UFOlogia Supplemento a Clypeus - 1979 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIA
Issue: Supplemento a Clypeus N° 58
Date: September-October 1979
Publisher: Gruppo Clypeus
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of UFOLOGIA, a supplement to Clypeus N° 58, delves into the complex and often contradictory nature of UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "UFO bifronte" (Two-faced UFO) and the question "UFO: energia tellurica?" (UFO: telluric energy?), hinting at the issue's exploration of the multifaceted aspects of UFO reports.

Editorial

The editorial highlights the growing contribution of Italian ufologists, presenting a collection of "native" articles. It introduces the theme of the "two-faced" UFO, drawing a parallel to the Roman god Janus, and questions whether UFOs are manifestations of telluric energy. The editorial also announces the continuation of the 1978 Italian sighting catalog and previews upcoming analyses of the year's UFO "flap," including a comparison with events in England. It notes the ongoing critical reviews of specialized publications and the return of the "Osservatorio" section with a more international and critical focus. The regional catalog "UFO in Piemonte" is also mentioned as having resumed.

Key Articles and Sections

UFO bifronte (Two-faced UFO)

This article by Gian Paolo Grassino explores the inherent dichotomy in UFO phenomena, presenting it as a challenge to distinguish between truth and falsehood. The author uses the analogy of Janus to illustrate the multiple interpretations and aspects of UFO reports. Grassino discusses the common attempt to quantify UFO sightings and how this can reveal the phenomenon's complexity. He suggests that the summer increase in sightings might be influenced by various factors, including increased public attention due to mass media coverage, rather than solely indicating increased UFO activity. The article also touches upon the debate surrounding the intelligence of UFOs, contrasting hypotheses of extraterrestrial intelligence with more unconventional or psychological explanations.

IFO E FALSI: IMPORTANZA DI UNO STUDIO (IFO and Falsies: Importance of a Study)

Flavio Roux argues for the critical importance of studying Identified Flying Objects (IFO) and false reports, not just UFOs. He contends that analyzing these cases provides crucial data for understanding the morphology and behavior of the UFO phenomenon itself. Roux criticizes the tendency to dismiss IFOs and falsies, suggesting that a thorough examination of these cases can offer valuable insights and help to avoid pre-conceived notions in ufological research. He emphasizes that scientific axioms arise from empirical data and that even seemingly mundane cases can contribute to a broader understanding.

Osservatorio (Observatory)

This section features several short reports and commentaries:

• UFO Inseguono Pallone Transoceanico (UFOs Pursue Transoceanic Balloon): This report details a curious incident from the summer of 1978 where UFOs reportedly pursued a hot air balloon, the "Double Eagle II," during its transatlantic crossing. The witnesses, who were reportedly skeptical of UFOs, claimed to have received orders from governmental agents to remain silent.
• Il Revival dell'ETH (The Revival of the ETH): This piece discusses the resurgence of interest in the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) within ufology, despite a perceived decline in its popularity over the past decade. It notes a trend towards correlating UFOs with phenomena like megalithic monuments, telluric energy, and human psychology, while also observing a "reflux" towards the classical interpretation of UFOs as physical interplanetary spacecraft.
• Il congresso inglese (The English Congress): This report by the author describes his participation in the First London International UFO Congress in August 1979. He highlights the significant international attendance and the presence of prominent ufologists. The author expresses personal impressions of the event, noting the challenges in achieving unified terminology and methodology in UFO research and commenting on the organizational aspects of the congress.

Other Sections

• Editoriale (Editorial): As mentioned earlier, this section sets the tone for the issue, introducing the main themes and articles.
• Sommario (Table of Contents): Lists all articles, authors, and page numbers.
• Gli altri dicono (Others Say): A brief section, likely featuring short comments or opinions.
• Ritrovamenti del terzo tipo (Third Kind Encounters): This likely refers to a section discussing close encounters or physical evidence related to UFOs, possibly featuring work by Leonard H. Stringfield.
• Inserto UFO in Piemonte (UFO in Piedmont Insert): A continuation of a regional UFO sighting catalog.
• Controluce (Backlight): This section appears to offer critical commentary on typical Italian ufological attitudes, such as the issue of "probe balloons" and a lack of collaborative research.
• Casistica italiana (Italian Case Studies): This ongoing series presents Italian UFO sightings from 1978.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the dual nature of UFO phenomena, the critical analysis of evidence (including false reports and IFOs), and the ongoing debate about the origin and nature of UFOs (extraterrestrial, telluric energy, psychological, etc.). The editorial stance, as expressed in the "Controluce" section and the editorial itself, favors a more rigorous, critical, and internationally oriented approach to ufological research, moving beyond passive observation towards active investigation and a deeper understanding of the phenomenon's complexities. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between objective phenomena and subjective interpretations or misinformation.

This issue of UFOLOGI, identified as Article 21 and published under the 'GLI ALTRI DICONO' section, is dated July-August 1979. It is a trimestral periodical from the 'Gruppo Alpha 2001' based in Olbia, Italy. The issue is 17 pages long, with 10 pages dedicated to ufology. The cover headline is 'GLI ALTRI DICONO', and the main content appears to be a review of other ufological publications.

Article: UFO: Terrestrial Energy?

This section, authored by Roberto D'Amico, explores the less common hypothesis that UFOs are manifestations of 'terrestrial energy.' The article explains that this energy is not clearly defined by science but is studied by geomantic associations in England and America. These groups investigate mysterious energy currents, termed 'ley lines' and 'water lines,' and their connection to ancient sacred sites. The author notes that while the existence of variable terrestrial electric and magnetic fields is known, the concentration and human perception of these energies are more speculative.

The article delves into the connection between UFOs and 'ley lines,' dismissing less credible theories while focusing on a more plausible one. It explains that the idea stems from research in England and America, where 'sacred sites' like megaliths and menhirs are often associated with strange lights. Chemist Don Robins is cited as proposing that terrestrial energy could be converted into visible emanations, potentially producing heat. This phenomenon, similar to photoluminescence in minerals, is discussed in relation to ancient centers. Robins also suggests that 'phantom lights' might be related to fluctuating energy currents. The article further speculates on the possibility of 'psycho-physical' or 'psycho-telluric' phenomena, suggesting that if energy can influence the human mind, it might explain the diversity of UFO testimonies without resorting to para-physical hypotheses.

'Ley lines' are described as perfectly straight energy lines, possibly cosmic in origin (yang), while 'water lines' are part of a 'primary water cycle' originating from underground vapor, forming irregular paths (yin). The author expresses skepticism about current explanations for underground currents but believes in the existence of an energy detectable by sensitive individuals, potentially linked to parapsychological phenomena.

The article also touches upon animal sensitivity to environmental changes, drawing a parallel to their ability to sense earthquakes and their reactions during UFO sightings. This sensitivity is extended to humans, suggesting a potential for psycho-telluric effects that could explain varied UFO experiences.

Reviews of Other Publications ('GLI ALTRI DICONO')

This section, curated by Paolo Gastaldi, reviews several ufological publications:

• ALPHA 2001 (July-August 1979): This new quarterly bulletin from Olbia, Italy, is ambitious, presenting an investigation into a landing case and an article connecting the Cheops pyramid to sighting locations. Despite its potential, the reviewer notes a lack of originality in its content.
• REALTA DELL'IGNOTO (March 1979): This information periodical from Verona, Italy, is described as being produced by a single, sensitive individual. The reviewer expresses hesitation in commenting due to the curator's susceptibility to criticism. The issue includes an editorial on collaboration within ufology groups, a claim that the term 'flying saucer' was used in 1676, and an attack on a non-believing astronomer, along with sightings from the Verona area.
• NURAGHEX (July 30, 1979): This publication, in its fifth year, dedicates only 14 out of 56 pages to ufology. It includes scattered news items and a critique of Margherita Hack. The two main ufological pieces are a reprint on a landing case with legal implications and an article by Metta criticizing the GEPAN (French UFO investigation group) as a 'fraud.' The reviewer notes that Metta relies on arguments from Guieu and Dr. Gille, who are characterized as '1950s ufologists' suffering from unjustified persecution complexes.
• IL SENZATITOLO (July-August 1979): This publication, in its second year, has 4 pages on ufology out of 9. It features an American case from APRO Bulletin and a proposal for a National Ufological Bulletin (BUN). It also includes a response to the reviewer's criticisms and a favorable mention of UFOLOGIA's address.
• GLI ARCANI (September 1979): This issue has 4 ufological pages out of 128. Settimo's column discusses landing case studies, publicizing INTCAT UFOLOGIA. Sani addresses photographic tricks in ufology and expresses caution about 'research groups.'
• GLI ARCANI (October 1979): This issue has 12 ufological pages. Pier Luigi Sani discusses Stringfield's 'revelations' about crashed UFOs. Franco Ossola writes about MIB (Men in Black).
• IL GIORNALE DEI MISTERI (September 1979): This issue dedicates 15 pages to ufology, featuring Italian cases from 1978 and a case from Argentina. It also includes a section on SUF and two interesting cases from 1964.
• IL GIORNALE DEI MISTERI (October 1979): This issue increases its ufological coverage to 16 pages, presenting Italian cases from Sardinia and Campania. The reviewer notes the inclusion of a case previously published in UFOLOGIA and a critique of the SUF's response to a letter.
• NOTIZIARIO UFO (July-August 1979): The CUN (Italian UFO Center) has formed a Scientific Committee. This issue features an interview with Carl Sagan, reprints of his work on the Pioneer plaque, and a critique of Sagan's ideas. It also includes articles on 'UFO psychosis,' the luminosity of UFOs, and a lengthy 'conference' by contactee Del Buono.
• NOTIZIARIO UFO (September 1979): This issue is rich in citations from Pinotti and includes an article and interview from the Mediterranean Congress of Ufology. It features an article on contactism, a study by Professor Servadio, and an article on 'UFO and theology.' The reviewer criticizes the uncritical presentation of Davenport's research on Kohenjo-Daro. It also includes an article on UFOs by Risoli and a presentation of the Gargano photo and photos from Naples.

ULTIMO ARRIVO: IL PIANETA DIMENTICATO (July 1979)

This modest but well-produced Roman publication has 7 ufological pages out of 10. It includes a brief report of a 1976 sighting and a summary of information from Vesco regarding circular-winged turbo-jets allegedly manufactured in Italy in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Ritrovamenti del 3º tipo (Third Kind Encounters)

This section, authored by Leonard H. Stringfield, presents a preliminary study on UFO wreckage and extraterrestrial bodies allegedly held by the US military.

• SINTESI N°2: This part focuses on a 1952 UFO incident. Information from a radar technician at Edwards Air Force Base in California suggests a UFO crashed. The technician's brother, who was on duty, was instructed to deny seeing anything. Reports indicated the recovered craft was over 15 meters in diameter, had 'windows,' and a scorched metallic surface. It was allegedly piloted by humanoids about 1.35 meters tall. The craft was temporarily stored at Edwards before being transported to Wright Patterson.
• COMMENTO: The author connects this incident to other reports of a large road vehicle, covered by a tarp, heading towards Wright Patterson. Witnesses at Godman Air Force Base in Kentucky reported a similar truck arriving at night with a heavy escort, fueling rumors that it carried a UFO carcass. Another couple near Wright Patterson also reported seeing a large truck with a tarp, which caused traffic to be blocked.
• SINTESI N°3: This synthesis presents testimony from John Schuessler, Associate Director of MUFON, whose parents obtained information in 1968 from a neighbor who was a former civilian guard at Wright Patterson. The guard reported seeing a large truck transporting a covered object into a high-security area. He also allegedly saw the bodies of small humanoids in transparent containers, discovered in a crashed UFO from the southwestern United States. The guard was certain that everything passed through the main entrance of the base. Schuessler's attempts to get further information were met with refusal.
• COMMENTO: The reviewer suggests that the authorities' cover-up of UFO information is extensive, with data on recovered craft and occupants classified separately from Project Blue Book cases. This aligns with Senator Barry Goldwater's statement about being denied access to information at Wright Patterson.
• SINTESI N°5: This part details testimony from Mr. T., a high-level civilian technician in 1953, who was a military radar operator. He attended a special film screening at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. The film showed a crashed, disc-shaped object in a desert, with an open hatch. Subsequent scenes showed about ten to fifteen military personnel around the object. Mr. T. estimated the UFO's diameter at 4.5 to 6 meters and its lower access part at 90 cm high and 75 cm wide. He observed that the military personnel were merely 'contemplating' the object. The film then showed the interior, including a dashboard and two tables with three inert bodies, described as disproportionately large-headed humanoids resembling Mongoloids, with small noses and closed mouths/eyes. Their skin was pale and grayish, and they wore light-colored, form-fitting suits. The film ended abruptly, and the audience was warned not to speak about what they had seen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reviews and critiques other ufological publications, often highlighting a perceived lack of originality and a tendency towards sensationalism or 'paranoia' among some ufologists. There's a clear interest in scientific explanations for UFO phenomena, as seen in the discussion of 'terrestrial energy' and 'ley lines,' contrasting with more speculative or 'contactee' oriented material. The issue also demonstrates a strong focus on alleged UFO crash retrievals and the potential cover-up of evidence by military and governmental authorities, particularly concerning incidents in the 1950s in the United States. The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and a search for verifiable data, while expressing skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and what it terms 'ufologists of the 1950s' mentality.

This issue of "UFO IN PIEMONTE" is a detailed compilation of UFO sightings and related phenomena reported in the Piedmont region of Italy, with a strong emphasis on cases from the 1950s. It presents a systematic catalog of events, including dates, locations, witness testimonies, and official classifications (e.g., PROB.MET., POSS.MET., PROB.UFO).

Case Files and Sightings

The magazine meticulously documents numerous individual sightings:

• March 23, 1950 (Torino): Signora Gina Larizza reported a "small, very fast, vortical sun" flying at high altitude, leaving a "milky" trail.
• March 23, 1950 (Carignano): Multiple witnesses observed a "flying disc" moving rapidly from north to south.
• July 1950 (Piova' Massaia): Giuseppe Quirico and his wife saw two luminous orange bodies moving parallel to the ground at a distance of 15-20 kilometers.
• Autumn 1950 (Province of Torino): Dr. Benedetto Lavagna and his parents witnessed a "flying cigar" at about 1000 meters altitude with illuminated portholes.
• Winter 1950 (Val Chisone): An object described as an "enormous white dove covered in red portholes" illuminated the area.
• February 22, 1952 (Torino): Dr. Benedetto Lavagna and others observed a large, flattened, round object with a dome, approximately 50 meters in diameter, hovering for five minutes before rapidly ascending.
• May 31, 1952 (Torino): An unspecified sighting occurred within the city, with no further details available.
• June 28, 1952 (Caluso): Gianni Settimo observed a luminous mass, described as disc-shaped and about fifteen meters in diameter, hovering vertically before moving towards a lake.
• May 3, 1953 (Cavour): Gianni Settimo reported a luminous circular object high in the sky.
• October 1953 (Novara): M. Rolando saw a brilliant orange disc crossing the sky.
• October 7, 1954 (Torino): An unspecified sighting occurred in the city.
• October 7, 1954 (San Germano): Eraldo Mazza and others observed a flat, bluish-colored luminous object moving rapidly across the sky.
• October 16, 1954 (Torino): Several masons reported observing UFOs, but no details were provided.
• October 10, 1954 (Torino): An unspecified sighting occurred in the city.
• October 13, 1954 (Ovada): Several notable and serious individuals reported seeing an incandescent ring-shaped body followed by a luminous trail.
• October 14, 1954 (Santhià): Ettore Destefanis and other motorists saw a "flying mushroom" approaching rapidly and descending.
• October 14, 1954 (Torino): Thousands of people observed a very large luminous object at high altitude, which was later identified as a meteorological sounding balloon.
• October 14, 1954 (Gressoney): Many inhabitants observed a silvery-blue disc with orange reflections.
• October 14, 1954 (Pragelato): An unspecified sighting occurred with no details.
• October 15, 1954 (Molare): Vittorio Ferrando and Aristide Moccagatta saw a "flying disc" moving from Rossiglione towards Torino.
• November 9, 1954 (Superga di Torino): No details were provided for this sighting.
• November 11, 1954 (Torino): An unspecified sighting occurred in the city.
• December 13, 1954 (Torino): An unspecified sighting occurred in the city.
• November 26, 1954 (Calamandrana-Canelli): A "flying disc" was reported to have landed near a church, with a subsequent event involving a paper with a human figure and a drawing of the church and disc. This case is labeled as "FALSO" (False).

Special Investigation: The Fritz Werner Testimony

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the testimony of Fritz Werner, an engineer who claims to have participated in an investigation of a crashed, unidentified object in Kingman, Arizona, on May 20, 1953. The object was described as an oval craft made of an unknown metal, approximately nine meters in diameter, with a visible access hatch. Inside, Werner reported seeing two swivel seats and various instruments. A body, approximately 1.20 meters tall, with dark brown skin and wearing a silver suit, was found near the object. Werner was tasked with calculating the impact velocity based on the object's embedment in the sand.

Researcher Raymond Fowler analyzes Werner's testimony, considering it credible despite potential embellishments. Fowler notes that Werner had a background in aeronautics and worked on special projects, including those related to atomic experiments. The testimony suggests that the US Air Force was aware of UFOs but did not know their origin and considered them extraterrestrial vehicles.

Analysis of Misidentifications and Ufological Trends

The article "UFO? No, palloni sonda!" (UFO? No, sounding balloons!) addresses the common misidentification of meteorological sounding balloons as UFOs. It highlights a significant event on September 13, 1979, where a large, orange luminous point observed across Northern Italy was later identified as a sounding balloon. The author points out the growing public fascination with UFOs and the tendency to interpret any unusual aerial phenomenon as such, regardless of scientific explanation. The piece also discusses the social and psychological aspects of UFO belief, suggesting it has become a widespread social phenomenon.

Another section, "CONTROLUCE," critiques the tendency of Italian ufology to be "esterofila" (foreign-oriented), leading to a lack of comprehensive national catalogs of sightings. It praises the initiative of Maurizio Verga in attempting to compile Italian "Type 1" reports (landing or near-landing cases) and calls for greater collaboration from other ufologists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of detailed case documentation and investigation. It highlights the challenges of ufology, including misidentification, the need for organized research, and the skepticism faced by researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging and explaining instances of misidentification, particularly with meteorological balloons. There's a clear call for more rigorous and collaborative research within Italy.

This issue of "Casistica Italiana" from December 17-31, 1978, features an article titled "UFO O RPV ?" by Paolo Fiorino, which critically reviews Marcello Coppetti's book "UFO: arma segreta." The magazine also presents a comprehensive catalog of UFO sightings reported in Italy during the latter half of December 1978.

Review of "UFO: arma segreta" by Paolo Fiorino

Paolo Fiorino begins his review by likening certain ufologists to the blind men in an Indian fable, each perceiving only one part of a larger phenomenon. He applies this analogy to Marcello Coppetti's book, which he finds disappointing despite the hype surrounding it. Fiorino states that much of Coppetti's material is drawn from "Il Giornale dei Misteri," a publication he often defends.

Coppetti's central thesis, as presented by Fiorino, is that the UFO phenomenon, particularly since the advent of the Cold War, has served as a cover for a psychological operation. This operation, he argues, was designed to create a common external enemy – extraterrestrials – to foster global unity under the superpowers (USA and USSR) as a replacement for the fear of nuclear war. This manufactured threat, Coppetti suggests, was intended to maintain the existing power structure and prevent nations from rebelling against a potential condominium empire between the USA and USSR.

Furthermore, Coppetti posits that UFOs are also a cover for advanced secret weapons, specifically Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs). These RPVs, he claims, are the modern evolution of German World War II secret weapons like the V-1 and V-2.

Fiorino acknowledges that the idea of UFOs being secret weapons is not new, referencing the work of Renato Vesco, who believed UFOs were a product of Anglo-Canadian aeronautical construction bases hidden in Canada. However, Fiorino argues that the terrestrial origin hypothesis for UFOs is no longer tenable, citing two key objections:

1. How could the nation supposedly responsible for these craft maintain such a profound secret for over thirty years?
2. Why has this nation not exploited such a discovery for absolute political, military, and space hegemony?

Fiorino finds Coppetti's answers to these questions unconvincing. While he accepts Coppetti's documentation as accurate, he questions the author's conclusions. Fiorino concedes that a significant percentage of sightings might indeed be attributable to secret experimental activities, providing a convenient cover for those involved. He suggests that such cover-ups could have been deliberately programmed.

As an example, Fiorino mentions the case of the S.P. and C.B. couple in Dolianova (Cagliari) on December 15, 1975, who observed a "flying object" resembling a delta-wing aircraft. While Giorgio Metta investigated it as a possible secret experimental aircraft, Fiorino notes that this doesn't resolve the broader UFO phenomenon.

Coppetti also touches upon the "Ummo affair," suggesting it might have been a psychological experiment by secret services to gauge public reaction to the idea of extraterrestrial presence. Fiorino finds this plausible but questions Coppetti's selective use of cases and his assertion that all UFO cases can be explained by secret services.

Fiorino criticizes Coppetti for not analyzing cases involving animated entities (IR-III) and for his ambiguous stance on whether all close encounters are mere "holograms." He points out that Coppetti doesn't offer explanations for all cases, unlike Renato Vesco who used convenient cases like Abbiate Guazzone and Fornacette.

Coppetti attempts to explain close encounters by suggesting they could be tests to observe human reactions to astronauts or to assess the psychological and physiological behavior of the astronauts themselves. He also proposes that some sightings might be optical devices creating three-dimensional images. Fiorino finds these explanations lacking and suggests that more scientific rigor and humility would benefit Coppetti's work.

Fiorino concludes that while Coppetti's book might convince the uninformed, it will not satisfy those familiar with the UFO field. He reiterates that the UFO phenomenon remains largely a mystery, and that claims of definitive explanations should be met with skepticism, echoing astrophysicist Peter Sturrok's statement that if someone claims to know the answer, one should not believe them.

Casistica Italiana: Un Anno di Avvistamenti (1978)

The second major part of the magazine is a detailed chronological catalog of UFO sightings reported in Italy during the period of December 17-31, 1978. Each entry includes:

• Case Number: Sequential numbering.
• Date and Time: Specific date and time of the sighting.
• Location: City, province, and sometimes specific district.
• Description: Details of the object's appearance (shape, color, lights), behavior (movement, speed, altitude), and any associated phenomena (sounds, trails, effects).
• Witnesses: Names and professions of observers, including police officers, fishermen, workers, students, and ordinary citizens.
• Sources: Abbreviations indicating the media or individuals who reported the sighting.

Key Sightings from December 17-31, 1978:

• December 17: San Cataldo (CL) - A UFO landed and took off.
• December 18: Lipari (ME) - An egg-shaped object with colorful lights moved horizontally, leaving a luminous trail.
• December 18: Trieste - A luminous object hovered over a residential complex, confirmed by police.
• December 18: Oristano (CA) - A stationary luminous object moved in a straight line, changing colors and intensity. Its altitude was estimated at 6000m.
• December 18: Aversa (CE) - A luminous object with iridescent effects flew over a telephone exchange.
• December 18: Naples - A luminous oval object with large antennas was observed by two men and later reported to the police.
• December 18: Pietraperzia (EN) - Mazzarino (CL) - Motorists were blinded by a strong flash from an unknown source.
• December 18: Potenza - A cylindrical object reflecting sunlight was seen.
• December 18: Frosinone - A luminous globe was observed by multiple people, described as "shining orange" and later as "two shiny ingots."
• December 18: Cicagna (GE) - A luminous object hovered, emitting flashes and causing eye irritation.
• December 19: Cariati (CS) - A luminous disk-shaped object with a dome was observed over the sea.
• December 19: Piano Cappelle (BM) - A very intense light was seen at high altitude, which then moved away and turned red.
• December 20: Licata (AG) - A high-altitude object resembling a beacon with intermittent light was observed.
• December 20: Pisticci (MT) - A luminous spherical object was seen crossing the sky.
• December 20: Frosinone - A luminous object was observed for several hours, described as a "shining orange with a trembling halo" and later as "two shiny ingots."
• December 21: Naples - A police patrol observed an exceptionally luminous object over the Vesuvius area.
• December 21: Montallegro (AG) - Two "luminous pantins" were seen flying at airplane altitude.
• December 21: Panji (FG) - A large, dazzling luminous object appeared suddenly.
• December 21/22: Città Ducale (RI) - A luminous object moved quickly towards the north, leaving a luminous trail.
• December 22: Roiano (GO) - A red glow was initially reported but later identified as an ENEL test.
• December 22: San Donà di Piave (VE) - UFOs were reported but identified as a new type of laser being tested.
• December 23: Naples - A luminous object emitting intermittent light was observed, moving at high speed.
• December 23: Monfalcone (GO) - A large object remained visible for several seconds.
• December 23/24: Albinia (GR) - Fonteblanda (GR) - A large object resembling two inverted plates lit up the Aurelia highway.
• December 23: Fucino (AQ) - A red luminous object was seen flying at altitude over the mountains.
• December 23: Cavarzere (VE) - A luminous object was observed moving from south to north.
• December 25: Giugliano (NA) - A luminous object emitting intermittent light of various colors hovered at high altitude.
• December 25: Mantova Sud - Pegognaga (MN) - A mysterious object "lit up" three times on the Brennero highway.
• December 26: Cicagna (GE) - A luminous object hovered near a house, emitting flashes that caused eye irritation.
• December 26: Bardolino (VR) - A luminous object was observed, with lights directed upwards.
• December 26: Paularo (UD) - A cylindrical object of punctiform dimensions evolved for 10 minutes, rotating.
• December 26: Mostemoro (SV) - Lights in formation were reported, later identified as diverted aircraft.
• December 27: Selva di Levico (TH) - A circular object with "enormous flames" that grew and shrank was observed.
• December 27: Torriglia (GE) - An agent reported being immersed in thick fog, his car malfunctioning, and later described entering a luminous disk with creatures.
• December 28: Moaglie (SS) - A luminous source, described as a large rugby ball, was observed for about twenty minutes.
• December 28: Milan - A "UFO" (likely a ball lightning) entered a room and moved around.
• December 28: Avigliana (TO) - A luminous object was reported to have landed on the lake.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO theories, particularly those involving secret weapons and government cover-ups, and the detailed documentation of numerous UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as represented by Paolo Fiorino's review, is one of skepticism towards simplistic explanations and a call for more rigorous scientific investigation into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging its persistent mystery.

CLYPEUS, Issue 39, dated May 19, 1980, is a magazine dedicated to ufology, presenting a collection of UFO sighting reports and related articles. The issue is primarily in Italian and features detailed accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena observed in Italy.

UFO Sightings - December 1979

The core of this issue is a chronological listing of UFO cases from late December 1979:

Case N° 300: Mondragone (CE), December 28, 1979

During a violent thunderstorm, two luminous, disc-shaped objects, described as large as a full moon, were seen hovering near a local radio station. Carabinieri responded to a radio message from the station's operators and witnessed the objects perform fast zig-zag movements before heading inland.

Case N° 301: Masone (RE), December 29, 1979

Shortly before 5 AM, Carabinieri from the Radiomobile Unit of Reggio Emilia (including Paolo Todaro, Raffaele Godi, Francesco Cavallo, Mario Cannizzo, Filadelfo Furnd, and Francesco Iatteri) observed a luminous object in the sky. It was described as triangular, sometimes appearing round, with a dazzling, intermittent red light at its apex. The object disappeared towards Modena around 7 AM, with hundreds of people reportedly witnessing the event.

Case N° 302: Casalduni (BN), December 29, 1979

At 8:30 PM, during a school play, a teacher observed a strong, intermittent light in the sky, similar in shape to a half-moon. The phenomenon was witnessed by numerous people.

Case N° 303: Trescore (BG), December 29, 1979

Several families reported seeing two luminous objects in the sky.

Case N° 304: Turri (CA), December 29 or 30, 1979

Approximately twenty people, including 16-year-old student Stefano Melis, saw a luminous object shaped like a large eye, with an intense red color internally and a bright white outer band.

Case N° 305: Orroli (NU), December 30, 1979

Between approximately 3:45 AM and 5 AM, Armando Giocondo (40, post office director) sighted a strong white light in the direction of the 'Sa Serra' nuraghe, described as a 'huge circle with two luminous protuberances.' Other witnesses, including Gavino Aresu (60), Francesco Schirru (65), Angelo Olla (38) and his wife Virginia, joined the observation. The US correspondent, arriving at 4:50 AM, managed to photograph the object, which pulsed rhythmically before moving southeast. Luigi Piseddu (35) was the last witness.

Case N° 306: Caneva (PN), December 30, 1979

Between approximately 4:15 AM and 6:45 AM, Giuseppe Zanoai (ENEL control center operator) observed a 'very luminous ball' emitting three rays of orange light (two upper, one lower) arranged in a triangle. The object exhibited vertical movements and variations in light intensity, appearing as a reddish halo through clouds. Zanoai reported the object moving towards Cordenons after he finished his shift, with the sighting confirmed by a colleague.

Case N° 307: Torino, December 30, 1979

Numerous people called 'Stampa Sera' reporting a large luminous UFO over Eremo moving slowly towards Superga. However, after checking the position, time, and meteorological conditions, direct testimonies confirmed it was the planet Venus at its period of maximum splendor.

Case N° 308: Bergamo, December 30, 1979

At 9 AM, Angelo Ferrito (40) and Enrico Nava (33), both CRI employees, observed a 'metallic' object shaped like an oval disc while transporting a patient. The object had a bulge on the underside similar to an 'obld' and two intense white light beams on its sides. It remained stationary for 10 minutes before moving away quickly.

References and Further Reading

The issue includes references to previous articles and publications:

• "Gli Arcani" year VIII, no. 7/8, July-August 1979.
• A Sardinian ufological dossier from 1975.
• The entry on 'hologram' in the "Grande Enciclopedia Universale Curcio", vol. 15, Bologna 1978.
• "Netisiario UFO", nos. 3,4,5, March, April, and May 1979.

Editorial Notes and Services

The editorial staff of CLYPEUS thanks several individuals for their contributions to the issue, including Giancarlo Barattini, Roberto D'Amico, Paul Devereux, Maria Carolina Grassino, Richard Hall, Giorgio Metta, Laura Mundo, Don Robins, Jean Sider, Leonard H. Stringfield, Paolo Toselli, Raymond Veillith, Maurizio Verga, and Antonio Zambolin.

The magazine also announces a "Copy Service" to provide original articles, news, and illustrations published in CLYPEUS, to save readers the effort of reproducing them. Information on this service can be obtained from the Redazione (Editorial Office).

Upcoming Content

The next issue of "UFOLOGIA" (presumably a related publication or section) will feature:

• "VENERE: ED E' SUBITO UFO" by Jenny Randles, explaining how Venus might 'land'.
• "I.R. III" by Luigi Sorgno, discussing the 'tactic' of phenomena.
• "TRENT'ANNI DOPO ARNOLD" by Pierre Guérin, a review of thirty years of ufology.
• "UFO: VITA NEL COSMO?" by Vladimir Azhazha, a conference text from the Academy of Sciences in Moscow.
• "1978: BILANCIO D'UN ANNO", featuring graphs, tables, and analysis of the major Italian UFO wave.

Advertising

A full-page advertisement for "libreria galassia" in Torino is included, promoting their extensive selection of books, particularly in the areas of narrative and unusual non-fiction, and a dedicated section for young readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

CLYPEUS maintains a consistent focus on documenting and analyzing UFO sightings, presenting witness testimonies with details such as dates, locations, object descriptions, and witness roles. The magazine appears to be thorough in its reporting, often including corroborating details and photographic evidence where available. While it reports on a wide range of phenomena, it also engages in critical analysis, as seen in the identification of the Torino sighting as Venus and the discussion of misidentified objects like weather balloons. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious investigation and documentation within the ufology community, aiming to inform readers about the latest reports and ongoing research in the field.