UFO Chile - Issue 05

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO CHILE
Issue: Nº 5
Date: Julio de 1968 (July 1968)
Location: Santiago de Chile

This issue of UFO CHILE, published in July 1968, is dedicated to reporting on unexplained aerial phenomena observed in Chile. It features a cover photograph of a luminous phenomenon taken from the El Infiernillo Observatory and includes numerous case reports from various regions of the country.

Nuestra Portada: Phenomenon at El Infiernillo Observatory

The cover story details a photograph taken on May 17, 1968, at 1:35 GMT from the El Infiernillo Observatory, located at 4,343 meters in the Andes. Professor Gabriel Alvial, Director of the Observatory, provides an report on luminous phenomena (designated F.P.E. - phenomenon to be explained) observed since October 1967. These phenomena include apparent stars of zero to one magnitude that move and stop in space, with some photographic evidence showing Fresnel diffraction rings. The Observatory, part of the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Chile, has a high probability of observing meteors due to its altitude. The photograph shows a blinking phenomenon, with smaller lights from the El Roble Observatory visible in the distance. The center prefers to avoid terms like UFOs and OVNIs, focusing on natural explanations. An analysis of the observations has led to the projection of a space patrol camera, with an estimated cost of US$35,000 for its first year of operation, for which funding is being sought from international institutions.

UFO CHILE Informs

This section apologizes for delays in publication due to transient difficulties, assuring readers of a large amount of accumulated material. It highlights Professor Gabriel Alvial's decision to construct a patrol camera to gather more information on the luminous phenomena observed at El Infiernillo, a project designed entirely by Chilean scientists. Additionally, the Meteorological Office of Chile, under the Ministry of Defense's Directorate of Aeronautics, has formed a working group to investigate UFOs, which began operating on July 9th. This group has developed a questionnaire based on data from the University of Colorado and distributed it to meteorological observatories across Chile, including Easter Island and the Antarctic territory. The Scientific Society of Chile has also announced its initiative to conduct serious studies on these phenomena, with plans to coordinate efforts with the Meteorological Office and other interested organizations.

Los Extraños Fenómenos de Cauquenes

This section details phenomena reported in the Maule Province, investigated by local police due to numerous witness testimonies. The primary focus is on 'Misterio en la cuesta "La Nariz"' (Mystery on "The Nose" Hill), where a series of unusual events began in early June. Oscar Muñoz, a tax official, reported his car engine stopping and lights going out after a slight explosion, after which he witnessed the car drive uphill on its own. A truck driver, Enrique González, reported a similar incident at the same location, with his truck moving and maneuvering seemingly by itself. Other witnesses include Gregorio Valdés, Blanca Becerra, Eduardo Valdés, Mario Peña (who also reported his revolver failing to fire), Alejandro Medel, José Mussa, Juan Muñoz, Hipólito Salgado, Dr. José Sanhueza, and Mario Sanhueza. Possible explanations suggested include a magnetic iron deposit or a radioactive magnetic field left by unidentified flying objects.

Further testimonies from the Cauquenes area include a woman who, with two companions, saw a large, brilliant, blueish sphere. Regidor Mario Luna reported seeing an orange flying disc, followed by two other craft that performed maneuvers at high speed. Gerardo Cortés, an inspector, observed an oval, very bright object that moved slowly and emitted colorful flashes before disappearing. An unusual heat wave was also reported in the area, with temperatures rising to 28 degrees Celsius, causing panic and premature blooming of peach trees.

Casos de 1968 (Continuación)

This section continues the summary of cases from 1968.

Caso Nº 7: Valparaíso, May 17, 8:45 hours. Residents of Playa Ancha observed an elongated, intensely bright object that performed various evolutions before disappearing. A housewife also witnessed the object moving irregularly.

Caso Nº 8: Chacao Channel, May 17, 19:30 hours. Architect Fermín Marticorena observed a luminous object from a ferry-boat that initially seemed like a satellite but then increased speed, stopped, reversed direction, and disappeared north. The object was very bright due to the absence of stars.

Caso Nº 9: North of Santiago, May 17, 21:35 hours. This case is highlighted as important and is discussed further in a separate section, with a photograph on the cover and a report on the inside cover.

Caso Nº 10: Near Punta Arenas, June 6, 20 hours. Pilots of Aerolíneas Argentinas, Tiviroli and Guardave, reported seeing a UFO resembling a flying disc performing 90-degree turns at an altitude of 1,500-1,800 meters. They described the object as brilliant and its maneuvers as controlled. Other witnesses also reported seeing the phenomenon, with one group claiming to have seen three objects.

Caso Nº 11: La Unión, June 10. Photographer Gonzalo Carrasco observed and photographed a 'cloud' with an ascending, intermittent curve. He estimates its speed at 800-1000 km/h. The article suggests the luminous trace in the photograph is likely a trail left by the object.

Caso Nº 12: ¿Objeto Identificado? (Identified Object?) Peine, Socaire, Toconao, Chilopozo, and Tilomonte (Antofagasta), before June 26. A strange spacecraft with three occupants reportedly landed in several locations, terrorizing residents and stealing items. The spacecraft allegedly descended with infernal noise, throwing up dust. The FACH (Chilean Air Force) denied having authorized aircraft in the area.

Testimonio sobre Ovnis

This section presents further testimonies regarding UFO sightings.

Continued from previous cases: Several people traveling in the area have reported seeing brilliant flying objects moving at high speed. One woman described an enormous, brilliant, blueish sphere. Regidor Mario Luna reported seeing an orange flying disc, followed by two other craft. Gerardo Cortés observed an oval, very bright object that emitted colorful flashes. A singular heat wave was also reported, with temperatures rising significantly and causing premature blooming of peach trees.

CASO Nº 13 y 14: Cuesta "La Nariz" (Prov. de Maule), June 23 and July 4. These cases correspond to earlier mentions of witnesses Gregorio Valdés and Oscar Muñoz.

CASO Nº 15: Cordillera Zone, Northeast of Santiago, July 7, approx. 10 hours. Ricardo Cruzat Rodríguez described seeing a strange, elongated, cloud-like object appearing from Argentina. It initially seemed like an airplane but then moved vertically and horizontally, with a lens-shaped head that shone extraordinarily. Its speed was comparable to a satellite, and the head appeared detached from the cloud-like trail. The observation lasted 10 minutes. The article notes the similarity to 'cigar-shaped cloud' reports, including a case from Chuquicamata in September 1967.

CASO Nº 16: Quilico y Los Coipos (Provincia de Curicó), July 10, 20:55 hours. Five individuals observed a luminous body descending in a curved trajectory, then stopping abruptly on the horizon and emitting intermittent multicolored flashes.

CASO Nº 17: Palquibudis (Prov. Curicó), July 12, 19:30 hours. Atilio Muñoz Aravena, Adan Silva, and seven others observed an OVNI appearing from the East, descending, hovering, and then moving rapidly towards the mountains in zig-zag movements. A second, similar object appeared shortly after, also emitting multicolored lights.

CASO Nº 18: Cuesta "La Nariz" (Prov. Maule), July 17. The magazine "FLASH" reported an observation of a strange being by a truck driver. The article notes that this and other related accounts from the area lack serious background information.

CASO Nº 19: Isla Mocha (Prov. de Arauco), July 20, 12:15 hours. This case is considered the most serious by the "Oficina Meteorológica de Chile". Judge Roberto Larronde and his wife observed a bright, silver object hovering near the landing strip after a plane had departed. The object remained stationary for about 10 minutes before moving away towards the sea at incredible speed. Other witnesses also observed the phenomenon. Orfelina Varela described a brilliant, round object hovering for about 15 minutes before rapidly departing. Another witness, farmer Fernando González, noted the object's stabilization and position changes. He estimated the object appeared after the plane had taken off and was only visible as a very bright point.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reporting of numerous unexplained aerial phenomena across Chile. The magazine adopts a stance of documenting these events with a degree of scientific curiosity, often citing official or semi-official sources like observatories and meteorological offices. While acknowledging the term 'OVNI' (UFO), the publication, particularly through the El Infiernillo Observatory's report, shows a preference for investigating potential natural explanations before concluding they are extraterrestrial. The detailed case reports, including witness testimonies and specific locations and times, suggest a commitment to thorough archival of these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging further investigation and the collection of data, as evidenced by the planned construction of a patrol camera and the involvement of scientific and governmental bodies.

This document appears to be a page from a magazine or publication focused on UFOs (OVNIS), specifically detailing several sightings and observations. The page number is indicated as '-11-'.

Sightings and Observations

Coastal Sighting One witness describes an object that shone intensely and was estimated to be about 60 meters above the sea, very close to the coast of an island. The object resembled a mirror, reflecting sunlight intensely from all sides. After approximately fifteen minutes, it disappeared in seconds.

Islander Observations Islanders have reported observing UFOs on previous occasions. One such sighting occurred about a month prior to the publication of this report, as mentioned in the newspaper "GONG" on August 6th.

July 20th Object Testimonies gathered by the Meteorological Office indicate that an object observed on July 20th was round and flattened on its top and bottom.

Case N° 20: Majadillas This section details an incident that occurred in Majadillas, within the province of Curicó and commune of Rauco, on July 22nd at 19:35 hours. A strange object, described as intense red and at times orange, was observed over the bed of the Mataquitos River. The object emitted orange flashes. The witnesses are identified as Miguel A. Palma Zúñiga and Sergio Carrasco, who were traveling by vehicle in the direction of Curicó. This report is attributed to "La Prensa" of Curicó, dated August 6th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The publication appears to focus on documenting UFO sightings with details on location, time, appearance, and witness accounts. It references other newspapers and official bodies like the Meteorological Office, suggesting an effort to corroborate or report on various sources of information regarding these phenomena. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting and documenting these events, possibly with an aim to inform the public about UFO activity.