Stendek - Vol 07 No 25 - September 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: STENDEK
Issue: No. 25
Volume: VII
Date: September 1976
Publisher: CEI (Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios)
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish

This issue of STENDEK, a quarterly publication from the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), presents a collection of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features 'EL CASO TRAVIS WALTON' with an accompanying painting depicting a UFO incident. The magazine aims to provide serious and well-researched content on the subject.

Editorial

The editorial, written by the new director Pere Redón, reflects on the magazine's seven-year history and its unexpected success. Redón acknowledges the challenges faced due to the specialized nature of the topic but expresses pride in STENDEK's regular publication, especially when compared to other international publications that have ceased. He notes the lack of advertising, as the publication is not profit-driven, and expresses a desire to increase subscribers to fund expansion, such as increasing page count and potentially publishing books based on collected works. Redón also mentions plans to publish special issues featuring longer articles that cannot fit into regular editions.

Table of Contents (Sumario)

• Editorial, by Pere Redón (Page 1)
• UFO Observations in the Huesca region, by Casas Huguet (Page 3)
• The Lunar Effect, by Jean Bastide (Page 17)
• UFOs and Science, by Guillermo Mendaza and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos (Page 21)
• The Travis Walton Case, by Barry Greenwood (Page 29)
• The Threads of the Virgin, by Maurice de San (Page 36)
• Quasi-Landing in Caños de Meca, by Miguel Peyro and Enrique Nogueira (Page 40)
• UFOs in Greece, by Steve Hatzopoulos (Page 42)

Articles and Reports

UFO Observations in the Huesca Region, by Casas Huguet

This article details several UFO observations that occurred over a 48-hour period in the Huesca region of Spain, specifically around the city of Huesca and within a 20 km radius. The author, Casas Huguet, presents the findings based on direct, personal data collection. The article outlines general conclusions drawn from various UFO manifestations, including:

• A lack of aggressive intent.
• A desire to be noticed.
• A specific focus on certain witnesses.
• Limited communication, often reduced to presence and visual changes.
• Significant psychological impact on witnesses.
• Potential for changes in mentality, tolerance, and consciousness.
• A mix of desire and fear regarding future experiences.
• Recurring sightings in specific zones, followed by cessations.
• Sensory components being secondary and versatile (lights, colors, silence, noise, shapes, movements, speeds, etc.).
• The possibility that for every reported observation, many more go unreported.
• Difficulty in discerning details of the luminous mass due to its brightness, though sometimes a solid body is visible within.
• Familiarization and acceptance of UFOs in areas with frequent sightings.
• Instantaneous appearances and disappearances.
• A predominance of night-time observations.

The article then details specific observations from April 1-2, 1976:

Observation A: Three Observations in the Huesca Capital Area

• First Witness Trip: On April 1, 1976, around 10:30 PM, three friends (Antonio Perelló, José Alastruei, and Angel Llorente) driving towards Huesca observed a strange, luminous light moving at a regular height. The light seemed to follow their car's trajectory. They followed it, eventually heading towards Apiés. The object was described as a luminous mass with a bright, reddish-orange color, appearing as a gigantic arrowhead or spindle shape, approximately 20-50 meters long and 10-20 meters wide. It displayed slight vertical and horizontal swaying movements and hovered at an estimated altitude of 200-300 meters. The witnesses stopped at a bar near 'Km-3' on the N-136 road, where other car occupants confirmed seeing the strange luminous mass.

• Second Witness Trip: The same three witnesses, joined by two others (José M.ª Vivián and A. Ciprés), returned to the area. They observed the UFO again near the Castillo de Montearagón and Estrecho 5.°. José Alastruei and Angel Llorente attempted to approach the object on foot through an almond grove. Alastruei advanced further, describing the object as a luminous mass with a reddish-orange glow, appearing to show its upper side, possibly pyramidal or conical. He noted points of light on its edge but no discontinuities. The object was stationary, hovering at an estimated 50-100 meters. The witnesses were impressed by its size and the absolute silence surrounding the phenomenon. They did not observe any physical or physiological effects.

The Travis Walton Case, by Barry Greenwood

This article, presumably, delves into the details of the Travis Walton abduction case, a well-known incident in UFOlogy. (Content details are not fully available from the provided OCR, but the cover and table of contents indicate its significance).

Other Articles

The issue also includes articles on 'The Lunar Effect' by Jean Bastide, 'UFOs and Science' by Guillermo Mendaza and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, 'The Threads of the Virgin' by Maurice de San, a quasi-landing in Caños de Meca by Miguel Peyro and Enrique Nogueira, and 'UFOs in Greece' by Steve Hatzopoulos.

Reader Correspondence (Columna del Lector)

This section features letters from readers, including requests for specific STENDEK back issues and information on UFO cases like the 'Caso de Tarrasa'. It also includes an offer from the Belgian group SOBEPS to share photographic material.

Exchange Offers

STENDEK actively seeks exchanges with similar publications, providing contact addresses in Barcelona, Spain, and Barcelona, France (likely a typo, should be Spain).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in STENDEK revolve around UFO sightings, witness testimonies, scientific analysis of UFO phenomena, and the exploration of specific well-known cases like Travis Walton. The editorial stance, as indicated by Pere Redón, is one of seriousness, dedication to research, and a commitment to providing detailed and credible information to its readership. The magazine positions itself as a unique publication in its genre, aiming for depth and quality over commercial gain. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of witness accounts and the ongoing effort to process and analyze data related to UFO observations globally.

This issue features an article titled "el efecto lunar" (The Lunar Effect) by Jean Bastide, a biologist, mathematician, and physicist with a background in ufology. The article presents a study on UFO sightings, primarily focusing on the French "oleada" (wave) of 1973-74 and specific cases from Huesca, Spain. The publisher and country of origin are not explicitly stated, but the content suggests a Spanish publication.

Analysis of the French "Oleada" of 1973-74

Jean Bastide begins by addressing the "oleada" of UFOs in France during 1973-74. He collaborates with the "Flying Saucer Review" and has previously worked with French UFO expert Claude Poher. Bastide suggests that this supposed wave might not have been a genuine phenomenon but rather a consequence of extensive media coverage. He posits that the increase in UFO reports across Europe, including France, England, Spain, Germany, and Italy, was primarily driven by mass media disseminating information about the "real" wave that occurred in the United States in October 1973. While acknowledging numerous minor cases in France, he notes a scarcity of humanoid sightings, contrasting it with the more significant "annus mirabilis" of UFOs in 1954. Bastide's own study involved a detailed, hour-by-hour analysis of French cases from December 1, 1973, to March 31, 1974. He identified many sightings as misinterpretations of celestial objects like the moon, planets, or meteors. After accounting for these, 183 cases remained unidentified.

UFO Sightings in Huesca, Spain

The magazine then details several UFO sightings reported in the Huesca region of Spain:

First Incident (Near Huesca)

Two witnesses, José Alastruei and Angel Llorente, recount an experience involving a large, luminous mass that changed position instantaneously. They followed the object in their car, experiencing intense emotions of fear, anxiety, and fascination. The object appeared to vanish and reappear elsewhere, with the witnesses unable to see the actual movement. After returning to a bar in Huesca, they decided to go out again, joined by a bartender. They drove towards Santa Eulalia la Mayor and located the UFO again, describing it as an "enigmatic luminous mass" that seemed to challenge them. They followed it to the town, where they decided to return to Huesca.

Second Incident (Near Huesca)

José Alastruei reportedly returned to the car and, while driving, saw the luminous object again. He described it as a large, solid body with sharp contours, possibly metallic and dark gray, measuring around 30-40 meters. It was illuminated by strong red lights at one end and weaker lights underneath. This observation lasted only a few seconds. His companions in the car did not see it as clearly, possibly due to the driver's focus on the difficult road conditions.

Third Incident (Near Huesca)

José M.ª Vivián and his wife reported seeing the UFO again on the road to Santa Eulalia la Mayor. Vivián described it as an elongated body with sharp contours, possibly metallic and dark gray, with strong red lights at one end and weaker lights underneath. He drew a sketch (Fig. 6) of the object. The observation was brief. His companions did not see it as clearly. Later, on the road from Huesca to Monzón, they saw several smaller lights in a horizontal line on a mountainside. Vivián also reported seeing the UFO from the N-240 road later that night and again the following evening in Siétamo.

Fourth Incident (Angües, Huesca - April 1, 1976)

Alberto Ballarín S. and his wife, J. Tarrés, were driving from Huesca to Monzón when they encountered a luminous, yellowish light moving towards them on the road. As it approached, they noticed it had no lights on and no headlights. The object moved with an undulating, wave-like motion, reminiscent of Semana Santa processions. Ballarín, concerned about a potential collision, exclaimed about the object's strange appearance. Upon closer inspection, they saw it was emitting large sparks of white-yellowish color from its underside, described as similar to a "wheel" of fireworks. The object was estimated to be about 3.5 meters high and 8-9 meters long, appearing larger than a bus. It hovered about half a meter above the ground, moving silently. Ballarín noted protrusions on its exterior, which he likened to "exhaust valves." His wife, looking back, saw a glow ascending rapidly into the sky. They did not see any license plate or markings. During their 70 km journey to Monzón, they did not encounter any other vehicles.

Fifth Incident (Near Monzón)

After the encounter near Angües, Ballarín and his wife experienced a peculiar sensation of having traveled about 10 km without noticing it. They lost their sense of reality during this time, only regaining consciousness near the Parador de San Román. They recalled the difficult stretch of road with steep inclines and sharp curves. His wife commented on the speed, feeling they were traveling too fast, while her husband stated they were at a normal speed. She also made unusual remarks about the stars appearing very large and feeling like her soul was being left behind. The couple reported no other vehicles on the road during their journey.

Sixth Incident (Sotomontano, Huesca - April 1-2, 1976)

Santiago Marraco Solano, a forestry engineer, and Aurelio Biarge, a lawyer, observed a strange, intense, bright, orange-butane colored light in the Sotomontano area. The light was stationary and appeared to be a luminous body, possibly with a halo. They initially considered it might be a new road marker or related to agricultural silos but concluded it was too high. They estimated its distance to be about 7-8 km and noted its luminosity and color were unusual for the area. They affirmed never having seen anything similar before or since.

Seventh Incident (Puibolea, Huesca - April 5, 1976)

A tractor driver reported seeing a UFO in Puibolea. The object was circular, about 80 meters high, and had a shaded area on its underside resembling the letter "H." The witness was unsure if this was a brand or a structural element of the UFO.

Eighth Incident (Sietamo, Huesca - April 8, 1976)

A group of people sitting outside a bar in Sietamo saw a large, very luminous, reddish-orange object suspended in the sky. The sighting lasted several minutes, during which the witnesses stood up, surprised and frightened. The object appeared to rotate on its axis.

Analysis of UFO Sightings and Lunar Effects

Jean Bastide's analysis, "El efecto lunar," investigates the correlation between UFO sightings and lunar phases. He presents data showing that a significant percentage of UFOs are observed during periods of darkness, particularly on moonless nights. His calculations indicate an "inexplicable increase" in UFO sightings during periods of darkness, suggesting that the hypothesis of seeing UFOs at any time of day or night is incorrect. He concludes that UFOs emit their own light and are physical entities. The study calculates the percentage of UFOs seen during different lunar phases (full moon vs. new moon) and with or without moonlight, consistently finding higher numbers during darker conditions. The data suggests that the number of UFOs observed during darkness is considerably higher than theoretically calculated based on constant time and probabilities.

Witness Psychological and Physical Effects

The article touches upon the psychological impact of the sightings. Witnesses reported experiencing profound peace, tranquility, and well-being for several days after their encounters. One witness described a mixture of fear and desire, feeling like she was "seeing it coming." Another reported that her car battery, though relatively new, was significantly drained, requiring multiple days to recharge. The same witness also noted that the car seemed to perform better, running smoother and braking better after the incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, the physical characteristics and behaviors of these objects, and the psychological and potential physical effects on witnesses. The article also delves into a statistical analysis correlating UFO sightings with environmental factors like darkness and lunar phases. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, presenting detailed evidence and analysis, while also critically examining the role of media in shaping public perception of such events. The author, Jean Bastide, is presented as a credible researcher with a scientific background.

This issue of 'OVNI Y LA CIENCIA' (UFOs and Science), identified as issue number 19 and volume 20, published in 1974, explores the complex relationship between unidentified flying objects and the scientific community. The cover features a histogram of "183 Observations" plotted against hours, alongside a diagram illustrating "Sun and Moon. Sunrise and Sunset" with dates from December 1973 to March 1974. The main headline on the cover is "183 Observaciones".

Thematic Content

The magazine presents a multi-faceted discussion on UFOs, scientific methodology, and the challenges of integrating anomalous phenomena into established scientific frameworks. The articles delve into the limitations of current scientific understanding, the nature of evidence, and the biases that may hinder objective research.

The Weber-Fechner Law and Luminosity

One article begins by referencing the well-known Weber-Fechner Law, which relates biological senses to stimuli. It suggests that UFO sightings were less frequent during new moon periods and slightly more numerous during full moon. The law is explained as the biological sense being proportional to the logarithm of the stimulus. The article cites astronomer Pogson, who used this law to conclude that a magnitude 6 star is 100 times less luminous than a magnitude 1 star. It then presents data comparing the luminosity of the moon and sun, and the full moon to quarter moons, and attempts to correlate these with UFO sighting increases. For instance, it states that a full moon is 400,000 times less luminous than the sun, and quarter moons are twelve times less luminous than a full moon. The corresponding increase in UFOs is presented as 486% for the sun/moon comparison and 28.6% for the full moon/quarter moon comparison. Logarithmic calculations are shown to support these proportionalities.

Scientific Skepticism and Methodology

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a critical examination of the scientific establishment's stance on UFOs. The article "Los OVNI y la CIENCIA" (UFOs and Science) by Guillermo Mendaza and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos argues that science, in its pursuit of knowledge, has developed certain dogmas and postulates that can lead to the rejection of phenomena that do not fit within existing frameworks. These postulates include the belief in determinism, the emphasis on measurability, and the tendency to deny the existence of anything that cannot be measured or explained by current laws.

The authors contend that while individual scientists may err, the scientific community, when unanimous, is generally correct. However, they point out that the public is often misinformed and can be swayed by attractive theories presented by scientific schools, with the press rarely giving voice to opponents. The article uses the example of phrenology to illustrate how a once popular theory can fade, leaving only residual notions.

It is argued that the "scientific label" is only granted to rigorously proven points, and that broad theories like general relativity are too vast to receive it directly, though specific elements might. Consequently, the article concludes that UFOs, by their very nature, cannot currently bear the scientific label.

The piece further elaborates on the scientific method, emphasizing observation as its foundation. It criticizes the tendency to dismiss phenomena that appear to defy known laws, suggesting that instead of denial, scientists should consider that these phenomena might operate at a different 'level' where existing laws do not apply. The article contrasts this with the acceptance of quantum mechanics, where apparent contradictions are accommodated within new theoretical frameworks.

The Nature of UFO Evidence

The authors discuss the challenges of studying UFOs scientifically. Unlike laboratory experiments or astronomical observations, UFO sightings are often not repeatable at will. The primary evidence comes from testimonies, which are frequently presented by journalists as anecdotal and novelistic. Even when physical traces like ground marks are left, they are seen as indirect evidence, not the UFO itself.

The article highlights that the "flying saucer" strictly escapes scientific observation. This, combined with its unknown causality, resistance to physical measurement, and behavior that seemingly defies natural laws, leads to its denial of existence. The authors note that despite a formidable accumulation of data from eyewitness accounts, ufologists remain ignorant of what UFOs truly are, although the hypothesis of extraterrestrial intelligent craft remains a working theory.

Challenges to Scientific Acceptance

The magazine addresses the widespread skepticism towards UFOs, questioning whether this rejection stems from real knowledge or prejudice. It suggests that the scientific community, by prioritizing observation and empirical classification, historically positioned itself against dogma. However, as science developed, it began to generate its own laws and postulates, which, over time, could become new dogmas.

The article criticizes the scientific community's tendency to dismiss UFOs as a nonsensical problem, worthy only of contempt or silence. It notes that only a handful of scientists have seriously investigated UFO phenomena, while many have ridiculed the idea of unconventional craft operating on Earth, often based on a priori reasoning rather than extensive personal investigation.

Physicists like Stanton T. Friedman and aeronautical engineers like John Schuessler believe that 20th-century technology could replicate or even understand UFO capabilities. Other researchers, such as James McCampbell, have demonstrated how UFO evolutions might follow the laws of quantum physics and gas ionization potentials.

"Manifest Truths" and the Future of Science

Concluding the discussion, the article presents a series of "manifest truths" regarding science, technology, and UFOs. It posits that despite current scientific achievements, we do not yet know everything that constitutes "scientific knowledge." The authors quote Alfred Noyes: "Who, having seen how truth drives truth, would ever dare to set limits to knowledge?"

Regarding technology, it is suggested that future technological expansion will be vastly greater than current achievements, built upon the existing scientific knowledge base.

Finally, a "manifest truth" about humanity's view of nature is presented: after centuries of effort to overcome superstition and fear, modern man, guided by science, has developed subtle mechanisms to reject anomalous and inexplicable observations. This rejection is particularly strong when observations extend beyond the current limits of science. The article concludes this section by stating that a majority of scientists today consider UFOs a meaningless problem, worthy of disdain.

However, it also acknowledges the work of a few scientists and researchers who are actively investigating UFOs, and it highlights the potential for understanding UFOs through the lens of future scientific advancements.

Bibliography

The issue includes a comprehensive bibliography of books related to UFOs, divided into two parts. The first part, presented here, lists titles published between 1964 and 1973, many of which are out of print. Titles include works by authors such as John G. Fuller, Aime Michel, Brad Steiger, Jacques Vallée, and Charles Fort, covering topics like "The Interrupted Journey," "Mysterious Flying Saucers," "Forasteros del espacio," and "The Book of the Damned." A second part, promised for the next issue, will feature more recently published titles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of scientific methodology, the challenges of integrating anomalous phenomena like UFOs into mainstream science, and the role of evidence, particularly eyewitness testimony, in research. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a more open-minded and less dogmatic approach to the study of UFOs, encouraging further investigation and the development of new scientific concepts to understand phenomena that currently defy explanation. The magazine positions itself as a platform for exploring these controversial topics, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information.

This issue of the magazine focuses on the controversial Travis Walton UFO case, which occurred on November 5, 1975, near Heber, Arizona. The article, written by Barry Greenwood, details the events of that day, the subsequent investigations, and the differing conclusions reached by various UFO research groups.

The Travis Walton Incident

On November 5, 1975, at approximately 6:15 PM, a group of seven U.S. Forest Service workers were returning from their job in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. As they drove, Travis Walton noticed a bright yellow light. Initially mistaking it for the sunset, the group soon realized the light was in an unusual position. They stopped the truck near a clearing where they observed a hovering object, described as a disk about 15 feet in diameter and 8 feet wide, hovering over a pile of tree branches. The object was about 75-90 feet from the truck and 15-20 feet off the ground, with a visible framework of struts.

Without warning, Travis Walton exited the truck and walked towards the object. His companions called out to him, but he did not respond. The UFO began to emit a humming sound, described as similar to a generator. As Walton stood looking at the object, a green-blue beam of light struck him in the chest, throwing him backward. Witnesses reported seeing him fall to the ground or disappear. The remaining six men, panicked, drove away. After driving about a quarter of a mile, they stopped and debated what to do. Rogers observed the UFO ascend and move northwest. They decided to return to the scene 15 minutes later, but both Walton and the UFO were gone.

The group then reported the incident to the Navajo Country Sheriff's Office, where Lieutenant Chuck Allison found them to be genuinely disturbed.

Search and Discovery

Initial searches for Walton were unsuccessful. The police suspected foul play, and on November 10, the six witnesses underwent polygraph tests. Five passed, while Dalis was deemed inconclusive, with the explanation that he might not have seen the entire incident.

On November 11, Travis Walton was found alive. He called his sister, Mrs. Neff, from a gas station in Heber. Her husband and Travis's brother, Duane Walton, found him dehydrated, weak, and confused on the floor of the phone booth. Walton believed he had only been missing for a few hours. He was taken to the Neffs' home and later to his own house near Phoenix, where he was cared for by his wife. He complained of nausea and had difficulty eating. On November 13, Duane took him to a doctor.

Dr. Howard Kandell examined Walton, taking blood and urine samples. The conclusion was that Walton had lost weight due to dehydration but was otherwise in good condition. A small puncture wound was found on his inner left arm, but drug tests were negative.

Hypnotic Regression and Alien Encounter

To clarify the lost details of his disappearance, Travis Walton underwent hypnotic regression sessions conducted by Dr. James Harder, with the testimony of three Phoenix doctors and psychiatrist Dr. Jean Rosenbaum. Walton recounted a remarkable experience.

He stated that after being hit by the light, he lost consciousness. Upon waking, he found himself on a table in a room, blinded by a strong light, initially thinking he was in a hospital. He then saw several beings standing around him. These beings were about 5 feet tall, with large eyes, small noses, and no hair. Their faces were described as colorless, with bulging foreheads and long fingers without nails. They wore tight, brownish-orange jumpsuits. Walton described their appearance as resembling "well-developed fetuses."

He felt pain in his chest and head and noticed an "apparatus" on his chest. The air was humid, making breathing difficult. In panic, he pushed the creatures away and knocked the apparatus to the floor. He then tried to use a transparent tube as a weapon but failed. The beings left the room, and Walton followed, entering another room with a chair that had buttons on the arms. Sitting in the chair, he noticed the wall was transparent, showing stars, and the room resembled a planetarium.

A being wearing a helmet gestured for Walton to follow. They left the UFO via a ramp and entered a complex with other identical artifacts. They proceeded to a small room where he encountered three "humans"—two men and one woman—who resembled each other. He was then fitted with a mask, and he lost consciousness again.

He awoke on a road about a quarter of a mile from Heber, saw the UFO ascend and disappear, and then made his way to a phone booth to call his sister.

Investigations and Critiques

On November 13, Walton was scheduled for a polygraph test, but his brother Duane, concerned about the media attention and Travis's stress, postponed it. Psychiatrists supported this decision, noting that a polygraph measures stress, not lies, and Walton was still under stress from his experience.

On February 8, 1976, Travis and Duane Walton underwent polygraph tests administered by George Pfeiffer of the Ezell Polygraph Institute. Travis answered nine questions, all truthfully, including whether he was interested in UFOs before the incident (No), whether he had used illegal drugs (No), whether he had been sincere with Mr. Lorenzen of APRO (Yes), whether he was hit by a blue-green light beam (Yes), whether his experience lasted only 2 hours (Yes), whether he was on a table in a strange room (Yes), whether he saw three strange creatures (Yes), whether he conspired to deceive (No), and whether he had described his experience accurately (Yes).

A personality study of Travis Walton was conducted by Dr. Cahn and Lamont McConnell, concluding that Walton had a normal personality, was not easily suggestible, and was conscientious and analytical.

Despite these findings, rumors circulated about the case. Four independent groups studied Walton's claims: NICAP, APRO, GSW, and the National Enquirer. NICAP and GSW deemed the case a hoax, while APRO and the Enquirer supported it. The article outlines criticisms from NICAP and GSW and APRO's responses.

NICAP claimed Walton called a radio show before the incident and was dismissed as crazy, and later called back after the incident saying, "Who is crazy now?". APRO countered that it was an investigator, not the sheriff, who made the claim, and that the investigator denied it. GSW counselor Dr. Les Steward concluded Walton was drugged after a two-hour interview, but APRO questioned Steward's credentials and noted that Duane Walton left the interview after only 15-20 minutes.

Conclusions and Commentary

Barry Greenwood concludes that the Travis Walton case remains unexplained. He suggests that the evidence used by NICAP and GSW to label it a hoax was based on insufficient investigation. He emphasizes the difficulty in studying such cases due to the potential for elaborate hoaxes but stresses the need for coordinated investigations.

Fermín Sánchez de Medina, in his commentary, finds the case highly interesting, noting its similarities to the Hill abduction case but highlighting the greater number of witnesses and the use of polygraph tests in Walton's case. He also points to the mysterious "light beams" and the unexplained dehydration suffered by Travis. He criticizes the lack of coordination among UFO investigation groups, stating that "Cooperation in organized UFO investigations is essential."

Sánchez de Medina also reflects on the nature of UFO contact cases, suggesting that while they are often sensationalized, the more mundane, everyday cases are the foundation of ufology. He expresses envy for the resources available to American UFO investigators and hopes for similar collaboration in Spain.

The 'Threads of the Virgin' Phenomenon

The magazine also includes an article discussing the phenomenon of "threads of the virgin," referencing scientific studies by J. Zeleny and W. A. Macky on water droplets in intense electric fields. These studies describe filaments being extracted from water droplets under specific electrical gradients. L.B. Loeb studied these filaments, calling them "crystallites," and suggested they are water molecules oriented by an electric field. The article connects this to the idea that UFOs might be surrounded by intense electric fields.

It then discusses the Graulhet case from October 13, 1954, in France, where witnesses reported an object exploding and releasing silvery filaments that fell to the ground. These filaments were described as resembling spiderwebs and sublimating when exposed to heat or flame. The article speculates that these filaments might be formed from water vapor in a supersaturated atmosphere under the influence of a strong electric field, potentially forming a protective layer around a UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the Travis Walton case as a significant and complex event in ufology. It highlights the importance of witness testimony, scientific investigation (including polygraph and hypnosis), and the challenges posed by inter-group conflicts and potential hoaxes. The commentary by Fermín Sánchez de Medina underscores the need for organized, cooperative research in the field of UFO investigations. The inclusion of the "threads of the virgin" phenomenon suggests a broader interest in the physical aspects and potential scientific explanations for UFO-related events.

This issue of the magazine features articles on UFO phenomena, with a primary focus on sightings in Spain and Greece. The cover story, "cuasi aterrizaje en Caños de Meca" (Quasi-landing in Caños de Meca), by Miguel Peyro and Enrique Nogueira, details an incident in southern Spain. Another significant section, "OVNIS EN GRECIA" (UFOs in Greece), by Steve Hatzopoulos, compiles various UFO reports from Greece.

Quasi-landing in Caños de Meca

The article details an investigation into a UFO sighting in Caños de Meca, Spain, which occurred around August 1974. The witness, identified as A.B., along with three other individuals, observed a luminous, conical object with white-orange coloration, approximately 30-50 cm in diameter. The object was stationary about half a meter above a group of semi-submerged rocks, 500 meters offshore. After remaining immobile for a period, during which it was observed with binoculars, the object suddenly moved out to sea at the same altitude and without changing its structure. Its trajectory was approximately South-Southeast, leading the witnesses to believe it reached the Moroccan coast near Tangier. Subsequently, the object changed course, heading approximately Northeast towards the Tarifa cape, then returned to Caños de Meca before finally departing out to sea, beyond visual range. The authors express some doubt regarding the precise accuracy of the witnesses' descriptions of the object's trajectory, attributing potential inaccuracies to the challenging viewing conditions over the sea at night.

The article also touches upon the theoretical aspects of UFO propulsion, referencing the possibility of creating high electrical potential gradients in the air to generate attraction forces, though acknowledging the immense difficulty in achieving such gradients. The challenge of finding an energy source for such a propulsion system is also highlighted.

UFOs in Greece

This section compiles UFO cases reported in Greece, with the intention of illustrating that such phenomena occur globally. The author notes that while interest in UFOs exists in Greece, reports do not frequently reach the international public.

Early Sightings and Notable Cases

• 1930: In Mavromation, Karditsa, a rhomboidal object with a flashing blue surface was observed at an altitude of 3,000 meters. It flew rapidly and silently.
• May 15, 1957: Macis Theodoropoulos witnessed an ovoidal object flying at high speed near Nikea, close to Larisa.
• July 25, 1970: Mr. Pappas observed a circular object with changing illumination over Egaleo, Athens. It was later joined by four other objects, reminiscent of Adamski's mothership.
• Easter Saturday, 1971: The village of Katapfigi near Cozani reported a phenomenon where an object appeared over Flampuro mountain, displaying yellow and green lights and emitting blue and green light beams. Animals in the area appeared terrified.
• February 1966: Mr. Stamatacos, then head of a Greek railway station, reported an ovoidal object, about 5 meters high, landing near the Nestos river. It remained for approximately three hours before ascending vertically.
• November 18, 1973: A group of university students in Gavrion, Andros island, observed a bright, elliptical object with white light and green rays moving in peculiar orbits.
• December 2, 1973: In Thessaloniki, a singular, symmetrical, discoidal object appeared in photographs taken by students Giannis Basiliou and Tasos Tsionis. While the object was not seen by the students at the time, its appearance in the developed photos led to speculation about its nature.

Investigations and Publications in Greece

The article mentions key figures and publications related to UFO research in Greece. George Ballanos, a representative of APRO, is noted for his books supporting the extraterrestrial hypothesis. F. Paris, a journalist, also believes in the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs. Alex Langadas, while interested in astronomy and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, does not fully accept the UFO phenomenon. The Director of the Greek Planetarium in Athens, Mr. Simopoulos, has also supported the existence of UFOs.

Currently, there is no specialized UFO publication in Greece, though scientific magazines occasionally feature articles on the topic, often by George Ballanos. The magazine "Enigmata tou Symbandos" (Enigmas of the Universe) is mentioned.

French Official Stance and Research

An article discusses the official stance and research on UFOs in France. According to a note in the newspaper "YA," citing the Grenoble Symposium, approximately fifty million UFO observations have been recorded worldwide between 1947 and 1975. The French Ministry of Defense's official publication "Armées d'aujourd'hui" states that the existence of flying saucers is not scientifically proven but remains an ongoing issue.

A department within the French Air Force's General Staff has been collecting UFO information since 1951, forwarding it to CNES for scientific analysis. The article highlights that military and scientific personnel have confirmed the existence of UFOs. A French Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Alexis, stated that the military had conducted 2,600 observations, and eight landing cases were authenticated by aviation specialists. Commander Funk, a radar specialist, and Sergeant Cordonet shared personal testimonies about radar observations.

A technician from the National Center for Space Studies (CNEE) noted that while scientists agree UFOs do not possess terrestrial technology, there is a reluctance among many to study the phenomenon.

Dr. Hynek's Visit to Puerto Rico

Dr. Hynek visited Puerto Rico and met with members of the CEOVNI, a UFO investigation group. He expressed interest in their work and consulted the archives of Engineer Sebastián Robiou. Dr. Hynek reportedly praised the CEI group and the magazine STENDEK for their quality.

Scientific Theories on UFO Propulsion

An article discusses a theory proposed by Dr. Jean-Pierre Petit, a researcher at CNRS, suggesting that UFOs might be powered by enormous electro-magnets. This theory is considered attractive and within the realm of current scientific and technical possibilities.

Who's Who: Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos

This section profiles Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, a Spanish ufologist born in Valencia in 1948. He holds degrees in IBM computer programming and Industrial Technical Engineering, with additional studies in Physical Sciences and Statistics. Ballester Olmos is an expert in UFO landing reports and statistical analysis, having founded the "Círculo de Estudios sobre Objetos no Identificados" (CEONI) in 1968. He is recognized as the first European specialist in landing reports and the only national one. He organized the first Spanish university seminar on UFOs in 1968 and brought together Spanish UFO researchers in 1969. He has collaborated with international ufologists like Aimé Michel and Jacques Vallée and is an associate investigator for MUFON in the USA. His work includes analyses of Type I cases in Spain and Portugal and a forthcoming book on UFO landings in Spain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, presenting witness testimonies, scientific investigations, and theoretical discussions. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing UFO sightings from various countries, particularly Spain and Greece. The publication appears to support the extraterrestrial hypothesis, as evidenced by the profiles of ufologists who advocate for this view. The articles highlight the challenges in UFO research, including the reluctance of some scientists to engage with the topic and the difficulties in obtaining definitive proof. The magazine also aims to inform its readers about ongoing research, official statements (or lack thereof), and emerging scientific theories related to UFOs.