Stendek - Vol 02 No 04 - March 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: STEN DEK
Issue: N.° 4
Volume: Año II
Date: Marzo 1971
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), Barcelona
Document Type: Informative Service Publication

Editorial Content

Editorial: The Challenges of UFO Investigation

The editorial, written by Antonio Aparicio, emphasizes the critical need for a large accumulation of data in UFO research, but stresses that only cases with a degree of certainty and sincerity should be prioritized. The author notes that due to the scarcity of material evidence, information largely relies on witness testimony. Witnesses often experience strong emotions, which can affect the accuracy of their accounts. Answering questions in a UFO questionnaire can be difficult, especially regarding details like time, date, exact location, trajectory, duration, and observer's state of mind. The difficulty increases significantly when estimating distance, height, and apparent or real speed. Subjective factors make these estimations hard to verify. The most confusing aspect is often the size of the observed object, with witnesses providing subjective comparisons (e.g., 'like a wheel of a 600 car' or 'a pack of cigarettes') rather than angular measurements like lunar or Venusian diameters. These subjective size estimations are considered disorienting and of little informative value, especially if the observation was not at close range or low altitude. The editorial concludes that these factors make it very difficult to qualify the majority of possible UFO observations.

Cover Story: Extraordinary Encounter Near Sant Feliu de Codines

The cover prominently features the headline "EXTRAORDINARIO ENCUENTRO CERCA DE SANT FELIU DE CODINES" (Extraordinary Encounter Near Sant Feliu de Codines). This event is detailed within the magazine.

Observations Ibéricas de Septiembre de 1970 (Iberian Observations of September 1970)

This section compiles several UFO sightings from Spain:

• September 2, 1970, Barcelona: A letter from D. Juan Merino Jiménez describes observing three red lights near Mount Tibidabo that rose to about 3 meters above the mountain's peak. The lights then moved towards the observer at an altitude of approximately 1 km, changing direction from South to Southwest. Seven more lights appeared, four red and three yellow, with one yellow light being particularly intense. The object was described as having approximately 3 windows. The lights moved towards Sant Pere Màrtir and disappeared. The observation lasted about 30 seconds, with the object estimated to be about 500 meters away.
• September 6, 1970, Bollullos de la Mitación, Sevilla: D. Antonio Martín Montes, aged 19, reported seeing a green light near a weeping willow by the roadside. He had previously observed two lights (one green, one red) hovering about 2 meters above the ground on August 24th. On September 7th, he and a friend saw a green light illuminating olive trees. On August 31st, D. Rafael Villa Amador observed a red light, the size of a gas cylinder, hovering about 2 meters above the ground in an olive grove. The object was described as flat underneath with a hemispherical top, emitting three white light rays. One ray directed at the observer caused him to fall off his bicycle.
• September 8, 1970, Burriana, Castellón de la Plana: D. Vicente Miralles Barres described an object shaped like a boomerang, black in color, with a pointed center and a 'mist' on its rear. It was larger than a jet plane, moving very fast but slower than a shooting star, and appeared to hover. The observation lasted about 30 seconds.
• September 18, 1970, Burgos: Numerous people observed a luminous, seemingly stationary object. The airport in Villafría confirmed its presence and described it as round. The Meteorological Service at Villanubia Aerodrome suggested it might be a weather balloon, but this was deemed unlikely due to its prolonged presence. Contact with the French and Arenosillo bases ruled out their weather balloons. The possibility of an artificial satellite capsule was considered. Observations from the 'Iberduero' company indicated a large, conical object rotating at high speed towards Burgos, possibly a satellite capsule.
• September 28, 1970, Sopelana, Vizcaya: Several reports described a luminous object moving in the sky, initially from South to North, then North to South, before disappearing.
• September 1970, Villalba de los Alcores, Valladolid: A bright object, larger than Venus, was observed in the East, moving slowly towards the Northwest. It remained visible long after sunset.

Ultima Hora (Breaking News)

This section provides updates on two significant events from February 1971:

• February 23, 1971: An unusual object was observed in the skies over the Balearic Islands, Barcelona, Lérida, Huesca, and Guipúzcoa, and also in Southern France. It was suggested it might be part of a French rocket, but in other areas, it was considered a definite UFO sighting.
• February 1971: Straight-line tracks were found on a beach in the province of Cádiz, leading from the sea inland and then back to the sea. This is compared to cases reported by Charles Fort.

Extraordinary Encounter Near Sant Feliu de Codines and Other Observations

This article details an encounter that occurred in late September 1967. D. Mauricio Wiesenthal and his fiancée, Srta. María-Rosa Font, were driving near Sant Feliu de Codines when they observed a small, brilliant green figure emerge from the roadside. The figure, described as humanoid, was approximately 70 cm tall, with an egg-shaped head, disproportionately long arms with large hands, and large feet. It walked with a pronounced belly and large buttocks. The figure's skin was described as satin-like, shiny, and neon green. The encounter lasted about 8 seconds. The witnesses felt a mixture of fear and disgust and accelerated away, nearly hitting the figure. They reported that the figure moved with a peculiar gait, bending its knees noticeably.

Other Cases and Related Incidents

• University Students' Observation (September 25-26, 1970): Three university students staying in a mountain refuge near Coma de Vaca reported hearing footsteps on the roof and attempts to force the refuge door. They described the sounds as similar to a child walking but deemed it improbable due to the isolated location and time. The sounds lasted for about an hour.
• Palma de Mallorca Incident (July 1967): A young woman reported seeing two small beings, child-sized, in her patio at night, illuminated by a powerful light. The beings appeared to be talking. She also noted two small marks near the window that reappeared even after painting.
• Arc-sous-Cicon, France (July 17, 1967): A group of children reported seeing small, black beings hiding behind thorny bushes. One child claimed one of the beings tried to grab her. Another witness saw a vertical, yellowish light ray. Two girls approached the bushes and heard strange, musical sounds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, encounters with alleged extraterrestrial beings or humanoids, and unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Antonio Aparicio, emphasizes a cautious and data-driven approach to UFO research, prioritizing credible evidence and witness accounts while acknowledging the inherent difficulties and subjective nature of such investigations. The CEI itself is presented as a formal organization dedicated to the study of interplanetary phenomena, with a listed board of directors and administrative details.

This issue of STENDEK, titled "OVNIS EN EL MAR," focuses on various UFO and humanoid encounters, primarily from the 1960s. It compiles eyewitness testimonies, detailed descriptions of objects, and includes illustrations. The magazine also announces an upcoming national UFO conference in Madrid.

Case Studies and Testimonies

Cussac Incident (France)

The issue details an observation by two children, François (13) and Anne-Marie (9), in Cussac, Cantal, France, on August 29, 1967. While guarding cows, they saw four small, black-skinned beings near a bright sphere. The beings entered the sphere, which then ascended rapidly. The children described the beings as 1 to 1.20 meters tall, with black, shiny skin, long arms, and short legs. One child thought he saw a nose, while the other did not. The sphere emitted a high-pitched, sweet whistle heard by a local resident. An odor described as sulfur-like was also noted.

Fishermen's Testimonies (France)

Several accounts from fishermen describe encounters at sea:

• April 1968: Three fishermen observed a stationary, oval object that changed color to pinkish-red and then blue. It moved slowly westward, losing altitude, and disappeared into the sea after about 25 minutes. The object was silent and smooth.
• June 12, 1958: Two fishermen and a companion encountered a brilliant, orange-red ball that fell rapidly towards the water. It hovered, rotated, and moved towards their boat, causing air displacement and agitation of the water. The object was described as a fantastic wheel, about 4 meters in diameter, emitting strong heat and a faint hum. It moved in leaps, sometimes submerging partially.
• August 1, 1962: A fisherman observed a large, metallic object resembling a submarine with a turret emerge from the water. Frogmen were seen exiting and entering the vessel. The object then rose completely from the water, balanced by waves, and emitted red and green lights, followed by a white beam of light. It rotated, appearing as an oval plate, and then ascended rapidly, disappearing like a red point among the stars.
• September 10, 1965: A fisherman alone at sea saw a large, red glow in the sky that changed colors (orange, green, blue, red) and then divided into parts, fading away in complete silence. He confirmed no ships were burning or fireworks were present in the area.

Pantano "Gabriel y Galan" Observation (Spain)

Don Santos Nicolás provided a detailed description of a UFO observed in the "Gabriel y Galan" marshland. The object was described as a flattened cone atop a wide cylinder, with intermittent green and red lights. A "headlight" was located on top. The central part of the UFO was dark. Illustrations based on his testimony depict the object with a concave base and potential light-emitting screens. The beams of light were described as uniform and narrow, about 30-50 cm wide.

Additional Information and References

The article references previous publications and research, including works by Dr. Jacques Vallée and articles in "Lumières Dans La Nuit" and "Phénomènes Spatiaux." It also mentions the CEI (Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios) and other research centers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, encounters with non-human entities (humanoids), and unexplained aerial phenomena observed primarily at sea and in rural areas. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of these phenomena, presenting eyewitness accounts with detailed descriptions and illustrations. The magazine aims to compile evidence and foster collaboration among researchers, as indicated by the announcement of the national UFO conference. The emphasis on detailed descriptions, witness testimonies, and the inclusion of scientific references suggests a commitment to exploring the UFO phenomenon from a research perspective.

This issue of Stendek, identified as issue number 27, focuses on "Observaciones en el Mundo" (Observations in the World), presenting a collection of UFO sightings and related phenomena from various international locations during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The magazine delves into detailed case studies, witness testimonies, and potential explanations, often highlighting unusual luminous phenomena and their effects.

Electrical Failures and UFOs

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to cases where UFO sightings coincided with electrical disturbances. One prominent case from Guijo de Granadilla, Spain, in March 1970, describes an important electrical failure at a dam's installations. The electrician who performed the repairs attributed the short circuit and burning of cables to humidity, but the investigation explored the possibility of electromagnetic interference from a UFO. The technical questionnaire revealed that a strong magnetic field could cause similar damage to electrical components, suggesting a potential link.

Another case from Kabdrup and Fjelstrup, Denmark, on August 13, 1970, involved a police officer whose patrol car was enveloped in a white-blue light, causing the engine and all electrics to stop functioning. The interior temperature of the car also rose significantly. Later, the light lifted, revealing a cone-shaped luminous focus emerging from a circular object, which then retracted the light and moved away.

Luminous Phenomena and Object Characteristics

The magazine meticulously describes various luminous phenomena. The case of Villiers-en-Morvan, France (August 21, 1968), reported a luminous tube or factory chimney extending from a white spot, which approached the witnesses. The description emphasizes the sharp, well-defined edges of the light, leading to speculation about coherent light beams, possibly akin to laser technology, but with an inexplicable nature.

Similarly, an observation in Lac de Pannecière, France (October 20, 1968), described a bright white-yellowish light illuminating an area, forming a distinct beam. The witnesses also reported red sparks falling from the sky.

The object characteristics are varied, with shapes described as oval, disc, cigar, lenticular, cone, and trapezoidal. Colors ranged from red to blue-white and green-mauve. Size estimates varied, with some objects described as being 15 meters in diameter and 3 meters thick, while others were estimated at around 10 meters in diameter. Behaviors included hovering, slow movement, stopping, and disappearing without noise. Some reports noted the emission of heat, the scorching of the ground, and the drying of plants.

International Case Studies

Beyond Spain and France, the issue covers sightings from other regions:

• Morocco: An observation between Rabat and El-Harhoura on December 1, 1968, described a red disc-shaped UFO that suddenly appeared very close, resembling a large cigar with a red lower part and antennas.
• France (Alsace): An observation at "Das Hochfeld" on May 6, 1967, involved a black lenticular object emitting luminous strips of different colors and a luminous band on the ground forming a trapezoid.
• Argentina: A report from Tafí Viejo on January 15, 1971, detailed a UFO that hovered over an area, emitting intense heat that damaged vegetation and scorched a circle on the ground. Another observation near Laguna del Diamante on January 12, 1971, noted an object that had been present for days, oscillating in the sky.
• Australia: Miners in Mee-katharra reported a "flying saucer" observing their work.

Geological and Physiological Aspects

The magazine also touches upon potential contributing factors. It includes information from geological surveys of the Guijo de Granadilla area, noting the solid nature of the subsoil with few faults, which might be relevant to researchers looking for links between UFOs and geological features. Additionally, there's a mention of a strange illness affecting animals in the Guijo de Granadilla area, possibly related to a UFO passage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the reported cases is the nature of luminous phenomena, particularly the sharp, defined edges of light beams, which are often described as almost material. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation, presenting detailed accounts and seeking to correlate them with scientific or technical data, such as electromagnetic effects and geological conditions. The magazine aims to provide a comprehensive overview of UFO observations, encouraging further study and discussion.

Notable Quote

René Fouéré's commentary on the Villiers-en-Morvan case highlights the perplexing nature of the luminous phenomena: "...We can think of a coherent light beam, whose beam, due to the non-dispersive property of said light, takes on the appearance of a solid bar, that is, of an almost material object. But while a very powerful laser could create this 'light bar,' it is not very well understood how such a bar could be stopped and appear as if cut or sectioned by a sharp and invisible instrument. The nature of this tube escapes us (in the sense that it is beyond our knowledge)..."

FAQ

• What kind of electrical disturbances were reported in relation to UFO sightings? Reports include short circuits, burning of cables, failure of car engines and electrics, and radio malfunction, suggesting a link between UFO presence and electrical system disruptions.
• What are the characteristics of the luminous phenomena described? The phenomena are often described as luminous beams or tubes with sharp, well-defined edges, sometimes appearing as solid or material objects, and can be white, blue-white, or green-mauve in color.
• What geological information is presented in relation to UFO sightings? The magazine mentions geological surveys of the Guijo de Granadilla area, indicating a solid subsoil with few fissures and no significant faults, presented as potentially relevant to some researchers who see a link between UFO sightings and geological faults.
• Are there any reported physiological effects on animals? Yes, the issue mentions a report of a strange illness affecting various animals in the Guijo de Granadilla area, possibly caused by the passage of a UFO.

This issue of Stendek, identified as issue number 04, focuses on a collection of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) and Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) sightings reported globally during late 1970 and early 1971. The magazine presents detailed accounts from various countries, including Australia, Brazil, Portugal (Azores), Spain (Canary Islands), Morocco, Mexico, and Mozambique. The publication also includes an announcement regarding a new reader interaction section.

Reports of Sightings

Australia

Near Perth, Australia, on December 7th, an orange and white object described as making a whistling sound was observed by miners for two hours. Tom Murphy, the supervisor of the mining camp, stated that the object was first seen by night-shift miners who woke up to witness it hovering in the sky. The report notes that in recent weeks, several people in the area had claimed to see UFOs, according to officials from the Civil Aviation Department. Information was sourced from 'Jornada de la Tarde' (Valencia) and 'El Correo de Andalucía' (Seville), with thanks to CEI correspondents D. Francisco Veloso and D. José-Antonio Galán.

Brazil

On February 5th, a luminous object flying at an "incredible" speed was observed over Pau Ferro, Pernambuco, Brazil. The Brazilian Air Force dispatched a plane from the Second Air Zone Command, but the object disappeared into space within seconds. This information was provided by 'El Correo Español-El Pueblo Vasco' (Bilbao) on February 7th, 1971.

Azores, Portugal

On September 28th, a strange object was sighted in the sky over Faial, Azores, flying in a south-southwest to north-northeast direction. The object, positioned at an altitude lower than satellites but higher than aircraft, emitted a bright white light and disappeared at an "extraordinary speed." It was also observed by several witnesses in Varadouro. The report cites 'O Século' (Lisbon) from September 29th, 1970, with thanks to correspondent D. Joaquim Bispo.

Canary Islands, Spain

A mysterious light appearing between 4 and 6 AM in the 'Gómez Felipe' Park in Los Llanos de Aridane, La Palma, has sparked curiosity and concern among locals. The report suggests that popular imagination is trying to explain the phenomenon, leading many people from nearby towns to gather before dawn, enduring the cold, in hopes of seeing the light appear and disappear. This account is from 'La Vanguardia' (Barcelona), December 8th, 1970, and was facilitated by a correspondent.

Morocco

On October 7th, an unidentified object with flashing luminosity was observed in the sky over Oued-Zem around 8 PM. The object, resembling a fireball, flew at a low altitude and at high speed, illuminating the landscape. Several residents of Oued-Zem, unaccustomed to such sights, experienced panic. The information comes from 'L'Opinion' (Rabat), October 9th, 1970, provided by correspondent D. Laarbi Slassi.

Mexico

On October 13th, three UFOs were reportedly captured by the radar of the international airport in Ciudad de México DF. The information, published by the evening paper 'El Sol de México', could not be confirmed or denied, but it stated that control room technicians were alerted. The UFOs were also reportedly seen by numerous farmers over the Valley of Mexico. This report is based on 'Ideal' (Granada), October 15th, 1970.

Mozambique

On the night of October 17th, a flying object with a bright white light was seen over Vila Salazar, about 15 km from Lourenço Marques. The object appeared to hover for a period before moving away, emitting successive explosions that radiated an orange color until it disappeared. This phenomenon is noted as being identical to reports from South African press concerning events in the Johannesburg area. The source is 'Diario de Noticias' (Lisbon), October 18th, 1970, with thanks to correspondent D. Manuel A. Valentos.

In a separate report from Lourenço Marques, two sisters, one named María Leonor, witnessed two luminous objects around 3 AM on January 26th. They described the objects as resembling "flying saucers" and noted they were emitting smoke. María Leonor stated the objects were white and of similar size, with one occasionally increasing in size. They watched until the objects disappeared as the sun rose. This report is also from 'Diario de Noticias' (Lisbon), January 27th, 1971, and was facilitated by correspondent D. Manuel A. Valentos.

Announcements

For Our Readers' Interest

The magazine announces that starting with issue number 05, STENDEK will feature a new section titled "Cartas al Director" (Letters to the Editor). This section invites readers to submit questions, opinions, and accounts of cases related to the UFO phenomenon. Brevity is requested for submissions to facilitate layout.

Additionally, the editorial team relays an apology from a person who was supposed to prepare a critical study on photographs of a supposed UFO from San José de Valderas, Madrid (mentioned in STENDEK 02, p. 18, note 9). Due to professional difficulties, the study could not be completed on time but is expected to be offered in a future issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena and UFO sightings from diverse geographical locations. The magazine adopts a stance of documenting these events based on witness testimonies, official reports (like radar data), and press clippings from various international and local sources. The editorial team expresses gratitude to their correspondents for facilitating these reports. The inclusion of a "Letters to the Editor" section suggests an intention to foster reader engagement and discussion on the topic of UFOs. The magazine appears to be a dedicated publication for enthusiasts of the UFO phenomenon, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of reported incidents.