Clypeus UFO and Fortean Phenomena - 1977 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO AND FORTEAN PHENOMENA
Issue: 5
Volume: I
Date: September-October 1977
Publisher: Gianni V. Settimo
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of UFO AND FORTEAN PHENOMENA, published by Gianni V. Settimo in Italy, focuses on the growing international interest in UFOs, highlighted by an upcoming vote at the United Nations General Assembly to establish an agency dedicated to studying unidentified objects. The magazine presents a comprehensive look at recent UFO activity, analysis of photographic evidence, and discussions on the nature of UFO phenomena.

United Nations to Vote on UFO Study

The lead story announces that the United Nations General Assembly is set to vote on the creation of an agency to study unidentified flying objects. This initiative is reportedly backed by a statesman who insists that UFOs are a serious matter. The proposal is under study by the full 149-member General Assembly, with a vote expected before the end of the year. The article notes that this move is seen as significant, with some describing the potential for UFOs to be 'frightening'.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The issue features several reports of UFO sightings:

• Great Pumpkin UFO Spot (PAGE ONE): Area police officers in San Clemente reportedly saw a UFO on a Saturday morning, which they did not believe was the 'Great Pumpkin' due to its shape.
• Another U.F.O. sighting (Hawkesbury): The Ontario Provincial Police received multiple calls about an unidentified flying object around 9:20 p.m. on a Sunday. Some officers also claimed to have seen it, but no exact explanation was provided.
• Local UFO Report (Wilson): A resident reported a 'strange red glowing light' on a Friday morning, sparking a UFO investigation.

Casistica Recente (Recent Cases)

This section details UFO encounters primarily from November 1975 in the USA and Canada. The magazine explains the shift in terminology from 'Close Encounters' to 'Type 1 Reports' due to differing definitions of altitude limits, noting the difficulty in establishing a universally accepted classification system.

• November 1, 1975 - Vacaville, CA: A boy on a motorcycle and his friend observed a large light among trees, followed by a shining oval object with orange and red lights. Two other UFOs joined it, hovering and moving erratically before ascending vertically.
• November 2, 1975 - Medford, MN: A woman and her children witnessed a luminous orange object descend, then reappear with flashing lights and hover over trees. The landing site showed signs of burned grass and ash-like fragments.
• November 5, 1975 - La Tuque, Quebec: A man, his wife, and two police officers observed a white luminous sphere hovering three meters above the ground for forty minutes, accompanied by black conical columns descending from the sky. The dogs were unusually agitated.
• November 6, 1975 - Husseldon County, NJ: A radio operator's wife reported being followed by an object that then hovered silently about 50 meters above her garden before ascending.
• November 6, 1975 - Lassen County, CA: Hunters encountered a large orange, pulsating oval object with lights and antennas. It ascended rapidly, followed their truck, and was later photographed by police.
• November 6, 1975 - Randallstown, MD: Witnesses saw an intense light following their car. The UFO, composed of five white lights, ascended to 200 meters, became spherical, and disappeared vertically.
• November 11, 1975 - Lake County, OH: A man observed two multicolored lights that moved erratically, descended near power lines, and then ascended and disappeared.
• November 14, 1975 - Bowen, IL: A motorist saw a black object land in a field, hover at 200 meters, turn completely white, and ascend diagonally.
• November 14, 1975 - Berthold, ND: Four young men observed a bright orange sphere with two small wings approach silently and hover at about 50 meters before disappearing.
• November 14, 1975 - Salem, ONT: Police received a report of a landing in a field, but officers found nothing.
• November 15, 1975 - Clayton, IL: A woman in a car was pursued by a UFO that landed in front of her and took off again. It was described as a plate with long legs and white lights.
• November 16, 1975 - Fox Lake, Yukon: Two truck drivers observed a large, oblong object descend and hover about 50 meters above the ground, illuminating the area intensely. It then ascended at incredible speed.
• November 19, 1975 - Brandonville, PA: A motorist was followed by a 'box-shaped' object emitting a bright light. The object descended near trees and disappeared.
• November 25, 1975 - Avoca, IA: A farmer saw 'square headlights' on a dark object moving at high speed. The object hovered over the road, then its lights went out, and the witness's dog appeared terrified.
• November 27, 1975 - Goodridge, MN: A man testing his new car saw a bright red object ascend to 70 meters, descend, take off again, and land. The car's engine began to stall.

Casistica Medio-Recente (Medium-Recent Cases)

• British Wave of 1967: This section covers the British UFO wave of 1967.

Observatorio (Observatory)

This section critically examines various UFO-related topics:

• False Photos of Astronauts?: An extensive study by ICUFON, analyzed by Richard N. Underwood, suggests that famous UFO photos allegedly taken by astronauts are actually reflections of internal lights on the spacecraft's windows or other mundane phenomena. A separate study by James Oberg of Analog corroborates this, stating that there are no genuine UFO sightings by astronauts and that alleged cases are easily explained by prosaic events. Oberg criticizes ufological centers for their credulity and distortion of facts.
• More on 'Angel Hair': Further information on a New Zealand sighting of 'angel hair' coinciding with a UFO sighting is provided. Analysis by a Mr. Spackman concluded the substance was cobwebs, though the witness insisted the filaments were different and dissolved after a few hours. The witness also described a black, triangular object moving across the sky.
• UFO and the Netherlands: A survey conducted by NIPO in the Netherlands revealed that 59% of people have heard of UFOs. Of those surveyed, 22% believe in extraterrestrial spaceships, while others attribute sightings to misidentifications, natural phenomena, or secret weapons. The survey also indicated that 68% believe UFO sightings have occurred in the Netherlands, and 42,000 people claim to have seen a UFO.
• Joyce & the UFO - Part Four: This article continues the story of Joyce Bowles's contact experiences in England, detailing a fourth encounter where she and Ted Pratt were allegedly 'lifted' and landed in a meadow. They were met by two men described as having sandy hair and wearing metallic clothing, who spoke of helping humanity and warned about war. Bowles reported receiving a strange white mark on her hand.

Cornucopia

This section contains various shorter articles:

• Aracnide!
• Eyes in the Dark
• The Non-Seeing Seer
• New Censors

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, seeking to debunk sensationalism and provide evidence-based reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, but with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and the elimination of misidentifications and hoaxes. The publication of detailed case studies, alongside critical analyses of photographic evidence and public opinion surveys, reflects a commitment to thoroughly investigating the subject matter. The inclusion of international reports, such as those from the USA, Canada, and the Netherlands, underscores a global perspective on UFO phenomena. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by researchers, including technical and financial difficulties, as noted in the editorial regarding publication delays.

This issue of Clypeus, dated August 1977, with volume 23 and issue 11, focuses on two major topics: the UMMO case and the 1967 British UFO wave. It also includes obituaries for prominent ufologists and news from the Argentinian ufological community.

The UMMO Case: A Hoax?

The cover story, "UMMO: made in Terra!", reveals the "UMMO affair" and the so-called "perfect case" of San José de Valderas as a significant hoax orchestrated by an unidentified group of "extraterrestrials made on Earth." The revelation appeared in prestigious ufological publications like the American International UFO Reporter and the French Lumières dans la nuit, authored by Claude Poher. The UMMO phenomenon began in 1965 with letters received by individuals, purportedly from extraterrestrials from the planet Ummo who arrived on Earth in 1950 for scientific purposes. These "ummits" claimed to live among humans unrecognized and sent examples of their alphabet, language, and science. A well-known symbol associated with them was photographed beneath a "flying saucer" that appeared over San José de Valderas, near Madrid. This case was extensively researched by Spanish friends Antonio Ribera and Rafael Farriols, resulting in the book "Un caso perfetto" (also published as "Prova dell'esistenza dei dischi volanti").

However, a dual investigation conducted since 1970 by French scientists on the "ummit" texts and photographs concluded that both cases were a colossal fabrication, with unclear motives. Authors like Vallée suspected a maneuver by a secret service to gauge public reactions to the announcement of extraterrestrial presence. Others suggested it was a "probe" by a secret service to measure the preparation of ufologists and their capacity to react to a skillfully created "fake" with subtle contradictions.

The article proudly notes that Clypeus had anticipated these "errors" through careful analysis of an "ummit" letter received in 1969, with articles by Claudio Bernacchia and Roberto D'Amico questioning the "perfect case" and "Berlin West extraterrestrials." Clypeus also raised doubts about the Spanish photos in 1971, which were later revealed to be images of a bowl suspended by a thin thread, as demonstrated by computer analysis by William Spaulding of Ground Saucer Watch.

Other Humanoids in Wales

This section details a new case related to the "Pembroke triangle," involving a landing with humanoids a few kilometers from the site of a previous sighting. Around 2:00 AM on April 19th, the owner of a hotel between Broad Haven and Little Haven was reading when her radio suddenly turned off, followed by a loud hum. Investigating, she noticed a strong light about 120 meters away, near a gate leading to the hotel's park. Thinking it was burglars, she used binoculars and saw a pulsating white-blue light. She then observed two humanoid figures, about two meters tall, covered in "white, non-silver plastic suits," with long limbs, pointed heads, and featureless faces. They appeared to be taking measurements and attempting to climb a hedge. The woman tried to call her husband but couldn't speak. She then woke him, and together they looked out the window, but the object and figures had vanished.

The next day, a search revealed a crescent-shaped area where the grass was flattened. Later, the woman reported a pulsating blue light circling a field at night, and her daughter heard window panes vibrating without wind. During this period, there were other local reports of vibrating windows and TV reception disturbances. Notably, the hotel's wall clock stopped at 3:30 AM on the night of April 19th, the same night the radio had turned off.

Obituaries

Fred Stone

Fred Stone, a pioneer of international ufology and an Australian friend, passed away on February 20th. He was the founder and president of the Australian Flying Saucer Research Society for eight years and directed the Australian Saucer Record from 1959 to 1963. In 1963, he became director of UFO Phenomena Investigation Australia and its publication, Panorama-UFOPIA. Described as a poet, musician, and man of deep religious convictions, his absence will be deeply felt. Condolences are extended to his widow, Marvis.

Ray Palmer

Ray Palmer, considered the first "ufologist" of the post-Arnoldian era, passed away on August 15th. He founded and directed Fate magazine and was the first director of a specialized UFO publication, contributing significantly to the popularization of flying saucers. From 1957, he directed Flying Saucers, the leading commercial ufological publication. His publishing activities, based in Amherst, Wisconsin, covered the unusual and paranormal, including Fate, Search (which merged with Flying Saucers in 1976), and Space Worlds. His last major undertaking was the extraordinary UFO Congress held in Chicago in June, marking the thirtieth anniversary of the "birth" of UFOs. Condolences are extended to his widow, Marjorie.

RADIO: Argentinian Federation

In August, representatives from several Argentinian ufological centers met in Ensenado (Buenos Aires province) for a convention organized by the local Centro Investigador de Fenomenos Anomales (CIFA). A key decision was the creation of an "Argentinian Network of Information on UFOs" (RADIO) to facilitate contact between centers nationwide and adopt a unified terminology and methodology. The next RADIO meeting is scheduled for Buenos Aires in January 1978. The convention also featured presentations, including one by CIFEX (Centro Investigador de Fenomenos Extraterrestres) on the need to organize investigator groups.

Interview with J. Allen Hynek

This section features an interview with Professor J. Allen Hynek, conducted by Jean-Luis Brochard, delegate of Lumiéres dans la nuit and CUFOS for France. Hynek, a renowned astronomer, served as a consultant for Project Blue Book and was head of the astronomy department at Northwestern University. He left his university post in 1973 to dedicate himself full-time to studying UFOs, believing he could discern "a manifestation of intelligence."

When asked if this intelligence was extraterrestrial, Hynek responded negatively, citing the sheer number of UFO sightings and the vastness of the universe. He proposed a "metaterrestrial" hypothesis, suggesting a parallel reality and other levels of life beyond the physical, acknowledging this enters "perilous territory" but referencing mystical and religious teachings. He believes UFOs herald a near future change in scientific paradigms and are strongly linked to psychic phenomena. He expressed a desire to study this connection from the perspective of physical sciences, emphasizing the need not to exclude other avenues.

Regarding research, Hynek advised pursuing any minimal evidence suggesting a paranormal dimension to the phenomenon, exploring potential closer relationships between the physical and psychic worlds than currently understood.

The interviewees are identified as JLB (Jean-Luis Brochard) and JAH (Joseph Allen Hynek). A biography of Hynek is referenced in "gli Arcani" magazine.

The British UFO Wave of 1967

This extensive section details numerous UFO sightings in the British Isles during 1967, particularly from late summer through November. The wave featured distinctive "flying crosses" and noisy "humming tops," as well as "chases" involving police cars.

Key Incidents from the 1967 Wave:

• January 28, 1967 (Studham, Bedfordshire): Seven children reported seeing a "blue little man" surrounded by a diffuse blue-grey luminosity.
• February 21, 1967 (Chippenham, Wiltshire): A motorcyclist observed a mysterious object with red and green flashing lights circle and descend into a field.
• April 17, 1967 (Worthing, Sussex): A couple witnessed a "fantastic white-oval light" that streaked across the sky, described as an "upside-down plate."
• May 13, 1967 (Wrexham, Wales): A young man saw a luminous object approach, hover, and then accelerate away as a biconvex disc.
• June 7, 1967 (St. Helens, Lancashire): An ex-radar operator and others observed a phosphorescent "rugby ball" object from which a smaller object emerged.
• July 4, 1967 (Melbourne, Yorkshire): A bright green object with a luminous white center appeared to land in a field.
• July 4, 1967 (Clifton, Nottinghamshire): Dozens of people saw a silver disc descend and appear to land behind a barn, but no evidence was found.
• July 5, 1967 (Runcorn, Cheshire): An entire family observed a light hovering over houses, changing shape.
• July 10, 1967 (Whippingham, Isle of Wight): Two children saw a stationary biconvex disc object from which "ash" fell.
• July 17, 1967 (Belfast, Antrim): A man encountered a gray-blue, dish-shaped object from which two "silver humanoids" emerged and re-entered.
• July 24, 1967 (Awalton, Northamptonshire): A ten-meter diameter sphere made a rapid, silent passage close to the ground.
• August 2, 1967 (Arbroath, Scotland): An oval, red object with a dome moved slowly and silently, causing an obscuring effect over the city.
• August 7, 1967 (Coddington, Nottinghamshire): Two fiancés observed white and red flashing lights approaching, followed by a biconvex object with orange windows.
• August 19, 1967 (Hindley, Lancashire): Numerous people observed a "top-shaped" object with windows and lights passing at low altitude, emitting a strong hum and interfering with TV and radio.
• August 23, 1967 (St.Germans, Cornwall): A "pyramid missing three-quarters of its point" hovered over trees, flipped, and disappeared.
• August 30, 1967 (Blackpool, Lancashire): Two motorists saw an object about 6 meters long with flashing red and white lights hover over a field and then follow their car before disappearing.
• October ?, 1967 (Portland, Dorset): Two relatives observed a dark, cigar-shaped object with yellow rectangular windows hovering near the road. The car's engine stopped, and the object later reappeared in a different form, a "vamp of light" with superimposed red, green, yellow, and blue bands, which then divided and rejoined.
• October 24, 1967 (Huyton, Lancashire): A family heard a hum and saw an intense light that moved away over the rooftops.
• October 25, 1967 (Malvern, Worcestershire): Three teenage girls saw a "dome-shaped" or "apple pie" object with a smaller hump emit a clear, scintillating light and land gently, leaving triangular traces.
• October 26, 1967 (Hook, Hampshire): An aeronautical engineer experienced his vehicle's radio, lights, and engine shutting down. He observed a dark object and later noted a change in pressure, a strong "bakelite-like" odor, and a feeling of electricity in the air. The object was seen hovering immobile.
• October 26, 1967 (Godalming, Surrey): A boy saw a pale green luminous object descend behind trees, followed by a large white "sun-like" globe hovering silently.
• October 26, 1967 (Moigne Downs, Dorset): A man walking his dogs near a military base observed an object descending like a "lightning bolt," stabilizing with four "arms" extended like a cross, and rotating.
• October 26, 1967 (Astley, Lancashire): A bright white luminous object was seen landing and then taking off an hour later, described as "the most brilliant light ever seen."
• October 26, 1967 (Liverpool, Lancashire): A motorist saw a shining object pass by and disappear into a field. Police searched without success, but officers observed a large, plate-like object with a strong blue-white light hovering.
• October 27, 1967 (Bacup, Lancashire): A police officer checking an antenna saw a "metallic cigar" about 15-20 meters long and at least 3 meters in diameter, with "portholes," hovering about 80 meters high.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, humanoid encounters, and the analysis of these phenomena within the broader context of ufology. There's a clear interest in historical cases, particularly those that have been subject to extensive investigation or debate, such as the UMMO case. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, as evidenced by the detailed debunking of the UMMO hoax and the thorough documentation of the 1967 UFO wave. The inclusion of interviews with prominent figures like J. Allen Hynek suggests an effort to engage with established researchers and their evolving theories, while also maintaining a focus on empirical evidence and rigorous analysis. The magazine also highlights the international nature of ufological research and communication, featuring news and reports from various countries.

Title: Cornucopia
Issue: 21
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Language: Italian
Country: Italy

This issue of Cornucopia, titled 'PANORAMA DELL'INSOLITO' (Panorama of the Unusual), presents a collection of reports on UFO sightings and other unexplained phenomena, alongside articles offering a skeptical perspective.

Aracnide!

The lead story, 'Aracnide!' (Arachnid!), details a sensational event where a large, venomous Mexican spider, known as the 'red knee' and measuring about 15 centimeters, was accidentally brought to an English town. The spider, described as enormous and hairy, capable of one-meter leaps, and possessing a venomous bite that could kill a child or a weak-hearted elderly person, caused widespread fear for a month. Despite pleas from a London zoologist to spare the creature, police and agents searched for it. The spider was eventually sighted 25 kilometers away, where it was captured and killed. The article questions whether it was the same spider or a relative.

Occhi nel buio

'Occhi nel buio' (Eyes in the Dark) reports on what is described as 'the greatest discovery in the history of ocean biology.' A scientific expedition in the Pacific, east of the Galapagos, discovered a chain of underwater hills resembling tents, with peculiar rock formations. Nearby, active volcanoes emitted hot geysers, supporting a diverse ecosystem of unknown marine life, including crabs with shining black eyes, violet octopuses, and large tubular worms. Scientists attributed this prolific life to the hydrogen sulfide from the volcanoes.

Veggente... non vedente

'Veggente... non vedente' (Seer... not seeing) recounts an incident in Caracas where two psychology students were approached by a man wearing dark sunglasses who claimed to be an extraterrestrial. He warned of an impending earthquake in Caracas on August 28th. To prove his claim, he demonstrated unusual abilities, including paralyzing a hand and revealing a face without eyes. He explained that extraterrestrials have more than five senses, including the ability to predict future events. He also predicted that one of the students would not survive a future cataclysm due to an incurable illness. Later, the fiancée of one of the student's cousins was approached by the same individual, who predicted a disaster between August 28th and September 28th. Shortly after, the 'sick' woman was hospitalized with a rapidly progressing cancer. These predictions led to a mass evacuation of Caracas, though no earthquake or flood occurred on the predicted dates. The article questions the motives behind such predictions.

I nuovi censori

This section discusses the formation and aims of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (SIOCOP) in New York. The committee, comprising scientists, journalists, philosophers, psychologists, and magicians, aims to combat the spread of what they deem 'unscientific beliefs' like astrology, UFOs, and parapsychology. They express concern that uncritical acceptance of these subjects could lead to a 'primitive way of thinking' and susceptibility to dangerous cults. The SIOCOP advocates for responsible media treatment of paranormal topics and has lodged complaints against NBC-TV for broadcasting 'pseudo-scientific documentaries' and films. They also protested an article in Reader's Digest about psychic phenomena, deeming it anecdotal and lacking documentation. The article quotes a SIOCOP representative stating that the popularity of paranormal phenomena reflects a dangerous trend towards primitive thinking and a rejection of critical judgment.

Case Studies (Casistica Medio-Recente)

The magazine includes a detailed table and accompanying descriptions of 37 'close encounters' (UFO sightings within 200 meters of the ground) that occurred in the British Isles in 1967. These entries provide dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the objects and events. Notable sightings include:

• October 28, 1967 (Merthyr, Wales): A grey-silver object with a bright strip and four lights was observed hovering among trees.
• October 28, 1967 (Tunbridge Wells, England): A car's engine stopped as six bright white lights in a triangular formation approached.
• October 28, 1967 (South Shields, England): A projectile-shaped object left dark burn marks after hovering over an electrical substation.
• October 29, 1967 (Northampton, England): A silent orange cigar-shaped object changed colors while hovering.
• October 29, 1967 (Storrington, England): A white, rugby ball-shaped object was seen, which later turned red-ruby and split into three parts.
• November 5, 1967 (Holmes Chapel, England): A truck driver was pursued by a circular UFO emitting flames.
• November 5, 1967 (Ibsley, England): A luminous object caused a truck's engine and radio to shut down and extended a tube to collect vegetation.
• November 6, 1967 (Burnley, England): A motorist was followed by a luminous white object.
• November 13, 1967 (Cranleigh, England): Two boys heard a strong smell of rotten eggs and saw a strange white face outside their car.
• November 16, 1967 (Storrington, England): Two women observed a 'trumpet' shaped object that later changed color and exhibited a reddish glow.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, close encounters, and the broader spectrum of paranormal phenomena. The magazine presents detailed accounts of these events, often with witness testimonies and specific data. However, a significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the SIOCOP, which represents a strong skeptical stance against the uncritical acceptance of paranormal claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these phenomena for the reader's consideration while also highlighting the scientific and skeptical counterarguments, particularly those promoted by the SIOCOP, which views the growing interest in the paranormal as a dangerous regression from critical thinking.