Stendek - Vol 02 No 07 - December 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: STEN DEK
Issue: N.° 7
Volume: Año II
Date: DICIEMBRE 1971 (December 1971)
Publisher: SERVICIO INFORMATIVO C. E. I. (Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios de Barcelona)
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of Sten Dek, the informative service of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI) based in Barcelona, Spain, is dated December 1971. The cover prominently features the headline "OBSERVACIONES EN ZAMORA Y SORIA" (Observations in Zamora and Soria), accompanied by a striking black and white illustration of a car driving towards a bright, radiating light source.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Pere Redón, discusses a significant development: the offer to CEI-Madrid members of official access to the "Centro de Cálculo" (Computing Center) at the University of Madrid. The editorial highlights the growing volume of UFO case files and the difficulty in managing them, suggesting that this computational resource will greatly benefit their research. It notes that modern IBM systems have been used previously, including by Vicente Ballester of CEONI Valencia for peninsula landing case studies and by CEI-Madrid for the 1968/69 Spanish UFO wave. The offer from the University of Madrid is particularly valuable as it includes the cooperation of a team of mathematicians and unlimited time. The editorial emphasizes that this collaboration could lead to the publication of their research in the University's memorandum, potentially reaching a wider audience and fostering interest in the field. It concludes by stating that this is a prime opportunity to give ufological studies a degree of official recognition in Spain.

Contents and Key Articles

Sumario (Table of Contents)

The table of contents lists several articles and reports:

• Editorial by Pere Redón (Page 1)
• Observaciones Ibéricas, de Junio a Diciembre de 1971 (Iberian Observations, June to December 1971) (Page 2)
• Informe sobre los extraños sucesos de Ucero (Report on the strange events of Ucero) by David G. López, Bernard L. Begule, and Félix Ares de Blas (Page 5)
• Actividad OVNI en relación con las noches de los días de la semana (UFO Activity in relation to the nights of the days of the week) by Dr. Jacques Vallée (Page 12)
• El extraño fenómeno luminoso de Zamora (The strange luminous phenomenon of Zamora) by Francisco Lezcano (Page 16)
• Los Extra-Terrestres (III) (The Extra-Terrestrials (III)) by Jader U. Pereira (Page 20)
• Goethe cita la observación de un meteoro (Goethe cites the observation of a meteor) (Page 22)
• Un caballo resulta enfermo trás un incidente OVNI (A horse becomes ill after a UFO incident) by John Magor (Page 23)
• Sociología de los aterrizajes ibéricos (Sociology of Iberian landings) by Dr. Jacques Vallée and Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos (Page 27)
• Observaciones en el Mundo (Observations in the World) (Page 31)

Observaciones Ibéricas de Junio a Diciembre de 1971

This section details several UFO/UAP sightings across Spain and Portugal:

• June 8, 1971, Puebla de los Infantes, SEVILLA: A brilliant object with large light flashes was seen rotating and moving southeast. The sighting coincided with a local power outage.
• July 26, 1971, Setúbal, ESTREMADURA: A reader observed a strange, orange-colored object hovering and moving in various directions, sometimes immobilizing itself.
• June 26, 1971, Sagunto, VALENCIA: A witness described a luminous, disc-shaped object, about the size of a Vespa motorcycle wheel, moving at high speed from west to east over the city, estimated to be at least 6 km high.
• July 3, 1971, Ortigueira, LA CORUÑA: A bright, unidentified object was observed at high altitude, moving slowly from east to west.
• July 29, 1971, Sobreda de Caparica, ESTREMADURA: Several people reported a very bright, luminous object, larger than a star, with a halo, which remained in the same position for about two hours.
• August 15, 1971, La Estrada, PONTEVEDRA: An object emitting a bright glow was observed evolving slowly in the sky.
• August 28, 1971, Tudela-Veguín, ASTURIAS: A round, flying artifact with orange and blue lights was seen hovering over the area for over half an hour. It appeared to have two parts that separated and rejoined.
• September 18, 1971, Alcañices, ZAMORA: The head of the telegraph office reported a significant sighting. A very intense, bluish light, described as a flash from a round object, was observed. The phenomenon lasted for about half an hour, and a nearby field of stubble was found scorched, as if by intense heat, though the ground was cold.

Informe sobre los extraños sucesos de Ucero

This article by David G. López, Bernard L. Begule, and Félix Ares de Blas investigates a reported incident in Ucero, Soria, from September 2, 1968. The report details how Pedro Aylagas, a resident, saw a luminous object on the ground, described as larger than a truck wheel and emitting intense colors. The object reportedly focused its light on Aylagas, causing him to duck. He then saw three figures moving around the object before it ascended. The authors, as part of a study on the 1968-69 Spanish UFO wave, conducted an on-site investigation a year later. They interviewed locals who remembered the event vividly. The investigation focused on a specific location where a bright flash was observed by Luis Hernando on August 16, 1971, about 15 days before Aylagas's sighting. Hernando described a flash like a "fogonazo" (flare) that appeared to descend behind a hill. The article also delves into the technical aspects of a nearby 16,000 V power line, noting that one of its branches had been recently suppressed. Investigations at the power line pole revealed signs of burning and oxidation on metal supports, suggesting electrical discharges between the conductors and the pole. While electrical discharge is considered, the authors also explore other hypotheses, including atmospheric ionization and torbellinos (whirlwinds), though they deem the latter improbable for a 16,000 V line. The investigation concluded without finding definitive evidence of an extraterrestrial landing site, but noted the significant impact the events had on the local population.

Other Articles

• Actividad OVNI en relación con las noches de los días de la semana by Dr. Jacques Vallée examines UFO activity patterns in relation to the days of the week.
• El extraño fenómeno luminoso de Zamora by Francisco Lezcano discusses a luminous phenomenon observed in Zamora.
• Los Extra-Terrestres (III) by Jader U. Pereira continues a series on extraterrestrials.
• Goethe cita la observación de un meteoro notes a historical observation by Goethe.
• Un caballo resulta enfermo trás un incidente OVNI by John Magor reports on a horse falling ill after a UFO incident.
• Sociología de los aterrizajes ibéricos by Dr. Jacques Vallée and Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos analyzes the sociology of UFO landings in the Iberian Peninsula.
• Observaciones en el Mundo provides a collection of global UFO observations.

Book Reviews/Listings

The issue includes a list of books on the UFO theme translated into Spanish, featuring works by Michel Carrouges, Frank Edwards, Charles Fort, John G. Fuller, and Carl G. Jung.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Sten Dek strongly emphasizes the reporting and investigation of UFO/UAP sightings within Spain and Portugal. The editorial stance is one of scientific inquiry and a desire for greater official recognition of ufological studies. The magazine actively seeks to document cases, analyze patterns (as seen in Dr. Vallée's article), and explore the sociological aspects of these phenomena. The proactive approach, including on-site investigations like the one in Ucero, and the pursuit of computational resources, indicates a serious commitment to advancing the field of UFO research in Spain.

This issue of "Revista de Estudios Sobre Fenómenos Aéreos" (Issue 10) delves into two distinct UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) cases and presents a statistical analysis of UAP occurrences.

The Strange Luminous Phenomenon of Zamora

This section, authored by Francisco Lezcano Lezcano, details two separate incidents that occurred in the Zamora region of Spain.

Incident 1: August 25th

The first report, initially published by the news agency Cifra and disseminated by the press on August 26th, concerns an incident involving Basilio Casas Rodríguez, a 34-year-old taxi driver from Nuez, Zamora. While driving alone at night near Nuez, Casas Rodríguez reported seeing a circular object, approximately one to one and a half meters in diameter, emitting an intense yellowish light. The object allegedly hovered about two meters above the road, causing his car's engine to stop without intervention. After a few moments, the object ascended and disappeared among the trees, leaving behind a yellow glow on the pavement. Other locals also claimed to have witnessed the passage of a bright object.

However, Lezcano Lezcano's investigation, based on a conversation with Casas Rodríguez and a site examination, suggests that the initial press reports distorted the facts. Casas Rodríguez never definitively stated he saw a "flying saucer" or that the object "landed." He initially suggested it might be a tractor due to the light. The author clarifies that the event unfolded as follows: on Sunday, August 22nd, at midnight, Casas Rodríguez was driving his taxi towards the train station. About a kilometer from Nuez, he noticed a light to his right, which he initially thought was a tractor. As he approached, the light moved progressively to his left. He stopped the car and observed the light, which was about a hundred centimeters from the ground, approaching him. It was described as an enormous, intense, yellowish light, like a spotlight, about one to one and a half meters in diameter. The object stopped about two meters from his taxi. He felt a sensation of heat and itching, and his hair stood on end, experiencing a feeling of being pushed towards it. The car's engine cut out. He compared the light to the sun setting or rising, but at a distance of ten meters. Suddenly, the light disappeared, but reappeared about fifteen meters to his right, preceded by a red pilot light. He estimated the object's size to be around four meters in diameter and no more than 1.70 meters in height, based on its relation to the surrounding trees and valley. He pursued the phenomenon on foot for a short distance but lost sight of it. He later recounted the event to the civil guard in Alcañices, but they did not take him seriously.

Incident 2: August 28th

This section refers to an observation made by Pedro Aylagas, the principal witness of a phenomenon in Ucero. Aylagas reported that on the afternoon of August 28th, around 7:30 PM, while taking a break under a tree, he saw a brilliant light descending from the sky between two peaks. The light emitted flashes of various colors and appeared like the sun. His wife noted that it reminded her of apparitions of the Virgin Mary. The object descended, emitting a powerful beam of light from its upper part, illuminating the mountains and the ground. The light was described as intensely reddish, making the rocks appear to be burning. When the beam hit Aylagas's face, he felt dazzled, a sensation of itching and heat, and his hair stood on end, with a feeling of being pushed towards the object. He felt intense fear. The object then positioned its light vertically and continued descending. He observed it rotate and emit a luminous glow from its interior through windows, with a cascade of sparks falling to the ground. It landed, and he described its shape as two concave plates joined together, approximately four meters in diameter. From its central part, three small dark objects emerged and descended to the ground, appearing connected to the main object. After about a minute, these objects returned to the main craft. The object then ascended slowly with its light directed upwards, reaching an altitude of about 200 to 300 meters before accelerating rapidly and disappearing towards the north. The entire event lasted six to seven minutes. Aylagas reported that during this period and in the preceding days, there were power outages and electrical deficiencies in Ucero, which contradicted information from other neighbors.

Analysis and Conclusions

The author notes that the fact that the phenomenon began after the suppression of an electrical line and ceased after its repair diminishes the favorable evidence, though he finds it extremely strange. He also considers that Aylagas's detailed description, especially the intensity of the light causing him pain for two days, suggests a genuine experience, though he acknowledges that imagination can transform fantasies into subjective realities over time. The investigation remains open.

UFO Activity in Relation to the Days of the Week

This article, by Dr. Jacques Vallée, explores the temporal distribution of UFO sightings, specifically focusing on the day of the week.

Temporal Patterns of UFO Sightings

Vallée notes that UFO phenomena often occur in well-defined intervals, characterized by sudden, widespread "waves" lasting one to two months, and local "waves" of a few days to a week. He highlights that while the "hourly law" (maximum sightings between 9 PM and 10 PM) has been studied for landings, the distribution of observations related to the day of the week had received less attention until recently.

Research on Day-of-Week Distribution

Vallée presents findings from several researchers: Keel, Vallée himself, Saunders, and Ballester. Keel's initial study of American observations in 1966 indicated that Wednesday was the day with the highest number of sightings, occurring between 8 PM and 11 PM. However, the base data for Keel's study is not available. The article presents a table (Table I) showing the percentage of UFO cases in relation to the days of the week from various studies, including Keel (730 cases), Vallée (858 cases), Vallée (US, 300 cases), Saunders (7,025 cases), and Ballester (81 cases). The results vary significantly, with some studies showing a peak on Wednesday, others on Thursday or Saturday.

Discrepancies and Interpretations

Vallée points out the contradictory nature of these findings, noting that Keel's definition of "Type I" cases (landings or near-landings) might differ from general interpretations. He discusses a specific case described by Keel involving an object at low altitude. The article also presents a comparison of daily percentages according to Keel and Saunders (Figure 1), illustrating differences in their findings.

Night vs. Day Observations

A significant point raised is that most UFO cases occur at night. Table II and Figure 2 present data on Type I (landing) observations related to the day and hour. This suggests that studies on the distribution of sightings should focus on "nights of the week" rather than "days of the week." Figure 3 compares nocturnal and diurnal percentages for the same data, showing a lower proportion of landings on Saturday night and a higher proportion on Friday night.

The "Newspaper Effect"

Vallée discusses the possibility that the lower proportion of sightings on Saturday night might be influenced by newspaper publication schedules. He suggests that if a sighting occurs on a Saturday, it might have less chance of being reported quickly because most newspapers publish articles, except for the front page, in advance. This "newspaper effect" could explain why Saturday night sightings might be underrepresented.

Conclusion of the Analysis

Vallée concludes that while variations in sightings on other nights might be explainable by chance, further detailed analysis is needed. He calls for other researchers to provide statistics based on nocturnal intervals rather than diurnal ones for more accurate insights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena through detailed witness testimonies and rigorous, albeit sometimes inconclusive, investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting evidence and analysis without definitive pronouncements, acknowledging the complexity and persistent mystery surrounding UAP. There is a clear emphasis on empirical data, statistical analysis, and the critical evaluation of witness accounts, while also recognizing the potential for misinterpretation and the subjective nature of perception. The inclusion of both specific case studies and broader statistical analyses indicates a comprehensive approach to the subject matter.

This issue of STENDEK, dated June 1971, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including a detailed account of an animal's distress after an encounter, a catalog of extraterrestrial types, and a sociological study of witnesses.

Article: A Horse Becomes Ill After a UFO Incident

This lengthy article, authored by John Magor, details a case involving a horse that exhibited extreme nervousness and distress after a suspected UFO encounter. The incident occurred in August 1970 when a doctor, riding his mare near Calgary, Canada, observed a strange, disc-shaped object. The horse became violently agitated, and the doctor noted unusual sounds emanating from the craft. Following the encounter, the horse remained unwell, developing a rash and swelling. The article also references the famous 'Snippy' case of a poney found dead in Colorado, USA, in September 1971, with similar unexplained injuries, suggesting a pattern of extraterrestrial interest in Earth's fauna.

The UFO observed was described as a matte-finished object, approximately 40 feet in diameter, with rotating structures on its underside and what appeared to be exploration devices. The doctor's horse later developed symptoms that were difficult for a veterinarian to diagnose, raising further questions about the potential effects of UFO encounters on animals.

Article: Types of Extraterrestrials (III)

Authored by Ja ter U. Pereira, this section continues a catalog of different types of extraterrestrial beings. It details 'Isolated Cases' (C.A.), which are humanoid but do not fit previous descriptions, and 'New Types' (N.T.) characterized by having a single eye. The article lists specific cases with descriptions of their physical attributes, such as stature, skin color, facial features, and clothing. It also includes 'Mixed Occupant Landings' (CASOS DE TRIPULACIONES MIXTAS), where occupants of different types were seen together, citing examples from France and Brazil. The section also touches upon 'Extraordinary Cases' (CASOS EXTRAORDINARIOS) that are too fantastic to be examined in detail within the article's scope.

Article: Goethe Cites the Observation of a Meteor

This short piece highlights an observation of a luminous phenomenon by traveler Bory de Saint Vicent, as cited by the writer Johann W. Goethe in his work 'Sketch of a Theory of Colors.' The phenomenon, described as a beautiful luminous event with divergent rays of light, was observed on March 22, 1802. The observation was sent in by a reader named M. V.

Article: Sociology of Iberian Landings

Authored by Jacques Vallée and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, this article presents a sociological study of UFO landing cases in the Iberian Peninsula. Based on a catalog of 100 Type I observations, the study analyzes witness demographics, including the number of witnesses per case, their ages, and their intellectual level based on occupation. It notes that while UFO sightings are not concentrated in any specific age group, there's a noted scarcity of reports from adults between 30 and 50 years old. The study also examines what witnesses were doing at the time of observation, suggesting this activity is crucial for understanding their reactions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained phenomena associated with UFOs, including physical encounters, descriptions of alien beings, and the impact on both humans and animals. The magazine adopts a serious, investigative stance, presenting detailed accounts, witness testimonies, and analytical studies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging readers to report their own observations and contributing to the collective understanding of these events.

Title: STEN DEK
Issue: Año II, N. EXTRA JULIO 1971
Publisher: C. E. I. (Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios)
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This extra issue of STEN DEK, published in July 1971, focuses on UFOs and related phenomena, featuring a significant study and various international reports.

Main Feature: Study of 100 UFO Landings in the Iberian Peninsula

The centerpiece of this issue is an extensive study titled "Estudio de 100 aterrizajes ibéricos" (Study of 100 Iberian Landings), conducted by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Dr. Jacques Vallée. This study aims to analyze and clarify new questions regarding UFO landing witnesses in Spain and Portugal.

Witness Demographics and Activities

Table 2, "Ocupación de los testigos a la hora de la observación" (Witness Occupation at the Time of Observation), categorizes 64 cases based on the witness's activity. Common activities included driving (37 cases), being at home (6 cases), working in the field (15 cases), and other activities like being on the beach (1 case).

Witness Relationships

Tables 3 and 4 analyze the relationships between witnesses in multiple-witness cases. Table 3, for two witnesses, shows relationships such as spouse, girlfriend, mother, colleague, brother, uncle, or unrelated individuals. Table 4, for three or more witnesses, indicates relationships like partners, colleagues, or groups of women.

Summary of Findings (Resumen de los Hallazgos)

• Section 6 summarizes the key findings:
• A) Population Distribution: Witnesses represent a valid distribution of the Iberian rural population with a mix of intellectual levels and age groups.
• B) Normal Activities: Witnesses were typically engaged in their normal activities, often driving, when their attention was drawn to an unexpected object.
• C) Group Dynamics: In multiple-witness cases, the analysis of relationships (close relatives, colleagues, strangers) suggests that psychological explanations like 'folie à deux' or mass hallucination are limited, as the witnesses were often with familiar people or strangers, not necessarily in configurations that would predispose to such phenomena.
• D) Sophistication and Reporting: A key finding is that the more sophisticated witnesses are, the less likely they are to report their observations. This, combined with the rural nature of many landings, leads to a predisposition towards manual professions among reporters. Furthermore, women are less likely to report landing observations than men, and there are few reports from adults aged 30-50.
• E) Lack of Preferential Configurations: The near-identical proportion of close relatives, strangers, and colleagues among witnesses indicates that the observation of a Type I event is not due to specific preferred configurations or interpersonal relationships among witnesses, which might be expected in cases of illusion, hoax, or suggestion.

Based on these statistics from around 100 carefully evaluated incidents, the article proposes that adequate explanations for the described phenomena should now be sought in physical terms, as the analysis does not support psychological or sociological motivations.

International Reports

The magazine includes reports from various countries:

• Chile: A UFO was sighted in Calama on the night of October 11th, described as a star-shaped object about 70 meters in diameter, hovering for 15 minutes. It reappeared the next day for two minutes, moving with extraordinary speed and emitting a blue light. Police were not informed.
• Chile (Aviation Report): A Chilean Boeing 727 aircraft, flying from Punta Arenas to Santiago, was pursued by about 10 UFOs near Temuco on December 19th. The objects moved at high speed, changing light frequencies. Radar did not detect them. The crew communicated with airports in Puerto Montt and Pudahuel, and the event lasted thirty minutes. The UFOs escorted the plane to Chillán before disappearing at high speed.
• North Africa (Ceuta): Four strange, intermittent lights were observed over the Bay of Ceuta on November 10th. They had a moon-like shape and moved rapidly in different directions.
• France: Angelo Cellot, a farmer, reported seeing a large ball of light with five headlights moving silently over his field on the night of November 14th. It followed him for about 10 minutes, and its light was so intense it neutralized his tractor's headlight. Another farmer in the same region, Théo Tyce, reported a similar observation.
• USA (Maryland): Two UFOs were observed over Talbot County on December 13th, described as having red, green, and white flashing lights and remaining stationary for over an hour at high altitude. Authorities at nearby naval and air bases reported no aircraft activity, and radar detection was uncertain.
• Paraguay (Asunción): A luminous object, described as cylindrical and four times larger than the moon, was seen on the night of November 19th. It moved at moderate speed, paused briefly, and then elongated as it disappeared into the darkness. The sighting lasted about seven minutes.

Other Sections

• Revistas OVNI en el Mundo: This section lists other UFO magazines, including The A.P.R.O. Bulletin (USA) and Boletim S.B.E.D.V. (Brazil).
• En el Proximo Numero: Teases upcoming articles on topics such as UFO activity by day of the week, the Suárez Marzal case, the Manises observation, ambiguities about UFOs, and a potential sighting by Jacobo Casanova.
• Celebration of the General Assembly of C.E.I.: Reports on the annual general assembly of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios, including the election of its new board members for the 1972-1973 term.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around detailed case reports of UFO sightings and landings, statistical analysis of witness characteristics and behaviors, and the ongoing effort to find physical explanations for these phenomena. The editorial stance, as reflected in the summary of findings, leans towards a physical explanation for UFO events, moving away from purely psychological or sociological interpretations. There's also an emphasis on the challenges of reporting, particularly the inverse relationship between witness sophistication and the likelihood of reporting.