UFO PRESS - No 17 - (Jul 1983)

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO PRESS
Issue: 17
Volume: VI
Date: July 1983
Publisher: CIU-CUFOS (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Type: Quarterly Publication

This issue of UFO PRESS, number 17 from July 1983, focuses on UFO phenomena with a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and the challenges faced by ufologists, particularly in Argentina. The cover prominently features a photograph of ground traces related to a UFO incident and highlights key articles such as 'Aterrizaje en Mendoza' (Landing in Mendoza), 'La Hipótesis Extraterrestre' (The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis), and 'El Caso de Trevelin' (The Trevelin Case).

Editorial: Informe de la Situación

Alejandro Chionetti's editorial, 'Informe de la Situación' (Report on the Situation), critiques the inertia and resistance to novelty within the academic and professional spheres, arguing that true innovation is often met with opposition from those who benefit from established traditions and monopolies of knowledge. He draws a parallel with the historical struggles of scientific pioneers like Florentino Ameghino, a prominent Argentine paleontologist who faced resistance from orthodox scientists in the late 19th century. Chionetti laments that similar attitudes persist in Argentina, where scientific institutions and professionals are seen as clinging to outdated epistemologies, neglecting fields like psychology, sociology, and etology.

The editorial highlights the difficulty in finding genuine researchers in ufology, contrasting the past with the present. It discusses attempts to bridge the gap between scientific institutions and UFO research, referencing an effort to engage the Sociedad Científica Argentina with Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a renowned astronomer and astrophysicist. However, the Sociedad Científica reportedly dismissed the possibility of contributing to UFO studies, stating that it found no relation between UFOs and their organization. Chionetti criticizes this stance, suggesting that the Argentine scientific community remains stuck in the 19th century, ignoring phenomena that do not fit within established laboratory or empirical frameworks. He notes that while scientists may deny UFOs publicly, they often consume science fiction privately. The solution proposed is for ufologists to be true researchers, focusing on empirical study, field investigations, and acquiring scientific training, rather than merely collecting clippings or forming superficial groups.

Chionetti emphasizes the need for a rigorous, scientific approach to UFO phenomena, drawing inspiration from figures like Ameghino and advocating for a Janus-faced perspective: looking back at past contributions and forward to new discoveries. He calls for a commitment to investigation, analysis, and understanding the potential implications of UFOs for human thought.

El Caso Santa Inés: Aterrizaje con Huellas en Mendoza

This article, authored by Daniel Moreno and Daniel Rojo, details a significant UFO landing case that occurred on September 19, 1979, in the Barrio Santa Inés, Luján, Mendoza, Argentina. The primary witnesses were two children, Héctor Daniel Lara (11 years old) and Ricardo José Morón. While playing, they observed a red light approaching at an altitude of about 20 meters. The light pulsed, then landed on a vacant lot approximately 70 meters away. It then performed a short 'jump' of about 2 meters before settling again. The children alerted other friends, who initially disbelieved them but eventually accompanied them to the site.

Upon arrival, the object was still present. The witnesses reported seeing strange white and blue luminous 'rays' and hearing a sound described as a 'whip crack' or 'whistle'. After this, the phenomena ceased, and the object disappeared. The witnesses did not see the object take off. Subsequent examination of the landing site revealed a circular mark on the ground, approximately 50 cm in diameter, containing five small orifices—four lateral and one central.

The case was reported to the police and investigated by personnel from the Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA). Héctor Lara described the object as approximately one meter in diameter and circular, though he did not observe any landing gear. He primarily saw a light of medium to high intensity. The object's color changed from reddish to a light blue or celeste after landing. Other witnesses corroborated the central events, though some details were attributed to the children's active imaginations, such as Ricardo Morón's description of a 'flying saucer' with a dome and landing gear, which contradicted Lara's account.

Physical Environment Modification and Analysis

The investigation confirmed physical alterations to the soil at the landing site. The orifices were found to be approximately 2 cm in diameter and of considerable depth. The surrounding circle was about 50 cm in diameter. The presence of the Cuarta Brigada Aérea was also noted. Police reports indicated that the orifices were initially only 2 cm in diameter and shallow, but were later enlarged due to sample collection by police and CNEA technicians. Juan Carlos Campomaggi, a professional photographer, documented the initial findings and confirmed the presence of the circle, suggesting it was caused by a solid object.

Soil tests for radioactivity were conducted using photographic plates for five minutes, yielding negative results. Chemical analysis of the soil composition also showed no significant differences compared to a control sample. There was no evidence that the ground had been subjected to high temperatures. The landing area was described as a flat, compact, and difficult-to-penetrate plot of land.

Conclusions and Annex

The analysis of the evidence led to several conclusions: an object did land, causing multiple physical traces (orifices and a circle). There was no evidence of radiation or significant temperature changes. No known flying object matched the witnesses' descriptions and the observed traces. An annex includes a report from the Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, which confirmed the witnesses' descriptions of the traces but noted that the children exhibited contradictions and a degree of imagination. The CNEA's studies on the ground and soil composition yielded negative results regarding radioactivity and chemical changes, leading to a lack of physical evidence to support the witnesses' accounts.

Other Articles Mentioned in the Table of Contents:

• La Hipótesis Extraterrestre (The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) by Dr. J. Allen Hynek
• Efectos Fisiológicos en los Encuentros Cercanos (Physiological Effects in Close Encounters) by Angel A. Díaz
• Los Testigos (The Witnesses) by Luis R. González
• La Esfera Luminosa de Chapadmalal (The Luminous Sphere of Chapadmalal)
• Avistaje en Pieres (Sighting in Pieres)
• El Aterrizaje de Trevelin (The Trevelin Landing) by Guillermo C. Roncoroni

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for a scientific and rigorous approach to ufology. It criticizes the resistance of established scientific institutions to new phenomena and highlights the importance of empirical investigation, field studies, and proper training for researchers. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, urging ufologists to move beyond mere collection of anecdotal evidence and to engage in systematic, objective analysis. There is a clear emphasis on the need for scientific methodology and a rejection of pseudoscientific approaches. The magazine positions itself as a platform for serious discussion and investigation of UFO phenomena, aiming to contribute to a deeper understanding of this complex subject.

This issue of 'CUADERNO DE INVESTIGACION' (Issue 11), published in October 1982 by CUFOS, focuses on UFO/UAP phenomena in Argentina. The cover prominently features the title 'LA ESFERA LUMINOSA DE CHAPADMALAL' (The Luminous Sphere of Chapadmalal), indicating a lead story on this event. The magazine also includes a 'BOLSA DE PEDIDOS' (Order Bag) section, where readers can request specific UFO-related materials and contact other enthusiasts.

NOTA ACLARATORIA

A clarification is provided regarding a rumor about a liquid found near footprints that allegedly caused a police officer's hand to inflame. Arq. Parra confirmed that if the liquid existed, it left no visible or chemical traces. The officer's inflammation was attributed to a pre-existing edema, later confirmed by a medical professional.

BOLSA DE PEDIDOS (Order Bag)

This section contains several reader requests:

• A request to purchase old UFO bulletins edited in Argentina, with a list of available material and prices to be sent to Srta. María E. Díaz in Florida, Buenos Aires.
• A search for the Spanish edition of John G. Fuller's book 'The Incident at Exeter', with contact information for Elba A. Acosta in Capital Federal.
• A request for issues of 'STENDEK' magazine from Juan Juncos in Capital Federal.
• A search for data and contact information for Sr. Sergio Schlimovich, a witness to a UFO event on September 6, 1970, in Paraná, Entre Ríos, who reportedly obtained two color photographs. The request is from CIU-CUFOS Bs. As.
• An inquiry asking enthusiasts for their opinions on the 20 best Argentine and foreign UFO cases, with the results to be published. The request is from Heriberto Janosch in San Isidro, Buenos Aires.

LA ESFERA LUMINOSA DE CHAPADMALAL (The Luminous Sphere of Chapadmalal)

This article details an investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred on June 23, 1981, in Chapadmalal, Buenos Aires Province. The witness, Miguel Angel Perassolo, a day-shift ice cream vendor and night-shift security guard at an auto maintenance facility, provided his account.

Perassolo reported that around 3:30 AM, while washing his face, he noticed the bathroom light dimming as if experiencing a power drop. When he moved to the security booth, the light went out completely. This darkness made him notice a bright luminosity outside. Through the window, he saw a large red sphere suspended about 100 meters above the trees. Initially reddish, it shifted to an orange or soft pink hue. The sphere's luminosity was uniform, and it began to ascend vertically without changing size. Perassolo compared its brightness to a blowtorch and estimated its size to be similar to a Renault 12 car, based on the height of the surrounding 10-meter trees.

The observation site was an auto maintenance facility with a large, grassy front area, surrounded by bushes and tall pine trees. The phenomenon was observed above a group of pine trees about 100 meters from Perassolo's post.

Perassolo stated the object remained stationary for about 5 minutes, about two to three meters above the trees, before ascending smoothly and heading southwest towards Nicanor Ottamendi. He was struck by the object's size and the complete silence of the event. He expressed that he might never find an answer to what he observed.

Perassolo had been interested in UFOs for a long time, though more so in ancient civilizations. He admitted to not having read books on UFOs. The case came to the attention of the press through a friend of the witness whose acquaintance worked at the newspaper 'El Atlántico' in Mar del Plata. A journalist was sent to take notes, suggesting the witness did not initiate the public disclosure.

Additionally, Perassolo mentioned that many other inhabitants of Chapadmalal reported a strong, though brief, power outage at the same time. The report also notes that the local police station in Chapadmalal had also experienced issues with their electrical supply. The investigators found Perassolo to be a credible witness with no apparent motive for fraud, noting his appreciation for intellectual pursuits despite his humble work.

The article references two newspaper articles from July 1, 1981, in 'La Razón' and 'Crónica', likely related to the initial reports of this event.

AVISTAJE EN PIERES (Sighting in Pieres)

This article, authored by Guillermo Daniel Giménez, investigates an incident that occurred on July 17, 1979, in the small town of Pieres, located 11 kilometers from Necochea in Buenos Aires Province. The case remains relevant due to similar incidents in the region.

The incident involved Mónica, Graciela, and Javier A. Esquivel, along with Miguel Fourgeau, all residents of Necochea. While returning from a visit, their Chevrolet car reached the intersection of Pieres when they observed a powerful, bluish light approaching slowly. Initially, Graciela thought it was a falling star, but as the light grew brighter and closer, the occupants became nervous.

The light stopped directly in front of their vehicle, prompting Javier Antonio, the driver, to stop and pull over to the shoulder. They estimated the unidentified light was several meters above their car. The strong reflection remained stationary for about 20 minutes before ascending abruptly and heading towards Balcarce.

The witnesses could not determine if the light came from an object or apparatus due to its intense glare. During the observation, several vehicles passed by on the road without stopping.

Conclusions: The investigation concluded that the Pieres case is an authentic report of an unidentified luminous phenomenon, ruling out fraud. Graciela Esquivel reportedly suffered a severe physical reaction due to the experience. The event suggests that four young people witnessed a luminous phenomenon of unidentified nature and origin near Necochea on the night of July 17, 1979.

PROXIMA EDICION (Next Issue)

The upcoming issue, to be distributed in late October, will feature articles titled 'REFLEXIONES A MITAD DE CAMINO' by Carlos Benedetto, 'EL INCIDENTE DEL LAGO LACAR' by Alejandro Chionetti and Guillermo Roncoroni, and 'MEDIDA DE LA SUBJETIVIDAD DE UN TESTIMONIO' by Miguel Guasp and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos. It will also include the first Spanish edition of the 'INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER'.

EL ATERRIZAJE DE TREVELIN (The Landing of Trevelín)

This article, authored by Guillermo Carlos Roncoroni, details an incident that occurred on a farm near Trevelín, in the Patagonian province of Chubut. Trevelín is described as a small, picturesque city of about 5000 inhabitants, located approximately 20 km southwest of Esquel and 8 km east of Lake Futaleufú, near the border with Chile.

The specific site of the sighting is a farm 3 km from Trevelín, owned by Mr. Emrys Evans, an elderly English-born farmer who had lived in Trevelín since 1938. The farm, dedicated to fruit trees and a few farm animals, is primarily for self-sufficiency.

Evans, then 70 years old, was in his main bedroom around 9:00 PM on Sunday, August 16, 1981. After leaving the kitchen, he went outside with a flashlight into a very dark night with a temperature of about 2 degrees Celsius. The sky was clear, and there was no wind.

He noticed a reddish luminosity to the west. Shortly after, the farm animals became agitated, and some ostriches took flight. Approaching a barn, he observed everything in order but then saw, among the trees, what appeared to be a 'tongue of fire' emerging from a dense group of pine trees. Initially thinking it was a fire, Evans moved closer to assess the situation.

Upon reaching the trees, he entered the small wooded area and, about 100 meters in, saw what he initially took to be a "stalled vehicle," given that it had rained heavily for the previous 48 hours.

The article includes a diagram of the farm and surrounding area, labeling key locations such as the kitchen, bedroom, shed, stable, corral, and bridge, as well as the witness's positions and the OVNI's location. It also includes a sketch of a disc-shaped object with lights and exhaust.

Evans' account was prompted by an extensive clipping from the newspaper 'EL CHUBUT,' kindly provided by Rolando P. Coluccini. Additional data was obtained through the collaboration of a researcher from Neuquén who visited Trevelín.

Evans decided to approach the area, observing that the animals and ostriches were spooked. He saw a 'tongue of fire' emerging from the pines. Thinking it was a fire, he went to investigate. He found what he initially thought was a 'stalled vehicle' about 100 meters into the woods. The article notes that heavy rain had occurred in the preceding 48 hours.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents detailed investigations into UFO/UAP sightings, emphasizing witness testimony and the challenges of verifying such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, aiming to present documented cases and analyses, while acknowledging the limitations of evidence and the potential for misinterpretation. The inclusion of reader requests and future article previews suggests an active community engagement. The magazine also addresses potential hoaxes or misunderstandings, as seen in the clarification regarding the Chapadmalal incident, and concludes that the presented cases are authentic reports of unidentified luminous phenomena, ruling out fraud.

This issue of U.P.I.A.R. (An International Annual Review Devoted to the scientific study of Ufo Phenomena) features several articles exploring the nature and implications of UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on the extraterrestrial hypothesis and the physical and psychological effects on witnesses. The publication is presented in Spanish, with some English text at the end, and is dated October 1982.

Case Study: Emrys Evans Sighting

The magazine details a sighting by Emrys Evans, who observed a luminous object near a group of willows. The object was dark, elongated, and tapered, with vertical windows emitting yellowish light. A bright white 'headlight' emanated from one end. Evans described the object as hovering about two to two and a half meters above the ground, bobbing and giving 'head nods'.

As Evans approached, the object's 'headlight' rotated 90 degrees and pointed directly at him, causing temporary blindness, intense eye watering, and difficulty standing. He took refuge behind a tree and later retreated home. The object's light allowed him to find his way back in the dark.

Upon returning to the site the next morning, Evans found his dropped flashlight and noticed his shoe prints in the soft earth. A dry patch of earth, approximately 10 by 5 meters, was observed where the object was thought to have hovered. No tire tracks were found, ruling out conventional vehicles.

Physiological Effects on the Witness

Following the incident, Evans experienced visual discomfort for about a week, diagnosed as mild conjunctivitis. For two days, he also reported leg heaviness and persistent headaches. The article notes that while the witness's testimony is considered reliable due to his reputation for honesty, the circumstances of the observation (poor lighting) could have led to confusion.

Analysis of the Incident

A journalist who visited the site shortly after the incident confirmed the absence of tire tracks. The article also dismisses the possibility of a helicopter due to the object's behavior and the lack of sound. Meteorological phenomena are also ruled out as an explanation. The preliminary conclusion is that the sighting was motivated by a real, unknown object or agent.

The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis: A Scientific Evaluation

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, in an article translated by Dr. Willy Smith, examines the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) for UFOs. He begins by acknowledging the vastness of the universe, suggesting it's improbable that Earth harbors the only intelligence. However, he questions the direct equation of UFOs with extraterrestrial intelligence.

Hynek discusses the immense distances involved in interstellar travel, illustrating with the example of a deck of cards representing the Earth-Moon distance, requiring a stack thirty kilometers high to represent the distance to the nearest star. He highlights the prohibitive energy costs associated with achieving speeds close to the speed of light, as dictated by Einstein's theory of relativity.

He also raises several pertinent questions: Why are UFOs not detected by radar? Why do they behave evasively and subreptitiously? Why do they seem to exhibit intelligence and curiosity towards humans? He suggests that the common interpretation of UFOs might be too simplistic.

Hynek proposes that UFOs might not originate from distant regions of space but from 'parallel realities' – other dimensions or planes of existence. He speculates that UFOs might be a form of control or conditioning system designed to draw humanity's attention to its potential for self-destruction (e.g., via nuclear weapons) and encourage a shift in consciousness towards recognizing humanity's place in a larger cosmic community.

He contrasts this with the idea of a direct confrontation, such as a massive landing, which psychologists and sociologists believe could be psychologically devastating to humanity. Therefore, a gradual acclimatization to the presence of other intelligences might be a more effective approach.

Hynek also touches upon the concept of 'paranormal' phenomena, suggesting that what is considered paranormal today might be understood as normal in the future, drawing a parallel with Galileo's experiments and the eventual understanding of atomic energy.

He concludes that the behavior of UFOs, often described as physical objects, is difficult to understand within conventional physical terms, suggesting they might operate beyond three spatial dimensions or possess a multidimensional reality.

Physiological Effects in Close Encounters

Angel Alberto Díaz presents a statistical analysis of physiological effects observed in UFO encounters. The study examines 21 cases, noting that while many encounters are dramatic, those resulting in physical injuries are particularly striking.

The most common injuries are dermatological (17 out of 21 cases), ranging from mild irritation to slow-healing sores. Ophthalmic lesions (8 cases) are also reported, including mild irritation and temporary vision loss. Other symptoms include weakness, headaches, muscle pain, numbness, nausea, auditory problems, weight loss, and gastrointestinal issues.

In 8 cases, witnesses reported partial or total loss of mobility in their legs or arms during the incident. Out of 21 cases, 17 witnesses remained conscious throughout the event, while 4 experienced a loss of consciousness. In 18 cases, witnesses were described as 'very agitated' or 'agitated', with some experiencing emotional shock.

The study notes that 10 cases involved luminous objects with various colors, predominantly red, white, and yellow. Ten witnesses reported hearing a humming sound. Distances were often described as 'very close' or 'close'. In 14 cases, luminous energy irradiation was observed, and in 6 cases, heat irradiation.

Humanoid entities were associated with 6 cases, with numbers ranging from one to several. In 3 cases, these entities were reported to emit beams of light, and in 3 cases, direct contact occurred. In 2 cases, contact resulted in lesions, while in one case, the entities initiated contact, causing a loss of consciousness in the witness.

The analysis also examines the timing of these cases, noting a slight tendency for them to occur during Argentinian UFO waves, but also a significant number outside of these periods, such as three cases in 1980. The hourly distribution of sightings shows a pattern similar to general UFO reports, with peaks during the early morning and late evening.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained nature of UFO phenomena, leaning towards a scientific yet open-minded approach. The articles grapple with the limitations of current scientific understanding in explaining UFOs and their potential implications. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony, physiological effects, and the theoretical possibilities of extraterrestrial intelligence and advanced technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the subject, encouraging readers to consider unconventional explanations while maintaining a critical perspective. The publication seems to advocate for a deeper understanding of the universe and humanity's place within it, suggesting that UFOs may be a catalyst for such awareness.

Title: INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER
Issue: 31
Date: March 1983

This issue of the International UFO Reporter features an analysis of witness reliability in UFO phenomena and a discussion of the characteristics of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP).

Witness Reliability: Are Witnesses Precise and Reliable?

Luis R. González critically examines the common belief among amateur ufologists that witnesses are precise and reliable. He cites a study indicating that over 90% of sightings have conventional explanations. González challenges the notion that witnesses who are not UFO enthusiasts are more credible, suggesting that even ordinary people can experience hallucinations. He discusses how factors like sleep deprivation, hypoglycemia, and even CO2 can trigger hallucinations, which often manifest in a limited number of recurring forms or constant images.

The article debunks several myths about witness reliability:

• The 'naive' witness: Contrary to popular belief, individuals unfamiliar with UFOs might elaborate more elaborate visions when confronted with the unknown.
• The 'expert' observer: Pilots and police officers, despite their observational experience, have shown high error rates in identifying aerial phenomena.
• Multiple witnesses: The study found that multiple witnesses do not necessarily improve reliability, and in some cases, group interaction can 'adorn' a report.

González emphasizes that emotional reactions, while sometimes intense, cannot be used to differentiate between conventional objects (OVIs) and genuine UAPs (OVNIs). He also touches upon the unreliability of animal reactions as evidence, as the interpretation lies with the witness, and animals can be influenced by human emotions.

Despite the challenges, González acknowledges that some minimal, unexplainable magnitudes might remain. He highlights key factors to consider:

• Proximity: Closer encounters are less prone to error, though distance estimations are often underestimated.
• Brightness: Intense brightness, while common in descriptions, can also be attributed to known objects like Venus.
• Time and Duration: Independent witness accounts of sighting times and durations often vary significantly.
• Size: Without accurate distance, size estimations are unreliable.
• Direction: Witnesses may have difficulty indicating cardinal directions accurately.

González concludes by paraphrasing Jacques Vallée, suggesting that for every known UFO case, there might be a similar OVI case with comparable witness numbers and strangeness. He references Allan Hendry's work, which identified over 100 cases without conventional explanations, and stresses that the primary goal of ufology should be to eliminate OVI cases first, to better understand genuine OVNIs.

Conclusions on UAP Characteristics

Angel Alberto Díaz, from Río Ceballos, Córdoba, presents conclusions based on a study of reported cases. He notes a significant similarity across cases, particularly concerning luminous UAP types, dermal lesions, and the emotional state of witnesses during encounters (exaltation). These similarities lend credibility to the phenomena, despite geographical and temporal heterogeneity.

Díaz frames these phenomena within the broader field of UAP studies, supported by annual distribution patterns, time-of-day observations, characteristics of associated objects, humanoid entities, and physical effects that medical specialists find difficult to explain.

UAP Illustrations

The magazine includes detailed illustrations of various UAP shapes and configurations, categorized by distance:

Distant Encounters: * A luminous mass. * Globular disc. * Globular cigar. * Oval light.

Less Distant Encounters: * Cigar with blinking lights/windows. * Disc with lights on the rim. * Disc with a string of lights. * Disc with flickering lights.

Close Encounters: * Approaching disc with luminous buttons. * Retroceding ovoid with two rows of lights. * Retroceding disc-shaped object in a "tortilla" shape with luminous buttons. * Retroceding rugby ball-shaped ovoid with windows. * Retroceding object with a sequence of lights from left to right. * Retroceding object with a sequence of lights from left to right. * Object with lights on the rim rotating.

Other Content

The cover also announces that the magazine will be available in Spanish in October. A logo for the "CIU COMISION DE INVESTIGACIONES UFOLOGICAS" is present on the final page.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical evaluation of UFO witness testimony and the scientific approach to understanding UAP. The editorial stance appears to favor a rigorous, evidence-based investigation that seeks to eliminate conventional explanations before accepting extraordinary ones. There is a clear emphasis on the psychological and perceptual factors that can influence witness accounts, urging caution and skepticism while not entirely dismissing the possibility of genuine, unexplained phenomena.