UFO PRESS - No 03 - (Abril 1977)

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOPRESS
Issue: Volume 1, Number 3
Date: April 1977
Publisher: Servicio de Investigaciones Ufológicas (SIU), Argentina

This issue of UFOPRESS, a publication from Argentina's Servicio de Investigaciones Ufológicas, delves into significant UFO-related topics, including a detailed investigation of a mysterious landing trace in Norway, an analysis of UFO sightings in Spain, and a bibliographic commentary on a prominent UFO researcher's work.

Editorial: Filling a Void

The editorial reflects on the disappearance of "OVNIS - Un desafío a la ciencia," a key Argentine UFO publication, approximately a year prior. The editorial team acknowledges the void left by this closure, especially given the perceived lack of serious, non-sensationalist UFO publications in the market. They express their intention to fill this gap with UFOPRESS, aiming to improve the quality of UFO reporting through a scientific methodology, as advocated by the former publication's director, Dr. Oscar A. Galindez. The editorial thanks Dr. Galindez for initiating a new era in Argentine ufology and announces the establishment of a printing workshop by the SIU to support UFO research groups.

¿UN ATERRIZAJE EN NORUEGA? (A Landing in Norway?)

This article, authored by Leif Nilsson, investigates a peculiar trace found on a small field on the island of Espeuaer, Norway. The trace, discovered over a year prior to the article's writing, consists of a slightly oval ring, approximately 40 cm wide, with a perimeter of nearly 64 meters. The grass within the depression is compressed and oriented in a single direction. Various explanations have been proposed, but none have been definitively accepted. The field is used as a football pitch in summer and a skating rink in winter, but the lack of ice in the winter of 1976 prevented its use for skating, ruling out that as a cause for the oval mark. The article dismisses the possibility of motorcycles due to the difficult access to the area.

Experts from the Norwegian Air Force examined the site, taking aerial photographs and inspecting the ground. Captain Björn Drangsholt initially suggested children playing, but the depth of the depression (several centimeters) made this unlikely. Else Tollevik, a local resident, recounts an incident in the summer of 1975 where her dog exhibited extreme distress and howling for over an hour, facing away from the field where the trace would later be found.

Professor Ebil Ekblad of the Botanical Museum in Bergen proposes that the trace might be a "fairy ring" caused by fungi. However, Finn Kalvik of N. U. F. O. C. disputes this, stating that his on-site investigation found no evidence of fungi and that the grass was simply flattened. He argues that the issue is with the ground being flattened, not the vegetation itself.

Sigurd Tollevik also doubts the fungi explanation. The article concludes that the trace was caused by a heavy object in motion, evidenced by fractured and sunken stones around the perimeter. Analysis of soil samples from the area, led by State Consultant Kare Arsvoll, found no evidence of fungi.

SITUACION GEOGRAFICA Y DIRECCIONES DE OVNI (Geographical Situation and UFO Directions)

This essay by Miguel Guasp analyzes the geographical distribution and flight directions of UFOs during the 1968-1969 Iberian UFO wave. The study correlates the direction, sense, and frequency of UFO flight paths with their geographical locations. It identifies two primary foci of information: aerial observations (NE Spain) and Type I cases (SW Spain). The line connecting these two foci appears significant in the geographical localization of the sightings. The article notes that while many studies provide coordinates, few offer an analysis of the distribution's underlying causes. Guasp's study aims to demonstrate an internal connection between UFO flight directions and their geographical distribution, aligning with the "Theory of UFO Processes."

The article presents two tables detailing UFO cases from the 1968-1969 wave. Table I lists aerial observation cases, noting date, time, direction of appearance (procedencia), and location. Table II lists Type I cases, with similar data. The analysis includes statistical tabulations of cases based on their origin and destination directions (E, W, N, S, NE, NW, SE, SW).

COMENTARIO BIBLIOGRAFICO (Bibliographic Commentary)

This section reviews "LAS EVIDENCIAS DEL FENOMENO OVNI" (The Evidence of the UFO Phenomenon) by Roberto Enrique Banchs. The commentary highlights Banchs as a respected Argentine UFO researcher known for his articles and the monograph "Fenómenos Aéreos Inusuales." This book is noted as his first publication aimed at a non-specialized audience, though it retains interest for those with more knowledge. The review emphasizes Banchs' premise that UFOs are a novel phenomenon distinct from previously classified events, and the book offers a panoramic view of UFO phenomenology, particularly its original aspects. It suggests that UFO manifestations are not random but follow discernible patterns. The commentary praises the book for its dense documentation, lack of sensationalism or cultism, and its objective, rational, and responsible approach, deeming it a valuable source of information in a time of growing public interest in the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and analytical approach to UFO research, distancing itself from sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation, aiming to fill a perceived gap in credible UFO literature. The focus on detailed case studies, statistical analysis, and bibliographic reviews underscores this commitment to rigorous inquiry. The magazine also serves as a platform for disseminating research and supporting the UFO community through its associated organization, the SIU.

This issue of 'OVNI en la Argentina' (UFO in Argentina) presents a preliminary and provisional catalog of UFO sightings that occurred in Argentina between January and December 1976. The publication is a trimestral issue from the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), an organization founded in 1958.

Analysis of UFO Sightings in Argentina (1976)

The catalog was compiled from press news, specialized magazines, and personal communications from witnesses to CEI members. The editors acknowledge that the list may be incomplete and might include cases with questionable characteristics, but they are included for future processing and clarification.

Classification System

A classification system, based on the work of Roberto E. Banchs, is introduced for the UFO sightings. The system categorizes events into four main types:

• Type 1: Landings or Semi-landings with Occupants.
• Class A: Landings or semi-landings with simple observation of entities.
• Class B: Landings or semi-landings where entities appear to show interest in the witness.
• Type 2: Objects with Angular Size, Landed or at Short Distance from the Surface.
• Class A: Objects with discernible angular size or shape, landed or at low altitude.
• Class B: Similar to Class A, but with traces.
• Type 3: Objects with Angular Size, Observed at a Limited Altitude.
• Class A: Objects suspended or with a continuous trajectory.
• Class B: Objects with abnormal behavior.
• Type 4: Luminous Phenomena or Punctual Objects.
• Class A: Luminous phenomena without object perception.
• Class B: Punctual objects suspended in the sky or with a continuous trajectory.
• Class C: Punctual objects with abnormal behavior.

Definitions are provided for terms like 'abnormal behavior' (irregular variation in movement, appearance, or effects), 'manifestation of interest' (regarding entities' communication, attitudes), 'limited altitude' (above tree canopy, 10m), and 'luminous phenomena' (luminous events without object perception, often associated with physical effects).

Directional and Geographic Analysis

The issue delves into a statistical analysis of the direction of UFO sightings and the locations of observations. It aims to establish a simple statistic of observation frequency for eight representative directions (E, NE, N, NW, W, SW, S, SE). A graph (Figure 1a) illustrates the frequency distribution of origin directions. The concept of a 'vector sum' is introduced to assign meaning to frequency and direction, representing them as vectors originating from a common point (Figure 2a).

The analysis reveals that the vector sum of origin directions points towards the Northeast (NE). This aligns with the observation that the Northeast of the Iberian Peninsula (specifically areas like Barcelona and Tarragona) shows the highest accumulation of aerial UFO reports during a particular 'wave'.

Furthermore, the study examines 'destination' directions (where objects were seen to disappear). The vector sum of these destination directions points towards the Southwest (SW), an area also known for a significant accumulation of 'Type I' reports (likely referring to landings or close encounters).

Figures 4 and 5 provide visual representations of these distributions across the Iberian Peninsula.

Frequency Star and Distribution Patterns

To visualize the data, a 'frequency star' is proposed, where the length of the arms indicates the density of the zone. Figure 6 shows a frequency star based on origin directions, and Figure 7 shows one based on destination directions. The analysis suggests that while pure directions (N, S, E, W) might have higher frequencies in some contexts, hybrid directions (NE, SW) often correspond to the highest number of reported cases. The study notes a potential discrepancy that is reconciled through the vector sum method.

Evolution of the 'Sum Result' During the Wave

The article investigates whether the directional distribution results are consistent throughout a UFO wave or if they stabilize over time. Figure 8 illustrates this evolution by plotting the similarity to the final result against the percentage of cases considered. Both 'origin' and 'destination' curves show increasing similarity to the final result as more cases are included, suggesting a consistent underlying pattern.

Considerations and Conclusions

The author, Miguel G. Uasp, concludes that the study of UFO physical aspects gains relevance from these findings, indicating an interrelation between different parameters of the phenomenon. He emphasizes that the geographic distribution observed in Spain might not be exclusive to the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting similar patterns could exist in other countries like France or the USA, where hybrid directions also appear to be significant.

Uasp recommends repeating this study in other countries and during different UFO waves to confirm the findings. He also notes that while the 'sum result' is directly derived from the data, the proposition that the main diagonal plays a crucial role in reconstructing the distribution might be influenced by subjective interpretation, though he believes it holds significant value.

Supporting Information

Several references are provided, including works by Jacques F. Vallée, David Saunders, Claude Poher, and others, related to UFO analysis, statistics, and specific cases. The issue also includes contact information for organizations like A.P.C.I.C. (Aerial Phenomenal Clipping and Information Center), Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), and GIGOFF (Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the statistical and geographical analysis of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, data-driven investigation, employing quantitative methods to understand the patterns and potential underlying laws governing UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology and the need for cross-cultural and multi-wave studies to validate findings. The publication aims to provide a comprehensive and organized approach to UFO research, as evidenced by the detailed catalog and analytical articles.

Title: UFOPRESS
Issue: 1977 (referring to the April incident, but the main article covers 1954)
Publisher: UFOPRESS
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Article: The 1954 Wave in Argentina and South America

The issue begins by detailing the "gigantic activity" of UFOs during the second half of 1954, describing it as one of the most important global waves to date. The wave primarily affected Western Europe, particularly France, with a peak in sightings from mid-August to late November. In contrast, the activity in the Americas was more uneven. Canada and the United States showed no significant increase compared to previous years, while South American countries, previously less known for such phenomena, reported numerous incidents.

The article, authored by Roberto E. Banchs, aims to provide a more accurate regional and local picture of this temporal concentration of UFO activity. Banchs acknowledges the collaboration of J. Victor Soares from GIPOVNI (Brazil) and Pablo Petrowitsch from UFO-Chile for compiling data from these South American nations. The work presents a list of cases from Argentina, including temporal and geographical localization and sources, followed by a synthesis of their characteristics.

Monthly Distribution (Table I & II, Graph 1)

The wave in Argentina occurred during the spring, with a peak in November, accounting for nearly half of the total observations before a sudden decline. This pattern shows marked asymmetry. Other South American countries experienced a similar trend, with the highest activity in the last three months of the year, peaking in December, which accounted for over 50% of their annual observations. Table I shows the distribution by country: Brazil (43 cases), Chile (17), Venezuela (13), Peru (3), Uruguay (3), Bolivia (1), and Colombia (1). Table II details the monthly distribution, highlighting Argentina's spring peak and South America's later peak.

Hourly Distribution (Table III, Graph 2)

Argentine cases showed two maximums: one between 8 PM and midnight, aligning with general distribution patterns, and another, more anomalous, in the morning between 10 AM and 2 PM. Other South American countries exhibited a similar pattern with peaks between 10 AM-2 PM and 8 PM-midnight, plus a third peak between 2 AM and 4 AM. Table III and Graph 2 illustrate these hourly distributions, with Argentina's data excluding its own figures for the 'Rest of South America' column.

Geographical Distribution (Argentina)

In Argentina, 40% of the reported sightings were concentrated in the Province of Buenos Aires, particularly in the Gran Buenos Aires area. The breakdown by province includes: Buenos Aires (12 observations), Capital Federal (5), Mendoza (4), Córdoba (3), Corrientes (1), Chubut (1), Río Negro (1), San Luis (1), and Santa Fe (1).

Other Characteristics

A notable observation is the low number of reported landings (with or without entities) in Argentina in 1954, contrasting sharply with Europe. Only 4 cases in Argentina corresponded to landings or near-landings, representing about 14% of all cases, identical to the percentage in 1950. Consequently, the "strangeness coefficient" of Argentine sightings was generally low. Over 80% of observations were luminous phenomena, and a third could be easily dismissed as natural phenomena (astronomical, meteorological) or conventional objects like weather balloons.

Case Descriptions (Pages 6-7)

Detailed descriptions of 29 cases are provided. These include various shapes (discs, ovoids, spheres, etc.), colors, trajectories, and behaviors. Some notable cases include:

• Case 01: Landing of an object shaped like two inverted soup plates, luminous, suspended one meter above the ground, with human-like figures inside.
• Case 16 & 17: A blue-green disc with red sparks that split into two parts and disappeared rapidly.
• Case 24: Landing with a small humanoid entity with a voluminous head inside the object.
• Case 27: Landing with two humanoid entities seen near a luminous, bluish object.
• Case 29: Landing with an occupant observed inside the UFO.

Strange Incident in Chile (April 1977)

This section reports on an unusual event that occurred in northern Chile on April 25, 1977. A patrol from the Rancagua Regiment was on routine inspection near Arica when they observed a powerful beam of light. Corporal Armando Valdés went to investigate and disappeared for over 15 minutes. Upon reappearing, he was disoriented, had a suddenly grown beard (5 days' growth), and had lost consciousness. His watch had stopped at 4:30 AM, and his calendar was advanced by 5 days. The incident is being thoroughly investigated by the Chilean Ministry of Defense. Hours later, a UFO was sighted in Vilcún, with indications of radioactivity found on bushes it had flown over.

Conclusions and Discussion

Banchs concludes that the 1954 wave in Argentina and other South American countries constituted a "micro-wave" compared to the impressive European wave. He questions whether the lower number of reports in Argentina was due to the press being less inclined to publish such news or if it reflected the actual activity. The article notes the sequential nature of the wave's progression across different regions (France, then Yugoslavia/Italy, then Argentina, then the rest of South America). Banchs speculates if this geographical shift could be explained by a psychosociological contagion effect from European news, but dismisses this possibility due to the lack of significant press attention in Argentina at the time. He concludes that the unusual surge of testimonies in Argentina cannot be explained by psychological factors alone and presents an enigma requiring further investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO and UAP phenomena, presenting detailed case studies, statistical analyses, and investigative reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, aiming to provide factual data and analysis. The inclusion of a specific, detailed incident from 1977 alongside the historical analysis of the 1954 wave suggests a commitment to covering both historical patterns and contemporary events in the field of ufology.

This document is a special edition of UFOPRESS, focusing on "LA FENOMENOGIA HUMANOIDE EN LA ARGENTINA" (Humanoid Phenomenology in Argentina). It appears to be a publication from the late 1970s or early 1980s, given the reference to a 1960 incident and the 17 years that have passed since then.

Key Articles and Content

The Niotti UFO Incident (1960)

The central piece of this edition details a significant UFO sighting and photographic case from July 3, 1960, involving Vicecomodoro Hugo Francisco Luis Niotti of the Argentine Air Force. The incident occurred near Córdoba, Argentina, while Niotti was driving. He encountered a conical object suspended in the air. Niotti stopped his car and managed to photograph the object.

Details of the Incident:

• Witness: Vicecomodoro Hugo Francisco Luis Niotti, then a Captain in the Argentine Air Force, serving at the School of Non-Commissioned Officers in Córdoba.
• Date and Time: July 3, 1960, around 4:30 PM.
• Location: On National Route No. 36, between Yacanto and Córdoba, approximately 70 km from Córdoba, after passing Villa General Belgrano.
• Conditions: Overcast sky with clouds about 100-150 meters above the ground; light drizzle, making the road slippery.
• Object Description: Conical shape, with its axis vertical, oriented south and parallel to the ground. Dark gray and uniform color, metallic appearance, smooth surface with no visible joints or rivets. It was observed to be moving slowly southward (approx. 10 km/h) and rotating slowly clockwise on its axis.
• Niotti's Actions: Niotti applied the brakes, kept his eyes on the object, and then exited his car to take a photograph. He took a second shot after the object began to accelerate rapidly and disappear into the low clouds.
• Duration: The observation lasted about 40 seconds. Niotti noted the complete silence of the object, which was unusual given its estimated speed of 200 km/h.

Photographic Analysis and Publication:

Niotti submitted the negative and copies of the photograph to the Revista Nacional de Aeronáutica. Before publication, technicians from the Servicio de Informaciones de Aeronáutica (SIA) intervened and conducted an analysis. Their report, reproduced in the article, stated that the development process of the negative was normal and confirmed the presence of a recorded object.

The photograph and Niotti's account were published in the November 1960 issue of the Revista Nacional de Aeronáutica. The article highlights that this was a rare instance of the Argentine Air Force publicly releasing the results of its UFO investigations.

Analysis of the Photograph:

The article discusses discrepancies between Niotti's visual observation and the photograph. Niotti described the object as uniformly dark gray, but the photograph showed the base of the cone as almost black, without reflections, despite facing the sun. The SIA technicians suggested this might be due to the photographic film's sensitivity to radiation not within the visible spectrum.

The Second Witness (Horse):

A notable aspect of the photograph is the presence of a horse in the foreground. Niotti did not recall seeing the horse at the time of the sighting, as his attention was focused on the UFO. However, the horse in the photograph appears to be looking directly at the object. The article suggests that a horse, accustomed to the sounds of vehicles and humans, would not typically turn its head for such stimuli, implying the horse might have reacted to the anomaly.

Photogrammetric Analysis:

A photogrammetric analysis was conducted on the photograph. It estimated the horse to be about 80 meters from the witness. If the horse was indeed looking at the UFO, the object would have been approximately 50 meters from the camera and 17 meters above the ground. The estimated dimensions of the object were 6 meters in diameter and 7 meters in height, which closely matched Niotti's own estimations.

Conclusions:

The article concludes that the Niotti case is considered reliable due to the witness's credibility (a respected officer with consistent testimony over 17 years), the photographic evidence, and the endorsement by the SIA and the Revista Nacional de Aeronáutica. The case is presented as unique for Argentina, occurring at a time when UFO sightings were not widely reported or investigated publicly by official bodies.

Other Information and Advertisements

• UFO SLIDES: An advertisement offers "the most famous UFO photos" and invites requests for a catalog, providing contact details in Capital Federal, Argentina.
• C.E.F.A.I. (Centro de Estudios de Fenómenos Aéreos Inusuales): This center is described as dedicated to the scientific study of UFO phenomena. It invites contact from individuals wishing to share testimonies or provide scientific data.
• Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI): A bimonthly magazine from Denmark, with contact information provided.
• UFOPRESS Special Edition Announcement: The magazine announces its upcoming special edition, "LA FENOMENOGIA HUMANOIDE EN LA ARGENTINA," by Roberto Enrique Banchs, available in August with limited print run. Prices are listed as $450 for a single copy and $300 for subscribers.
• Subscription Information: Details for subscribing to UFOPRESS are provided, including annual rates for Argentina, America, Europe, and the rest of the world, with airmail included. Contact information for Guillermo Carlos Roncoroni for checks and money orders is also listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, emphasizing scientific methodology and credible evidence, particularly photographic. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into anomalous aerial phenomena, presenting documented cases with detailed analysis. The publication highlights the importance of witness testimony, especially from credible sources like military personnel, and the role of photographic evidence in substantiating such claims. There is a clear effort to present these cases as legitimate subjects of study, distinct from mere speculation.