Notiziario UFO - 1973 04 No 52

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Notiziario UFO," Italy's International UFO News, dated April 1973, is a technical and documentary review dedicated to the study and scientific analysis of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related issues. It is published by the "Centro Unico Nazionale" (CUN) for the study of phenomena believed to be of extraterrestrial origin.

Call for Collaboration

The editorial team appeals to its readers for assistance, highlighting the significant voluntary effort required to produce the bulletin. They emphasize that "Notiziario UFO" is distinct from CUN, involving extensive study, research, investigation, and secretarial work. They seek collaborators in several key areas: translators (especially for English, Scandinavian, Slavic, Russian, Portuguese, and Dutch languages), investigators capable of interviewing witnesses, technical illustrators for creating diagrams and graphics, professional typists for transcribing texts, and individuals skilled in photographic reproduction. They also request help with secretarial tasks at the organization's headquarters. The appeal stresses that regular, even limited, time commitment is valuable, and they are looking for reliable collaborators. The editors also note that many Italians interested in UFOs are unaware of CUN's existence and ask members to help spread the word by contacting journalists who might be willing to write articles about their organization. They also seek opportunities to present their conferences and debates with slide projections in cultural centers and youth clubs to further promote their activities and offer more diverse future programs.

UFOLOGIA: UFO ACTIVITY IN RELATION TO THE DAYS OF THE WEEK

This article, by Professor David R. Saunders, examines statistical data on UFO sightings in relation to the days of the week. It discusses previous theories, including an extinct U.S. Air Force belief that UFO activity peaked at the end of the week, possibly linked to social activities like drinking and partying, suggesting UFOs might be the result of pranks or hallucinations. J. Allen Hynek's theory is also mentioned, which posited that UFO sightings were highest on Wednesdays and decreased throughout the week, with the lowest number on Tuesdays. This conclusion was based on an analysis of 730 sightings reported in the press during 1966. Saunders notes that Keel qualified the "Wednesday phenomenon" as "very valid" and "inexplicable," using it as a cornerstone for his extraterrestrial hypothesis. Saunders' own opinion is that the peak of sightings in major UFO waves occurred on or around Wednesdays. He suggests that official discrediting statements might cease with the UFO phenomenon itself, and that media coverage could be a recurring factor influencing these cases. A common characteristic of these previous opinions is the unequal distribution of information across different days of the week. Saunders argues that a simple assumption of equal probability for each day is too simplistic. He presents a statistical analysis using data from the UFO-CAT-70 database, which includes 7,025 reports. The analysis, using a "Chi-square" statistic, indicates a tendency for unequal numbers of UFO reports across the days of the week, a trend that appears to be consistent year after year. This finding challenges the hypothesis of a "natural phenomenon" and contradicts the USAF's view (placing Saturday first) and Keel's opinion (placing Tuesday lowest).

The article includes a table showing the number of sightings per day of the week for various years from 1947 to 1970, along with total counts. The statistical "remarkability" (R) values are presented, indicating deviations from the expected equal probability. The overall R value for the totals is higher than for individual years, suggesting a significant trend. The author concludes that this unequal tendency tends to demolish the "natural phenomenon" hypothesis and that the nature of these inequalities strongly contradicts previous opinions.

COSA ERA? (WHAT WAS IT?)

This section, authored by A. François and J. Chasseighe, investigates a mysterious incident that occurred in Montroux, France. The event gained significant public attention due to sensationalistic press coverage, drawing thousands of visitors to the site. The authors aim to provide a rational explanation for the damage observed.

The Montroux Incident Details

On Sunday, September 10th, René Merle, a viticulturist, discovered a peculiar area approximately 15x20 meters in the woods near the lake of St Cassien. The damage included several trees cut cleanly at different heights (ranging from 0.36 to 1.73 meters), with some trees bent and twisted in opposite directions. A dead oak stump had been uprooted and thrown several meters, and its charred upper part suggested a past fire. The bark of standing trees was damaged, as if by stone impacts, and a nearby stone wall had been shattered and displaced. The ground cover, consisting of dead leaves and small branches, appeared largely intact except near the damaged wall and stump. Notably, three oak trees and two pines in the center of the affected area remained undamaged, suggesting the phenomenon may have circled this area.

Investigation and Analysis

Merle initially kept his discovery private but later reported it to the gendarmerie three weeks later. The press quickly sensationalized the event. The authors attempt to clarify the timeline, noting that the area was intact on Sunday, August 27th, when a hunter shot a hare there. They dismiss the possibility of mistification due to the scale of the staging and the isolated location. Meteorological explanations like tornadoes are rejected because the ground cover remained intact and the torsion forces were applied in opposing directions. Lightning is also considered unlikely, as there were no burn marks, and the uprooted stump did not fit this hypothesis. Specialists in meteorology reportedly gave an unfavorable opinion. The possibility of a meteorite impact was investigated by Professor Guy Turcot from the Faculty of Sciences in Nice, who concluded it was not responsible.

The Flying Saucer Hypothesis

The article then explores the hypothesis of a flying saucer landing or near-landing. However, the authors find no evidence to support this theory, stating that most elements initially pointing in this direction were later found to be false or nonexistent. They address claims about Fayence firefighters being called to a nearby fire, which was actually located far from the site, and debunk reports of magnetic anomalies, explaining that a compass deviation was due to its placement on a metal box, not an unusual magnetic field.

Radioactivity and Other Findings

A radioactivity test conducted on the site revealed levels slightly above the regional average, attributed to the presence of black sandstone used for the forest road construction, which is normal for the area. The authors also note a similar incident in Anthéor, France, from about a dozen years prior, which involved torsion forces and self-opening faucets. They analyze a drawing of the Montroux site, correcting some inaccuracies and discussing the path of the destructive energy. They reiterate that lightning cannot explain the observed torsion effects, citing examples of lightning moving heavy objects and causing unusual effects on metal. However, they point out that lightning typically leaves burn marks, which were absent in the Montroux case. The article concludes that while lightning effects can be extraordinary, the Montroux incident's specific characteristics, particularly the absence of combustion and the directional torsion, remain difficult to explain solely by lightning. The authors acknowledge that their investigation ends with uncertainty, but they have attempted to present the facts as honestly as possible.

Geological Summary

The geological summary indicates that the Montroux site is located near two geological faults, with a tectonic fault passing about 2 km away. The soil is composed of sedimentary rocks.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Notiziario UFO" strongly advocates for a scientific and investigative approach to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking to debunk hoaxes and natural explanations while remaining receptive to the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. The publication actively solicits reader participation and collaboration, emphasizing the voluntary nature of their work and the need for rigorous data collection and analysis. The articles presented, such as the statistical analysis of UFO sightings by day of the week and the detailed case study of the Montroux incident, reflect a commitment to empirical evidence and reasoned deduction, even when faced with phenomena that defy easy explanation. The magazine aims to inform and engage its readership, fostering a community dedicated to understanding the UFO mystery.