UFO EXPRESS

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO EXPRESS, dated Anno IV - Giugno 1988, is a monthly publication from Italy, priced at 4,000 Lire. It is part of the SCIENZA & VITA nuova series by Rusconi Editore.

Cover Story: 'UFOs' Invade the Big Apple

The main cover story, originating from The Post in New York on March 18, 1988, reports on a mass sighting over New York City. Hundreds of disbelieving New Yorkers witnessed an "enormous alien spacecraft" hovering overhead. Police stations and newspaper offices were inundated with calls from excited UFO sighters describing a giant triangle with blinking colored lights moving slowly over northern Manhattan and The Bronx between 9 and 10 p.m. Sid Birman of The Bronx described it as similar to 'Close Encounters' and insisted it was not a plane or a blimp. Lieutenant Richard Gribben of the Webster Avenue station acknowledged that officers were dispatched to investigate, stating, "I can't tell you what they saw, but I know they saw something." An official from Teterboro Airport, however, suggested it was a flight of small prop planes from Westchester flying in a V-shaped formation, possibly pranksters with lights. This explanation is contrasted with similar sightings from four years prior that convinced residents of Westchester, Dutchess, and Putnam counties that alien astronauts were scouting the area.

UFO Landing Sites: Ignored by Aliens?

An article by Dave Matheny, Staff Writer, published in the STAR TRIBUNE (Minneapolis, MN - Feb. 27, 1988), discusses the failure of several established UFO landing sites. At least four sites, declared open for extraterrestrial visitation and publicized by the media, have been left waiting.

• Lake City, Pennsylvania (1976): A 100-acre site on the shores of Lake Erie was prepared with a mound, red, white, and blue lights, a communications tower, and a fiberglass saucer. While it still exists, people have lost interest, and it's now used as a helicopter pad for lake rescue.
• El Cajon, California (1973): Ruth Norman established a 67-acre mountaintop site and bet a London bookmaker that a spaceship would arrive by September 30, 1977. Despite the publicity, the site received minimal preparation beyond a sign saying "Welcome Space Brothers" and is now ignored.
• Mt. Rainier, Washington (1978): "Spaceport Earth" was created on a 14-acre site. Reverend Harold R. Price was a proponent, holding gatherings on June 24th, the anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. Although Price claimed a saucer-shaped cloud with a UFO inside appeared, the site is now abandoned, and its 20-foot tower has been vandalized.
• Project Starlight International, Austin, Texas (1975): This was reportedly the most ambitious project, featuring a perimeter of lights, radar, synchronized cameras, and a gravimeter. Initiated by millionaire Ray Stanford, the project is now abandoned, despite Stanford's claims in 1981 that enough data had been gathered to "break the code."

The Italian section of the article, titled "GLI ALIENI HANNO IGNORATO I PREMATURI LUOGHI DI ATTERRAGGIO," reiterates these points, noting that these sites, despite media fanfare, have been abandoned and "sacrificed on the interplanetary altar."

Alien Abductions: A Personal Testimony

An opinion piece titled "In the eye of Kalm's storm" and "NELL'OCCHIO DEL CICLONE KALM" details a personal account of an alleged alien abduction. The author attended a presentation by the Women's Forum on "ET and Me," focusing on extraterrestrials and abductions. The author found the "New Age" movement's positive approach to abductions problematic, viewing them as a form of "rape, seduction and totalitarian control."

To explore this further, the author contacted Rosemary Onato, who claims she was abducted in 1973 from the roof of her Bronx apartment. Rosemary describes being drawn to a bright light, entering a disk-shaped craft, and finding herself on a table with almond-eyed creatures. She recalls a lack of air and a probing of her chest. She felt a strong sense of oppression and began to struggle, after which she was flooded with oxygen. The beings were described as hybrid humans, with one more human-like individual speaking about evolution. Rosemary also mentions wearing "crystal slippers" and finding a similar experience in Betty Andreas' book, "THE ANDREAS AFFAIR," which validated her own experience.

She recounts an incident where a friend noticed a mark on her neck, and later losing and finding keys near the elevator. Years later, during an art class, she began drawing alien faces, which she realized were similar to the beings she encountered. She contacted Budd Hopkins, a UFO abduction researcher, who suggested hypnosis to explore her memories. Under hypnosis, she recalled the abduction taking place in a desert-like area near a lake. She also mentions experiencing sleepwalking, which Hopkins associates with UFO abductees.

Rosemary expresses her impression that the abductors "don't really know what they are doing to us," seeing humans as "ripe for the picking" and a "lost species." She believes humans need to "saturate ourselves with the knowledge of what they're doing," comparing the situation to "hippopotamuses" being tricked. She suggests that while people may want to believe in a "kind life force," the reality is that humans are not on equal terms with these beings.

Budd Hopkins and 'INTRUDERS'

A review or mention of Budd Hopkins' book "INTRUDERS: The Incredible Visitations at Copley Woods" appears, highlighting his work as an award-winning painter, sculptor, and meticulous investigator of UFO reports. The book focuses on the case of "Kathie Davis," an Indiana woman who recalls a series of alien abductions beginning in her adolescence, possibly part of a genetic experiment. Hopkins also interviewed friends and relatives to verify the details. The review notes that the book's convincing nature comes from corroborating testimony from hundreds of others worldwide who recall similar experiences. Hopkins began collecting UFO stories informally in 1964 after witnessing a "small, circular, metallic craft" over Cape Cod. He realized there was a "kind of underground group of people" who had seen UFOs but kept quiet for fear of being considered insane. By 1981, he had documented seven case histories of people abducted and subjected to physical examinations, detailed in his first book, "Missing Time."

Scientific Ufology vs. 'Contactees'

An article titled "GLI UFOLOGI VISIONARI DISCREDITANO QUELLI SERI" (Visionary Ufologists Discredit Serious Ones) by Roberto Pinotul discusses the challenges in UFO research. It distinguishes between serious ufologists who study phenomena with scientific rigor and "contactists" who claim direct communication with aliens without evidence, often being described as paranoid or victims of hallucinations. The article highlights the "Centro Ufologico Nazionale" (CUN) in Italy, founded over 20 years ago, as an example of a serious organization. The CUN focuses on quality over quantity, with about a hundred members and several hundred external collaborators. It has responsibly engaged with scientific and military circles, gaining appreciation from sensitive scientists and military personnel. The CUN has been an interlocutor for the Italian Ministry of Defense since 1977, receiving military UFO case files not classified as secret. This collaboration has strengthened the CUN's standing, with its scientific methodology earning the sympathy of the few Italian scientists documented on the subject.

The article emphasizes that serious ufologists do not declare personal hypotheses but rather study the phenomenon objectively. They seek concrete elements before making conclusions and are not driven by preconceived notions or the idea of UFOs as a cult. The problem of UFOs, the author suggests, is often linked to unconfessed psychological and spiritual needs, leading to wild fantasies rather than scientific inquiry.

Despite a recent survey showing a slight decrease in Italian public interest, the article recalls that in 1979, a DOXA survey indicated that over 14 million Italians believed UFOs were a reality, with nine million considering them extraterrestrial spacecraft. The rise in UFO books and the "last great Italian 'wave'" of sightings in 1978-79, which generated 600 reports to the Centro Ufologico Nazionale, including from police, carabinieri, pilots, and military personnel, suggest that the idea of UFOs as just a 20th-century myth is faltering. The Italian government's decision in 1979 to officially assign UFO investigation to the Air Force is cited as further evidence.

A 1977 survey by the University of California, Stanford, of members of the American Astronomical Society revealed that 62 professional astronomers had personally observed UFOs, a finding shared by many colleagues worldwide. The article concludes that dismissing the UFO enigma with a simple shrug might be a convenient but hypocritical stance. Associating the scientific enigma with improbable extraterrestrial visits only serves to evade the problem. The author suggests that, like meteorites, UFOs might one day be understood and classified, distinguishing between unexplained natural phenomena and psychological manifestations.

Other Mentions

• TELEX: A 1950s petrol pump in Amsterdam, shaped like a flying saucer, has been declared a historical monument by Dutch authorities.
• Oregon Posta: Greg Long, a researcher for MUFON, is seeking cases of orange light globes for a study on Michael Persinger's geophysical theories.
• Conversion Table: A table provides conversions for inches to cm, yards to meters, ounces to grams, pounds to kg, gallons to liters, feet to meters, miles to km, and knots to km/h.
• UFO-EXPRESS Service: Information is provided for the UFO-EXPRESS information and diffusion service, managed by "I CAVALIERI DI PEGASO" in Palermo, Italy, in collaboration with UFO NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE in Arkansas, USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, evidence-based approach to ufology, distinguishing it from sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. There's a clear emphasis on scientific investigation, documentation, and the importance of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and psychological factors or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous research while remaining skeptical of extraordinary claims without proof. The CUN's role as a scientific body is highlighted, and the challenges faced by ufologists in gaining mainstream acceptance are implicitly acknowledged. The magazine also touches upon the cultural impact of UFO beliefs, particularly the 'New Age' movement's interpretation of abductions.

This issue of '7 SETTE' (N. 14/15, dated April 9, 1988) focuses on the topic of UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters, alongside other paranormal and New Age themes. The cover prominently features a photograph of a figure in a suit and helmet, posing the question: "UFO: does this being come from another world?". The magazine includes reader reactions, expert opinions, and related news items.

The Pavia UFO Photograph

The central piece of the magazine revolves around a photograph of a supposed alien, taken by a university professor in Pavia during the summer of 1986. This image, previously featured on the cover of '7' (n. 9/10) and discussed on Mino Damato's TV show 'Alla ricerca dell'arca', has generated numerous calls and letters. The article presents two contrasting reader letters. Nicola De Paola from Bressanone suggests the figure resembles a skier, with a tight suit, aerodynamic helmet, and a face obscured by a visor, attributing the photo's quality to television transmission. He feels 'taken for a ride' by the hypothesis of an alien with human-like features. Giovanni Mantovani from Ferrara compares the figure to E.T. and recalls a similar sighting near Canal Bianco in 1987. He suggests the Pavia professor should have provided more clarification on the 'close encounter of the third kind'.

The article also includes technical details of the photograph, taken with a Nikon camera, 55mm lens, f/3.5 aperture, and 1/4 second exposure. It notes that the professor was conducting experiments on canine optical perception at the time. Journalist Paolo Pictroni concludes that the professor never resolved the enigma, and the dogs, being the only witnesses besides the professor, couldn't speak.

Other UFO Sightings and Related Topics

Corno Renon Sighting: The issue reports on a UFO sighting on Corno Renon on the night of April 24, 1988. Two residents of Castelrotto and French tourists witnessed a bright white, spherical object, approximately 15 meters in diameter, which appeared to land near the ski lift arrival point before disappearing. Remo Canazza, a postal employee, described it as a "flying saucer." While some experts suggest it could have been a globular lightning or a weather balloon, ufologist Nunzio Ermanno Russo from the 'Espro' center offers his opinion, noting that while he doesn't believe it was a flying saucer, it was a "star of the first magnitude." He also mentions earlier sightings in Alto Adige, including one in 1974 on the Plose and a more significant encounter in Val Gardena in 1979.

"La sfinge, mistero di Marte" (The Sphinx, Mystery of Mars): A separate article discusses the discovery of a large, human-like face, estimated to be one to two kilometers long, in the Sidonia region of Mars. Richard Hoagland, author of "Monuments of Mars," claims it was sculpted by intelligent beings and is part of a lost Martian civilization. He analyzed Viking probe images with an optical engineer and an astronaut. However, the scientific community, including astronomer Carl Sagan, remains skeptical, suggesting it is a geological formation.

"Ore di paura nello spazio per il viaggio della Soyuz" (Hours of Fear in Space for the Soyuz Journey): This article details the return of the Soyuz TM-4 spacecraft crew (Viktor Savinikh, Alexandr Alexandrov, and Anatoli Soloviev) after an eight-day mission. The return was reportedly anticipated due to unspecified conditions of the crew. The cosmonauts described "incredible phenomena" and unusual physical sensations during their flight and upon return. Anatoli Soloviev reported feeling a loss of muscle strength in his legs and an increase in arm strength, describing it as "limitless freedom of movement, like in childhood dreams." Viktor Savinikh, the engineer, felt the flight was too short and expressed relief upon returning, stating "Hooray, I'm alive." The article suggests that the crew experienced alarming moments, leading to a reduction in their planned experiments and an emergency return.

"Psicosi del serpente mostro a Cerda" (Psychosis of the Monster Serpent in Cerda): This piece recounts local legends in Cerda, Sicily, about a large serpent-like creature inhabiting the countryside. Residents describe it as a giant reptile, with some comparing it to a crocodile or the Loch Ness Monster. The legend is linked to a magical stone, "A petra ballarina," and the construction of a road that removed a mysterious stone.

"Esplosioni solari disturberanno la tv" (Solar Explosions Will Disturb TV): A brief report notes that high-energy solar explosions are sending radioactive particles towards Earth, potentially interfering with radio and television transmissions and causing magnetic storms.

Culture and New Trends

"Era di frontiera" (Frontier Era): This article explores two emerging trends from the United States that are expected to influence Italy: the "New Age" movement and the music of young bands. The New Age is described as a "do-it-yourself" approach to spirituality, combining meditation and psychodynamics, with an estimated 76 million Americans believing in its aspects. It involves channeling, crystals, and pyramids. The article also touches on the music scene, mentioning artists like Will Ackerman and Rick Wakeman, and the use of specific titles for albums.

"Pianeta Luce" (Planet Light): This section seems to be a collection of short items, including a mention of "cupole, tunnel e lucernari componibili" (dome, tunnel, and modular skylights) from CAODURO spa, and a brief note about "UN'AMICIZIA TRASPARENTI" (A Transparent Friendship).

Other Content

"Perché scomparvero i dinosauri?" (Why Did the Dinosaurs Disappear?): This article revisits the theory of dinosaur extinction, focusing on a new hypothesis by Galopim de Carvalho and Luis Alvarez. They propose that a 10-kilometer asteroid, originating from a comet, impacted the Atlantic Ocean near Portugal 65 million years ago. This impact caused a catastrophic tsunami and a dense dust cloud that plunged the Earth into a prolonged cold period, disrupting the food chain and leading to the dinosaurs' demise. The article also briefly discusses the theory of gigantism and the potential survival of dinosaurs in the form of birds.

"Fantasmi" TV Program: A brief announcement mentions an upcoming seven-part TV series on Raitre called "Fantasmi" (Ghosts), hosted by Oliviero Beha and Sergio Frau, which will explore mystery, the paranormal, and the human mind.

"L'alfabeto sacro di Adamo AUM" (The Sacred Alphabet of Adam AUM): This appears to be a book review or announcement for a publication by Gennaro d'Amato, published by Fratelli Melita Editori.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of mystery, the unexplained, and the paranormal, including UFOs, aliens, and legends. There's a clear interest in scientific explanations and expert opinions, but also a willingness to present anecdotal evidence and reader experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different viewpoints and encouraging readers to form their own conclusions, as seen in the debate over the Pavia UFO photo and the Corno Renon sighting. The inclusion of articles on New Age trends and the potential impact of US culture suggests a broader interest in contemporary phenomena and societal shifts. The coverage of space exploration and scientific discoveries (like the Mars face) indicates a fascination with the unknown, both on Earth and beyond.