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Very cool you are MUFON investigator, thanks for sharing. My interest in the Phenomena in general from seeing strange things when I lived in Santa Fe, NM for a few years and never thought about it until a decade later after hearing the reporting on the congressional testimony of David Grucsh alongside the rise of AI in our daily lives in 2023. Asked an old friend if I was crazy for remembering things we had seen, he remembered them clearly as well. I have spent lots of time in San Martín de los Andes and Pucon the last few years and have heard many unsolicited first hand accounts of strange phenomena. I've heard of the famous Bariloche pilot story and nuclear reactor outage account from the 90's. There are so many strange elements to the phenomena, with much of it very possibly being official disinformation. Finding good sources is tricky in a roomful of mirrors! I read from your early post of Cattle Mutilations, have never thought about it in an Argentina context. What's up with that?
I never heard of MUFON. I looked it up and it is fascinating.

@xfiltrate can I ask how you became an investigator?
 
Very cool you are MUFON investigator, thanks for sharing. My interest in the Phenomena in general from seeing strange things when I lived in Santa Fe, NM for a few years and never thought about it until a decade later after hearing the reporting on the congressional testimony of David Grucsh alongside the rise of AI in our daily lives in 2023. Asked an old friend if I was crazy for remembering things we had seen, he remembered them clearly as well. I have spent lots of time in San Martín de los Andes and Pucon the last few years and have heard many unsolicited first hand accounts of strange phenomena. I've heard of the famous Bariloche pilot story and nuclear reactor outage account from the 90's. There are so many strange elements to the phenomena, with much of it very possibly being official disinformation. Finding good sources is tricky in a roomful of mirrors! I read from your early post of Cattle Mutilations, have never thought about it in an Argentina context. What's up with that?
Thanks for sharing that story — Santa Fe and northern New Mexico have had a reputation for strange sightings for many years. When two people remember the same event years later, it certainly makes you stop and think.

You also mentioned the recent Congressional testimony. The statements from Navy pilots who encountered unidentified craft during training operations were a big turning point because those cases involved radar, infrared sensors, and trained observers. One of the key witnesses was David Grusch, whose testimony helped bring the subject more openly into discussion in Washington.

On the cattle mutilation question, one of the most thorough researchers on that subject is Linda Moulton Howe. She has spent decades interviewing ranchers, veterinarians, and law-enforcement officials about the phenomenon. If you're interested in digging deeper, her website https://www.earthfiles.com is an excellent resource and very well indexed.

Another long-time journalist who has followed this topic closely is George Knapp out of Las Vegas. He has been reporting on the subject for decades and frequently discusses new developments on the radio program https://www.coasttocoastam.com. Knapp has done a lot to separate solid reporting from the noise — helpful when, as you said, the whole field sometimes feels like a room full of mirrors.

Here in Argentina we also became friends with Kiki Mario, one of the local authors who has spent years documenting sightings and witness reports across the country.

As MUFON field investigators we try to keep it simple: collect the data, interview witnesses, document what we can, and avoid jumping to conclusions.

Argentina and Chile have had their share of reports too, especially in rural cattle regions. When you spend time riding motorcycles out in the countryside you occasionally hear some very interesting rancher stories. Matter of fact, during our rides through South America the best source of UFO/UAP/abduction stories has often been gas stations. Truck drivers, ranchers, and night-shift attendants are out there at all hours and see things most people never do.

I’ve often thought that overland travelers — especially motorcycle riders who spend time in remote areas — could become a useful observation network if they learned how to properly document unusual events.

Curious question: have you or anyone you know heard similar stories or sightings anywhere in Argentina?

One working theory among us riders: intergalactic tourism.
Argentina’s cattle are simply being abducted for asados aboard hovering UFOs
 
In the course of investigating strange events I’ve developed a small device of my own — the Boludómetro.
It’s used to measure exaggeration levels during interviews with abductees and witnesses.

I’ll post a photo of the instrument. If there’s interest, I can explain the operating principles.
Several people asked how the Boludómetro works.

The unit is actually a hand-built field instrument. The controls are hidden underneath the housing and allow the investigator to operate the needle meter, buzzer, and the blinking indicator light.

The blinking light signals that the instrument has established a connection with the Boludómetro satellite network, which assists with long-range exaggeration detection.

During interviews the investigator simply observes the witness while adjusting the controls. If the needle begins moving toward the upper end of the scale and the buzzer activates, it indicates that the Boludómetro is detecting elevated levels of storytelling.

It’s not perfect science of course — but after years of field work it has proven remarkably accurate.
 

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Thanks for sharing that story — Santa Fe and northern New Mexico have had a reputation for strange sightings for many years. When two people remember the same event years later, it certainly makes you stop and think.

You also mentioned the recent Congressional testimony. The statements from Navy pilots who encountered unidentified craft during training operations were a big turning point because those cases involved radar, infrared sensors, and trained observers. One of the key witnesses was David Grusch, whose testimony helped bring the subject more openly into discussion in Washington.

On the cattle mutilation question, one of the most thorough researchers on that subject is Linda Moulton Howe. She has spent decades interviewing ranchers, veterinarians, and law-enforcement officials about the phenomenon. If you're interested in digging deeper, her website https://www.earthfiles.com is an excellent resource and very well indexed.

Another long-time journalist who has followed this topic closely is George Knapp out of Las Vegas. He has been reporting on the subject for decades and frequently discusses new developments on the radio program https://www.coasttocoastam.com. Knapp has done a lot to separate solid reporting from the noise — helpful when, as you said, the whole field sometimes feels like a room full of mirrors.

Here in Argentina we also became friends with Kiki Mario, one of the local authors who has spent years documenting sightings and witness reports across the country.

As MUFON field investigators we try to keep it simple: collect the data, interview witnesses, document what we can, and avoid jumping to conclusions.

Argentina and Chile have had their share of reports too, especially in rural cattle regions. When you spend time riding motorcycles out in the countryside you occasionally hear some very interesting rancher stories. Matter of fact, during our rides through South America the best source of UFO/UAP/abduction stories has often been gas stations. Truck drivers, ranchers, and night-shift attendants are out there at all hours and see things most people never do.

I’ve often thought that overland travelers — especially motorcycle riders who spend time in remote areas — could become a useful observation network if they learned how to properly document unusual events.

Curious question: have you or anyone you know heard similar stories or sightings anywhere in Argentina?

One working theory among us riders: intergalactic tourism.
Argentina’s cattle are simply being abducted for asados aboard hovering UFOs
Very very interesting @xfiltrate. As a MUFON investigator what is the most interesting case you have seen. Damn you now I will be researching this online all weekend. Thanks for those links.
 
In the course of investigating strange events I’ve developed a small device of my own — the Boludómetro.
It’s used to measure exaggeration levels during interviews with abductees and witnesses.

I’ll post a photo of the instrument. If there’s interest, I can explain the operating principles.
Several people asked how the Boludómetro works.

The unit is actually a hand-built field instrument. The controls are hidden underneath the housing and allow the investigator to operate the needle meter, buzzer, and the blinking indicator light.

The blinking light signals that the instrument has established a connection with the Boludómetro satellite network, which assists with long-range exaggeration detection.

During interviews the investigator simply observes the witness while adjusting the controls. If the needle begins moving toward the upper end of the scale and the buzzer activates, it indicates that the Boludómetro is detecting elevated levels of storytelling.

It’s not perfect science of course — but after years of field work it has proven remarkably accurate.
This is great. We all could use a Boludometro. You can get rich selling these. 🤣
 
Before beginning an interview I usually ask the witness if they would mind if I transmit their account to the Boludómetro satellite network, which compares their story against similar reported events.

I have never had anyone refuse.

Once permission is granted I wait a moment and then activate the blinking light, which indicates the satellite connection has been established. I usually follow that with a brief activation of the buzzer, just to confirm the signal.

After that the interview begins.

If the needle begins drifting toward the upper end of the scale during the conversation, it indicates the instrument is detecting increasing levels of exaggeration.

The Boludómetro is not perfect science, of course… but after years of field testing it has proven surprisingly reliable.
I should mention that I normally charge for Boludómetro evaluations. The instrument has several calibrated modes and can also be used to measure the beauty of a woman — a very popular feature.

However, for members of this group I’m prepared to waive the usual 50,000-peso fee.
 
This is great. We all could use a Boludometro. You can get rich selling these. 🤣
Thank you.

I’m afraid the Boludómetro will probably never make me rich — it’s really more of a scientific instrument for field research.

My other invention, however, is where the real money is… the Pesolux camping table, made from a carefully engineered slab of concrete.

Overland travelers are always trying to reduce weight on their motorcycles, so I decided to go in the opposite direction and produce the heaviest camping table ever designed.

It’s extremely stable in high winds and absolutely guaranteed not to blow away. 😄 featured on YouTube link below

 
Very very interesting @xfiltrate. As a MUFON investigator what is the most interesting case you have seen. Damn you now I will be researching this online all weekend. Thanks for those links.
That’s a tough question because there are many interesting reports, but one case always stands out.

During one investigation we were called to look at a very unusual cattle incident. Witnesses reported seeing what they described as a beam of light lifting a cow toward a hovering craft during the night. The next day the ranchers found the remains of the cow suspended in a tree on the property.

The ranchers believed the animal had been lifted and then somehow dropped from a height, which would explain how it ended up in the tree.

In a few other cases we’ve examined there were impact craters in the ground, as if an animal had fallen from a significant height and then bounced several feet away. Another strange detail reported by ranchers is that predators and scavengers often refuse to approach the remains, which is unusual in rural areas where normally nothing edible lasts very long.

Investigators in some cases have also reported measurable radiation levels around the site, though that varies from case to case.

Whether there is a natural explanation or something else entirely is always the big question. As investigators our job is simply to document what witnesses report and what we actually observe, and leave the conclusions open.

It’s certainly one of the strangest cases I’ve personally been involved in.
 
That’s a tough question because there are many interesting reports, but one case always stands out.

During one investigation we were called to look at a very unusual cattle incident. Witnesses reported seeing what they described as a beam of light lifting a cow toward a hovering craft during the night. The next day the ranchers found the remains of the cow suspended in a tree on the property.

The ranchers believed the animal had been lifted and then somehow dropped from a height, which would explain how it ended up in the tree.

In a few other cases we’ve examined there were impact craters in the ground, as if an animal had fallen from a significant height and then bounced several feet away. Another strange detail reported by ranchers is that predators and scavengers often refuse to approach the remains, which is unusual in rural areas where normally nothing edible lasts very long.

Investigators in some cases have also reported measurable radiation levels around the site, though that varies from case to case.

Whether there is a natural explanation or something else entirely is always the big question. As investigators our job is simply to document what witnesses report and what we actually observe, and leave the conclusions open.

It’s certainly one of the strangest cases I’ve personally been involved in.
Wow that would be crazy to witness or interview. Do you get paid for this? If so, where can I put in my application? 🙂
 
Wow that would be crazy to witness or interview. Do you get paid for this? If so, where can I put in my application? 🙂
Great question. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately 😄) Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) does not pay field investigators. Everyone involved at that level is a volunteer. If you're curious about the program you can check it out here: mufon.com.

All of our work has been strictly voluntary. Elisa and I were trained and field-tested in Spain by the director of MUFON Spain — the same researcher who published the Spanish Air Force UFO archives, which was fascinating material to study.

Now, there are ways people sometimes make money around the edges of the field. Some investigators speak at conferences, and I’m sure there are lecture fees involved. Authors also do well — if you can write a good UFO/UAP book or run a successful podcast, that seems to be the most common path to monetizing the subject.

Putting investigators on a payroll would probably be a legal nightmare anyway. Imagine the liability of officially employing people whose job description is basically: “Roam around the world chasing aliens and strange lights.” 😄

One interesting exception involves Robert Bigelow, the eccentric billionaire who owned Skinwalker Ranch for years. He funded what were called MUFON investigative “star teams” — and funded groups of scientists who investigated unusual phenomena there.

Investigative journalist George Knapp wrote a fascinating book about it called Hunt for the Skinwalker, which dives into the strange reports and research conducted at the ranch.

There’s also a fascinating connection between Native American traditions and the Skinwalker stories. That subject interests Elisa and me because years ago we lived in a shamanic community in Cochabamba, Bolivia with the indigenous teacher Chamalu while translating one of his books. Some of those traditions involve Ayahuasca, which is currently the subject of legitimate scientific studies.

So if you're looking to monetize UFO investigations, the realistic paths seem to be:

• Write a book
• Start a podcast
• Lecture at conferences

Or… for the trustafarians out there… simply tap the trust fund for additional “research expenses.”
 
Great question. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately 😄) Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) does not pay field investigators. Everyone involved at that level is a volunteer. If you're curious about the program you can check it out here: mufon.com.

All of our work has been strictly voluntary. Elisa and I were trained and field-tested in Spain by the director of MUFON Spain — the same researcher who published the Spanish Air Force UFO archives, which was fascinating material to study.

Now, there are ways people sometimes make money around the edges of the field. Some investigators speak at conferences, and I’m sure there are lecture fees involved. Authors also do well — if you can write a good UFO/UAP book or run a successful podcast, that seems to be the most common path to monetizing the subject.

Putting investigators on a payroll would probably be a legal nightmare anyway. Imagine the liability of officially employing people whose job description is basically: “Roam around the world chasing aliens and strange lights.” 😄

One interesting exception involves Robert Bigelow, the eccentric billionaire who owned Skinwalker Ranch for years. He funded what were called MUFON investigative “star teams” — and funded groups of scientists who investigated unusual phenomena there.

Investigative journalist George Knapp wrote a fascinating book about it called Hunt for the Skinwalker, which dives into the strange reports and research conducted at the ranch.

There’s also a fascinating connection between Native American traditions and the Skinwalker stories. That subject interests Elisa and me because years ago we lived in a shamanic community in Cochabamba, Bolivia with the indigenous teacher Chamalu while translating one of his books. Some of those traditions involve Ayahuasca, which is currently the subject of legitimate scientific studies.

So if you're looking to monetize UFO investigations, the realistic paths seem to be:

• Write a book
• Start a podcast
• Lecture at conferences

Or… for the trustafarians out there… simply tap the trust fund for additional “research expenses.”
I hope I am not out of line asking you this @xfiltrate but is there a lot of LSD and drug use amongst the MUFON community? 😱
 
I never heard of MUFON. I looked it up and it is fascinating.

@xfiltrate can I ask how you became an investigator?
Great question. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately 😄) Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) does not pay field investigators. Everyone involved at that level is a volunteer. If you're curious about the program you can check it out here: mufon.com.

All of our work has been strictly voluntary. Elisa and I were trained and field-tested in Spain by the director of MUFON Spain — the same researcher who published the Spanish Air Force UFO archives, which was fascinating material to study. Putting investigators on a payroll would probably be a legal nightmare anyway. Imagine the liability of officially employing people whose job description is basically: “Roam around the world chasing aliens and strange lights.” 😄
 
I hope I am not out of line asking you this @xfiltrate but is there a lot of LSD and drug use amongst the MUFON community? 😱
Good question. While scientific studies of Ayahuasca have certainly produced some very vivid psychedelic visions, I personally have never experienced — or even heard of — Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) field investigators getting stoned on anything stronger than the local beer or wine where the investigation happens to take place.

Speaking as an anthropologist — a career choice shared with a surprising number of highly functional alcoholics — most investigators are smart enough to realize that their observations might be slightly… compromised… if the investigation were conducted while tripping.

It’s hard enough explaining UFOs to people as it is. Doing it while seeing purple dragons and talking trees probably wouldn’t help the credibility of the report.
 
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