UFOlogia Supplemento a Clypeus - 1980 No 8

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIA
Issue: SUPPLEMENTO A CLYPEUS Nº61
Date: Marzo-Aprile 1980
Publisher: CLYPEUS
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of 'UFOLOGIA', a supplement to 'CLYPEUS', presents a serious and sometimes contrasting collection of articles aimed at providing interest and reflection for its readers. The magazine is distributed free to members of the Gruppo Clypeus and welcomes contributions from scholars.

Articles and Content

Occuparsi di UFO (Engaging with UFOs)

Roberto Farabone's article addresses the question of how one becomes a ufologist. He clarifies that, unlike established scientific fields, there isn't a professional class of 'ufologists' who dedicate their full time to the subject. Instead, individuals involved in ufology typically do so on a part-time, voluntary basis, often at personal expense. Farabone emphasizes that serious research requires a deep understanding of the scientific method, its limitations, and a willingness to study various disciplines. He stresses the importance of critical evaluation of existing information, accessing original sources, and maintaining an open mind, even if research conclusions are mundane. He advocates for a shift from casual interest to serious, committed investigation.

Un Nuovo Sistema di Classificazione (A New Classification System)

John Hind proposes an adaptation of techniques used in the scientific study of folklore to analyze detailed UFO reports. The article introduces the concept of 'motif' and suggests a formal method for comparing the thematic content of UFO reports. It also presents a model for a UFO report catalog called 'TEXTCAT', designed for electronic data processing. Hind critiques past statistical approaches to UFO data, arguing they often presume data reliability and can transform low-quality data into high-quality noise, leading to a disconnect between statistical results and original data. He advocates for a more qualitative approach that considers the complexity of the data.

UFO ed Esoterismo (UFOs and Esotericism)

Roberto D'Amico reflects on the UFO phenomenon from a different perspective, directing readers towards the study of its potential implications with esotericism.

Critical Analysis of GEPAN

The issue includes a critical examination of the French organization GEPAN by researchers Gérard Barthel, Jacques Brucker, and Michel Monnerie, based on an article published in 'Science et vie'. This piece is presented as part of a series analyzing skeptical viewpoints.

Current Affairs and Columns

Attenti al contattista! (Beware the Contactee!)

This section discusses the scarcity of 'contactee' cases in France compared to Anglo-Saxon and Italian environments. It analyzes Jean Miguères, a French contactee who authored "J'ai été le cobaye des extra-terrestres" (I was the guinea pig of the extraterrestrials). The article, based on a review by the A.E.S.V. (Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes), highlights numerous contradictions and probable falsifications in Miguères' account of his alleged extraterrestrial encounters and miraculous survival from a road accident. The AESV's investigation was motivated by the fear of repeating past mistakes with cases like George Adamski and the need to verify or debunk Miguères' claims.

**Il ritorno di Valentich? (The Return of Valentich?)

This piece revisits the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich in October 1978. It reports on a séance where Valentich's father, Guido Valentich, claimed to have communicated with his son. Frederick allegedly stated he was "well," his aircraft was in another dimension, and he was working with beings from the constellation Ursa Major. The report also mentions a psychic named Ron Halteri who inspected Valentich's aircraft, claiming to have received strong sensations and information about encounters with aliens and UFOs.

Aimè Michel, addio (Farewell Aimè Michel)

This short notice announces the retirement of the French ufologist Aimè Michel from active ufology, quoting his statement that he has "nothing more to say on our subject." Michel, a philosophy graduate and former collaborator with ORTF, had a career spanning twenty-five years of in-depth ufological writings.

Controluce (Backlight)

This column features two pieces: "Ufologia ufficiale? No, grazie!" (Official Ufology? No, thanks!) by G.P.G., discussing obstacles in ufological research, and a piece on the "mania di ufficialità" (mania for officialdom) in Italy. It also includes critical commentary on Italian ufological publications.

Osservatorio (Observatory)

This section includes a review of a book by a contactee, highlighting contradictions and potential fabrications. It also notes the differing legal consequences for contactees and their critics in France versus Italy.

Recensioni (Reviews)

This section features a review of a book titled "UFO: manifestazioni diaboliche?" (UFO: diabolical manifestations?) by Gian Paolo Grassino and Paolo Fiorino.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOLOGIA emphasizes a rigorous, critical approach to ufology, moving beyond sensationalism and speculation. The editorial stance favors in-depth research, the application of scientific methods (even when adapted), and a cautious approach to claims, particularly those from contactees. There is a clear distinction made between serious investigation and casual interest. The magazine aims to stimulate research and provide information without promoting specific ideologies, encouraging scholars to contribute and critically evaluate material. The recurring theme is the challenge of establishing ufology as a serious field of study, requiring intellectual rigor, documentation, and an open yet critical mind.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, Volume IV, Issue 13, dated November-December 1977, focuses on the methodologies of UFO research and presents a catalog of historical UFO sightings. The cover headline, "Ufologia ufficiale ? No, grazie!" (Official Ufology? No, thanks!), suggests a critical stance towards official investigations.

The Challenge of UFO Data Analysis

The issue begins by addressing the difficulties inherent in UFO research, particularly the challenge of cataloging and analyzing a large volume of reports. It notes that while many investigators seek the "perfect case" to prove the existence of UFOs, this remains elusive. The article highlights the efforts of groups like the UFO Investigators Network and the Center for UFO Studies in collecting and documenting detailed reports, even if some are subject to "storification" (the process of making stories more readable).

Adapting Folklore Methodologies to Ufology

A significant portion of the article draws parallels between ufology and folklore studies. It explains how folklorists in the 19th century faced similar challenges with a vast amount of collected tales (favole), struggling to classify them and test theories. The article introduces the concept of "motifs" – the smallest structural units of a story – as a way to analyze and compare narratives. It discusses the historical development of motif classification in folklore, citing examples like the Cinderella tale and its classification within the Aarne-Thompson index.

Introducing the TEXT-CAT System

To address the limitations of manual cataloging and analysis, the article proposes a computer-assisted system called TEXT-CAT. This system aims to catalog individual "motifs" from UFO reports rather than entire "events" or "stories." The goal is to create a more manageable and searchable database. The system would involve breaking down reports into discrete units (motifs), classifying them, and storing them in a structured way. The article details the potential functions of TEXT-CAT, including data input, motif classification, and reordering operations, outlining the creation of three main databases: cases, text units, and motifs. It emphasizes the system's potential for in-depth analysis, such as identifying variations in UFO reports over time or by location, and comparing different types of witnesses.

Historical UFO Cases (INTCAT)

The latter part of the magazine features a detailed catalog of historical UFO sightings, presented under the heading "INTCAT." This section meticulously lists numerous cases from the early 1900s, providing dates, locations, brief descriptions of the sightings, and references to their original sources. These entries include:

• 1904: Sightings in Muntii Apuseni (Romania), Rolling Prairie (USA), Everton (UK), and Egryn (UK).
• 1905: Encounters in Barmouth (UK), Llander (UK), Llanfair (UK), and Ynysybwl (UK).
• 1906: Observations in Woodville (UK), La Celle-sous-Gouzon (France), and near Cape Race (Atlantic Ocean).
• 1908: A sighting in Pitten (Belgium).

Each entry provides specific details about the object's appearance, behavior, and the witnesses involved, offering a historical perspective on UFO phenomena.

"Ufologia ufficiale ? No, grazie!" (Official Ufology? No, thanks!)

This editorial piece critiques the relationship between ufologists and the Italian Ministry of Defense. It recounts how a leaked document in May 1978 brought attention to the Ministry's involvement with UFOs and its collaboration with the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN). The article suggests that the initial leak, possibly due to the CIRSUFO's "ingenuity," led to a power struggle between different ufological groups vying for the role of the Ministry's "confidant." It criticizes the sensationalism surrounding the issue and the subsequent loss of interest from both the public and the military. The editorial also touches upon the alleged misuse of UFO information for economic and personal gain by certain individuals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for the development of more rigorous and objective research methods in ufology, moving beyond anecdotal evidence and sensationalism. The comparison with folklore suggests a need for systematic classification and analysis. The proposal of the TEXT-CAT system underscores this drive for scientific rigor. The editorial "Ufologia ufficiale ? No, grazie!" clearly expresses a critical view of how official bodies and some ufological organizations handle UFO information, highlighting issues of transparency, sensationalism, and personal gain. The extensive catalog of historical cases indicates a commitment to documenting and analyzing the phenomenon from its earlier manifestations.

This issue of INTCAT, identified as page 15 and 16, is part of a larger publication, likely a newsletter or journal focused on ufology and related topics. The content spans across several scanned pages, detailing historical UFO sightings and offering editorial commentary and reviews of other publications.

Historical UFO Sightings (1908-1909)

The issue meticulously lists numerous UFO sightings from the early 20th century, providing dates, locations, and brief descriptions:

• 1908, Duncan, British Columbia, Canada: A 12-year-old girl witnessed a bright light that transformed into a dark object with red, blue, and green lights, moving slowly.
• February 25, 1909, Anderlues, Hainaut, Belgium: A retired teacher observed a large, yellow luminous sphere moving low over the road before descending into a narrow path.
• May 13, 1909, Kelmarsh, Norfolk, G.B.: Three men in a car heard a noise and saw a 30-meter long cylindrical machine with two figures visible on a platform, moving at approximately 30 km/h.
• May 18, 1909, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, G.B.: A dark, sausage-shaped object was observed hovering and then moved northeast. A target bag was later found.
• May 18, 1909, Spalding, Lincolnshire, G.B.: A hospice guest reported hearing guttural voices during the passage of an aerial object, which was dismissed as a hoax by newspapers.
• May 16, 1909, Lowestoft, Suffolk, G.B.: Mrs. Wigg saw a dark, bottle-shaped object moving southwest at low altitude, with a figure at the controls.
• May 18, 1909, Caerphilly Mountain, Glamorgan, G.B.: A puppeteer observed a large tubular object accompanied by two elegantly dressed men.
• May 19, 1909, Maindee, Monmouth, Galles, G.B.: A child pointed to an object resembling a large bird flying and stopping over a canal. It was later described as a 12-meter long craft with three occupants.
• May 19, 1909, Norwich, Norfolk, G.B.: A woman saw a bright light and heard a noise, then observed a large star followed by a bright beacon moving at low altitude.
• May 22, 1909, Maesteg, Glamorgan, Galles, G.B.: Lights were seen overhead, and a man with a telescope reported an aerial vehicle with occupants.
• June 16, 1909, Donghoi, Vietnam: An oblong object emitting a strong light followed a trajectory from west to east, disappearing into the sea.
• July 23, 1909, Kelso, New Zealand: Children and others saw a strange machine described as boat-shaped with a human figure inside, which approached from the Blue Mountains and circled the school.
• July 24, 1909, Clinton, New Zealand: Sounds were heard from an aircraft passing over the town.
• July 29, 1909, Greymouth, New Zealand: Train passengers observed a light approaching.

These entries are often accompanied by references to publications such as "UFO Register," "Canadian UFO Report," "East Anglia Daily Times," "Evening News," "FSR," and others, indicating a thorough compilation of historical data.

Editorial Commentary and Analysis

Several articles offer commentary on the state of ufology and its relationship with official bodies and broader societal trends:

• Critique of Media and Government Secrecy: One piece expresses frustration with sensationalized media coverage of UFOs, particularly regarding alleged government involvement. It criticizes the way information is presented to fuel public curiosity and potentially drive sales of related publications. The author argues that the Ministry of Defense's interest in UFOs is likely tied to national security and the need to monitor potential aerial threats, rather than a genuine interest in the phenomenon itself. The secrecy surrounding such reports is attributed to the need to conceal military maneuvers and potential defensive weaknesses.
• The "UFO-Esotericism" Proposal: Roberto D'Amico presents a provocative proposal titled "Proposta per un UFO-Esoterismo." He suggests that the study of UFOs has led many researchers to explore broader fields like history, archaeology, religion, and esotericism. D'Amico posits that ufology might be a modern manifestation of esotericism, serving as a means to reawaken spiritual awareness in a world that has lost its connection to it. He proposes a research project involving the acquisition of knowledge in hermetic symbolism and magic, analysis of UFO testimonies from an esoteric perspective, and investigation into witnesses and personalities linked to the phenomenon.
• Critique of Ufological Practices: The editorial section includes critiques of other ufological publications and practices. "GLI ALTRI DICONO" reviews several newsletters and journals, including "SKY WATCH," "DOCUMENTI U.F.O.," and "NURAGHEX." The reviews are often sharp, pointing out issues like the limited scope of "SKY WATCH," the incomplete nature of "DOCUMENTI U.F.O.," and the perceived paranoia and unoriginality in "NURAGHEX." There's a recurring criticism of plagiarism and a lack of proper citation within Italian ufological publications.
• The Role of the CUN: The article mentions the CUN (Centro Ufologico Nazionale) responding to a ministerial dossier by publishing a special issue of its magazine, aiming to prevent further economic exploitation of the event and to inform politicians.

Publication Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several ufological publications:

• "SKY WATCH" (Notiziario Interno di Ufologia e Materie Connesse): Reviewed as a newsletter from the Genoa Section of the National Ufological Center, it focuses on practical aspects of skywatching and photo analysis. The reviewer questions whether this falls strictly within ufological research.
• "DOCUMENTI U.F.O." (Rapporti scientifici aperiodici sul problema UFO nel mondo): This review notes that pages 2-10 were missing, but the remaining seven pages suggest a monograph on the Sturno case, based on a meticulous comparison of sources.
• "NURAGHEX" (anno IV, n. 31): This review covers 19 pages of ufological content, including updates on known cases, animal mutilations, and a critique of a "scientist." It also notes a perceived paranoia and a suggestion of a "plot" to "cut off" the '78 flap with media censorship. The reviewer expresses disappointment with the publication's content and calls for more original ideas.
• "CONTACT INTERNATIONAL ITALIA" (Circolare informativa): This review describes a newsletter from the Italian branch of Contact International, noting its limited content, including a letter from the neo-president and the translated constitution of the organization. It awaits future issues for a more comprehensive evaluation.
• "arcani" (L'UOMO E L'IGNOTO): Two issues are reviewed. The March 1980 issue (n.3) includes reports on parapsychological research in the USSR, an article on UFOs as "phantoms," and a discussion on why ufology is not science. The April 1980 issue (n.4) is criticized for re-publishing old declarations and for reporting a supposed statement by the French Minister of Defense about the existence of UFOs, despite the minister no longer holding that position. The review also notes the publication's tendency to copy from other sources.
• "IL GIORNALE DEI Misteri" (n. 108, March 1980): This review criticizes the ufology section for publishing only the worst articles from FSR and for the editor's perceived naivety regarding government documents. It also notes the censorship of certain articles and the publication's apparent bias towards certain topics, like the planet Venus.
• "UFO" (n. 93, February 1980): This review describes the issue as a significant improvement, but still finds the editorial convoluted and the UFO interview somewhat personalized. It criticizes the publication for copying content from "Ufologia" and for its harsh critique of Roberto Pinotti.

Necrology

The issue includes a brief obituary for Fabrizio Zó of Ferrara, a friend and collaborator, who passed away on April 6, 1980.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical documentation of UFO sightings, the critical analysis of ufological research and publications, and the exploration of the potential connection between ufology and esoteric or spiritual concepts. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning sensationalism, media manipulation, and the scientific rigor of some ufological practices, while also being open to exploring unconventional hypotheses like the link between UFOs and esotericism. There is a clear emphasis on historical data and a desire for more accurate and well-researched information within the field.

This issue of the magazine, dated January 15, 1981, features a cover story titled "UFO: MANIFESTAZIONI DIABOLICHE ?" (UFO: Diabolical Manifestations?). The issue delves into critical analyses of ufology, questioning established theories and organizations, and exploring theological interpretations of UFO phenomena.

Critique of G.E.P.A.N. and Ufological Methods

The magazine presents a critical perspective on the French organization G.E.P.A.N. (Groupement d'étude des phénomènes Aérospatiaux non identifiés), established in 1977 by C.N.E.S. While acknowledging its official status and scientific council, the articles question its investigative methods and conclusions. A televised segment depicting G.E.P.A.N. in action is described as a fictionalized service rather than a live investigation, showcasing a swift, almost theatrical response to a reported phenomenon.

The critique highlights how G.E.P.A.N.'s work, despite its claims of scientific rigor, is often presented in a way that implies official validation of UFO existence. The issue points out the lack of publicly available detailed analyses of testimonies, with reports allegedly existing but remaining confidential. The case of a disc-shaped object observed near Luçon in February 1976 is used as an example of G.E.P.A.N.'s questionable methodology, where initial investigations by gendarmes found nothing, yet G.E.P.A.N. later produced a detailed report classifying it as a "close encounter" without clear evidence for its calculations or diameter estimates.

Furthermore, the articles question G.E.P.A.N.'s interpretation of atmospheric conditions and its tendency to confirm the existence of UFOs rather than objectively verify the phenomenon. The issue suggests that G.E.P.A.N. was created due to the personal interest of C.N.E.S. engineer Claude Poher, whose earlier reports on UFOs formed the basis for the organization.

Theological Interpretations of UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the book "UFO e potere delle tenebre" (UFO and the Power of Darkness) by Rocco Manzi, a priest. Manzi's book, which received an ecclesiastical "imprimatur," argues that UFOs are not extraterrestrial or divine but are of diabolical origin. He posits that Satan and his followers invented UFOs to deceive humanity and promote ideas contrary to Catholic doctrine, such as magic, divorce, and polygamy.

The magazine's reviewer, Paolo Fiorino, a theology student, finds Manzi's approach overly simplistic and fideistic, lacking rigorous evidence and relying on a narrow interpretation of theological concepts. Fiorino criticizes the book for its scant bibliography and its tendency to force phenomena into pre-existing theological categories. He argues that Manzi's conclusion that UFOs are diabolical is an extreme position that goes against a scientific and logical approach to the subject.

Analysis of UFO Case Data

The issue scrutinizes the statistical methods used in ufology, particularly referencing Claude Poher's statistical study of 1000 UFO sightings. It is revealed that a significant portion of these cases are drawn from popular UFO magazines and books rather than official reports or rigorous investigations. The data is described as being of poor quality, with missing information on witnesses, meteorological conditions, and object characteristics.

The articles highlight the inherent ambiguity in UFO testimony, suggesting that many sightings can be explained by mundane objects, natural phenomena, or psychological factors such as illusions, suggestion, and misidentification. The tendency for witnesses to adapt their perceptions to fit a preconceived notion of a UFO is discussed, leading to the creation of "enigmatic" cases that are then used to support the existence of UFOs.

Proposed UFO-Esotericism

A section outlines a proposal for "UFO-esotericism," suggesting a multidisciplinary approach to studying UFOs. This includes exploring connections between ufology and other occult fields, analyzing the symbolism present in UFO cases, comparing the evolution of thought among prominent researchers, and developing investigative methods based on ancient occult doctrines. It also proposes a revision of space archaeology and a reinterpretation of sacred texts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of ufology as a field, the questioning of official and unofficial UFO investigation bodies, and the exploration of alternative, often non-scientific, explanations for UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards the claims made by many ufologists, advocating for a more rigorous, objective, and evidence-based approach. There is a clear concern that the field is often driven by belief and pre-conceived notions rather than sound scientific inquiry. The issue also touches upon the potential for psychological and theological interpretations of what are often presented as purely physical phenomena.

"Si Dice..." (They Say...) Section

This section addresses rumors and speculation surrounding the identity of "Paolo Gastaldi," a pseudonym used in ufological circles. It lists several individuals who are rumored to be behind this name, including Paolo Fiorino, Edoardo Russo, Paolo Mercuri, Gianni Settimo, Gian Paolo Grassino, Luigi Sorgno, and Paolo Toselli. The section concludes by humorously suggesting that it's time to stop worrying about who Paolo Gastaldi is to avoid an identity crisis.