UFOlogia Supplemento a Clypeus - 1979 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIA SUPPLEMENTO A CLYPEUS
Issue: N° 57
Date: July-August 1979
Publisher: Gruppo Clypeus
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of UFOLOGIA SUPPLEMENTO A CLYPEUS, number 57, dated July-August 1979, is a supplement to Clypeus and focuses on a variety of ufological topics, with a particular emphasis on the controversial intersection of ufology and demonology, and a critical look at statistical approaches to UFO phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial highlights the introduction of a new section called 'Controluce,' which provides editorial commentary on Italian ufological news, differentiating itself from 'Osservatorio' which covers international news. It announces that the extensive series on Italian UFO cases from 1978 and classification systems will conclude soon, making way for new content. The editorial also notes the significant presence of four Italian authors in this issue, discussing their contributions on statistical data analysis, the study of IFOs (Identified Flying Objects), and the controversial link between UFOs and demonology.

Key Articles and Features

Ritrovamenti del 3° tipo (Third Kind Findings)

Authored by Leonard H. Stringfield, this article is the first part of a preliminary study on UFO wreckage and extraterrestrial cadavers allegedly held by the US military. Stringfield discusses the global disbelief in UFO existence, even within the scientific community, and the frustration of researchers facing a lack of concrete evidence. He posits that crucial evidence might be held by authorities who deny its existence. The article presents two diverging theories on UFOs: one suggesting visitors from other dimensions, and another postulating structured craft from distant space and time. Stringfield emphasizes the persistence of reports about crashed UFOs and retrieved occupants, despite official denials and the debunking of earlier sensationalist claims like Frank Scully's 'Behind the Flying Saucers'. He recounts his own investigations, including contacting the Air Force, and suggests that the government has orchestrated a massive cover-up.

Controluce: Precisazioni pseudo-metodologiche (Controluce: Methodological Clarifications)

This section addresses criticisms from Professor Solas Boncompagni of the Sezione Ufologica Fiorentina regarding the 'essential reduction' methodology used in compiling UFO reports. The authors defend their approach, stating it's not a methodology but a function of research, where published data serves to inform others. They argue that their concise presentation of cases allows interested researchers to request original material, a practice common among leading UFO research centers like Jacques Vallée's and the Center for UFO Studies. They highlight the sheer volume of data collected and the challenge of finding meaningful ways to analyze it, questioning the role of ufologists if their primary activity becomes mere publication.

Contattisti: razza immortale (Contactees: Immortal Race)

This article critically examines the phenomenon of 'contactees,' focusing on Eugenio Siragusa. It dismisses claims made by Leopoldo Andronese regarding Siragusa's alleged persecution and the intervention of 'Extraplanetari' to prove his innocence. The authors suggest that the widely reported Italian UFO wave of December 1978 was likely due to misinterpretations of the planet Venus. They also point to a new symbol associated with Siragusa, registered in Syracuse, implying a directorial hand behind the contactee movement.

I Sistemi di Classificazione (Classification Systems)

Authored by Edoardo Russo, this is the second part of an analysis of UFO classification systems. It begins by quoting Joseph Allen Hynek's presentation at a 1969 symposium, where he introduced his simple, observation-based classification system. Hynek's categories include 'nocturnal lights,' 'daytime discs,' and 'close encounters' (further divided into pure encounters, those with physical effects, and those involving 'humanoids' or 'occupants'), along with radar sightings. The article notes that Hynek's system, developed for the 'Project Blue Book' analysis, is the most widely known and merits detailed examination.

Ufologia e demonologia (Ufology and Demonology)

This article, by Luigi Sorgno, explores the controversial links between UFO phenomena and demonology. It suggests that some UFO manifestations might be interpreted through a demonic lens, challenging conventional ufological explanations.

Gli altri dicono (Others Say)

Curated by Paolo Gastaldi, this section likely presents brief opinions or reports from other sources or researchers.

G.S.W. batte C.I.A.: mille a zero! (G.S.W. beats C.I.A.: a thousand to zero!)

Curated by Norbert Spenher, this piece seems to report on a legal victory by a group called G.S.W. against the C.I.A., possibly related to UFO information or cover-ups.

Statistica: un vicolo cieco (Statistics: A Blind Alley)

Authored by Paolo Mercuri, this article likely argues against the effectiveness or reliability of using statistical methods to understand UFO phenomena, suggesting it leads to dead ends.

Casistica italiana (Italian Cases)

This ongoing series, authored by Paolo Mercuri, details Italian UFO sightings from 1978, with this installment covering the period of December 15-17.

Si dice... (It is said...)

A section for miscellaneous short items or rumors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards ufology. It questions sensationalism, emphasizes rigorous research, and scrutinizes claims, particularly those involving contactees and alleged government cover-ups. The issue highlights the challenges of classifying UFO data and the potential for misinterpretation. There's a clear effort to present a more grounded, albeit still speculative, approach to the subject, with a particular focus on Italian cases and researchers. The inclusion of articles linking ufology to demonology and critiquing statistical methods suggests a willingness to explore unconventional and potentially controversial aspects of the field, while maintaining a critical editorial voice.

This issue of "UFO" (Volume 16, Issue 11, dated January-February 1970) delves into the complexities of UFO classification systems and presents a detailed case study of the mysterious disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich. The magazine explores the evolution of UFO categorization, focusing on the systems proposed by J. Allen Hynek and Jenny Randles, alongside the challenges and criticisms associated with them.

Hynek's UFO Classification System

The article begins by discussing J. Allen Hynek's proposed UFO classification system, noting that it was initially presented in his book "The UFO Experience" (1972). Hynek's system is described as empirical, based on the type of UFO observation reported, and is designed to delineate prevalent structures in UFO reports without presupposing theories about UFO origins. The system is divided into two main categories: distant sightings and close encounters.

Distant sightings are further broken down into three sub-categories:
1. Night lights: UFOs observed at night, primarily noted for their luminosity, color, and movement.
2. Day discs: UFOs observed during the day, often described as oval or disc-shaped.
3. Radar-visuals: Cases where UFOs are detected by radar and also visually observed, with a high probability that both observations refer to the same event.

Close encounters are divided into three types:
1. First type: The UFO is sighted at a close distance, with no interaction with the environment other than potential trauma to the observer.
2. Second type: Similar to the first type, but with physical effects noted on living beings or matter, such as flattened or burnt vegetation, broken tree branches, frightened animals, or inanimate objects temporarily out of use.
3. Third type: This category involves the presence of "occupants" within or around the UFO.

The article notes that Hynek's system was an improvement over Vallée's, offering a more structured approach. However, it also highlights that Hynek himself later expanded and modified the system in his book.

Critiques and Modifications of Hynek's System

The text critically examines Hynek's classification, pointing out that the system is not mutually exclusive and that the use of multiple criteria (observation type, distance, presence of physical effects, entities) leads to overlapping categories. The author questions the 'prevalence' criterion used by Hynek, arguing that it can lead to cases being excluded from consideration if they fit multiple categories. For instance, a case classified as a radar-visual might be overlooked when studying night lights or day discs.

The article discusses two main modifications to Hynek's original project: a substantial one reducing radar-visuals to a single category and a formal one grouping night lights, day discs, and radar-visuals into a 'super-category' to contrast with close encounters based on distance. This revised system aims to address the overlapping issues found in Vallée's classification.

However, the author argues that Hynek's system, despite its empirical basis, still faces challenges. The distinction between 'night lights' and 'day discs' is noted as being applied primarily to high-altitude sightings, and the introduction of 'radar-visuals' deviates from the 'mode of observation' criterion by adding radar detection as a distinguishing factor.

Further complications arise with the 'close encounter' categories, where distance becomes the primary criterion, potentially overshadowing the visual aspect of the phenomenon. The author suggests that the system's structure, based on an 'increasing order of importance,' leads to arbitrary choices when a case fits multiple categories.

The Randles/Warrington Variant

The issue then introduces a variant of Hynek's system developed by Peter Warrington and Jenny Randles for their book 'UFOs: a British Viewpoint'. This variant aims to overcome some of Hynek's difficulties and provide a more logical progression of importance. It is based on the 'strangeness-probability' (S-P) coefficient, identified by plotting reports on a two-dimensional graph.

• The Randles/Warrington system categorizes UFO reports as follows:
• Scarce sharpness: Cases involving a luminous, moving light without a precise shape.
• Medium sharpness: Similar to scarce sharpness but with a precise shape and no associated effects.
• Instrumental detection: Objects detected by instruments like cameras or radar.
• Close encounters of the first type: Encounters with temporary effects on the witness or environment.
• Close encounters of the second type: Encounters with semi-permanent effects, such as traces on the ground, observable by others not present during the sighting.
• Close encounters of the third type: Encounters involving the sighting of entities associated with the UFO, further divided into sightings of entities (without contact) and entities with contact.
• Close encounters of the fourth type: Encounters involving contact that causes temporal distortion and removal from reality, such as abductions or psychic contactees.

This variant also allows for additional modifiers (e.g., EM for electromagnetic effects, AN for animal reactions, Phisio for physiological effects, T for traces) to be applied to the close encounter categories. The article notes that this system moves away from the strict distance criterion used by Hynek, focusing instead on the presence or absence of instrumental detection, effects, or entities.

The Case of Frederick Valentich

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the case of Frederick Valentich, a 20-year-old Australian pilot who disappeared on October 21, 1978, while flying a Cessna 182 over Bass Strait. Valentich reported seeing a large, unidentified aircraft hovering above him before his engine began to fail and communications were lost after a strange metallic sound.

The article details the events leading up to Valentich's disappearance, including his radio transmissions to air traffic control and his last words. It highlights the extensive search efforts by the RAAF and the lack of any findings. The media initially speculated about a UFO abduction, a theory reinforced by other UFO sightings in the Melbourne area on the same day.

• The author presents several discrepancies that challenge the UFO abduction theory and other explanations like a 'head-in-the-air' incident or suicide. These include:
• Valentich's flight plan was for a one-way trip to King Island, despite stating his intention to return.
• He did not arrange for landing lights at King Island.
• No one could confirm his stated reason for the trip (buying prawns).
• His reserve fuel tank was full.
• No aircraft were sighted by lighthouse keepers or fishermen, nor detected on radar, despite excellent weather conditions.
• There were unconfirmed reports of a small aircraft landing near Cape Otway.
• No wreckage was found despite thorough searches.
• Valentich carried a $300 check.
• His arrangement to meet his girlfriend was logistically impossible given his flight path.
• His father mentioned Valentich had previously seen a large, bright object in the sky and believed in UFOs.
• Valentich's final radio transmission showed no sign of fear.

The article also references the earlier case of Captain Mantell, whose disappearance was attributed to a UFO encounter, and a Phantom jet disappearance in Australia in 1968, where a pilot reported being attacked by UFOs.

The author concludes by offering a personal theory that Valentich may have been committing suicide while under the influence of drugs, and that his aircraft was caught between two UFOs, leading to his 'atomization into the fourth dimension'. The article invites readers to share their own theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO" magazine consistently explores the challenges of classifying and understanding UFO phenomena. It highlights the ongoing debate and development of classification systems, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodology while acknowledging the inherent difficulties in interpreting eyewitness accounts and physical evidence. The magazine appears to maintain an open yet critical stance towards UFO reports, presenting detailed analyses of cases and systems while encouraging critical thinking and the exploration of various hypotheses. The inclusion of the Valentich case, with its unresolved questions and speculative theories, underscores the magazine's commitment to investigating the more perplexing aspects of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of INTCAT, a publication focused on ufology, delves into various aspects of UFO research and phenomena. The content is primarily in Italian, with some references to English-language publications.

Key Articles and Content

Cataloging UFO Landings and Humanoid Encounters

The issue extensively discusses the work of researchers in cataloging UFO landing cases and encounters with 'humanoids.' It highlights Jacques Vallée's contributions, including his work on 'The Humanoids' and the compilation of 'A Century of UFO Landings' (1868-1968), which presented 923 type-1 reports. The text details how Vallée's research was published and translated, including its appearance in 'Lumières dans la nuit' and 'Flying Saucer Review.'

Spanish ufologists, coordinated by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, were quick to adopt Vallée's idea, producing a catalog of 100 type-1 cases from the Iberian Peninsula, published simultaneously in multiple languages. The text notes subsequent expansions of this catalog, including a 1976 report by Ballester Olmos with 200 cases.

UFO Classification Systems

The development and evolution of UFO classification systems are a significant theme. J. Allen Hynek's system, particularly his concept of 'close encounters' (type 1, 2, and 3), is discussed. Type 1 involves visual sightings, Type 2 involves physical effects on the environment, and Type 3 involves the presence of animated entities. The text acknowledges that Hynek's categories do not perfectly align with Vallée's 'type 1' cases, leading to some difficulties.

The issue also mentions other classification efforts, including those by the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). The Valentich case is presented with maps illustrating the flight path and presumed area of disappearance, referencing newspaper articles from October 1978.

The 'Demonology' Connection

A particularly intriguing section explores the potential link between UFO phenomena and demonology. The author, Luigi Sorgno, posits that certain aspects of UFO encounters, such as the presence of sulfurous odors, animal distress, and anomalous human experiences, bear similarities to historical descriptions of demonic activity. The article references Luigi Fognani's views on when the presence of the Devil is first perceived (animals before humans) and quotes from L. Stringfield's 'Assedio UFO' detailing an encounter with a UFO that produced a repulsive odor and caused animal agitation.

Further examples include a report of sulfurous odors after a UFO sighting in Argentina and the disappearance of a cat and kittens. The text draws parallels between these experiences and accounts of demonic possession, citing the work of Di Nola's 'Inchiesta sul Diavolo.' It suggests that the 'new phenomenology' of UFOs, which has intensified in recent decades, might be a modern adaptation of ancient beliefs, with Satan being interpreted as an external force that manipulates human affairs.

The article also touches upon the idea of 'physical trace landings' and 'strange effects from UFOs,' referencing studies by Ted Phillips and Francis Schaefer. It discusses historical beliefs about demons causing storms and the idea of 'ships' from a land called Nagonia bringing destruction.

Other Ufological Publications and Reviews

The issue includes reviews of other ufological publications. 'La Torre... di Babele' is mentioned for its article on the constitution of GEPAN and UFO developments at the UN. 'Il Senzatitolo' is noted for its lack of UFO content in one issue but includes an article by Paolo Mercuri discussing Italian UFO research groups and a proposal for a unified national UFO bulletin.

'Morgana - quaderni di ufologia' is praised for its regional case-based approach, focusing on sightings along the Adriatic coast. 'Muraghex - Notiziario interno' features a case with psychic effects and a declaration by Vallée at the UN.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic cataloging of UFO sightings, the development of classification systems, and the exploration of potential connections between UFO phenomena and historical beliefs, including demonology. The editorial stance appears to be one of in-depth research and analysis, encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to understanding these complex events. There's a clear emphasis on the scientific and investigative aspects of ufology, while also acknowledging the more speculative and historical interpretations.

This issue of UFOLOGIA magazine, Volume VIII, covers July and August 1979, with a particular focus on UFO sightings in Italy during 1978 and a significant legal battle concerning government UFO documents. The cover prominently features the headline "G.S.W. batte C.I.A.: mille a zero !" (G.S.W. beats C.I.A.: a thousand to zero!), highlighting a victory in a lawsuit against the US intelligence agencies.

Review of Periodicals

The magazine begins with reviews of other UFO publications. "Notiziario U.N.U.C.I." from June 1979 is described as rich in "deja-vu" content, re-examining articles from past UFO newsletters. It includes a bibliography of UFO-related books and critiques its inclusion of less credible sources alongside respected ones. The review notes the inclusion of infrared photos from Chieti and an article on the planet Venus. "Il Giornale dei Misteri" (The Journal of Mysteries) issue 100 (July 1979) is noted for its "dozzinal" (mediocre) UFO content, featuring a case from Veneto and a photographic case from Reggio. It also mentions an article by Boncompagni on erroneous methodology and a piece by Coppetti on "The Extraterrestrial Enemy."

Issue 101 (August 1979) of "Il Giornale dei Misteri" continues with UFO content, including two cases from 1978, a photographed light in Reggio, and a close encounter in Romagna. It introduces a "South American UFO Newsletter" and continues its case analysis. Letters to the editor discuss the "men in black" myth and the need to "professionalize" ufology.

G.S.W. vs. C.I.A.: A Legal Battle

A major article details the lawsuit filed by C.A.U.S. (Citizens Against UFO Secrecy) against the U.S. Air Force, aiming to obtain public access to government archives concerning UFOs. The goal is to prove the existence of a crashed extraterrestrial vehicle in the late 1940s near the Texas-Mexico border. This action was inspired by the success of G.S.W. (Ground Saucer Watch) in a lawsuit against the C.I.A., which forced the agency to release thousands of pages of UFO-related documents. The C.I.A. claims the matter falls under the U.S. Air Force's jurisdiction. The article outlines the legal procedures, including appeals and the involvement of lawyers from a prestigious New York firm. It emphasizes the potential for this legal action to lead to the scientific recognition of the UFO phenomenon and the disclosure of crucial information.

Statistical Analysis: A Dead End?

Paolo Mercuri contributes an article titled "STATISTICA: UN VICOLO CIECO" (Statistics: A Dead End?), arguing that despite decades of UFO research and data collection since 1947, our understanding of UFOs has not improved. Mercuri contends that statistics are rendered useless by incomplete and imprecise data, inconsistent methodologies among investigators, and the subjective nature of witness testimonies. He likens UFO reports to an iceberg, with only a small portion being usable for statistical analysis. He criticizes the "fanaticism of computerization" of data, stating that it cannot compensate for flawed input. Mercuri advocates for focusing on "sure" cases with a high "credibility coefficient," discarding vague reports and phenomena like "Night Lights." He proposes that the ideal UFO case would involve multiple independent witnesses, landing traces, encounters with "creatures," official radar confirmation, and recovery of physical evidence.

Italian UFO Cases - 1978

The magazine presents a detailed catalog of UFO sightings in Italy during 1978, divided by date and location. These include:

• December 15th: Sightings in Torino (three luminous objects), Pietra Ligure (cigar-shaped objects), L'Aquila (capsule-shaped object), Catania (encounter with a being), Amaseno (elongated object), Avellino (photographed object), Campobasso (three luminous globes), and near Licodia Eurea (encounter with beings after radio failure).
• December 16th: Sightings in Val Bormida (intense light), Campobasso (luminous objects), Pila (greenish-blue luminous object causing dogs to bark), and Pescara (red UFO).
• December 17th: Sightings in Ortona a Mare (two ovoid UFOs), Bitonto (luminous object), Taranto (luminous disc), Cervignano (mysterious object), Bovino (reddish light and disappearing object), Pian del Lago/Cosenza (luminous ball), Catania (object moving on the sea), Agrigento (round object changing shape), Vibo Valentia (luminous body), and Savona (luminous object).

Each case includes the date, location, a brief description, and the sources of the report.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO phenomena, the challenges in gathering reliable data for scientific study, and the role of government secrecy in hindering UFO research. The magazine appears to advocate for a more rigorous and critical approach to ufology, emphasizing the need for credible evidence and questioning the value of purely statistical analyses based on weak data. The editorial stance supports the pursuit of information through legal means, as exemplified by the G.S.W. case, and encourages a focus on well-documented, high-impact sightings. The publication also highlights the international scope of UFO research by mentioning collaborators from various countries and referencing foreign publications and researchers.

Title: UFO
Issue: 19
Volume: 1980
Issue Date: May 19, 1980
Publisher: UFO
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of UFO magazine, published on May 19, 1980, primarily focuses on a series of UFO sightings that occurred across Italy on Sunday, December 17, 1979. The magazine presents these events as a chronological list of cases, detailing the location, date, time, and witness accounts of each observation. The cover features a prominent headline in Italian: "si dice... CHE SPESSO SUCCEDANO DI QUESTE COSE NELL' UFOLOGIA ITALIANA" (It is said... that these things often happen in Italian UFOlogy), accompanied by a cartoon and an advertisement for 'libreria galassia'.

Detailed Case Reports (December 17, 1979)

The bulk of the magazine is dedicated to cataloging numerous UFO sightings from December 17, 1979:

• Case N° 236 (Tortona, AL): Around 6:00 AM, a very luminous, almost silvery sphere was observed over a castle, disappearing and reappearing. Witnesses included Franco Mutti, Ottavio Mega, Renato Cavalcanti, and local Carabinieri. The object moved towards Genoa.
• Case N° 237 (Milan): Between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, several phone calls to the Carabinieri reported UFOs in Milan.
• Case N° 238 (Chiasso/Varesotto border): Between 6:00 and 8:00 AM, a luminous object was photographed (also by customs officers) moving slowly upwards and away from the Italian-Swiss border, appearing to rotate.
• Case N° 239 (Aversa, CE): Between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, a UFO was observed in the southeastern zone of Aversa.
• Case N° 240 (San Cataldo, CL): At 7:00 AM, Giuseppe Raimondi (13 years old) observed a silvery light hovering for 15 minutes at an estimated height of 10-15 meters near the cemetery.
• Case N° 241 (Spino d'Adda, CR): At dawn, Natale Lodigiani (50) and his wife Maria Luisa (40) observed a luminous "ball" that emitted three light beams (two white, one orange) towards Lodi. The object hovered for about 15 minutes, blinking and described as having a non-uniform surface dotted with luminous points.
• Case N° 242 (Bologna): Between 7:40 and 8:00 AM, a dome-shaped luminous object moved at low speed towards the north.
• Case N° 243 (Naples): Between 9:30 and 10:15 AM, hundreds of people witnessed a whitish object appearing to move within a cloud formation in central Naples.
• Case N° 244 (Codrea, FE): In the morning, Corrado Piazzi observed a luminous object traveling at low altitude, stopping, and then moving north.
• Case N° 245 (San Cataldo, CL): In the morning, a round, silvery object was sighted about 20 meters above the ground near the church of S. Stefano.
• Case N° 246 (Ponsacco, PI): In the morning, Bruno Mazzei (50, industrialist) observed a luminous "ball" moving at high speed from north to southeast, emitting light beams and creating a halo. The sighting was confirmed by others, including airport control personnel.
• Case N° 247 (Verona): At 7:00 PM, Pia Salvagno (62, housewife) observed a very luminous, reddish-colored ball high above the horizon.
• Case N° 248 (San Cataldo, CL): At 8:00 PM, Luigi Calà (28, employee) observed an object shaped like an "elongated sack" for 20 minutes. It moved with acceleration, changing shape to a cigar and disappearing. The object had a bluish color with red reflections and was photographed.
• Case N° 249 (Bocconi, FO): At 10:30 PM, Norberto Rossi (41), his wife Rina Piovacoari (31), and son Maurizio (8) witnessed an elongated disc-like object with luminous points emerge from a stream bed. It hovered at 3 meters, then ascended rapidly.
• Case N° 250 (Nocera Terinese, CZ): At 11:00 PM, a gas station attendant observed a strange luminous body moving constantly towards the north.
• Case N° 251 (Campobasso): During the night, Giuseppina Paolone (42) sighted a large sphere hovering over the city, emitting light.

Additional Content

The magazine includes a section titled "...si dice..." (It is said...), which appears to be a regular feature discussing UFO phenomena. The cover also features an advertisement for "libreria galassia" in Turin, highlighting its extensive selection of books, particularly in narrative and unusual non-fiction, and a dedicated children's section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the prevalence and variety of UFO sightings within Italy, particularly on a single day. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting these phenomena to the public, suggesting that such events are common occurrences in Italian UFOlogy. The detailed case reports, including witness names and locations, indicate a commitment to reporting specific incidents. The use of abbreviations for sources (e.g., LS, EBG, RDC) suggests a network of informants or contributors.