NOUFA - No 20 - 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: Noticiero Ufológico Autónomo
Issue: N° 20
Date: February 2, 2013
Publisher: NOUFA
Country: Chile
Motto: "Sin ataduras ni conexiones oficialistas. Libre de pensamiento y acción" (Without ties or official connections. Free thought and action).

This issue of Noticiero Ufológico Autónomo, the first of 2013, presents a collection of articles delving into historical mysteries, unexplained phenomena, and ancient legends. Despite minor production issues that led to unnumbered pages, the content aims to compensate readers with intriguing topics.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Raúl Núñez, apologizes for the delay and the unnumbered pages of issue N° 20, attributing it to technical difficulties in the production program. Núñez assures readers that the 43 pages are filled with compelling content, including a focus on the mysterious Easter Island and its history, featuring unpublished photos and an account from a Chilean Air Force member who shared atmospheric and ufological enigmas from his time stationed there in the 1950s. The editorial also highlights a mysterious disappearance in Russia involving nine expeditionaries in the Ural Mountains in 1959, a case known as the 'mountain of the dead.' Additionally, the issue includes an excerpt from a controversial, semi-clandestinely published book titled "Proyecto Ovni" by Pablo Santa Cruz de la Vega.

News Report: Lost Voices of Rapa Nui

A report from the newspaper 'EL DÍA' (July 9, 2012) details the discovery of old audio recordings from Easter Island (Rapa Nui) at the Fonck museum in Viña del Mar. The recordings, made on a Telefunken magnetophone, are believed to be the oldest sound records of the island, dating back to 1949 when the Austrian collector Fritz Felbermayer, the former owner of the Rapa Nui collection, visited the island. Ana Betty Hava Rapahango, director of the museum's library, describes the emotional experience of hearing the voices, songs, and legends. The museum has digitized the audio to preserve it and is undertaking further research with Fondart funding, with plans to visit Easter Island to continue investigations. The discovery has generated significant expectations, with the possibility that these recordings are the oldest existing audio from Rapa Nui.

Feature Article: The White Amazons (Las Amazonas)

This extensive section explores the legend of the Amazons, warrior women from ancient myths, and their potential connection to historical accounts from South America. The articles trace the legend from its origins in Greek mythology to the Spanish explorations of the Amazon basin.

The First European Testimony

The narrative begins with the 1542 expedition led by Captain Francisco de Orellana down the Amazon River. Father Gaspar de Carvajal, the expedition's chaplain, provides the first European account of encountering these warrior women. He describes them as tall, white women with long hair, skilled in archery, who fought alongside indigenous tribes against the Spanish. Carvajal's detailed account, corroborated by 57 witnesses, describes their organized society, fortified cities, and their practice of taking men from neighboring tribes for procreation, only to return them afterward. The legend suggests these women had a queen named Coñori and possessed great wealth in gold and silver.

Historical Accounts and Interpretations

Subsequent sections discuss other historical references to Amazon-like societies. Hernán Cortés reported accounts of an island populated solely by women. Diego de Almagro heard tales of a region ruled by a queen named Guanomilla, with inhabitants using precious metals for everyday items. The magazine also references accounts from the conquest of Ciguatán, where an island of women was described, and the expedition of Cristóbal de Oñate. The article by Jacques de Mahieu, "Drakkares en el Amazonas," is cited, suggesting a possible real basis for the Amazon legend, potentially linked to archaeological findings of female burials indicating participation in battles, though this remains a minority view among classic historians.

Encounters with the Warrior Women

Father Carvajal's account details a specific encounter where indigenous tribes sought help from the Amazons against the Spanish. The women fought fiercely, described as 'captains' leading the indigenous forces. Despite their bravery, they were eventually overcome by the Spanish. The captured indigenous man provided further details about the Amazons' social structure, their cities built of stone, and their customs regarding childbirth. The article emphasizes that this was a rare instance where European explorers directly witnessed the presence of these warrior women, rather than relying solely on hearsay.

Mato Grosso Report

A report from 1545 by Captain Hernando de Rivera, part of Alvar Nuñes Cabeza de Vaca's expedition, describes information received about a region in Mato Grosso where large populations of women lived. These women were described as skilled warriors, possessing significant amounts of gold and silver, and having a matriarchal society. They reportedly engaged in seasonal unions with men from neighboring tribes, keeping female offspring and sending male children back to their fathers. The report also mentions neighboring indigenous groups, some described as small, and others as large, dark-skinned people with beards, living in stone and earth cities and possessing abundant metalwork.

Bibliography

The issue concludes with a bibliography of consulted works on the Amazons, including historical texts, academic studies, and mythological lexicons, indicating the depth of research behind the articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the enduring power of myths and legends, the exploration of historical enigmas, and the pursuit of knowledge free from official constraints. The editorial stance, as indicated by the motto, is one of independent thought and open inquiry into unexplained phenomena and historical accounts, encouraging readers to engage creatively with these complex subjects. The magazine seems to lean towards exploring the possibility of historical kernels within ancient myths, particularly concerning the Amazon legend, while acknowledging the controversial nature of such interpretations.

This issue of BREAKING NEWS is a Spanish-language magazine that delves into a variety of compelling and often tragic stories, ranging from journalistic ethics and historical disasters to declassified files and unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "SUICIDIO DE ENFERMERA POR ‘BROMA’ RADIAL" (Nurse's Suicide Due to Radio 'Prank'), immediately signaling a focus on the ethical implications of media sensationalism.

The Jacintha Saldanha Tragedy and Journalistic Ethics

The lead article details the tragic death of Jacintha Saldanha, a nurse at the King Edward VII Hospital in London, who died by suicide after being the victim of a prank call by Australian radio station 2Day FM. The DJs, impersonating Queen Elizabeth II and Kate Middleton, elicited sensitive information from Saldanha and her colleague. The incident sparked public outrage in both Britain and Australia, with widespread criticism directed at the radio station and its hosts for their lack of ethical judgment. The article contrasts this with a past incident in 1995 where comedian Pierre Brassard successfully pranked Queen Elizabeth II, but argues that Brassard's prank had a public interest angle, unlike the Australian DJs' actions, which were perceived as purely for amusement. The radio station, Southern Cross Austereo, eventually issued a statement lamenting Saldanha's death and suspending the involved DJs.

The Titanic: Construction Flaws and a Perfect Storm

Another significant piece examines the sinking of the Titanic, commemorating the centenary of the disaster. Scientific writer Richard Corfield, along with experts Tim Foecke and Jennifer Hooper McCarty, are cited for their research into the ship's construction. The article highlights that the Titanic was a modern marvel, yet it sank rapidly after striking an iceberg. The focus is on the quality of the rivets used in the hull. It's suggested that the rivets in the bow and stern were of lower quality, containing impurities that made them vulnerable to shearing. This, combined with the ship's design of sealed compartments and the exceptional conditions of the North Atlantic in April 1912—including a rare alignment of the moon and Earth causing exceptionally high tides that could have dislodged icebergs—created a 'perfect storm' of circumstances leading to the tragedy. The article concludes that while no single factor was to blame, a cascade of events made the disaster inevitable.

FBI Files on Marilyn Monroe

The magazine also reports on the release of FBI files concerning Marilyn Monroe. These files, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, reveal the extent to which the FBI monitored the actress's alleged ties to communism in the years leading up to her death in 1962. The files include details of her contacts in Mexico with individuals suspected of communist sympathies, such as Frederick Vanderbilt Field. The FBI's concerns were shared by some of Monroe's associates and her therapist. Despite the extensive surveillance, the FBI never found evidence that Monroe was a member of the Communist Party.

'Hitler's Children': The Legacy of Nazi Criminals

A documentary titled "Hitler's Children," by Israeli filmmaker Chanoch Ze'evi, is featured. The film explores the lives of the descendants of prominent Nazi figures, including Heinrich Himmler, Hans Frank, and Hermann Göering. The article highlights the profound psychological impact on these individuals, many of whom have chosen to distance themselves from their family's legacy. Bettina Göering, Hermann Göering's grandniece, voluntarily sterilized herself to prevent passing on 'monstrous' genes. Niklas Frank, Hans Frank's godson, has dedicated his life to warning against neo-Nazism. The documentary also touches upon the experiences of Monika Göth, daughter of Amon Göth, a notorious SS officer at the Plaszow concentration camp.

UFOs and Mysteries of Easter Island

The latter part of the magazine turns to the enigmatic Isla de Pascua (Easter Island). It discusses the ongoing mysteries surrounding the island's famous Moai statues and the theories about their origins, including extraterrestrial hypotheses. A significant portion is dedicated to the testimony of Ignacio Valdés Jaña, a Chilean military man who served on the island. He provides detailed accounts of unusual aerial phenomena observed in the 1950s, including a bright, moon-sized object seen during a severe thunderstorm and other anomalous cloud formations. The article also recounts the experience of an elderly resident, Casimiro Paoa Dutrou-Bornier, who reported seeing a silent, hovering object. The magazine explores the possibility of a connection between these sightings and the island's ancient mysteries, referencing authors like Eric Von Daniken and Antonio Ribera.

Other Items

Briefly mentioned is a demonstration of a "flying belt" by Captain Robert F. Courter in Chicago in 1963, showcasing early personal flight technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of mystery, tragedy, and the unexplained, often juxtaposing them with human interest stories and historical events. There's a clear interest in the ethical boundaries of journalism, as seen in the Saldanha case, and a fascination with historical enigmas like the Titanic and the origins of Easter Island. The inclusion of UFO sightings and the legacy of Nazi figures suggests a broad scope of interest in controversial and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these diverse topics with a degree of sensationalism, as indicated by the "BREAKING NEWS" title and the selection of dramatic stories.

This issue of 'Misterios de la Isla de Pascua' (Mysteries of Easter Island), published by IIEE, delves into various enigmatic phenomena, with a strong focus on Easter Island's history, mythology, and unexplained occurrences. It also explores cryptozoological reports from Chile and Peru and critically examines the authenticity of a famous crystal skull.

Easter Island: Mythology and Mysteries

The issue begins by exploring the enigmatic aspects of Easter Island. The mythical bird 'Manutara' is mentioned, with speculation about whether ancient islanders saw more than just a bird in their significant annual celebrations. The deity Make-Make is discussed, with theories suggesting a possible extraterrestrial connection due to its unique depiction as an astronaut-like figure, unlike any other deity in Polynesia. The article touches upon the concept of 'mana,' an energy source mentioned in ancient texts, drawing parallels to Hebrew traditions.

The Birdman Ritual (El Rito Magico del Hombre Pajaro)

A detailed account is given of the 'Rito Magico del Hombre Pajaro' (The Magical Rite of the Birdman), the most important ancient ceremony on the island. This ritual involved all families and tribes, with a pilgrimage from Mataveri to Orongo, located between the crater rim and a cliff overlooking the sea. Orongo features 46 caves oriented towards the three islets: Motu Nui, Motu Iti, and Motu Kau-Kau. Participants prepared and made offerings in these caves. A stone moai named Hoa Hakananaia, meaning 'Rompedor de las olas' (Wave Breaker), was found in one of these caves.

The ceremony's climax involved 'hopu-manu' (participants) swimming to Motu Nui to collect the first egg of the Manutara bird. This perilous journey, facing rough seas, sharp rocks, and sharks, was undertaken to determine the new 'tangata-manu.' Upon returning with the egg, the winner would be celebrated with chants and dances, announcing their new status. The tangata-manu typically resided in a house on the slopes of the Rano Kau volcano. The rite also served as a chronological system, with scholars like Mrs. Routledge documenting 86 names of tangata-manu, each representing a year of their triumph. The Manutara bird itself is identified as a common tern, *Sterna lunata*.

The Mysterious God Make-Make

The article explores the unique deity Make-Make from Rapa Nui mythology. This figure is characterized by a large head, often depicted with a space helmet, and is found only on Easter Island. Its appearance is compared to aviator or astronaut figures and even Olmec heads found in Mexico. While no specific rituals for Make-Make are recorded, some later interpretations, influenced by evangelization, equated it with the God of Genesis. Astro-archaeologists suggest Make-Make represents an extraterrestrial visitor who interacted with the island's civilization.

Island Magnetism

An area between Puna Marengo and the Rano Aroi volcano is noted for significant magnetic anomalies that disrupt navigation. NASA's studies for the Mataveri landing site also encountered constant disorientation issues with their equipment. An old islander's belief is cited, suggesting the Moai channel the forces of Antarctic winds into a red volcanic stone, linking this to the 'mana' that moved the statues. Theorists like Franz Kowacs speculate that inhabitants of Mu used this magnetic energy to move the large stone figures.

Cryptozoology and Unexplained Phenomena

Chilean Chupacabras Encounter

The issue features an account from a Chilean couple, the Hernández, who claim to have witnessed a Chupacabras-like creature. While preparing a barbecue, they experienced ciruelas being thrown at them from a nearby tree. Upon investigation, they saw a creature with glowing red eyes, seated on a branch. The creature then leaped over a wall with great force, startling the couple. The description provided by Mercedes Hernández suggests a large, simian-like creature with an elongated snout and great agility, similar to other reported sightings globally. The couple's pets were also reportedly agitated that day.

Mermaids in Peru

Two separate accounts detail mermaid sightings in Peru. The first, from Churin, describes four young individuals playing music by a river, who were identified as mermaids with fish tails by a witness. The second section discusses the myth of mermaids in Arequipa, linking them to 'elemental beings' known in ancient Peru, such as the Chucchu, Compa, and Saqras. Two specific locations in Arequipa are mentioned as traditional sites for mermaid manifestations: the rock near Puente Bolognesi and the Catarata de Ccapúa.

The Crystal Skull Controversy

The 'Aztec' Crystal Skull Debunked

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'Aztec' crystal skull housed in the British Museum. Professor Ian Freestone of the University of Wales presents evidence suggesting the skull is a 19th-century European forgery. Analysis of the skull's surface revealed it was cut and polished using rotary tools, a technique absent in pre-Columbian America. The crystal's origin is traced to Brazil, not Mexico, and its surface texture is described as rougher than authentic Aztec artifacts. Archivist Jane Walsh's research points to Eugene Boban, a 19th-century collector of pre-Columbian artifacts, as a likely seller, who also attempted to sell similar skulls to the Smithsonian and the Musée de l'Homme.

Despite the scientific evidence, the skull's mystical allure persists, with some believing it holds spiritual significance or powers. Professor Freestone acknowledges that convincing skeptics is difficult, comparing it to the debate surrounding the Shroud of Turin.

Legends of the 13 Crystal Skulls

American legends speak of 13 crystal skulls containing information about humanity's origins and destiny, prophesied to be reunited during a time of tribulation. Currently, about a dozen large crystal skulls are known worldwide, with only three in private hands. Some believers accuse museums of hiding these skulls, claiming they possess cosmic energy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of ancient mysteries, unexplained phenomena, and alternative theories, often bordering on the extraterrestrial or supernatural. There's a clear interest in debunking myths and presenting scientific evidence, as seen in the detailed analysis of the crystal skull. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while maintaining a critical, evidence-based approach, particularly in the cryptozoology and artifact sections. The publication aims to inform readers about intriguing cases and historical enigmas, encouraging critical thinking about the presented material.

This issue of "DESAPARICIONES INEXPLICABLES" (Inexplicable Disappearances) focuses on mysterious events, primarily the infamous Dyatlov Pass incident and various UFO sightings, exploring the psychological and cultural contexts surrounding these phenomena.

Unexplained Disappearances

The magazine opens by discussing the general fear and mystery surrounding unexplained disappearances, ranging from hikers and pilots to ordinary citizens. It touches upon the added pain for families when there's a suspicion of paranormal or supernatural involvement. The article notes that while such possibilities might be discussed privately, they are rarely brought to public attention.

The Dyatlov Pass Incident

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the Dyatlov Pass incident, which occurred on February 2, 1959, in the Ural Mountains of the Soviet Union. Nine students from the Ural Polytechnic Institute, led by Igor Dyatlov, died under mysterious circumstances. The expedition, intended for skiing, ended tragically when the group set up camp on Kholat Syakhl, 'the mountain of the dead.'

• Key details of the incident include:
• The Group: Eight men and two women, all experienced skiers and nature enthusiasts.
• The Journey: They departed from the village of Vizhai on January 27th. One member, Yuri Yudin, fell ill and had to turn back.
• The Discovery: A rescue mission was launched when the group failed to send their expected telegram by February 12th. On February 20th, rescuers found the abandoned campsite.
• The Tent: The tent was severely damaged, and the bodies of two hikers were found 500 meters away, near a campfire, dressed in underwear and barefoot. Three more bodies were found in the snow, frozen in postures suggesting an attempt to return to the camp.
• Forensic Findings: The medical examiner, Boris Vozrozhdenny, noted unusual bone fractures (skull and chest) caused by immense force, comparable to a car impact. None of the deceased had external injuries. One woman's tongue was cut out. Six died from hypothermia, and three from fatal wounds. The wounds were deemed too severe to have been inflicted by another human.
• Radiation: The clothing of some victims showed unusually high levels of radioactivity, and their skin had a strange tan, reminiscent of UFO encounter depictions.
• Witness Accounts: Other hikers, kilometers away, reported seeing strange 'orange spheres' in the night sky over the mountains during February and March 1959.
• Later Investigation: Details of the case remained classified in Soviet archives until 1990, when journalist Anatoly Guschin gained access to the original materials.

UFOs and Skepticism

The issue also features an article titled "ENTRE LA FICCIÓN Y LA REALIDAD" (Between Fiction and Reality), which discusses the phenomenon of UFOs and public skepticism. It references Whitley Streiber's 'graphic novel' 'The Nye Incidents' and his personal experiences with abduction phenomena. Streiber recounts a case involving a medical examiner who faced censorship after encountering similar cases, including alleged cattle mutilations and human mutilations.

Psychologist Alejandro Igor is quoted stating that "Mocking UFOs is a way to cover up ignorance." He suggests that skepticism often stems from a lack of personal experience and can be a defense mechanism against feelings of insecurity or envy. Igor also posits that UFOs represent a fusion of the terrestrial and the divine, and their appearances often coincide with critical societal moments.

Historical and Cultural Connections

Another section, "AQUÍ EN LOS ANDES" (Here in the Andes), by Pablo Santa Cruz de la Vega, explores the ufological activity in the Andes region and its potential connections to ancient cultures, including Viking presence in South America. It discusses theories linking Tiahuanacu to Viking settlements and mentions the presence of runes and ancient architectural styles.

The article "DE BRUJAS Y OVNIS" (Of Witches and UFOs) by Jorge San Miguel reflects on the changing perception of UFOs. The author notes a decline in serious media coverage of UFOs since the 1990s, with the phenomenon becoming more 'spiritualist' or 'extradimensional.' He draws parallels between the historical belief in witchcraft and the modern belief in UFOs, suggesting that both phenomena are shaped by social perception and cultural narratives. The author argues that just as people believed in witches because they were told to, people see UFOs because the cultural narrative supports it. He also critiques the anthropomorphic nature of many UFO accounts and alien descriptions, suggesting they reflect human projections rather than genuine extraterrestrial encounters.

Specific Sightings and Testimonies

The magazine includes a testimony from Rodrigo Guerrero Grundi, detailing two UFO sightings in Bolivia. The first, in 1978, involved a large, luminous cigar-shaped object. The second, in 1986, described a luminous object approaching at high speed. Another brief report mentions an incident in England where small, silver-clad beings visited a home and took cakes.

Book Review and Conclusion

A section highlights the book "PROYECTO 'OVNIS'" (Project 'UFOs'), suggesting it contains relevant information that has been hidden by the system. The magazine concludes by emphasizing that the study of UFOs offers insights into social dynamics and how individuals construct narratives to make sense of their experiences, drawing parallels between the historical belief in witchcraft and the modern fascination with UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained phenomena, particularly the Dyatlov Pass incident and UFO sightings, and the psychological and cultural factors influencing belief and skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and accounts while also critically examining the nature of evidence and belief. There's a clear interest in connecting contemporary mysteries with historical events and ancient cultures, suggesting a belief that patterns of unexplained phenomena have persisted throughout human history, albeit in different forms.

This issue of the magazine, identified by its content rather than a specific title on the cover, features two main sections: one exploring a mythological creature and the other reviewing a book on ufology.

El Cuero: A Mythological Creature

The first section delves into the legend of 'El Cuero,' also known as 'Cuero del agua' or 'Manta del Diablo.' This creature is described as an aquatic being from Mapuche mythology, prevalent in the mythology of southern Chile and parts of southwestern Argentina. It is depicted as a large, leathery entity, similar to a perfectly stretched cowhide, with immense strength capable of dragging horses and riders to the bottom of the water.

To hunt 'El Cuero,' it is said one must throw a piece of the spiny 'Quizco' bush into the water. The creature supposedly becomes entangled and wounds itself on the spines, eventually dying from its struggles. Its indigenous Mapuche name is Trelke-wekufe.

'El Cuero' is said to attack most frequently at dusk, approaching its prey stealthily. The prey can be on the shore, bathing, or inside a boat. The creature is believed to hypnotize its victim and then use its sharp claws to drag the victim or the boat to the bottom, where it would suffocate and consume them, absorbing their blood and fluids. Due to its characteristics, 'El Cuero' is sometimes confused with the 'Guiri vilo.'

A widely circulated story recounts a mother washing clothes by the Coihueco River with her young son. While she was rinsing clothes, she placed her baby on a cowhide. The cowhide then allegedly closed around the baby, dragging it to the bottom of the river, which was described as a powerful rapid at the time. This story was transcribed from a relato heard by the author from the website 'Pagina Web,' attributed to Mrs. Audelia Leiva Contreras, aged 78.

The source for this information is cited as Wikipedia and Kultura Mapuche.blogspot.com.

La Frase: Being Authentic

A prominent quote, "SER AUTENTICO ES: 'Poseer congruencia interna, es decir, mostrar coherencia entre lo que se siente, lo que se piensa y lo que se hace...'" is presented, emphasizing the importance of internal consistency and aligning one's feelings, thoughts, and actions.

Bibliography: Strange and Out-of-Context Books

The second major section is a review of the book "GUIA DEL BUSCADOR DE OVNI" (Guide for the UFO Hunter), published by Ediciones Obelisco of Barcelona in 1985. The authors are identified as S. Rubio and M. Seguí, with M. Seguí being noted as a frequent contributor to Spanish mystery and enigma magazines.

The review describes the book as having a special, simple format and being entirely elementary, suitable for novice enthusiasts of ufology. It acknowledges that the book was published in 1985 when the UFO phenomenon was at its peak of public interest.

However, the review focuses more on an anecdote surrounding the book rather than its content. It explains that a copy of the book was sent to Chile in 1993. Our director, Raúl Núñez, cordially gifted one copy to a Chilean journalist who was reportedly specialized in UFOs and actively involved in the Chilean press at the time.

The review expresses disappointment that this small, didactic work, intended for aspiring young researchers, was allegedly plagiarized by this Chilean journalist. While the journalist's name is withheld, the reviewer states that he appeared to be a good person, though credulous and resistant to advice. It is suggested that the journalist's work, which included this book in its curriculum, contained content almost identical to the gifted book. The reviewer believes this was not done with malicious intent but rather due to ineptitude or lack of preparation.

The problem arose when skeptical Chileans detected the plagiarism and harshly criticized the journalist. The reviewer expresses a general dislike for the methods of these skeptics, whom he believes have never contributed positively to the UFO phenomenon. Nevertheless, he concedes that in this instance, they correctly identified a "nefarious and unprofessional action by a national ufologist."

The review concludes that while the book did not make a significant impact on global ufological history, it did influence certain actions within the Chilean ufological community, making the field appear less credible and even unethical. This has contributed to the UFO phenomenon not being taken seriously. The article posits that the phenomenon itself remains intriguing and unanswered, but the individuals involved in ufology often undermine its credibility, causing the actual UFOs to remain a mystery.

The author of this review is identified as Pedro Rivas Roth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue touches upon themes of mythology, folklore, and cryptozoology with the exploration of 'El Cuero.' It also critically examines the field of ufology, discussing the presentation of information, the potential for plagiarism, and the impact of individual actions on the credibility of the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the enduring mystery of UFOs while also pointing out the shortcomings and unprofessionalism that can occur within the community of enthusiasts and researchers.