papers Quaderns de treball - No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: Papers d' Ovnis - Quaderns de treball
Issue: n° 5
Date: January-August 2010
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios
Language: Catalan

This issue of "Papers d' Ovnis - Quaderns de treball" (UFO Papers - Working Notebooks), published by the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios, covers a range of topics related to ufology and science fiction. It features a "LLIBRES REBUTS" (Books Received) section, a press review section titled "Recull de premsa" (Press Review), and articles discussing UFO sightings, extraterrestrial contact, and scientific perspectives on these phenomena.

Books Received (Llibres Rebuts)

The issue begins by listing and briefly describing several recently received books:

• "El principio de elusividad cósmica : The principle of cosmic elusiveness" by Ignacio Darnaude Rojas-Marcos. This bilingual edition, published in Córdoba in July 2009, is 96 pages long and costs 10.00 Euros. It poses the question: "Why does the virus of mystery infect the intricacies of the world?"
• "UFO Files: the inside story of real-life sightings" by David Clarke. Published in Kew, Richmond, by The National Archives in June 2009, this 160-page book with illustrations costs £12.99. It is noted as being written to accompany the declassification of UFO files by the British Ministry of Defence.
• "La física de lo imposible: ¿podremos ser invisibles, viajar en el tiempo y teletransportarnos?" (The Physics of the Impossible: Can we be invisible, travel in time, and teleport?) by Michio Kaku. Published in Barcelona by Debate in April 2009, this 382-page book (part of the "Ciencia" collection) is the Spanish translation of "Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel." It costs 20.10 Euros and explores whether science fiction concepts that are currently impossible could become commonplace in the future.

UFO Filmmaker Antonio Urzi Interview

Under the headline "MI MISIÓN ES GRABAR OVNIS; ELLOS ESTÁN AQUÍ PARA AYUDAR" (My mission is to record UFOs; they are here to help), journalist Sandra Penelas interviews Antonio Urzi, an Italian UFO filmmaker.

Urzi, a 36-year-old stylist who has worked in Italian television, claims to have been seeing UFOs since childhood. He began filming them in 2004 and has since amassed over two thousand videos from various countries. He describes an "inner call" that alerts him to the presence of UFOs. Urzi believes that these beings are peaceful and are here to warn humanity about destroying the planet with unethical technology. He recounts a recent filming in Milan, near La Scala, where he captured a "flotilla of thousands of white spheres." Pier Giorgio Caria, an international expert in strange phenomena, reportedly vouches for the authenticity of Urzi's recordings, calling it "the most important case in world ufology."

Urzi explains that he feels a physical sensation, a "vibration," when UFOs are about to appear. He also mentions Giorgio Bongiovanni, a contactee with stigmata, as his spiritual father. Urzi believes that extraterrestrials are investigating people who are predisposed to contact and that their message is one of peace and a warning about humanity's self-destructive path.

He acknowledges that contact with extraterrestrials will be a "trauma" for human society but believes it is inevitable. Urzi states that he doesn't earn money from his work and receives attacks for it. His family and close friends have also witnessed UFOs with him.

OVNI66: An Informal UFO Observatory in Rosselló

This section introduces OVNI66, an informal network for observing unexplained aerial phenomena in Northern Catalonia. Launched in November, OVNI66 describes itself as an "alert network for the observation of unidentified aerial phenomena in the geographical sector of Northern Catalonia." Its founder, Pascal Guillaumes, an enthusiast of fantastic literature, verifies and publishes received testimonies.

A recent sighting reported to OVNI66 involved five adolescents in Vilanova de la ribera who observed a "descending light" on December 23rd at 22:28. The object reportedly hovered over the town, appearing as a "saucer with a dome." The article notes that the mystery surrounding UFOs could polarize opinions between skeptics and enthusiasts.

The article also provides a weblog link for OVNI66 (http://ovni66.canalblog.com/) and a Google Maps link to a map of sightings in the area.

"Nuestro Pequeño Mundo Desconocido" (Our Little Unknown World) by Mariano Planells

This article, originally published in "diariodeibiza" on June 23, 2010, is a personal reflection by Mariano Planells on the late investigator Andreas Faber-Kaiser.

Planells recalls his interactions with Faber-Kaiser and his parents, the painter Will Faber and Emma Kaiser. He mentions Faber-Kaiser's prolific career, including his magazine "Mundo Desconocido" and over ten books, such as "Jesús vivó y murió en Cachemira" (Jesus Lived and Died in Kashmir) and "¿Sacerdotes o cosmonautas?" (Priests or Cosmonauts?). Faber-Kaiser also published CIA files and articles on UFOs.

The article touches upon Faber-Kaiser's belief that he contracted AIDS from an "occult enemy" due to his investigations into colza oil. Planells also recounts how Faber-Kaiser commissioned him to compile a dossier on the "magnified invasion of UFOs in Ibiza" in the late 1970s, which included letters to the editor and writings from local individuals. Planells admits that this information increased his skepticism about the topic, yet Faber-Kaiser published it.

The article concludes by noting that a spring tribute to Andreas Faber-Kaiser demonstrates that he is still remembered and admired.

"Alienígenas: Amigos o Enemigos" (Aliens: Friends or Enemies) by Alejandro Agostinelli

This article, published in "Factor 302.4" on April 27, 2010, discusses the views of cosmologist Stephen Hawking on extraterrestrial contact.

Agostinelli refers to a statement by Hawking, widely reported by media outlets like MSN Argentina, advising to "avoid contact with extraterrestrials." Hawking reportedly suggested that an encounter could be detrimental to humanity, drawing a parallel to Christopher Columbus's arrival in America. The article notes that Hawking's comments were part of a Discovery Channel series titled "Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking."

The author questions the nature of potential alien visitors, referencing fictional depictions like those in "Avatar" and "District 9." He also critiques the sensationalism surrounding Hawking's statements, suggesting that the Discovery Channel's promotion of the documentary might be more about entertainment than rigorous scientific inquiry. Hawking's general speculation was primarily about microbial extraterrestrial life.

The article explores the public's tendency to imagine benevolent aliens and contrasts this with Hawking's more cautious, even pessimistic, outlook. It mentions that some ufologists welcomed Hawking's acknowledgment of the possibility of alien existence, while others urged him to engage more directly with the subject.

Agostinelli also examines cinematic portrayals of alien encounters, from the invasion scenarios in "The War of the Worlds" and "Independence Day" to the more sympathetic depictions in "District 9" and "Avatar." The article concludes that while it's important not to doubt the intentions of those seeking contact, a degree of caution and skepticism is warranted, especially given the potential implications of such encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the theme of UFOs and extraterrestrial life, presenting various perspectives from researchers, filmmakers, and scientists. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, featuring diverse viewpoints on UFO phenomena, from personal testimonies and media coverage to scientific speculation and historical accounts. The inclusion of book reviews and discussions on scientific theories suggests an interest in both the anecdotal and the theoretical aspects of ufology. There is a clear emphasis on documenting and analyzing UFO-related events and ideas, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities and implications of extraterrestrial contact.

Title: Papers d'Ovnis - Recull de premsa
Issue: n° 5
Date: January-August 2010
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios

This issue of "Papers d'Ovnis" delves into the complex intersection of governments, UFO phenomena, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. It features articles on the UK's declassification of UFO files, historical perspectives on space law, and the ethical considerations of communicating with alien civilizations.

The UK's UFO Files: A Structured Disclosure

The main focus of several articles is the UK government's release of thousands of secret UFO files, spanning from 1994 to 2000. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) had a structured and planned approach to this declassification, aiming to close the debate on UFOs as quickly as possible. However, a secret memo revealed that the files had to be edited to remove "uncomplimentary comments" made by officials about the public, as well as references to military technology, defense technology, and relations with foreign powers. The MoD stated that it had no clear evidence to prove or disprove the existence of aliens, making the files less exciting than the surrounding 'industry' might suggest. The process of handling Freedom of Information (FoI) requests was becoming increasingly costly and time-consuming. The MoD's special investigation unit was closed, and the public was advised to stop reporting UFO sightings or expecting investigations. Despite the official stance, historical figures like Winston Churchill showed interest in UFOs, and the files include reports of sightings over significant locations, such as the Chelsea football stadium and the home of a former Home Secretary.

The ABC of Cosmic Diplomacy and Space Law

This section explores the legal and ethical frameworks for potential interactions with extraterrestrial intelligence. Andrew Haley's 1957 treatise on space law is discussed, proposing that aliens should be treated as they wish to be treated. Ernst Fasan's 1970 work on "metaderecho" (space law) outlines eleven rules, emphasizing the inadmissibility of causing harm, the right to self-defense, and the equality of all intelligent species. The article highlights the early skepticism of astronomers like Martin Ryle regarding the search for extraterrestrial life, contrasting with later efforts like the Arecibo message transmission in 1974. The challenges of communication are underscored, with the realization that radio and television signals had already alerted potential aliens to Earth's presence.

The "Don't Trust Anyone" Approach to Contact

Paul Davies, a prominent figure in the SETI project, advises extreme caution regarding potential alien contact. He suggests that any discovered intelligent entity's coordinates should be kept secret until the global community is prepared, fearing that a premature announcement could lead to chaos and a rush to communicate without proper understanding. Davies expresses skepticism about international bodies like the United Nations being capable of managing such a situation, likening it to a potential disaster. He also touches upon the difficulty of communicating with alien species, suggesting that while scientific principles might be universal, aesthetic values like art and music are likely to be species-specific.

Reagan's Strategic Proposal and Soviet Skepticism

The article recounts Ronald Reagan's 1989 proposal to Mikhail Gorbachev during their summit in Geneva. Reagan suggested that if the world faced an extraterrestrial threat, the US and the Soviet Union should set aside their differences and unite. This idea was inspired by the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still." Gorbachev, however, was hesitant, citing the lack of a clear Marxist-Leninist position on cooperating with imperialists against an interplanetary invasion. The article also mentions the sociologist Guillermo Magrassi's statement that in such a scenario, he would fight alongside the invaders.

Historical Interest and Early UFO Investigations

Aldo Armando Cocca, an Argentine jurist, is credited with developing early theories of interplanetary law. The issue also touches upon the historical interest in UFOs, including the story of Colonel Colman VonKeviczky, who sought to influence the UN to create an agency for UFO surveillance. Eric Gary, President of Grenada, delivered a speech at the UN in 1978, warning about potential extraterrestrial threats. The article also mentions the Voyager Golden Record, which contained messages from Kurt Waldheim and Jimmy Carter, highlighting the limited scope of human communication in the vastness of space.

The "Pistolero Interplanetario" and the Nature of Alien Encounters

This section explores the varied nature of UFO sightings and the human response to them. The article discusses how the perception of UFO shapes has evolved over time, from disks and plates in the 1940s and 50s to triangular shapes and aircraft-sized lights in more recent reports. The influence of popular culture and new technologies on these descriptions is noted. The article also poses a direct question to the reader: "And you, which side are you on?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the government's role in managing information about UFOs, the development of legal and ethical frameworks for potential extraterrestrial contact, and the inherent challenges and uncertainties involved. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting different perspectives on UFO phenomena, space law, and the implications of potential alien encounters, while also highlighting the importance of public access to information and the need for careful consideration of such profound possibilities.

Title: Papers d'Ovnis - Recull de premsa
Issue Date: January-August 2010 (Issue 5)
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios

This issue focuses on efforts to declassify UFO (OVNI) files and reports on recent developments in the UK regarding UFO documentation.

Un Grupo de Eurodiputados Reclama Desclasificar los Expedientes Sobre Ovnis

This article, originally published in ABC on July 7, 2010, reports on a group of European Parliament members (MEPs) who are demanding the declassification of UFO files from EU member states. The initiative is led by Italian MEP Mario Borghezio of the Lega Nord party.

Borghezio presented a written declaration to the European Parliament on June 14, 2010, which has since been co-signed by 22 other MEPs. The goal is to gather signatures from over half of the 736 members by mid-October for the text to be adopted by the institution and sent to governments and other bodies.

Borghezio, described as a controversial figure due to his opinions on immigration, held a press conference to announce his demand. He calls for the "opening of public archives on UFOs and the declassification of documents from member states" to provide "the public and the media total access to the documentation in this area."

He believes that studying this material could lead to significant scientific and technological advancements, citing that many researchers have already denounced the "systematic concealment of information" regarding unidentified flying objects. Borghezio also advocates for the creation of a "scientific center for the analysis and dissemination of scientific data collected so far" in Europe.

European Parliament Written Declaration (14.6.2010)

This section reproduces the full text of the written declaration presented by Mario Borghezio to the European Parliament. The declaration, dated June 14, 2010, and set to expire on October 14, 2010, is based on Article 123 of the Parliament's Rules of Procedure.

• Key considerations cited in the declaration include:
• The 33rd UN General Assembly officially recognized the UFO problem in 1978.
• A 1993 resolution proposed extending European research competencies in the UFO field to entities like SEPRA (now GEIPAN).
• The interest of the scientific community, with some members denouncing the systematic concealment of information.
• The potential for significant scientific and technological repercussions from studying material collected by member state governments.

The declaration makes three key requests:
1. Considers it essential to create a scientific observatory for the analysis and dissemination of scientific data collected by European organizations and governments.
2. Calls for the opening of public UFO archives and the declassification of documents by member states, ensuring citizens and the media have full access.
3. Requests the President of the European Parliament to transmit the declaration, along with the names of the signatories, to the Council, the Commission, and the governments of the member states.

¿Vigilan los Extraterrestres Nuestra Televisión?

This article, published in Público on February 18, 2010, discusses the declassification of UFO reports by the British Ministry of Defence and explores the nature of UFO sightings.

David Clarke, a professor at Sheffield Hallam University, suggests a startling hypothesis: perhaps extraterrestrials have been observing our television broadcasts for decades and are adapting their craft based on what they see, or people are incorporating popular culture depictions of UFOs into their own accounts.

This hypothesis is considered in light of the 6,000 UFO expediente declassified by the British Ministry of Defence, covering the period between 1994 and 2000, as well as documents from earlier eras. The Ministry had a small department, Air Secretariat 2A1, dedicated to collecting these reports, which was closed last year, deemed a questionable use of taxpayer money. Since then, the collected reports have been made public.

The article notes the evolution of reported UFO shapes over time, from cylinders in the 1940s and 50s to discs, and eventually to the luminous triangles often seen in media like 'The X-Files'.

In 2009, 650 UFO phenomena were reported, the highest number in 30 years. Some witnesses even included sketches of the craft. One electrician described a "Toblerone-shaped" craft over a field.

Some cases involved physical evidence. A man in Birmingham reported seeing a blue triangular object over his garden that shed a flour-like substance on trees, though the samples were not conclusive.

Investigations were typically triggered when sightings multiplied in areas of high air traffic or when multiple people reported seeing something, such as six individuals in 1997 who reported seeing an object over the home of the then Home Secretary, Michael Howard. The investigation into that specific incident concluded that no "unauthorized incursion into British airspace" had occurred.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, government transparency, and the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be in favor of open access to information and the serious scientific study of UFOs, as evidenced by the prominent coverage of the European Parliament's declassification efforts and the UK's release of historical UFO files. There is an underlying theme of questioning official narratives and exploring unconventional hypotheses, such as the influence of popular culture on UFO reports.