papers Quaderns de treball - No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d' Ovnis - Quaderns de treball
Issue: n° 4
Date: March-December 2009
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios
Language: Catalan

This issue, titled 'ON SON ELS OVNIS? (III)' and authored by Martí Flò, continues the exploration of UFO phenomena, focusing on the perceived scarcity of cases and the relationship between local investigators and reported sightings. It delves into historical press accounts and reviews contemporary ufological literature, providing detailed case lists and author analyses.

Analysis of Case Scarcity and Historical Sightings

The editorial begins by revisiting the observation from the first issue of 2008 regarding the lack of UFO cases reaching the public and the potential correlation between local investigators and the number of reported sightings. This issue aims to review older cases by searching the press, seeking indications of cases known only to other investigators. The articles found are not always directly related to UFO news but serve as background to other stories.

Examples cited include an article about the town of Pedrosa del Rey, which briefly mentions the supposed appearance of a UFO about thirty years prior in the Villaesteres area. Another reference is made to historical covers of 'El Correo Gallego,' specifically a 1959 article detailing a witness's account of a UFO that left a circle in a cornfield. The witness, Benedicto Rodríguez from Covas, described the object as reddish, 'like the color of cows,' and noted that it landed and then took off towards the capital.

Other examples include references to sightings in Porcieda, a lost village in Liébana, which was reportedly the scene of a well-commented UFO sighting in the 1950s and again in the 1960s. A testimony from Jesús Rodríguez Mateo describes a group of children witnessing something descend from the sky in Villacarriedo, noting its similarity to the 'luz de cayón' (light of Cayón).

The publication faces the challenge of precisely identifying which cases these brief press comments refer to. By consulting the CATIB (Unified Catalog of UFOs), it's possible to cross-reference data. The issue notes discrepancies in dates and locations, such as the case of Porcieda being dated differently in various sources.

Review of Ufological Literature

The magazine highlights the significant increase in ufological books published in recent years, particularly regional guides focusing on mysteries. These guides often include a chapter, or even an entire book, dedicated to UFO phenomena. The analysis covers six books that collectively reference 115 Spanish cases from 1863 to 2004, with 37 being previously unpublished in the CUCO.

The authors of these books are often linked to local media, particularly radio, and have programs dedicated to mysteries. The issue identifies commonalities among authors, suggesting potential shared sources or investigative approaches. Several authors are noted as field investigators, some affiliated with local UFO groups like CIFE and GEIFO.

Detailed Book Reviews:

• 'El último peldaño: voces en la escalera del misterio' by Joaquín Abenza Moreno: This book, based on a radio program, covers 17 cases, 7 of which are new, and 10 are in CUCO, 8 in CATIB. The author is linked to CIFE.
• 'La cara oculta de Almería: un viaje por la Almería misteriosa' by Alberto Cerezuela Rodríguez: This work presents 28 cases from Almería, 10 new, 18 in CUCO, and 11 in CATIB.
• 'Supertecnología extraterrestre' by Jorge Ramón Valle Muñoz: This book includes 12 cases, 7 new, 5 in CUCO, and 2 in CATIB. The author provides limited details beyond the year and location for many cases.
• 'Guía secreta de Sevilla: ovnis y misterios en la Semana Santa' by Jordi Fernández Cabrera & José Manuel García Bautista: This guide details 23 cases from Seville, 6 new, 17 in CUCO, and 10 in CATIB.
• 'Guía misteriosa de Aragón' by Carlos Gutiérrez Tutor: This book covers 17 cases from Aragón, 9 new, 8 in CUCO, and 1 in CATIB.
• 'Ovnis: la tapadera' by Ángel Rodríguez Álvarez: This book includes 18 cases, 1 new, 17 in CUCO, and 9 in CATIB. The author founded GEIFO.

Other Books Received:

The magazine also lists other recently arrived books:

• 'Aliens, ¿hay alguien ahí fuera?' by Tommaso Pincio: Published in Madrid, 451 Editores, 2009.
• 'El Mito polar: el arquetipo de los polos en la ciencia, el simbolismo y el ocultismo' by Joscelyn Godwin: Published in Girona, Atalanta, 2009.
• 'Aliens. la ciencia tras la vida extraterrestre' by Clifford A. Pickover: Published in Teià, Robinbook, 2009.
• 'Alienígenas y ovnis' by Chris Evans: Published in Madrid, Everest, 2009.

Case Documentation and Sources

The issue includes extensive tables detailing UFO sightings from various books, listing date, time, location, province, source, and whether the case is in CUCO or CATIB. These tables provide a structured overview of the documented cases.

For instance, the section on Joaquín Abenza Moreno lists cases from 1960 to 1981 across various Spanish provinces. Alberto Cerezuela Rodríguez's cases span from 1963 to 1974, primarily in Almería. Jorge Ramón Valle's cases range from 1974 to 2003, covering diverse locations like Salamanca, Toledo, Soria, and Madrid. Jordi Fernández Cabrera and José Manuel García Bautista's work focuses on Seville, with cases from 1935 to 2002. Carlos Gutiérrez Tutor's cases are predominantly from Huesca and Zaragoza, dating from 1910 to 1996. Ángel Rodríguez Álvarez's book features cases from 1863 to 2004, with a strong presence in Cádiz and Sevilla.

A separate section, 'Bloc del CEI,' provides a chronological list of sightings from 2009, with details on location, province, and the source of information, including web links and magazine references.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Directions

The article by Marcelino Requejo, 'OVNIS ALTO SECRETO,' is mentioned, with its ISBN and publication details provided. Requejo's work promises numerous unpublished cases.

Declarations from ufologists like José María Lesta and Andrés Gómez highlight the discrepancy between reported numbers of sightings and those registered in databases like CUCO and CATIB. Lesta stated that 220 unidentified flying objects were reported in Galicia in just five months (November 1995-March 1996), while CUCO only lists 78 cases for that period, none in CATIB. Gómez reported over 600 cases in the Campo de Gibraltar area, but Càdis province only has 412 registered in CUCO, with 118 from CATIB.

The issue also mentions UFO waves in Asturias in 1950 and 1965, though few cases are documented for those years. The authors conclude that many cases do not become widely known, possibly because they remain with local investigators or because a comprehensive review of national press archives is still pending. The decline in reporting by specialized mystery magazines is also noted, making them less useful for tracking current cases.

The next step proposed is to investigate these researchers directly to understand their methods and sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the meticulous cataloging and analysis of UFO cases, particularly those originating from Spain. There's a strong emphasis on reviewing published literature, cross-referencing information with existing databases like CUCO and CATIB, and identifying the sources and methodologies of ufological research. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to consolidate and verify reported phenomena through rigorous documentation and analysis of available evidence, while acknowledging the challenges of incomplete data and the limitations of current research efforts. The publication serves as a platform for sharing and discussing ufological findings, encouraging further investigation and data collection.

Title: Papers d' Ovnis - Recull de premsa
Issue: 4
Date: March-December 2009
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios

This issue, titled 'Casuística' (Case Studies), compiles a collection of UFO sightings and related investigations primarily from Spain, covering a broad historical range from the late 19th century to 2009. It aims to present documented cases, witness testimonies, and expert analyses, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and those with prosaic explanations.

Key Articles and Cases

'CUANDO SE ABRE PASO LA IMAGINACIÓN' (When Imagination Takes Hold)

This article recounts a notable event from December 1973 in San Sebastián, where numerous residents witnessed a dazzling spectacle in La Concha bay. An object, described as round with a diameter of about eight meters and three meters in height, reportedly hovered over the water, emitting a brilliant light. Several witnesses, including José Salsamendi Leizaola, described the object. The event generated many calls to the local newspaper, El Diario Vasco, with some versions suggesting multiple objects or sightings across the bay. Another account comes from Inasi Mutuberria Aldanondo, who described a loud noise and a 'ball of fire' landing near a local pigeon shooting range, followed by a descending ladder and a being described as 'small and green.' The article notes that the newspaper invited witnesses to send in their accounts for further investigation, potentially for transmission to the United States.

'OBJETOS DESCONOCIDOS EN EL CIELO DE GIJÓN' (Unknown Objects in the Sky of Gijón)

This piece delves into the history of UFO sightings in Gijón and Asturias, noting two main waves of sightings in the 1950s and 1960s. It traces the earliest reported 'lights in the sky' in Asturias back to 1898 with the 'Veneros light.' The article highlights a significant event on April 5, 1950, when the newspaper 'Región' reported 'flying saucers' in formation over Gijón, and 'Voluntad' reported numerous sightings. It also mentions a peculiar report from the same period about 'flying saucers' in Gijón offering 'varied dishes' and entertainment, suggesting a possible misinterpretation or a playful report. The article lists several other historical sightings in Asturias and nearby regions, including a 'flying object' in Coaña in 1965 and a 'flying object' in Gijón in 1969 described as egg-shaped.

'LOS «EXPEDIENTES G» SIGUEN AHÍ FUERA' (The 'G Files' Are Still Out There)

This article focuses on UFO activity in Galicia and features the work of investigator Marcelino Requejo. It notes a surge in sightings in late 1997, with at least 220 unidentified flying objects reported in five months. The article highlights a recent incident on September 26, 2009, involving strange lights over the O Burgo estuary in A Coruña, which police could not explain. It traces the history of UFO reports in Galicia, mentioning Kenneth Arnold's coining of the term 'flying saucer' in 1947 and crediting Óscar Rey Brea with an earlier, unofficial 'baptism' of the phenomenon. Several specific cases from Galicia are detailed, including a sighting in Lindín in 1949 involving tall figures, a luminous object over A Coruña in 1994 that left a crater, and unusual footprints found in Lugo in 1996, weighing at least 250 kilos. The article also mentions a driver's encounter with a peculiar light near Becerreá in 1969 and a description of a round, greenish object in 1974.

'ENCUENTROS DE ALTURA' (Close Encounters)

This section highlights the research of Marcelino Requejo, focusing on his book 'OVNIS, alto secreto,' which documents UFO sightings in the Zamora province. Zamora is described as a 'hotspot' for UFO activity. Requejo's book includes four significant cases from the province, particularly in the areas of Aliste, Benavente, and Sanabria. He posits that these phenomena are not random but exhibit consistent patterns worldwide, suggesting a superior civilization. One case from February 2, 1994, in Villarino de la Sierra describes a large circular object with interior spheres. Another case from October 27, 1978, recounts a witness being followed by a reddish sphere for 20 kilometers. A 1990 sighting near Robledo de Sanabria involved a luminous yellow object that grew rapidly. The article also mentions a 1979 encounter in Zamora where a driver was followed by a bright, aluminum-colored lenticular object. Requejo notes that a major challenge in his research is the 'fear of ridicule' among witnesses.

'EL EPISODIO MÁS ESPECTACULAR DE TODO EL TERRITORIO NACIONAL SE VIVIÓ EN CANARIAS EN EL AÑO 1975' (The Most Spectacular National Episode Occurred in the Canary Islands in 1975)

This article details a highly publicized UFO event in the Canary Islands on March 5, 1979. Thousands of people observed giant lights in the sky. Initially considered a mysterious phenomenon, a 2001 article by Ricardo Campo and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos revealed a more prosaic explanation: the launch of Poseidon C-3 missiles from US nuclear submarines in the Atlantic. The event was part of a training exercise, and the visible effects were the large expansion of burnt gases in the upper atmosphere. The article uses this case to illustrate how ufology, when applied correctly, can help discern the truth behind phenomena, in this instance, revealing secret military maneuvers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical documentation of UFO sightings across Spain, the investigation of these phenomena, and the challenges faced by witnesses and researchers, particularly the fear of ridicule. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, aiming to present evidence and potential explanations, distinguishing between unexplained events and those with conventional causes, such as military exercises or misidentified aircraft. The publication emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and the ongoing nature of UFO phenomena, suggesting that more information may become available in the future. The concept of 'Casuística' implies a focus on cataloging and analyzing specific incidents to understand the broader phenomenon.

This issue of 'Papers d' Ovnis - Recull de premsa' (March-December 2009), Volume 4, Issue 4, published by Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios, focuses on UFO phenomena in Spain, with a particular emphasis on Galicia and the city of Vigo. The cover headline highlights "VIGO ESTÁ EN LA RUTA DE LOS OVNIS, SEGÚN MARCELINO REQUEJO" (Vigo is on the UFO route, according to Marcelino Requejo).

Articles and Reports

Vigo and Galicia: A UFO Hotspot

The main article, "VIGO ESTÁ EN LA RUTA DE LOS OVNIS, SEGÚN MARCELINO REQUEJO" by Soledad Antón (La Voz de Galicia, 27/06/2009), introduces ufologist Marcelino Requejo and his book 'Ovnis, Alto Secreto'. Requejo, a civil servant, has investigated hundreds of UFO cases, including one in Vigo's Valladares in September 1999. The case involved a 73-year-old man, Luis, and an 8-year-old girl, Judith, who witnessed a large, metallic, lead-grey object, shaped like a rugby ball, hovering silently with dark beings inside. Requejo believes Galicia is a fertile ground for UFO phenomena, despite the lack of military bases. He suggests many sightings go unreported due to fear of ridicule. The book also explores the idea of UFOs being dimensional or from extraterrestrial civilizations interacting with ours. The article mentions the Pentagon's knowledge of these phenomena and the difficulty in keeping them secret, citing cosmonaut Musa Manarov as a witness to a significant event.

Another article, "TODOS EN EL OVNI" by Eduardo Rolland (La Voz de Galicia, 28/6/2009), humorously suggests that UFOs might arrive in Vigo before high-speed trains (AVE). It references the Valladares sighting and mentions a previous famous Vigo UFO case involving hairdresser Juan Minguela from the 1970s. The article notes that aliens seem more interested in Vigo than politicians and humorously suggests they might be visiting to 'harvest percebes' or offer scenic tours.

"UN LIBRO RECOGE CASOS DE OVNIS SUCEDIDOS EN VIGO" (Atlántico, 10-06-2009) further details Requejo's book, 'Ovnis, Alto Secreto'. It reiterates the Valladares case and adds another from Lugo involving a couple who saw a bright light and heard a whistling sound. It also mentions a case from A Canda (Ourense) in 2002 where a light approached a car at high speed, and a 1942 sighting in Lugo province. The article highlights Requejo's methodology of interviewing witnesses in person and his background in chemistry.

Cantabria: Land of Enigmas and Mysteries

"CANTABRIA, TIERRA DE ENIGMAS Y DE MISTERIOS POR RESOLVER" by Donata Bustamante (eldiariomontanes, 8.02.09) reviews Francisco Renedo Carrandi's book 'Enigmas de Cantabria'. The book compiles local legends, witchcraft, and paranormal phenomena, including UFO sightings and alleged Marian apparitions. It covers 256 pages and 26 cases, such as the legend of the 'fish-man of Liérganes' and the 'bicha of Labarces'. It also includes more recent events, like a phenomenon at the Eguilior palace in Limpias in 2001.

Extremadura: Paranormal Investigations

"MISTERIOSA Y SECRETA" by M. Barrado Timón (Hoy, 15.12.09) discusses José Manuel Frías's book 'Extremadura Misteriosa', a guide to paranormal phenomena in the region. Frías, a journalist, approaches the subject anthropologically, documenting ancient beliefs and stories. The book includes 50 accounts of paranormal events, including alleged hauntings in Cáceres and Olivenza. Frías emphasizes presenting facts objectively, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

Other UFO Cases

"EL MIEDO Y EL SILENCIO HACEN MUCHO DAÑO A LA UFOLOGÍA" by F. M. (europasur, 2.04.2009) features ufologist Andrés Gómez, who specializes in cases from the Campo de Gibraltar. With nearly 80 years, he continues his research, documenting over 600 cases in the region. He mentions a 1753 case from the book 'El Peñón de la discordia' and a personal experience in 1949 that led him to ufology. Gómez believes fear and distrust prevent people from sharing their experiences.

"UNA VECINA DE IÑÁS DENUNCIA ANTE LA GUARDIA CIVIL QUE VIO UN OVNI" (La Voz de Galicia, 24/03/2009) reports on Mari Cruz Galego, a resident of Iñás, who reported seeing an "orange object" and photographed it. While she and her family are convinced it was an unidentified flying object due to its unusual movement, experts suggest it was likely a meteorological probe. Another witness, Jacobo Martínez, also reported seeing a similar object.

"EL MISTERIO DEL 'OVNI DE MOCLÍN" (ideal.es, 19/07/2009) describes an incident where the Guardia Civil was alerted to a bright light seen over Moclín. Witnesses described it as a powerful light, possibly a meteor or an aircraft, which divided into parts. The event mobilized local authorities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores UFO sightings and paranormal phenomena across Spain, with a focus on investigative journalism and personal testimonies. The articles highlight the work of ufologists and authors dedicated to documenting these events. There's an underlying theme of skepticism versus belief, with authors often presenting cases and allowing readers to form their own opinions. The magazine seems to advocate for open investigation and reporting of unexplained phenomena, while acknowledging the challenges and ridicule faced by witnesses and researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a desire to bring these often-hidden stories to light.

Title: Papers d' Ovnis - Recull de premsa
Issue: 4
Date: March-December 2009
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios

This issue of 'Papers d' Ovnis' compiles press clippings from March to December 2009, focusing on UFO-related news and phenomena. It includes reports on a potential UFO sighting in Spain, the unusual beliefs of Japan's future First Lady, and the UK's decision to cease its official UFO investigations.

EL OVNI 'AVISTADO EN GRANADA DESPEGÓ DE ALCALÁ LA REAL

This article, published in 'La Opinión de Granada' on July 19, 2009, investigates a reported 'fireball' sighting that alerted residents of Puerto Lope, Íllora, and Montefrío in Granada province. The Guardia Civil was alerted, but no aircraft wreckage was found, ruling out a crash. The explanation for the phenomenon is linked to the Etnosur festival, an alternative music festival held in Alcalá la Real, Jaén province, just 15 kilometers away. At the festival, a German artisan sold large paper balloons, approximately one meter in diameter, equipped with a heating system. When the flame extinguished, the balloon would fall. The article suggests that under certain weather conditions, the balloon itself could ignite, creating a 'great fireball' that descended, leading to confusion with a UFO or meteorite. The artisan's balloons were popular, with dozens launched each night. One balloon launched for the newspaper carried the message, "Time passes while we make plans." The article concludes that the Guardia Civil may no longer need to search, as the mystery appears to be solved by these flaming paper objects.

"Yo he ido a Venus"

This article from 'La Vanguardia' on September 4, 2009, profiles Miyuki Hatoyama, the wife of Japan's then-centrist politician Yukio Hatoyama. Miyuki is described as a former actress and cook with unconventional views, breaking the traditional mold of a Japanese prime minister's wife. She is a culinary critic, a television personality, and an author. Her most controversial book, "Cosas muy extrañas que me han pasado" (Very Strange Things That Have Happened to Me), published the previous year, details a paranormal experience from twenty years prior. In it, she claims to have been abducted by extraterrestrials and traveled to the planet Venus while her body slept, describing Venus as "a very beautiful and very green place." Her current husband, Yukio Hatoyama, is presented as more open-minded about her beliefs, unlike her first husband. Miyuki Hashimoto (her maiden name) met Yukio in 1975 while he was studying in Stanford, California. They married in 1975, and their son, Kiichiro Hatoyama, is now a university lecturer. The article also touches upon a past marital difficulty in 1996 when Yukio Hatoyama was accused of infidelity, and Miyuki publicly accepted some blame for leaving him alone. Despite her paranormal interests, she also appears on television discussing macrobiotic recipes and Korean dramas, and is noted for advising her husband and managing his image. The article suggests Miyuki Hatoyama will be a significant media figure.

LONDRES DEJA DE BUSCAR OVNIS

This report from 'El Mundo' on December 5, 2009, details the closure of the British Ministry of Defence's (MOD) UFO investigation unit after over 50 years. The MOD stated that the unit could no longer justify its cost, as no evidence of a threat to the UK or the existence of extraterrestrials had been found. While acknowledging public reports of thousands of sightings, the department declared it had no specific capability to identify the nature of these phenomena and that such investigations were an inappropriate use of defense resources. The MOD's resources would be redirected to higher priorities, such as the war in Afghanistan. The official managing UFO information was reassigned, resulting in an annual saving of nearly 48,900 euros. The article includes a note about the MOD's press release, which stated they had no opinion on extraterrestrial life but would no longer operate a dedicated UFO hotline or investigate sightings after December 1, 2009. The ongoing program to release UFO files to the National Archive would continue. It also notes that the MOD had declassified documents in October 2008 and that David Cameron had promised information if he won the election in January 2009.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the paranormal, and governmental transparency (or lack thereof) regarding UFO phenomena. The magazine presents a mix of potential explanations for sightings, such as the paper lanterns, alongside more speculative topics like alien abductions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different facets of the UFO phenomenon without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while also highlighting official dismissals of the subject by government bodies. The inclusion of Miyuki Hatoyama's personal beliefs suggests an interest in the intersection of the paranormal and public figures.