Ovnis - Un desafio a la ciencia - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNIS
Subtitle: UN DESAFIO A LA CIENCIA (A Challenge to Science)
Issue: Nro. 8
Date: September 1975
Publisher: Órgano del Círculo Argentino de Investigaciones Ufológicas (C.A.D.I.U.)

This issue of OVNIS magazine, a monthly publication from Argentina, delves into several intriguing cases within the field of ufology. The cover prominently features a striking illustration of a car under a sky with a silhouetted flying saucer, accompanied by headlines highlighting a "Terrifying Teleportation Episode" and reports of a "Presumed Humanoid in Tandil?" and "Notable Photographic Testimony of a UFO in Oregon."

Editorial: A Year of Work

The editorial reflects on the magazine's first year of publication, acknowledging the challenges faced, particularly the variability of printing costs. The editor expresses gratitude to the loyal readership, which has been instrumental in overcoming these difficulties. The editorial emphasizes a commitment to improving technical and documentary aspects while maintaining a journalistic style that appeals to serious analysts of the UFO phenomenon. It notes that while the magazine has received praise, it has also faced criticism, both of which are valued for deepening the understanding of the socio-psychological aspects of UFO beliefs, such as culturalization, adherence to myths, and the pursuit of notoriety. The editorial calls for a demythification of the phenomenon, advocating for a scientific approach based on empirical data and modern information treatment techniques, moving away from gratuitous speculation. It highlights the growing scientific relevance of UFO phenomena and the positive reception by the Latin American public, indicating a maturity in the approach to the subject.

Key Articles and Investigations

The Brunelli-Porchietto Incident: A Teleportation?

This extensive article, authored by Dr. Oscar A. Galíndez, details a perplexing incident involving two Argentinian men, Atilio Brunelli and Severino Porchietto, on July 16, 1972. The two protagonists, who were returning from a social gathering in Balnearia to Córdoba, reported an experience that suggests temporal reduction or teleportation. They claim to have covered the 185 km distance in approximately one hour, a journey that normally takes significantly longer. The incident began around 3:10 a.m. after they left Balnearia. Shortly after passing Arroyito, they witnessed a bright flash of white light and then observed a series of rectangular lights on the left side of the road, resembling a stationary train. The lights were described as soft orange and appeared to belong to a structure about 50 meters long. The witnesses noted that the structure's contours were indistinct due to the darkness, but the lights were unusual, not square like typical train windows, but rectangular and approximately 3 meters high by 0.70 meters wide. They also observed that the train appeared to be about 50 meters from the road, whereas the actual railway tracks were only 10 meters away.

Following this observation, the witnesses experienced a curious lack of memory for a significant portion of their journey. They failed to recall passing through several towns, including Tránsito, Santiago Temple, Río Primero, and Piquillín, a stretch of approximately 81 km. This memory gap, coupled with the perceived rapid travel time, forms the core of the "teleportation" hypothesis. Further corroboration comes from the vehicle's fuel consumption, which was significantly lower than expected for the distance covered. Atilio Brunelli also reported experiencing a localized tingling sensation and numbness in his right lumbar area for several days after the incident.

The article also includes comparative cases, such as the "Cuesta de las Vacas" incident in San Juan (July 7, 1968) and the "Colonia Helalcó" incident in Santiago del Estero (early July 1972), both involving observations of train-like objects. The magazine's investigation into the National Railway confirmed that no trains were operating on the relevant route at the time of the Brunelli-Porchietto sighting, further questioning the conventional explanation.

Other Mentions:

• Presunto Humanoide en Tandil? (Presumed Humanoid in Tandil?): This title suggests an article or report about a potential humanoid sighting in Tandil, Argentina.
• Notable Testimonio Fotográfico de un OVNI en Oregon (Notable Photographic Testimony of a UFO in Oregon): This indicates a feature on photographic evidence of a UFO sighting in Oregon, USA.

Comparative Cases

The "Train" of Cuesta de las Vacas (San Juan)

On July 7, 1968, Francisco Zamora and his family reported seeing a train-like object, about 30 meters long, suspended about a meter above the ground in a plain area where no railway tracks were visible. The object had illuminated windows and moved slowly.

The "Train" of Colonia Helalcó (Santiago del Estero)

In early July 1972, Emilio Albaire witnessed a large, elongated object, similar to a train with illuminated windows, land in the woods about a kilometer away. The object was described as approximately 50 meters long and emitted a blinding light.

Subscription Information

Page 2 provides detailed information on how to subscribe to "OVNIS - Un Desafío a la Ciencia." It outlines the benefits of subscribing, including guaranteed receipt of each issue, early delivery, and a 15% discount on bibliographic material from CADIU. Subscription rates are provided for Argentina and international destinations, with options for simple printed and certified airmail delivery. The procedure for subscribing involves sending a check or postal/bank order to CADIU in Córdoba, Argentina.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, including UFO sightings, potential humanoid encounters, and the highly unusual phenomenon of apparent temporal reduction or teleportation. The editorial stance, as articulated in the "Editorial" section, is one of rigorous, scientific inquiry. It advocates for the demythification of UFO reports, a focus on empirical data, and the application of scientific methods to the study of these phenomena, rejecting sensationalism and unfounded speculation. The magazine positions itself as a platform for serious investigation, aiming to provide a platform for open-minded yet critical analysis of UFO reports.

This issue of OVNIS, dated May-June 1972, focuses on compelling aerial phenomena, with a prominent feature on 'The Surprising Photo of Oregon' and other significant sightings from Argentina and Turkey. The magazine, published by C.A.D.I.U., presents detailed accounts, witness testimonies, and technical analyses.

Case 1: The 'Train' of Lavalle, Argentina

On Saturday, July 8, 1972, Carlos Altamirano, along with two companions, witnessed an unusual phenomenon near Lavalle, Santiago del Estero, Argentina. Shortly after 11:00 p.m., they observed a sphere of fire, described as the size of a football, explode before touching the ground. Later, around 11:45 p.m., near Colonia Achalco, they saw an object described as 'a train among the trees.' This object, approximately 50 meters long, had verdant windows the height of a common door and was stopped on the ground. The witnesses, impressed and somewhat frightened, accelerated their vehicle to leave the area. They noted the absence of any nearby settlements or electricity, ruling out conventional light sources.

Case 2: The Surprising Photo of Oregon

This article, by Adrian Vance, details an extraordinary event from November 22, 1966, near Williamette Pass, Oregon, USA. A biochemist, who wishes to remain anonymous, was photographing a mountain when an object appeared. He instinctively took a picture, but the phenomenon vanished as quickly as it appeared. This photograph is presented as concrete proof that an object can disappear and reappear in another location. The witness is one of millions who have reported seeing UFOs in the US, but one of a very small number to have photographed one.

The analysis of the photograph, conducted by Idabel Epperson of NICAP, involved examining the negative, camera, and correspondence. The article explains the mathematical formula used to determine object size and distance based on the image captured by the camera and its focal length. The initial analysis suggested the object was approximately 600 feet away, with a diameter of about 25 feet. However, the witness later discovered a clearing about 300 feet away, leading to a revised estimate of the object's diameter at around 22.3 feet (approximately 6.70 meters).

The technical analysis also explored the discrepancy between what the witness saw and what the photograph recorded. It suggests that the human eye, with its visual cycle, perceives events differently than a camera, which records fixed images. The camera's shutter speed, estimated to be around 1/30th of a second due to a malfunction, played a role in the photographic evidence. The analysis concluded that the object's appearance and disappearance were not instantaneous, and it moved in a sequence of positions, changing apparent size and possibly volume.

Case 3: A Dozen UFOs Over Turkey

Reported by Ergun Arikdal, this observation occurred on July 7, 1963, at 9:20 p.m. local time, from a sixth-floor building overlooking the Sea of Marmara and the Princes' Islands. Two witnesses, Naime Suar and Nazire Kutsal, initially saw three objects, which later increased to twelve, flying in formation. The objects were described as silvery in moonlight and metallic gray in darkness. Their upper parts were hemispherical, and the lower parts conical, surrounded by a whitish vapor ring resembling Saturn's rings. One object was particularly noted for its clear ring.

The witnesses reported that the objects were initially camouflaged by masses of cloud-like material. Later, three more objects arrived from the east, appearing as small clouds. These objects projected round shadows on the ground. They eventually separated and flew towards the Princes' Islands. The objects were observed to accelerate rapidly, first at the speed of helicopters, then faster, disappearing towards the Sea of Marmara. The witnesses estimated their distance at nine to ten kilometers and their altitude at four to five kilometers. The apparent size of the closest object was estimated at just over a meter, but later comparisons to the dome of the Hagia Sophia suggested a much larger size, possibly around 150 meters in diameter. The objects were silent and not luminous. Later that night, four luminous orange objects were seen stationary at a considerable height. Similar sightings occurred a few days later, but subsequently, only two stars were observed.

Other Sections

Bibliographical Citations

The issue includes extensive bibliographical references related to parapsychological and ufological aspects of teleportation, citing various articles from publications like Fate and Flying Saucer Review, as well as books by authors such as N. Fodor, Ivan I. Sanderson, M. K. Jessup, G. Creighton, and O. A. Galíndez.

Errata

An errata section addresses several technical deficiencies in a previous issue (No. 7), including incorrect measurements in a figure, inverted photographs, and blurred numerical and annual values on a graph.

"El Testimonio del Lector" Section

A new permanent section is announced, dedicated to publishing reader-submitted UFO accounts, emphasizing the need for detailed data and encouraging the submission of drawings and photographs.

Special Edition Announcement

C.A.D.I.U. announces a special, limited edition consolidating the first five issues of 'OVNIS - Un Desafío a la Ciencia,' to be released with issue number 9.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of OVNIS strongly emphasizes the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. It presents detailed case studies with witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and technical analyses, aiming to move beyond mere speculation. The magazine highlights the importance of rigorous examination, as seen in the detailed breakdown of the Oregon photograph. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to understand these phenomena through scientific methods and critical evaluation, while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the potential for misinterpretation. The inclusion of bibliographical references and technical discussions underscores a commitment to a more academic approach to ufology.

This issue of OVNIS magazine, identified as number 29, features a cover story with the headline "La máquina reposaba sobre un tren de aterrizaje...?" accompanied by a photograph of a machine taken near Genoa, Italy, in June 1973. The magazine is dedicated to the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena and related topics.

Detailed Content Analysis

Witness Investigation Questionnaire (16.03 - 17.17)

The magazine presents a comprehensive questionnaire (numbered 16.03 to 17.17) designed for UFO witnesses. It aims to collect detailed information about observed phenomena, including:

• Object Description: Shape, size, apparent movement (e.g., respiratory), general proportions, and details about the occupants (skin, hair).
• Occupant Appearance: Whether they wore special equipment (helmets, inhalers, suits).
• Witness Awareness: If the occupants noticed the witness, under what conditions, and their reactions.
• Occupant Behavior: How they behaved during the observation, whether they carried objects, and their type.
• Environmental Effects: Any collection of vegetation, disappearance of animals or persons.
• Gestures and Communication: Whether occupants made gestures, their nature, and if they emitted sounds or odors. It also inquires about comprehensible words, communication methods (oral or telepathic), and attempts at friendly contact.
• Hostility: Whether there was hostility from the occupants or the witness, and the reasons for it.
• Direct Contact: If the witness claims direct contact with occupants and received a message.
• Non-Human Morphology: If non-human beings were observed, with a request for descriptions and behavior.

Post-Observation Analysis (18.01 - 18.06)

This section focuses on the analysis of evidence gathered after an observation:

• Photography: Inquires about the existence of photographs taken during the observation, requesting details about the number of photos and conditions. It also asks for technical details of the film (type, sensitivity, expiration date) and the camera (make, lens, settings like speed, aperture, exposure time, distance).
• Developing Process: Seeks information about the developing specialist, materials used, and the process itself.
• Photographer Identification: Asks for the name and address of the witness who took the photograph.
• Expert Examination: Inquires if the photograph has been examined by a specialist and what the conclusions were. If not, it encourages the witness to seek such an examination.

Sample Collection and Medical/Official Reports (18.07 - 18.08)

• Sample Analysis: If samples were collected and analyzed, details about their nature, the laboratory, and conclusions are requested. If not, it suggests careful collection and submission for analysis, along with official reports.
• Medical Reports: Requests any relevant medical reports.
• Official Reports: Asks for reports from gendarmerie, police, military, or fire departments. It advises approaching these authorities with courtesy and emphasizing the seriousness of the investigation.

Meteorological and Astronomical Data (18.10 - 18.13)

• Meteorological Stations: Inquires about reports from meteorological stations regarding weather balloons, wind speed, and climatic conditions.
• Observatories: Seeks information from observatories about satellite passes, meteorite falls, etc.
• Aeronautical/Electrical Bases: Requests reports from aeronautical bases and power plants.
• Astronomical Data: Advises consulting astronomical yearbooks to verify the presence and position of celestial bodies (Moon, Venus, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter) to rule out misidentifications.

Complementary Information (19.01 - 19.04)

This section aims to understand the witness's background and context:

• Witness's Life: Inquires about the witness's livelihood to understand their psychological environment.
• Previous Sightings: Asks if the witness has had prior sightings and the circumstances.
• UFO Knowledge: Assesses the witness's familiarity with the UFO phenomenon, their reading material, and when they consumed it relative to the observation.
• Beliefs: Asks about the witness's opinion on extraterrestrial life and parallel worlds.

Witness Opinions and Social Context (19.05 - 19.09)

• Interpretation of Sighting: Seeks the witness's opinion on what they saw.
• Discussions: Inquires if the witness has discussed the UFO problem or their observation with others, and the circumstances.
• Health Conditions: Asks about any illnesses the witness may suffer from (myopia, color blindness, diplopia, epilepsy, incurable diseases).
• Previous Interviews: Asks if the witness has been interviewed by other investigators and for which organization.
• Known Witnesses: Inquires if the witness knows any acquaintances who have also made UFO observations, requesting names and addresses.

Authorization (20. AUTORIZACION)

This section provides four formulas for witnesses to authorize the publication of their accounts. These formulas range from full publication with names and addresses (Formula 1) to complete anonymity (Formula 4), with intermediate options for using initials or only the city of residence. It is noted that if a case is already public knowledge, the group reserves the right to publish it.

Recommended Reading and Resources

• "Fenómenos Aéreos Inusuales - Cuadro General de Observaciones de Ovni en la Argentina": This book by Roberto E. Banchs is highly recommended. It is described as an exceptional compilation of documentary work, providing a detailed chronology of national UFO cases from 1943 to 1971, with appendices on Chilean and Uruguayan cases. It can be ordered from CEFAI in Buenos Aires.
• Grupo SOBEPS: Mentioned in relation to the magazine's work, likely a Belgian UFO research group.

Letters to the Editor (Correo del Lector)

• Raúl A. Herrero (Luján, Mendoza, Argentina): Congratulates the magazine for its serious approach to UFOs and requests information on important UFO episodes in Mendoza province, including dates and times.
• Response: The magazine directs him to the "Catálogo Preliminar de Manifestaciones Argentinas del Tipo I" by Professor Oscar A. Uriondo for Type I phenomena and recommends Roberto E. Banchs' "Fenómenos Aéreos Inusuales" for a global overview of Mendoza UFO phenomena.

• Andrés Orlof (Capital Federal, Argentina): Praises the magazine's efforts in investigating the unknown and its comprehensive analysis of UFO cases. He suggests future articles on the Piri Reis map, the Calingasta petroglyphs, the Sanavirones culture, the Vilegas-Peccinetti case, and the "Puspaka" aerial chariot from "El Ramayama."
• Response: The magazine acknowledges his appreciation and emphasizes that the publication's success is due to the collective effort of collaborators and readers. It addresses his suggestion about archaeological revisionism, stating that they plan to publish an article by René Fouéré titled "La Arqueología Ficción" which critiques the superficiality of those who link ancient artifacts to space travelers.

• Jorge Alberto Orellana (Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina): Asks for clarification on the subcategories of Type I phenomena discussed in a previous article (issue #2, pp. 35-37) and the sources used for the list of 165 episodes. He also requests the address of Professor Oscar A. Uriondo.
• Response: The magazine refers him back to issue #1 for the initial explanation of the classification phases and to issue #2 for the list of episodes. It explains that the time data in the list was standardized to a common time zone (4 hours west of Greenwich) for methodological reasons. The sources are detailed in the "Catálogo Preliminar" by Professor Uriondo, which the magazine's processing is based upon.

• Alberto Chiarelli (Aristóbulo del Valle, Argentina): Inquires about a discrepancy in the hourly data for specific cases (Nros. 98, 101, 103, 104, 107, 161) between issue #2 (pp. 36-37) and issue #6 (pp. 14-15), noting a 60-minute difference.
• Response: The magazine clarifies that the catalog by Professor Uriondo respects the local time of the sighting, while the list in issue #2 standardizes the times to a common time zone (4 hours west of Greenwich) for methodological consistency in evaluating Argentine UFO cases.

"Bolsa de Pedidos" (Mailbag/Requests)

This section lists requests for correspondence and information exchange from various individuals and groups interested in UFO phenomena:

• CAUCE (Centro Aficionado a la Ufología y Civilizaciones Extraterrestres), Antofagasta, Chile: Seeks correspondence with groups and individuals for information on UFO phenomena.
• Héctor Rodolfo Barone, Bahía Blanca, Argentina: Seeks correspondence with Spanish-speaking individuals and groups for material exchange on UFOs.
• GEIDOA (Grupo de Estudio e Investigación de Ovnilogía y Arqueología), Buenos Aires, Argentina: Aims to build a network of national and foreign correspondents for information on UFO phenomena.
• Alberto Marcelo Avaca, Córdoba, Argentina: Seeks contact with analysts and investigative centers in Argentina and Spanish-speaking countries for information exchange.
• CIFEX (Centro de Investigación sobre Fenómenos de Inteligencia Extraterrestre), Buenos Aires, Argentina: Seeks new collaborating members from within Argentina and abroad.
• Ricardo J. Belasio, Buenos Aires, Argentina: A student seeking to exchange criteria and documentation on the UFO phenomenon.
• Gastón Martelli, Mar del Plata, Argentina: An analyst seeking contact with witnesses of UFO episodes in Argentina.
• Ricardo Mario Amé, Capital Federal, Argentina: A small research group seeking contact with young people from the interior of the country for epistolary exchange on UFOs, requesting data on sightings.
• Ricardo Jovié, Buenos Aires, Argentina: A UFO enthusiast seeking photographic material for audiovisual presentations and requesting advice or collaboration.

"Las Constancias Horarias del Tipo I" (Hourly Records of Type I)

This section addresses Alberto Chiarelli's query about time discrepancies in Type I cases, reiterating the explanation that the magazine uses a standardized time zone for its processed lists, differing from the original local times recorded in the catalog.

"Las Fotografías de la Contratapa" (Back Cover Photographs)

This section describes two photographs on the back cover, taken around 5:30 PM on May 16, 1953, by Hermanne Chermanne near La Blanche Borne, Belgium. The photos depict a bright, haloed object with white particles, emitting a smoke trail. The object was observed to move with a curious rotating motion, sometimes appearing oval and other times round. It hovered for about 20 seconds before accelerating and disappearing silently. The phenomenon was also witnessed by Roger Michel. The camera used was a "Linhof Technika" with 9x12 glass plates, Gevaert Geva-pan 33 film.

"Ahora en Edición de Bolsillo" (Now in Pocket Edition)

This section announces the pocket edition of a special issue of "Flying Saucer Review" (British) titled "The Humanoids." It is described as the first global compilation and evaluation of humanoid phenomena, with contributions from notable figures like Aimé Michel, Jacques Vallée, Gordon Creighton, Antonio Ribera, Coral Lorenzen, W.T. Powers, Donald B. Hardon, and Charles Bowen. The price is 45 pence, and orders can be placed with Futura Publications Ltd. in London.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes a scientific and rigorous approach to UFO investigation. It promotes detailed data collection through questionnaires, encourages the analysis of photographic and physical evidence, and advocates for cross-referencing observations with known astronomical and meteorological data. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to demystify the phenomenon while maintaining a critical perspective, particularly regarding speculative claims in areas like archaeological revisionism. The magazine actively fosters a community of researchers and witnesses through its "Bolsa de Pedidos" and "Correo del Lector" sections, encouraging collaboration and information exchange.