papers Quaderns de treball HISTORIA

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d'Ovnis - Quaderns de treball
Issue: 2
Date: Julio-diciembre 2008

This issue of 'Papers d'Ovnis' delves into the life and work of Carola Ramis, a prominent figure in Catalan ufology and parapsychology, alongside reporting on recent UFO sightings.

Carola Ramis: A Biographical Sketch

Early Life and Arrival in Barcelona

The issue begins by introducing Carola Ramis, born Charlotte Duschanek in Vienna on November 11, 1923. She arrived in Barcelona around 1942-1943 with the first wave of artists from "Los Vieneses," a company fleeing the Nazi regime in Austria. While her early years are not well-documented, it's known she married Andrés Ramis Vanrell, a lawyer and shipping executive. The documentary "El cas de la Charlotte Duschanek" by Televisió de Catalunya, which the CEI collaborated on, explored her story, sparked by photos and a passport found at an antique fair.

Social Life and Artistic Pursuits

Carola Ramis was active in Barcelona's social scene in the 1960s, appearing in society pages alongside prominent figures. After her husband's death in 1963, she continued to host events and engage in social activities. She also pursued artistic endeavors, including sculpture with repoussé tin decorated with semi-precious stones, and later, jewelry design, which she believed possessed magical properties.

Involvement with UFOs and Parapsychology

Carola Ramis became interested in UFOs, parapsychology, and occultism around 1969. She joined the CEI but left in July 1971 due to disagreements over the organization's research direction, preferring to focus on extraterrestrial contact. She was known for her strong convictions and her belief in telepathic communication with extraterrestrials from Ganymede. She participated in the II Catalan Convention of Symbology in 1973, discussing "Ufology or Golden Vibrations" and the concept of a "new era." Her work with psychophony, using a device created by Franz Seidl, was also a significant part of her activities.

Public Appearances and Media Presence

Ramis made several public appearances, including a talk at the II National Congress of Parapsychology in 1974, where she presented practical cases involving psychophony. She also contributed to the magazine Karma. 7, publishing translations and articles on topics such as the Katie King materialization, UFOs in the Balearic Islands, and psychic surgery. Her jewelry was featured in exhibitions and press articles, noted for its imaginative and baroque style with Austrian reminiscences.

Later Years and Legacy

In her later years, Carola Ramis's public activities diminished. She was last contacted in 1995 in Palma, where she still resided in an apartment. She passed away on May 30, 2006, after a period of illness that confined her to a chair. The article notes that while her interest in ufology was significant, her artistic talents were also a key aspect of her life.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Case from Extremadura (1982)

The issue details a sighting that occurred on December 24 or 25, 1982, in Extremadura, Spain. A couple driving on the BA 640 road towards the N430 reported seeing a powerful light, described as a disc or ball, that appeared to chase their car for approximately 60 kilometers. The witness account was collected in June 2008, 15 years after the event.

"On Sono els Ovnis? (II)" by Martí Flò

This section analyzes the decrease in reported UFO sightings in Spain in 2008 compared to 2007, with only 29 notices collected. The author questions whether this is due to a genuine decrease in activity or a lack of correspondents and investigators. Comparing Spain to Italy, which has a significantly higher number of reported sightings per square kilometer, Flò suggests that the issue might be more about how people perceive and report phenomena rather than the actual occurrence of UFOs. He advocates for creating a network of correspondents to clarify these doubts.

Granada: "City Open to UFOs"

An article by Philippe July from granadahoy.com reports on a gathering in Granada on July 7, an annual event organized by the group '7 del 7'. This group, active since the late 1970s, holds "ovnilogía" and "UFO alerts" with the postulate that "Granada is a city open to extraterrestrial friends." The event takes place at the Llano de la Perdiz, believed to be a site with strong telluric energy conducive to contact. While no definitive extraterrestrial phenomena were observed during this particular event, past sightings, including a notable orange light in 1993, are recalled.

"Cita con los Alienígenas" (Encounter with Aliens)

This piece from El Correo reports on a coordinated UFO alert event in Aznalcóllar, Seville, on June 28, 2008. Affectionados gathered to await potential extraterrestrial appearances. The event, part of a global alert, aimed to observe the sky for signs of alien life. The article humorously notes the challenges of expecting aliens to appear in Seville during summer and highlights the dedication of ufologists who use various tools like computers, night vision cameras, and telescopes.

Nocturnal Lights in Gran Canaria (2008)

Two articles from August 3, 2008, report on a phenomenon observed in Gran Canaria. The 112 emergency service received multiple calls about a powerful "celestial light" and a loud noise. Witnesses described seeing one or two incandescent balls leaving a trail in the sky. The IAC (Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias) suggested the event could have been a meteorite or bolide, though they had no direct knowledge of the sighting. The phenomenon's direction and the lack of similar sightings in Tenerife raised questions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Papers d'Ovnis' strongly emphasizes the personal experiences and beliefs of individuals involved in ufology and parapsychology, particularly Carola Ramis. It highlights the ongoing interest in UFO sightings and the efforts of various groups to investigate and document these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting reported events and personal accounts without necessarily endorsing them as definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation, while also acknowledging the subjective nature of such experiences. The inclusion of historical cases alongside contemporary reports suggests a commitment to chronicling the evolution of UFO research and belief systems.

This issue of "Papers d' Ovnis - Recull de premsa" (July-December 2008, No. 2) compiles articles and news reports related to UFO phenomena, government declassifications, and scientific investigations. The magazine features a mix of Spanish and international news, with a focus on recent developments and historical cases.

ELUDIR LAS SUPERCHERÍAS (Avoiding Hoaxes)

By Joseba Santamaria (Diario de Noticias, 27/05/2008)

This article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding UFO sightings. While acknowledging the scientific impossibility of ruling out extraterrestrial life, it highlights the lack of concrete evidence to support most UFO-related testimonies, alien contacts, abductions, and space travel theories. The author points to books that debunk common UFO myths, such as Ricardo Campo's "Los ovnis ¡vaya timo!" and Luis R. González's "Las abducciones ¡vaya timo!", suggesting that while the existence of other life forms is possible, hoaxes and sensationalism are prevalent in the field.

EL PULSO DE LA CIUDAD: EL PROGRESO AMENAZA AL ÚLTIMO MUIÑEIRO DE A CORUÑA (The Pulse of the City: Progress Threatens the Last Windmill of A Coruña)

By Pablo Portabales (La Voz de Galicia.es, 10/12/2008)

This piece recounts the experience of José Manuel, a resident of A Coruña, who discovered a strange anomaly in a photograph he took of a telephone tower. He describes it as a circular object with no discernible shape of an airplane, helicopter, or balloon, which appeared to radiate heat and have round windows. He plans to send the photos to the TV program "Cuarto Milenio" and speculates it could be a US project, rather than an extraterrestrial craft.

COMARCAS: UN ESTUDIO DE INTERIOR NIEGA LOS VUELOS DE AVIONETAS ANTITORMENTAS (Regions: An Interior Study Denies Flights of Anti-Storm Airplanes)

(La Mañana, 12-12-2008)

Carles Llussà, director of territorial services for the Departament d'Interior in Central Catalonia, announced that investigations have concluded there is no evidence of airplanes dispersing silver iodide to prevent storms in the Solsonès region. Mossos d'Esquadra conducted water analyses and identified some aircraft, but found no connection to cloud seeding. The investigation has been closed, though Llussà stated the issue would be revisited if necessary. Studies on cloud seeding have not been conclusive, and the efficacy of such chemical products remains unproven.

ESPAÑA DESCLASIFICÓ 75 EXPEDIENTES CON AVISTAMIENTOS DE OVNIS SIMILARES A LOS DE REINO UNIDO (Spain Declassified 75 UFO Sighting Files Similar to Those in the United Kingdom)

By EP. MADRID (ABC, Domingo, 26-10-08)

This article reports that Spain declassified 75 UFO case files between 1992 and 1997, totaling 1,900 pages and documenting 97 distinct incidents, some similar to those recently revealed in the UK. The files, originally from the Ministry of Defense, were transferred to the Air Force Historical Archive. One notable case detailed is from November 24, 1974, in Gran Canaria, where a bright white light was observed moving at high speed, and a military radar later detected an uncontrolled echo. Another incident involved an Iberia Fokker-27 aircraft encountering a powerful light near Las Palmas.

FENÓMENOS SIN EXPLICACIÓN: ¿OTRA VEZ LOS OVNIS? (Unexplained Phenomena: UFOs Again?)

By Manuel C. Cachafeiro (LA CRÓNICA, Domingo, 26-10-08)

This piece discusses the recent declassification of UFO-related incidents by the British Ministry of Defense, including a near-collision of an Alitalia plane with a UFO near Heathrow in 1991. It also mentions reports of three UFOs filmed in León, Spain. The article references a declassified Spanish Ministry of Defense document from 1968 concerning an incident in Puente Almuhey, León, detailing three alleged UFO sightings. The investigation concluded that insufficient data prevented definitive conclusions.

EXTRAÑOS AVISTAMIENTOS: EL GOBIERNO BRITÁNICO DESCLASIFICA DOCUMENTOS SOBRE OVNIS (Strange Sightings: The British Government Declassifies Documents on UFOs)

(elmundo.es Magazine, No. 452, Domingo 25 de mayo de 2008)

This article highlights the UK's declassification of UFO documents, revealing incidents like a 1991 near-collision of an Italian plane with a UFO and a 1957 order for a US pilot to shoot down a UFO during the Cold War. The documents suggest that some phenomena might be secret experimental aircraft. The article includes translated snippets from The Sunday Newspaper about UFOs sighted in Sheffield and a strange alien contraption photographed outside Buckingham Palace.

INGLATERRA REVELA QUE UN AVIÓN CASI CHOCÓ CONTRA UN OVNI EN HEATHROW (England Reveals That a Plane Almost Collided with a UFO at Heathrow)

By Manuel Allende (La Voz de Galicia, 21/10/2008)

This article details the UK's release of 19 UFO sighting files via the National Archive. Two unexplained incidents are highlighted: a 1991 near-collision of an Alitalia plane with a UFO near Heathrow and a 1957 incident where two US fighter pilots were ordered to shoot down a UFO. The Alitalia incident involved an object described as coffee-colored and missile-shaped moving at high speed. The pilots' encounter in 1957 involved an object described as the size of an aircraft carrier, which disappeared suddenly.

UN PILOTO DE COMBATE DE EEUU RECIBIÓ LA ORDEN DE ATACAR A UN OVNI SOBRE REINO UNIDO DURANTE LA GUERRA FRÍA (A US Combat Pilot Received the Order to Attack a UFO Over the United Kingdom During the Cold War)

By EUROPA PRESS (farodevigo.es, 20-10-2008)

This article elaborates on the 1957 incident where US pilot Milton Torres was ordered to intercept and shoot down a UFO over the UK. Torres described the object as the size of an aircraft carrier and moving erratically before disappearing. He was later warned against speaking about the incident. The article suggests the event might have been a secret US experiment to test radar defenses. The declassified documents offer no official explanation, but some theories point to experimental aircraft or UFOs.

EL ASTRONAUTA EDGAR MITCHELL ASEGURA QUE YA HA HABIDO CONTACTO CON EXTRATERRESTRES (Astronaut Edgar Mitchell Assures That There Has Already Been Contact with Extraterrestrials)

(elmundo.es, jueves 24/07/2008)

Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 14 astronaut, claims that humans have been visited by aliens for the past 60 years and that NASA has covered up these encounters. He describes the extraterrestrials as small beings with large eyes, similar to the character E.T. Mitchell's claims are contrasted with NASA's official stance, which denies any participation in such cover-ups. The article also briefly mentions Gordon Cooper's similar beliefs and the Apollo 11 mission's observation of a metallic object in space.

JUAN BALLESTER OLMOS (Interview)

(elmundo.es)

This is an interview with ufologist Juan Ballester Olmos, addressing various questions about UFO phenomena. He discusses the island of Es Vedrà as a potential 'hotspot' for UFOs, the value of UFO research as a means of personal enrichment and scientific learning, and the current state of ufology, which he believes is progressing but needs consolidation. He notes the decline of some large UFO organizations but the rise of internet-based research networks. Ballester Olmos also addresses the Manises incident, suggesting refinery lights as a probable cause, and expresses skepticism about the authenticity of many UFO cases, attributing some to misidentified objects or psychological factors. He believes governments are reluctant to address the topic due to a lack of definitive proof and potential security concerns.

ROAM PIERDE AL SACERDOTE QUE DEDICÓ SU VIDA A LUCHAR CONTRA EL DEMONIO Y A PREDICAR QUE AL MAL NO HAY QUE ABRIRLE LAS PUERTAS (Rome Loses the Priest Who Dedicated His Life to Fighting the Devil and Preaching That Evil Should Not Be Allowed In)

By Ramón Loureiro (LA VOZ DE GALICIA, 26/9/2008)

This article reports the death of Monsignor Corrado Balducci, a renowned exorcist from Rome, at the age of 85. Balducci, known as the 'Exorcist of the Vatican,' believed in a devil with human intelligence that preys on those who open doors to it. He saw demons in convulsions and despair, contrasting with the view that evil is merely the absence of God. Balducci also believed in UFOs and extraterrestrials, stating that the city of Rome has lost part of its mystery with his passing.

"CUANDO COLABORAMOS CON LA NASA, NOS TEMBLABAN LAS RODILLAS" ("When We Collaborated with NASA, Our Knees Trembled")

By Sensi Pastor and Juan Antonio de los Reyes (laverdad.es, 09.04.08)

This article features an interview with astronomers Sensi Pastor and Juan Antonio de los Reyes, who are responsible for the Municipal Observatory of Murcia-La Murta. They discuss their discovery of an asteroid and their collaboration with NASA. They emphasize that most reported UFO sightings are actually misidentifications, often of Venus. They express satisfaction with their work, stating that personal accomplishment is reward enough and that they do not require economic compensation. They also mention the importance of scientific rigor and the ongoing search for new celestial bodies.

Luis Ruiz de Gopegui astrofisico: «En la Tierra no hay un solo tornillo de procedencia extraterrestre» (Luis Ruiz de Gopegui Astrophysicist: "On Earth, There Isn't a Single Screw of Extraterrestrial Origin")

By Alberto Piquero (elcomerciodigital.com, 28.05.08)

This interview with Luis Ruiz de Gopegui, former director of NASA programs in Spain, discusses the Phoenix mission to Mars. Gopegui expresses skepticism about finding life on Mars, even fossilized microbial life, believing that life, if it exists, would be expansive and likely found elsewhere in the solar system. He highlights Spain's contribution to the Mars mission through tracking support. Gopegui also touches upon the Big Bang theory, acknowledging its criticisms but noting the lack of convincing alternatives. He discusses dark matter and dark energy as significant cosmic mysteries. Regarding extraterrestrial life, he states there is no evidence of it on Earth and questions the logic of complex interstellar journeys to remote locations without clear outcomes.

LA VIDA EN EL UNIVERSO (Life in the Universe)

By M. Schwartz (elcomerciodigital.com, 19.05.08)

This article explores the scientific perspective on the existence of extraterrestrial life. It emphasizes the need for concrete, reproducible evidence in science, beyond personal testimonies. The article traces the historical debate from a geocentric to a heliocentric view of the universe, mentioning Giordano Bruno's advocacy for infinite worlds and his subsequent persecution. It highlights how scientific and technological advancements, including the rise of cosmology and science fiction, have opened discussions about the possibility of life beyond Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, government declassification of related documents, and the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. There is a clear editorial stance that favors rigorous scientific inquiry and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The magazine presents a balanced view, featuring both proponents and skeptics of UFO phenomena, and highlights the challenges in distinguishing between genuine mysteries and hoaxes or misidentifications. The declassification of government files is presented as a significant development in the field, offering new insights into historical cases.

Title: Papers d'Ovnis - Recull de premsa
Issue: 2
Volume: 2008
Date: Julio-diciembre 2008 (July-December 2008)
Publisher: Papers d'Ovnis
Country: Spain
Language: Catalan (with Spanish articles)

This issue of "Papers d'Ovnis - Recull de premsa" (UFO Papers - Press Collection) from the second half of 2008 delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, extraterrestrial contact, and related mysteries. It features articles discussing the Drake Equation, the possibility of intelligent life in the universe, and the controversial link between UFOs and climate change. Additionally, it reports on crop circle phenomena and their potential explanations, including both paranormal and human-made origins.

Extraterrestrial Life and the Universe

The issue begins by exploring the vastness of the universe and the probability of extraterrestrial life. It references astrofísico Frank Drake's famous equation, which in 1961 estimated that there could be around 10,000 intelligent, communicative civilizations in our galaxy, the Milky Way. While acknowledging the excitement of finding even primitive life, the article notes that the current estimate, based on updated data, suggests a much lower number of communicative civilizations, around 2.3. It also touches upon the human tendency to interpret unexplained aerial phenomena as extraterrestrial craft, a notion fueled by science fiction and a desire for contact with higher beings.

UFOs and Climate Change

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the theories of Sixto Paz Wells, a self-proclaimed "contactado" (contactee) who presented his ideas at the University of Murcia. Paz links UFOs to global climate change, suggesting that while natural cycles and human emissions play a role, extraterrestrials might be involved in destabilizing planetary systems, such as by entering volcanoes. He claims governments are aware of this but are not acting, citing declassified NASA documents. Paz's theories are presented as a departure from purely scientific explanations, appealing to a broader sense of cosmic awareness.

Ancient Evidence and Contactee Accounts

The magazine also explores historical and anthropological evidence that could suggest ancient contact with extraterrestrials. It mentions the cave paintings in the Sahara Desert, discovered by Henri Lhote, which depict figures of beings with large, round heads and single eyes, dubbed 'the Martians'. Another example is the Dogon tribe of Mali, who reportedly possessed advanced astronomical knowledge about the star Sirius and its companion star, Sirio C, dating back thousands of years. These accounts are presented as potential precursors to modern-day contactee experiences.

Sixto Paz himself shares his personal experiences, detailing his first alleged extraterrestrial contact in 1974. He describes receiving messages from an entity named Oxalc from Morlen, Jupiter's moon, and a subsequent physical encounter with a disc-shaped object near Lima, Peru. A pivotal experience described is his encounter with a 'xendra' (a time-space door) in Chilca, Peru, which allegedly transported him vast distances and revealed visions of a future planetary scenario.

Crop Circles: Mystery and Marketing

Several articles focus on the phenomenon of crop circles. One piece reports on enigmatic circular symbols appearing in agricultural fields in Spain, specifically in Vacarisses (Catalonia), Madrid, Bilbao, Málaga, and Barcelona, within a short period. Initially, these symbols sparked speculation about paranormal or extraterrestrial origins, drawing comparisons to the movie 'Signs'. However, further investigation revealed that the crop circles in Vacarisses were created by a production company for a beer advertisement. Similarly, the symbols on Monte Banderas near Bilbao were identified as part of an advertising campaign for Bacardi's new rum, 'Seven Tiki', inspired by Fijian mythology. The magazine notes that while some believe in extraterrestrial involvement, others point to human ingenuity, environmental factors, or even historical precedents like the 17th-century "reaper demon" engraving.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent human fascination with extraterrestrial life, the search for evidence beyond conventional science, and the blurring lines between genuine mystery and human-created phenomena (like advertising). The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from scientific speculation (Drake Equation) to personal testimonies (Sixto Paz) and investigative journalism (crop circle revelations). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and reports without definitively endorsing any single explanation, while also critically examining claims and revealing mundane origins for seemingly mysterious events. The inclusion of both Catalan and Spanish articles suggests a regional focus within Spain, catering to a readership interested in the paranormal and UFOs.