UFO PRESS - No 04 - (Julio 1977)

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO PRESS
Issue: 4
Volume: 1
Date: July 1977
Publisher: UFOPRESS
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish

This issue of UFO PRESS, dated July 1977, prominently features a black and white photograph on its cover depicting clouds with an indistinct object in the sky, accompanied by the headline "* Fotos de un OVNI en Austria" (Photos of a UFO in Austria).

Editorial

The editorial section, titled "EDITORIAL," addresses the emergence of "neoarchaeology" or "non-classical archaeology" as a pseudo-science. It notes the proliferation of writers and researchers, citing Erich Von Däniken as a prominent exponent, alongside others like Andreas Faber Kaiser, Eugenio Danyans, Peter Kolosimo, Brinsley Le Poer Trench, John Mitchel, Jacques Bergier, and Robert Charroux. This field primarily focuses on searching for evidence of supposed extraterrestrial visits in humanity's early history and the existence of ancient, advanced civilizations. The editorial draws a parallel with ufologists who investigate contemporary events but expresses reservations about the seriousness with which neoarchaeology is approached. It questions the certainty with which some attribute events from centuries or millennia ago to "extraterrestrial beings" or describe ancient sites without firsthand knowledge, concluding that proof of extraterrestrial presence exists. The editorial acknowledges that enigmatic facts exist but cautions against attributing everything to "extraterrestrials" or "past super-civilizations." It highlights the Bible as a source for enigmatic narratives, mentioning the visions of Ezekiel and Elijah, and the Jewish people's exodus. Josef Blumrich's work, "The Spacecraft of the Prophet Ezequiel," is cited as an example of interpreting biblical accounts in this context. Conversely, it criticizes other authors, like Wilhelm Selhus, for seeing missiles, nuclear explosions, and "strange artifacts" in every archaeological relic. The editorial concludes by stressing the importance of proceeding with caution and objectivity in UFO investigations, ensuring conclusions are based on observed truth rather than pseudo-scientific speculation.

Table of Contents (Sumario)

The "SUMARIO" lists the following articles:

• OVNI EN RIO IV: EL CASO DEL HOSPITAL REGIONAL CENTRAL (UFO in Rio IV: The Case of the Central Regional Hospital) by Grupo C.E.F.E.
• CASO URRUTI: LA VERDAD ACERCA DE UN "CONTACTO" (Urruti Case: The Truth About a "Contact") by Miguel A. Perrotta and Alan March
• FOTOGRAFIAS DE UN OVNI EN STYRIA, AUSTRIA (Photographs of a UFO in Styria, Austria) by Mayor (Ret.) Colman Vonkevisky
• LA OLEADA DE 1950 EN LA ARGENTINA (The 1950 Wave in Argentina) by Roberto E. Banchs and Oscar A. Uriondo
• AVISTAJE EN LA RIOJA (Sighting in La Rioja) by Grupo C.A.I.F.E.
• MINIOLEADA EN JUNIN (Mini-Wave in Junin) by Omar Demattei

Case Study: OVNI EN RIO CUARTO - El caso del Hospital Regional Central

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred in Rio Cuarto, Cordoba, Argentina, on July 15, 1976, at 21:31 local time. The investigation was conducted by C.E.F.E. (Centro Estudios Fenómenos Extraterrestres), with the team including Ricardo Córdoba, Oscar Sosa, and Mario Bracamonte. The meteorological conditions were clear skies, 56% humidity, calm wind, normal visibility up to 30 km, and a temperature of 10.5°C.

The principal witness, Rodolfo Palacios, a 22-year-old engineering student and member of C.E.F.E., reported seeing a luminous object moving from West to East at an approximate altitude of 500 meters. The object emitted a blue-yellow luminosity and moved in a descending manner, described as "falling leaf" motion, without any audible sound. He lost sight of it behind trees but then saw it reappear, appearing to land about 3000 meters away to the East. Palacios could not estimate the object's speed.

Other witnesses included Julio Dominguez, Irma de Dominguez, Ricardo Federicci, Enrique Elfide Celalles, and Jorge Rosales. The investigation notes that while many people witnessed the event, only those who showed greater inclination were formally interviewed.

Witness Testimony - Rodolfo Palacios:
Palacios, a 22-year-old engineering student and member of C.E.F.E., stated that around 9:30 PM (21:31 real) on July 15, 1976, after getting off a bus, he noticed people looking at the sky. Driven by curiosity, he observed an oval object emitting a light similar to a blowtorch flame, descending towards the Aero Club. He described its movement as "falling leaf" and then saw it disappear behind trees. It reappeared about 3000 meters away, near the Lactea Pasteurizing plant, heading East. He initially considered it might be a plane on a night flight or a helicopter, but the absence of engine noise was peculiar. He noted the light was strong and illuminated the surroundings as if it were daytime. He mentioned it was his first observation.

Witness Testimony - Julio Dominguez:
Julio Dominguez, 27, a laborer, reported seeing a bright, "bluish" light in the street, unusual for the area. He looked up and saw a round object about 500 meters high, emitting a weaker blue and red light. He felt a chill and walked faster towards home. He observed the object moving slowly towards the Aero Club, disappearing behind trees, and then reappearing. He noted that as the object passed overhead, the streetlights flickered, but he attributed this possibly to his own fright. He stated he had never seen anything like it and did not believe it was an airplane due to the lack of engine noise.

Witness Testimony - Irma de Dominguez:
Irma de Dominguez, 22, wife of Julio, did not see the object herself but believed her husband's account, noting he was a good, hardworking person. She mentioned that her dog hid under the table during the event, which was not unusual, but it had barked as if crying before doing so.

Witness Testimony - Ricardo Federicci:
Ricardo Federicci, 42, a restaurateur and cantina operator at the Aero Club, was leaving work with his family when they stopped to change a flat tire. During this time, they saw a light from the direction of the rising sun that illuminated the area for a few seconds. He estimated the light lasted about 10 seconds and described seeing colors including green, red, and violet. He noted that the car's engine, which had been running due to low battery, faltered momentarily when the light appeared, then resumed normal operation. He described the light as passing over the field suddenly, making it as bright as day.

Other witnesses, including a mute person who communicated through gestures, corroborated seeing something unusual in the sky.

Witness Testimony - Enrique Elfide Celalles:
Enrique Elfide Celalles, 40, a married employee at the Shell depot, reported seeing a bright light in the sky towards the Aero Club that illuminated everything as if it were daytime. He initially thought it might be a "flying saucer" due to the lack of noise, which was different from the usual sounds of airplanes or helicopters in the area.

Witness Testimony - Jorge Rosales:
Jorge Rosales, 56, also an employee at the Shell depot, mentioned that he and Celalles had noticed "revolving" lights in the area for several nights. He confirmed seeing a light that was not from an airplane, noting the absence of sound, although he speculated that wind in the eucalyptus trees might have masked any noise. He described the light as quite strong.

Conclusions of the Investigating Team

The investigating team C.E.F.E. initially considered the case to be of minor importance, but after further investigation and considering the testimonies, they decided to conduct further inquiries in other sectors of the city. They found that two other individuals (Celalles and Rosales) had visual contact with an object that, "prima facie," corresponded to the one observed at the Hospital Regional. These witnesses provided additional elements that were considered significant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings and related phenomena, presenting witness testimonies and investigative reports. The editorial stance, as expressed in the editorial section, is one of cautious skepticism towards speculative theories, particularly those linking ancient history to extraterrestrial visitation (neoarchaeology). It advocates for rigorous, objective investigation based on verifiable evidence, distinguishing between genuine enigmatic phenomena and unsubstantiated claims. The recurring theme is the pursuit of truth in the study of UFOs, emphasizing methodological rigor and critical analysis.

Title: UFOPRESS
Issue: Nº5
Date: July 28, 1976
Publisher: UFOPRESS
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish

This issue of UFOPRESS features several articles and investigations related to UFO phenomena, including a detailed analysis of the "Urruti Case" in Argentina, photographic evidence from Austria, and a report on a sighting near Rio Cuarto.

Case Urruti: The Truth About a "Contact"

This article by Miguel A. Perrotta and Alan March critically examines the case of Néstor Urruti, a truck driver from Olavarría, Argentina, who claimed to have had a "contact" experience on May 14, 1976. Urruti reported being enveloped by a luminous "oyster" while driving in dense fog, transported to a room with a horseshoe-shaped structure, and interacting with unseen beings who extracted blood and cerebrospinal fluid. He then reappeared at his workplace.

The authors interviewed Urruti, the director of the local newspaper "El Popular," and Dr. Valencia, the chief of psychiatry at Hospital Coronel Olavarría. Both the newspaper director and Dr. Valencia expressed skepticism about Urruti's account. Dr. Valencia noted Urruti's irregular lifestyle and emotional problems, and a sodium pentothal analysis yielded unsatisfactory results, with Urruti repeating vague phrases about the "oyster," "lights," and "horseshoe."

The authors found Urruti's account to be contradictory and inconsistent. They suggest that the "contact" might have been a "fabulación" (fabrication), possibly a psychological response to shock, where Urruti's mind created the narrative. The luminous "oyster" could have been a reflection of truck headlights in the fog, and the "horseshoe" motif might have been influenced by the science fiction series "Cosmos 1999," which was popular at the time and featured a similar scenario.

Despite Urruti's claims, no physical evidence was found, and the authors conclude that there is no proof of the veracity of his story, dismissing it as a "new contact with extraterrestrial beings."

Investigation Begins: Doubts Arise

This section details the investigative process undertaken by Perrotta and March. They contacted the newspaper "El Popular," whose director, Julio Pagano, expressed his distrust regarding the facts of the case. Their subsequent interview with Dr. Valencia at Hospital Coronel Olavarría revealed that Urruti had claimed to have two circular marks on his elbows and a conical hole on his forehead, which were not detected by medical staff. Dr. Valencia also mentioned Urruti's irregular life and financial/emotional problems.

Both Pagano and Dr. Valencia showed interest in the UFO phenomenon and the authors' investigation, acting objectively. Dr. Valencia's pentothal sodium analysis of Urruti was inconclusive, with the witness only repeating fragmented details of his alleged experience.

The article also touches upon the alleged "teleportation" aspect of Urruti's story, from the bridge where he was supposedly swallowed by the "luminous oyster" to the FIAT dealership. Urruti denied entering the dealership through the rear gate, which the authors confirmed could accommodate a truck, suggesting a potential inconsistency in his narrative.

Conclusions on the Urruti Case

The authors, after consulting psychiatric and psychological advisors, conclude that Néstor Urruti likely did not intentionally lie but that the incident is a "fabulación." They suggest that a person in shock can invent events and details, and that Urruti, having prior information about UFOs, may have used the theme as an escape from his personal problems. The elements of his story are common in many UFO sightings. The authors hypothesize that the shock was triggered by the reflection of truck headlights in the fog, leading his mind to create the rest of the narrative. The yellow color mentioned aligns with sodium vapor streetlights, and the hippocampus imagery is noted as a common element in other publicized cases.

Report on a Sighting Near Rio Cuarto

This report details an investigation by the C.E.F.E. (Equipo C.E.F.E.) into a sighting near Rio Cuarto, Argentina. The report highlights several factors of interest: strong luminosity reported by multiple witnesses, a possible flickering of urban lighting, a momentary failure of a car engine during the sighting, and the quality of witness testimony. The duration of the visual contact was estimated to be about 5 minutes. Despite an investigation of the alleged landing site, strong winds and heavy rain made it difficult to find any physical traces. Some eucalyptus foliage showed minor burns, but this could not be definitively linked to the event. The report concludes that the observed phenomenon was likely an OVNI. Authorities at the Aero Club and Air Traffic Control confirmed no aircraft were registered in the area at the time.

Photographs of a UFO Over Styria, Austria

This article, translated from English and published by OFFICIAL UFO COLLECTOR'S EDITION, Fall 1976, presents twelve color photographs of a UFO taken by Rudolph Nagora on May 23, 1971, near St. Lorenzen, Styria, Austria. Nagora, a 25-year-old programmer, was on vacation and decided to photograph the landscapes. He described hearing a strange, soft sound before seeing a "discoidal" object with an irregular, zig-zagging trajectory, similar to a falling leaf.

The object was observed for 7 to 10 minutes, altering its elevation from 15 to 90 degrees and maintaining a distance of approximately 1000 to 1500 meters. The analysis of the photographs, including microscopic examination of the emulsion grain and the object's appearance (gritty, brilliant, solid, 12-15 meters in diameter), suggests authenticity and refutes theories that UFO sightings are solely natural or atmospheric phenomena. The blurriness in some photos is attributed to the object's high speed and the camera's exposure time of 1/50 sec.

Subscription Information

The magazine includes subscription details for UFOPRESS, offering annual subscriptions for 4 issues at different prices for Argentina, America, Europe, and other regions. Contact information for Guillermo Carlos Roncoroni for checks and money orders is also provided.

A.P.C.I.C. - Aerial Phenomenal Clipping and Information Center

A brief description of A.P.C.I.C. is included, stating it is a service that covers over 4,000 newspapers and magazines worldwide related to the OVNI phenomenon, with correspondents in various countries. Its address is P.O. BOX 9073, CLEVELAND, OHIO 44137, U.S.A.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the investigation of such phenomena. The editorial stance, particularly in the "Case Urruti" article, is critical and skeptical, favoring rational explanations and psychological interpretations over literal acceptance of witness testimony when evidence is lacking. The magazine aims to present investigative findings and photographic evidence, encouraging readers to critically evaluate the information presented.

This issue of Stendek, identified as volume III, number 22, published in 1972, focuses on the "Oleada de 1950 en la Argentina" (The 1950 Wave in Argentina), authored by Roberto E. Banchs and Oscar A. Uriondo. It also includes a report on a sighting in La Rioja.

The 1950 UFO Wave in Argentina

The article begins by noting that the 1950 wave was long considered a purely local phenomenon affecting the United States, particularly its western and southwestern regions. However, subsequent studies revealed a much broader geographical incidence, encompassing several Mediterranean countries, both European and African.

Antonio Ribera is credited with discovering the Spanish wave of 1950, having collected over fifty cases from contemporary newspapers. This pioneering work was continued by Lluis Mari and Joan Crexell, and more recently by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Carlos Orlando, who published a well-documented study based on a catalog of sightings that reportedly duplicates Ribera's original compilation in number.

In Argentina, the 1950 wave had not been systematically examined as such, despite some episodes gaining considerable resonance, such as the observation by rancher Wilfredo Arévalo in Lago Argentino. To address this omission and contribute to the understanding of the global wave of that year, the authors compiled newspaper and magazine records from the Federal Capital and the interior of the country, along with other sources.

Their research identified 35 reported sightings of presumed UFOs in Argentina during 1950. The catalog of these cases is presented in a table, detailing the number, date, time, location, and source of each report. The sightings span from January 15 to April 2, 1950.

Analysis of the 1950 Wave Data

The preliminary examination of the tabulated data indicates that the wave was distributed almost entirely within the February-March-April trimester, with sightings concentrated over a shorter period of just 17 days, from March 18 to April 4, accounting for 70% of the registered observations. The graphical representation shows that the wave emerged and ceased abruptly.

Similar patterns were observed in the Iberian Peninsula study by Ballester Olmos and Orlando, where activity between March 21 and April 1 began and ended abruptly over 12 days, yielding 59 observations out of a total of 86. Both the Argentine and Iberian "flaps" exhibit similar structures, as illustrated in Graph I.

Regarding the hourly distribution of sightings, the study notes that half of them occurred during daylight hours, which contrasts with the general preference for nocturnal sightings of UFOs. Graph II shows a notable peak between 11 AM and 2 PM. This also aligns with the Iberian data, which indicates an anomalous peak around midday.

Both catalogs show a maximum around 10 PM to midnight for Argentina, with a slight shift towards later hours compared to the Iberian wave. However, the third peak (around 2 AM) observed in the Iberian wave is much less pronounced in the Argentine data. After excluding cases presumed to be induced by the presence of Venus, the midday peak for Argentina diminishes considerably, though it does not disappear entirely.

Concerning the geographical distribution, over 60% of the Argentine sightings occurred in urban areas and were generally witnessed by multiple people. The Capital Federal and the Greater Buenos Aires area alone account for approximately a quarter of the listed sightings.

Another characteristic of the Argentine "flap," consistent with Spanish statistics, is the low percentage of Type-I incidents (objects on the ground or close to it, or emerging from water). Out of 35 reported cases, only 5 (about 14%) fall into this category. This figure is higher than the 3.5% for the Iberian Peninsula.

The article also discusses the possibility of misidentifications. Many cases are described as lacking significant unusual features and can be readily explained by conventional means. For instance, cases 02, 03, 04, 18, 25, and 27 might be attributed to meteorites or bolides. Case 05, on February 28 in Mar del Plata, could be a parhelia phenomenon. Cases 11, 14, 22, 23, and 26 are plausibly explained by the planet Venus, which was at its closest approach to Earth and visible even in daylight.

After removing cases with conventional explanations, the Argentine wave of 1950 is significantly reduced in quantitative value, with nearly 40% of reported events being eliminated. This contrasts with the Spanish and Portuguese wave, where only about 16% of cases were excluded.

The authors suggest that the difference in percentage might not stem from a less rigorous selection process but rather from a heightened UFO activity in Argentina, possibly amplified by media stimulation and the conspicuous presence of Venus, which added to the astronomical confusion and "noise" level.

Further rigorous and detailed retrospective research is deemed necessary to definitively assess the true scope of this "micro-wave."

Sighting in La Rioja (1972)

This section reports a communication from C.A.I.F.E. (Centro Argentino de Investigaciones de Fenómenos Espaciales) regarding a sighting in Los Colorados, La Rioja, on July 10, 1972. The witnesses, Edmundo Flandin (driving), Ana María Digiuni, Magdalena Bianco de F., and Dora de F., observed an object while traveling in a Fiat 1500.

At approximately 5:30 AM, Edmundo Flandin detected a bright luminosity to his left. The companions observed a circular object of red color, which changed to orange and other tones. It appeared solid and moved in a descending trajectory at the speed of a commercial airplane. The object emitted parallel luminous white trails and spheres of color, concluding the sighting as it disappeared behind the mountains.

Complementary data indicates that the night was moonless, the sky was clear, and there was no wind. The object's brightness was comparable to the sun. The witnesses estimated the distance to be about two thousand meters, and no sound was perceived.

The area where this case occurred is known for frequent phenomena of this nature, leading locals to speculate about the existence of "extraterrestrial bases" due to the mountainous and inaccessible terrain, and the numerous sightings in the sector.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes a data-driven, analytical approach to UFO phenomena, particularly through statistical analysis of sighting waves. It highlights the importance of rigorous investigation, including the identification and exclusion of conventional explanations and misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into anomalous aerial phenomena, acknowledging the complexity and the need for further research, while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims. The focus on the 1950 wave across different countries suggests an interest in global patterns and comparative analysis of UFO events.

This issue of the magazine, titled "MINIOLEADA EN JUNIN," focuses on a series of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings that occurred in the Junín region of Buenos Aires, Argentina, throughout 1976. The publication, presented as a report from the "Servicio de Investigaciones Ufológicas," details ten distinct incidents, emphasizing the credibility of the witnesses and the unusual nature of the phenomena observed.

Detailed Sightings and Witness Accounts

The article begins by establishing the reliability of the witnesses, describing them as serious individuals willing to cooperate, thus lending credence to their accounts. The issue includes graphical representations (Grafico N°1 and Grafico N°2) illustrating witness drawings of the objects and the geographical context of the sightings.

January 1976

On January 22-23, 1976, in Junín, Carlos Cassaniti and his family (José Luis and Celina Isabel Cassaniti) witnessed a luminous object moving at a 45-degree angle. The object was described as relatively small and distant, exhibiting changing colors (red, green, yellow) and moving at a vertiginous speed. Following its disappearance, a dense, conical cloud formation appeared, which the witnesses associated with the UFO. Minutes later, the luminous object reappeared from the cloud and repeated its trajectory before vanishing.

June 1976

On June 19, 1976, a married couple in Junín observed a brilliant, spherical, silver-gray object moving at high speed from NNO to SSO, leaving a small, triangular trail. The object was also seen in the outskirts of Junín, with some witnesses reporting a reddish light on its underside.

On June 27, 1976, N. Agostinelli, an aerodrome employee, observed a circular, luminous object moving horizontally over Junín. The object, comparable to car headlights but much brighter, left a faint light trail. Given his occupation, Agostinelli ruled out conventional explanations like meteorites or aircraft. The object was estimated to be 3 to 4 kilometers away.

July 1976

On July 13, 1976, several Y.P.F. employees at a fuel storage plant near Junín observed a bright white luminous object crossing the sky at high speed, disappearing quickly without a trace.

August 1976

On August 29, 1976, radio and television announcer Erardo Allegretti and other artists were traveling on Ruta Nacional N°7 when they observed a powerful, brilliant white circular light in a field. They stopped to observe it better. The object, comparable in size to a football, emitted a strong white luminosity without color changes and remained suspended for about 15 minutes before disappearing.

September 1976

On September 29, 1976, an octogenarian farmer in Junín witnessed a large luminous light, circular and bright white, ascend rapidly from behind trees and disappear quickly. The witness, known for his reliability, could not explain the phenomenon, ruling out meteorites or airplanes.

On September 30, 1976, near Agustín Roca, a farmer observed an object described as a "cloud" that was compact with defined edges. It advanced rapidly from the west towards him and then vanished. The object was grayish-white, ovoid, and moved at a speed exceeding any known aircraft, leading the witness to believe it was intelligently guided.

October 1976

On October 22, 1976, during a thunderstorm in Junín, Provincial Police Sergeant Juan J. Balletta and his daughter observed red lights flashing in the sky. A lightning flash illuminated a black, rectangular object that rapidly moved north without sound.

November 1976

On November 7, 1976, a young couple in Junín observed a strange luminosity in the sky, concluding it was not a known object.

Later on November 7, 1976, in General Pinto, Ismael Alejandro del Arco, a gas station attendant, observed a powerful light that he initially mistook for a vehicle. He soon realized it was not, as it did not move at ground level. The light approached, grew larger, and he became convinced it was an unknown phenomenon. Ricardo Alberto Balvidares, a truck driver, also witnessed the object, having observed it for 15 minutes prior. Balvidares and his companion, Jorge Pérez, observed an ovoid object, described as a dirigible shape, with violet, blue, red, orange, and white colors, comparable in size to a truck wheel. The object moved parallel to their truck at a similar speed, sometimes slowing down when the truck did. Pérez first spotted the object about 15 km from General Pinto. The object was at a low altitude, sometimes disappearing behind trees, and appeared to rise and continue. The witnesses noted the clear night and that the asphalt shone due to the moon. They also mentioned the object sometimes appeared to grow larger and emitted lights that rotated like a 'baliza' (beacon or flashing light). The object accompanied them to km 255, where they encountered Del Arco. At this point, Balvidares, Pérez, Del Arco, and occupants of two other trucks observed the object reach the height of a nearby hill, stop, elevate, hover, and then disappear at fantastic speed. Del Arco estimated the object's dimensions at approximately 2 meters in diameter and 1 meter high, with a classic shape of two inverted soup plates, emitting flashes of various colors. He also claimed to see a flame-like emission from its rear, which other witnesses did not observe. The report stresses the seriousness and work ethic of these witnesses, discounting any possibility of fraud.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the consistent reporting of unusual aerial phenomena in the Junín region during 1976. The editorial stance clearly favors the acceptance of these sightings as genuine, unexplained events, highlighting the credibility of the witnesses and the lack of conventional explanations. The detailed descriptions of the objects, their movements, and the associated phenomena suggest a serious investigation into UFO activity. The publication aims to present factual accounts and encourage further inquiry into these unexplained events.