1979 - UFO Congress '79

Magazine Overview

This document is a report on the 1978 Italian UFO wave, detailing various sightings, encounters, and related phenomena that occurred in Italy during that year. It aims to clarify the status of UFO research in Italy, which is often perceived as less active than in other countries, by presenting a significant number of reports and events from 1978.

The 1978 UFO Wave in Italy

The report begins by addressing the common perception of Italy as a 'poor' country for UFO research and events, asserting that this is not the case. It highlights that Italy has experienced a relevant number of sightings, with estimates suggesting around 20,000 UFO reports in total, and a typical 'Unidentifieds' rate of ten percent or less. Previous significant UFO waves in Italy occurred in 1954 and 1973, with other active years including 1950, 1952, 1962-63, 1974, and 1977.

UFO Research in Italy: Historical Periods

UFO research in Italy can be divided into three periods:
1. 1952 to 1964/65: Characterized by early UFO groups like Sky Scouts (later Centro Studi Clipeologici) and CIRNOS (Centro Indipendente Raccolta Notizie Osservazioni Spaziali), founded in 1954. This period also saw popular articles and magazines dedicated to UFOs.
2. 1965/66 to 1971/72: Marked by the magazine 'Clypeus' and the formation of a National Unified Center (Center Unico Nazionale) in 1966, though personal interests hindered its full unification.
3. 1972/73 to present: This period saw the rise of occult and mystery-themed publications, with some treating UFOs seriously. Organizations like CUN (Centro Ufologico Nazionale) emerged, focusing on building a national organization, engaging with mass media, and publishing a newsletter.

The 1978 UFO Wave: Key Events and Sightings

The year 1978 was particularly significant, with over 500 reports collected, including at least 130 'close encounters'. The report details several key incidents:

• March in Friuli: The north-western region of Italy experienced sightings, including an orange ball maneuvering near Mt. Bernardia on March 11th. On March 20th, a witness reported an encounter with a tall, suited being. On March 29th, near Faedis, a light was sighted, and a burned circle was found at the landing site.
• July in Veneto: A supposed 'experimental psychosis' was investigated, involving a psychistrist and assistants sending hoax letters and using a 'sighting tower'.
• July 4th on Mt. Etna: Military personnel reported seeing three red, pulsating objects, one of which landed, revealing a domed disc with lights and several beings.
• September in Alessandria: A flap occurred, with over 20 sightings. A notable case involved a 14-year-old boy who saw a cigar-shaped object, leaving behind traces on plants.
• September 13th-14th: A major flap, dubbed the 'Pegasus flap', involved widespread sightings of a bright object described as a 'fish-tail' or 'triangle'. Explanations ranged from meteors to satellite re-entry, though some sightings remained unexplained.
• September 17th in Torrita di Siena: A woman and her son witnessed a light descend and disappear. Later, a man reported a domed, orange-red object landing, with humanoid beings emerging.
• October in Naples: Professor Antonino Palumbo observed a bullet-shaped, white object exhibiting unusual flight characteristics.
• Late October/November: The 'Adriatic Mess': This period saw a series of unexplained phenomena along the Adriatic coast, including waterspouts, light phenomena, dark objects in the sea, and electromagnetic disturbances, causing panic among fishermen.
• November 12th in Rome-Fiumicino Airport: Air force personnel and control tower operators reported seeing three bright orange balls, one of which approached the airport's descent path.
• December Abduction Case: Fortunato Zanfretta, a nightwatcher, reported an abduction experience involving a bright, triangle-shaped craft and beings with unusual features. This case involved significant memory gaps and was investigated through hypnosis.

Media and Government Involvement

The 1978 UFO wave generated considerable public and media interest. The release of Spielberg's movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' coincided with the wave, sparking widespread debate. A report from the Ministry of Defence regarding pilot sightings was shared with UFO organizations, initiating a collaboration that was later compromised by irresponsible media reporting. The 'Adriatic mess' phenomena led to fishermen demanding naval escorts, and authorities were criticized for not taking UFOs seriously.

Notable Figures and Organizations

The report mentions several key figures and organizations in Italian ufology, including Ernesto Thayat (CIRNOS), Alberto Perego (CISAER), Gianni Settimo ('Clypeus'), Roberto Pinotti (CUN), J. Allen Hynek (who visited Italy and influenced astrophysicist Giuseppe Tagliaferri), Franco Cagnetta, Eugenio Siragusa (a contactee whose imprisonment was noted), and Antonino Palumbo (Naples University Meteorological Observatory).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The report emphasizes that Italy has a rich history of UFO sightings and research, countering the notion of it being a 'poor' country in this field. It highlights the challenges posed by language barriers in international ufology. The editorial stance is one of presenting documented evidence and investigations, while acknowledging the complexities and sometimes controversial aspects of the subject, such as the 'folkloristic' side of ufology exemplified by figures like Eugenio Siragusa. The report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the 1978 UFO wave, underscoring its significance as a 'real milestone' in Italian UFO history.

This issue of UFO Report, dated December 1978, focuses on a significant wave of UFO sightings in Italy during that month and delves into the methodology of UFO data analysis through the lens of Project UFODATA.

December 1978 Italian UFO Wave

The issue details numerous UFO reports from Italy in December 1978, highlighting the involvement of law enforcement and military personnel. A report from February 6th, 1979, mentions a subject undergoing narcoanalysis tests in Milan under Professor Marco Marchesan, confirming previous accounts.

The month of December 1978 saw hundreds, if not thousands, of Italians witness strange lights. Impressively, police, Carabinieri, and Army members were among the witnesses in scores of sightings. Police radios were often disturbed, and numerous photographs were taken, some by scientific teams of the police and Carabinieri.

While many sightings were attributed to Venus, Jupiter, meteors, planes, or balloons, a significant number remain unexplained. Venus, in particular, was often described as a near-landing saucer with pulsating lights. Some cases were ambiguous, fitting Venus descriptions but also reporting electromagnetic effects.

Specific incidents detailed include:

• December 8th, 4:30 AM: Near Barletta (Bari, Puglia), nightwatchers saw a bright object moving north to south. Four youths were sent to call Carabinieri. Upon their return, they saw a triangle-shaped object hovering, like an inverted cone, emitting a blinding white light. It moved towards Trani, and witnesses followed. The object then stopped, and another one appeared, blinding a driver who had to be hospitalized.
• December 9th, 6 AM: Near Reggio Calabria, a police patrol-car observed a bright object with intermittent lights of various colors. When police illuminated it with their car's lights, the object seemed to enlarge and project a lightbeam towards the earth. It then switched off its lights when the police did. Radio communication was disrupted.
• December 11th, 2:30 AM: Near Grottaminarda (Avellino), police spotted a bright circular light with an earth-bound beam. Initially mistaken for a plane, it enlarged and was observed through binoculars. Policemen called central, and an alert group arrived at 4:55 AM, snapping photos as the object moved eastwards. It became invisible at dawn.
• December 11th, 3:15 AM: Near Palermo, a Carabinieri patrol was hit by a white-red beam and saw a fire ball. Photos were taken at 4 AM, and other sightings were reported until 7:40 AM.
• December 12th, 1 AM: Around Palermo, several sightings and photos were reported. Simultaneously, a Carabinieri patrol-car in Tremestieri (Messina) saw a gold-yellow circular object, as large as the full moon, flying slowly southwards and mirroring in the sea. It stopped above the Strait, released smaller spheres, and then returned. Radios were useless during this time.
• December 13th (early hours): Police and Carabinieri sightings occurred in Cagliari, Lecce, and Palermo, with photos taken in Palermo.
• December 13th, 6:30 PM: Near Avellino, two motorway watchers saw a luminous mass, like a "bright wheel," descend to a few tens of meters from the ground, hover, and then ascend rapidly towards Puglia.
• December 15th, 00:15 AM: Near Aquila, two photographers captured images of a triangle-shaped object with a hole in it, hovering over the town.
• December 24th, 6:50 AM: At an electrical central in Pietracamela (Aquila), instruments suddenly oscillated and were damaged. Benito Franchi, working there, felt unwell and was temporarily paralyzed. He saw flashes from a nearby wood and a large, bright red ball of fire that ascended into the sky.
• December 29th: Near Masone (Reggio Emilia), hundreds of witnesses saw a triangle-shaped red and white object. Police and Carabinieri were involved, and photos were taken.
• December 30th (early hours): At Pesaro Army Base, a bright domed light landed in the middle of the court, observed by sentries. A circle of dried grass was found where it had hovered.

The issue also mentions a chase involving two F-104 jets that pursued two UFOs caught on radar at Potenza Picena Air Force Base, with the chase extending as far as Venice.

Project UFODATA: Electronic Data Processing for UFO Reports

The article introduces Project UFODATA, a project initiated by SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Information) in Denmark, aimed at processing UFO and IFO (Identified Flying Object) reports using electronic data processing. Per Andersen, a lecturer, explains the project's rationale and development.

Reasons for Electronic Data Processing

Electronic data processing is proposed for analyzing UFO phenomena due to its ability to handle large volumes of data. It allows for both qualitative analysis (in-depth study of selected significant reports) and quantitative analysis (statistical examination of a large dataset).

Development of Project UFODATA

The project began in July 1977 with a lecture on UFO reports and data processing. By September 1977, Project UFODATA was officially started, with Per Andersen elected as a "computer consultant." The initial phase involved developing a code-book, with a 60-page version available in January 1978. Encoding of reports began, and by February 1978, initial results led to the "Time Law" analysis.

The project adopted the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) system, a widely used sociological/statistical electronic data processing system. The goal is to create a comprehensive system for international coordination of UFO report processing, including establishing standard terminology and classifications.

Data Collection and Processing System

SUFOI has collected approximately 6,000 Danish UFO encounter reports since 1957. The process begins with a UFO encounter in Denmark, where a field investigator is contacted. Between 80 and 100 field investigators are available. If an encounter is deemed serious, the investigator fills out a standard form, which has been recently updated based on 20 years of experience.

The field investigator also notes their impressions and circumstances. Reports are then assessed by a group of experts in fields like aviation and astronomy. If a natural explanation cannot be found, the report is classified as a UFO report; otherwise, it's an IFO report. Both UFO and IFO reports are then encoded by Project UFODATA.

Coding of Reports

Project UFODATA undertakes to code and punch SUFOI's Danish UFO and IFO reports. The primary material includes newspaper clippings and reports from other UFO organizations. Reports are coded onto data-sheets using a code-book. These are then punched onto cards to form the data bank.

• The parameters coded include:
• Identification: Year, month, and date of the encounter.
• Place: Postal area of the encounter site.
• Time: Exact time of the encounter and its duration.
• The Object: Details such as number of objects, color, nature of light, sound effects, appearance/disappearance, direction, altitude, and speed.
• Circumstances: Weather conditions during the encounter.
• The Observer: Age, sex, employment, and number of witnesses.
• Reference: Year of report, type of report, and references in publications.
• Comments: Special information, including encounter type (e.g., "close encounter") and characteristics like Ufonauts or EM effects.
• Strangeness: A degree coded from 0-9, based on the field investigator's judgment.
• Reliability: A degree from 0-9 reflecting the trustworthiness of the account.

Processing with SPSS

The SPSS system is used for processing the data. This involves creating an SPSS system file, which contains the data and its structure. Statistical analyses, such as frequency tables and cross-tabulations, can then be performed. The article mentions the development of a "job-generator" program to simplify the use of SPSS for ufologists without extensive computer experience.

Political Involvement

The issue notes political interest in UFO phenomena in Italy. Honorable Falco Accame, a former Navy official, raised questions in Parliament regarding unexplained phenomena reported by the press and observed by a Navy ship. He urged the government to make UFO investigation results public and to promote investigations, suggesting collaboration with other countries like France.

Honorable Mauro Mellini of the Radical party also put forward a motion about UFOs, emphasizing the need for the government to make collected data public and to promote investigations.

Conclusion

This issue concludes by stating that the year has been exceptional for Italian ufological research, marked by Spielberg's film, Hynek's visit, Ministry of Defence collaboration, significant flaps in September, November, and December, numerous sightings, close encounters, humanoid reports, political involvement, and the sale of the magazine. It suggests that these events have moved the UFO topic beyond science-fiction in Italy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings in Italy, the involvement of official bodies like the police and military, the potential for electromagnetic interference caused by UFOs, and the systematic approach to UFO research through data collection and analysis (Project UFODATA). The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation, moving beyond mere speculation towards scientific analysis, while acknowledging the challenges and complexities of interpreting UFO phenomena and observer accounts.

This issue of "UFO" (Volume 1, Issue 21, dated 1979) focuses heavily on the work and future of Project UFODATA, a Danish initiative for the electronic data processing of UFO and IFO reports, spearheaded by Scandinavian UFO Information. The publication details the project's achievements, methodologies, and its vision for international cooperation in the field.

Project UFODATA: Results and Publications

The article begins by detailing the satisfactory results achieved by Scandinavian UFO Information since the inception of Project UFODATA. The project has amassed approximately 700 UFO and IFO reports in its data bank, which, though smaller than international counterparts like UFOCAT in the USA, is deemed sufficient for thorough analyses of Danish reports.

"The Time Law," published in 1978, is highlighted as the first book resulting from Project UFODATA's efforts. This book analyzes the time-of-day distribution of Danish UFO encounters, attempting to answer whether this distribution aligns with international findings (e.g., Jacques Vallee's analyses) and if it can be attributed to natural factors. The analyses suggest strong indications that Danish data support international theories and that certain characteristics, such as a secondary frequency maximum at 3:30 AM, are difficult to explain by natural causes.

Furthermore, the analyses from the electronic data processing have provided material for a new book titled "The UFO observers - Who Are They?" by the author. This book aims to explore whether there is a specific type of person who experiences UFO encounters. The author expects its publication by the end of 1979 or early 1980.

Project UFODATA has also been involved in international cooperation, connecting with individuals and groups in Sweden, Belgium, England, and the USA who are working with electronic data processing of UFO reports. The broader issue of international cooperation in this field is slated for discussion.

Future of Project UFODATA

The future of Project UFODATA is outlined in five key points:
1. Extend Active Operators: Increase the number of active operators to enhance the project's overall capacity.
2. Computerize More Reports: Continue to computerize Danish UFO and IFO reports in growing numbers.
3. Theoretical Study: Continue studying the theoretical aspects of electronic data processing of reports.
4. Publish Results: Publish books and papers on Project UFODATA and its achievements.
5. Engage in International Cooperation: Further engage in international cooperation, extending contacts with UFO organizations globally and participating in international groups, meetings, and conferences.

The Future of International Cooperation

The article then delves into the challenges and opportunities of international cooperation in electronic data processing of UFO reports. It identifies three main groups interested in this subject:
1. Those who create computer files for local reports (like Project UFODATA).
2. Those who work on files for all accessible reports (e.g., UFOCAT).
3. Those interested in data processing but who have not yet started practical work.

The author expresses a preference for the activities of the second group, those working with comprehensive files of accessible reports. The article discusses the trend towards decentralized computers and smaller data banks, moving away from large, centralized ones, which are seen as difficult to operate and survey.

Decentralized vs. Centralized Data Banks

• The author argues that while extensive central data banks were once considered highly profitable, the current landscape has changed. With numerous groups and individuals working on computerizing reports, establishing more international data banks is deemed unnecessary. Significant disadvantages of large central data banks are noted:
• Redundancy: Multiple groups independently encoding the same reports.
• Inconsistency: The same report being encoded differently across various banks, making it difficult to identify unique encounters.
• Indirect Data: Some information in central banks may not be based on first-hand accounts but on secondary sources like UFO magazines, potentially leading to lost or distorted details.

These issues lead to a preference for decentralized encoding on smaller, distributed computers, managed by various UFO organizations worldwide. This approach offers several advantages:
1. Local Expertise: Encoding is performed by ufologists with local knowledge, reducing the risk of distortion.
2. Original Reports: Data is based on original reports, not second or third-hand information.
3. Geographical Coverage: Ensures a more extensive geographical coverage, leading to a larger total number of reports.
4. Statistical Research: Offers better conditions for statistical research within local areas, with easier acquisition of material from nearby data banks.

However, the author acknowledges that analyzing total material from all countries might be more difficult with a decentralized system.

Requirements for Decentralized Encoding

For decentralized collection and coding of reports to be successful, several conditions must be met:
1. UFO Organizations: The existence of UFO organizations or groups in as many countries as possible to establish local data banks.
2. Consistent Terminology: UFO organizations must establish consistent terminology, definitions, and classifications to ensure they "speak the same language."
3. Universal Criteria: An attempt to establish universal criteria and an encoding system for data exchange and joint analyses.
4. Information Exchange: Reasonable possibilities for exchanging information, experience, and data within the field.

International Cooperation Models

• The article suggests the formation of an international group for data-interested ufologists to extend international cooperation. Two models are presented:
• Centralized Solution (Figure 7): A central group collects and distributes material and information, coordinates international efforts, and provides updates via a newsletter. This model is efficient and reliable if the central group is dependable.
• Decentralized Solution (Figure 8): Organizations communicate directly with each other in a circle, eliminating the need for a central group. While this avoids the need for a central authority, it is time-consuming and vulnerable, as each link in the chain can delay material circulation.

The author finds the centralized structure preferable if feasible. Beyond data processing, such a group could arrange meetings, congresses, work-groups, and seminars to foster the exchange of ideas and information.

The author concludes by hoping that the concept of an international group for UFO and IFO data processing will be seriously considered and discussed.

Figures and Diagrams

• The issue includes several figures illustrating key concepts:
• FIG. 1: A comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of UFO Phenomena.
• FIG. 2: The Development of Project UFODATA, showing a timeline from 1977 to 1979 with key publications and milestones.
• FIG. 3: SUFOI's System of Report Collecting, outlining the process from observer to data processor.
• FIG. 4: Report-Coding I, detailing the initial steps of coding UFO/IFO reports using codebooks and data-sheets to create punched cards.
• FIG. 5: Report-Coding II, listing the detailed categories for coding reports, including identification, place, time, object, surroundings, observer, reference, remarks, strangeness, and reliability.
• FIG. 6: Report-Processing, illustrating the use of punched cards and the SPSS System for statistical analysis.
• FIG. 7: International Cooperation I, depicting a centralized model with Denmark at the core, connected to Belgium, Spain, Italy, France, England, and USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the systematic, scientific approach to UFO phenomena through data collection, processing, and analysis. There is a strong emphasis on the potential of electronic data processing and computerization to advance UFO research. The editorial stance clearly favors a structured, data-driven methodology and advocates for international collaboration to pool resources and expertise. The preference for decentralized data management highlights a concern for data integrity and local relevance, while still acknowledging the need for overarching coordination and standardization. The issue champions the idea that rigorous analysis, facilitated by technology and global cooperation, is key to understanding UFO encounters.

This document is a scanned page from a publication titled "From Data to Information," authored by Peter A. Hill. The content focuses on the challenges and methodologies within the field of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) research. The page number is indicated as '29' at the bottom of the first page and '30', '31', '32' on subsequent pages, suggesting it is part of a larger issue.

Article: From Data to Information

Introduction

The author, Peter A. Hill, begins by stating that for over thirty years, individuals and groups have investigated phenomena categorized as 'Unidentified Flying Objects' or 'UFOs.' He criticizes the term 'UFO' as inappropriate because it implies an objective, material object, which he argues is an unproven assumption in a field often plagued by prejudice and speculation. He notes that the term was reportedly coined by the U.S. Air Force, despite the general perception that they aimed to discourage such assumptions.

Hill acknowledges that a vast amount of data has been collected globally, varying in quality from dubious to reliable, with some supported by radar and credible witnesses. He posits that the subject is rich for physical, psychological, and parapsychological research.

Data

He questions what has been done with the collected data, noting that much of it is cataloged by governmental or voluntary bodies, some is published, and some has been investigated with inconsistent thoroughness. A significant criticism is that research is often sporadic, lacks coordination, and sometimes abandons the scientific approach in favor of speculation and prejudice. He quotes Dr. Zigel, who emphasizes the global character of the UFO problem and the need for international scientific cooperation, hindered by sensationalism and irresponsible assertions.

Hill praises researchers like Hynek, Andersen, Delair, Poher, and Vallee for their data analysis, but laments their scarcity. He states that the core issue is the minimal acquisition of new knowledge about the nature of the UFO stimulus, and questions how to explain and correct this stagnation.

His central thesis is that the failure of UFO research to progress substantially stems from the failure to convert data into information.

Information

Hill defines data as 'facts from which inferences are drawn,' and information as 'knowledge acquired from analysis of the data.' He uses a census example: individual household data is not useful, but statistical analysis of this data yields information (e.g., car ownership trends) that informs decisions about infrastructure like schools and roads.

He observes a tendency in UFO research to focus on the data itself, to the detriment of information. This 'task fascination,' where the detail of a procedure becomes more important than the outcome, is seen as a hazard. This tendency hinders evaluation, classification, analysis, and deduction. He invokes Galileo's dictum: 'Count what is countable, measure what is measurable and what is not measurable, make measurable.' Hill concludes that progress will only improve with more thorough statistical analysis to identify patterns and formulate hypotheses.

Hypotheses

Following pattern recognition, Hill states the need to formulate hypotheses. He does not expect a single, total solution but rather a gradual accumulation of findings or the recognition of multiple discrete phenomena under the UFO label. He mentions that research has incidentally shed light on the ball lightning syndrome.

Testing hypotheses is challenging due to the lack of UFOs in laboratories and repeatable experiments. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining equally good records for both explained and unexplained reports to enable comparisons. He cites Hynek and Kuettner's work on the relationship between credibility and strangeness as an example of the value of such comparisons. He advocates for including all reports, even explained ones, in the data bank with clear indications of their status, reinforcing Hynek's idea that UFO research is about studying UFO *reports*, not necessarily UFOs themselves.

He draws attention to correlations suggested by others, such as Delair's work on the periodicity of UFO reports and sunspot activity, and Eddy's hypothesis linking sunspot rotation, solar activity, and terrestrial climate warming. He suggests including UFO periodicity in such studies.

Scientific Method

Hill advocates for the use of the scientific method in UFO research, emphasizing that not everyone needs to be a qualified scientist but should recognize when professional advice is needed. He summarizes the scientific method's essentials as:
(a) Objective recording of data, avoiding bias.
(b) Analysis of the data, including evaluation of reporter reliability.
(c) Searching for patterns and correlations with other time-variable events.
(d) Formulating hypotheses to explain patterns.
(e) Testing hypotheses for validity to add new knowledge.

He warns against shortcuts and quotes Taylor: 'when studying the paranormal, don't throw away your lab coat.'

Conclusion

Hill proposes regular meetings for researchers, hoping future gatherings will focus less on basic principles and more on papers derived from a common global database built on standard classifications and definitions. He urges the community to work towards making UFO research a scientific discipline.

References

The article includes an extensive list of 11 references, primarily academic papers, books, and reports related to UFO research, dating from 1965 to 1979. Notable authors and works cited include P. Andersen, E.U. Condon, J.A. Hynek, J.P. Kuettner, C. Poher, J. Vallee, and various publications from BUFORA and Flying Saucer Review.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this article is the critical need to elevate UFO research from a speculative hobby to a rigorous scientific discipline. The author strongly advocates for the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, emphasizing the conversion of raw data into actionable information. There is a clear editorial stance favoring empirical evidence, objective measurement, and the scientific method, while cautioning against prejudice, speculation, and sensationalism. The importance of international collaboration and standardized methodologies is repeatedly stressed as essential for overcoming the current stagnation in the field. The article implicitly positions itself as a call to action for the UFO research community to adopt more structured and scientific approaches.