UFOlogia Supplemento a Clypeus - 1980 No 11

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIA SUPPLEMENTO A CLYPEUS
Issue: N° 67
Volume: II
Date: September-October 1980
Publisher: Gruppo Clypeus
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of UFOLOGIA, a supplement to CLYPEUS, presents a critical and informative perspective on ufology. The cover features the title "I CAVALIERI DELLA NOTTE" (The Knights of the Night) and a dramatic illustration. The editorial board, led by Gian Paolo Grassino and Edoardo Russo, with Gianni V. Settimo as the responsible director and publisher, outlines the magazine's critical approach.

Editorial: Critica e Polemica

The editorial addresses accusations of being "too polemical." The editors argue that their stance is critical, not polemical, and that this distinction is often blurred in the Italian ufological community. They contend that certain established figures, referred to as "santoni" (wise men) or "baroni" (barons), are unaccustomed to criticism and react defensively. The editorial also points to a history of petty rivalries and personal attacks within the ufological scene, contrasting it with their own approach of rational, detached, and non-personal criticism focused on facts and actions rather than individuals. They assert their independence by stating they are willing to criticize organizations like S.U.F. and C.U.N., even while being members or representatives of these groups in certain regions, emphasizing that collaboration does not mean covering up flaws for the sake of appearances.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

The "Sommario" (Table of Contents) lists several articles:

• Editoriale: Critica e polemica (Editorial: Criticism and Polemics)
• I cavalieri della notte (The Knights of the Night) by Edoardo Morricone: This article details an investigation into a UFO sighting.
• La legge di Babele (The Law of Babel) by Thierry Pinvidic: This piece discusses the confusion and proliferation of ufological models.
• Osservatorio (E.R.) Agnostoptenologia (Observatory (E.R.) Agnostoptenology)
• Inserto: UFO in Piemonte (Insert: UFO in Piedmont) pages 17-20
• Gli altri dicono (P.G.) (Others Say (P.G.)): A collection of brief notes on various topics.
• Statistica ufologica - 2° parte (Ufological Statistics - Part 2) by Roberto Doretti & Roberto Farabone.

The cover art is inspired by the "Gioia del Colle" case from March 21, 1980.

I Cavalieri della Notte by Edoardo Morricone

This article recounts an investigation into a UFO sighting that occurred on the night of July 14th. The author, Edoardo Morricone, along with Edoardo Russo and his brother, visited Giulianova. They met with Paride Orfei, a young man who claimed to have witnessed a UFO. The investigation involved an unusual encounter with Paride, who was initially mistaken for a criminal. The author describes how Paride and his friend Phelipe Garcia Gonzales, both associated with the Circo Orfei (Orfei Circus), experienced a sighting around 1:15 AM on the night between March 20th and 21st. The object was described as a sphere with irregular edges that ascended rapidly and changed color to a pale pink. The witnesses reported a sensation of heat and later discovered marks on their skin, described as "burns" or "decalcomania cinese" (Chinese decal). The article delves into the psychological impact on the witnesses, particularly Phelipe, who experienced sleep disturbances and claimed to communicate with "someone" during his sleep. The author speculates on the nature of the phenomenon, suggesting it might be more than just a simple sighting, and notes the witnesses' insistence that they do not believe in extraterrestrials but are open to the possibility after their experience.

La Legge di Babele by Thierry Pinvidic

Thierry Pinvidic's article critiques the current state of ufology, likening the proliferation of competing explanatory models to the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. He argues that the field is characterized by a "real chaos" where understanding is lacking, and researchers are stuck in debates about propulsion systems, psi fields, or collective unconsciousness. Pinvidic calls for a shift in thinking, urging ufologists to move beyond the established paradigms and explore new approaches. He suggests that "something" is providing information, which has both physical and socio-psychological components. The article lists several potential physical manifestations associated with UFO phenomena, including animal behavior changes, optical illusions, geomagnetic disturbances, electrical anomalies, and thermal effects.

Other Sections and Notes

The magazine also includes a section for "Collaboratori" (Collaborators) and "Contributori" (Contributors). An "Editoriale" section discusses the magazine's critical stance. There is a note about the publication being sent free to members of Gruppo Clypeus and that contributions are welcome. The legal information regarding the publication's registration in Turin is provided. A section on "SUL PROSSIMO NUMERO" (On the Next Issue) previews upcoming articles. The issue also contains a statistical analysis of ufological data, presented in two parts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of ufological claims and methodologies, the detailed reporting of specific UFO sightings with witness testimonies, and the exploration of potential explanations for these phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly one of independent and rational inquiry, willing to challenge established ideas and figures within the ufological community while maintaining a focus on factual analysis and constructive debate. The magazine aims to inform and stimulate discussion rather than simply present sensational accounts.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, identified as issue 13, focuses on the critical review of the magazine 'Notiziario UFO' and its eventual cessation, under the title "CONTROLUCE" (Backlight).

Analysis of 'Notiziario UFO'

The editorial reflects on the end of 'Notiziario UFO', the official organ of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (C.U.N.), noting its unique position as a privately managed, nationally distributed ufological magazine that ran for about a year and a half with notable success, selling up to 25,000 copies per issue without resorting to sensationalism. The magazine is praised for its focus on solid case studies (IR-2 and IR-3) based on accurate investigations, often from Italy, and for its inclusion of international reports, frequently presented with a critical perspective. It also provided space for technical discussions by specialists, a rarity in popular publications.

However, the review acknowledges that 'Notiziario UFO' was not without its flaws. These included an excessive narcissism in editorials, the overemphasis on certain individuals through self-citation and numerous photos, unnecessary polemics, the inclusion of non-ufological sections like cinema and astronomy, less critical reviews, a significant number of printing errors, and a tendency towards 'semi-monographic' issues that focused too heavily on a single topic. The authors suggest these issues stemmed from the magazine's role as a mirror to the transitional phase of Italian ufology, acting as a bridge between two generations of ufologists – the 'traditionalists' and the 'innovators'. This co-existence of differing tendencies led to contradictions within the publication.

Despite these criticisms, the review concludes that 'Notiziario UFO' was a valuable vehicle for introducing the concept of a 'new ufology' or 'scientific ufology' to a wider audience, emphasizing a more grounded and productive approach to studying the phenomenon. The magazine's exit is attributed to the 'incredible myopia' of an editor who ended the publication, much to the satisfaction of its competitors. The article notes that the experience significantly boosted the C.U.N.'s profile, making it a national reference point, though the organization faced a 'growth crisis' afterward.

Overall, the authors believe that 'Notiziario UFO', despite its errors, had a positive balance, offering a tangible possibility for producing something new and original that departed from the repetitive and banal nature of typical Italian ufology.

Theoretical and Methodological Debates

The issue delves into deeper theoretical and methodological discussions concerning ufology. Thierry Pinvidic, in an article titled "Agnostoptenologia", discusses the problematic nature of the terms 'ufologo' and 'ufologia'. He references Felix Ares de Blas's proposal to replace 'ufologia' with 'agnostoptenologia', derived from Greek words for 'unknown' and 'flying object', as a more precise term for the study of unidentified flying objects. Pinvidic, however, finds the proposed term somewhat ridiculous and prefers to retain 'ufologi' while acknowledging the need for a more rigorous approach.

The article critiques the 'spirit of the system' in ufology, where researchers tend to force all observations into pre-existing models, hindering scientific progress. It draws parallels with how other scientific fields, like biology under dialectical materialism or Nazism, stagnated due to ideological constraints. The authors argue that our current modes of thinking are Aristotelian and anthropocentric, requiring a more flexible and unconventional approach, akin to the surrealism found in 'Alice in Wonderland' or Brecht's theater.

The text emphasizes the need to move beyond mere rhetoric and unsupported hypotheses, advocating for analytical support and testable hypotheses. It suggests that UFO phenomena might be linked to cognitive and projective origins, influenced by emotional significance and cultural myths. The article touches upon the idea that UFOs might be attempting to influence humanity and human consciousness, a conclusion also reached by researchers like Kuiper and Morrison.

Case Studies: UFO Sightings in Piedmont

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to cataloging UFO sightings in the Piedmont region of Italy, primarily from the 1960s. These entries, presented in a structured format, include:

• Date and Time: Specific date and approximate time of the sighting.
• Location: Town or area in Piedmont where the sighting occurred.
• Classification: A code indicating the nature of the sighting (e.g., IR-2, IR-3, PROB.MET., POSS.AER., PROB.UFO, PROB.SAT., DD, LN, EFF.OTT.).
• Witnesses: Names or descriptions of the individuals who observed the phenomenon.
• Description: A detailed account of the object's appearance, behavior, and trajectory.
• Sources: References to newspapers, magazines, or personal reports where the sighting was documented.

Examples of reported sightings include:

• August 5, 1962 (Airetta): Six grey, circular objects observed moving slowly in the sky.
• August 12, 1962 (Pino Torinese): A fiery, disc-shaped or cylindrical object crossing the horizon, leaving a long trail.
• August 29, 1962 (Corio): A silver, disc-shaped object with a dome, exhibiting silent, gliding movements and zigzags.
• October 31, 1962 (Torino): A mushroom-shaped object moving from southwest to northeast with a red-orange light trail.
• December 10, 1962 (Torino): A 'star' slowly crossing the sky from west to east.
• December 14, 1962 (Intra/Laveno-Intra): A greyish object compared to an 'English helmet', observed motionless and then ascending rapidly.
• September 6, 1962 (Vaprio d'Agogna): An opalescent white ball stationary in the sky, appearing spherical with the naked eye and parallelepiped-like through a refractor.
• January 4, 1963 (Torino): A luminous blue trail moving intensely from east to west.
• May 8, 1963 (Torino): A luminous disc-shaped object moving at high speed from west to east.
• February 11, 1964 (Cossano Belbo): A large object descending into a field, emitting a strange ticking sound, later identified as a radio sonde.
• April 23, 1964 (Torino): A luminous object with a long trail arriving from the hills.
• April 24, 1964 (Cherasco): An object described as 'inverted funnel-shaped, violet, and completely silent'.
• April 24, 1964 (Torino): A luminous lenticular object flying horizontally at high altitude.
• April 24, 1964 (Moncalvo): A phenomenon similar to the one seen in Torino.
• August 19, 1964 (Musiné): A luminous body observed by several people.
• August 22, 1964 (Caselle): A 'tennis ball' sized luminous object moving from NE to W, then slowing down and deviating south.
• October 8, 1964 (Torino): A luminous body, described as flame-colored and with blurred contours, moving from Superga towards Monte Musiné and back.
• September 22, 1964 (Cavallermaggiore): A shining object, described as triangular, observed motionless for hours.
• September 22, 1964 (Racconigi): Similar observation to the Cavallermaggiore case.
• September 22, 1964 (Val Pellice): At least six cylindrical flying objects observed disappearing among clouds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFOLOGIA revolve around the critical evaluation of ufological publications and methodologies, the historical development of ufology in Italy, and the presentation of empirical data in the form of UFO sighting reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, advocating for scientific rigor and a departure from sensationalism and dogmatic adherence to pre-established theories ('spirit of the system'). The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious research and discussion, while also acknowledging the cultural and psychological dimensions of the UFO phenomenon. The inclusion of the Piedmont sighting catalog underscores a commitment to documenting and analyzing specific cases, contributing to the historical record of UFO activity in the region.

"Gli Altai Dicono" is a specialized publication focused on ufology, acting as a review and critique of other ufological publications. This issue, dated April-June 1980, is the fourth volume and thirty-second/thirty-third issue, published by the "Centro Ricerche Solaris" in Catania, Italy. It is primarily in Italian and offers a critical look at the state of ufological research and reporting.

Reviews of Ufological Publications

The magazine features reviews of several ufology bulletins and journals:

• Nuove Realtà (No. 3, July 1980): This informative booklet from Prato is described as a typical Italian bulletin, containing a chronicle of a 1979 Brazilian congress, a 1978 Trentino case catalog, the Sturno case, a Swedish case, and an excerpt from a Williamson book. The review notes its mediocrity and suggests room for improvement.
• Sky Watch (No. 3, July 1980): This internal newsletter from the CUN's Genoa section is a 24-page cyclostyled publication. It includes a report on a group skywatch, considerations on the Torriglia area (linked to the Zanfretta case), and an article on UFOs in ultraviolet light. The reviewer praises its detailed, locally-focused research and investigative approach, wishing more Italian newsletters were like it.
• Nuraghex (No. 32/33, April-June 1980): This 42-page publication from Cagliari is noted for its "previews" of ufological cases, including the Sturno case and alleged UFO-animal mutilation links. However, the reviewer finds the best content in pieces by Giorgio Metta and "Nx". Metta's article "Bravo Monneriel" is described as sarcastically critical of a French researcher, with the reviewer noting that Metta and his associates may not have read the French researcher's work. The review also highlights Metta's lengthy response to a letter from E. Ameglio, where Metta presents his "parapsychological" hypothesis for UFO phenomena, calling it one of the most insightful writings on the subject in recent years.
• Morgana (No. 3, undated, est. Summer 1980): This 25-page photocopied quaderni di ufologia from Giulianova Alta features an article titled "Visitatori dell'assurdo" (Visitors of the Absurd) detailing an IR-3 case from Abruzzo in 1978 and subsequent events. It emphasizes the importance of considering the witness's experience and discusses paranormal aspects. The review notes its style is reminiscent of Morricone.
• Notizie BUFE (undated): Two fascicles from Edoardo Morricone are described as informal "abusivo" newsletters. They contain jokes, satirical stories, and critiques, with CUN and Pinotti as frequent targets. They are considered amusing but not very constructive.
• Solaris (No. 1, July 1980): This 13-page publication from Catania is described as a typical family-run newsletter. It includes articles on pyramids and UFOs, a news item, a conference announcement, and personal correspondence. The reviewer notes Daniele Lolioato's article contesting Ossola's assertion that ETH (Extraterrestrial Hypothesis) has prevented progress in ufology. The review concludes with a "wait and see" attitude.
• Alpha 2001 (No. 3/4, Jan-June 1980): This quarterly newsletter from Olbia apologizes for the crisis in ufological groupism and contains more original material, including 17 pages dedicated to regional case studies from 1978 with catalogs, summaries, and graphics by Giorgio Metta and Martino Cossu.
• Arcani (Anno IX, No. 9, September 1980): This issue has only four pages dedicated to ufology. It includes Ossola discussing the history of ufology, Metta's letter on the parapsychological hypothesis, and a critique by Fiorino of common ufological tropes.
• Arcani (Anno IX, No. 10, October 1980): This issue features nine ufological pages, including an article by Pier Luigi Sani titled "Ufology Facts Against the Opinions of the Well-Meaning," which discusses statistical laws and critiques older theories based on second-hand sources.
• Misteri (No. 113, September 1980): This monthly publication includes case studies from August and November 1978, regional investigations, and a review of a 1963 Roman case. It also covers a conference in Cattolica, noting the presence of CUN members presented as "research group representatives." The review mentions Marcello Coppetti's claim that his book reviews were positive and criticizes Sani's apparent lack of engagement with UFOLOGIA reviews. An article discussing alleged secret services involvement in 1896-97 airship sightings is noted for its insights.
• Misteri (No. 114, October 1980): This issue dedicates 28 pages to UFOs, including material from Morricone (copied from Morgana) and case studies from 1978. It also features presentations from the Cattolica conference on archeological and ufological phenomena.

Statistical Analysis of UFO Data

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed statistical analysis of UFO phenomena, authored by Roberto Doretti and Roberto Farabone. This section, titled "STATISTICA UFOLOGICA: UNA CHANCE DI RICERCA," focuses on applying statistical methods to understand UFO reports.

• Distributions: The authors explain two key statistical distributions: the Poisson distribution (for mutually exclusive events) and the normal distribution (bell curve). They detail the formulas and characteristics of each.
• Poisson Distribution: Explained as relevant for phenomena where events are mutually exclusive, the Poisson distribution's probability formula is presented. The chi-squared (x2) test is identified as a suitable characteristic index. An example of a Poisson distribution with µ=1 is illustrated.
• Normal Distribution: Described as perhaps the most important statistical distribution, it is derived from the Poisson distribution by considering continuous variables and an infinite number of trials. Its formula, characteristics (symmetry, bell shape, maximum at the mean), and the role of standard deviation (σ) are explained. The importance of the normal distribution lies in its ability to determine the frequency of values within a given interval, allowing for probability calculations.
• Applications and Tests: The authors discuss how to use these distributions to evaluate models and test hypotheses. They introduce the concept of the "null hypothesis" (that observed data does not significantly differ from a theoretical model) and explain that statistical tests are often more effective at rejecting hypotheses than accepting them.
• Chi-Squared Test (x2): This test is used to compare empirical data with theoretical distributions. An example is given using 1954 Austrian UFO sightings, where the calculated x2 value leads to the rejection of the Poisson distribution hypothesis for that data.
• Student's t-test: This test is used to determine if two variables (x and y) that follow a normal distribution are significantly different. It involves calculating a t-value based on the variables' means and standard deviations and comparing it to probability tables using degrees of freedom.
• Empirical Data Analysis: The issue emphasizes that for any research, it's crucial to analyze the distribution of collected data to identify patterns and parameters. If empirical data closely matches a theoretical distribution like the normal distribution, it suggests the data is significant and representative.
• Examples of Data Analysis: Figures are presented showing the distribution of UFO sightings by time of year (Figure 4), hour of the day (Figure 5), and population density in different locations (Figure 6).

Editorial and Correspondence

• "Tante scuse!" (Many Apologies!): A significant section is dedicated to an apology from the editor (P.G.) to Dr. Enza Massa. Massa had complained about the use of the term "famigerata Enza Massa" in a previous critique, deeming it an offensive personal attack. The editor explains his use of the term, citing its dictionary meanings (including potentially ironic or dubious fame) and reiterates his opinion that Massa's articles, while potentially well-documented, often rely on questionable sources and interpretations, particularly regarding the "extraterrestrial baby" case, which he links to a shark skull. He also mentions Massa's reliance on journalistic snippets and cites more credible specialized publications that have critiqued her work. Despite the explanation, the editor offers humble apologies for the "indelicate epithet."
• Letter from Gianni V. Settimo: The director responsible for "Clypeus" also expresses regret for the "unfortunate misunderstanding" with Mrs. Enza Massa, affirming his personal esteem while upholding the right to critical opposition.

Bibliography

A comprehensive bibliography is provided, listing numerous authors and works related to ufology, statistics, and related fields, including works by Pinvidic, Hall, Hartmann, Hynek, Vallée, Menzel, Sagan, and others.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around critical reviews of ufological literature, emphasizing the need for rigorous research, empirical data, and sound statistical analysis. The editorial stance appears to favor a skeptical yet open-minded approach, encouraging critical thinking and discouraging sensationalism or uncritical acceptance of claims. There's a clear emphasis on scientific methodology and the application of statistical tools to understand UFO phenomena, contrasting with what the reviewers perceive as less rigorous or more speculative approaches found in some other publications. The issue also highlights the ongoing debate about the nature of UFOs, with "parapsychological" hypotheses being discussed alongside more conventional extraterrestrial ones. The editor, Paolo Gastaldi, is portrayed as a sharp critic, willing to engage in direct commentary, even with his own reviewers, as seen in the critique of "UFOLOGIA."

This document appears to be a section from a magazine issue titled "Statistica ufologica" (Ufological Statistics), authored by R. Farabone, and continues from a previous page ('segue'). It also includes a separate article by E. Morricone titled "I cavalieri della notte" (The Knights of the Night), which also continues from a previous page.

Statistical Methods in Ufology by R. Farabone

The article by R. Farabone focuses on the application of statistical methods to the study of ufology. It begins by explaining the concept of statistical significance, particularly in relation to probability values (P=0.50, P=0.10, P=0.05, P=0.01) and degrees of freedom (L), as illustrated in Table D.

Variance Analysis

The author introduces "variance analysis" as a more modern statistical method that has found limited application in ufology until now. This method is presented as being particularly useful when comparing two sets of data (Group A and Group B) collected under different conditions or at different times. The goal is to determine if the differences observed between the groups are statistically significant or if they can be attributed to chance. The article contrasts this with simpler tests like the Chi-squared (X2) and Student's t-test, suggesting that variance analysis offers a more robust approach, especially when examining differences "between" and "within" groups.

Correlation Analysis

Next, the article delves into "correlation analysis," which aims to find the relationship or association between variables. It explains the concept of a "correlation coefficient" (r), which measures the degree of association. The author uses an example involving UFO sightings per month and population changes in a region to illustrate how to calculate this coefficient. The example involves collecting data for four months, with 'x' representing the number of UFO sightings and 'y' representing the population. The calculation involves summing x, y, x², y², and xy, and then applying a formula to find 'r'.

A correlation coefficient close to 1 (r=1) indicates a strong positive linear relationship, meaning as one variable increases, the other tends to increase proportionally. A coefficient close to -1 (r=-1) indicates a strong negative linear relationship, where an increase in one variable corresponds to a decrease in the other. A coefficient close to zero (r=0) suggests little to no linear correlation between the variables.

The article provides a cautionary tale through the anecdote of Kendall's analysis of radio subscriptions and the birth rate of mentally deficient individuals, which showed a high correlation coefficient but no actual causal link. This highlights the importance of having a sound theoretical basis for expecting a correlation, rather than relying solely on statistical results.

Regression Analysis

Following correlation, the article touches upon "regression analysis." It explains that if two variables are found to be correlated, regression analysis can be used to determine the specific function (a "regression line") that describes this relationship. This allows for the prediction of one variable's value based on the value of another. The author mentions that this concept can be extended to "multivariate analysis," where multiple variables are considered simultaneously, but states that this is beyond the scope of the current discussion.

The author concludes this section by emphasizing the power and potential of statistical tools in ufology, suggesting that they offer a crucial means of establishing a more rigorous and evidence-based foundation for research in this field.

"I cavalieri della notte" by E. Morricone

This section appears to be a personal reflection or narrative, possibly an interview or a personal account related to UFO experiences. The author, E. Morricone, addresses someone who has seen "strange lights in the sky" multiple times and questions why they haven't taken photographs as proof for skeptics.

The response received is a reluctance to photograph the lights, with the person stating, "The moment I photograph them, I won't see them anymore." They express a strong conviction that they could wait 20,000 nights with a camera and never capture them.

Morricone then reflects on his own attempts to "catch" similar phenomena, noting the limited success despite using "high technique." He questions the nature of these UFOs and their apparent desire for secrecy, calling them "contradictory."

The narrative then poses a series of philosophical questions about the reality of a UFO sighting: Was the UFO truly there? Did paranormal effects arise after the sighting, or was it a form of "ideoplastic" manifestation influenced by the subconscious? The author wonders what kind of phenomena are being dealt with if the UFO was objectively real.

Finally, the author touches upon a specific detail: a stopped watch at 1:15. This is dismissed as a "stupid hypothesis" and a "small light in total darkness," suggesting a struggle to find logical explanations for the encountered phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the statistical section is the importance of applying rigorous scientific methods, specifically statistical analysis, to the study of ufology. The stance is that statistics can provide a much-needed framework for objective investigation, helping to move beyond anecdotal evidence and subjective interpretations. The article advocates for the use of tools like variance and correlation analysis to uncover meaningful patterns and relationships within UFO data, while also warning against drawing conclusions from spurious correlations.

The narrative section, while less analytical, touches upon the personal and often perplexing nature of UFO encounters, highlighting the difficulty in obtaining concrete proof and the subjective experiences of witnesses. The underlying stance seems to be one of grappling with the unknown and the challenges of reconciling extraordinary experiences with rational explanation.