UFO PRESS - No 10 - (Enero 1979)

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO PRESS, a quarterly publication from the SERVICIO DE INVESTIGACIONES UFOLOGICAS (SIU), is dated January 1979 and is identified as Volume III, Number 10. The cover prominently features the headline "EL INCIDENTE DE LA ESTANCIA \"LA DULCE\"" (The Incident at \"La Dulce\" Ranch), accompanied by an illustration of a UFO over a landscape. The magazine is published in Argentina.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Guillermo C. Roncoroni, discusses the "Primer Congreso Nacional de Estudiosos de la Ciencia Extraterrestre" (First National Congress of Extraterrestrial Science Studies) held in Rosario on December 8-10. Roncoroni, along with Daniel Carlos Folcini, represented the SIU and UFO PRESS at the event. He expresses significant disappointment, stating that the attendees' good faith was betrayed. The congress, intended to foster a unified entity for serious and objective UFO research in Argentina, was marred by a heterogeneous mix of participants, including serious ufologists alongside mystics, charlatans, mythomaniacs, parapsychologists, and "contactees." Roncoroni criticizes the very denomination of the event as "First Congress..." and notes the irreconcilable tendencies present. He contrasts this with a previous reference to a Barcelona congress, warning against organizing events that include all manner of trends, likening it to oil and water.

For the future, the SIU's investigative orientation in 1979 will focus on interaction among serious ufologists, through informal meetings or "ad hoc" commissions, rather than large congresses, which are deemed unproductive for advancing UFO research in Argentina.

The editorial also includes a request for subscribers and members, especially those in the interior of the country, to contact the magazine if they wish to join their network of investigators, by postal mail for instructions and materials.

Table of Contents (Sumario)

This issue features several articles and investigations:

• EL CASO DE VILLA CARMELA (TUCUMAN): Investigation by Hugo A. Samayoa.
• EFECTOS PSICOLOGICOS Y SOCIALES DEL FENOMENO OVNI: By Licenciado Ricardo Salinas.
• COMENTARIO BIBLIOGRAFICO: "OVNIS: EL FENOMENO ATERRIZAJE": By José-Tomás Ramírez y Barberó.
• EL INCIDENTE DE LA ESTANCIA "LA DULCE": Investigation by Alejandro Chionetti.
• EL OVNI DE PUTRE (CHILE): Investigation by Ramón Simó Costa (C.E.I.).
• REFLEXIONES SOBRE EL FENOMENO OVNI: By Rubén Morales.
• INTERESANTE AVISTAJE EN CORDOBA: Investigation by Víctor D. Mamondi.

Article: EL CASO DE VILLA CARMELA (TUCUMAN)

This article by Hugo A. Samayoa details a UFO sighting that occurred on October 14, 1978, at 00:01 hs. The witness, Sr. Víctor H. Suárez, a technician with expertise in communications and electronics, was at his home in Villa Carmela, Tucumán. While trying to tune into distant TV channels after a program, he noticed a strong glare towards the west, in the hills. He went up to the roof and observed an elongated object moving towards the south, approximately 7 kilometers away. He described the upper part as emitting a light similar to a blinking fluorescent tube. The object illuminated the area with a peculiar clarity, without emitting a visible beam. It then moved back, illuminating another hillside without any swaying motion, estimated to be about 300 meters above ground level. The UFO continued south, silently, then accelerated rapidly, passing approximately 3000 meters from the witness. Suárez observed its "chrome-plated" lower structure. Its luminosity increased as its speed grew. The object's trajectory, initially parallel to the horizon, became ascending over San Javier at a speed far exceeding conventional aircraft. The witness's dog exhibited distress during the event. Notably, Suárez had a severe toothache before the sighting, which disappeared afterward. The area is near high-tension power lines. The author concludes that this is one of the most acceptable and reliable UFO events recorded in Tucumán in 1978, praising the witness's coherence and honesty.

Article: EFECTOS PSICOLOGICOS Y SOCIALES DEL FENOMENO OVNI

Lic. Ricardo Salinas examines the psychological and social effects of UFO phenomena on witnesses. These can include physiological reactions (like skin reddening), psychosomatic disorders (e.g., headaches due to emotional tension), and psychological effects such as "nervous crisis," particularly in hypersensitive individuals who lack adequate responses to unprecedented situations. The intensity of these effects generally correlates with the proximity of the witness to the phenomenon. Salinas emphasizes the importance of considering the witness's personality structure, including their perception, memory, and communication styles, as these influence how the phenomenon is perceived and reported. He notes that media coverage during "waves" of sightings leads to public discussion, jokes, articles, and books, increasing general interest in the phenomenon. The author suggests that social research methods like surveys and interviews could explore beliefs and hypotheses about UFOs over the past thirty years and investigate correlations between personality traits, demographic data, and beliefs about UFOs. He also touches upon emotional resistances, stemming from narcissism and a fear of disrupting established norms, which lead some to doubt the reality of UFOs despite evidence, often relying on a narrow official science.

Bibliographic Commentary: "OVNIS: EL FENOMENO ATERRIZAJE"

This section by José-Tomás Ramírez y Barberó provides a bibliographic commentary on the book "OVNIS: EL FENOMENO ATERRIZAJE" (UFOs: The Landing Phenomenon).

Other Mentions

• EL OVNI DE PUTRE (CHILE): An investigation by Ramón Simó Costa (C.E.I.).
• REFLEXIONES SOBRE EL FENOMENO OVNI: Reflections by Rubén Morales.
• INTERESANTE AVISTAJE EN CORDOBA: An investigation by Víctor D. Mamondi.

Clarification

An "ACLARACION" (Clarification) notes an error in a previous issue regarding Emilio F. Caldevilla's role. He is the current Secretary General of SIU and was the Director of the publication for the organization, not the director of the group SADIE.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings and investigations, with a particular focus on a specific incident in Argentina (Villa Carmela/La Dulce). The magazine also delves into the psychological and social impacts of these experiences on individuals. The editorial stance is critical of poorly organized UFO conferences and advocates for serious, objective research conducted by dedicated ufologists. The publication aims to foster a network of investigators and disseminate findings from various cases across South America.

This issue of "LES EXTRATERRESTRES" is a quarterly magazine presented in French, with excellent content and presentation, focusing on extraterrestrial phenomena. The issue includes an article discussing the increasing naturalization of the extraordinary, particularly in relation to UFO sightings, and a bibliographic commentary on a book about OVNI landings.

Article: The Naturalization of the Extraordinary

The opening article discusses how phenomena that were once considered novel and surprising, such as technological advancements, gradually become part of the natural environment for new generations. This process is also observed in the context of UFOs, where increasing openness is attributed to three factors: a real and tangible increase in OVNI sightings, greater diffusion through mass media and global interconnectedness, and a more adequate perception of the OVNI phenomenon due to space exploration and technological development. However, the article notes that human habits are deeply terrestrial, and the transition to space implies a profound change, with humanity eventually seeing the Universe as its world.

Bibliographic Commentary: OVNIS EL FENOMENO ATERRIZAJE by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos

This section provides a review of the book "OVNIS: EL FENOMENO ATERRIZAJE" by Spanish ufologist D. Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, written by José-Tomás Ramírez y Barberó, a Captain of Infantry and member of the C.E.I. The reviewer praises the book for filling a void in scientific research on OVNI phenomena, emphasizing its rigorous scientific approach. The book is structured into chapters that detail OVNI sightings in the Iberian Peninsula, discuss methodological aspects of ufology, and present a statistical analysis of landings. It concludes with an essay and a bibliography of 550 references. The reviewer considers the book to be of impeccable style, scientifically sound, and eminently didactic, making it essential for any serious ufology student. The book has achieved success in Europe and is expected to be well-received in Latin America.

Article: EL INCIDENTE DE "LA DULCE"

This article, written by Alejandro Chionetti, details one of the most important OVNI incidents from a recent wave in Argentina, occurring at Estancia La Dulce. The investigation was prompted by SIU-UFO PRESS.

Description of the Event

On the night of September 31st, characterized by hurricane-force winds, the primary witness, Mrs. Leonor Beatriz Turiella de Arias, was preparing to watch a television program when the electrical power suddenly ceased. While heading to the kitchen, a bright, iridescent white light penetrated the window, momentarily blinding her and causing her to feel as if she could not see herself. The light seemed to pass through the walls of the chalet. The light then retracted and curved to the left, returning to its source. Intrigued, Mrs. Arias approached the window and observed a dark, ovoidal mass suspended above a silo approximately 40 meters away.

The Object and Entities

The object was described as ovoidal with defined contours and a size larger than the silo. It oscillated or tilted, suspended a few meters above the ground. The witness noted a ring-like structure with illuminated windows emitting a fluctuating light, ranging from yellowish-white to reddish-orange. A humming sound, described as "like turbines," was also perceived, intensifying with the light. The object moved slowly backward and then forward, appearing "imperturbable" despite the strong winds. Mrs. Arias, in panic, called her husband, Manuel Arias.

Manuel Arias, initially disbelieving, was convinced by his wife's insistence and went to investigate. He noticed the reddish-orange glow filtering through the window. The object had moved to a distance of about 800 meters, hovering over a eucalyptus grove. He also heard the humming sound, which he found remarkably audible given the wind, suggesting it was very powerful. He described the sound as related to the "pulse" of the luminous ring.

Later, a circular, yellowish light was emitted from one end of the object, and a small sphere shot off to the right, disappearing behind a shed. A large glow was observed behind the shed, illuminating a group of eucalyptus trees. From this light, two entities emerged, described as dark, almost indefinable bulks, about 0.60 to 0.80 meters tall. They were described as "pilgrims, hunched over, holding a lamp about 15 to 20 centimeters from the ground." These entities, which Mrs. Arias called "robots" due to their rigid, mechanical movements, eluded a wire fence and moved at right angles, as if floating.

The entities then focused on a workshop shed, circling it for an uncalculated number of minutes. They moved in a line, one behind the other, at a distance of no more than a meter, at an astonishing speed, then traversed the same path with "overwhelming slowness and tranquility." The light they carried in front of them appeared to "drip light, like a stream." Mr. Arias, however, placed the light at the height of the entities' "heads," suggesting it was their illuminated faces.

Further Observations and Conclusion

The observation of the phenomenon, which began around 22:00 hours, lasted for over an hour, a significant duration when seeking conventional explanations. The article includes a plant diagram of the case, illustrating the positions of the witnesses, the chalet, the silo, the workshop, the eucalyptus grove, and the OVNI's positions (A, B, C), as well as the path of the entities (F).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "LES EXTRATERRESTRES" appears to maintain a stance of serious investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting detailed case studies and critical reviews of relevant literature. The editorial stance favors a scientific and analytical approach to ufology, distinguishing between rigorous research and gratuitous speculation. The recurring themes include OVNI sightings, extraterrestrial encounters, and the broader implications of these phenomena for humanity's understanding of its place in the universe.

This issue of the magazine, identified by page number 21 and featuring content from September 1978, focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and UFO sightings. The cover story, "EL OVNI DE PUTRE," by Ramón Simó Costa, details a military encounter in Chile, while other articles cover events in Argentina involving the Arias family and other witnesses. The magazine presents detailed accounts, witness testimonies, and investigative notes, aiming to explore the nature and implications of these sightings.

The Arias Family Incident (September 31, 1978)

The primary narrative begins with an account of an event experienced by the Arias family on the night of September 31, 1978. Approximately at 23:00 hours, the family noticed lights or entities approaching their home, drawing near the fence separating their garden from the sheds. This caused them considerable unease, leading them to retreat to the furthest rooms of the house. Mrs. Arias, Leonor Beatriz, looked out the kitchen window again and observed the "bulges" trying to memorize details. She noted their elongated "S" shape, describing them as "like penitents or pilgrims, or as if advancing floating on something."

By 23:20 hours, the Arias returned to the observation point, finding that the phenomenon had ceased, although the wind continued with the same intensity. The following day, Mrs. Arias visited the approximate location where the UFO had been suspended, about 10 to 20 meters high. She found no evidence of scorched grass or burn marks. Footprints, also sought by her husband with police assistance, were not found, possibly because they never existed.

The area where the entities seemed to concentrate their attention was the blacksmith shop and workshop, particularly the cement-paved corridor separating the blacksmith shop from another shed. This corridor leads to a gate opening into a pen, near which eucalyptus trees stood, having been illuminated by a silvery, incandescent light. Attempts to collect samples from the corridor and the adjacent compact earth pen were unsuccessful. The side of the blacksmith shop is bordered by a barbed wire fence separating it from a network of gates and fences used for corralling cattle and sheep, forming a labyrinth that might have attracted attention.

The illustration on page 21 depicts the different phases of this phenomenon. The text notes that the entities circulated between the two sheds visible in the image during phase 3 of the incident. The power supply to the Arias' finca was affected, originating from a high-tension line supplying the coast and Necochea. It's noted that there was no general power outage in the Nicanor Olivera area that night, suggesting the problem was localized to the Arias' property. The witnesses were unsure when the power was restored, only knowing it was functional the next morning. The event left the Arias family, especially Mrs. Leonor Beatriz, very nervous. Days later, she developed a rash around her forehead and temples, which disappeared within a week. Her doctor, finding her very agitated, referred her to a cardiologist, who found no serious lesions or alterations in her electrocardiogram.

Apart from Mrs. Arias' rash, the rest of the family experienced no other disturbances. Notably, for two days following the event, their normally productive hens stopped laying eggs. The family dogs showed no signs of excitement during or after the phenomenon, though the witnesses speculated that the sound of the object and wind might have masked any barking.

Subsequent Observations and Incidents

In the week following the main event, on Tuesday, September 5, 1978, while traveling from Necochea to La Dulce, Mrs. Leonor Arias observed a bright white cloud that transformed into a reddish crescent, its shape changing for several minutes before vanishing.

Three days later, on Friday, September 8, 1978, another phenomenon occurred. In the early evening, a "sun" appeared over a field of barley and wheat, illuminating the surroundings. The light source appeared to pulsate, growing and shrinking for about five minutes. Around the same time, a similar incident took place at a farm near La Dulce. Nicolás Iturralde reported being blinded by a strong, reddish, balancing light, like a "gigantic sun," behind eucalyptus trees. Tractors and other machinery became "incandescent or phosphorescent." Iturralde also stated that lambs hung for an asado began to cook due to the intense heat. The witness's face became congested, and he later developed blisters. Animals on the farm, including horses, chickens, and dogs, showed signs of panic, especially the horses.

On Tuesday, September 12, the Arias family had another experience. They observed a luminosity that rhythmically increased and decreased in intensity, originating from the same small hill where the "sun" had appeared on September 8. A bright "star" detached from the main light source and descended in eight stages, pausing and sometimes disappearing. It finally stopped over a sheep pasture near the Arias' chalet. The light was red, orange, and white, characterized by its fluctuating intensity. Mrs. Arias mentally wished the light not to approach the chalet, and the light source then vanished, leaving only the luminosity behind the hill, which also disappeared shortly after.

The UFO of Putre (April 25, 1977)

This section details an event that occurred on April 25, 1977, involving a Chilean military patrol near Pampa Llusucma, close to the Bolivian border and the city of Putre in the Arica province. The patrol, consisting of a sergeant (Cabo Armando Valdés) and seven soldiers, was preparing to spend the night in the open. The night was clear and starry, at an altitude of 4,000 meters.

Around 04:00 hours, two sentinels, Pedro Rosales and Juan Reyes, noticed two stars descending rapidly from the sky. One star moved towards one side of the hill, and the other towards the opposite side, about 500 meters apart. Sentinel Pedro Rosales alerted Sergeant Valdés, reporting a light on the hill. Valdés and the other soldiers gathered to observe a large, intense, violet light suspended on the hillside, illuminating the entire area. It had two intense red points at its extremities and was approaching them silently.

Sergeant Valdés ordered the fire to be covered with blankets. The light approached, illuminated the fields and terrain, and then receded. One witness described it as a large light that advanced and retreated repeatedly. During one close approach, Sergeant Valdés stepped forward and shouted for the light to identify itself, but received no response. He then invoked God and ordered the light to leave, again without response. The soldiers stood ready to confront the phenomenon. The light, described as large, round, semi-oval, intense, and violet, increased and decreased in size in complete silence.

Animals nearby, including a flock of sheep, remained unusually still. The patrol's mascot dog and horses were also immobile. Sergeant Valdés nervously advanced about four meters towards the light and suddenly disappeared. Fifteen minutes later, he reappeared among his men without anyone hearing him arrive. He managed to say "Muchachos..." before collapsing unconscious. When revived, he looked at his men with wide eyes and uttered strange words: "You don't know who we are or where we come from... but I tell you we will return soon..." He then experienced spasms, laughed incoherently, and looked fearfully at the light before fainting again. While being covered with a blanket, the soldiers noticed he had grown a thick, five-day beard, despite having shaved that morning.

Later, Valdés regained consciousness, looked at the light, and expressed fear, saying "The light... the light..." before fainting again. He awoke fully recovered around 07:00 hours, with no memory of the event from the moment he approached the light. He asked about the light, and the soldiers told him it had remained there all night before disappearing at dawn. His digital watch had stopped at 4:30, but its calendar showed the date as the 30th, five days ahead of the actual date.

Two hours later, Pedro Aráneda, a correspondent for "La Estrella de Arica" and a primary school teacher, recorded the patrol members' direct testimonies. They all expressed certainty about what they had seen. Sergeant Valdés personally stated that he felt drawn to the light and that his disappearance was like falling into a deep abyss, leaving his mind blank. He expressed a desire to undergo hypnotic treatment to recover his memory of the fifteen minutes he was missing.

Government censorship attempted to suppress the news, but the story quickly spread. The newspaper "La Estrella de Arica" had to modify its report due to a government decree. However, the story gained wide public attention, and eventually, the governor lifted the censorship order. Major media outlets interviewed the protagonists. The Chilean Army's Joint Command issued an official statement acknowledging numerous inquiries about the events near Putre on April 25, 1977, stating that the Army did not comment on the events themselves but confirmed that no official version had been released prior to the press reports, which were generally consistent with the soldiers' accounts.

Valdés's desire for hypnotic regression to recover his lost memory of the fifteen minutes of disappearance, and the potential connection to time anomalies (indicated by his watch), remained unanswered questions.

Reflections on the UFO Phenomenon

Rubén Morales, in his "Reflections on the UFO Phenomenon," discusses the existence of UFOs. He expresses a desire for all reports of unconventional objects in the sky to be false or misinterpretations, as each case eliminated would simplify the investigator's task. However, the persistence of these manifestations suggests the phenomenon is real and tied to the present. He notes that if this persistence ceased, the enigma might be resolved, or it could be dismissed as a distant myth. Reality, however, indicates that UFO sightings are reported almost daily by global media. A significant portion of these reports are dubious, involving confusion with meteors or satellites, hoaxes, or deliberate deception. Yet, after filtering out negative information, certain cases remain that resist explanation and highlight the credibility of the investigation and witnesses, pointing to objects or phenomena not assimilable to anything known.

These reports, which prevent doubt about their reality and defy simplistic explanations, speak of strange objects or phenomena appearing in the sky. Their characteristics vary, but collectively they seem to belong to a common structure. Morales then poses the question: "What are UFOs?" He suggests that their origin and intentions are not the immediate key questions. The crucial task is to understand what they are, after which it would be worthwhile to investigate their purpose.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents detailed accounts of UAP sightings, emphasizing witness testimony and the physical or psychological effects experienced by those involved. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these phenomena, acknowledging their persistent nature and the challenges in explaining them through conventional means. The publication highlights unexplained aspects, such as localized power outages, physical changes in witnesses (beard growth), time anomalies, and the apparent responsiveness of some objects to human commands. The magazine also touches upon the difficulties in obtaining official information and the role of censorship in such cases. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown and the persistent questions surrounding UFOs, as exemplified by the "EL OVNI DE PUTRE" case and the Arias family's experiences. The publication seems to lean towards the reality of these phenomena, presenting them as significant events that warrant further study.

Next Issue Preview

The preview for the next issue includes articles on "LANDING WITH FOOTPRINTS IN TULUMBA (CORDOBA)" investigated by Alejandro Chionetti, "SINGULAR SIGHTING IN SARANDI (BUENOS AIRES)" investigated by Daniel Folcini and Rubén Morales, and "CONSIDERATIONS ON THE DISTRIBUTION OVER TIME OF REPORTS ON UFO SIGHTINGS" by José-Tomás Ramírez and Barberó, along with other reports of interest to UFO investigators.

This issue of UFO PRESS, identified as issue number 10 and dated February 1976, delves into the complex nature of UFO phenomena and related encounters. The magazine critically examines various hypotheses, particularly the extraterrestrial hypothesis, and presents detailed witness accounts.

Analysis of UFO Phenomena

The magazine begins by discussing the characteristics of reported UFOs, noting that reliable reports often mention solid objects with circular symmetry and sizes ranging from one to twenty meters, sometimes confirmed by radar. However, it also acknowledges reports of cylindrical, triangular, and fluidic objects, increasing the complexity of the phenomenon. The reported maneuvers of these objects are described as extraordinary and illogical, including sudden stops, accelerations, and sharp turns at high speeds, far beyond the capabilities of conventional aircraft.

The Dilemma of Anthropomorphic Entities

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the perplexing behavior of supposed "occupants" or "tripulantes." The text critiques the notion of these beings as merely "cordial extraterrestrial visitors" with scientific intentions, deeming such thoughts overly poetic and hypothetical. It argues that denying the possibility of understanding their behavior is anti-scientific. The article questions the assumption that humans are too technologically backward to comprehend them, especially if they are morphologically similar. While some manifestations suggest intelligent activity, others point to an unknown reality.

Several incidents involving humanoids are recounted:

• Puente Herrera, Spain (August 16, 1970): A young woman reported TV interference and a whistling sound. Upon opening her door, she saw an elliptical, silver object with a transparent dome, supported by legs, approximately four meters wide and two and a half meters high. A humanoid figure, about 1.80 meters tall, dressed in a dark, tight suit with a cap, and wearing white bracelets and a square buckle, was observed looking at an alfalfa field. The witness, frightened, closed the door, and the sound intensified before the phenomenon disappeared.
• Ensenada, Argentina (March 19, 1974): A resident observed a luminous, reddish human silhouette suspended in the air. The entity then changed into a celeste (light blue) suit. A light yellow object, darker in front and shaped like an oxygen tube, appeared and moved horizontally, obscuring the humanoid before moving away.

The text questions the scientific purpose of these humanoid beings' activities, finding no convincing answers.

• Ringuelet, Argentina (November 26, 1974): The Nicolini family witnessed a strong sound and a silver light. They saw an ovoid object rising from a neighbor's garden. At the landing site, a 3.40-meter diameter circular trace was found, along with a series of small triangular footprints leading to a laurel tree 12 meters away.

The author sarcastically suggests that flying saucers might not have bathrooms.

The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

The issue critically evaluates the extraterrestrial hypothesis, stating it was one of the first explanations proposed for UFOs and has persisted. However, it asserts that there is no single piece of evidence confirming UFOs as extraterrestrial vehicles, suggesting they could be natural or psychic energy manifestations. Dr. James McDonald is quoted as saying the extraterrestrial explanation is the "least unsatisfactory," but the article argues it's the most ambiguous and undefined. It illustrates this by noting how different sightings (e.g., a small disc performing pirouettes versus a landed lenticular object with a humanoid, or giants versus small beings) are all explained away as extraterrestrial, sometimes from different planets or with different races, which the author dismisses as unscientific imagination.

The article contrasts this with scientific methodology, using Halley's comet observations as an example of hypothesis verification. It points out that after over 30 years of UFO studies, there are still no verifications. Thousands of reports have been collected, but progress is minimal, with each new piece of data seemingly complicating the puzzle. Notably, no two UFOs or anthropomorphic entities are exactly alike, making each case an isolated island within a larger archipelago.

This lack of clear patterns, illogical movements, and enigmatic entities, combined with the absence of proof, leads the author to consider the extraterrestrial hypothesis "decadent" and too simple for the phenomenon.

Seeking Solutions

The author expresses frustration with the lack of satisfactory explanations, including the "secret weapon" and "psychic or atmospheric phenomena" hypotheses. Many researchers, it is suggested, cling to the extraterrestrial hypothesis to feel knowledgeable. The article questions the nature of UFOs, stating that explanations like secret weapons, psychic phenomena, or cosmic visitors are insufficient for such a multifaceted phenomenon.

It raises the possibility, suggested by Jacques Vallée, that someone might be attempting to alter human imagination through "three-dimensional holograms," possibly to dominate the planet or induce spiritual change. However, these suppositions are deemed purely imaginative and lacking scientific basis.

The article concludes this section with the maxim: "To an unidentified object... unidentified origin."

Towards Solutions

Despite the expressed dissatisfaction with preconceptions, the author believes the UFO problem has a solution and is amenable to study. While individual sightings are dissimilar, they appear to belong to a common phenomenological stratum. The author uses the analogy of islands in an ocean, where only by exploring the underlying "invisible submarine platform" can the connecting links be discovered. Similarly, with UFOs, only by discovering the underlying structure can the basic cause of the phenomena be understood.

Case Study: Interesting Sighting in Córdoba

This section details an investigation by Victor Mamondi into events in the province of Córdoba. The report focuses on the testimony of the Navarro family regarding an event on December 21, 1978.

• Location and Time: Calle 18, number 223, Barrio Talleres Este, Córdoba, Argentina, around 03:00 AM on Thursday, December 21, 1978. The weather was humid and warm with a clear sky and scattered clouds.
• Witnesses: Amalia de Navarro (42, housewife) and Américo Navarro (45, hospital employee).
• Interest in UFOs: Neither witness had previously read publications on the topic.
• The Phenomenon: The event began when Américo Navarro, unable to sleep due to the heat, looked out the window and saw a light moving in the sky. He woke his wife, who also observed it.
• Objects Observed: Three objects were seen, described as being close together, like a "little train." Their number did not change.
• Description: The objects were cylindrical with slightly rounded upper and lower edges, lacking additional structures. Their form did not change.
• Appearance: Metallic.
• Color: Light green, surrounded by an intense yellow halo that gradually softened.
• Apparent Size: Estimated by the witness to be about 30 centimeters.
• Trajectory: Rectilinear and constant.
• Direction: West to East.
• Speed: Slow and constant.
• Distance: Estimated between 500 and 1000 meters.
• Duration: 2 to 3 minutes.
• Disappearance: The phenomenon was lost in the distance.

• Other Data: No sound was emitted. The phenomenon did not leave a trail, and the objects' forms did not change. The three objects passed through a small cloud, which illuminated with a soft yellowish hue.

Additional Testimonies from Córdoba

• Malagueño: On the same morning (December 21, 1978, around 3:00 AM), Germán Funes, his wife María E. Pinedo de Funes, and the Montironi couple were returning by car. Mrs. Funes observed a bright glow among the clouds. They saw three luminous objects moving slowly from west to east over the sierras, appearing united by a light beam. The experience lasted one minute. The objects were described as almost spherical. The phenomenon disappeared behind clouds that lit up with reddish and white tones.
• Route 20: Héctor Caffarati and three friends saw a bright object joined to two smaller ones by a luminous beam, which then hid behind the sierras.
• Malagueño (Third Testimony): José Cáceres reported hearing his dog bark nervously and noises in the chicken coop, leading him to investigate. He saw a reddish luminosity in the sky, like a sunrise, and a bright object that quickly disappeared behind the sierras around 03:20 AM.

Conclusions on the Córdoba Incident

The author vouches for the veracity and coherence of the Navarro couple's testimony, finding no contradictions. Regarding the phenomenon itself, the author believes it should be excluded from possibilities of confusion with natural phenomena or known objects. Furthermore, supporting the Navarro testimony, there are at least nine other witnesses in the Malagueño area who reported seeing three unknown objects cross the sky of Córdoba province on the morning of December 21, 1978, with only minor discrepancies.

Organizations Mentioned

• STENDEK, Servicio Informativo C.E.I.: A quarterly publication from the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios, founded in 1958 and registered in Barcelona, Spain.
• GIGOFF: Goteborgs Informations Center for Ordentifierade Flygande Foremal, located in Sweden.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of UFO sightings, the characteristics of unidentified objects and their occupants, and a critical examination of the prevailing extraterrestrial hypothesis. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards simplistic explanations, advocating for rigorous scientific investigation while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The magazine emphasizes the need to uncover the underlying structure connecting various UFO phenomena, moving beyond mere observation to deeper analysis. It highlights the importance of witness testimony while also questioning its interpretation and the potential for misidentification or psychological influence. The issue champions a methodical approach to understanding the phenomenon, even if it means admitting ignorance rather than accepting unverified hypotheses.

This issue of UFO PRESS, published by SIU, introduces a new section titled "NOVEDADES BIBLIOGRAFICAS" (Bibliographic Novelties). This section aims to provide readers with opinions and guidance on acquiring books related to the UFO theme, responding to numerous reader requests.

Book Reviews

CONTACTOS CON EXTRATERRESTRES, by Brad Steiger

Published by EDAF S.A. in Madrid, Spain, this book by the American investigator Brad Steiger (author of 'PROYECTO LIBRO AZUL' and 'FORASTEROS DEL ESPACIO') is a compilation of "close encounters of the third kind." The review states that the book adds nothing new to what is already known and, in some chapters, ventures into delicate territory without success. The reviewer concludes that it is not a recommendable work.

EL ENIGMA DE LA EXPLOSION EN SIBERA, by John Baxter and Thomas Atkins

Edited by Pomaire S.A. in Barcelona, Spain, this book is considered the best written in Spanish about the mysterious explosion of June 30, 1908. The authors, both experienced journalists, have combined scientific rigor with a captivating narrative. The review highlights Chapter 8, where the authors draw an interesting comparison between the Siberian explosion and the nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The book is described as soberly documented and highly recommendable.

HUMANOIDES EXTRATERRESTRES, by Henry Durrant

Published by Javier Vergara Editor S.R.L. in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this work by Henry Durrant, who has written several books on UFOs, offers an objective and despassionate view of the most delicate aspect of the UFO phenomenon: the observation of alleged alien occupants. The book is a thorough compilation of the most reliable incidents worldwide. Its serious and organized content, along with excellent presentation, makes it a worthy addition to the library of any UFO enthusiast.

DOS CIENTIFICOS VIAJAN EN OVNI, by Fabio Zerpa, Daniel W. Fry, and Enrique Castillo Rincón

Edited by Cielosur Editora S.A.C.I. in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this book integrates material previously known, including Dr. Fry's 'Incident of White Sands' and Ing. Castillo Rincón's 'contacts,' as presented by the magazine 'Cuarta Dimensión.' The review is extremely critical, stating that it is impossible to comment on the book with any seriousness due to the absurd assertions made by the two "scientists" and the equally absurd comments by "professor" Zerpa. The work is labeled as lamentable, absurd, demencial, and repudiable, with no positive value. The reviewer believes its existence justifies the skepticism of true scientists towards the UFO phenomenon and neutralizes the efforts of those who investigate it seriously and objectively. The book is ultimately dismissed as a fraud designed to make easy money by deceiving unsuspecting readers.

Collaborations

The magazine outlines requirements for future collaborations intended for publication in UFO PRESS. These include:

a) Exclusively addressing the UFO theme in any of its scientific evaluation categories (case studies, theory, investigative practice, etc.).
b) Case study articles must be the result of personal investigations conducted by the signing group or analyst.
c) Submissions should be typed, double-spaced, and accompanied by photographs, drawings, plans, diagrams, or schemes to adequately illustrate the work.
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 all specified requirements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance is critical of unsubstantiated or fraudulent claims within the UFO field, as evidenced by the harsh review of 'Dos Cientificos Viajan en OVNI.' There is a clear emphasis on promoting serious, objective, and well-documented research, as seen in the positive review of 'El Enigma de la Explosión en Siberia' and 'Humanoides Extraterrestres.' The magazine also values reader engagement, as demonstrated by the introduction of the bibliographic novelties section based on reader feedback. The overall tone encourages rigorous investigation and critical analysis of UFO phenomena.