of contemporary tools. The stones, claimed to have been discovered near Ica, Peru, were promoted by Dr. Javier Cabrera Darquea, who became the main collector and defender of their authenticity. The author suggests that the figures of short, big-headed men riding flying reptiles are products of imagination rather than historical artifacts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, the paranormal, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. There's a clear interest in investigating phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the examination of UFOs and other unusual events, while also being critical of potential hoaxes and misinformation, as demonstrated by the debunking of the 'Ica stones.' The magazine seems to advocate for a more open and scientifically rigorous approach to these subjects, particularly within international forums like the UN.

This issue of "El Ojo Crítico" (The Critical Eye) features two main investigative articles. The first, spanning pages 21-25, delves into the controversial "Ica Stones" of Peru, exposing them as a sophisticated hoax. The second, spread across pages 26-30, examines the "Westchester Boomerang" UFO sightings and explores the concept of collective amnesia in response to unexplained phenomena.

The Ica Stones: A Hoax Uncovered (Pages 21-25)

The article begins by introducing Dr. Cabrera, not just as a collector but as a philosopher who uses stones to express his thoughts. It recounts testimonies from local Peruvian artisans, such as Basilio Uchuya and Irma Gutiérrez de Aparcana, who claim to have engraved drawings provided by Dr. Cabrera onto stones. Basilio later recanted, attributing his earlier statement to avoiding jail for illegal excavations, and now sells his own creations as authentic.

Irma Gutiérrez, however, maintains her story, stating that initially Cabrera provided the drawings, but later stopped giving her work when she insisted on the truth, accusing her of being crazy. The author notes that Irma's living conditions made her claims of poverty-induced lying seem improbable.

The central question explored is how thousands of these "gliptolitos" (engraved stones) could have been produced. Dr. Cabrera himself, when questioned in 1992, demonstrated the supposed authenticity of a stone by throwing it against the floor, where it remained intact, implying that a real stone would have shattered. He also claimed that genuine stones required days of work, but that a method existed to soften the surface for easier engraving.

Further investigation reveals that the material of the engraved stones differs from normal ones. Irma explains that while most stones are hard, others are soft and easier to work with. The author and Irma visit a site near Ocucaje where she digs up these softer stones. She demonstrates the process by engraving a small dinosaur onto a stone using a saw, proving that creating engraved stones was not as difficult as claimed.

The author then decides to witness the creation of a stone firsthand. He returns to Ocucaje and asks Irma to make a stone for "Año Cero." They visit a hilltop where Irma explains that she and Basilio have been digging up these stones for years from a site that likely supplied Cabrera's museum. She reveals that the "escombros" (rubble) they've been digging from are the source of many stones.

The process of creating a gliptolito is photographed, resulting in a stone virtually identical to Cabrera's. The article then examines stones from different provenances, with archaeologist José Antonio Lamich noting the presence of sandpaper granules in the cracks of one, confirming it as fake. Another example, a "flying saucer" stone from Basilio, shows red pencil lines, suggesting it was also recently made and colored with colored pencils, similar to Irma's method.

Examining tools used by Basilio, the author finds saws, including one with specialized protrusions for creating rounded shapes like eyes or circuits. The artisans are described as professionals. The author finds similar evidence of modern tool use, like blue pencil traces, on other stones.

Further investigation with Joaquín Mititieri, president of the "Amigos de los Gliptolitos de Ica," reveals paint traces (yellow and green) on stones from his collection. A particularly exceptional stone, unearthed in 1993 and considered highly authentic, also shows traces of blue paint, indicating it too was a forgery.

The inspiration for the drawings is traced to ancient sources. The "flying saucer" design is identified as a plagiarism of Nazca pottery bird and feline drawings. A 1975 calendar featuring Mochica culture figures, including "crab-men," is also shown to be a source of inspiration for Basilio's work, with his "crab-men" stones featuring knee pads not present in older examples.

The article also discusses "secret" pieces in Cabrera's museum, including a depiction of the crucifixion with nails in the palms (contrary to historical Roman practices) and a "Last Supper" that is a direct copy of Leonardo da Vinci's work. Cabrera is accused of possessing precognitive abilities, but Basilio simply copied the painting.

The author estimates 50,000 such stones exist globally, questioning their authenticity. While acknowledging some genuinely ancient stones associated with pre-Hispanic tombs (lacking gliptolito imagery), he notes Cabrera's refusal to allow in-depth analysis of his collection. Reports from geologists at the University of Tucumán (Argentina) concluded that the engravings were made with modern instruments.

The article concludes that while the existence of a small original deposit for the models cannot be ruled out, all analyses to date have yielded negative results for authenticity, except for Cabrera's cited intangible reports. The author challenges Cabrera to present a single ancient stone with a "human gliptolítico" and a dinosaur to prove his claims, otherwise admitting it's a fabrication.

Vicente Paris, the author, is highlighted for his investigative work, winning an award for his demystifying research on the Ica Stones, demonstrating honesty and self-criticism despite his prior leanings towards extraterrestrial hypotheses.

The Westchester Boomerang and Collective Amnesia (Pages 26-30)

This section, introduced by Dr. Willy Smith, presents a prologue written by the late Dr. J. Allen Hynek for a book titled "NIGHT SIEGE" by Bob Pratt, which was based on Hynek's research into UFO sightings in the Hudson Valley. Hynek's prologue, titled "LAS RAÍCES DE COMPLACENCIA" (The Roots of Complacency), was found on one of Dr. Smith's computer disks.

The article describes the "Westchester Boomerang" phenomenon, a series of sightings of a large, silent, V-shaped or boomerang-shaped object over the Hudson Valley and Taconic Parkway, beginning around December 31, 1982, with a peak in the summer of 1984.

Despite numerous witnesses, including professionals, the media remained largely silent, with only minimal coverage. The article questions why such an extraordinary event, witnessed by hundreds, garnered so little attention from local newspapers, radio, television, and national media. The FAA, responsible for air traffic control, and law enforcement agencies also seemed to disregard the reports.

Hynek's prologue suggests that the lack of response was not intentional abandonment but rather a manifestation of collective indifference and apathy. He posits that when faced with something that challenges conventional understanding, the human mind can resort to a "mental short-circuit," dismissing evidence to avoid the effort of thinking or accepting responsibility. This is compared to a protective mechanism that shuts down when faced with overwhelming or revolutionary ideas.

The article draws parallels between the indifference shown towards the Boomerang sightings and historical events like the Holocaust, where people refused to accept overwhelming evidence due to mental limitations or a desire to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths. The phenomenon is described as a "virus of apathy and indifference to duty" that can immobilize individuals and even entire societies.

Hynek argues that the FAA, military, scientists, and media failed in their duties by abandoning the investigation or offering simplistic explanations, such as "planes in formation." He suggests that this collective mental shutdown prevents humanity from exploring challenging mysteries and accepting new ideas.

The article concludes by stating that the circuits are closed, and apathy sustains the status quo. However, it notes that historically, such dams of information and questions eventually break, leading to a sudden, often irrational, acceptance by authorities who claim they knew it all along.

A photograph is included, showing the Stockton Junior High School with a graphic representation of the Boomerang added. The object is described as silver, the size of a football field, thick in the front, and conical in the back, estimated to be 10 to 15 feet thick from the witness's perspective.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance, aiming to debunk paranormal claims and expose hoaxes. The articles on the Ica Stones and the Westchester Boomerang demonstrate a commitment to rigorous analysis, relying on witness testimonies, expert opinions, and physical evidence to challenge widely accepted narratives. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and scientific scrutiny over unverified claims, while also exploring psychological aspects like collective amnesia that contribute to the persistence of unexplained phenomena or their dismissal.

This issue of the magazine, identified by the number 31, features a prominent article titled "¿CIRCULOS DE OVNIS EN LA ARENA?" (UFO Circles in the Sand?) authored by Irene Granchi, President of C.I.S.N.E. (Sociedad de Investigación de los OVNIS de Río de Janeiro). The magazine also includes sections on "Humor Ufológico" (Ufological Humor), "La Frase" (The Phrase), and an "Índice - Temario" (Index - Subject Matter).

¿CIRCULOS DE OVNIS EN LA ARENA?

The main article delves into the phenomenon of unexplained circles appearing in the sand, questioning their origin. The author, Irene Granchi, presents two primary cases.

The Icaraí Incident (October 19, 1993)

On October 19, 1993, before dawn, Adelaida Machado, a retired teacher, discovered numerous concentric circles sculpted in the sand on Icaraí beach in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro. She immediately associated them with UFOs. Believing the information should be public, she contacted the press. However, this action alerted individuals with an interest in suppressing such information. The following day, a 62-year-old man named Fernando Teixeira came forward, claiming to be the author of the circles. He demonstrated by creating a few circles with his foot, which was filmed by El Globo television and broadcast nationwide. Granchi notes that Teixeira's claims were contradictory, and he stated he made such circles habitually, but without providing specifics or evidence. The media, particularly El Globo, presented Teixeira's actions as the "truth," discrediting Machado's initial observation.

Granchi argues that the sand in Icaraí was compact and dry, making it difficult for an amateur to create such precise circles. She contrasts Teixeira's amateurish work with the original formations. The media successfully convinced most Brazilians that Teixeira's explanation was authentic, dismissing Machado's account.

Granchi expresses that she was not given an opportunity to refute the media's narrative. She later gathered sufficient data to conclude that Machado's initial interpretation was justifiable and that she deserved support and defense. Machado was ridiculed by the press and television and subsequently disappeared from public view.

Other Witness Accounts and Incidents

While investigating, Granchi received information from various sources. María Campo, a member of C.I.S.N.E., was on vacation in Rio de Janeiro and observed unusual phenomena from her 24th-floor apartment overlooking Botafogo beach. Between 12:00 and 12:30 AM, she witnessed a flash in the sky, followed by an explosion of light approximately 50 cm in apparent size. This was succeeded by a shower of small, multicolored lights that blinked on and off, described as "little stars." Her brother also witnessed this spectacle. From the larger lights, smaller ones emerged, including a red light, and finally, a rectangular white band descended from the main light.

Another incident occurred on the night of March 26-27, 1995, in Restinga de Marambaia, near Rio de Janeiro. A woman named Gilda Cunha observed three bands descending from the sky in succession, similar to those described by Campo.

Granchi also mentions other testimonies, including lights seen over El Corcovado mountain and a metallic, pulsating disc observed by a nine-year-old girl in the outskirts of Rio. Additionally, a group led by engineer José Luis Martins met with individuals claiming to communicate with extraterrestrials, who predicted an event on October 17 that would reveal the presence of extraterrestrials to all of Brazil. Granchi notes she learned of this "prophecy" days after the meeting.

On the same night the Niteroi circles appeared, a woman in Belém, Amazonia, described as a "tuner," drew concentric circles on paper, stating, "This symbolizes the expansion of the Cosmic Man towards new dimensions."

The Maceió Incident (October 20, 1993)

On October 20, 1993, 36 concentric circles appeared on Papucata beach in Maceió, Alagoas, in northeastern Brazil, approximately 1200 miles from Rio de Janeiro. Unlike the Icaraí incident, no one claimed authorship. A university professor photographed these circles, and the images were later sent to Granchi by Ricardo de Souza Maia, a psychologist pursuing his master's degree in São Paulo, in early 1995. Maia expressed his disappointment that a local newspaper published a distorted version of his report. He also wished to send information to Adelaida Machado, but she had gone into hiding after being ridiculed.

Maia's opinion, based on his investigation, is that the circles were created by "some superior intelligence."

Editorial Note

The editor comments on the beauty of Maceió's beaches, noting that 46 years prior, they were nearly deserted. The population of Brazil has since more than doubled, leading to increased pollution. The editor selected two of Ricardo's five color photos for publication, as the others would not reproduce well in black and white.

Humor Ufológico

This section features two cartoons. The first is a satirical take on UFOs causing fires, referencing events in September and October 1998 in the Huechuraba hills, sourced from "La Tercera" on October 8, 1998. The second cartoon, from "El Mercurio" on May 12, 2008, depicts aliens in a spaceship, with one saying, "Hello, Houston... We have finally found intelligent life in space."

La Frase

This section presents a quote attributed to Alexander Pope from his "Essay on Man": "As for man, though he here seems the only principal, perhaps he acts as the second of some unknown sphere. He touches some wheel, or approaches an objective; of this we only see a part, not the whole."

El Sacapuntas

This section discusses a ranking of "charlatans of the year" by the Chilean skeptical association (AECH). Juan Andrés Salfate is named "major charlatan" for his "countless conspiratorial delusions" that have made ignorance profitable. José Miguel Viñuela is cited as "major accomplice of the charlatans on television," and actor Marko Zaror is recognized for "major fraud and scam of the year" related to the sale of "Biolectik" bracelets. The section concludes with a comment by Julián Lenguaraz, questioning who qualifies the AECH and suggesting that "rationalists" also engage in questionable practices.

Índice - Temario

This is the table of contents for the magazine, listing articles by page number. Notable entries include:

• Page 1: Cover photo from Barrio San Cristóbal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1971.
• Pages 2-3: "Pecados, mimesis, Pluralismo e Biodiversidad" by Luis Beltrán Molina Cazorla.
• Pages 5-7: "Una extraña historia de Missouri" by Buck Nelson (Flying Saucer Review).
• Page 8: "Ovni en la Inquisición de España" by Karma.
• Page 9: "Gigantesco ovni en forma de murciélago" by Omar Fowler (FSR).
• Pages 10-14: "Sir Eric Matthew Gairy – Curiosidades anómalas."
• Pages 15-16: "Lápices que escriben solos" by Andrés Barros Perez-Cotapos.
• Page 17: "¿Ovni = Terremoto?" "Las Noticias" of Victoria and La Araucanía.
• Pages 18-19: "Crónica de seres increíbles" by Raúl Gajardo Leopold.
• Pages 20-25: "Las piedras de Ica son un fraude" by Vicente Paris.
• Pages 26-30: "Las raíces de complacencia" by J. Allen Hynek.
• Pages 31-33: "Círculos de Ovnis en la arena" by Irene Granchi.
• Page 34: "Humor ufológico."
• Page 35: "La Frase – 'El sacapuntas' con Julián Lenguaraz."

An advertisement for a PDF book titled "EL CHUPACABRAS Y OTROS SERES FANTASTICOS" by Raúl Núñez Gálvez is also present, offering it for $4,000 in Chile, 10 Euros in Europe, and 10 dollars elsewhere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to UFOs, unexplained phenomena, and paranormal events, often presenting witness accounts and investigative reports. There is a clear interest in UFO sightings, such as the sand circles and aerial lights. The publication also engages with skepticism, as seen in the "El Sacapuntas" section, but also provides platforms for those who believe in the reality of these phenomena, as demonstrated by the defense of Adelaida Machado's observations. The inclusion of ufological humor and philosophical quotes suggests a broad approach to the subject matter, aiming to inform and entertain readers interested in the unusual and the unexplained.