Quaderni UFO - Vol 01 No 04 - 1981 09-10

Magazine Overview

Title: Quaderni UFO
Issue: N. 4
Volume: 1
Date: September/October 1981
Publisher: Centro Ufologico Nazionale (C.U.N.)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of Quaderni UFO, the internal bulletin of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (C.U.N.), focuses on the evolution of ufology, international comparisons, and in-depth case studies. The cover features a stylized drawing of an eye, hinting at observation and mystery.

Editorial: Evolution

The editorial, written by Roberto Pinotti, reflects on recent trips to France and the USA, highlighting the advanced state of ufological research and organization in those countries compared to Italy. Pinotti emphasizes the need for a "new psychology" and professionalization within Italian ufology to avoid falling behind. He notes that while French and American ufology operates with a high degree of professionalism, the Italian scene, despite efforts, lags significantly, particularly in terms of preparation and mentality. The editorial also introduces Roberto Farabone, who has taken on the responsibility for training and development within the C.U.N.

Letter to the Representatives (April '81)

In this letter, Roberto Pinotti addresses the representatives of the C.U.N. sections. He discusses the publication of his article in "Rivista Aeronautica" and stresses that continued positive relations with defense circles do not signify that the C.U.N. has "arrived." He calls for greater professionalism and a shift from individual efforts to group endeavors, lamenting the passing of Alberto Perego as a symbol of the end of an era of individualistic ufology. Pinotti urges members to actively engage in research, contribute to case files, and avoid complacency, emphasizing the need for men capable of responding to challenges.

"If You Want to Work, Participate!"

This section features an article by Roberto Farabone, who echoes Pinotti's call for a more serious and professional approach to ufology. Farabone criticizes the past "loss of time" within the C.U.N. and contrasts it with the more productive work being done abroad. He advocates for a shift in personnel, not physically, but in terms of depth and commitment, to meet international standards of professionalism. Farabone proposes a new didactic and training approach within the C.U.N., including courses and seminars, to equip enthusiasts with the necessary skills. He invites those interested in participating in this initiative to contact him.

Proposed Educational Plan

This section outlines a proposed educational plan for the C.U.N., divided into "Common Courses" (e.g., How to Read a Book, How to Write an Article, UFOs) and "Courses with Technical Orientation" (e.g., Epistemological Foundations of UFO Research, Data Processing, Analysis Methods) and "Courses with Experimental Orientation" (e.g., Radiation Detectors, Optical Detectors, Magnetic/Optical Detectors, Radar, Field Research).

In Memory of Perego: "Thank You, Alberto!"

This section is a tribute to Alberto Perego, a "Socio Onorario" (Honorary Member) of the C.U.N. who passed away. Perego, a retired diplomat, was a significant figure in Italian ufology, known for his passionate advocacy and his self-funded publications. The article acknowledges his complex personality and his role as a pioneer who paid a personal price for his beliefs. It highlights his contributions to the early development of Italian ufology and the C.U.N., emphasizing his dedication and enthusiasm.

Coordination Section

This section reports on the growing number of new collaborators joining the C.U.N. and the approval of new members. It mentions the upcoming regional conference in Palermo and the ongoing efforts to manage incoming correspondence and requests.

Regional Study Conference: "Anomalous Celestial Phenomena"

This section announces the 2nd Regional Study Conference on "Anomalous Celestial Phenomena" to be held in Palermo from November 13-15, 1981. It lists the scientific committee, the honorary committee, and general information about the event, including contact details and the venue.

Chronicles from Abroad: Return to the Valensole Case (Part 2)

This extensive article by Pierre Guerin delves into the Valensole case, focusing on the physiological and psychological effects on the witness, M. Guerin details M.'s experiences of extreme sleepiness and hand tremors following the alleged encounter. He discusses M.'s refusal to undergo medical examination due to fear of being labeled as mentally unstable. The article also addresses the "extra" time M. claimed to have spent after the encounter, suggesting it might be a way to protect the landing site or a result of a profound experience. Guerin critically examines various "reductionist" explanations for the case, including those proposed by Dominique Caudron, and refutes them by highlighting inconsistencies and the lack of evidence for natural phenomena like lightning strikes causing the observed ground traces.

Refutation of "Reductionist" Explanations

This part of the Valensole case analysis systematically debunks attempts to explain the event through conventional means. The author argues that the case cannot be reduced to astronomical objects, weather phenomena, or even misidentified aircraft. He criticizes the method of dissecting the case into separate elements to find plausible, albeit disconnected, explanations. Guerin specifically addresses Caudron's theories, demonstrating the impossibility of separating the object from its occupants and refuting the idea that M. fabricated the encounter. The author emphasizes that M.'s testimony, whether a genuine experience or a simulated one, points to a profound encounter, not a simple delusion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for the professionalization and internationalization of ufology in Italy. There is a clear emphasis on moving beyond individualistic efforts and embracing a structured, scientific approach. The C.U.N. positions itself as the leading organization dedicated to this advancement, proposing training programs and fostering a collaborative research environment. The Valensole case analysis underscores the magazine's commitment to in-depth investigation and the refutation of simplistic explanations, reinforcing a stance that takes the phenomenon seriously while demanding rigorous methodology.

Title: Lumières Dans La Nuit
Issue: 200
Date: December 1980

This issue of "Lumières Dans La Nuit" delves into the realm of ufology with a focus on scientific methodology and detailed case studies.

"Un Metodo Astronomico in Ufologia" by Claudio Pezzati

This article introduces an "astronomical method" for UFO research, proposed by Claudio Pezzati of Palermo. The approach draws parallels with astronomical science, which largely relies on analyzing light sources captured on photographic negatives. Pezzati suggests applying similar techniques, such as using infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) photography, to study potential UFO phenomena. The method, termed "Spettroufometria" by Director Amleto Pezzati, aims to identify luminous sources by analyzing their effects on different film types and the quality of ionized gases surrounding them. The article notes that sophisticated and costly equipment like electro-photometers and microdensitometers are necessary for this type of detailed analysis, which may be beyond the reach of some researchers.

The text explains that this technique is similar to astronomical photography used to capture galaxies in IR and UV, and then analyze them using "isophotometric" systems to create lines of equal luminous intensity, yielding precise results.

Case Study: S. Giorgio di Nogaro (Udine) Incident

The issue presents a detailed account of a possible UFO event that allegedly occurred on September 18, 1978, in S. Giorgio di Nogaro, Udine, Italy. The report is based on an article from "Il Gazzettino" and an investigation by Antonio Chiumiento. The primary witness, Giorgio Filiputti, a railway worker, described an encounter while fishing near the Corno river.

Filiputti reported hearing a continuous, high-pitched whistling sound, accompanied by a swirling of air and ripples on the water. He initially dismissed it as mechanical noise but soon suspected something unusual. He then observed an object, described as "egg-shaped" or "disc-shaped," approximately 4-5 meters long with a dome, resting on three landing gear legs about a meter high. The object was described as smooth, made of a brass-like or yellowish metal with gold/silver reflections, and approximately 3-4 meters tall to the top of the dome.

Filiputti then saw an "occupant" emerge from the object. This individual was described as short (about 1.30 meters tall), slender, wearing a tight-fitting, silver-like suit with a scale pattern resembling fish scales, and black "parachutist-like" boots. The face was described as dark, with almond-shaped eyes, and a normal nose and mouth. The occupant appeared to be performing a repair on the object, using a tool resembling a crescent moon or horseshoe.

After about six minutes of observation, the object ascended vertically, then tilted and accelerated at tremendous speed, disappearing within seconds. Filiputti examined the landing site and found three circular imprints, about 50 cm in diameter, on the muddy ground. He noted that the object's underside resembled a grid of rhombuses.

Filiputti's testimony is presented with a degree of caution, with the investigators emphasizing the need for specialized analysis and acknowledging the difficulty of irrefutable proof. The article notes Filiputti's credibility due to his stable employment and psychological state, but the term "witness" is placed in quotation marks, reflecting the ongoing debate about the nature of such experiences.

Technical Details and Methodology

Accompanying the case study are technical details related to photographic analysis. A table illustrates different types of emulsions (orthochromatic, panchromatic, infrared) and their sensitivities to various wavelengths of light. Another diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum, from X-rays to radio waves, indicating potential sources of radiation, including those from the galactic nucleus.

Notes and Collaborators

The issue includes several notes clarifying the translation and terminology used, particularly regarding the witness's account and the use of neologisms. It also features a list of "SOCI & COLLABORATORI" (Members & Collaborators) of the C.U.N. (Centro Ufologico Nazionale), including their names, addresses, and sometimes phone numbers, along with a section for address and phone number modifications. A notice reminds members to pay their annual dues by the end of 1981 to avoid penalties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the application of scientific and astronomical methods to ufology, the detailed investigation of specific UFO sightings, and the critical evaluation of witness testimony. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous inquiry, emphasizing the need for specialized expertise and objective analysis rather than immediate acceptance of extraordinary claims. The use of quotation marks around terms like "witness" and "event" suggests a cautious approach to classifying such phenomena, highlighting the ongoing challenge of verifying UFO reports.