Clypeus UFO and Fortean Phenomena - 1977 No 6

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO and Fortean Phenomena, Volume I, Number 6, dated November-December 1977, is a special 28-page supplement to the bimonthly magazine Clypeus, also serving as a ufological supplement to 'Piemonte Insolito' no. 49. The magazine is directed by Edoardo Russo and edited by Gianni V. Settimo. It was registered in Turin on April 28, 1964. The publication aims to be cultural and informational, sent free to members of the 'Gruppo Clypeus'. The editors express gratitude to voluntary collaborators. Signed articles are the responsibility of their authors, while unsigned articles are compiled by the editorial staff. The publisher reserves all rights to published material.

Editorial

The editorial marks the end of the first year of UFO and Fortean Phenomena, having published 144 pages across six issues, fulfilling the promise of 24 pages per issue. The magazine has seen significant improvements in its presentation, aiming for a more professional look. The editorial highlights the shift towards more qualitative research, fewer news items, and more in-depth analysis for 1978, with increased emphasis on foreign authors and 'Clypeus-Ricerche'. It introduces the concept of 'new ufology' with articles exploring alternative hypotheses and a critical analysis of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH). Readers are urged to renew their subscriptions to avoid missing future installments and a promised surprise.

Osservatorio

This section critically examines the role of ufologists in relation to President Carter's promises regarding UFO information. It discusses the claims made by Joseph Allen Hynek, Leo Sprinkle, and Stanton Friedman that Carter is withholding information. The author questions the idea of widespread panic if UFO existence were definitively proven, citing Gallup polls that indicate public acceptance and even belief in extraterrestrial visitors. The section notes the growing popularity of UFO topics in mainstream media and the academic world's counter-efforts to combat 'unproven facts'.

A proposito del «buon dottore»

This part of the 'Osservatorio' section focuses on Professor J. Allen Hynek, tracing his evolution from being considered an 'arch-enemy of flying saucers' to a 'believer'. It details his shift in position following criticism and his subsequent influential role with the founding of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). The author notes Hynek's increasing 'commercialization', citing his second book and his active participation in book signings. While acknowledging Hynek's overall positive contribution to ufology, the author cautions against uncritical admiration, highlighting potential 'small earthquakes' caused by his actions within the ufological community.

Dispute ufologiche

This subsection laments the frequent and damaging disputes among ufologists, which detract from the primary goal of research. It uses the example of the MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) in America. The article details the internal conflicts within MUFON, its association with the magazine Skylook, and the subsequent shift to the MUFON UFO Journal. It also touches upon the role of Dennis Hauck and the International UFO Registry, suggesting a complex web of editorial and organizational maneuvering.

Una sporca faccenda

This section delves into the controversies surrounding the magazine 'Official UFO'. It describes the departure of its director, Russ Rueger, due to disagreements with editor Myron Fass over editorial content, particularly concerning sensationalism and the promotion of the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The article also details the resignation of Dennis Hauck from 'Ufology' and his subsequent involvement with 'Official UFO', highlighting accusations of fabricated content and a decline in journalistic integrity.

Casistica Recente

This section presents recent UFO cases and related discussions.

"Incontri ravvicinati" in USA e Canada: dicembre 1975

This entry refers to 'Close Encounters' in the USA and Canada in December 1975, likely related to the film of the same name.

Incontri ravvicinati di terzo tipo

This is a philosophical reflection on 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', questioning if it opens a door to immortality.

Cast tecnico

This entry lists the technical cast and an article by Ray Bradbury related to the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.

ETH: uno sguardo alle alternative

This article by John A. Rimmer explores alternative hypotheses to the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) for UFO phenomena.

Mexico!

This report details a UFO sighting in Mexico in August 1977, where a UFO was followed by two smaller objects and then appeared to explode. Mexican soldiers were reportedly searching the area for a crashed UFO. Initial reports were later contradicted, with authorities eventually admitting to finding 'burned vegetation'.

N.L.O.: identificato l'UFO» sovietico?

This article discusses a TASS report from September 20, 1977, about a bright object seen over Petrozavodsk, Soviet Union. While initially sensationalized as a 'Soviet UFO', Professor Vladimir A. Krat later suggested it was likely a rocket or satellite re-entering the atmosphere, possibly related to the launch of the military satellite Cosmos 955 from Plesetsk.

Gli UFO e i militari USA

This section addresses the perceived lack of transparency from the US government regarding UFOs. It refutes the idea that the Air Force has withheld information, stating that the material collected over 22 years has already been released. However, it acknowledges that some ufologists believe the government still holds 'proof of UFOs'. The article mentions a lawsuit filed against the CIA for allegedly suppressing UFO-related news and notes that military interest in UFOs since 1947 has been primarily focused on potential threats to military bases.

Corrigenda & amplianda

This section addresses the magazine's editorial policy regarding reporting on events already covered by Italian newspapers. It explains that the magazine initially avoided reporting on such events to focus on original material but will now include further details and corrections to previously reported sensationalized accounts.

Oh! Oh! Cavallo ...

This article reports on the mysterious deaths of fifteen ponies in Cherry Brook Valley, Devonshire, UK. The bodies were found mangled and crushed. Various theories were considered, including poisoning, shooting, and starvation. The ufological explanation, proposed by John Wyse of the Devon UFO Center, suggested a low-flying UFO created a vortex that killed the animals. However, other explanations, such as a Land Rover accident or ingestion of poisonous plants, were also considered. The article concludes that UFOs are unlikely to be involved, suggesting it falls under 'Fortean' phenomena.

Anche la vecchia Europa !

This section discusses internal conflicts within the British ufological community, specifically between the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) and the Northern UFO Network (NUFON), led by Jenny Randles. The conflict arose from Randles's critical articles within BUFORA and her involvement in forming a broader network of investigators (UFOIN), which began supplying material to the 'Flying Saucer Review' (FSR), potentially creating a rift between FSR and BUFORA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of ufological claims and organizations, the exploration of alternative hypotheses beyond the extraterrestrial explanation, and the reporting of recent UFO incidents. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting more rigorous, qualitative research, moving away from sensationalism and towards a more analytical approach to the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on questioning established narratives and exploring diverse perspectives within ufology.

This issue of "Incontri Ravvicinati" (Close Encounters) from December 1975, published by CLYPEUS, focuses on recent UFO sightings in the USA and Canada during the second half of that year, and provides an in-depth analysis of Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

Government Stance on UFO Investigations

The article begins by detailing the US government's position on UFO investigations. According to a spokesperson for the Pentagon, the Air Force stopped investigating UFOs in 1969 after the "Condon Report" concluded there was no justification for continued study. Ross, a Pentagon representative, stated that no new facts had emerged to change this position. Similarly, an Air Force spokesperson denied any renewed activity in UFO investigation, refuting rumors of USAF involvement.

NASA's Reluctance to Investigate UFOs

Despite a request from President Carter in July to the NASA Administrator to continue UFO investigations, NASA has maintained a stance of non-involvement. Scientific advisor Dr. Frank Press had requested the establishment of a UFO committee due to a "national UFO revival." However, NASA's response to inquiries has been to reiterate the USAF's conclusions: no proof of extraterrestrial vehicles, no threat to the US, and no evidence of technology beyond current capabilities. NASA's assistant for special projects, Dave Williamson, stated that the agency was not "anxious" to enter the UFO controversy, as it is not wise to research phenomena that cannot be measured. He outlined five potential ways NASA could respond to the White House request, including soliciting case studies, opening an archive for public submissions, organizing a national congress, analyzing physical evidence, and establishing rapid response teams.

However, by the time of publication, NASA Administrator Robert Frosch had declined the request, deeming such a study a "waste" and "unproductive." Frosch stated that NASA would only analyze "authentic physical evidence provided by credible sources" and recommended against any research activity or symposium, citing a lack of tangible or physical evidence for laboratory analysis.

Recent UFO Cases (December 1975)

The magazine presents a detailed list of UFO sightings from December 1975, categorized as "close encounters" in the USA and Canada. These cases, excluded from the main review due to insufficient data, are presented as appendices. Notable incidents include:

• December ? (Cape May County, NJ): A boomerang-shaped object with large lights was observed multiple times by a young worker.
• December 4 (Northbay, Ontario, Canada): A journalist photographed two UFOs with red and green lights, one triangular, exhibiting unusual maneuvers.
• December 5 (Coconut Creek, FL): Students and teachers observed a circular object, described as "large as the moon," hovering, diving into a pond, and submerging.
• December 7 (Sedalia, MO): A driver was followed by a luminous white-blue globe that hovered near a field, displaying a dome with windows and rotating lights.
• December 12 (Polk City, FL): A motorist saw an object with lights all around that followed his car at high speed.
• December 12 (Hastings, FL): A motorist observed a bright object with many lights, estimated to be 130 meters in size.
• December 12 (Bunnell, FL): A woman and her children saw a large object with lights and a smoky lower part.
• December 13 (Hastings, FL): A couple observed a UFO with lights that turned off and on, reappearing with bright, fiery orange lights.
• December 13 (Orange Springs, FL): Sixteen people witnessed a luminous object that grew in size and "danced" in the sky before rapidly ascending.
• December 14 (Orange Park, FL): A journalist and his wife observed a huge, slow-moving light with a fiery trail.
• December 14 (Salt Springs, FL): Hunters observed a circular object hovering over high-tension cables, emitting a beam of light and causing CB radios to malfunction.
• December 14 (Hastings, FL): A deputy sheriff and police officers saw a UFO described as "large as three football fields" land.
• December 23 (Goodridge, MN): Three young women in a car witnessed a luminous object that caused their car's engine to stall and lights to go out.
• December 31 (St. George, ONT): A young man on a snowmobile saw a dark object with rotating colored lights hovering over a barn.
• December 31 (Crawfordville, FL): Four young people observed two oblong objects, described as "large as Jumbo-Jets," hovering and emitting a loud hum.

Additional cases from September, October, and November 1975 are also listed with dates, locations, and brief descriptions, often citing sources like "Skylook" magazine.

Analysis of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

The latter part of the magazine is dedicated to an extensive review of Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The article praises the film as "the most important film of our times" and a "religious" experience, emphasizing its themes of unity, cosmic belonging, and the search for immortality. It highlights Spielberg's ability to transcend national and cultural boundaries, presenting a film that is apolitical and speaks to a universal human experience.

The author predicts that the film will be the most commercially successful ever, potentially grossing a billion dollars. Unlike "2001: A Space Odyssey," which is described as having a vacillating conclusion, or "Star Wars," which is critiqued for its overblown hype and perceived misclassification as science fiction rather than fantasy, "Close Encounters" is lauded for its profound message and its ability to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. The article suggests that the film's message of universal connection and the encounter with extraterrestrial beings offers a sense of hope and a desire for a more intense life, fostering a feeling of belonging to the same race.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a pro-UFO investigation stance, highlighting government reluctance and NASA's disinterest as obstacles to understanding. The detailed cataloging of sightings suggests a belief in the reality and significance of these phenomena. The extensive coverage of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" indicates an editorial alignment with the film's positive and spiritual interpretation of alien contact, viewing it as a significant cultural event that transcends mere entertainment and offers profound insights into humanity's place in the universe.

This issue of "CLYPEUS - RICERCHE" presents a critical examination of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) concerning UFOs, alongside extensive technical credits for a major film and a profile of writer Ray Bradbury. The magazine's primary focus is a multi-part critique of the ETH, arguing that it has become a limiting factor in UFO research.

Article: "APPUNTI PER UNA CRITICA ALL'IPOTESI EXTRATERRESTRE" by Edoardo Russo

Edoardo Russo begins his critique by noting that since 1947, the ETH, positing that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft, has been the most popular explanation for these phenomena. He outlines the core assumptions of the ETH: UFOs are advanced interstellar or interplanetary vehicles, their origin is extraterrestrial, and they are visiting Earth.

• Russo identifies several attractive aspects of the ETH:
• It superficially aligns with many "reliable" reports.
• It offers a clear, non-familial explanation.
• It is scientifically testable (either true or false).
• It appeals to scientists and scholars excited by the prospect of advanced civilizations, as well as those who favor "space brothers" narratives.

However, Russo asserts that any alternative theory must be strong enough to overcome the ETH. He categorizes existing explanations into three general types: material vehicles, natural phenomena, and subjective phenomena.

He briefly touches upon terrestrial explanations, including the "Hollow Earth" theory popularized by Raymond Palmer, and the idea of secret vehicles from terrestrial nations (USA, USSR, etc.). He dismisses these as overly complex and requiring elaborate cover-ups, making them harder to sustain than the original ETH.

Natural phenomena are acknowledged as a valid area of study for serious ufologists, potentially explaining many "identified" sightings and even some "unexplained" ones. Russo suggests the possibility of unknown natural phenomena, but cautions against the irrationality of trying to explain everything solely through this lens.

Subjective explanations, including psychological factors and mysticism, form the largest category. Russo references Carl Gustav Jung's concept of UFOs as archetypes of the collective unconscious, and Allen Greenfield's idea of "alternative realities." While acknowledging the complexity and potential for these theories to explain the elusive nature of UFOs, he notes their lack of conventional scientific basis.

Russo then delves into a detailed logical critique of the ETH, focusing on its core postulates:
1. UFOs are machines: This implies solid, manufactured structures. However, many reports describe objects that split, merge, are intangible, or pass through solid matter, contradicting the idea of conventional machines.
2. UFOs are capable of space travel: There is no evidence of UFOs entering or leaving Earth's atmosphere. Reports typically place them within the atmosphere or in space, suggesting they might be "environmental phenomena" of Earth itself.
3. Extraterrestrial beings exist: While not doubted by many, this is not yet proven.
4. Intelligent extraterrestrials exist: This is statistically plausible but not arguable, as there's no direct evidence. The "contacts" described by some witnesses are often contradictory or nonsensical, raising questions about the intelligence involved or the interpretation of these events.
5. The link between Intelligent Life Elsewhere (ILE) and UFOs: Russo questions the arbitrary connection made by ETH proponents between distant intelligent life and the UFO phenomenon observed on Earth, suggesting it relies heavily on the testimony of "contactees" who may be unreliable.

Russo argues that the ETH, by its very nature, requires five unproven postulates, making it less parsimonious than simpler explanations. He criticizes the tendency of "orthodox" ufologists to reject any data that doesn't fit the ETH, often forcing evidence to conform.

He advocates for "new ufology," which seeks to move beyond the ETH and explore a wider range of hypotheses, including parallel universes and para-physical realities, without necessarily rejecting the ETH outright but rather by subjecting it to rigorous logical scrutiny.

Article: "ETH: UNO SGUARDO ALLE ALTERNATIVE" by John A. Rimmer

John A. Rimmer also presents a case for considering alternatives to the ETH. He highlights the ETH's appeal due to its apparent fit with reported facts, its clarity, and its scientific testability. Rimmer acknowledges that the ETH is attractive because it suggests contact with advanced civilizations.

• He discusses various alternative explanations:
• Hollow Earth Theory: Suggests UFOs originate from within a hollow Earth, possibly inhabited by "deranged robots" (DERO) or an alternative world. Rimmer dismisses this as a precarious pseudo-logic and points to the instability of its proponents.
• Terrestrial Origins: Includes theories of UFOs originating from the ocean floor or from unknown terrestrial civilizations (e.g., in the Andes or Tibet). He also mentions the idea of secret vehicles from nations like the USA, USSR, or even Italy, deeming these less plausible.
• Natural Phenomena: Rimmer agrees that natural phenomena, known or unknown, can explain many UFO sightings. He notes that the physical laws of Earth and atmosphere impose limits on what natural phenomena can achieve.
• Subjective Phenomena: This category includes psychological explanations, mysticism, and the concept of "alternative realities." Rimmer references Carl Gustav Jung's theory of UFOs as archetypes of the collective unconscious, which can be triggered by various forces and interpreted as paranormal events.

Rimmer criticizes the ETH for its lack of scientific rigor and its proponents' tendency to dismiss contradictory evidence. He suggests that the ETH might be the ultimate answer, but only after a thorough objective comparison with all other theories.

He emphasizes the importance of considering all theories, even those that seem implausible, and warns against a closed-minded approach to UFO research. Rimmer notes that while many ufologists currently favor the ETH, this focus may lead to neglecting other potentially fruitful avenues of investigation.

Film Credits: "cast tecnico"

• Pages 20-22 provide an extensive list of the technical crew for a film, likely "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," given the names and roles. This includes:
• Producers: Julia Phillips, Michael Phillips
• Writer and Director: Steven Spielberg
• Director of Photography: Vilmos Zsigmond, A.S.C., William A. Fraker, A.S.C. (American Supplementary Scenes), Douglas Slocombe, B.S.C. (Indian Supplementary Sequences)
• Special Photographic Effects: Douglas Trumbull
• Music: John Williams
• Production Designer: Joe Alves
• Editor: Michael Kahn, A.C.E.
• Visual Effects Concept: Steven Spielberg
• Technical Consultant: Dr. J. Allen Hynek
• Numerous other roles including art direction, set decoration, editing, sound design, visual effects artists, animators, and administrative staff.

Profile: RAY BRADBURY

Ray Bradbury is introduced as one of the world's most celebrated science fiction writers, with 9 novels and over 300 stories and articles. His work is included in 100 anthologies and 70 textbooks. He is also a playwright and has written screenplays for films such as "Destination Earth," "The Reawakening Dinosaur," "Fahrenheit 451," "Moby Dick," and "The Illustrated Man." The article presented is noted as having appeared in the LOS ANGELES TIMES on Sunday, November 20, 1977.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is a critical re-evaluation of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) as the primary explanation for UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of exploring alternative theories and challenging the established, "orthodox" ufology, which is seen as having become stagnant and resistant to new ideas. The magazine advocates for a more open-minded, logical, and scientifically rigorous approach to the UFO mystery, suggesting that the ETH, while possibly a valid explanation in some cases, should not be the sole focus of research. The extensive film credits and the inclusion of a piece by a prominent sci-fi author like Bradbury suggest an interest in the intersection of science fiction, popular culture, and the UFO phenomenon.

Title: Clypeus
Issue: 1977 (marking the end of its 15th year)
Publisher: Gruppo Clypeus
Date: 1977

This issue of Clypeus serves as a year-end summary and a call for continued support for the following year. It highlights the magazine's commitment to covering the unusual and unexplained, despite facing obstacles. The editorial emphasizes the importance of reader adhesion to the Gruppo Clypeus for 1978, which grants rights to receive all published issues, participate in events, access the 'Archivio Clypeus', and contribute to the magazine, noted as the oldest in Italy covering the unusual.

Publications and Membership

The magazine details its two distinct publications:

• Piemonte insolito: A quarterly publication directed by Roberto D'Amico, focusing on myths, legends, folklore, mysteries, and unusual events of the Piedmont region of Italy and surrounding areas (Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta, Liguria, Canton Ticino, Savoia, Provence). It benefits from the collaboration of local enthusiast groups.
• UFO and Fortean Phenomena: A bimonthly publication directed by Edoardo Russo, which presents an international ufological panorama. It includes sections on ancient and recent cases, current events, 'fortean' phenomena, articles by foreign authors, and reviews of international books and magazines. It exclusively publishes original material from a network of hundreds of organizations, magazines, and collaborators worldwide.

Additionally, Clypeus publishes an occasional bulletin in English for international colleagues, illustrating the state of Italian ufology.

The annual membership fee for Gruppo Clypeus is 5000 lire, which includes home delivery of all magazine issues throughout the year. Readers interested in receiving only one of the two main publications can do so by paying a reimbursement fee of 3000 lire.

The Dossier UFO is an annual publication that compiles photographic reproductions of UFO-related newspaper clippings from the non-specialized Italian press. The 1977 edition contains over five hundred clippings and is available for 5000 lire, with a discounted price of 2000 lire (including shipping) for Gruppo Clypeus members.

Editorial: Skepticism and Criticism of Ufology

The editorial section, continuing from the previous issue, discusses a program on the Canadian Broadcasting Company featuring two executives from the 'Comitato per l'indagine scientifica su presunti fatti paranormali' (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Paranormal Claims): Robert Sheaffer and Paul Kurtz.

Sheaffer is presented as arguing that the entire UFO phenomenon is akin to a religion. He proceeded to 'debunk' several UFO cases. Among these was the sighting by President Carter and the well-known case of the Hill couple, which Sheaffer had previously explained in terms of planetary influences and hallucinations in the August issue of 'Official UFO'. The editorial notes that Sheaffer was supported by Kurtz.

Kurtz is quoted as stating that the primary attack by the SIOCOP (presumably referring to the committee or its agenda) will be directed against 'so-called ufology'.

The editorial also lists other members of the SIOCOP not mentioned in a previous issue's 'Cornucopia': Isaac Asimov, a science fiction writer and anti-ufologist, and Carl Sagan, an astronomer and exobiologist who believes in extraterrestrial intervention in ancient history but is considered an enemy of modern UFOlogy.

Conclusion

The issue concludes with a statement affirming the continuation of Clypeus: "E CON QUESTO CLYPEUS CONTINUA!" (And with this, Clypeus continues!). This reinforces the message of resilience and ongoing publication for the upcoming year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ufology, paranormal phenomena, and the critical examination of these subjects. The editorial stance, as represented by the discussion of Sheaffer and Kurtz's views, is strongly skeptical towards ufology. The magazine appears to provide a platform for both proponents and critics of UFO phenomena, but this particular editorial highlights the critical perspective, aligning with organizations like the SIOCOP that aim to debunk or discredit ufological claims. The emphasis on 'Piemonte insolito' also suggests an interest in local folklore and mysteries, which may or may not be framed within a skeptical context.