Ovnis - Un desafio a la ciencia - No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNIS
Subtitle: UN DESAFIO A LA CIENCIA (A Challenge to Science)
Issue: Nº 4
Volume: AÑO I (Year 1)
Date: NOVIEMBRE - DICIEMBRE 1974
Publisher: ORGANO DEL CIRCULO ARGENTINO DE INVESTIGACIONES UFOLOGICAS (C.A.D.I.U.)
Country: CORDOBA (Argentina)
Price: $ 800

This issue of OVNIS magazine, a publication of the Argentine Circle of Ufological Investigations, presents a deep dive into significant UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on cases from Argentina. The cover highlights three key stories: a potential UFO-caused blackout in Córdoba, a concentration of UFOs in Tucumán, and mysterious beings entering the Santa Isabel plant.

Editorial: LA PRUEBA FOTOGRAFICA (Photographic Evidence)

The editorial, written by the Director, Dr. Oscar A. Galindez, critically examines the reliability of photographic evidence in UFO research. It quotes Mr. Ralph Rankow of NICAP, who acknowledges that photographic evidence, no matter how clear, cannot be accepted as proof without a trusted witness, as photos can be faked. The editorial expresses reluctance to publish such evidence without thorough technical analysis of the negatives and a credible witness. It argues that promoting photographic evidence without caution can harm serious research by casting doubt on the entire phenomenon. The piece suggests that more solid evidence, such as physical evidence, warrants deeper investigation. It also touches upon potential scientific advancements, like the use of high-precision tracking networks and specialized equipment (diffraction gratings, polarized celluloid) to study UFOs, referencing suggestions by D. Herbison Evans and W. T. Powers. The editorial concludes by emphasizing the need for scientific caution and restraint when dealing with photographic evidence.

Key Articles and Features

I. TRANCAS, COMO CARTABON DEL ANALISIS COMPARADO (Trancas, as a Basis for Comparative Analysis)

This section introduces the Trancas case as a significant incident that supports the reality of anomalous phenomena due to its testimonial plurality, witness quality, duration, and subsequent physical evidence. It aligns with Captain Edward Ruppelt's definition of 'classic' UFO cases, which are often distorted by writers but are considered real by intelligence specialists. The article notes that many such cases were ignored by the University of Colorado's Condon Committee, suggesting a different panorama might have emerged if comparative analysis had been included.

II. EL RELATO (The Account)

This section presents the firsthand account of Yolié del Valle Moreno de Colotti, one of the witnesses to the Trancas event. The incident occurred on October 21, 1963, at the 'Santa Teresa' farm in Tucumán. Yolié, a cultured individual with a background in public relations, recounts how the farm's power was out, necessitating the use of lanterns. Around 9:30 PM, the domestic worker, Dora Martina Guzmán, reported seeing lights in the yard. Yolié and her sister Yolanda investigated but saw nothing initially. The lights reappeared, and Dora Martina became increasingly frightened. The sisters and Dora then went to the patio and observed two luminous beams connected by a bright extension, resembling a tube about 100 meters long, near the railway tracks. Approximately forty human-like silhouettes were seen moving within this 'tube'.

III. SILUETAS ANTROPOMORFAS (Anthropomorphic Silhouettes)

The witnesses observed these silhouettes moving within the luminous 'tube'. They initially considered the possibility of a train derailment or sabotage. The silhouettes appeared to have human profiles and normal human size, moving within the beam. The witnesses decided to approach the railway line for investigation.

IV. OBJETOS NO CONVENCIONALES (Unconventional Objects)

While preparing to investigate, Argentina Moreno de Chavez, another sister, went to the adjacent gallery and saw strange 'apparatuses' near the house, letting out a cry and running back in panic. She described them as 'ships'. Her parents were awakened by the commotion. Yolié, Yolanda, and Dora Martina went towards the railway line. They noticed a faint greenish light near the farm gate. As Yolié shone a flashlight, six windows of a strange disc-shaped object, about 8-10 meters in diameter, became visible. The object was suspended about 8 meters above the ground.

V. FRENTE A LO INSOLITO (Facing the Unprecedented)

The object was described as metallic, with a domed top and casquettes. It emitted a powerful white light from its rectangular windows, obscuring the interior. A white mist emanated from the object's lower part, hiding its base. The object balanced but did not rotate. Inside, a luminous 'serpentine' began to rotate, causing the windows to change colors from pink/red to orange, creating a sense of circulation. A soft humming sound accompanied these movements. The mist thickened, emitting a penetrating odor, like sulfur. The entire event lasted less than 30 seconds. A sudden flash from the object threw the witnesses to the ground, causing them to retreat into the house. Dora Martina suffered burns.

VI. HACES COHERENTES DE LUZ (Coherent Light Beams)

As the internal serpentine rotated faster, the object became covered by mist and appeared as an orange cloud. From the upper part of the object, a 3-meter beam of light extended, meticulously tracing the house's features. Other objects, similar in appearance but larger, were seen suspended near the railway line. The area was brightly illuminated, allowing for clear observation. Two compact beams emerged from one object ('d') and moved towards a shed 50 meters away, where a tractor was stored. They remained there for about 30 minutes. The oil stains on the shed's structure were later found to have disappeared.

VII. DESCRIPCION DE LOS HACES (Description of the Beams)

When the beams from object 'd' advanced, Yolié went towards the right side of the house (Sector 'B'). The beams moved towards a shed 50 meters away. The objects, about 3 meters in diameter, hovered 10 cm above the ground, appearing perfectly cylindrical. They emitted no vapor or sound. The beams were described as having a strong, penetrating odor, like sulfur. The witnesses were thrown to the ground by a sudden flash. The beams were white and perfectly cylindrical, with no dispersion. They moved towards the house. Other luminous beams advanced from other objects towards the farm's vicinity. The 'tube' connecting objects 'b' and 'c' had disappeared, and the human-like shadows were gone. These objects were now directing compact beams towards the house.

VIII. VARIACION TERMICA (Thermal Variation)

The temperature inside the house rose to 40°C, significantly higher than the usual 16°C. The children were sweating profusely. The area around the finca was illuminated as if it were daytime, though the source of the light was unclear. The editorial speculates that the beams passing through walls might explain the interior illumination, referencing Jean Goupil's theory of channeled magnetic fields creating toroidal discharges. The mother of the witnesses saw a fleeting shadow through a window, but was unsure if it was real or a product of her emotional state.

IX. COMPROBACIONES (Corroborations)

Several details after the incident lend credence to the event:

a) A dense, sulfurous mist remained suspended for four hours after the objects disappeared. The mist produced a strong sulfurous odor.
b) In the area where the object 'f' hovered, a circle of 2 to 10 meters in diameter contained numerous 1 cm white spheres. Similar spheres were found near the railway line. Analysis by Walter Gonzalo Tell from the University of Tucumán revealed these spheres to be 96.48% calcium carbonate and 3.51% potassium carbonate.
c) The family dogs, usually very brave, did not bark during the event and appeared stunned afterward.
d) The pea plants in the area where the spheres were found dried up days later, and regrowth was stunted even with fertilizers.
e) Neighbor Francisco Tropiano, who lives about 100 meters away, did not see the objects but observed an orange glow persisting for thirty minutes behind the Medina mountain range. He had been asleep but noted the unusual light.
f) Farm foreman José Acosta, living about 100 meters to the west, asked about the fire in the field, having seen it illuminated towards the east. He also observed numerous objects evolving towards the west for a long time, which were not visible from the main house due to intervening trees.
g) Dr. René Vera, a doctor at the Trancas Hospital, reported seeing a fleet of 40 to 50 luminous bodies moving from west to east at low altitude, impregnating the air with a sulfurous smell, causing her to nearly lose consciousness.
h) Yolié Moreno suggested the objects might be terrestrial technology due to visible rivets and human-like shadows, finding comfort in the idea that they were not extraterrestrial intelligences.

X. APLICACION DE LA UFOLOGIA COMPARADA EN EL CASO DE TRANCAS (Application of Comparative Ufology to the Trancas Case)

This section draws parallels between the Trancas incident and other ufological theories and cases:

a) SERPENTINA (Serpentine): The description of the serpentine light beam is linked to Wilbert Smith's 'magnetic sink' hypothesis, involving a rotating conductive ring. The light effects are attributed to the ring's rotation or corona discharge. Smith theorized that the color of the light (pink, red, orange, yellow) would change with the speed of rotation. The Trancas incident's light variations (pinkish-red to orange) align with this theory, though the faster phases (yellow, reddish-white) were not observed.
b) AZUFRE (Sulfur): The presence of a sulfurous odor is noted as being commonly associated with UFO landings. Several other Argentine cases are cited:
- Villa Constitución, Santa Fe (September 11, 1967): Witnesses reported a luminous object, a sulfurous smell, and a 3-meter diameter patch of dried grass with parallel tracks.
- Lavalle, Mendoza (July 18, 1968): Witnesses observed an oval, red-orange object moving slowly near the ground, preceded by a strong smell of humidity (ozone?) that caused dizziness.
- El Sauce, Mendoza (July 22, 1968): A nurse reported a large, aluminum-colored, top-shaped object with square windows, emitting luminosity that caused a burning sensation and temporary paralysis. The object ascended and disappeared.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OVNIS strongly advocates for a scientific and critical approach to ufology. The editorial emphasizes the unreliability of photographic evidence without corroborating witness testimony and rigorous analysis. The detailed account of the Trancas incident, supported by multiple witnesses and physical evidence, serves as a prime example of a significant UFO event. The magazine also explores comparative ufology, linking specific phenomena (like light beams and sulfurous odors) to established theories and other documented cases. The recurring theme is the pursuit of verifiable evidence and the cautious interpretation of anomalous aerial phenomena, distinguishing between sensationalism and genuine scientific inquiry. The publication aims to provide detailed information and analysis to its readers, encouraging them to challenge conventional scientific views on UFOs.

This issue of OVNIS magazine, identified as number 15 and dated November 1974, is published by CADIU in Argentina. The cover prominently features the headline "APAGON EN CORDOBA: treinta minutos para un misterio" (Blackout in Córdoba: thirty minutes for a mystery) and an aerial photograph of a power generation plant.

Investigations into Coherent Light Beams

The magazine presents several detailed case studies involving "coherent light beams" or "tubes of light," comparing them to the Trancas incident. These cases span various locations and dates:

• Trancas, Argentina: The issue revisits the Trancas incident, noting the presence of a carbonated residue and linking it to potential ozone emissions rather than sulfur. The author suggests that the phenomenon might be electrical in nature, possibly involving electrical energy in its development.
• La Reducción, Tucumán, Argentina (December 18, 1969): An agriculturist reported seeing a 70-meter-long cigar-shaped UFO hovering horizontally for 20 minutes, leaving scorched eucalyptus leaves and an odor of sulfur or burnt gunpowder.
• Das Hochfeld, Schirmeck, France (May 6, 1967): The Schirrmann family witnessed a series of objects, followed by a large, dark, lenticular object (15-20 meters in diameter) that projected a compact, white-yellowish beam of light towards their kitchen window. This was followed by two other beams of blue and green-mauve colors, forming a luminous trapezoid on the ground. The object then moved north and disappeared. Radar detected an unconventional object between 8 PM and 10 PM.
• Oka, Canada (August 29, 1967): The young Yvan Guindon, along with his sisters, observed a luminous object hovering about 50 meters from their house, about 5-6 meters above the ground. It had a whitish upper part and red, orange, and yellow lights on its periphery. A bright, cylindrical beam of light emerged from its lower part, scanning the ground and window. Later, a luminous projection from the top of the vehicle expanded vertically to 12 meters, forming a transparent, bell-shaped wall covering an 80-meter diameter area on the ground. The object then ascended and disappeared. The phenomenon lasted from 11:10 PM to 11:25 PM.
• Boyup Brook, Australia (Late October 1967): Mr. A. R. Spargo was driving when his vehicle was illuminated by a light beam originating from an object about 30 meters above the ground. The beam, described as a hollow tube between 60 cm and 1 meter in diameter, focused on Spargo's vehicle for about 5 minutes before disappearing.
• Villiers-en-Morvan, France (August 31, 1968): Marius Carré and Paul Billard observed a rhomboidal white spot on a hill. A luminous tube emerged from it, extending 2 kilometers to hover over bushes about 30-40 meters away. The tube, 1-2 meters in diameter, exhibited a shimmering, web-like structure and seemed to study the men and their tractor. The phenomenon lasted 30-45 minutes.
• Mendoza, Argentina (September 1, 1968): Five entities entered a flying object through a compact beam of light inclined at a 45° angle to the ground. The beam retracted, and the object ascended.

The article compares these cases, noting similarities in the coherent nature of the light, the slow movement of the beams, the reaction of domestic animals, and the presence of a humming sound. Differences are noted in the thickness and color of the light beams.

Investigation Methodology: The Interviewer's Guide

Pages 5-8 provide a detailed "Guide for the Interviewer" (GUIA DEL ENCUESTADOR), translated from French by Dr. Oscar A. Galindez. This guide is intended for researchers investigating UFO phenomena and emphasizes the importance of thoroughness, clarity, and objectivity. It outlines a comprehensive questionnaire covering:

• Witness Identification: Personal details, profession, education, military service, and interest in UFOs.
• Phenomenon Location in Time: Precise date and time, with methods for approximating these details if exact recall is difficult.
• Phenomenon Location in Space: Exact geographical location, city population, province, country, and coordinates if possible.
• Nature of the Location: Description of the site (urban, rural, mountainous, etc.), natural and artificial obstacles, proximity to infrastructure (power lines, roads, airports), and industrial or mining activities.
• Conditions of Observation: Whether the witness was alone or in a group, direction of observation, number of witnesses and their positions, witness's physical state (inside/outside, moving/stationary), and details about any vehicles involved (type, speed, modifications).
• Witness's State: Information about the witness's recent food and drink intake, sleep patterns, visual or auditory defects, and exposure to environmental conditions.
• Meteorological Conditions: Cloud cover, wind, temperature, and general weather conditions.
• Nature of the Sky: Position of the sun or moon during the observation, visibility of stars.
• Other Material Conditions of Observation: Whether the observation was with the naked eye or aided by instruments (binoculars, telescopes, etc.), and any potential distortions from viewing through glass or other surfaces. It also asks about changes in observation conditions during the phenomenon and any obstacles that facilitated or hindered the observation.

The guide stresses the importance of recording observations as accurately as possible, ideally immediately after the event, and suggests using direct quotes from witnesses to enhance authenticity in confidential reports, while advising against overly literal transcriptions in published articles to maintain reader engagement.

Power Outage in Córdoba: A Thirty-Minute Mystery

Pages 9-10 detail the "APAGON EN CORDOBA" incident that occurred on October 16, 1974, at approximately 10:07 PM. The lights in Córdoba city and numerous departments of the interior of the province gradually dimmed and then extinguished for several seconds before returning thirty minutes later. Technicians from the Provincial Energy Company of Córdoba (E.P.E.C.) studied the phenomenon and concluded that an "unknown cause" had originated the blackout. CADIU conducted its own investigation, with valuable collaboration from Néstor Boetsch. The analysis discusses the interconnected electrical system of the province, including simple and double-circuit lines, and the protective systems in place. It lists common causes for electrical service problems, such as atmospheric phenomena, foreign objects on transmission lines, line falls, and short circuits, as well as less common causes like sabotage or falling trees. The article includes a map of the basic power grid of Córdoba province, highlighting the areas affected by the blackout.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly those involving coherent light beams, and the analysis of unusual events like widespread power outages. The magazine strongly advocates for a rigorous, scientific approach to ufology, emphasizing systematic data collection, comparative analysis of cases, and objective reporting. The "Guide for the Interviewer" underscores this commitment to methodological rigor. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while maintaining a critical and analytical perspective, as evidenced by the critique of the Condon Committee's approach.

Notable Quote

"No dudamos que los integrantes del Comité deColorado son relevantes personalidades en sus respectivas especialidades, pero algunos demostraron ser grandes profanos en ufología, en donde carecieron por completo de autoridad."

FAQ

• What is the main focus of OVNIS Magazine Issue 15? Issue 15 of OVNIS Magazine focuses on various UFO and UAP phenomena, including detailed case studies of coherent light beams and an investigation into a mysterious power outage in Córdoba, Argentina.
• What types of phenomena are discussed in the magazine? The magazine discusses phenomena such as cigar-shaped UFOs, lenticular objects, coherent light beams projected from objects, and unexplained power outages.
• What is the significance of the Córdoba power outage discussed? The power outage in Córdoba, Argentina, on October 16, 1974, lasted for thirty minutes and was attributed to an unknown cause, making it a subject of investigation for its potential connection to unexplained phenomena.
• What methodology does the magazine advocate for UFO research? The magazine advocates for systematic investigation, comparative analysis, and detailed interviewing of witnesses, providing a comprehensive questionnaire for interviewers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly those involving coherent light beams, and the analysis of unusual events like widespread power outages. The magazine strongly advocates for a rigorous, scientific approach to ufology, emphasizing systematic data collection, comparative analysis of cases, and objective reporting. The "Guide for the Interviewer" underscores this commitment to methodological rigor. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, while maintaining a critical and analytical perspective, as evidenced by the critique of the Condon Committee's approach.

This issue of OVNIS magazine, dated November 1968, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, primarily from Argentina and Canada. The cover features an illustration of a flying object with detailed labels for its components and dimensions.

Casuistic Section

The magazine presents several case studies of UFO sightings and landings:

Case A-1 36 (140): San Francisco, Argentina (October 1968)

A witness observed a slow-moving, sustentacled object that disappeared among trees. Later, two conical objects appeared, performing unusual maneuvers and landing several times, producing intense flashes. The area became covered in fog.

Case 38 (148): Correa, Santa Fe, Argentina (October 1968)

A farmer discovered a large circle in the grass next to a paralyzed calf. The following day, nine more perfect circles were found, with diameters ranging from 5 to 12 meters. Giant mushrooms grew on the circumference of these circles. Neighbors reported seeing intense lights and glows in the area prior to the discovery.

Case 39 (151): Necochea, Buenos Aires, Argentina (November 1968)

A civil pilot landing his plane at the aeroclub noticed a large circle in the grass, which was populated by eight giant mushrooms. The ground within the circle was calcinated, and the earth was 0.60 meters deep. Earlier, luminous flashes had been observed.

Case A-1 35 (139): Coronel Vidal, Buenos Aires, Argentina (November 1968)

Residents found strange circles, 8 meters in diameter, impressed in the grass, with large mushrooms on their borders. The grass had a different color, and the earth appeared calcinated. Luminous flashes were observed earlier.

Case 41 (153): Near Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina (November 1968)

A farm owner discovered a scorched grass ring, 8 meters in diameter, with 14 mushrooms along its perimeter. A branch and a cow bone found nearby showed signs of intense caloric radiation.

Case 42 (154): Villa Ernestina, Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, Argentina (January 1969)

Two young people witnessed a metallic, lenticular flying object with a protruding top land near a balneario. The object hovered briefly before rapidly ascending and disappearing.

Case 43 (157): Monte de Henrich, Olavarría, Buenos Aires, Argentina (June 1969)

Three witnesses observed three red lights approaching them from a distance. The lights then flew towards the witnesses' location, hovering at about 15 meters altitude before disappearing. A fourth, larger light was then seen ascending vertically.

Case 44 (162): La Picada, Tafi Viejo, Tucumán, Argentina (January 1971)

A farm manager and his nephew observed a disk-shaped object with a red underside and an aluminum top. The object, approximately 3 meters in diameter and 1 meter high, hovered at 30 meters altitude before descending behind some corn stalks. It then emitted a loud whistling sound and sped away. A two-year-old limosnero plant was found dried up at the landing site.

Humanoids in Canada! (Rosedale, Alberta, Canada - June 1971)

This article, translated from French, details an encounter by Esther Clappison and her brother Bill. They observed a rectangular luminous object descend near their home. The object's side opened, revealing three small humanoid figures (less than 1.50 meters tall) dressed in gray-green uniforms with hoods. One figure appeared to be operating a control panel, while another collected rock samples. The object left a rectangular imprint in the grass, measuring 6 meters long and very narrow, suggesting it was only partially off the road. The object's dimensions were estimated at 8 feet high (2.40 m) and 5 feet wide (1.50 m). The area is noted for its geological interest and fossils.

Statistical Analysis: Some Constants in Argentine Manifestations of Type I

Dr. Oscar A. Galindez presents a statistical analysis of UFO sightings in Argentina. He examines the distribution of observations by province and then by four climatic regions (Pampean, Subtropical, Semi-arid West, and Patagonian).

The analysis, presented in Table VI and VII, shows that the number of observations does not correlate directly with population density. Instead, the number of observations per 100,000 inhabitants increases with lower population density, particularly in the Patagonian region (Region D).

Dr. Galindez concludes that the tendency for these manifestations to increase in inverse proportion to population density supports the possibility that they are not purely psychological phenomena. He argues that if they were psychological, the observational indices would scale directly with population density.

Letters to the Editor

This section is deferred to the next issue due to space constraints.

Errata

An error in a previous article's biometric data table is corrected, specifically the order of cases 02 and 03.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OVNIS magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, physical traces, and potential humanoid encounters, emphasizing detailed case descriptions and eyewitness accounts. The inclusion of a statistical analysis by Dr. Galindez suggests an editorial stance that seeks to approach the phenomenon with a degree of scientific rigor, exploring patterns and attempting to rule out psychological explanations. The magazine appears committed to documenting a wide range of UFO-related events and providing a platform for discussion and analysis within the ufological community.