Stendek - Vol 07 No 24 - June 1976

Magazine Overview

STENDEK is a Spanish-language informational service publication from the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), with its seventh year and issue number 24, dated June 1976. The magazine is directed by Pere Redón and features a variety of articles on UFO phenomena, ufology, and related topics.

Cover Story: A Young Sevillian Farmer Saw Two Extraterrestrials

The cover prominently features the headline "UN JOVEN AGRICULTOR SEVILLANO VIO A DOS EXTRATERRESTRES" (A Young Sevillian Farmer Saw Two Extraterrestrials). The accompanying article, from LA GACETA DEL NORTE, reports on a recent UFO 'wave' in Spain, highlighting this case as one of the most impressive. The report describes the extraterrestrials as tall, possibly around two meters, and resembling men. The farmer, Miguel Ferrer, stated they approached him, and he tried to avoid the dazzling light. The cover also includes a sketch of an artifact and a drawing by don Miguel Fernández Carrasco.

Main Feature: The Exceptional Case of Benacazón

The magazine dedicates significant space to "EI EXCEPCIONAL CASO DE BENACAZON" (The Exceptional Case of Benacazón). This article, authored by the magazine's staff, details an encounter on February 2, 1976, involving two witnesses, D. Francisco Espinosa Rosales and D. Salvador García Invernón. While driving on the N-342 road near Granada around 2:20-2:30 AM during heavy rain, they observed a large, intense white light on or near the ground. D. Francisco first saw the light and alerted D. Salvador. The light, described as having enormous intensity, illuminated the surroundings. It was not perceived as projected but as radiated light. The witnesses noted no external effects like noise or heat radiation. The light disappeared suddenly, and shortly after, a second, similar light was observed further to the left. The total observation lasted about 45-50 seconds. The witnesses reported being overtaken by a car that had been moving slowly before the incident and then sped away, suggesting its occupants might have also witnessed the event.

Upon arriving at their hotel, the witnesses, visibly shaken, were advised by the night receptionist to contact a newspaper. The article notes the witnesses' nervousness and lack of appetite, with D. Francisco being particularly affected. The author emphasizes that the witnesses did not admit to being 'frightened,' a term often avoided by UFO witnesses, but the receptionist's use of the word lent credibility to their account.

The author attempts to classify the case using Dr. Jacques Vallée's model, categorizing it as a Type I case due to the lights being described as 'resting on the ground or near it.' Classification according to Hyneck's typology is more complex, being a night sighting but unusual due to its proximity to the ground, making it an L.N. (nocturnal light) with a high 'Index of Extrañeza.' The author leans towards classifying it as an E.C. 1 (Close Encounter of the First Kind) due to the lack of precise distance measurements and unknown ground marks.

Verification of the case is challenging due to the lack of material evidence and independent witnesses. The author dismisses the possibility of the event being fabricated for publicity, citing the high cost of the books the witnesses were selling and the fact that their sales were already secured before arriving in Granada. The witnesses' desire to avoid press interference also supports this.

Despite some suspicious details like imprecise measurements and the absence of other witnesses, the author finds the case compelling, particularly the detail about the witnesses' fear mentioned by the receptionist. The author concludes that the lights remain 'unidentified' and, while not a significant landing case due to lack of evidence, it is an interesting testimony.

Other Articles and Sections

• Editorial by Pere Redón: The editorial discusses the solitary nature of their work in UFO research and the challenges of publishing serious findings, noting that sensationalist books sell better than well-researched ones. It praises Vicente Ballester Olmos's work, "A CATALOGUE OF 200 TYPE I UFO EVENTS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL," published by the Center for UFO Studies, and expresses gratitude to collaborators for their translations, typing, and contributions.
• "Luces sin identificar cercanas al suelo en Granada" (Unidentified Lights Near the Ground in Granada): This article details the Benacazón case, providing background on the media's reaction and the witnesses' experiences. It discusses the difficulty in calculating distances due to the light's intensity and the potential for confusion with natural phenomena.
• "A proposito de los OVNIS y muertes misteriosas de animales" (Regarding UFOs and Mysterious Animal Deaths): This article explores the connection between UFO sightings and unexplained animal deaths.
• "Las fotos de Barra da Tijuca, por Michel Bougard": This section likely analyzes photographs taken in Barra da Tijuca.
• "El aire cambiado cerca de la superficie del OVNI, por Julian Majewki": This article discusses atmospheric changes reported near UFOs.
• "Mas sobre la Parapsicologia y los OVNIS, por Antonio Ribera": This piece delves into the relationship between parapsychology and UFO phenomena.
• "Galaxia OVNI": This is likely a general section on UFO news or observations.
• Letter to the Director: A letter from Fermín Sánchez de Medina Salmerón addresses the issue of "lens flares" in UFO photography, arguing that the human eye does not perceive lens flares and that this explanation is often used to dismiss potentially authentic UFO evidence. He emphasizes that if a witness claims to have seen a UFO, the "lens flare" explanation is inappropriate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, encounters, and related phenomena, particularly those occurring in Spain. There is a clear editorial stance supporting serious investigation into UFOs, distinguishing between sensationalism and credible research. The publication values witness testimony and attempts to analyze cases with a degree of scientific rigor, while acknowledging the limitations of evidence. The CEI, as the publisher, is presented as a dedicated center for UFO studies, founded in 1958. The magazine also highlights the importance of collaboration and the challenges faced by researchers in a field often met with skepticism and misinformation.

This issue of the magazine focuses on unexplained phenomena, primarily detailing an alleged UFO landing in Benacazón, Spain, and exploring mysterious animal mutilations in various locations. The content is presented in Spanish.

The Benacazón Landing

The main article, "el excepcional aterrizaje de Benacazon" by Miguel Peyró García, investigates a reported UFO encounter on January 28, 1976. The witness, Miguel Fernández Carrasco, a 24-year-old farmer, claims to have encountered a luminous object while walking home. The object, described as a quadrangular prism vehicle, descended and emitted a blinding light. Two humanoids, approximately two meters tall, emerged from the craft. They spoke in an unknown language, which Fernández could not understand. After a brief interaction, the object ascended, emitting a luminous blast that caused Fernández to lose consciousness.

Fernández was found disoriented and covered in a blackish substance. Medical analysis at the Hospital de San Lázaro found him mentally normal but agitated, with no physical injuries beyond the scorched hair and the mysterious stains. The substance on his jacket was sent for analysis.

The article also touches upon previous UFO sightings in the Benacazón area, suggesting a potential "flap" or local wave of sightings. The author notes that the area is known for UFO activity and is associated with ufologist Manuel Osuna.

UFOs and Mysterious Animal Deaths

Another significant section, "a proposito de los ovnis y muertes misteriosas de animales," by Roberto E. Banch, complements an earlier article by Sebastián Robiou Lamarche. This part details several cases of animal mutilations, primarily focusing on sheep in Brazil and cattle in Texas, USA.

In Brazil, near Santa Victoria do Palmar, sheep were found dead with peculiar circular orifices, some on the head and others on the abdomen. In one disturbing case, a fetus was extracted from a pregnant sheep through a 3 cm hole in its belly. The animals were found clean, with no signs of struggle or predation. The blood from one sheep was used to form a 1.50 m diameter red circle on the pasture.

In Texas, USA, similar mutilations were reported in Stephens and Young Counties, involving cattle and sheep. The sexual organs were reportedly removed, and in some cases, other organs were also missing. The animals showed no signs of struggle, and there were no bullet wounds or blood traces. Similar incidents were reported in Comanche County, Texas, and Day County, South Dakota, involving calves and cows with missing ears, eyes, or other body parts.

The article notes that these cases often involve the removal of specific organs, and the animals are found clean, suggesting a non-natural cause. The author questions the motive behind these mutilations, considering the selection of animals and the precise removal of parts.

Other Sections

Object Characteristics

The object observed in Benacazón was described as prism-like and quadrangular, dark greenish in color, approximately 2 meters wide and twice as tall. It had a rotating dome emitting red and white lights and appendages resembling fins. It hovered on a tripod, and a door opened to reveal a bright interior. The sound was loud, similar to a tractor.

Locations Mentioned

Key locations include Benacazón, Sanlúcar la Mayor, Sevilla (Spain); Santa Victoria do Palmar, Pelotas, R.G. do Sul (Brazil); and Stephens County, Young County, Comanche County, Day County, Jones, Brain, Texas, South Dakota (USA).

Key Incidents

• January 28, 1976, Benacazón, Spain: Farmer witnesses UFO landing, humanoids emerge, blinding light blast.
• Mid-1972, Santa Victoria do Palmar, Brazil: Sheep found dead with orifices, fetus extraction, blood circles.
• January 17, 1975, Comanche County, Texas, USA: Calves found mutilated (ears, eyes removed).
• September-November 1974, Day County, South Dakota, USA: Cattle found mutilated (ear removed).

Notable Quotes

C. R. Klein states: "I don't know anything for sure, I only know that the explanations offered are not acceptable."

FAQ

• What was the main UFO event discussed? The alleged UFO landing in Benacazón, Spain, on January 28, 1976.
• What were the UFO and occupants like? A dark greenish, quadrangular object with flashing lights; two tall humanoids emerged.
• What other unusual events are reported? Mysterious animal mutilations in Brazil and the USA.
• What was the witness's condition? Agitated, covered in a blackish substance, with scorched hair.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and alleged encounters, alongside mysterious animal mutilations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, presenting witness testimonies and case details without definitively endorsing any single explanation, while often questioning official or conventional explanations. The publication encourages reader contributions, indicating a community-driven approach to collecting information on UFO phenomena. The articles highlight the unexplained nature of these events and the difficulties in finding concrete answers.

This issue of "O Cruzeiro," dated May 17, 1952, focuses heavily on a significant UFO sighting and photographic evidence captured in Brazil. The magazine presents a detailed account of the events, investigations, and subsequent debates surrounding the phenomenon.

The Barra da Tijuca Incident

The core of the issue revolves around an event that occurred on May 7, 1952, when reporters Eduardo Keffel and Joao Martins of "O Cruzeiro" were on a routine assignment in Barra da Tijuca, near Rio de Janeiro. Their mission initially involved investigating a report of a suspicious individual, possibly a Hitler look-alike. However, their attention was diverted when they observed a strange object in the sky around 4:30 PM. Described as a "flat disc" moving at high speed, the object was photographed by Keffel using a Rolleiflex camera. He managed to take five shots before the film ran out. Keffel described the object as not luminous, with a dark blue color, making it difficult to see against the sky. He estimated its altitude at around 1000 meters and its size as twice that of a DC-3. The object performed maneuvers, including a semi-circular flight and a rapid acceleration before disappearing towards the horizon.

Joao Martins corroborated the sighting, noting that Keffel was focused on photography while he tried to memorize the details. He also mentioned that the photos included other subjects taken earlier that day, such as people at a bar and a landscape.

Official Investigations and Authenticity

Following the publication of the photographs, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) launched a thorough investigation. They created a wooden model of the object, launched it into the sky under similar conditions, and took hundreds of photographs to analyze the phenomenon. They also meticulously studied the topography of the area and the reports from witnesses. After months of secret work, the FAB concluded that the photographs were authentic. This conclusion was later revealed to the public through various channels, including a televised broadcast in 1959.

Colonel Hughes, a military attaché from the U.S. Embassy, also examined the negatives and expressed his strong impression of their authenticity, stating that it was the first time a flying saucer had been photographed under such undeniable conditions. He was particularly impressed by the extraordinary nature of the negatives.

Critiques and Counter-Arguments

Despite the FAB's findings, the authenticity of the photographs was challenged by some researchers, notably Menzel and Boyd, and later by William K. Hartmann, an astronomer associated with the Condon Report. Their primary argument centered on an apparent contradiction in the lighting of the object and a palm tree visible in the background. They argued that the object appeared illuminated from the left, while a palm tree on a hill seemed illuminated from the right, which they deemed impossible under natural sunlight conditions. Hartmann, in particular, referenced a map of the region and suggested the camera was directed southeast, making the sun's position inconsistent with the observed lighting.

However, the magazine presents counter-arguments to these criticisms. Dr. Olavo T. Fontes, representing the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) in Brazil, explained that the apparent shadow on the palm tree was due to two broken and inclined fronds, not the trunk itself. He asserted that the sun's position would not create such a shadow on the right side of the palm. Joao Martins further supported this by noting that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and the observed lighting was consistent with this. The article suggests that the Condon Report's interpretation was based on a misinterpretation of the regional map, particularly regarding the orientation of the land features and the ocean.

Further Details and Context

The article also addresses the claim that the U.S. government acquired the original negatives for $20,000, stating this did not occur and the clichés remained with "O Cruzeiro." It mentions that the FAB's investigation was kept secret for months, and that the report was only partially revealed later. The FAB's attempt to replicate the photographs with a wooden model was successful in producing similar images, but they could not achieve a sequence of five consecutive shots like the original ones.

Other Mentions and Related Events

The issue briefly mentions another incident where officials at Gravatai Air Base observed five UFOs on October 24, 1954. It also notes that the reporters Keffel and Martins were invited to a meeting concerning UFOs, alongside other individuals, including Colonel Joao Adil de Oliveira, who was tasked with leading Brazil's first official UFO study commission.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of the authenticity of the Barra da Tijuca photographs and the reality of the UFO phenomenon. It aims to debunk myths and legends that accumulate around UFOs, presenting a case for a rational and scientific approach to the subject. The editorial team actively seeks to inform readers correctly and counter misinformation, particularly from sources like the Condon Report, which they perceive as dismissive or misinformed. The article emphasizes the thoroughness of the FAB's investigation and the credibility of the witnesses and photographers involved. The recurring theme is the defense of the UFO phenomenon against skepticism and the promotion of its serious study.

Title: Galaxia OVNI
Issue: 18
Date: February 1976
Publisher: STENDEK
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of Galaxia OVNI, titled "El aire cambiado cerca de la superficie del OVNI" (The changed air near the surface of the UFO), delves into theoretical explanations for UFO phenomena, focusing on the physics of the air surrounding these craft.

Article: The Changed Air Near the Surface of the UFO (Working Hypothesis)

The lead article, authored by Julian Majewki, proposes a working hypothesis that UFOs create a special boundary layer of 'changed air' around their surface, which differs significantly from normal air. This layer is theorized to eliminate sound propagation, reduce aerodynamic resistance, and be the source of strange forces. The author suggests that this layer might even involve a vacuum between it and the UFO's surface.

Introduction to the Theory

The article begins by considering theoretical aspects that lead to the conclusion of this special air layer. It posits that this layer is not only responsible for eliminating sound and resistance but also for generating unusual forces. The author emphasizes that this 'changed air' possesses a property not typically found in gases: resistance to rupture.

Globular Lightning

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to describing 'globular lightning' (rayo globular), a rare phenomenon. Citing Russian scientists I.S. Stielnikow and A.A. Worobiow, it describes mobile globular lightning as red with a bluish halo, and immobile forms as brilliant white or blue spheres, 10-12 cm in diameter, lasting fractions of a second to minutes. These phenomena can pass through solid objects like walls and glass, sometimes causing damage or disappearing silently. A key observation is that these phenomena move parallel to the ground or converge slowly, suggesting their density is similar to air, allowing them to float. The temperature of globular lightning is estimated to be very high, up to 14000°K, indicating it exists in a plasma state.

Calculating Air Resistance

The author attempts to calculate the mysterious pressure or resistance within this 'changed air' that counteracts thermal expansion. Using simplified calculations based on Charles's Law and assuming non-ionized gas, an initial pressure (P1) of 48 kG/cm² is derived. Considering the possibility of gas molecules being broken, a second pressure (P2) of 96 kG/cm² is estimated. The actual resistance is thus placed between these two values.

The Enigma of the Ordinary Light Bulb

As an analogy, the article discusses the behavior of gas inside a modern light bulb. It notes that the filament does not transfer its heat to the ambient gas via convection, behaving as if enclosed in a layer of rigid, immobile gas. This is presented as evidence of mysterious forces within gases that resist movement, similar to the proposed 'changed air' around UFOs.

Disparos contra los seres extraterrestres (Shots against extraterrestrials)

Referencing Antonio Ribera's book "El gran enigma de los platillos volantes," the article discusses how humanoids, if they can alter the air's properties to provide adequate resistance, could evade bullets. With air resistance between 48 and 96 kG/cm², the range of shotgun pellets would be reduced to a few meters.

Transverse Waves and Silent UFO Movement

The article proposes that the 'changed air' forms a substance akin to fibers, with resistance varying in different directions. Transverse waves can propagate through these fibers, which is not possible in normal air. Figure 1 illustrates the movement of such a wave along a fiber. Figure 2 depicts a UFO within a 'bag' of these transverse waves, explaining its movement and the dissipation of these waves. The energy of the wave moves with it.

Calculating Wave Velocity

Using the formula V = sqrt(P/ρ), where P is the mechanical resistance (calculated earlier) and ρ is the air density (assumed to be 1.2 kg/m³), the velocity (V) of the transverse wave is calculated to be between 7100 km/h and 10,000 km/h. This speed is proposed as the speed at which UFOs move within their 'bag' of changed air.

Conclusions

Majewki concludes that the existence of 'changed air' near UFO surfaces is probable and not mere imagination, citing natural phenomena like globular lightning and artificial ones like light bulbs. He suggests that UFOs moving within such a 'bag' of changed air could do so with minimal energy expenditure, though this doesn't explain interplanetary or interstellar movement. He believes this theory offers insights into solving complex problems.

Article: More on Parapsychology and UFOs

This section, authored by Antoni Ribera, discusses Jacques Vallée's book "El Colegio Invisible" and its implications for UFO research. Ribera critiques Vallée's dismissal of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) and his focus on apparent materializations and dematerializations as evidence of a non-material nature for UFOs. Ribera argues that our current understanding of Einsteinian space-time limits our comprehension of such phenomena, and that future science might view them differently.

Ribera also addresses the 'psychic component' in UFO cases, stating that statistically, it represents a 'minimum' percentage of cases. He argues against extrapolating this to all cases, noting that most witnesses are not traumatized and find the experience intriguing or strange. He suggests that psychosomatic effects, if present, are likely due to pre-existing psychological instability in individuals.

He concludes that while UFOs might involve psychosomatic effects (possibly due to force fields), this is distinct from a primary psychic influence. Ribera warns against merging ufology with parapsychology, advocating for a more traditional scientific approach.

Other Sections and Mentions

• First Contact with Socialists: A brief report from Praga mentions a socialist perspective on welcoming extraterrestrials and rejecting 'cosmofobia.'
• Montpellier Meeting: A meeting of French UFO researchers in Montpellier discussed the scientific study of UFOs, with differing opinions on whether to focus on magnetic detectors or psychology.
• Goethe's Observation: The magazine reprints an account from its December 1971 issue about Johann W. Goethe's 1802 observation of a luminous phenomenon described as a 'meteor.'
• Dr. Joseph Allen Hynek Profile: A detailed profile of Dr. J. Allen Hynek is presented, highlighting his background as an astronomer, his role as a consultant for the USAF's Sign and Blue Book projects, and his founding of the 'Center for UFOs Studies.' The article notes his book "The UFO Experience" and his later work "The Edge of Reality" with Jacques Vallée.
• Letters to the Editor: A section invites readers to share their UFO observations with STENDEK.
• Editorial Changes: The magazine announces a change in editorial leadership, with Pere Redón taking over from Joan Crexell.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the scientific and theoretical aspects of UFO phenomena, often venturing into speculative physics. There's a clear emphasis on empirical investigation and a cautious approach to parapsychological explanations, as seen in the critique of Jacques Vallée's work and the profile of J. Allen Hynek. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, scientific inquiry into UFOs, while acknowledging the profound mysteries they present.