UFO PRESS - No 01 - (Oct 1976)

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOPRESS
Issue: 1
Volume: 1
Date: October 1976
Publisher: Servicio de Investigaciones Ufológicas (S.I.U.)
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish

Editorial

The editorial, penned by 'El Director', marks the first anniversary of the group's formation and its recent independent establishment, two months prior to the publication date, after leaving O.N.I.F.E. The editorial highlights that the decision to form an autonomous group was driven by critical experiences within the previous organization during 1975, which ultimately made independence an imperative. The publication is presented humbly but with the hope of not being dismissed. The group expresses enthusiasm for improving and has many plans. It acknowledges that difficulties, both economic and gnoseological, are common to all UFO investigators, whether individual or grouped. These difficulties are seen not as insurmountable obstacles but as limitations to be overcome through effort, dedication, and sacrifice. The editorial stresses the urgent need for joint action in the study of the UFO phenomenon, proposing either a national entity or a network similar to the Midwest UFO Network (MUFON) in the United States. The core idea is to foster a shared methodology, clear goals, and, most importantly, to move beyond 'competition' towards permanent, multi-level collaboration.

Articles

Métodos de Propulsión Espacial (Methods of Space Propulsion)

*By José Alvarez López of the Instituto de Estudios Avanzados de Córdoba (Argentina)*

This article traces the history of scientific research into non-rocket space propulsion. It credits the Instituto de Estudios Avanzados (I.E.A.) of Córdoba with the first scientific publication on this topic, titled "Self Propulsion - A New Flying Technique," released on December 12, 1958. This publication demonstrated the feasibility of flight devices utilizing principles of relativistic mechanics, marking the first technical application of Einstein's Theory of Relativity in this context. The author explains that previous studies by him and his collaborators concluded that classical mechanics made it impossible to devise non-rocket flight vehicles, leading them to explore relativistic mechanics. While this was a novelty, the author notes that the atomic industry already utilizes mechanics beyond classical physics, such as wave and quantum mechanics. The article mentions a 1973 publication by Professor Mead of the U.S. Air Force, which also concluded that rocket systems are insufficient for space exploration and that understanding poorly known physics is key. A French report, connected to an inter-European space exploration project, highlights the lack of systematic research into "autonomous flight." The article categorizes autonomous propulsion systems into two groups: alomastic (related to mass) and isomasic (maintaining mass). Alomastic systems are described as those where mass varies during flight, such as reaction propulsion (ionic, chemical, atomic rockets), which are limited in range. Isomasic systems, conversely, maintain constant mass throughout flight. The author asserts that chemical rockets, currently the only type in use, are only sufficient for limited manned flights to the Moon under precarious conditions, and that full round trips were considered science fiction in 1958, a prediction the author believes has been borne out by time. The article then delves into the concept of 'antigravitation' and electromagnetic propulsion, noting that while antigravitation has been a subject of popular interest, scientific research has been limited. It points out that the I.E.A. has been investigating isomasic systems for twenty years. The author questions why other organizations are not pursuing isomasic systems, attributing this to international politics and intellectual inertia among specialists. The article highlights experimental work at the I.E.A. since November 1971, demonstrating the existence of forces of electromagnetic origin that could revolutionize space technology and potentially explain 'flying saucers.' It addresses the common scientific objection that flying saucers would violate Newton's third law (action and reaction), a principle often used to dismiss their existence, citing the 'Condon Report' as an example.

El "teorema anterior" y la mecánica relativista

This section discusses the 'theorem' mentioned previously, which forms the basis of the University of Colorado's report. It poses the question of how isomasic systems function, referencing a detailed explanation in bulletin No. 38 (April 1972) from the Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (Córdoba). This theory is based on the Electromagnetic Theory of Relativity, which, according to Poincaré, posits that the principle of action and reaction does not apply in relativistic mechanics. This peculiarity allows for the existence of flying saucers, which are incompatible with classical mechanics. The physicist British Stephenson is cited for providing a rigorous demonstration of this concept. Experimental aspects are described, involving antennas consisting of a 30 cm diameter ring carrying high-frequency currents (around 280 megacycles). The article notes that while antennas can attract, repel, or be indifferent, a fourth possibility, where antennas move in the same direction due to a given phase difference, was revealed by mathematical calculations. This calculation, based on classical electro-technique, is accepted by specialists. The experimental confirmation of these theoretical formulas provides sufficient guarantee of their validity. The article points out the paradox that the U.S. Air Force reached a similar conclusion to the I.E.A. fifteen years later, and that the French are also exploring this direction. However, it suggests that NASA might take another five years to accept the impossibility of space exploration using rockets.

ARGENTINA '75

*Catalog of UFO Sightings in Argentina, January-December 1975*

This section presents a preliminary and provisional catalog of UFO sightings in Argentina during 1975. The catalog is compiled from press news, specialized magazines, and personal communications from witnesses to the organization's members. The compilers acknowledge that the list is incomplete and may include cases with dubious characteristics, but they are included for future processing and potential exclusion with stated reasons. The classification system used is based on the work of Roberto E. Banchs from "OVNIS, Un desafío a la ciencia," issue 10. The classification includes:

• TYPE 1: LANDINGS OR SEMILANDINGS WITH OCCUPANTS.
• Class A: Simple observation.
• Class B: Occupants appear to show interest in the witness.
• TYPE 2: OBJECTS WITH ANGULAR SIZE, HOVERING OR CLOSE TO THE SURFACE.
• Class A: Discernible angular size or shape, hovering or at low altitude.
• Class B: Same, with traces.
• TYPE 3: OBJECTS WITH ANGULAR SIZE, OBSERVED AT A LIMITED HIGH ALTITUDE.
• Class A: Hovering or with continuous trajectory.
• Class B: With abnormal behavior.
• TYPE 4: LUMINOUS PHENOMENA OR POINT OBJECTS.
• Class A: Luminous phenomena.
• Class B: Point objects suspended in the sky or with continuous trajectory.
• Class C: Point objects with abnormal behavior.

Definitions are provided for 'abnormal behavior' (irregular variation in movement, appearance, or effects), 'manifestation of interest' (communication, telepathy, attitudes), 'limited high altitude' (above 10 meters), and 'luminous phenomena' (luminous phenomena without object perception, often with associated physical effects).

The catalog itself lists sightings by month, day, time, type, location, province, latitude, longitude, and number of witnesses/observations. Notable entries include:

• January 3, 1975: Las Grutas, Río Negro (Type 3/A, 3 witnesses, photographic evidence).
• January 3, 1975: Ruta 3, Santa Cruz (Type 3/A, 4 witnesses, possible electromagnetic effect).
• February 18, 1975: Punta Cuevas, Chubut (Type 3/A, 1 witness, photographic evidence).
• Several entries mention 'varios' (various) witnesses.
• Observations include photographic evidence, electromagnetic effects, fusion of aeroforms, phenomena moving under the sea surface, objects showing interest in vehicles, and objects entering aquatic environments.

Latitude and longitude are calculated by interpolation from maps by the Instituto Geográfico Militar, considered satisfactory for analysis despite not being highly precise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the advancement of ufological research and the exploration of space. The editorial strongly advocates for inter-group collaboration within Argentina to advance the study of UFO phenomena, moving away from competition towards a unified approach. The articles explore theoretical and experimental aspects of advanced propulsion systems, particularly those based on relativistic mechanics and the potential for antigravity and electromagnetic drives, suggesting these could be key to future space exploration and potentially explain the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects. The catalog of 1975 sightings in Argentina provides empirical data, categorizing various types of observed phenomena. The overall stance is one of serious scientific inquiry, pushing the boundaries of current understanding in both ufology and physics, and emphasizing the need for organized, collaborative efforts to achieve breakthroughs.

This issue of UFOPRESS, identified as issue number 11 and dated January 1975, focuses on the statistical analysis of UFO sightings, particularly their monthly distribution. The cover headline, 'curva satisfactoria de distribución mensual' (satisfactory curve of monthly distribution), sets the theme for the issue.

Monthly Distribution of UFO Sightings

The main article, authored by José Tomás Ramírez y Barberó, Captain of Infantry, presents a study on the monthly frequency of UFO sightings. The author aims to establish a 'satisfactory curve' or model that can serve as a basis for future research. Based on statistical analysis of monthly distributions over several years, the study suggests a tendency for unidentified aerial activity to occur in specific months. The author notes that while global analyses exist, his study focuses on a representative sample, aggregating significant data.

Two tables, CUADRO I and CUADRO II, present raw counts and percentages, respectively, of UFO sightings attributed to several researchers (Vallée, Phillips, Pereira, Poher, Clark, R. Barberó) across months from January (EN) to December (DI). CUADRO I shows total counts, summing to 3,670 cases. CUADRO II presents these counts as percentages of the total for each individual, with a final 'MEDIAS' (averages) row showing monthly percentages that sum to approximately 99.6%.

• The article highlights key points from this monthly distribution curve:
• Maximum accumulation of cases in the second half of the year (35.8%).
• Peak in October (15.5%) and August (11.0%).
• Minimums in February (4.2%) and January (5.1%).
• A gentler upward slope before the first maximum compared to the second.
• A quasi-exponential decline after the first maximum.

The author notes a parallelism between this curve and the 'Hourly Law' studied by Dr. Jacques Vallée, suggesting a potential common underlying nature or process, a view shared by investigator Miguel Guasp Carrascosa.

Chronological and Topographical Analysis of Sightings

Another article, 'La Sucesión Cronológica de los Avistamientos' (The Chronological Succession of Sightings) by Roberto Banchs, explores the concept of 'ortotenia' and its relation to chronological order. Introduced by Professor Aimé Michel in 1954, 'ortotenia' (from Greek for 'straight line') was seen as a tool to demonstrate the existence of an intelligent phenomenon by identifying patterns in object behavior, speed, and physical characteristics.

Banchs discusses the challenges in establishing a chronological order due to imprecision in reporting times. He classifies temporal discrepancies into internal errors (appreciation, clock errors, approximations) and external errors (lack of simultaneity, using official time, transmission errors). He argues that while topographical alignments ('ortotenia') can show general directions, a chronological analysis provides a more realistic picture of the phenomenon's behavior, potentially resembling a reconnaissance operation.

He presents two significant case studies from Argentina:

1. May 13, 1962: A series of observations involving 1 to 6 luminous objects (red, orange, green, white) occurring between 3:00 and 5:00 AM across 30 localities in 9 provinces (Mendoza, La Pampa, Córdoba, La Rioja, Catamarca, San Juan, Buenos Aires, Santa Fe). The distribution is concentrated in the northwestern region, with five main groupings identified.
2. June 24, 1967: A larger series of 56 sightings within a six-hour period, spanning 12 provinces in central and northeastern Argentina. Objects were described as cigars and saucers, predominantly reddish, with an average speed of 5,200 km/h (1.45 km/sec), significantly faster than conventional aircraft. The sightings covered an area of approximately 600,000 square kilometers, involving over two thousand witnesses.

Banchs notes that these two large-scale series of sightings appear to fit together like gears, with the end of one series coinciding with the beginning of the next, covering areas not explored by the other. He concludes that this suggests a systematic study of the regions by intelligent, unknown objects conducting pre-established surveys.

A Schematic Framework of Ufology

Dr. Willy Smith, Associate Professor of Physics at Lycoming College, presents a schematic framework of ufology, aiming to provide a useful orientation for lectures and conferences. He observes that ufology has gained a level of respectability in recent times, possibly as a reaction to the scientific community's skepticism, as exemplified by the Condon Report. Scientists are increasingly willing to admit their interest in the phenomenon.

Smith's diagram outlines the process from an 'extraordinary occurrence' reported by witnesses, leading to physical evidence and an original report. This is then subjected to 'selection,' where cases are analyzed for conventional explanations or discarded due to issues like dubious testimonies, hallucinations, contactee claims, fraud, or erroneous perceptions. Cases that survive this 'selection' and cannot be explained by conventional science form the essence of the UFO phenomenon.

These 'exceptional cases' form a 'basic catalog' for further investigation. The framework categorizes studies into historical, statistical, comparative, physical, psychological, and sociological approaches. Physical studies focus on effects and properties, including flight characteristics, propulsion, color, and sounds, often involving analysis of photographs. The diagram also includes 'contact' and 'radar visual' categories.

Smith emphasizes that ufology has many branches, each requiring specialization. He hopes his esquema, while not exhaustive, serves as a first step towards establishing a formal science of UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the rigorous, scientific approach to studying UFO phenomena, particularly through statistical and chronological analysis. The magazine emphasizes data collection, pattern recognition, and the elimination of conventional explanations to understand the 'intelligent' nature of the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, advocating for serious scientific investigation into UFOs while maintaining a critical and analytical perspective. The use of charts, graphs, and detailed case studies underscores a commitment to presenting evidence and analysis in a structured manner.

Cover Image: The cover features a large, bold headline in Spanish, 'curva satisfactoria de distribución mensual' (satisfactory curve of monthly distribution), accompanied by a graphical representation of this curve. The overall design is clean and focused on the statistical theme of the issue.