UFO PRESS - No 07 - (Abr 1979)

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO PRESS
Issue: Volume II, Number 7
Date: April 1978
Publisher: SERVICIO DE INVESTIGACIONES UFOLOGICAS
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish

This issue of UFO PRESS, dated April 1978, presents a collection of articles and analyses focused on the UFO phenomenon, with a particular emphasis on exploring new research methodologies and theoretical frameworks beyond the traditional extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Editorial

The editorial, written by 'El Director', notes an increase in UFO sightings during the first third of the year, prompting the Entidad Generadora de Investigaciones Polifacéticos Temático OVNI (E.G.I.P.T.O.), led by Oscar Sánchez, to collect available information on verified sightings. The initiative aims to provide a tool for statistical study of UFO activity in 1978 and potentially establish an information network. The editorial also addresses the upcoming release of the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in Argentina, anticipating a potential surge in UFO observations and urging caution to distinguish real phenomena from imagination.

Articles and Contributions

HACIA UNA NUEVA METODOLOGIA (Towards a New Methodology) by Jean Sider

Jean Sider critiques existing UFO research methods, likening them to a prestidigitator's trick that distracts from the core question: 'Why do UFOs manifest?'. He argues that researchers have been too focused on superficial details like shapes and descriptions, neglecting a deeper investigation into the underlying reasons for these manifestations. Sider proposes a shift in focus from the phenomenon itself to the sites where it has occurred, advocating for a meticulous study of the geographical, geological, climatological, biological, and social aspects of these locations. This approach, he suggests, should involve detailed documentation of the site and periodic surveillance for changes, anomalies, and unusual events, including meteorological phenomena and even common occurrences like animal migrations or religious manifestations, as these might hold clues.

Sider emphasizes that this is a long-term, methodical, and potentially disillusioning task, requiring patience and a departure from sensationalism. He suggests the need for a structured organization with data collection and electronic data systematization capabilities, potentially mirroring organizations like CUFOS led by Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The ultimate goal, he posits, could be a planetary-scale investigation, though starting with a reduced scale is recommended.

Una nueva hipótesis: EL SISTEMA DE CONTROL (A New Hypothesis: The Control System) by Heriberto Janosch

Heriberto Janosch introduces a novel hypothesis developed by Dr. Jacques Vallée, which posits that UFOs might be a 'control system' influencing human society. Vallée's hypothesis moves beyond the origin of UFOs to their 'ends' and their repercussion on society. Janosch notes a radical shift in societal views regarding extraterrestrial life, with astronomers discussing statistical probabilities and radio astronomers detecting potential signals. He observes a growing public interest in the cosmos, leading to the formation of 'new religions' centered around extraterrestrial beliefs.

Janosch explains Vallée's theory, drawing parallels with B.F. Skinner's experiments on behavior modification through reinforcement. Vallée suggests that UFO manifestations might serve as a form of reinforcement, influencing human behavior and beliefs. The article references a graph showing UFO 'wave' phenomena from 1947 to 1962, suggesting these waves could represent a 'system of reinforcements'.

According to this hypothesis, UFOs might not be extraterrestrial vehicles in the conventional sense but rather a phenomenon that affects our environment and psyche, producing effects that shape human beliefs. This control could be exerted through a genetic code or psychological evolution, akin to Jung's concept of the collective unconscious. The hypothesis also offers an explanation for the 'no contact' scenario and the seemingly absurd communications reported by some witnesses. While this theory doesn't explain the technology of UFOs, it addresses the idea that they operate on both physical and psychic levels.

Other Articles Mentioned in the Table of Contents:

• UNA NUEVA HIPOTESIS : EL SISTEMA DE CONTROL by Heriberto Janosch
• UN PERFECTO FRAUDE by Claude Poher
• N.O.R.A.D. Y EL RASTREO DE OVNI by Joseph Accetta
• ETIOPIA : OVNI DESTRUYE UNA ALDEA by George Kendall
• OVNI EN JOSE C. PAZ by Jorge D. Ghirardi
• EL "CIGARRO DE LAS NUBES" EN ARGENTINA by Héctor Deambrosi
• ANALISIS RETROSPECTIVO : EL ATERRIZAJE DE BOULOGNE by Heriberto Janosch y Daniel Folcini

Key Incidents and Locations

• Etiopía: A reported incident where a UFO destroyed a village.
• Jose C. Paz, Argentina: A UFO sighting.
• Argentina: Observation of a UFO described as a "cigar from the clouds."
• Boulogne, Argentina: A retrospective analysis of a UFO landing.

Organizations and Individuals

Key individuals involved in the magazine's production include Director Guillermo C. Roncoroni, Sub Director Gustavo J. Alvarez, Secretary General Heriberto Janosch, and Coordinator Daniel Folcini. Contributors like Jean Sider and Heriberto Janosch offer significant theoretical perspectives. The issue also references researchers like Jacques Vallée and Dr. J. Allen Hynek, and organizations such as E.G.I.P.T.O., CUFOS, and the Aerial Phenomenon Clipping & Information Center (A.P.C.I.C.).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the need for more rigorous and innovative methodologies in UFO research, moving beyond conventional explanations. There's a strong emphasis on understanding the societal impact and psychological dimensions of the phenomenon, as exemplified by Vallée's 'control system' hypothesis. The editorial stance encourages a critical and methodical approach, urging researchers to sift through information carefully and to explore new avenues of investigation. The magazine appears to advocate for a scientific, yet open-minded, exploration of UFOs, questioning established paradigms and seeking deeper understanding of their potential role in human affairs.

This issue of the magazine, identified by issue number 11, focuses on the UMMO affair and presents a critical analysis of its photographic evidence, labeling it a 'perfect fraud.' The main article is authored by Claude Pohér of the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales de Toulouse. The magazine also includes a section detailing the functions and capabilities of radar systems, particularly NORAD, in tracking unknown aerial phenomena.

UN PERFECTO FRAUDE (A Perfect Fraud) by Claude Pohér

Claude Pohér begins by stating his satisfaction in publishing his study, which he considers a technical model for analyzing such cases. He notes that the UMMO affair, spanning over a decade, had captured the attention of the ufological community, with some calling it a 'perfect case.' However, a prominent French scientist (Pohér) demonstrated it to be a 'perfect fraud.'

Pohér was informed about the UMMO affair starting in 1970 through M. Fouere and his collaborators from G.E.P.A., concerning observations in Aluche and San José de Valderas. In 1975, he gained more detailed information by reading the book "UN CASO PERFECTO" by Rafael Farriols and Antonio Ribera.

Verification of the UMMO Documents

Between 1970 and 1972, Pohér undertook a verification of certain aspects of the UMMO documents with the help of official services and scientists, whose names he keeps confidential due to the sensitivity of the topic at the time.

His conclusions were:
1. Approximately 50% of the information in the documents is accurate; the rest is demonstrably false.
2. The scientific knowledge required to create these documents (particularly certain aspects of their internal coherence with known physical laws) is roughly equivalent to that of a first-year university science student.
3. It is highly improbable that the entire affair was orchestrated by a single person.
4. The documents were typed on a Spanish typewriter, likely by individuals with Spanish mentality and culture.
5. The 'mise en scène' associated with the UMMO affair, if a hoax, required resources far beyond those of a private group.
6. The motivations for such a large-scale deception, without significant compensation, are unclear if it were merely a private group's endeavor.

The Study of the San José de Valderas Clichés

Pohér states that UFO phenomena are not his primary field of study but undertook the analysis of the original negatives of the San José de Valderas photographs in 1976. He collaborated with Rafael Farriols and Antonio Ribera, who provided the necessary materials. Using advanced imaging processing facilities at the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, Pohér conducted a detailed study.

He divides his findings into arguments for and against the veracity of the clichés:

A - Arguments in Favor of the Veracity of These Clichés:

• A-1: The lighting on the landscape and object suggests no superposition or successive exposures were used; the object was likely photographed simultaneously with the landscape.
• A-2: The lighting is consistent with the claimed date and time of observation.
• A-3: The time elapsed between the first and last clichés is compatible with the alleged duration of the observation.
• A-4: Calculations based on atmospheric diffusion, derived from photometric measurements of the landscape, suggest the object was compatible with a large object several hundred meters away emitting luminosity.
• A-6: The superior 'dome' of the object in photo 12 is brighter than the sky, even in shadow, indicating significant energy emission (hundreds of MW for a small, close object, or KW for a distant one).
• A-7: The five available clichés show variations in the object's position and apparent diameter, consistent with the witnesses' trajectory claims.

B - Arguments in Favor of a Hoax:

• B-1: The object is consistently positioned near the upper lateral edge of the clichés (top left or top right), which is incompatible with a "flying" shot or a "psychologically excited" state, as demonstrated by meticulous simulation.
• B-2: The camera's position remained fixed at 1.15m from the ground for 13 clichés despite significant horizontal and angular shifts. The variations in horizon parallelism and optical axis angular height are incompatible with a 'kneeling' shot, suggesting abnormal focusing precautions.
• B-3: The analysis suggests a single photographer. The landscape in the clichés attributed to a second photographer, Antonio Pardo, aligns with such precision that the cameras would have to be in the same location, which is unacceptable for two distinct shots. One of Pardo's clichés is perfectly superimposable with cliché 12.
• B-4: Analysis of the 'flou' (blur) in the landscape versus the object details suggests the object was a small, nearby model (approximately 3.50m away), implying a model diameter of about 20cm.
• B-5: Photometric comparison of clichés 23-24 and 12-19 indicates the object in cliché 19 is translucent, like an opal plastic plate, and the symbol on it is also translucent. The transmission factors match those obtained by drawing a symbol with ink on a translucent plastic model.
• B-6: The photometry and geometry of the 'dome' luminosity in photo 12 are compatible with light transmission and diffusion through a circular wall made of translucent, polished material, similar to a small model.
• B-7: The luminous energy value emitted by the object, if opaque, and its local variations are incompatible with the hypothesis of light emission through ionization or excitation of the ambient air.

Conclusion of the Cliché Study

Pohér concludes that the clichés are a hoax, created using a small, translucent plastic model. He details how he reproduced the effect using two plastic plates joined at the edges, with a 'dome' made from a camping cup. The entire setup cost him about 130 pesetas (approximately $1.50).

He also notes that the film used was VALCA (400 ASA), an emulsion formerly manufactured in Spain, and the camera had a 50mm lens, likely set at F/11 and 1/100 second.

Consequences of These Results

Pohér argues that these findings are more significant than just exposing a photographic hoax. He suggests that the UMMO affair was a carefully prepared 'mise en scène' to involve many honest witnesses in a deception. He posits that extraordinary flying objects are not necessary to provoke testimonies; luminous rockets and elaborate traces suffice. The investigation, he notes, appears to have been manipulated, with a common element being the involvement of a 'Mr. Jordán.' He calls for Farriols and Ribera to shed more light on the investigation, as their honesty was apparently exploited by sophisticated mystifiers.

Pohér believes the UMMO affair collapses if the San José de Valderas photos are a hoax. He finds it difficult to accept that the same individuals who masterfully created the photographic deception could also have fabricated the entire UMMO scenario, which appears to be of a higher order.

He expresses concern that this might be more than an intellectual game to mislead UFO enthusiasts, but a more serious, large-scale simulation involving the dissemination of false information or the creation of a sect.

He notes with concern that these events occurred during the work of the Condon Commission, but their consequences were not published until immediately after the commission's report.

Acknowledgements

Pohér thanks several individuals and organizations for their contributions: Antonio Ribera and Rafael Farriols for their cooperation and confirmation of their integrity; Mr. and Mrs. Fouere for informing him about the Aluche and San José de Valderas observations; M. G. Teyssandier for a synthesis of UMMO elements; engineers from the Centre d'Etudes Spatiales des Rayonnements and Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales for numerical assistance; and the C.N.E.S. authorities for providing exceptional resources. He also thanks the secretaries who helped decipher his manuscript.

The work was completed in Toulouse on November 25, 1976.

GSW Analysis: Computer Analysis of the San José de Valderas Photos

This section presents a computer analysis by the GSW group (Ground Saucer Watch) of a first-generation copy of the San José de Valderas incident photos. They prepared a high-resolution negative that showed a disc-shaped object with a strange mark on its surface, clearly visible in daylight.

Conclusions of the GSW Analysis:

After a thorough study of the pictorial data and computer analysis, the GSW staff unanimously concluded that the UFO image was a crude fraud. The evidence supporting this hypothesis includes:

1. Lack of Substance: The object, when dissected by a cursor line, appeared completely flat, with no discernible thickness. Only the dark symbol on the base had apparent profile.
2. Digital Densitometry: Digital measurements of the image's gray density revealed low luminosity and reflectivity.
3. Cell Analysis: Analysis of the image 'cells' indicated the supposed UFO was extremely close to the camera and photographer.
4. Luminosity and Profile Data: Computer evaluation of lumen distribution and profile data concluded the object was similar to an inverted paper plate with a painted symbol.
5. Size Estimate: The object measured less than 20.3 centimeters in diameter.
6. Camera Position: The camera was positioned very low to the ground, creating the illusion of a high and distant object (Figure A).
7. Contour Enhancement: Revealed a linear structure representing a thread from which the object was suspended (Photos 2 and 3).
8. Clarity Comparison: The UFO image was much clearer than a nearby white post, overwhelmingly indicating the object's proximity.

The GSW group considers this photograph a crude attempt to duplicate a genuine UFO experience and believes such frauds should be exposed to maintain the objectivity of serious UFO research. They state that this photograph from San José de Valderas, Madrid, does not represent an extraordinary flying object.

This analysis was conducted by William Spaulding and Fred Adrian.

N.O.R.A.D. and UFO Tracking by Joseph Accetta

Joseph Accetta discusses the frustrating lack of repeatability in UFO phenomena under controlled conditions, a requirement for established science. He notes a lack of evidence not to establish UFO existence, but to determine their nature and cause.

He highlights 'radar-visual' cases, where visual UFO sightings are correlated with radar records, as important evidence. These cases, though a small fraction of total sightings, are controversial. The article focuses on the intercontinental radar system, particularly the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) and its role in air surveillance.

Accetta suggests that UFO investigators might see value in radar-based research, but acknowledges the high cost and technical requirements, which are typically beyond the capabilities of private groups and are handled by large organizations or governments.

Different Radar Systems:

• NORAD: The primary collective system, operated by the US and Canadian Air Forces, FAA, and National Weather Service (NWS).
• NWS: Operates about 90 meteorological radars with a range of about 100 miles. Their frequencies are adapted for meteorological observations and are not suitable for tracking aircraft.
• FAA: Operates hundreds of short and long-range radars for air traffic control, designed for detecting flying objects with ranges up to several hundred miles. These are crucial in high-traffic areas.
• NORAD vs. NWS/FAA: Accetta states that NWS and FAA networks are less useful for UFO problems than NORAD due to signal-to-noise ratio and command/control issues.

Functions of NORAD:

NORAD's functions are divided into four points:
1. Warning of potential attacks by bombers or ballistic missiles.
2. Surveillance and identification of satellites.
3. Detection and identification of unknown aircraft.
4. Defense against hostile bombers.

NORAD's systems include the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line with 31 radar stations covering 3300 miles, two radars in Iceland, and 96 long-range radars in the US and Canada. It also uses older EC-121 aircraft equipped with radar for coastal surveillance. A remnant of an ABM project, a long-range perimeter radar system, operates in North Dakota.

The Ballistic Missile Warning System (BMEWS) is designed for detecting and predicting trajectories of long-range ballistic missiles, with three large radars located in Clear (Alaska), Greenland, and Flyingdales Moor (England).

SPADATS (Space Detection and Tracking System):

SPADATS is a network of sensors for detecting and tracking satellites, with radars capable of detecting a basketball-sized object at 2000 miles. Its radar sites are in Shemya (Alaska), Diyarbakir (Turkey), and Eglin AFB (Florida).

The US Navy's Space Surveillance System also contributes radar data.

SPADATS tracks approximately 4220 satellites, correlating them with existing catalogs and predicting re-entry dates. Over 9500 man-made objects have been cataloged since 1957.

Data from SPADATS is available to authorized government agencies and contractors. Unclassified data is available to anyone demonstrating a legitimate need and ability to pay.

And About UFOs?

Thousands of daily observations fall into the 'bogies' or unknown category. These objects have characteristics inconsistent with orbital satellites and generally ballistic trajectories. About 800 to 90 such observations occur daily. Most are attributed to electromagnetic noise pulses, micrometeorites, and satellite re-entries.

Due to the high volume, SPADATS is computerized. The 'unknowns' list is an automatic output and is destroyed after a short period due to its low military significance.

These lists could be of interest to researchers studying meteors, as many meteors entering the atmosphere are too small to be detected directly by radar but register through ionization. Meteorites are distinguishable from aircraft and missiles by their high speeds (10-80 km/s).

Studies from the 1950s indicated that most 'unidentifieds' were due to aurora effects.

'Bogies' of greater interest are not normally processed due to low military significance and high processing costs. Correlating 20+ parameters for 800-900 objects daily is a difficult problem. The cost of computation on a CDC-7600 is $600-$2500 per hour. A daily hour of processing would cost $180,000 annually.

While investing such sums might be worthwhile if certain results were guaranteed, there is no such certainty. A special study might clearly demonstrate an object is not a meteorite, noise, satellite re-entry, missile, anomalous propagation, or radar malfunction. However, this approach only tells us 'what it is not,' not 'what it is.'

Despite this, Accetta concludes that the mere fact that unidentified flying objects, regardless of cause or origin, enter our atmosphere daily is highly interesting.

The author expresses appreciation to NORAD/ADCOM for their collaboration regarding NORAD's operations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographic evidence, and the technical aspects of tracking aerial phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of claims of extraordinary UFOs, as demonstrated by the detailed debunking of the UMMO case's photographic evidence. However, the magazine also acknowledges the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena and the potential role of advanced surveillance systems like NORAD in their detection, albeit with a focus on their limitations and costs for research purposes. The issue advocates for rigorous scientific analysis and transparency in UFO investigations.

This issue of the magazine, dated 1978, focuses on UFO (OVNI) sightings and their impact, with a particular emphasis on destructive encounters and detailed analysis of object characteristics. The content is primarily in Spanish.

Article 1: ETIOPIA OVNI destruye una aldea

This article, authored by George Kendall, investigates a significant UFO incident that occurred in the village of Saladare, Ethiopia, on August 7, 1970. The author begins by addressing the persistent question of whether UFO phenomena are hostile towards humanity, noting that documented cases of hostility are rare and often dubious.

The incident in Saladare is presented as a well-documented case that meets the criteria for an unidentified flying object. The report was provided by a doctor employed by the United Nations in Ethiopia, whose name is withheld for privacy.

At approximately 11:30 AM, residents of Saladare, a small village about 14 kilometers north of Asmara, heard a noise resembling a low-flying airplane emanating from a nearby forest. The noise intensified, becoming progressively higher-pitched. Suddenly, witnesses observed a brilliant red ball flying at low altitude and high speed, which traversed the village, destroying all structures in its path. The object also uprooted numerous trees and scorched the grass, though it did not cause fires.

As the UFO moved away, it grazed the asphalt of a nearby road, melting an area of approximately 2 by 7 meters, and demolished the stone wall of a small bridge. The object then moved about 150 meters to a nearby hillside, where it remained stationary for a few seconds before retracing its path through Saladare, destroying more dwellings. It then disappeared in the same direction it had arrived.

The total distance covered by the object in its two passes was about 6000 meters, and the incident lasted for 10 minutes. The object was described as a large ball with a brilliant red color and a tail.

A doctor from the United Nations and his colleagues visited Saladare, confirming that fifty dwellings were completely destroyed and more than a dozen sustained considerable damage. Eight natives were injured, and a young child died as a consequence of the incident. The informant described the event as if a large cannonball had been fired through the village.

Further analysis suggests that the object was solid, flew at high speed close to the ground, and remains unidentified. The article dismisses hypotheses of a meteor, a tornado, or ball lightning due to the clear weather conditions and the object's apparent controlled flight path and intense heat effects on structures, which caused some metal roofs to be wrinkled and semi-melted.

Article 2: OVNI EN JOSE C. PAZ

This article, written by Daniel Ghirardi (Grupo Z-28), details an investigation into a UFO sighting in José C. Paz, Argentina, on the night of Wednesday, July 6, 1977, around 11 PM.

Location: José C. Paz is located approximately 38 kilometers north-northwest of the Federal Capital, near National Route 24 (formerly 197), about 2.5 kilometers towards Luján. The area is sparsely populated with large open spaces, offering a clear view of the sky, with some low-lying trees that do not significantly obstruct vision.

Observation: The article focuses on the account of a highly credible witness, referred to as Sr. NN, who possesses knowledge of aviation and is therefore unlikely to confuse a human-made aircraft with a UFO.

Sr. NN reported seeing a "celestial ball" among the clouds at an elevation of about 35 degrees above the horizon. The object was a brilliant celeste color, with luminosity that appeared to be self-generated rather than reflected. He observed it moving at high speed through a group of low clouds (around 2000 meters altitude). Sr. NN attempted to anticipate the object's trajectory and looked towards where the clouds ended, but the object reappeared.

The object then disappeared. The witness continued observing the sky for several minutes but saw nothing further. Sr. NN dismisses the possibility of it being an airplane due to the silent flight and the unusual luminous characteristics, which did not match standard aircraft lights. He also ruled out a satellite due to its large size and a meteor because its trajectory was "straight and level."

He compared the object's luminosity to that of a new mercury vapor lamp. Through triangulation, based on a distance of 35 meters from a light source of approximately 20 centimeters, the diameter of the UFO was estimated to be around 20 meters.

Complementary Appreciations: The article notes that UFOs often hide in clouds, especially low, dense ones, to avoid detection. It also mentions that UFOs have been known to "manufacture" clouds for concealment. The author points out that this is not an isolated incident and that a similar object was sighted in January 1978, which the group is currently studying due to its significant characteristics. This suggests the possibility that the same object might be circling the Gran Sarmiento area and surrounding province.

Conclusions: The authors believe that the circumstances and evidence point to a new UFO sighting, indicating that such phenomena are recurrent in the region. They provide contact information for further consultation regarding calculations and reference an article titled "NUBES ARTIFICIALES, CAMUFLAJE PARA OVNIS..." by Guillermo C. Roncoroni.

Article 3: El "cigarro de las nubes" en Argentina

This article, by Héctor Deambrosi, discusses the "cloud cigar" phenomenon, which frequently appeared during the famous French UFO wave of 1954. These luminous phenomena, characterized by a vertical cigar shape, initially discouraged American specialists who found no similar descriptions in their archives and attributed the reports to exaggeration or hallucination.

However, in 1966, Jacques Vallées' publication "Fenómenos Insólitos del Espacio" re-evaluated these episodes, previously analyzed by Aimé Michel. Vallées discovered that such cases did exist in American archives, often dismissed due to "insufficient information." He considered the phenomenon significant enough to contribute to understanding the nature of UFOs and assigned it Type II in his classification.

Vallées defined Type II observations as testimonies reporting a "cylindrical formation" in the atmosphere, associated with a diffuse cloud. These have been called "great vertical cigar," "cloud sphere," or "cloud cigar." He further divided Type II into two categories: IIA for erratically moving vertical cylindrical formations and IIB for stationary formations producing secondary phenomena.

The Phenomenon Observed in La Plata: The article then details an event in La Plata, Argentina, in late September 1974, which is classified as a Type IIA phenomenon. La Plata, the capital of Buenos Aires Province, is described as a typically university and administrative city with a humid climate.

On the day of the sighting, around 6:30 PM, a witness, referred to as Señora X, observed an object in the clear sky. The object was described as being similar in shape and proportion to thick red pencils used previously. It was positioned at a low altitude, near the horizon, at the level of her house's corner. The witness could not accurately calculate the altitude due to looking upwards.

Using binoculars provided by her son, she observed the object more clearly: it resembled a "pencil or stick with flat ends and a well-defined shape." Its coloration was red on the west side and yellow on the opposite side. A bright luminosity surrounded the object, and the air appeared to shimmer, similar to viewing heat haze from a distance.

The object's contour seemed to waver, suggesting a very high temperature. It initially presented obliquely from East to West, then straightened with a normal movement, and slowly moved away towards the West-Northwest, gradually becoming smaller until it disappeared.

The witness stated, "I can only say that it was something I could not identify. It was one of my sons who, with better eyesight than I, first noticed the shimmering of the air."

Comparison with Jacques Vallée's Investigation: The article compares the La Plata sighting with Vallée's findings. Vallée noted that such cases, while rare, have distinct characteristics. The La Plata observation shares several similarities:

• Duration: While the La Plata observation's duration is uncertain because the object was already present when the witness noticed it, Vallée notes that Type II observations typically last several minutes, often exceeding ten minutes.
• Movement: Objects are described as having slow, sometimes erratic movement, or being stationary at moderate altitudes (1000-2000 meters), similar to the La Plata phenomenon.
• Atmospheric Turbulence: A diffuse cloudiness is often associated with the object, suggesting modification of thermodynamic conditions in its vicinity. Witnesses sometimes describe it as an "object" surrounded by a cloud or a cloud with a strange shape.
• Shape, Luminosity, and Color: The general shape is often compared to a cigar or vertical cylinder, though spheres and ovoids are also mentioned. The luminosity is self-generated and permanent, often described as "fluorescent." The shape is specifically compared to a "pencil," "tube," or "stick." The color also draws attention.

Regarding the color of the La Plata object, the article suggests that the late afternoon sunlight might have contributed to its yellow and orange hue.

Conclusions: The authors agree with Dr. Vallée that it is absurd to dismiss these descriptions as mere imagination. They consider the La Plata case to be real, supported by abundant details that are difficult to invent, such as the faint light, surrounding turbulence, unusual coloration, contour shimmering, and slow, erratic movement. The case is not isolated, suggesting a pattern of similar sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena with a serious, investigative approach. The editorial stance appears to favor the reality of these sightings, presenting detailed accounts and expert analysis to support the existence of unidentified aerial phenomena. There is a clear interest in documenting cases involving physical damage or unusual characteristics, and in comparing these events with established research and classification systems, such as those proposed by Jacques Vallée. The publication aims to provide well-researched information, often relying on witness testimony from credible sources and corroborating evidence where available. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and their potential implications, moving beyond mere speculation to detailed case studies.

This issue of the International UFO Reporter, identified by its issue number 31, features a retrospective analysis of the Boulogne landing incident. The magazine is published monthly by SIU (Servicio de Investigaciones Ufológicas) and is directed by J. Allen Hynek. The cover headline announces "ANALISIS RETROSPECTIVO El aterrizaje de Boulogne" by Heriberto Janosch & Daniel Folcini.

The Boulogne Landing Case Analysis

The article begins by detailing the original information available before the investigation, primarily from two press clippings dated June 16-17, 1968. The initial reports described an exciting science fiction-like episode in a residential area of Boulogne, where a flying saucer allegedly flew low over properties, causing a kitchen ceiling to detach. While no one saw the object, its loud noise was heard, and dazzling lights were observed. Witnesses reported hearing aerial noises, but couldn't confirm if they were from engines or turbines. One resident reported the kitchen ceiling falling, though they were unsure if it was due to vibrations. Another witness, a shoemaker, was startled awake by a "terrifying noise" and saw "lightning in all directions" through the window. A thirteen-year-old girl reported being woken by "cries in the street" and mentioned that while no one saw anything, many heard the bangs and saw strange lightning in a sky that was only slightly cloudy.

Further witness accounts from the press clippings included a master builder who reported seeing several dogs running as if fleeing a fire, and the next morning, dogs were heard howling mournfully. Another report mentioned "light, gases, and a deafening noise" that impressed residents of Boulogne and San Martin. This report also detailed the "terrifying" noise that frightened domestic animals and caused damage to a house on Rivera street, near the Panamericana highway. It was also noted that several household appliances were affected by the unidentified aerial vehicle.

SIU Investigation

Despite the ten-year gap since the event, the SIU decided to conduct an on-site investigation. They located the grandmother of the thirteen-year-old witness, who stated that the original newspaper reports had been distorted. According to the grandmother, the event on June 15, 1968, at 10:00 PM, involved only a luminosity and a loud noise. She clarified that the fallen ceiling story was not mentioned by her granddaughter and might have been a small piece of plaster. She also reported no anomalous behavior from local pets. The investigators were unable to speak with the owner of the directly affected house or the shoemaker.

During their investigation, they observed a high-voltage transformer belonging to S. E. G. B. A. (Servicios Eléctricos del Gran Buenos Aires) located near the houses. This transformer reduced voltage to 380 volts for the adjacent homes. The investigators hypothesized that a malfunction in this transformer could be the cause of the phenomenon, but they could not confirm this with the electricity company due to the time elapsed.

They did, however, interview another witness, the owner of a small grocery store, who had lived in the area for over ten years. This witness did not recall any mention of a "flying saucer" but did remember that the transformer, which was previously located on his street, suffered continuous breakdowns that caused loud noises and sparks, along with momentary voltage drops in the houses.

Conclusions

Based on the available evidence, the investigators concluded that the most probable cause of the phenomenon was an electrical fault originating in the transformer. This explanation accounts for the observed characteristics such as luminosity, noise, and the absence of a distinct object, leading them to believe that nothing extraordinary occurred.

Notes

The article cites two specific newspaper articles from "Crónica" (June 16-17, 1968) and references Gordon Creighton's "A South American Nave" from "Encounters Cases From F.S.R." (1977). It also clarifies that the minimum distance to the Panamericana highway is approximately 1500 meters.

Collaborations

The magazine includes a section on "COLABORACIONES" (Collaborations), outlining recommendations for future submissions to UFO PRESS. These include:

a) Exclusively addressing UFO topics in any of its scientific evaluation categories (casuistry, theory, investigative practice, etc.).

b) Casuistry articles must be the result of personal investigations by the author or group.

c) Submissions should be typewritten, double-spaced, and accompanied by photographs, drawings, plans, diagrams, etc., for illustration.

d) A publication authorization signed by the author(s) must be included.

e) The Servicio de Investigaciones Ufológicas reserves the right to publish collaborations, even if they meet the specified requirements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical analysis of UFO cases, moving from initial sensationalist reports to a more grounded, investigative approach seeking rational explanations. The editorial stance, as demonstrated by the Boulogne case analysis, leans towards debunking extraordinary claims when plausible natural or technological causes can be identified. The magazine also actively encourages scientific and rigorous investigation within the UFO field, as evidenced by the detailed submission guidelines for UFO PRESS.