Clypeus UFO and Fortean Phenomena - 1978 No 9

Magazine Overview

This issue of CLYPEUS UFO AND FORTEAN PHENOMENA, Volume II, Number 3 (9), dated May-June 1978, is published by ARBETSGRUPPEN FÖR UFOLOGI and edited by Edoardo Russo, with Gianni V. Settimo as the responsible director and publisher based in Torino, Italy. The magazine is a bimonthly publication focused on ufology and related phenomena, sent free to members of the "Gruppo Clypeus." The issue is a supplement to "Clypeus Piemonte Insolito" n°51.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

The issue features a variety of articles, including:

• Editorial: Discusses the upcoming European Parliament and highlights the European origins of the authors featured in this issue. It also introduces "Flying Saucer Review" as a leading ufology magazine and mentions previous articles from its pages. The editorial touches upon the term "close encounters" and advocates for the Italian adoption of "IR1, IR2, IR3" over "CEI, CEII, CEIII."
• "L'effetto CE III K" (The CE III K Effect) by Charles Bowen: This article, originally from "Flying Saucer Review," examines the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Bowen suggests that while the film is visually stunning and amoral, it may not significantly alter the substance of UFO reports, but rather increase their quantity. He notes the overwhelming response to the "UFO Bureau" set up by the Daily Express, with over 6000 reports received by February 1978. The article implies that the film encourages witnesses to speak out, potentially revealing a higher incidence of UFO activity in Italy than previously acknowledged.
• "Il topo nel labirinto" (The Mouse in the Labyrinth) by Aimé Michel: Michel introduces the "Law of Guérin," which posits that any law formulated in ufology is immediately disproven by subsequent sightings. He proposes his own amendment, "Michel's amendment," which includes the Law of Guérin itself. Michel uses the analogy of a mouse in a labyrinth, constantly seeking an exit only to find itself in another, to describe the cyclical nature of UFO research and the feeling of being manipulated. He argues that the current influx of "mice" into the labyrinth suggests a shift in the phenomenon's nature.
• "Nuove riflessioni sull'ortotenia" (New Reflections on Ortoteny) by Aimé Michel: This letter to the editor of "Flying Saucer Review" discusses the slow progress in the field of ortoteny (the study of straight-line alignments in UFO sightings). Michel notes that while he has observed patterns and connections to UFO waves, there hasn't been significant new understanding since 1958. He reflects on the possibility that his previous criteria for ortoteny might have been too restrictive, leading to the underestimation of certain cases.
• "Osservatorio" (Observatory): This section includes several short reports:
• "Sondaggio Gallup negli USA..." (Gallup Poll in the USA...): Details a poll conducted by Gallup Opinion Research Corporation in March 1978, surveying 506 US citizens about UFOs. The results show a high belief in the reality of UFOs (87%), with a significant portion of witnesses being young adults. The poll also noted that 72% of respondents had seen the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."
• "...un «loro» sondaggio sulla Terra?" (...a "their" poll on Earth?): A brief, cryptic message suggesting an extraterrestrial perspective on human beliefs.
• "Strani effetti degli UFO" (Strange Effects of UFOs): This section presents a case from Loxton, South Africa, from July 31, 1975. A witness observed a circular object with long-faced, tall humanoids. Upon attempting to approach, a flash of light caused a nosebleed, and the object left five equidistant indentations in the ground.
• "Casistica recente" (Recent Cases):
• "Sigaro volante precipita in Bolivia" (Cigar-shaped UFO crashes in Bolivia): A brief mention of a UFO incident.
• "Incontro del terzo tipo in Svezia" (Third Kind Encounter in Sweden): A brief mention of another UFO incident.
• "Contrazione temporale e viaggi interstellari" (Temporal Contraction and Interstellar Travel) by Wolfgang Koppitz: This article delves into theoretical aspects of time and space related to UFO phenomena.
• "Clyppy: gli occhi spaziali" (Clyppy: The Space Eyes): A section likely featuring a comic strip or short piece related to UFOs.

Cover Description

The cover features an orange background with the magazine title "CLYPEUS UFO AND FORTEAN PHENOMENA" in large, stylized letters. Below the title is an illustration depicting three figures observing a landscape with mountains and flying objects. Key article titles and page numbers are listed at the bottom, highlighting a UFO crash in Bolivia and an article by Aimé Michel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and understanding of UFO phenomena, the theoretical underpinnings of ufology, and the impact of popular culture, particularly films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," on public perception and reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, academic inquiry into UFOs, aiming to provide cultural and informational content rather than speculative theories. The magazine positions itself as a specialized publication for "insiders" in the field of ufology.

This issue of "UFO Information" (gennaio-febbraio 1978, vol.6 n.5) published by P & O Wireless News, features a cover headline and lead article by J. Bernard Delair titled "Le ondate d'avvistamenti e la loro previsione" (UFO Waves and Their Prediction). The magazine is in Italian and covers UFO phenomena with a focus on historical analysis and statistical patterns.

Key Articles and Content

Paso de los Toros Incident (October 8, 1976)

The issue begins with a detailed account of a significant UFO flap in Paso de los Toros, Uruguay. The event involved a "star-like" object, electromagnetic effects on household appliances (a bottle exploding, a refrigerator deforming), and a large horseshoe-shaped depression in the ground. The incident was reported by local radio, police, and numerous witnesses. The witness described the object as "similar to a huge mercury lamp, brilliant and silvery, with yellow and green lights." The event also caused all three of the witness's vehicles to have dead batteries, which he considered a "coincidence."

Mexican UFO Incident (1977)

A curious case from Mexico in 1977 is presented, involving a UFO sighted near Acapulco. A man reportedly saw an "alien spaceship" hovering over his chicken coop and fired at it. His wife reported seeing a luminous flash strike him, after which the spaceship departed. The man subsequently experienced disintegration of body parts, including his ears, and died before reaching the hospital, with doctors noting severe radiation burns.

Commentary on Incidents

The magazine draws parallels between these incidents and other historical cases, such as those in Isola d'Ortonovo (Italy, 1954), Crixas (Brazil, 1967), and Araçariguama (Brazil, 1946), noting similarities like animal theft and disintegration by luminous rays.

Necrology: George Van Tassel

A brief obituary for George Van Tassel, an American "contactee" who passed away in Santa Ana, California, on February 9th. Van Tassel, born in 1910, was known for his claims of contact with extraterrestrials and his founding of the "Ministry of Universal Wisdom." He developed the "Integratron" and organized annual "Giant Rock Conventions."

Necrology: Robert Charroux

Another obituary notes the recent passing of Robert Charroux, a French author known for his works on "spatial archaeology" and ancient mysteries. Charroux, who died on June 24th, explored themes of lost civilizations and ancient secrets, and his writings occasionally touched upon UFOs.

"UFO Waves and Their Prediction" by J. Bernard Delair

This extensive article forms the core of the issue, analyzing the phenomenon of UFO "waves" (periods of increased sightings) and "flaps" (localized bursts of activity). Delair argues that UFO activity occurs in cyclical patterns.

Historical Analysis of UFO Waves:

Delair traces UFO reports back to the early 1950s, noting that systematic collection revealed recurring patterns. He identifies two main types of cycles: "type A" waves, occurring approximately every 10 years, and "type B" waves, occurring every 6 years with shorter intervals. The article presents graphical representations of UFO sightings from 1947 to 1975 (Figure 1) and historically from 1700 (Figure 2), illustrating these peaks and troughs.

Correlation with Solar Cycles:

A significant part of the article focuses on the correlation between UFO waves and solar cycles (sunspots). Delair presents data showing a remarkable coincidence between the peaks of solar activity and UFO waves, particularly "type A" waves. He suggests that the 11.1-year solar cycle, with variations, provides a basis for predicting future UFO waves. Figure 3 and Figure 4 graphically illustrate this correlation.

Predictive Implications:

Based on the observed 10-year cycle for type A waves, Delair suggests potential future wave occurrences in 1977/78, 1987/88, and 1997/98 or '99. He also notes a potential connection to Nostradamus's prophecy of a "great and powerful lord" arriving from the skies in 1999, speculating that this might coincide with a type B wave, which tends to involve more reports of humanoid occupants.

Skywatches and Methodology:

Delair criticizes the timing of most organized skywatches, which are often held outside of known UFO wave periods, leading to poor results. He advocates for coordinating skywatches to coincide with predicted wave periods, emphasizing the need for more organized and internationally coordinated efforts, especially in the summer and autumn months when type A waves are more likely to occur.

Data Sources:

The analysis relies on statistical comparisons of the UFOCAT (over 85,000 reports) and WUFOC (over 43,000 reports) databases, acknowledging their incompleteness but asserting their value as a representative sample of UFO activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a rational, data-driven approach to UFO phenomena, seeking to identify patterns and correlations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the subject, encouraging systematic research and organized observation. There is a clear emphasis on historical data, statistical analysis, and the potential for prediction, particularly through the correlation with natural phenomena like solar cycles. The inclusion of necrologies and references to other publications indicates a commitment to scholarly discourse within the ufological community.

The magazine also touches upon the more speculative aspects, such as the potential link between UFO waves and Nostradamus's prophecies, but frames it as an interesting point for consideration rather than a definitive conclusion. The overall tone is analytical and investigative.

This issue of CLYPEUS, identified by its page number '19' and a comic strip on the cover, focuses on recent UFO phenomena. The main article details a significant event in Bolivia, while another section covers an encounter in Sweden. The magazine also includes theoretical discussions on physics related to UFOs and interstellar travel.

"Sigaro volante," precipita in Bolivia

This article reports on an incident that occurred near Los Toldos, on the border of Argentina and Bolivia, in early May 1978. Eyewitnesses, including engineers, military personnel, and a teacher, described a mysterious "UFO" that crashed into a hillside. The object, described as a metallic cylinder with a conical front, approximately four meters long and six meters high, emitted a loud whistling sound and was highly luminous with red-orange sparkles. It was observed flying at about 90 meters altitude at an estimated speed of 350 kilometers per hour before impacting the rocky surface of a hill named "El Taire."

The impact site was noted to be a lighter color than the surrounding rock, suggesting a deliberate, non-natural event. Some witnesses reported seeing a smaller object following the main cylinder. The crash produced a blinding flash, visible within a 150-kilometer radius, followed by a powerful explosion that shattered windows up to 70 kilometers away and caused a tremor felt as far as 250 kilometers away in Argentina. The impact created an enormous crater, measuring 1500 meters long and 500 meters wide. Remarkably, the granite at the site was reportedly volatilized, with no residue found.

Following the incident, the area was declared a military emergency zone. Bolivian authorities deployed aircraft and helicopters to investigate. A team of scientists, reportedly including Americans from a US military mission (though not officially NASA), was transported to the site. Dr. Orlando Bravo, head of a scientific commission, confirmed seeing the metallic "cylinder" on the ground. There are reports that the object was recovered and transported to the United States. Strange interferences in telephone communications in the Tarija province were noted after the event.

The article cites various media outlets that reported on the incident, including Argentine television and newspapers, as well as Italian publications.

Incontro del terzo tipo in Svezia

This section recounts an experience of Kurt Nilsson, a radio enthusiast, near Trehörningsjö, Sweden, on October 18, 1977. While attempting to establish contact with a colleague, Nilsson experienced severe radio interference. He then observed a pale blue object, described as a disc with a dome, approximately a couple of meters in diameter, about a hundred meters away. Three figures, about a meter tall and wearing grey "space suits," were seen near the object. When Nilsson turned on his car headlights, the object and figures disappeared, only to reappear moments later. Frightened, Nilsson drove away, but his car stalled in the road, where he encountered the same three figures, one of whom held an object resembling a spade. The car's engine and lights then shut off, plunging Nilsson into darkness. After restarting his car, he found the figures had vanished.

Upon returning home, Nilsson noticed his watch had lost 20 minutes. He contacted a friend who directed a radio station in Hemliden, who confirmed experiencing similar interference in 1969 at the same location. Nilsson's dog also exhibited unusual behavior, showing fear and reluctance to go near Hemliden.

Contrazione temporale e viaggi interstellari

This article, authored by Wolfgang Keppitz, explores theoretical aspects of UFO phenomena and interstellar travel, referencing Professor Joseph Allen Hynek's critical comments on the Project Blue Book study. Keppitz discusses the characteristics of observed UFOs, noting their unconventional flight capabilities, such as hovering and extreme speed. He posits that if UFOs are indeed technologically advanced craft from extraterrestrial intelligences, they must possess a technology to isolate their craft from gravitational fields, enabling them to achieve immense speeds with minimal energy.

The article delves into Einstein's theory of relativity, explaining time and space transformations (Lorentz transformations) and the concept of time dilation. It uses formulas to illustrate how time intervals for a moving object (Σ') are shorter than for a stationary observer (Σ). Keppitz suggests that travel to nearby stars, such as Proxima Centauri (4.24 light-years away), could be accomplished in a matter of months if traveling at 99% the speed of light.

Keppitz also touches upon the probability of extraterrestrial life existing in the cosmos, citing the vast number of star systems. He acknowledges the challenges of interstellar travel, including vast distances and the technical and biological difficulties. The article concludes by summarizing that if UFO witnesses are accurate and the objects are subject to known physical laws, then extraterrestrial beings must possess a technology to isolate their craft from gravity, allowing for high-speed travel with low energy expenditure.

Editorial

The editorial section provides context for the articles presented. It mentions that the issue includes contributions from various ufologists and researchers, including J. B. Delair, who discusses "waves" of sightings and their correlation with solar activity. It also highlights the contribution of Dr. Wolfgang Keppitz, whose detailed explanation of formulas related to time contraction and interstellar travel is presented with explanatory notes. The editorial acknowledges potential delays in publication and expresses hope that the content will be engaging for the readers.

References are provided for various articles and concepts discussed, including "Close Encounters of the Religious Kind," "The CE IIIK Effect," and works by John A. Keel and Aimé Michel. The editorial also announces that the next issue of "UFO AND FORTEAN PHENOMENA" will be a special 40-page issue dedicated to UFO humor, featuring over four hundred humorous vignettes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of CLYPEUS are the investigation of specific UFO sightings and encounters, the exploration of theoretical physics related to space travel and extraterrestrial technology, and the dissemination of information from ufological research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting both eyewitness accounts and scientific speculation, while acknowledging the complexities and ongoing debates within the field. The magazine aims to inform its readers about significant events and theoretical possibilities in ufology.