Stendek - Vol 08 No 27 - March 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: STENDEK
Issue: No. 27
Volume: VIII
Date: March 1977
Publisher: Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI)
Country: Spain
Language: Spanish
Cover Headline: Triple aterrizaje en Lujua (Triple Landing in Lujua)

This issue of STENDEK, a quarterly publication of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), delves into significant UFO cases and related phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline 'Triple aterrizaje en Lujua,' hinting at a key investigation within.

Editorial: Los libros sobre OVNIs en España (UFO Books in Spain)

Pere Redón, the director, expresses his disappointment with the lack of UFO-related literature being published in Spain. He notes that Spanish publishers are primarily focused on profitability, neglecting the topic. He criticizes the practice of repackaging foreign works or using foreign-sounding pseudonyms for Spanish authors, which he deems immoral as it deceives readers who pay high prices for books in Spain. Redón highlights the rich output of UFO research and publications from countries like the United States, France, and England, mentioning organizations such as APRO, NICAP, MUFON, and CUFOS. He emphasizes that research in this field is not stagnant but is progressing thanks to international contributions. He concludes by expressing hope that the situation for UFO literature in Spain will improve.

Triple aterrizaje en Lujua (Triple Landing in Lujua)

Author: José L. Guillerna (CEI)

This article details an investigation into a reported UFO landing in Lujua, Vizcaya, Spain. The case began with a news report in 'La Gaceta del Norte' on November 4, 1976, by journalist Juan José Benítez, about three luminous spheres seen near the 'Goiko-Etxe' farmhouse, owned by the Llona Sangróniz couple.

The Investigation:

CEI president José María Casas-Huguet showed interest, prompting an on-site investigation on November 13, 1976. The investigative team, including José Ramón Pinedo, Inés Maestre, and the author, traveled to Bilbao.

The Area:

The 'Goiko-Etxe' farmhouse is situated on a gentle hill, protected by a pine-covered hill to the north. It is accessible via a narrow, poorly asphalted road. Two kilometers away is the 'Laño-Mendi' hill, behind which lies the Sondica-Bilbao international airport. Aircraft frequently fly over the area at altitudes between 500 and 1000 meters. The farmhouse is also located between two high-tension power lines.

The Witness:

Da. Juana Llona Sangróniz, a 62-year-old single woman, was the primary witness. She described herself as a typical, somewhat shy but sincere and pleasant Basque 'casera' (housekeeper). She initially hesitated to speak but eventually shared her experience. The author found her credible because she did not seek publicity, only mentioning the event to family, who then contacted the newspaper. Furthermore, the subsequent investigation yielded corroborating evidence.

The Observation:

On the evening of October 18, 1976, around 8:15 PM, while working in an annex to the farmhouse, Juana Llona heard a strange metallic sound. She looked up and saw a luminous 'butane-colored' ball descending the 'Laño-Mendi' hill, losing intensity. It then ascended rapidly. Later, she heard another metallic sound and saw three luminous spheres descend in a 'V' formation in a field in front of the house, about fifty meters away. The spheres were described as vivid blue-white and pale butane, approximately 2 meters in diameter. Her dog, 'Euzkadi,' exhibited extreme fear.

The Ground Marks:

During the on-site investigation, the team discovered unusual marks in the field. Initially dismissed as animal tracks, further examination revealed three distinct triangular depressions forming a 'V' shape. The sides of these triangles measured approximately 1.12m, 1.12m, and 1.44m. The investigation uncovered two more sets of similar triangular marks. The author describes the marks as isosceles triangles with curved sides, about 8 cm wide at the base and 5 cm deep, deepening towards the apex. Tests indicated the object that made these marks weighed between 800 and 1200 kgs, comparable to a small car.

Conclusion:

Guillerna concludes that something unusual was seen and landed in the field on the night of October 18, 1976. He defends the witness's credibility, stating she is a humble, hardworking woman with no motive to lie, and that a staged event would be highly improbable. He also notes that Lujua has had previous UFO sightings reported. The CEI plans to monitor the vegetation in the area for any further developments.

Los Humanoides en Argentina (y 2a Parte) (Humanoids in Argentina - Part 2)

Author: Roberto Enrique Banchs

This article continues the analysis of humanoid phenomena in Argentina, focusing on the characteristics of the entities encountered.

VIII. Occupant Entities:

The author aims to define the basic observable characteristics of humanoid phenomena by analyzing data, attempting to minimize distortions from witness perception, interviewer interpretation, and news propagation. The testimonies are noted as being collected under somewhat precarious conditions from informants who generally lack specialized biological knowledge.

1. Number of Occupants:

A significant characteristic is the collective nature of these appearances, with 'two occupants' being the most frequent (36.3%), followed by three entities. This suggests that 'walks' or appearances often involve multiple beings of the same species. Solitary occupants are rare (13.6%), and encounters with five or more figures are exceptional.

2. Stature and Racological Aspect:

The analysis of cases indicates that reports consistently describe beings with almost human or fully human anatomical appearances.

• 'Low Stature' Events: Cases involving entities estimated to be under 1.50 meters tall constitute 33.3% of the analyzed reports. Some of these describe beings between 1-1.50m with voluminous craniums. Case No. 19 specifically mentions three 80cm figures with a single eye, reminiscent of Cyclops, though some researchers suggest these might be 'viewports' of a spacesuit, similar to entities reported in Peru in 1965.
• 'Medium Stature' Events: These account for 38.8% of cases, describing entities of normal human stature, up to 1.90 meters. In these reports, the beings closely resemble humans with few variations.

Other Articles Mentioned in the Table of Contents:

• La foto de Erich Kaiser, por Alice Ashton (The Erich Kaiser Photo, by Alice Ashton): This article likely discusses a specific photograph related to UFO phenomena.
• Caso Trancas, por Oscar A. Galíndez (The Trancas Case, by Oscar A. Galíndez): This suggests an investigation into a particular UFO incident or case named 'Trancas'.
• Reflexiones en torno a las observaciones de OVNIS en 1950, por Felix Arés y Ma Carmen Garmendía (Reflections on UFO Observations in 1950, by Felix Arés and Ma Carmen Garmendía): This piece revisits UFO sightings from the year 1950.
• ¿Tienen relación los avistamientos OVNI con la población?, por Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos (Are UFO Sightings Related to the Population?, by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos): This article explores a potential correlation between UFO sightings and the general population.
• Extraterrestres en las pinturas prehistoricas, por Angel Armendariz (Extraterrestrials in Prehistoric Paintings, by Angel Armendariz): This article examines ancient art for possible depictions of extraterrestrial beings or craft.
• Galaxia OVNI (UFO Galaxy): This might be a regular column or a general overview of UFO news.
• Quien es quien, Dr. Aime Michel (Who's Who, Dr. Aime Michel): This likely profiles or discusses the work of Dr. Aime Michel, a notable figure in ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, landings, and the physical evidence left behind, as exemplified by the Lujua case. The magazine also delves into the analysis of humanoid entities encountered in Argentina, suggesting a focus on the physical characteristics and patterns of these beings. The editorial stance, as expressed by Pere Redón, is one of advocacy for greater attention and publication of UFO research within Spain, highlighting the international progress in the field and the perceived neglect by Spanish publishers. The CEI, as the publisher, appears to be dedicated to rigorous investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed case study of the Lujua landing.

This issue of DOSSIER ESPECIAL focuses on UFO phenomena, with a prominent section dedicated to the "CASO TRANCAS" (Trancas Case) in Argentina, occurring on October 21, 1963, between 20:00 and 23:00 hours. The case is investigated by Oscar A. Galindez and is presented as one of the most exceptional within the history of the UFO problem, notable for the number and quality of witnesses, the phenomenon's characteristics, and its similarity to other incidents. The magazine also features an article on "LA FOTO DE ERICH KAISER" (The Photo of Erich Kaiser), detailing an event in Estiria, Austria, on August 3, 1954, where Erich Kaiser observed and photographed three metallic discs. The issue includes a bibliography of UFO literature and discusses various aspects of UFO encounters, including occupant characteristics and behaviors.

Case Studies and Analysis

The Trancas Case

The Trancas case is presented as highly exceptional, with the magazine aiming to provide a true account of the events. The article notes that while the Argentine press offered brief and sometimes contradictory versions, international news agencies reproduced these with similar deficiencies. The publication seeks to safeguard the honorability of the witnesses by presenting the case in its true form, detailing personal accounts from one of the protagonists.

The Erich Kaiser Photograph

Erich Kaiser, a miner, was on vacation in the Austrian Alps when, on August 3, 1954, he observed three "strange discs of metallic appearance" moving silently at an estimated speed of 200 km/h. He managed to take a photograph of the phenomenon. The photograph was published by the newspaper "Neue Zeit" on October 16, 1954, and later by "Weltraumbote." Specialists analyzed the original negative, concluding that a simple fraud would have been too costly, and proposed the hypothesis of balloons, which Kaiser refuted due to the objects' metallic nature and speed.

Occupant Characteristics and Behavior

The issue delves into the behavior and characteristics of UFO occupants, categorizing them into several types:

• Occupants inside the OVNI: Observing, moving, or operating equipment (Cases 01, 03, 06, 10, 14, 18, 19, 21 - 36.3%).
• Occupants loitering around the OVNI: Indifferent to witnesses (Cases 04, 05, 11, 13 - 18.1%).
• Occupants near the OVNI: Approaching or moving away from witnesses (Cases 02, 09, 20, 22 - 18.1%). These entities exhibit furtive behavior, suggesting a deliberate avoidance of contact.
• Occupants repelling or controlling witness actions: (Cases 07, 08, 12, 15, 16 - 22.7%). This category includes instances where witnesses experienced negative effects, such as burns from light beams or a sense of profound weariness, when attempting to interact or investigate.
• Occupants showing interest or seeking interaction: (Case 17 - 4.5%). This category is noted for its small sample size, suggesting a general lack of communication attempts by the occupants.

Language and Communication

Only three events (Cases 12, 17, 22) suggest communication attempts. Cases 12 and 22 involved unintelligible oral language, while Case 17 involved rotating images and telepathy. The article notes that some proposed interstellar languages utilize television for displaying images.

Negative Cases Analysis

The study also examines "negative cases" as a control group. These cases, despite not meeting the criteria for "significant" reports, are analyzed for common characteristics. The analysis highlights that in many negative cases, witnesses initiated the interaction, unlike in reliable cases where occupants often exhibited evasive or indifferent behavior. The article also touches upon the language used in negative cases, noting that it was often perceived as ordinary Spanish, with some instances of gestures and writing.

General Observations on Occupants

• Attitude: The prevailing attitude of occupants in negative cases is one of evasion or indifference, contrasting with the more active or defensive behaviors observed in significant cases.
• Communication: In a significant percentage of cases (over 76%), witnesses reported some form of communication or interaction, suggesting they were not mere spectators but active participants.
• Location: Encounters often occur late at night and in remote, unpopulated areas.
• Behavior: The occupants' behavior suggests an intention to avoid communication.

Bibliography

The issue includes an extensive bibliography of UFO literature, featuring works by authors such as J. A. Hynek, C. Sagan, T. Page, James McCambell, J. F. Blumrich, F. Lagarde, R.E. Fowler, F.B. Salisbury, Philip Klass, William Curtiss, David Jacobs, J. Vallée, L. D. Kushe, Loren E. Gross, and L.E. Catoe. The authors of these works include astronomers, engineers, biologists, historians, and physicists, underscoring the growing scientific interest in the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, detailed case studies, and the analysis of occupant behavior and potential communication. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based inquiry, aiming to move beyond sensationalism towards a more scientific understanding of UFOs. The emphasis on "scientific literature" and the detailed analysis of both "significant" and "negative" cases suggest a commitment to objective research. The magazine acknowledges the complexity and often inexplicable nature of these events, while striving to provide a structured and analytical approach to the subject matter.

This issue of OVNIS, dated 1963, focuses on a detailed account of a significant UFO sighting that occurred in Trancas, Tucumán, Argentina, on October 21, 1963. The magazine also includes a retrospective analysis of UFO observations from 1950, examining how cultural perceptions influenced the interpretation of these phenomena.

The 1963 Trancas Sighting

The main article presents the testimony of the Yolié family, particularly Mrs. Yolié, a 28-year-old woman married to an Argentine military officer, with two children. The incident began around 7:00 PM when a power outage at the family's factory, "Santa Teresa," necessitated the use of portable lamps and candles. The family's maid, Dora Martina, reported seeing lights in the backyard and feeling afraid.

Around 9:30 PM, while Mrs. Yolié was attending to her infant, Dora Martina again expressed fear, describing lights in the backyard that illuminated the area. Mrs. Yolié and her sister Yolanda investigated but saw nothing. Shortly after returning to their room, Dora Martina urgently called them back, reporting the lights had reappeared.

Investigating further, the witnesses observed two luminous points connected by a bright, tube-like structure approximately 100 meters long, situated near the Belgrano railway tracks. Silhouettes, described as human-like and of normal size, were seen moving within this luminous tube. The witnesses initially considered the possibility of a derailment or sabotage.

Driven by curiosity, Argentina, another sister, went to investigate and saw several "non-conventional objects." The primary object, designated "f," was described as disc-shaped, about 8-10 meters in diameter, with a metallic surface resembling aluminum. It had several joined caps and a darker dome on top. Six rectangular windows, approximately 70x50 cm, emitted a powerful white light that obscured the interior. A white fog emanated from the object's lower section. A serpentine light inside the object began to rotate, changing colors from pink/red to orange.

Suddenly, a flash of light from the object caused the witnesses to be thrown to the ground. Dora Martina, who was closest, suffered first and second-degree burns to her face, arms, and legs. The other witnesses experienced a strong caloric sensation. The air became thick with a penetrating smell, like sulfur.

Subsequently, three more luminous points appeared on the railway tracks, bringing the total to six strange bodies. These objects, described as metallic and similar to object "f," were suspended at a low altitude. Beams of light, described as compact rays about 3 meters in diameter, were emitted from some of the objects, directed towards the house and surrounding areas, including a chicken coop.

Inside the house, the temperature rose significantly, reaching 40°C, causing the children to sweat profusely. The environment was illuminated as if it were daytime, with the source of the light being unclear. The possibility of magnetic field effects channeling the light through solid objects was discussed.

Later, object "f" projected a compact beam of light towards the town of Trancas. The objects eventually moved towards the Sierra de Medina. The entire observation lasted approximately 40-45 minutes.

Post-Incident Observations and Corroboration

Following the disappearance of the objects, the family found the fog still suspended in the garden, accompanied by a strong sulfurous odor. Within a circle of 8-10 meters diameter, they discovered numerous white pellets, 1 cm in diameter. Analysis of these pellets by the chemical laboratory of the National University of Tucumán revealed a high percentage of calcium carbonate (96.48%) and potassium carbonate (3.51%).

The family dogs, normally brave, remained silent and appeared dazed. The chickens also exhibited unusual behavior. The pea plant plantation in the area where the pellets were found subsequently dried up, and efforts to stimulate growth with fertilizers were less effective than before.

Further testimonies corroborated aspects of the event. The foreman, José Acosta, observed numerous objects moving towards the west, and noted the area being illuminated from the east, which he initially attributed to a fire. Dr. Rena Vera, a doctor from the Trancas Hospital, saw a fleet of 40-5 bodies moving west-to-east, leaving the air impregnated with sulfur.

Mrs. Yolié speculated that the objects might be terrestrial technology, citing the visible rivets on object "f" and the humanoid silhouettes observed. She found comfort in the belief that they were not extraterrestrial.

Retrospective Analysis of 1950 UFO Cases

An article by Felix Arés de Blas and Ma. Carmen Garmendia reviews UFO observations from 1950. They note that in 1950, the term "flying saucer" (platillo volante) was less defined than today and often referred to jet planes or unusual atmospheric phenomena. The cultural context of 1950 meant that people lacked the framework to interpret such sightings as extraterrestrial.

The authors discuss several cases from 1950:

• Almadén, Spain (December 29, 1950): A black point left a white trail, estimated to be traveling at 500-600 km/h at an altitude of 7,000-8,000 meters.
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain (March 30, 1950): A German photographer captured images of a bright, rotating ovoid object with luminous tails, described as having the apparent size of 6-7 moons.
• Barcelona, Spain (April 21): A couple observed a disc-sized object with jets of fire moving in a rotating motion.
• Mora de Toledo, Spain (December 27, 1950): Witnesses saw a large ball of smoke with something rotating inside, which caused visibility to be lost upon approach.

The authors suggest that the cultural perception of the time influenced how these events were reported and understood. They highlight that in 1950, the idea of extraterrestrial visitors was not yet a common cultural category, leading to interpretations that were more grounded in contemporary technology or natural phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, presenting detailed witness testimonies and attempting to corroborate them with physical evidence or other witness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into anomalous aerial phenomena, aiming to provide factual reporting and analysis. The retrospective article on 1950 cases indicates a focus on the evolution of UFO understanding and the role of cultural context in shaping perceptions. The publication seems to advocate for a scientific approach to ufology, as evidenced by the inclusion of chemical analysis of trace evidence and the discussion of scientific hypotheses.

This issue of "investigación" focuses on the statistical analysis of UFO (OVNI) sightings, particularly exploring the phenomenon of UFO waves and their potential correlation with population density and sociological factors. The magazine presents data from various studies, primarily concerning Spain, France, and the USA, spanning from the 1950s to the mid-1970s.

Analysis of UFO Data

The issue begins by detailing statistical parameters of UFO sightings, including the color of the objects observed (metallic, lead-colored, reddish, white, blue) and the presence or absence of sound (mostly without sound). It categorizes sightings into types, with 'Tipo IV' being the most frequent, followed by 'Tipo I' (quasi-landings).

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to analyzing the temporal distribution of UFO sightings, examining daily, weekly, and monthly patterns. The data suggests that Wednesdays were the most significant days for sightings in one analyzed period, while Sundays were the least. The distribution of sightings throughout the week is compared to weekly performance curves, hinting at potential sociological influences. The monthly distribution highlights March as a particularly significant month for UFO activity in 1950, and a 'fever of saucers' was noted between March and April 1968.

UFO Waves vs. Mass Hysteria

A central theme is the distinction between UFO waves and phenomena like mass hysteria. The article argues that UFO waves are characterized by their extended duration and geographical reach, unlike localized 'flaps'. It posits that credible UFO sightings often involve emotionally balanced individuals, with a notable proportion of male witnesses and educated individuals. Evidence such as physical traces (e.g., footprints) and photographic records further supports the reality of these phenomena, suggesting they are not merely products of collective imagination or hysteria.

The article contrasts the characteristics of UFO waves with those of mass hysteria, citing the 'Phantom Anesthetist of Mattoon' case as an example of a mental epidemic. Key differences highlighted include the broader scope and duration of UFO waves, the presence of multiple independent witnesses, and the global nature of the phenomenon, which appears consistent across different cultures and time periods.

Population Density and UFO Sightings

Another critical aspect explored is the relationship between UFO sightings and population density. Several studies are presented, some indicating an inverse correlation (fewer landing cases in densely populated areas) and others suggesting a direct correlation (more high-altitude sightings in populated areas). The research by Oscar Galíndez in Argentina and studies on French UFO reports in 1954 and 1975 are discussed, presenting seemingly contradictory findings.

David Saunders' analysis of over 18,000 American UFO reports concluded that regions with more potential witnesses produced more reports, suggesting a positive acceleration of sightings with population. However, other analyses, particularly those focusing on landing cases (Tipo-1), suggest an inverse relationship, with sightings occurring in relatively deserted and isolated areas. The article attempts to reconcile these findings by proposing that high-altitude UFO phenomena might have a random spatial distribution, leading to more reports from populated areas, while close encounters and landings are more selective and tend to occur away from populated zones.

Methodological Considerations

The magazine also touches upon methodological challenges in UFO research, such as the reliance on witness location rather than the actual location of the sighting, and the influence of media publicity. It is argued that media sensitization does not necessarily increase the number of genuine UFO cases, as demonstrated by a failed 'night of observation' event in France where no sightings were reported despite extensive publicity.

Conclusion and Future Research

The issue concludes by suggesting that UFOs might be intelligently controlled phenomena, based on available data and years of evidence. The authors express their gratitude to various researchers and collaborators for their contributions. The article is presented as an extract from a larger work titled "OVNIS: EL FENOMENO ATERRIZAJE" and highlights the growing rigor in UFO research, with contributions from international scientists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the statistical analysis of UFO phenomena, the distinction between genuine sightings and psychological or sociological explanations (like mass hysteria), and the complex relationship between UFO activity and human population distribution. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, scientific inquiry into UFOs, aiming to differentiate between objective evidence and subjective interpretations, and to establish a more rigorous understanding of the phenomenon. There is an underlying belief in the possibility of intelligently controlled UFOs, supported by the available data.

This issue of "Investigación" (Investigation) focuses on the intriguing and controversial topic of "extraterrestres en las pinturas prehistoricas" (extraterrestrials in prehistoric paintings). The magazine delves into the hypothesis that ancient cave art might contain evidence of visitation by beings from other worlds. The issue is dated 1975, as indicated by the context of the cited works and the page number '39' and '40' which suggest a publication around that year.

Extraterrestrials in Prehistoric Paintings

The main article explores the desire to find evidence for the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) by examining the most remote history of humanity, specifically the Paleolithic era. It discusses the theory that certain paintings from the Upper Paleolithic period might attest to the passage of travelers from outer space.

These graphic testimonies are presented alongside other, later paintings, engravings, and sculptures that are also claimed to be evidence of ancient extraterrestrial presence. The author aims to contribute to the clarification and proper valuation of this problem, advocating for a serious and rigorous study of the UFO phenomenon, free from mythologies and sensationalism.

The problem is said to have originated from an initial study of prehistoric caves from a ufological perspective by Aimé Michel. Subsequently, researchers like Antonio Ribera also investigated this topic, with Ribera's work "¿De veras los ovnis nos vigilan?" (Do UFOs really watch us?) being cited.

The article highlights the rich collection of Upper Paleolithic parietal art found in the caves of Santander, Spain, comparable to sites in Les Eyzies (Dordogne) and the French Pyrenees. This art, primarily animalistic and Franco-Cantabrian in style, is dated between 30,000 and 10,000 years ago.

Types of Prehistoric Representations

• The article categorizes Franco-Cantabrian art into four fundamental types:
• Figuraciones animales (Animal figures)
• Antropomorfos (Human figures, often masked)
• Improntas de manos (Handprints)
• Ideomorfos (Ideomorphs) - This category is of particular interest, encompassing geometric motifs, stylized figures, and simple signs that are difficult to interpret. These are the signs that have led to ufological speculation.

Specific Symbols and Interpretations

Among the ideomorphs, the article focuses on 'retiformes' (net-like or fence-like figures), such as those found in El Castillo (Santander). These are described as subdivided rectangles. The CIOVE group suggested these could represent the interiors of "flying saucers" similar to those detected today, with dotted lines possibly indicating jets of gas or movement. However, the author finds this hypothesis improbable, considering the context of hunter-gatherer societies and their likely artistic representations of hunting methods.

Other interpretations of these symbols are presented. Camón Aznar suggests they resemble open nets for capturing animals. Raymond Lantier proposed they might represent summer huts. Breuil interpreted them as representations of ancestral spirits' dwellings. Antonio Ribera, more pragmatically, suggests these rectangular objects could represent enclosures or traps for large animals, and dots might signify a number of people.

Despite these conventional interpretations, Ribera acknowledges that a dozen types of signs remain difficult to interpret within conventional canons, leaving room for ufological speculation.

The article also discusses 'tectiformes' (roof-like figures, Fig. 2), which are generally not interpreted as actual roofs but rather as hunting traps. Additionally, 'claviformes' (club-like figures, Fig. 6) are discussed, with some possessing a disc-like profile. While isolated, these figures can be misleading, but when associated with animals or other objects, they are more likely interpreted as hunting tools or weapons (Figs. 7 and 8).

Aimé Michel's work is highlighted, particularly his concept of the BAVIC line, which he claimed connected prehistoric cave sites with UFO sightings. Michel's research into the 1954 French UFO wave led him to seek scientific explanations for landings and work on 'ortotenias'. Although he considered this a scientific failure, his ideas attracted attention from scientists like Hynek and Saunders.

Michel was also involved in the disappearance of the Project Blue Book and opposed the Project Condon. For Michel, ufology was a means to provoke a necessary crisis and mutation in science.

His significant contribution, "Los misteriosos platillos volantes" (The mysterious flying saucers), related to the 1954 wave, is mentioned. He maintained contact with scientists and was part of the "invisible college" that evolved into the "Center for UFO Studies."

Broader Ufological Context

• The issue also touches upon broader themes related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life:
• Jesuit P. Romaña's View: The Director of the Ebro Observatory, P. Romaña, stated his belief in UFOs but cautioned against assuming they come from other planets, suggesting that unidentified phenomena today might be explained tomorrow. He affirmed the sincerity of witnesses but questioned the objective reality of their claims.
• Soviet Astrophysicist Chklovsky: The article mentions the Soviet astrophysicist Chklovsky's view that humanity is alone in the universe, possibly influenced by the failure of the American Viking program. This contrasts with his earlier enthusiasm for signals from the radio star CTA-102.
• First "UFO-Port" in France: The inauguration of the first "OVNI-puerto" (UFO-port) in Arés, France, is reported, an initiative by electronics engineer Robert Cottent. The article expresses doubt about its subsequent use.
• Jimmy Carter's Stance: The then-President-elect of the United States, Jimmy Carter, publicly stated his belief in UFOs and claimed to have witnessed one in 1973. NICAP president Sr. Acuff emphasized the importance of such a prominent figure taking a clear stance on the matter.
• Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI): The article discusses the scientific community's interest in establishing special radio frequencies to monitor for signals from other civilizations. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) published a document calling for members to study the possibility of setting up listening networks for extraterrestrial space. This initiative, supported by 20 countries, aims to develop technical means for detecting and receiving signals from other planets, though the challenge of a single listening frequency is noted. The article concludes this section by mentioning that despite decades of sending coded messages, there has been no response from "little green men."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of potential evidence for extraterrestrial visitation in human history, specifically through the interpretation of prehistoric art. The magazine presents various theories and interpretations, often contrasting conventional archaeological explanations with ufological hypotheses. While the articles cite numerous researchers and their findings, there is an underlying acknowledgment of the speculative nature of some of these claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different viewpoints and encouraging rigorous scientific investigation, while also highlighting the sensationalism that can surround the topic. The concluding quote from Antonio Ribera suggests a critical perspective, cautioning against over-interpreting phenomena as extraterrestrial and attributing too much to alien influence.