NOUFA - No 24 - 2013

Magazine Overview

This issue of Noticiero Ufológico Autónomo, number 24, dated September 2, 2013, focuses on the multifaceted concept of time, exploring its philosophical, scientific, and psychological dimensions. It also addresses the challenges and disillusionment within the field of paranormal and ufological investigation, particularly in Chile and Spain.

The Disenchantment of Paranormal Investigation

The magazine opens with a section titled 'Sad Times for Independent Investigation,' lamenting the lack of renewal among investigators in Chile and the rise of skepticism within organizations and media. It criticizes how former critics of ufologists are now adopting similar self-promotional tactics. The article 'The Disenchantment of Paranormal Investigation' details how experienced Spanish investigators like Maria Ferraz and Moises Garrido have abandoned the field due to a lack of progress and what they perceive as a commercialization of mystery. The situation in Chile is described as one where investigation is merely a hobby, with no concrete future for new researchers, and a general lack of criteria and responsibility within the ufological community.

The Nature of Time: A Proposal

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an unpublished work by Willy Wolf titled 'What is Time? A Proposal.' This section delves into the abstract and complex nature of time, noting that despite its everyday familiarity, it remains difficult to define precisely. It references St. Augustine's struggle to define time and his idea that time is a property of the universe. The text explores the shift from absolute time, as believed by Aristotle and Newton, to Einstein's theory of relativity, which posits that the distinction between past, present, and future is an illusion.

Historical-Philosophical Aspects

Aristotle's definition of time as the 'number of movement' is discussed, emphasizing the interdependence of time and motion. The text also touches upon St. Augustine's view of time as something belonging to the soul, and his concept of three presents: the present of the past, the present of the present, and the present of the future. Henri Bergson's concept of 'duration' as a qualitative, lived experience of time, distinct from the quantified, spatialized scientific time, is presented as a counterpoint. Martin Heidegger's ontological analysis of time as an 'existential' structure of 'Dasein,' with a primacy of the future ('Zukunft'), is also explored, distinguishing between authentic and inauthentic existence in relation to time.

Subjectivist Theories of Time

This section examines empiricist views of time, where it is seen as a measure of the duration of consciousness, linked to the succession of mental states. Authors like Locke and Berkeley are mentioned. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's perspective on time as an ideal order of successions, existing only in the human spirit, is discussed. Immanuel Kant's theory that time is an a priori form of internal sensibility, imposed by the subject onto external data, is also presented. The text notes how this aligns with modern concepts of entropy and the 'arrow of time.'

Realistic Theories of Time

Isaac Newton's concept of absolute time, which exists independently of external factors and flows uniformly, is contrasted with relative time, which is a sensible measure of duration based on movement. This absolute time is described as a universal receptacle for world events, akin to the concept of ether. The psychological aspects of time are also explored, with Wundt defining time as an internal experience, and the subjective nature of temporal perception influenced by age, individual circumstances, and the intensity of experiences. William James's observations on how engaging experiences can make time seem shorter are noted.

Measuring Time

The magazine then shifts to the practicalities of measuring time, discussing the development of clocks and calendars. It highlights how various cultures and historical periods have devised systems for quantifying time, from the ancient Jewish calendar to the Athenian, Muslim, and Roman systems. The evolution of the Julian calendar and its reform by Julius Caesar, leading to the Gregorian calendar, is detailed, including the adjustments made to align with the solar year. The text points out that many primitive cultures relied on lunar cycles for their timekeeping.

The Measurement of Time is a Convention

The concluding section emphasizes that while modern technology provides increasingly precise instruments for measuring time, such as clocks, these measurements are ultimately conventional. The article suggests that a more fundamental unit of human time measurement could be the 'heartbeat' ('latido'), as it represents the basic perception of being alive and active.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the philosophical and scientific nature of time, the subjective experience of temporality, and the historical development of time measurement. There is also a critical examination of the state of paranormal and ufological investigation, highlighting issues of disillusionment, commercialization, and a perceived lack of rigor. The editorial stance appears to be one that values independent thought and action, as indicated by the NOUFA motto: 'Without ties or official connections. Free thought and action.' The magazine promotes open discussion and critical analysis of complex subjects like time, while also acknowledging the struggles faced by those dedicated to investigating unexplained phenomena.

This issue of the magazine, identified as issue number 11 and volume 11, published in November 2007, focuses on the concept of time and the intriguing possibility of time travel. The cover headline, "VIAJAR EN EL TIEMPO" (Traveling in Time), is accompanied by a subtitle, "UNA PROPUESTA FASCINANTE QUE INUNDA MUCHAS MENTES" (A Fascinating Proposal That Floods Many Minds). The cover image depicts a scene from a circus with zebras and a woman who appears to be a time traveler.

The Evolution of Time Measurement

The magazine begins by tracing the history of timekeeping devices. Early "relojes" (clocks) were sundials, which measured diurnal time based on the shadow cast by a gnomon. The Egyptians developed water clocks (clepsidras) during the Ptolemaic era, and earlier civilizations used oil and sand clocks. Mechanical clocks, capable of measuring hours and minutes with uniform motion, emerged in the late Middle Ages, with notable examples like the "Nuremberg eggs." The application of the pendulum to tower clocks by Huyghens in 1647 and the spiral spring for pocket watches in 1665 marked significant advancements. The 18th and 19th centuries saw the rise of the chronometer, which could measure seconds. The sexagesimal system, dividing hours into 60 minutes and minutes into 60 seconds, was standard. For more precise scientific measurements, quartz clocks were developed, utilizing the vibrations of a quartz crystal. The need for even finer divisions of time led to the decimalization of the second, with measurements reaching milliseconds, microseconds, and nanoseconds. The International System of Units (SI), based in Paris, officially defines the second as the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the fundamental state of cesium-133.

Our Time and Relativity

The concept of "Our Time" is explored, suggesting that time is a human construct. If humans were on a larger, slower-rotating planet, their day would be longer, and their time measurement would be based on that planet's rotation. This highlights that our perception and measurement of time are conventional. The magazine then delves into Stephen Hawking's theories on the "arrows of time": the thermodynamic arrow (entropy increase), the cosmological arrow (universe expansion), and the psychological arrow (our subjective experience of time). Hawking suggests that while science doesn't distinguish between forward and backward time, the thermodynamic arrow is crucial for intelligent life, as it involves consuming ordered energy and converting it into disordered energy. The magazine posits that human life creates and contains the concept of time, giving it dimension through measurement.

Relativity's impact on time is discussed, referencing Hawking's explanation that time should pass more slowly near massive bodies. This was experimentally verified in 1962 using precise clocks at different heights in a water tank, showing the lower clock ran slower. The twin paradox is presented as a consequence of this, where a traveling twin would age less than one who stayed on Earth, emphasizing that there is no absolute time, only individual measurements dependent on location and motion. The concept of time near a black hole is also explored, where time would appear to slow down for an external observer as an object approaches the event horizon.

The Nature of Time and Consciousness

The issue questions whether time is a fundamental aspect of the universe or a construct of human consciousness. It suggests that if the universe is self-contained and has no boundaries, it may have no beginning or end, simply "IS." Therefore, time exists because humans perceive and measure the passage of their lives. Scientific theories are presented as mathematical models that exist in our minds, and the "reality" of time depends on which description is most useful.

Time in Living Beings

The magazine examines the concept of "time" for different living organisms. A dog's 15-year lifespan is compared to human years, with one dog year equivalent to five human years. A horse lives about 25 years. A specific insect, a "cachipolla" (a small insect living for one day), also experiences its own life cycle within its short existence. The article argues that for this insect, a longer-lived organism like the alerce tree (Fitzroya cupressoides), which can live for thousands of years, would appear eternal. This highlights that time is relative to the observer's lifespan and perception.

Time Travel: A Fascinating Proposal

The latter part of the magazine explores the idea of "Traveling in Time." It acknowledges that while initially considered outlandish, the concept is gaining traction due to advancements in quantum physics and our understanding of the universe. The article references the "Trojan Horse" best-seller and internet videos that have fueled speculation.

Several historical "anomalies" are presented as potential evidence of time travelers or advanced technology from the past:

1. Charles Chaplin Film (1928): A short film clip shows a woman walking with a device near her ear, interpreted by some as a mobile phone, suggesting she might be a time traveler.
2. 1938 Factory Video: A video from a Dupont factory in the USA shows a woman talking on a wireless device, speculated to be a prototype mobile phone or a time travel communication device. Her granddaughter, Gertrude Jones, claims her grandmother worked for Dupont and that they conducted experiments with wireless phones.
3. 1962 World Cup Photo: A photograph from the 1962 World Cup final in Chile shows a photographer with a device resembling a modern touchscreen mobile phone.
4. 1920 Russian Revolution Fresco: A fresco in the Moscow metro depicts a figure with what appears to be a mobile phone, a laptop, and an iPod.

While some explanations suggest these are misinterpretations or early prototypes of existing technology (e.g., Rolleiflex cameras, early radio equipment), the magazine leaves the possibility of time travel open for discussion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of time, its measurement, its subjective perception, and the speculative possibility of time travel. The magazine presents scientific theories, historical perspectives, and intriguing anecdotal evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, exploring complex scientific and philosophical concepts while acknowledging the speculative nature of some of the presented evidence. The inclusion of journalist Willy Wolf Cubillos's mention of government information concealment regarding unidentified phenomena suggests a broader interest in mysteries and potential cover-ups.

This issue of Revista OVNI, identified by page number 21, focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and their impact. The cover story, "THE FOOTBALL MATCH THAT WAS SUSPENDED BY A UFO PHENOMENON," highlights a mysterious event from Italian football history. The magazine delves into two primary cases: a football match in Italy and a sighting in Chile, presenting witness accounts and investigative analyses.

The Football Match Suspended by a UFO Phenomenon

The article details an incident on October 27, 1954, during a reserve championship match between Fiorentina and Pistoiese at the Stadio Comunale in Florence, Italy. Approximately 10,000 spectators witnessed the event. At 2:20 PM, more than 20 unidentified flying objects appeared in the sky, moving at high speed from northwest to southeast. Witnesses described some objects as having the appearance of eagle wings, others as teardrop-shaped, and some as flat, white, and brilliant discs. The referee was forced to stop the match due to a loud humming sound. The phenomenon lasted for 11 minutes, during which the UFOs performed acrobatic maneuvers and moved in a zig-zag pattern.

Following the sighting, the stadium was covered for over half an hour by a peculiar, sticky substance described as 'snow.' An engineering student collected a sample, and Professor Canneri's spectroscopic analysis revealed it was composed mainly of boron and silicon. While some biologists suggested it was spider silk from a migratory arachnid, or chemical residues from textile processes, the explanation for its concentrated fall in one spot remained unclear.

Player Gigi Boni recalled the incredible spectacle, describing the objects as moving rapidly and then stopping, appearing elongated. He believed they were extraterrestrial. Ardico Magnini, a legendary Fiorentina player, remembered the event vividly, describing an egg-shaped object moving slowly and a silver-colored brightness descending from the sky, leaving everyone astonished.

Another player, Tuci, expressed his fortune in witnessing the event, stating that it was real and that the objects came from another galaxy.

The Case of the Flying Little Men of Maipú

This section details a sighting in Chile in the summer of 1998, specifically on January 31, 1998, during a child's birthday party in Maipú. While the father was filming the celebration, observers alerted him to what appeared to be paracaidists in the sky. The father filmed these figures, which initially seemed to be paracaidists but then stopped falling and began to move horizontally without visible propulsion. They remained suspended in the air in a formation of about six to seven large, elongated objects, maintaining a vertical position relative to the ground and never changing their angle. They floated without ascending or descending, maintaining a constant speed for over 15 minutes as they moved towards the coast.

Video Analysis

The video was analyzed by Chile's official UFO investigation entity, the Committee for the Study of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena (CEFAA), which is part of the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC). Eugenio Fourt, an audiovisual producer and UFO image analysis advisor for CEFAA, was involved in the analysis. The analysis revealed the presence of spheres floating around the main objects, in various positions and not seemingly related to the objects' placement, yet remaining in their vicinity.

Possible Explanations and Controversy in the U.S.

Besides CEFAA, the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS) in the United States and the University of Santiago in Chile also analyzed the footage. The University of Santiago suggested the objects could be wind-blown trash bags, an explanation Fourt found unlikely due to the objects' consistent shape and movement, unlike variable trash bags. He initially considered humanoid-shaped balloons used for advertising or celebrations, but investigations confirmed no such events were occurring nearby.

Eugenio Fourt expressed skepticism about NIDS's explanation, which arrived after a 30-day delay. NIDS suggested the objects were small paragliders attached to a ground vehicle, like a tricycle or infant car. However, Fourt pointed out that these paragliders operate at a maximum of 30 meters, while the observed objects were at over 500 meters.

Regarding the spheres, NIDS initially did not mention them in their report, later attributing them to tape flaws. Fourt, an expert in video analysis, argued that analog video tape flaws typically appear as horizontal lines or image jumps, not distinct spheres that remain in position regardless of camera movement. He accused NIDS of inventing an image to falsify information and suggested they might have found something they didn't want to disclose.

Fourt believes that while most cases are explainable, a small percentage are genuinely strange and difficult to determine. He suspects many cases result from human-made objects, secret weapons, or natural phenomena.

Other Flying Little Men in the World

The magazine includes images of similar sightings from Mexico City (March 5, 2000) and Cuernavaca, Morelos (February 2000), as well as from Mexico City (June 17, 2005) and other locations. The text notes that two of the photos are from military experimentation that began in the 1960s, involving individuals flying independently for short periods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, UFO sightings, and related investigations. It presents witness testimonies, expert analyses, and discusses the challenges and controversies surrounding these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and different viewpoints while acknowledging the difficulty in definitively explaining many cases. There is a critical perspective on official explanations, particularly from U.S. organizations, suggesting a potential for withheld information or attempts to downplay the phenomena. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and the ongoing quest for understanding.

This issue of "El Keltehue" magazine, dated August 2007, focuses on anomalous aerial phenomena and UFO-related topics, with a strong emphasis on events in Chile. The cover story highlights the "Winter Activity of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena" in Angol, Chile.

Angol: A Hub for Anomalous Aerial Phenomena

The magazine details a significant wave of anomalous aerial phenomena in Angol, Chile, starting in November 1999. This event was observed by thousands of residents and even captured by local television. The author, Raúl Gajardo Leopold, along with his late companion Ulises Benavides Vega, has dedicated years to observing these phenomena, cataloging various types of luminous objects, including 'explorers,' 'accelerated' objects, and 'squadrons.' These objects are described with remarkable speeds and behaviors, suggesting advanced technology far beyond human capabilities. The author recounts personal experiences, including instances where his shouts caused UFOs to change direction, demonstrating an intelligence that surpasses human technology.

Notable Cases and Investigations

The issue delves into specific cases and investigations:

The Juan Maldonado Case

Eugenio Bahamonde, an internationally recognized ufologist from Magallanes, Chile, discusses his extensive research, particularly the famous Juan Maldonado case. He shares his personal journey into ufology, starting with a sighting in 1954. Bahamonde highlights his past radio program, "El Club de lo Desconocido," which brought him national recognition. He also mentions upcoming projects, including a documentary on the Juan Maldonado case and a reedited book, "Contacto en Río de los Ciervos."

The 'Martian Jawbone'

A detailed account is given of the 'Martian Jawbone' case, involving John K. Mosgrove, a prosthetist who was tasked with replicating a mysterious mandible. The jawbone, described as belonging to a non-carnivorous being, has led to speculation about its extraterrestrial origin, with some linking it to the Roswell incident.

Nelson Gutiérrez Gutiérrez and CIO

Nelson Gutiérrez Gutiérrez, Director of Investigation for Corporación CIO, is featured discussing his work on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). He is preparing for a conference on "humanoid bodies," focusing on the La Noria specimen. Gutiérrez emphasizes the importance of field research and uncovering details not typically presented to the public.

Other Features

• Nessie, Lakes, and Seisms: The article explores the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and a theory by geologist Luigi Piccardi suggesting a link between Nessie sightings and seismic activity in the Loch Ness area and other lakes like Banyolas in Spain.
• Letters from Readers: The "Letters from Our Readers" section includes correspondence from José Cáceres Tapia, Álvaro Quezada, and an anonymous reader, discussing topics ranging from agricultural work to personal UFO experiences and the perceived decline in media coverage of abductions.
• Conference Announcement: A conference titled "Contacto OVNI" (UFO Contact) is announced, to be held at Hacienda Santa Martina, featuring speakers like Nelson Gutiérrez Gutiérrez, Enrique Sepúlveda Sariego, and Rodrigo Bravo Garrido.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a focus on UFO sightings, extraterrestrial encounters, and related mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to consider phenomena beyond conventional scientific explanations. There is a clear interest in historical cases and the personal experiences of witnesses and researchers. The magazine also promotes a sense of community among those interested in these topics, as seen in the "Letters from Our Readers" section and the tribute to Ulises Benavides Vega.

Title: NOUFA
Issue: 24
Page Number: 41
Language: Spanish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of NOUFA, number 24, features a prominent cover section titled "HUMOR UFOLOGICO" accompanied by a surreal, cartoonish illustration of individuals observing a UFO through a telescope. The page also includes the number "41" in a blue circle.

Sección de Opinión (Opinion Section)

The "Sección de Opinión" (Opinion Section) delves into the recent emergence of a new wave of skeptics. The author, Pedro Rivas Roth, observes that these skeptics are united, possibly with an atheist organization, and have gained media attention. He notes that they represent a significant shift from what he terms "sensationalist ufologists" or those with an "exaggerated ego" from previous eras.

Rivas Roth contrasts this new generation with figures like Sergio Sánchez and Diego Zuñiga from "La Nave de los locos," describing the new skeptics as strong, unafraid of the media, and even possessing a sense of humor. This is presented as a stark difference from the past, when older skeptics allegedly mocked and criticized national ufologists. The author concludes with the adage, "Never spit into the sky, you might get dirty yourself," implying that the current skeptical movement's strength means one should be cautious in their criticism.

Collaborators

The issue also lists a comprehensive roster of collaborators for this number, under the heading "NOUFA Nº 24 COLABORADORES DE ESTE NÚMERO." The list includes:

Willy Wolf Cubillos
Raúl Gajardo Leopold
Raúl Gajardo Jr
Sandra Cárcamo
Pedro Rivas Roth
Willy Pine
Jesús Rodriguez
José A. Caravaca
Javier Belmar
Sigrid Gröthe
Ramón Navia-Osorio
Sergio Alcayaga
Rubén Hernández
Nelson Gutiérrez
Eugenio Bahamonde
Sergio Piña
Juan Guillermo Prado
Luis Altamirano
Ignacio Valdés Mellado
David Álvarez

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to cover ufology and related phenomena. The "Opinion Section" suggests an editorial stance that acknowledges the evolving nature of skepticism and its impact on the field of ufology, while also reflecting on historical dynamics between skeptics and proponents. The inclusion of "Humor Ufologico" indicates a potential for a lighter, more satirical approach to the subject matter alongside serious discussion.