Stendek - Vol 01 No 02 - September 1970

Magazine Overview

STENDEK, Servicio Informativo CEI, Issue No. 2, Volume I, dated September 1970, is a quarterly publication from the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI) of Barcelona. Founded in October 1958, the CEI is registered as Association No. 154. The magazine's cover prominently features the headline "LAS HUELLAS DE MORON DE LA FRONTERA" (The Footprints of Morón de la Frontera), accompanied by a black and white photograph of a cultivated field.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Joan Crexells, marks the second appearance of STENDEK, expressing confidence in its future punctuality. Crexells acknowledges the praise received from notable figures in the field, including Dr. Jacques Vallée, Aimé Michel, René Fouéré, Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, José Ruesga Montiel, and others, extending gratitude to them. The editorial outlines STENDEK's dual purpose: first, to broadly inform those interested in UFO phenomena, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula, filling a perceived gap for serious, well-informed publications on the subject in the region. Second, the magazine aims to be a spokesperson not just for the CEI's UFO Investigation Commission but for all serious and methodical UFO researchers across Spain. The ultimate goal is to foster closer collaboration among these researchers, potentially leading to the creation of a Unified Iberian Archive of Observations, accessible to all interested parties.

Board of Directors

The issue lists the composition of the Directive Council of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios for the biennium 1970-1971. Under the Honorary Presidency of Professor Don Hermann Oberth, Don Marius Lleget, Don Antoni Ribera, and Don Mariano Velasco, the council includes President Sr. Luis-Maria Vallés, Vice-President Sr. José María Casas-HugUET, General Secretary and Treasurer Sr. Pedro Redón, and Vice-Secretary Sr. Manuel Manen. The council members (Consejeros) are Sr. Antonio Aparicio, Sr. Joan Crexells, Sr. Lluís Marí, Sr. José Cervelló, Sr. Fernando Mori, and Sr. Lluís Tomás.

Contact Information

Correspondence for the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios and the publication should be sent to CEI, Apartado 282, Barcelona, Spain. The magazine also welcomes exchange with similar publications, with the address STENDEKCEI, Apartado 282, Barcelona, provided in Spanish, French, and English.

Editorial Stance

A disclaimer states that the opinions expressed in signed articles do not necessarily represent the views of the CEI, and the responsibility for the content lies with the authors.

Summary of Contents (Sumario)

The issue's table of contents includes:

• Portada: Photograph of sunflower planting in "Rancho Maestro Oliva" in Morón de la Frontera.
• Editorial: By Joan Crexells.
• Observaciones Ibéricas de Junio a Septiembre de 1970: Iberian Observations from June to September 1970 (Pages 2-4).
• Ha desaparecido el NICAP: NICAP has disappeared (Page 5).
• Las Huellas de Morón de la Frontera: The Footprints of Morón de la Frontera, by Juan Salas and Joan Crexells (Pages 6-10).
• Impresiones de un viaje a México: Impressions of a trip to Mexico, by Antoni Ribera (Page 16).
• Oleada Ibérica de 1950, 2.ª parte: Iberian Wave of 1950, Part 2, by Lluís Marí (Page 19).
• Toledo 1969: By Antonio Aparicio (Page 26).
• Erratum: (Page 28).
• Observaciones en el Mundo: Observations in the World (Page 29).
• OVNIs en el cielo barcelonés a lo largo de los siglos xv a xviii?: UFOs in the Barcelona sky throughout the 15th to 18th centuries?, by Antonio Ros (Page 30).

Iberian Observations (June-September 1970)

This section details several UFO sightings in Spain and Portugal:

• June 1, 1970, El Ferrol, La Coruña: An object resembling a decanter with an intense metallic shine was observed hovering and moving at high altitude.
• June 9, 1970, Sangarcía, Segovia: A brilliant, circular object hovered for hours, sometimes appearing triangular. It was determined not to be a weather balloon due to its stability against the wind. Further investigation revealed it was observed from 7 to 9 AM, at an altitude of 1,500-2,000 meters, reflecting sunlight, and its apparent size was smaller than the moon. It is suggested to be a weather balloon.
• June 26, 1970, Aitona, Lérida: D. Francisco Rovira observed a triangular, red object through his telescope, possibly influenced by the sunset. A similar reddish object was later observed over Lérida on June 28th by multiple witnesses.
• June 27, 1970, Morón de la Frontera, Sevilla: A witness observed a bright orange light, larger than any star, moving erratically, changing direction and speed.
• July 17, 1970, Valpaços, Tras os Montes, Portugal: Two red, bomb-shaped objects were observed moving from south to north, disappearing after a complete turn.
• July 20, 1970, Ripoll, Gerona: A bright red light, comparable in size to Venus, crossed the sky southward for about 30 seconds at an estimated altitude of 6 km, exhibiting zig-zag movements and possessing its own light.
• July 22, 1970, Morón de la Frontera, Sevilla: A witness and her sisters observed an elongated, reddish light, larger than Venus, moving at high speed. The object appeared like a lit bulb with its socket pointing backward.
• August 16, 1970, Burriana, Castello de la Plana: Four objects were observed moving at high speed, described as spinning like a propeller. The first three were greyish and not illuminated, while the fourth was round and appeared like a propeller viewed from the front.
• August 16, 1970, between Aznalcázar and Pilas, Sevilla: A white, vaporous object, like a dense cloud, hovered close to the ground. When the witnesses approached, the object moved, and their car headlights turned off and on.
• August 27, 1970, Logroño, Logroño: A round, blue-green object with a luminous trail was observed.

NICAP Disappears

The National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) in Washington D.C. has ceased its activities due to significant financial problems. Founded in 1956 and directed by Major Donald E. Keyhoe, NICAP was a leading organization in UFO research. The CEI expresses solidarity with NICAP and hopes for its eventual resumption of activities.

Call to Members and Correspondents

The CEI invites its members, correspondents, and researchers to contribute to STENDEK by submitting news, articles, studies, and essays on UFO phenomena worldwide, especially in the Iberian Peninsula. These contributions will be published as space permits.

The Footprints of Morón de la Frontera

This extensive article details the events of May 15, 1970, near Morón de la Frontera, Sevilla. Following a thunderstorm, unusual "footprints" were discovered on a farm owned by D. Manuel Gordillo. The footprints, described as irregular "ronchas" (marks) of about 100 square meters, contained small holes and burnt sunflower plants. The Guardia Civil initially suggested it was a lightning strike, a conclusion D. Manuel Gordillo eventually accepted, though he was initially puzzled by a lightning strike occurring low on the ground. The article includes interviews with D. Manuel Gordillo, who explains his actions, including plowing the affected land to deter curiosity seekers and preventing journalists from entering. He dismisses the UFO explanation, referring to the marks as "escarbaduras como de gallina" (scratchings like a hen's). The article also includes technical diagrams of the footprints, showing two main circles with smaller holes and measurements. The case is compared to the Cowichan incident in Canada.

Other Articles

• Impressions of a trip to Mexico: By Antoni Ribera.
• Iberian Wave of 1950, Part 2: By Lluís Marí.
• Toledo 1969: By Antonio Aparicio.
• Observations in the World: A brief section.
• UFOs in the Barcelona sky throughout the 15th to 18th centuries?: By Antonio Ros.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, with a particular focus on the Iberian Peninsula. The editorial stance is one of serious, methodical inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, aiming to provide comprehensive information and foster collaboration among researchers. The magazine positions itself as a credible source for UFO-related news and analysis, while also acknowledging the limitations and potential for misinterpretation, as seen in the Morón de la Frontera case where the official explanation leaned towards a natural phenomenon despite initial UFO speculation.

Title: Stendek
Issue: 14
Date: May-June 1970

This issue of Stendek delves into two primary topics: a detailed investigation into a mysterious agricultural anomaly in Morón, Spain, and the personal impressions of Antoni Ribera from a trip to Mexico, including an interview with Dr. J. Allen Hynek.

The Morón Incident: An Agricultural Anomaly

The central focus of the magazine is the investigation of an incident at the "Rancho Maestro Oliva" near Morón de la Frontera, Spain, which occurred around May 11, 1970. The phenomenon involved the appearance of unusual circular traces and significant damage to sunflower crops.

Description of the Traces and Damage

Initial observations revealed two irregular "ronchas" (patches) containing two circles. These circles exhibited specific geometric arrangements: two central drillings aligned with an imaginary axis, and peripheral drillings with radial symmetry. The central drillings were described as having a diameter of 4.5 cm and being 12 cm apart. The peripheral drillings were inclined at 25° to the ground, while the central ones were at 70°. Deeper excavation revealed that these drillings curved inward and reached a minimum depth of 1.5 meters, showing a conical shape.

Beyond the drillings, the earth within the circles was compacted and cracked, unlike the loose soil outside. Plants within the affected areas were either completely flattened and dry, with only the bud remaining green, or had disappeared entirely, with no roots found, ruling out combustion.

Expert Analysis and Conclusions

Agricultural technicians and engineers, including those from the Agronomic Departments of Sevilla and Madrid, were involved in the investigation. Initial hypotheses included agricultural diseases, but analysis ruled this out. A fungus called *alternariateniu* was identified, but it was determined to be a secondary effect of environmental conditions and not the primary cause of the damage. The conclusion was that the damage was not agricultural in nature but caused by an "abrasive exterior" or an "instantaneous great heat."

One of the key witnesses, D. Juan Salas, reported that touching the affected plants caused a slight itching sensation on the hands, which quickly disappeared. This led to speculation about radioactivity, though it was not confirmed.

Official statements from the Colonel-Chief of the Morón Base, D. José Rodríguez y Rodríguez, dismissed the possibility of aircraft-related incidents, such as fuel drops or debris. He concluded that the matter was likely a prank or a visionary's claim, giving the incident undue notoriety.

Related Cases and Observations

The article references similar cases of circular traces found in other locations, including Marliens (France) in May 1967, Valensole (France) on July 1, 1965, Pembrike, Ontario (Canada) on May 11, 1969, and Airy, North Carolina (USA) on August 19, 1965. It also mentions a case near Morón on September 11, 1969, where a witness reported seeing a luminous object and experiencing strange odors and physical discomfort.

Impressions of a Trip to Mexico

Antoni Ribera shares his experiences from a trip to Mexico City in May of the same year. He was invited by Pedro Ferriz, creator of the program "Un mundo nos vigila" for Televisión Mexicana.

Encounter with Dr. J. Allen Hynek

A significant part of the Mexico section is dedicated to Ribera's interactions with Dr. J. Allen Hynek, former advisor to Project Bluebook. Ribera describes Hynek as intelligent, cordial, and possessing a great sense of humor. They shared a hotel and discussed the UFO phenomenon.

Hynek's Stance on UFOs

Dr. Hynek stated unequivocally that the phenomenon exists. He explained that after nearly twenty years and reviewing over twelve thousand cases, many of which remain inexplicable, he could no longer maintain skepticism. He likened his process to that of the Curies finding radium from tons of pitchblenda, having to sift through thousands of irrelevant reports to find "a gram of something irreducible to anything known."

When asked about the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), Hynek did not fully endorse it but acknowledged the existence of a phenomenon that should not be ignored. He emphasized the need for serious investigators to identify patterns that could lead to a scientific theory.

Other Mexican Experiences

Ribera also mentions contributing to Hynek's collection of UFO slides with a photograph of a craft near Genoa. He notes the existence of the "Centro Investigador de Fenómenos Extraterrestres, A. C." (CIFEAC) in Mexico, describing it as a model organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and related physical evidence like crop circles and landing traces. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed accounts of investigations and witness testimonies while also including expert opinions and analyses. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between genuine anomalies and misidentifications or hoaxes. The inclusion of international cases suggests a global perspective on the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also seems to advocate for rigorous investigation and scientific analysis of such events, as exemplified by the detailed reporting on the Morón incident and the interview with Dr. Hynek.

This document is the second part of a provisional report on 53 possible UFO sightings in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands during 1950, published by STENDEK. The report aims to detail these observations, drawing primarily from daily press accounts of the era.

Introduction and Previous Cases

The article begins by referencing the first part of the report, published in issue 01 of STENDEK, which covered some of the initial cases. It then highlights two new observations from 1950 that occurred during the 'Oleada' (wave) of sightings. The first, on April 14th in Camarasa (Lérida), describes a brilliant object that descended into a hydroelectric lake and submerged. The second, on April 27th, occurred 25 km from Seville towards Málaga, where a Swiss engineer and his friend saw an ellipsoidal object made of a bulb-manufacturing material, moving irregularly. Another witness from Osuna, 88 km away, reported seeing a zig-zagging object.

Detailed Case Reports (Cases 28-53)

The bulk of the document is dedicated to presenting the remaining 26 cases from the provisional list. Each case is meticulously detailed with the following information:

• N.O. (Número de Observación): The case number.
• F. (Forma): Shape of the object (e.g., disk, elliptical, square, saucer, flying wing, star, bulb, circular, ovoid, ring).
• A. (Altura): Estimated altitude (e.g., 300-500 meters, 600 meters, 3000 meters, great height).
• L. (Luminosidad): Brightness and color (e.g., very bright, luminous, white, greyish, pearlescent, metallic, reddish, bluish, orange, greenish).
• M. (Movimiento): Description of the object's movement (e.g., descending, floating, rotating, hovering, irregular, zig-zag, ascending, stationary, slow, rapid).
• V. (Velocidad): Estimated speed (e.g., very fast, 1800 km/hour, vertigo-inducing).
• T.O. (Tiempo de Observación): Duration of the sighting (e.g., seconds, minutes).
• Te. (Testigos): Names and professions of witnesses.
• D. (Dirección): Direction of movement.
• C. (Color): Specific color details.
• R. (Ruido): Presence or absence of sound.
• E.A. (Estela Aparente): Any apparent trail left by the object.
• N. (Notas): Additional notes or observations.

Examples of detailed cases include:

• Case 28: Five objects appeared, each over a different spot, moving and gaining altitude.
• Case 29: An elliptical object descended to 600 meters and then ascended rapidly.
• Case 32: An object resembling an American 'flying wing' aircraft moved at high speed (approx. 1800 km/h).
• Case 33: A luminous object rotated on its axis without moving from its location.
• Case 34: A circular, brilliant object emerged from clouds, described a large arc, and disappeared into other clouds.
• Case 35: An object described as a large orange, reddish in color, moved at a vertigo-inducing speed.
• Case 36: A 'saucer' or similar object was observed.
• Case 37: A luminous object with a faint red hue moved slowly, then accelerated.
• Case 38: A disk-shaped object at 500 meters altitude rotated on its axis, accompanied by a loud noise like a cannon shot.
• Case 43: A slightly ovoid object with five luminous tails, resembling six to seven full moons.
• Case 44: A disk-shaped object left a luminous trail.
• Case 45: A disk-shaped object ascended vertically and disappeared with a bright flash.
• Case 46: A bulb-shaped object, bright and platinum-colored, moved in a zig-zag pattern.
• Case 48: Spherical or circular objects with flashing lights, some surrounded by a fluorescent light. Two objects reportedly collided, causing an electrical discharge.
• Case 53: An object with brilliant silver and orange colors moved at a speed far superior to a normal aircraft, leaving a buzzing sound after disappearing.

Analysis of the 1950 Wave

The report then shifts to an analysis of the collected data. It notes that the 53 cases represent a significant number for the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands, with most data coming from daily newspapers, which often lack detail. The authors acknowledge the difficulty of conducting a definitive study due to this scarcity of information.

Timing of the Wave

The 'Oleada' of 1950 is characterized as the first European wave of its kind, preceding the 'flying saucer' phenomenon that gained global attention around 1953. A graph (Fig. 1) shows that 98% of the 53 cases occurred between March 4th and April 31st, 1950, a concentrated period of less than two months.

Landings and Orthotenic Lines

One surprising finding is the near absence of reported landings in 1950, with only one case (N.º 11) near Villarta de San Juan being considered a potential landing. This contrasts sharply with later waves, such as the one in France in 1954. The report speculates that landings might have occurred in sparsely populated areas or without witnesses, or that the available information is simply incomplete.

Another significant point is the lack of clearly defined 'orthotenic' lines (straight-line paths of UFOs) during the 1950 wave in the Iberian Peninsula. The two potential alignments identified (Irún-Miranda de Ebro-Leixões and Algorta-Madrid-Torredonjimeno) showed deviations exceeding the 4 km limit considered acceptable for true orthotenic lines. The authors suggest that these apparent lines might be coincidental, referencing studies by Professor Jacques Vallée that indicate the high probability of forming such networks by chance.

Object Characteristics and Behavior

The report analyzes common object shapes, noting a prevalence of disk, saucer, and circular forms. The colors observed were predominantly greyish (pearlescent, metallic), with fewer reports of reddish or bluish hues. The hourly distribution of sightings (Fig. 2) shows a low point between 12 AM and 3 AM, rising to a peak around 9 AM, then descending, and finally surging again towards 6 PM before declining by midnight. Five objects were noted to have circular movements.

Regional Observations

Specific sections are dedicated to observations in different regions:

• Toledo 1969: This section, though dated later, discusses the low number of UFO observations in the Castilla la Nueva region, attributing it to low population density, an agricultural focus, and potential difficulties in reporting or recognizing unusual phenomena. It mentions three cases recorded in Toledo in 1969.
• Yepes (Toledo) 1969: A detailed account of an observation on February 19, 1969, by the director of a school and others. They observed a round, or rather ellipsoidal, object of reddish-orange color, larger than a full moon, hovering and moving slowly. The observation lasted about 18 minutes, was purely optical with no sound, and the object moved in a generally straight line with pauses.
• Madridejos (Toledo) 1969: An account from February 8, 1969, of a yellowish-orange, conical object observed by a janitor and later by teachers. The object appeared stationary, then moved slowly eastward, appearing to descend. The observation lasted about 20 minutes. The witness reported a slight feeling of cold and nervousness. He also noted seeing two more distant objects of the same type the following night.
• Valmojado (Toledo) 1969: A brief mention of a sighting on October 7, 1969, of a 'flying saucer' between Valmojado and Navalcarnero.

Erratum

The document concludes with an erratum correcting errors from the first issue of STENDEK, including date corrections and clarification of a photograph caption.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed cataloging of UFO sightings from a specific historical period (1950), the analysis of object characteristics and witness reports, and the exploration of potential patterns like wave timing and object trajectories. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent archival research, aiming to compile and analyze available data, while acknowledging the limitations imposed by the source material (primarily newspaper reports). The authors express a desire for more in-depth study and encourage the submission of new cases to shed light on the 'almost complete darkness' surrounding the topic.

Title: Observaciones en el Mundo
Issue Date: May-June 1970
Publisher: Notiziario-UFO (Organ of the National Unified Center (CUN))
Country of Publication: Italy
Original Language: Spanish

This issue of Notiziario-UFO presents a collection of reported aerial phenomena and UFO sightings from various parts of the world, alongside a historical perspective on similar events in Barcelona.

Contemporary Sightings (1970)

Islas Canarias (Canary Islands) On July 10th, between 9 and 10 PM, D. Ricardo Pillado and his son D. Arturo Pillado witnessed eleven unusual aerial objects performing evolutions in the sky over Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Due to space limitations, a detailed account from the witnesses, which was also submitted to the local press and the CEI questionnaire, is deferred to a future issue (Nº 03 of STENDEK).

Islas Hawai (Hawaii) On the morning of August 16th, a green light flash was observed approximately 170 km southwest of Honolulu. The following day, NASA declared that this phenomenon was not caused by the re-entry of a spacecraft into the atmosphere. The flash had alerted the coast guard, who received messages from airline pilots. Initially, a mid-air disaster was suspected, but subsequent checks confirmed all airborne aircraft were perfectly located. Despite the coast guard standing down the alert, the origin of the mysterious green light remains unexplained. This information comes from "El Noticiero Universal", Barcelona, August 17, 1970.

Italia (Italy) A Yugoslav commercial delegation traveling from Sarajevo to Modena reported being accompanied by a flying disc, particularly over the skies of Istria. The delegation members, who had previously dismissed UFO sightings as fantasy, admitted that the phenomenon was reported to the Italian border police, changing the minds of even the most skeptical. This event occurred in June.

Módena (Modena) In Modena, where sightings of luminous sounding balloons have occurred before, skepticism remains unchanged regarding the recent event. Information from: “Gazzeta di Modena", June 21, 1970. In Notiziario-UFO (Organ of the National Unified Center (CUN)), No. 3, May-June 1970, p. 21.

Mar del Caribe (Caribbean Sea) On the afternoon of Monday, the 29th, a flying disc was clearly seen in the Caribbean Sea by thousands of inhabitants of several islands, as well as by crew members of the Ra II and the oceanographic ship Calamar. Route officer Norman Baker reported via radio from the Ra II that while at the helm on Monday night, he observed a flat, illuminated circular object against the sky. He called Heyerdal and another crew member, and the three observed the disc for about ten minutes. Information from: “Il Giornale d'Italia", July 1-2, 1970. In Notiziario-UFO, No. 3, May-June 1970, p. 21. (See also the magazine "Epoca", No. 1036, dated August 2, 1970, pp. 52 and 54. NDLR).

Yugoslavia A number of Belgrade residents reported seeing a UFO cross the capital's sky on July 11th without emitting any noise. According to the Tanjug agency, the mysterious object was red and moved at an estimated speed of 400 to 600 km/hour. A Yugoslav airline pilot who claims to have observed it described it as an elongated ball with flares rising vertically from its surface. The Belgrade Observatory stated that it did not register the passage of the mysterious object. Information from: “Il Resto del Carlino", July 12, 1970. In Notiziario-UFO, No. 3, May-June 1970, p. 22.

Historical Sightings in Barcelona (15th-18th Centuries)

The article "OVNIs en el cielo barcelonés a lo largo de los siglos XV a XVIII?" by Antonio Ros Torner, Cronista del Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, explores historical accounts of unidentified flying objects observed in Barcelona.

Early Observations The earliest recorded appearance mentioned is from early June 1456. Many people witnessed, between 1 and 2 AM, a comet-like phenomenon with a light, estimated to be between 4.80 and 6.40 meters long, heading towards Levante (East). On the 15th and 16th of the same month, a similar comet or object was seen again between 8 and 9 PM, heading between Poniente and Tramontana (West and North).

Later Sightings Another object or comet appeared on Friday, November 8, 1577, moving from East to West. Later, on Thursday, November 17, 1605, large fire-like signals were observed at night, which many interpreted as bad omens. The account concludes with a religious invocation, "May God grant us His grace, which is the greatest good we can desire," indicating the significance of this event.

The 1704 Event The most recent vision recorded in the "Dietari" is from Thursday, December 25, 1704. At 5 PM, during clear and cloudless weather, a very strong flare was seen emerging from the sea. Witnesses described it as having the shape of a fire bar or a globe with a tail. It then opened up, leaving three white clouds that remained in the sky for over half an hour. Following this, sounds resembling artillery fire and much musketry were heard, lasting for about three minutes.

Analysis of Historical Records The "Dietari" also records numerous other calamities during these periods, such as earthquakes, lightning, eclipses, sea storms, fires, and locust plagues, as well as whales washing ashore. However, no other strange aerial phenomena are mentioned. Given the meticulous nature of the record-keeping, the author suggests that such events may not have occurred or were not recorded.

The article laments the absence of drawings or sketches of these phenomena, which could have provided more concrete details. The author concludes that the accounts do not clarify the nature of these supposed extraterrestrial visits.

Antonio Ros Torner invites readers to communicate any possible observations of strange phenomena comparable to UFOs that occurred in the Iberian Peninsula before 1950 to ensure the continuity of this section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings from around the globe, presenting witness testimonies and information from various news sources and specialized publications like Notiziario-UFO itself. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these phenomena, acknowledging their unexplained nature, and encouraging further investigation and reporting. The inclusion of historical accounts suggests an interest in the long-term presence of such phenomena. The publication also highlights the skepticism that often surrounds these events, while also noting instances where sightings have changed the minds of observers.