Stendek - Vol 05 No 17 - September 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: STEN DEK
Issue: N.° 17
Volume: AÑO V
Date: Septiembre 1974
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), Barcelona
Document Type: Informative Service Publication

Editorial

The editorial, written by Pere Redón, addresses a misconception among readers that STENDEK and the CEI pursue economic gain. Redón clarifies that their effort is driven by a desire to keep readers informed about UFO phenomena, particularly within the Iberian Peninsula. Despite challenges like inconsistent subscriptions and rising costs, STENDEK has maintained prestige internationally over its four years of publication. The editorial expresses gratitude for reader support and a commitment to overcoming obstacles.

Key Articles and Content

Cover Story: Maxi Iglesias Case

The cover features Maxi Iglesias pointing to marks on the ground, described as "rascones" made by supposed extraterrestrials, in Salamanca on March 21, 1974. The issue delves deeply into this case, presenting it as an exceptional sighting.

"La Espectacular Aventura de Maxi Iglesias, en Salamanca"

This article, by Joan Crexells and Pere Redón, details the events of March 20 and 21, 1974, involving Maxi Iglesias. The report highlights the exceptional nature of the sighting in Salamanca, a region not typically known for such phenomena. It places the event within the context of a mini-Iberian UFO wave in 1974, listing other sightings: Sevilla (March 20, mothership), Málaga (March 27, UFO photos), Granada-Almería-Murcia (April 10, pursuit by UFO), and Strait of Gibraltar (April 15, OSNI).

Maxi Iglesias, a 21-year-old driver from Lagunilla, Salamanca, recounts his experiences to journalist Angel Gil of La Gaceta Regional. Iglesias describes a powerful white light on the road on March 20, which caused his truck's lights and engine to fail. He saw a metallic UFO, approximately 10-12 meters in diameter, with smooth edges and a dim, regular light, resting on three round legs. Two beings, described as tall (1.90-2 meters) and wearing shiny, tight-fitting suits, emerged. They gestured and pointed at him before one returned to the craft and disappeared. The other remained, then also returned to the craft, which then ascended slowly with a hum.

On the night of March 21, Iglesias encountered three UFOs in the same area. Four beings emerged and appeared to be searching the ground, using T-shaped and horseshoe-shaped tools to make marks approximately 8-9 centimeters deep. Iglesias observed them for less than three minutes before retreating. He noted that the beings' faces were not visible, possibly covered by the same material as their suits. They moved normally and did not appear to be robots. He was pursued by the beings but managed to escape into rough terrain.

Upon returning to his truck, Iglesias found the door ajar, but the vehicle's ignition failed. When the beings reappeared, he fled. After they disappeared, the truck started normally. The next day, strange tracks were found on the road where the UFO had landed.

Other Sections and Content:

• Sumario (Table of Contents): Lists the articles, including the cover story, editorial, analysis of UFO trajectories, the Florida 'mystery ball', the 'OVNI' of Les Vosges, the Pascagoula case, an event in Cuenca, the Planoles phenomenon, a statistical analysis of the 1974 Iberian UFO wave, and a comparison between Michel and Guasp.
• CEI and STENDEK Information: Details the organization's founding in October 1958, its registration, and its Barcelona headquarters. It provides contact information for correspondence and exchange with similar publications.
• Editorial Board: Lists the members of the directive council for the 1974-1975 biennium, including honorary presidents like Hermann Oberth.
• Contributors: Mentions Don Miguel Guasp and Don Enrique Villagrasa as collaborators for this issue.
• Sources: The article relies on reports from La Gaceta Regional, Radio Béjar, and the magazine Blanco y Negro, as well as interviews conducted by STENDEK's correspondent, Vicente Rico Gil.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the detailed investigation of a significant UFO sighting and encounter in Salamanca, Spain, involving witness Maxi Iglesias. The publication emphasizes the non-profit nature of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI) and its dedication to providing factual information on UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, aiming to inform the public and correct misconceptions, while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining such a publication.

This issue of "A TODO COLOR" (Volume V, Issue 11, November 1972) focuses on a detailed scientific analysis of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) directions, presented by Miguel Guasp Carrascosa. The magazine's cover headline, "ANALISIS PROCESAL DE LAS DIRECCIONES DE LOS OVNI," clearly indicates the central theme. The issue also includes witness accounts of UFO sightings.

Witness Accounts

The magazine begins with an account involving Maxi Iglesias, who observed an object that left straight lines on the ground, suggesting it was scratched by a hard object. Later, two individuals from a UFO group, equipped with a Geiger counter, investigated the site and detected radioactivity in a 200-meter radius. They also discovered three circular imprints in the ground, approximately 12 meters in diameter, where the grass was flattened. A curious detail mentioned is that Maxi's truck battery was found discharged the following morning, possibly due to a light being left on.

Another observation is reported from March 30th, where Maxi Iglesias, while at his girlfriend Anuncia Merino's house in Pineda, heard a strange noise. Upon investigation, they observed two large, intensely bright white lights in the sky, estimated to be 800 to 900 meters high, which Maxi described as two ships.

A subsequent sighting occurred in early May when Maxi, Anuncia Merino, and Anuncia's grandfather were traveling near Salamanca. Anuncia spotted a strong white light in the sky that vanished quickly. A few kilometers later, a brilliant, blinding white light ball approached their vehicle at high speed. The object passed over their car and disappeared. The experience was so intense that the three witnesses took several minutes to recover.

Scientific Analysis: "Teoría de Procesos de los OVNI"

The core of the issue is an article by Miguel Guasp Carrascosa, a physics student, titled "ANALISIS PROCESAL DE LAS DIRECCIONES DE LOS OVNI" (Procedural Analysis of UFO Directions). Guasp introduces his "Teoría de Procesos" (Theory of Processes), which aims to study UFO phenomena by analyzing the directions of their movement. He explains that this data, often overlooked, is crucial for understanding UFO structures.

Guasp's theory defines the phenomenon as a function and proposes that UFOs are real objects exhibiting certain real processes. The analysis focuses on the relationships between observation points (A) and potential object locations (P), where P is determined by local time (for longitude) and the object's nature (for latitude).

For his study, Guasp utilized data from 1950, compiled by CEONI and cataloged in the "Catálogo Ibérico" (CATIB-50). He selected cases that provided precise observational data (time and location) necessary for calculating point P. Cases with vague or unknown directions were excluded. The study specifically focused on "Tipo IV" cases (as classified by Vallée), which involve objects observed at higher altitudes, and excluded "Tipo I" cases (landings).

Methodology and Findings

The article presents two tables: Tabla I lists the selected cases with their dates, times, locations, and approximate sexagesimal coordinates. Tabla II provides further details, including the calculated point P coordinates, the theoretically predicted direction, and the observed direction.

Guasp's analysis compares the predicted directions with the observed ones. He notes that predicting directions is complex, especially when the distance between P and A is large. The study found that for cases where the distance between P and A was less than or equal to 90°, the prediction of directions and senses had a success rate of 33.3%, and the prediction of directions alone was 55.5%. When considering all cases, the overall prediction of directions and senses reached 27.7%, and directions alone reached 50%.

He discusses the "instability" of directions, particularly for cases where PA is greater than or equal to 150°. In these instances, directions tend to be more polarized (e.g., N-S or E-W) rather than hybrid (e.g., NE, SW). Guasp suggests this might indicate an intrinsic cause within the phenomenon, creating unstable zones.

The study concludes that while predicting UFO directions is challenging, the explanation of observed cases is more feasible. Approximately 66.6% of the cases could be logically understood through procedural analysis, even with certain limitations in the predictive model. The imprecision of reported directions in UFO sightings is identified as a significant constraint.

Guasp emphasizes that future research could refine these predictions by developing practical rules and mnemonic techniques for quantization, potentially leading to significant advancements in understanding the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes a scientific and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, moving beyond mere anecdotal accounts. The "Teoría de Procesos" represents an attempt to apply systematic methodology and statistical analysis to UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, encouraging further research and discussion within the ufological community. The inclusion of witness testimonies alongside the rigorous analysis suggests a balanced approach, acknowledging both empirical observation and theoretical modeling.

The article is co-authored by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, who also contributes an introduction to Guasp's work, highlighting his prolific mind and dedication. The issue concludes with a note of thanks to Ballester Olmos and contact information for Miguel Guasp Carrascosa for those wishing to discuss the article.

This issue of the magazine focuses on several intriguing UFO cases, including the "Mysterious Florida Ball," the "Pascagoula Incident," and a landing in "Cuenca, Spain."

The Mysterious Florida Ball

The article begins by referencing a Spanish newspaper report from April 15, 1974, about a metallic sphere found in the backyard of the Betz family in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. This object, described as the first "ORNI" (Unidentified Rolling Object), was said to transmit vibrations and appear self-propelled. The Betz family requested the US Navy to examine it. The news coincided with the "Iberian Wave" of UFO sightings, prompting the magazine to archive the story for more information. Later, the "APRO Bulletin" provided further details.

The Betz family's son, Terry, discovered the metallic ball, about 8 inches in diameter, on March 26, 1974, while inspecting their property after a forest fire. Initially, they kept it as a curiosity. However, they soon noticed it vibrated like a tuning fork when Terry played certain guitar notes. The object also moved on its own, vibrated at a low frequency suggesting an internal motor, and caused a puppy to tremble when brought near.

An examination by a metallurgist at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station revealed the exterior was made of stainless steel (alloy 431) with a crust estimated to be half an inch thick. Dr. Hynek of Northwestern University requested the ball for examination, but the Betz family was advised against sending it via public transport due to potential interception or loss. APRO investigators suggested the sphere be taken to New Orleans for a meeting of the National UFO Investigator Team to decide on scientific procedures for further testing. Terry personally transported the ball to New Orleans.

At the time of writing, no final decisions had been made. APRO had solicited suggestions from advisors and distributed them to team members.

The "Les Vosgues" UFO

This section addresses a film reportedly shot by an ORTF cameraman on March 23rd near a lake in Les Vosgues, France, showing a bright yellow disc descending, hovering, and then accelerating away. Spanish press and TVE had broadcast the film, which was undergoing rigorous examination by astrophysicists. However, it was suspected to be a hoax from the outset. Le Monde suggested it might be an "April Fool's" prank. Two details raised suspicion: the object did not reflect in the lake, and the cameraman did not follow it. Later, an issue of "Phénomènes Spatiaux" revealed the significant impact of the film in France, especially after a prominent astrophysicist, M. Pierre Guérin, initially supported its authenticity, only for the official denial to cause a scandal. The article compares this to the Concorde 001 incident, where premature enthusiasm led to a loss of credibility.

The Pascagoula Case

This extensive section details the UFO sighting and alleged abduction of Charles E. Hickson (45) and Calvin R. Parker, Jr. (18) in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in October 1973. The incident occurred while they were fishing on the Pascagoula River. An oblong, bluish-gray craft, about 5-6 meters long with flashing blue lights, descended and hovered about 50 cm above the ground. Three beings emerged, described as about 1.55 meters tall, with wrinkled, pale gray skin, claw-like hands, slit eyes, small conical ears, and a small pointed nose with a hole. They approached the men, and Hickson was taken aboard the craft. Inside, he experienced a sense of weightlessness and observed a completely empty, well-lit room. An instrument resembling a large eye floated around him, scanning his body. He was then returned to the landing site. Parker, who had fainted, regained consciousness after the craft had departed. The OVNI left no physical traces.

Following the sighting, Hickson and Parker reported the incident to the sheriff's office. Sheriff Fred Diamond and Captain Glen Ryder interrogated them. Ryder noted that their stories were consistent and difficult to fault. A recorded private conversation between Hickson and Parker revealed their emotional distress and the reality of their experience. The next day, they were examined at the Biloxi Air Force Base for radiation contamination, which was not found. They recounted their experience to the base director, who listened without many questions.

Later, Hickson underwent a polygraph test in New Orleans, which the operator, Scott Glasgow, found convincing, stating Hickson was telling the truth. Parker, however, had suffered a nervous breakdown and required hospitalization. Dr. James A. Harder, an APRO investigator and civil engineering consultant, and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, of Northwestern University, traveled to Pascagoula to investigate. Under hypnosis, both men relived the terrifying experience, which Dr. Harder deemed "truly real" and impossible to fake.

Charlie Hickson's left arm began bleeding the day after the incident, but the wound disappeared the next day. Hickson also noted that his watch stopped working near the UFO, a phenomenon he had experienced before with other watches.

Landing in Cuenca

This article details an incident reported in the Spanish newspaper ABC on June 1, 1974, concerning a UFO sighting near San Clemente, Cuenca, Spain. Demetrio Carrascosa Martínez, known as "Coleta," reported seeing a strange object land. The article follows an investigation by the author, Enrique Villagrasa.

Carrascosa Martínez reported that on May 24, 1974, while riding his motorcycle, he saw an object that initially appeared to be a harvester or thresher. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a craft unlike any aircraft he had ever seen. It was oval-shaped, about 4 meters in diameter and 3 meters high, with a khaki-green color. It was supported by three or four legs ending in pads, which left marks on the ground. The object had seven octagonal windows with non-transparent, bright white metal surfaces, surrounded by a black border. Beneath the object, something resembling a nozzle was visible.

The observation lasted about 10-12 seconds. During this time, Carrascosa's motorcycle skidded and fell. As he approached, the object emitted a loud noise, lifted off rapidly, and ascended vertically before moving obliquely north. He perceived a strong smell of sulfur during takeoff. He later found three holes in the ground, about 40 cm deep, with burnt walls. The holes were arranged in a rhomboid shape, with the two largest being 0.25 m in diameter and 0.20 m deep, spaced 0.50 m apart. The other two holes were 0.10 m in diameter and deeper than one meter, spaced 1.50 m apart. The larger holes also contained three smaller holes, 0.04 m in diameter.

Carrascosa initially told no one, but four days later, he showed the site to others. The holes were found to be partially collapsed. Samples of the calcined stone were sent for analysis to ENDASA in Alicante. The report from July 16th indicated that the product did not emit radiation, and microscopic examination showed no significant difference between the gray product and its support. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of iron, silicon, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. Infrared spectroscopy suggested a lower carbonate content in the gray zone. Microscopic examination revealed bubbles, likely from superficial fusion, and the gray aspect was attributed to superficial heating at high temperatures (2,000 to 3,000° C).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious investigation, often highlighting witness testimony, expert analysis, and physical evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events while also being critical of hoaxes and misidentifications, as seen in the "Les Vosgues" case. The publication aims to document and analyze various UFO reports, providing detailed accounts and encouraging further research.

This issue of the magazine focuses on the "Phenomenon of Planoles," detailing a significant UFO sighting that occurred on December 28, 1973, in Planoles, Spain. The report includes extensive witness testimonies and a statistical analysis of public opinion on UFOs.

The Planoles Phenomenon

The article begins by recounting how the case of Planoles came to their attention through the "Diario de Barcelona," which reported a UFO leaving scorched footprints. The investigative team, motivated by the rarity of Type I cases, immediately traveled to the area. They arrived in Planoles on Sunday, the 19th, noting the beautiful, mountainous landscape.

The primary witness is Palmira Tor, a woman in her forties from Planes. She reported seeing a large, rectangular fiery object around 7 PM on December 28, 1973. Initially, she described it as a "huge fire" on the mountain, but soon realized it was a "long ribbon, too rectangular." The object then transformed, with the left side dissipating into "very close, zigzagging spirals." This was followed by a phenomenon she described as a "small aurora borealis" centered below the unidentified object. The upper part of the disc's aureola became filled with "brilliant points of light," while the lower part emitted "colored robes" with a beautiful structure. Her husband and son also witnessed a part of the phenomenon, seeing the cowshed illuminated as if by daylight.

The authors discuss the scientific explanation for auroras, noting they occur at high altitudes in rarefied atmospheres due to charged particles from the sun. They speculate that the UFO's energy source and the resulting ionization could produce such local luminous effects, likening it to polar auroras. They also note that the phenomenon's characteristics, such as the dissipation of the fiery ribbons into colored robes and then into three colored bands (red in the center, blue at the edges), were unique.

Second and Third Witnesses

The investigation also includes testimony from Manuel Xibeli, a 50-year-old railway worker who observed the phenomenon from his post near the railway line. He described a large, ovoid object with its own luminosity, similar to the moon, and a large red tail that turned blue at the ends. He estimated its speed to be enormous and that it disappeared in the mountains to the east. Xibeli's testimony, though sometimes difficult to interpret due to his elaborate language, confirmed the unusual nature of the event.

Daniel, an electrician, also provided testimony. He was in his orchard when he saw a luminous disc above the mountain. He described a strange "robe" forming around it, which he likened to a tail. The object and its tail moved towards the left (south), and the object disappeared behind a hill. Before disappearing, it detached its tail, which fell to the ground. Daniel described the phenomenon as marvelous but refrained from speculating on its origin.

The authors conclude that the testimonies of Tor, Xibeli, and Daniel, observed from different points within a 1-kilometer radius, effectively reconstruct the event, filling in gaps and providing a logical sequence.

Statistical Analysis of UFO Beliefs

This section, authored by José-T. Ramírez and Barberó, presents a statistical study using Pearson's Chi-squared test to analyze public opinion on UFOs during the "Iberian Wave." The study aimed to gauge the average person's belief in UFOs.

Two surveys were conducted: one on March 23, 1974, with 10 randomly selected individuals, and another on May 15, 1974, with 50 randomly selected individuals. The questions focused on whether people believed in the cyclical appearance of UFOs, not on the existence of UFOs themselves.

The initial survey (March 23) showed: 30% positive opinion, 10% negative, 50% indifferent, and 10% abstentions.

The second survey (May 15), conducted during the actual "Oleada," showed: 42% positive, 24% negative, 22% indifferent, and 12% abstentions.

The authors applied Pearson's Chi-squared test to compare the observed frequencies with the theoretical distribution. The calculated X² value was 20.24. They compared this value to Fisher's tables, which indicate that a probability of 5% or lower signifies a significant disparity. The calculated X² value of 20.24, when considering the degrees of freedom, suggests that the deviations observed are not statistically significant, meaning the sample was likely not drawn strictly at random but possibly from a pre-selected group.

The analysis of the frequency graphs indicates that positive and negative opinions remained relatively stable, while indifference decreased significantly, with those individuals shifting towards positive or negative opinions. Abstentions showed minimal change.

Review of Miguel Guasp's Book

This section features a review by Aimé Michel of Miguel Guasp's book, "Teoria de Procesos de los OVNI." Michel praises Guasp's mathematical, deductive, and statistical approach to UFO phenomena, noting that Guasp, along with Carlos Orlando and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, forms the "Ufological School of Valencia." The review highlights Guasp's hypothesis that the geometry of Earth-Mars correlations plays a decisive role in the phenomenon. Michel suggests that if Guasp's model is confirmed, it would imply a significant connection between Mars and UFO appearances, likening the process to a "clockwork mechanism" with Mars acting as a pendulum. He commends Guasp's rigor, tenacity, and philosophical breadth, encouraging other researchers to examine his findings with different case samples.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings through detailed witness accounts, often emphasizing the unusual and unexplained aspects of these phenomena. The inclusion of a statistical analysis demonstrates an effort to apply scientific methodologies to the study of UFOs, even when dealing with subjective elements like public opinion. The review of Guasp's work indicates an openness to theoretical frameworks that propose complex, even revolutionary, explanations for UFOs, including potential extraterrestrial influences. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and open-mindedness towards the UFO phenomenon, encouraging rigorous analysis and exploration of various hypotheses.