UFO Chile - Issue 04

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO CHILE
Issue: Nº 4
Date: Abril de 1968 (April 1968)
Publisher: UFO Chile
Country: Chile
Language: Spanish

This issue of UFO Chile focuses on spectacular and well-documented UFO cases, primarily from Chile, with some international comparisons. It features detailed accounts of sightings, witness testimonies, and photographic evidence, aiming to present credible information on unidentified flying objects.

Observatory "Infiernillo" Detects and Photographs Strange Flying Physical Objects

This article details a series of unusual phenomena detected by investigators from the Cosmic Radiation Observatory of the University of Chile, located at 4,320 meters on Cerro El Infiernillo in the Andes. The observatory's personnel managed to photograph two luminous objects at night. The first was located to the north, approximately 800 kilometers away, and the second to the south. These objects hovered near Cerro El Roble for about 25 minutes. The photographs revealed diffraction rings, suggesting the objects were monochromatic and physically real. Crucially, the objects were described as absolutely immobile in space. The article also references a similar experience in July 1958, where red mountains surrounding the observatory were visualized, accompanied by a temperature increase in the zone. Professor Gabriel Alvial Cáceres, Director of the Observatory, stated that they could not explain these phenomena, only that they were physical bodies. He noted that statistical analysis of such experiences is difficult because they involve unknown elements. He also mentioned that such cases occur almost daily, sometimes as simple visualizations or 'subjective observations' when recorded.

UFO Over the Strait of Magellan (Continuation)

This section investigates a UFO case reported on May 31, 1966, over the Strait of Magellan. UFO-Chile interviewed Lieutenant Luis Carmona, who was in charge of maintenance at the historic Fuerte Bulnes. Carmona reported being awakened by a soldier on guard duty about 3 AM, who described a luminous object hovering over the Strait. Upon exiting, Carmona observed an enormous light illuminating the strait. He estimated the object, described as a 'great luminous ball,' to be about 800 meters high with a relative size of 40 cm. It emitted flashing lights ranging from red to yellow, passing through blue and green. Most strikingly, a beam of light projected from the underside of the UFO onto the water, reaching the beach about 60 meters away. The incident caused all 85 conscripts on duty to witness it. To calm the men, Carmona had them measure the width of the light reflection on the beach, which was approximately 28 meters. The object remained for two hours, its lights flashing intermittently, giving the impression of rotation. It then moved smoothly towards the large island of Tierra del Fuego and disappeared at high speed. A sergeant and the cook also observed the artifact with binoculars, noting its luminosity surpassed that of the moon. This observation was corroborated by 25 men on instruction on the other side of the Strait, who were awakened by the sentinel.

Notable Coincidence of Two UFO Observations in the Same Location

This article discusses two UFO sightings in María Elena, Antofagasta province, on July 19, 1965, and March 8, 1955. On July 19, 1965, seven operators from the Salvage Section reported seeing a cone-shaped object flying at high altitude, leaving a smoke trail and producing two loud detonations before changing direction. The smoke trail was described as taking the form of a classic mushroom cloud. The article notes this was published in "El Mercurio" on July 20, 1965. Reviewing cases of explosions associated with UFOs, the author found no other instance of a double explosion. However, another similar case from "El Mercurio" on March 10, 1955, occurred ten years earlier in the same location. On March 8, 1955, at 12:15 PM, an object moving from south to north was seen. Its shape was unclear due to its extraordinary speed. It produced no noise but left a white smoke trail that persisted for about 30 minutes. The object then spun in a spiral, producing two strong explosions, and continued its path. The smoke trail was also seen by people at the Pedro de Valdivia and Vergara offices. The object was also observed by police in María Elena and Pedro de Valdivia, causing a stir. A report in "La Patria" of Concepción added that half the population of María Elena saw the object, and the details were telegraphed to the General Directorate of Carabineros. The coincidences between the two cases are remarkable: a double explosion over María Elena, a change in the object's movement (direction change or spiral), a smoke trail, and observation in Pedro de Valdivia and Vergara. The author dismisses explanations of mining accidents, as the witnesses were local residents familiar with the area. In the second case, the object was seen in multiple locations up to 600 kilometers apart within a 25-minute period. Further research into the 1955 sighting revealed numerous other observations in Chile during the first months of that year, including one near Talcamávida and Gomero (Concepción province) on March 8, 1955, at 0:07 AM, described as a red ball. The article also mentions observations in Peru, Venezuela, and Uruguay during the same period, suggesting a possible connection to a European UFO wave from late 1954 moving towards South America.

Cases of 1968

This section details several UFO sightings from early 1968:

• Case Nº 1 (Quinteros, February 5, 16:30): Sisters Inés and Ana Farah Manzur and their mother observed a strange, cylindrical 'smoke' object with a dark nucleus moving erratically before accelerating and ascending rapidly. The object did not leave a trail but appeared to be a single unit.
• Case Nº 2 (Viña del Mar, Night of February 12-13): Thousands of people reportedly saw a 'flying saucer' during the closing night of the Song Festival. Its appearance coincided with a strong, hurricane-like wind that raised dust whirlwinds and ceased upon the object's disappearance. Informants included individuals from Duncan Fox, Aerolíneas Peruanas, and ENAP.
• Case Nº 3 (Viña del Mar, February 14, approx. 17:00): A cigar-shaped flying saucer was clearly observed in broad daylight by numerous people. The object, described as luminous and plate-like, remained stationary for a while before tilting, descending rapidly, and then 'evaporating' from front to back. Witnesses included a 13-year-old boy who fetched binoculars. The event was reported to "La Nación".
• Case Nº 4 (Quillota, February 14, 19:00): A UFO was reported resting on hills near Quillota, emitting intense luminosity described as 'like gold.' Its shape was compared to oval antique mirrors with bronze or wooden striations. One object was seen towards the northeast and another towards the northwest. After remaining stationary for about 15 minutes, one object ascended diagonally and disappeared into the clouds. The other object emitted a red jet and moved slowly towards the north, disappearing among the clouds. This phenomenon was also reportedly observed in Viña del Mar two hours earlier and curiously, in Australia on the same Wednesday.

Note: The article highlights that many of these early 1968 observations occurred between 30 and 35 degrees south latitude, including cases in Chile, Australia, Argentina, and Uruguay, suggesting a possible connection to a European UFO wave from late 1954.

• Case Nº 5 (NW of Santiago, February 14, approx. 19:50): Near Santiago, an elongated, bright yellow, luminous object was observed moving slowly towards the north. The object's front end curved upwards and downwards, causing it to ascend and descend while advancing. It eventually became completely vertical, descended, elongated, and disappeared. Witnesses estimated its length at about 50 meters and its distance at 10 kilometers.
• Case Nº 6 (Santiago, March 23, 1:10 AM): Two unidentified flying objects, described as 'resplendent like a sun,' appeared over the Colón sector of Santiago. Witnesses described them as cigar-shaped and stationary for about 15 minutes at an altitude of approximately 300 meters before returning to space. Mrs. Maria de Marchant, who alerted NASA and the Cerro Calán Observatory, described the objects as luminous, oval, and vertical, unlike satellites. Her testimony was corroborated by her husband and three children. The objects were seen hovering over houses and then disappearing into the clouds. One object emitted a small red jet before moving off. The family dog reportedly barked furiously during the sighting. The Chilean Air Force (FACH) reportedly had no information, but an official suggested it was unlikely to be a weather balloon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Chile consistently emphasizes the physical reality and investigatory potential of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting detailed accounts from credible sources like observatories, military personnel, and multiple witnesses. The magazine highlights photographic evidence and physical characteristics of the objects, moving beyond mere anecdotal reports. Recurring themes include the geographical clustering of sightings (particularly in South America), the varied shapes and behaviors of UFOs, and the persistent mystery surrounding their origin and purpose. The publication aims to document these events thoroughly, encouraging further investigation and analysis, while acknowledging the difficulty in obtaining definitive explanations for such phenomena. The inclusion of cases from 1955 and 1958 alongside more recent 1968 sightings suggests a historical perspective on UFO activity in the region.