Ovnis - Un desafio a la ciencia - No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNIS
Subtitle: UN DESAFIO A LA CIENCIA (A Challenge to Science)
Issue: No. 3
Volume: Año I (Year I)
Date: Septiembre - Octubre 1974
Publisher: Círculo Argentino de Investigaciones (C.A.D.I.U.)
Country: Córdoba, Argentina
Price: $ 8,00 (Argentinian Pesos)
Cover Headline: EXCLUSIVO: HUMANUIDES EN CORDOBA (Exclusive: Humanoids in Cordoba)

This issue of OVNIS magazine, published by the Argentine Circle of Investigations (C.A.D.I.U.), presents itself as a scientific challenge to the established understanding of UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features a stylized illustration of a humanoid figure and announces an exclusive report on humanoids sighted in Cordoba, Argentina.

Editorial: "Perspectivas Investigativas"

The editorial reflects on the death of Dr. Edward Uhler Condon on March 25, 1974. Dr. Condon was a prominent physicist and director of the controversial University of Colorado study on UFOs, which concluded in 1968 with a report largely dismissive of the phenomenon. The editorial argues that despite Condon's passing and the perceived attempt to discredit UFO research through his report, the scientific community is increasingly recognizing the reality of anomalous phenomena. It cites the work of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, whose book "The UFO Experience: A Scientific Enquiry" has reportedly bolstered the need for serious scientific study of UFOs. The editorial concludes with a poignant statement: "Peace to his ashes. But UFOs have not died."

Theoretical Article: "Los Ovnis: ¿Generadores Volantes de Laser?"

Authored by Dr. Bernard E. Finch, a British ufologist and medical doctor, this article explores a theoretical explanation for UFO propulsion. Dr. Finch posits that UFOs might function as flying laser generators. He draws parallels between the pressure of light (photons) and its effects on matter, citing experiments with light pressure and the capabilities of laser technology. The article details how lasers can levitate small spheres and suggests that a sufficiently powerful laser, miniaturized and incorporated into a disc-shaped craft, could maintain stationary flight. Furthermore, it discusses how lasers can ionize air, creating an "electric wind" and generating significant kinetic energy. Dr. Finch hypothesizes that UFOs could utilize this laser technology for propulsion and potentially for fusion energy generation, stabilized by gyroscopic rotation and powered by ambient electrostatic energy or chemical batteries.

Investigative Guide: "Guía del Encuestador"

This section, translated from French by Dr. Oscar A. Galindez, provides a detailed guide for UFO investigators, compiled by the SOBEPS (Belgian Society for the Study of Space Phenomena). It emphasizes the importance of immediate investigation of UFO sightings to preserve witness memory. Key recommendations for interviewers include:

• Allowing the witness to speak freely without interruption.
• Maintaining neutrality and avoiding leading questions.
• Conducting interviews at the observation site if possible.
• Interviewing multiple witnesses separately to avoid contamination of testimonies.
• Using a team of two interviewers for thoroughness, but with one designated lead interviewer.
• Comparing testimonies later to identify new facts.
• Understanding the witness's social context.
• Considering the use of magnetic tape recording, though acknowledging its limitations.
• The work of an investigator is voluntary and unpaid.

The guide also lists essential materials for investigators, ranging from basic stationery to more specialized equipment like measuring tools, cameras, and even Geiger counters.

Case Study: "El Supuesto Contacto Hickson - Parker"

This article, by Jacques Scorneaux, details the alleged encounter of Charles Hickson and Calvin R. Parker in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in October 1973. The two men, described as credible and sober, reported seeing a circular UFO with red lights that caused their vehicle's systems to fail. They then described encountering three "pale and reddish" humanoid beings who levitated them into the craft. While Parker has fragmented memories of the interior, Hickson reported a white luminescence, instruments, and being observed by an electronic apparatus. The beings reportedly returned them to their original location without harm. The article notes that both men were subjected to hypnotic regression by Dr. James Harder and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who concluded that the witnesses were sincere and had likely encountered something "not of this Earth."

Other Content

• "Fenómenos Luminosos": Briefly describes sightings of luminous, pulsating objects in Mississippi.
• "La Regresión Hipnótica": Discusses the hypnotic sessions conducted on Hickson and Parker, highlighting the investigators' belief in their sincerity.
• "El Detector de Mentiras": Mentions that Hickson and Parker voluntarily took a lie detector test, which they passed, though the article cautions that this only confirms their belief, not objective truth.
• "Bolsa de Pedidos": A section for readers to exchange information, books, and contact other researchers.
• Bibliographical Citations: Lists sources for the articles, including newspapers and other ufological publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific approach to UFO research, challenging skepticism and advocating for open-minded investigation. There is a clear stance against the dismissal of UFO phenomena, as exemplified by the critique of the Condon Report. The publication aims to provide detailed case studies, theoretical possibilities, and practical guidance for researchers, fostering a community dedicated to understanding these unexplained events. The editorial tone is serious and investigative, seeking to legitimize ufology as a field of study.

This issue of OVNIS magazine, volume 14, issue 17, dated March 1973, focuses on the phenomenon of UFO occupants. The cover headline, "OCCUPANTS: REALITY OR FANTASY? A psychiatric study," sets the tone for an in-depth exploration of alleged alien encounters.

Article 1: Pascagoula Incident Analysis

The first section discusses the Pascagoula incident, where witnesses Hickson and Parker reported an encounter with beings described as having crab-like claws. The article notes the unusual nature of the occupants' ability to float and move rapidly, drawing parallels to other reported levitation cases. It questions whether the entities were biological or robotic, citing their rigid movements and a possible humming sound as evidence for the latter. The author also touches upon the possibility of the "Kappas," a Japanese legend of beings with palm-like hands and three-fingered claws, having a connection to the Pascagoula phenomenon.

Article 2: Psychiatric Study of UFO Occupants

Authored by Dr. Berthold Schwarz, a psychiatrist and American ufologist, this section presents a psychiatric examination of UFO witness Frances Stichler. The article highlights the importance of medical and psychiatric evaluation in UFO research, cautioning against premature dismissal of witness accounts. Dr. Schwarz details Stichler's sighting of a UFO and its occupant in Milford, Pennsylvania, in 1957. He describes the object as disc-shaped and the occupant as an 18-year-old male with a grey uniform and helmet. The examination of Stichler, conducted years after the event, found no evidence of mental illness or deception, suggesting her account was rational and convincing.

Case Study: Frances Stichler

Frances Stichler, a 62-year-old woman, reported seeing a UFO hovering about 15 feet above her barn. She described the occupant as a man with a calm, intrigued expression, whose skin was sun-tanned. The object emitted a humming sound and moved away rapidly. Stichler's account was initially met with skepticism by her friends, but her rational thoughts during and after the event provided convincing evidence of its reality.

Medical and Psychiatric Context

The article references previous work by psychiatrists like Joost A. M. Meerloo and researchers like Sydney Walker, emphasizing the need for a scientific approach to UFO reports. It criticizes the tendency to ridicule or censor witnesses, stating that such attitudes are harmful and obstructive to obtaining factual information.

Article 3: Biometric Data in 19 UFO Occupant Cases

Authored by Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos, this section analyzes biometric data from 19 UFO occupant cases, primarily from Spain and Portugal. The study aims to provide a methodical exposition of the morphological aspects and behavior of alleged alien entities, as well as the characteristics of the UFOs involved.

Data from Spain and Portugal

The author presents a catalog of 19 cases, detailing dates, times, and locations of alleged UFO landings and occupant sightings. The data suggests a peak in sightings during the 1968-1969 period, with a notable absence of occupant reports after February 1969. However, this does not indicate a decline in UFO activity, as numerous landing-only cases were reported in subsequent years.

Morphology of UFO Occupants

Analysis of the 15 cases providing height estimates reveals two main groups: occupants shorter than normal (up to 1.50m) and those of comparable height to humans. The study also notes that most reports involve multiple entities rather than a single one, with "several" occupants being the most common perception.

Behavior of Alleged Occupants

The behavior of the occupants is categorized into three types: moving towards the object, remaining near the object without remarkable action, or attempting to contact the witness or exhibit the object. The author finds it difficult to discern a logical or purposeful behavior, suggesting it might be "stupid" or contradictory.

UFO Characteristics

Table IV details the characteristics of the UFOs, with a strong predominance of circular shapes (13 circular, 3 ovoid, 3 hemispherical). The dimensions of these objects are also analyzed, with an average ratio between the major and minor axes of approximately 1.7.

Article 4: The Machines (UFOs)

This section focuses on the physical characteristics of the UFOs themselves, as described in the reports. The data indicates a significant prevalence of circular shapes, including round, ovoid, and hemispherical forms. The dimensions of these craft are also presented, with an analysis of the ratio between their major and minor axes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO occupants, their physical characteristics, behavior, and potential origins (biological, robotic, or even folkloric). The magazine adopts a serious, analytical approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging scientific investigation and cautioning against prejudice. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to gather and analyze data to better understand these unexplained events. The inclusion of psychiatric evaluations and statistical analysis underscores a commitment to a rigorous, albeit speculative, exploration of the subject matter.

This issue of OVNIS, identified as Volume 'NOTA II' and issue number 19, published in February 1972, focuses on two primary case studies: 'LOS FENOMENOS ANTROPOMORFOS DE SANTA ISABEL' by Dr. Oscar A. Galindez, and 'OVNI DESCIENDE EN DELPHOS' by Ted Phillips, translated from an FSR article.

'LOS FENOMENOS ANTROPOMORFOS DE SANTA ISABEL' by Dr. Oscar A. Galindez

This section details two encounters with anthropomorphic entities in Santa Isabel, Córdoba, Argentina.

First Phenomenon (September 21, 1972)

The first incident involved Teodoro Merlo, a security guard at the Ika-Renault plant. While entering a locker room, he saw a person sitting on a washbasin. The light in the room, which he had previously turned off, suddenly illuminated the area, revealing the figure. When Merlo approached, the figure vanished. He found no trace of anyone having been in the room, and he was the only one with keys to the two doors.

The figure was described as approximately 2.40 meters tall, with its right arm touching its nose and its left arm resting on the edge of the washbasin. Its right leg was extended, and the left was bent, with the foot on the ground. The entity wore a dark blue, matte, tight-fitting garment. Its face and hands were very white, like plaster. It had a large, rounded skull, no hair, a wide, flat chin, and long, pointed ears that did not extend above the head. The eyes were slanted horizontally and described as bright, like yellow light bulbs. It had no eyelids, eyelashes, or eyebrows. The mouth was a thin, straight line, and the nose was perfectly formed without flesh, appearing modeled. The witness felt the entity did not seem alive but mechanical.

Second Phenomenon (September 27, 1972)

This case involves Enrique Moreno, a 19-year-old employee at the Ika-Renault plant. He reported an encounter that is considered by the author to be one of the most significant in Argentine Ufology.

Moreno's account details several unusual occurrences:

• Initial Event: While on duty at 10:30 p.m., the fluorescent lights in the main office flickered on and off three times. He also heard a turbine-like noise.
• Visual Encounter: While on his motorcycle, Moreno saw a greenish-blue figure moving heavily about 100 meters away. It appeared to be a person, but its size was disproportionate. As he approached, the figure turned its torso and arms towards him, moving as if inanimate. His motorcycle's engine sputtered, and the vehicle slowed down inexplicably.
• Entity Description: The entity was athletic, over two meters tall (estimated 2.30-2.40 m), with an angular face, white or very light green color, and a large, rounded skull. It had no hair, ears that extended past the skull, bright yellow, horizontal eyes without eyelids or eyebrows, a thin mouth, and a perfect nasal pyramid. It gave the impression of being a mechanical robot. It wore a full-body, blue-green suit that appeared plastic and luminescent, with a wide, silver belt and a small pouch on the right side.
• Observed Effects: As Moreno approached, he experienced a high-pitched buzzing in his ears, a tingling sensation throughout his body, and a spastic paralysis of his limbs (except his head). The area around the phenomenon was very hot, and there was a smell of burnt oil. He also felt dryness in his mouth, nausea, and pain in his neck, arms, and back. His vision burned, and he experienced intermittent tearing for three days.
• Post-Encounter: Moreno's motorcycle suddenly accelerated, taking him back to the guardhouse at high speed. He reported that his watch was 17 minutes behind the actual time, suggesting a temporal anomaly. The guardhouse personnel found no trace of the entity or any unusual environmental conditions.
• Physical Traces: Behind the chassis where the entity was seen, two rectangular footprints (0.20 x 0.40 m) were found in the ground, which was warm. The footprints showed a 2 cm depression, and the soil contained luminescent particles resembling mica.
• Medical and Psychological Impact: Moreno was taken to the company clinic, where his blood pressure dropped to 7, and he lost consciousness. He later experienced a state of semi-consciousness, recalling fragmented words and numbers related to coordinates and navigation. A psychometrist, Enrique Marchesini, noted that Moreno had suffered a severe nervous shock from a singular experience and recommended rest.
• Comparison with other cases: Moreno found no similarities with the Villa Santina case (related to lips) but noted some resemblance in ear shape with the Hopkinsville case. He found a surprising correspondence between the Santa Isabel entity and photos of 'moais' from Easter Island.

Analysis of Effects

The author discusses the electromagnetic effects on Moreno's motorcycle, suggesting that the phenomenon might have ionized the air, contrary to some scientific studies. The sudden acceleration of the motorcycle and the normalization of its engine after passing the hangar entrance are also analyzed, with the possibility that the building materials acted as insulators. The simultaneous activation and deactivation of fluorescent lights suggest a high dose of ambient electricity.

'OVNI DESCIENDE EN DELPHOS' by Ted Phillips

This section, translated from FSR, details a UFO sighting in Delphos, Kansas, on November 2, 1971.

Summary of Note I (November 2, 1971)

At 7 p.m., Ronald Johnson observed a luminous, slightly aboved-shaped object hovering 30 cm above the ground on his parents' farm near Delphos. The object ascended with a sound similar to a jet plane. His parents also witnessed the light as it moved away. The object left a 2.40-meter diameter, phosphorescent ring-shaped imprint on the ground, which was dry despite recent rain. The press and police confirmed the mark's existence.

VI. INVESTIGATION IN SITU (December 4, 1971)

Dr. J. Allen Hynek provided details of the observation. The author and his team visited the Johnson farm, located about 11 miles north of Minneapolis. The temperature was 37ºF, and snow was melting, creating a muddy area.

• Witnesses: Ronald Johnson and his father, Durel Johnson, were interviewed. They described themselves as typical Midwestern residents, calm and interested in the event. Ronald had read about UFOs but wasn't particularly optimistic about seeing one. Durel and his wife saw the luminous object in the sky.
• Site Description: The area was muddy, with a fallen tree, a shed, a corral, and a witness location marked on a diagram. The wind direction was also noted.
• Analysis: The witnesses were not significantly altered by the experience but were intrigued by the UFO and the mark it left. They provided details about the object's appearance and the subsequent imprint.

GRUPOS UFOLOGICOS ARGENTINOS

This section lists several Argentine UFO research groups:

• CIOVNI (Comisión de Investigación de Objetos Voladores No Identificados): Founded in 1958, with key personnel listed.
• CIFEX (Centro de Investigación sobre Fenómenos de Inteligencia Extraterrestre): A private, non-profit entity focused on investigating and disseminating information about non-terrestrial intelligence phenomena.
• CIDEA (Centro de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Espacial Argentino): Founded in 1966, dedicated to the theoretical and practical study of space technology and UFO phenomena. Key members are listed, and it's noted that the organization is self-funded.
• SIFE (Sociedad Investigadora de Fenómenos Espaciales): A private organization studying UFO phenomena, publishing a periodic bulletin.
• CORBE (Comisión Rastreadora de Bases Extraterrestres): An entity focused on searching for anomalous phenomena potentially linked to extraterrestrial intelligence, publishing a periodic magazine.
• CIFO (Circulo de Investigadores del Fenómeno Ovni): A private, non-profit group dedicated to the integral study of UFO phenomena.

CIDEA Research Activities

This section details the experimental work of CIDEA, focusing on rocket launches:

• Early Stages: Initial studies with 'Mercurio I, II, III' rockets to test aerodynamic designs, with unsatisfactory results.
• 1969: Experiments with 'Saturno CI, CII, CIII' rockets for biological capsules and propulsion, and tests with 'El Angel del Espacio 01' rockets, also unsatisfactory.
• Late 1970 - Early 1971: Development of rockets like 'X-1', 'Alpha I, II, III', and 'Halley I, II' to address aerodynamic and thermodynamic problems, achieving excellent results.
• June 13, 1971: 'Halley III' rocket launched to 1,200 meters, carrying the first living being, a rat named Julieta I.
• November 7, 1971: 'Orion CII' rocket reached 2,280 meters, carrying rat Julieta II.
• Late 1971: Further advancements with 'X-2, X-3, X-4, X5, X-6' using new propellants.
• June 10, 1972: 'X-7' rocket broke the sound barrier, reaching 4,485 meters.
• Two-stage rockets: Development of 'Fobos' series (five launches), 'Wiking', and 'Vulcano' for atmospheric studies.
• June 15, 1974: 'Orion CII' launched carrying a rat named Romeo I for studies on cardiac cycles and physiological parameters.

CIDEA presented its findings at a seminar in Córdoba in July 1972. The group receives no external funding and is supported by its members. Future plans include launching a mono-rocket to 25,000 meters.

Bibliography

A list of 8 references is provided, primarily from FSR (Flying Saucer Review) and other UFO-related publications, focusing on entities, humanoids, and UFO occupants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents detailed case studies of UFO sightings and encounters, with a strong emphasis on witness testimony, physical evidence (such as ground traces), and the physiological and psychological effects on witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into anomalous phenomena, encouraging scientific analysis and the compilation of data. The inclusion of various Argentine UFO research groups suggests a focus on local contributions to the field. The magazine also highlights the challenges in interpreting these phenomena, as noted in the epilogue's discussion of the difficulty in establishing clear typologies and the potential for misinterpretation of 'intelligence' in UFO events.

This issue of OVNIS (issue 29) focuses on the investigation of a UFO landing trace in Delphos, Kansas, USA, which occurred on November 2, 1971. The article details the site investigation, witness testimonies, and scientific analysis of the evidence, comparing it to other similar cases.

Investigation of the Delphos Landing Site

The investigation began with a detailed examination of the landing site, approximately 75 meters north of the Johnson farm. The site, a field devoid of plants, featured a distinct ring. Even 32 days after the event, the ring was clearly delineated by unmelted snow. The soil within the ring was dry and a light brown, contrasting sharply with the black, wet soil surrounding it. When water was poured onto the ring's soil, it was not absorbed, indicating a significant difference from the surrounding earth. This was particularly noteworthy given that considerable rain and snow had fallen between the event date and the investigation date.

The Ring and Soil Characteristics

Removing snow from a section of the ring revealed dry soil with a high concentration of a white substance, not present in the central or outer parts of the ring. The soil within the ring remained dry to a depth of 35 cm, while the soil outside the ring was dark and moist up to 20 cm. Experiments confirmed that plants attempting to grow within the ring were stunted and deformed. Laboratory analysis of the soil from the ring indicated it had been subjected to extreme temperatures (approximately 750°F or 400°C), rendering it impermeable. Comparative analysis showed higher levels of calcium (912 vs. 2400), iron (6.8 vs. 28), manganese (5.2 vs. 56), and zinc (0.18 vs. 20) in the ring soil compared to the normal soil. Similar findings of a white powder and high calcium carbonate content were noted in Argentine cases.

Site Description and Physical Evidence

The site itself was located about 75 meters north of the farm. Near the center of the ring, a small shed was noted, along with a wooden fence and a corral. A dry tree, located about 4.80 meters from the ring's center, showed signs of having been broken, possibly by the descending object. The broken section suggested the tree might have been pushed towards the ring. Other nearby trees also showed signs of potential impact or proximity to the object's flight path. A broken branch on one tree, about 3.30 meters from the ring's center, had a cut diameter of 7 cm and was located at a height of 2.40 meters from the ground.

Witness Testimonies

The Johnson Family

Durel Johnson and his son Ronnie, along with the journalist Taddia Smith, visited the site on the night of the observation. They described the ring as brilliant and the surrounding area as completely dark, creating an unreal sensation. Mrs. Johnson later reported that the ground within the ring felt strange and smooth, not hot, immediately after the object ascended. She experienced numbness in her fingers and legs for over two weeks, which she attributed to the encounter.

Police and Media Confirmation

Ralph Enlow, Chief of Police of Otawa County, Kansas, provided signed testimonies confirming the sincerity and accuracy of the information provided by the witnesses, including Durel Johnson and Lester Ernsbarger. Journalist Taddia Smith of the "Delphos Republican" also visited the site on November 3, 1971, took photographs, and collected branches, corroborating the initial report.

Supplementary Reports

Elton Smith reported seeing a streak of light descending towards the area of Delphos around 18:20 on November 2, 1971, which he initially thought might be a meteor. Lester Ernsbarger observed a bright light in the sky near Delphos around 19:30 on the same evening. While these observations are not direct confirmations of the Delphos object, they suggest a possible aerial phenomenon in the vicinity.

Comparison with Other Cases

The article compares the Delphos case to several other reported landing traces from the OVNIS archive:

• Case P.T. 099 (Cañada de Alzogaray, Argentina, January 1963): Two scorched ring marks, 30 cm wide and 3.30 meters in diameter, were found. The grass and roots were burned to a depth of 10 cm, suggesting temperatures above 2000°C. A white powder was found in the rings. A witness reported seeing an oval object descend at low speed.
• Case P.T. 090 (Standoff, Alberta, Canada, May 1968): Two oval scorched areas were found. The larger circle, 2.70 meters in diameter and 19 cm thick, had soil burned to a depth of 90 cm. The grass grew back thicker and greener in the area the following year.
• Case P.T. 226 (Boggabri, Australia, October 1970): Unusual tracks were found in clay soil, including a central hole (11 cm diameter, 40 cm deep) with hardened inner walls, suggesting intense heat. Compressed rings and white incrustations were also present.
• Case P.T. 357 (Waihoke, New Zealand, January 1965): A circle of 2.40 meters in diameter and 30 cm wide appeared in a muddy field. The area was porous, and the circle reappeared after rain. The grass did not grow in the ring for a considerable time.

Another Argentine case, from the Provincial Neuropsychiatric Hospital of Mendoza (July 22, 1968), is also mentioned for its similarities, including witness descriptions of the object's shape (like a mushroom), sound (strong humming), and luminosity (constant brightness).

Scientific Analysis and Conclusions

Subsequent analysis of soil samples from the Delphos ring, conducted by the University of Buenos Aires and reported in the French magazine "Lumiéres dans la Nuit", confirmed the presence of a high percentage of calcium carbonate and a remnant of potassium carbonate. The extreme dryness and impermeability of the soil were attributed to high temperatures. The article concludes that the Delphos case is a significant example of an unusual phenomenon reported by many people on various occasions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the importance of physical evidence, such as landing traces, and corroborating witness testimonies. The detailed comparison with international cases suggests a pattern of similar phenomena occurring globally. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and open-mindedness towards unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting scientific analysis alongside anecdotal evidence. The magazine aims to document and analyze these events, seeking to understand their nature and origin.