UFO Express - No 061

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO EXPRESS
Issue: Vol. VI, No. 61
Date: February 1990
Publisher: UFO-EXPRESS
Country of Publication: Italy
Original Language: Italian

Kanazawa UFO Sighting

The lead story reports on a flying object videotaped over Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, in early July. Yasuhiko Hamazaki, a 32-year-old public office worker, spotted and recorded the object on July 6. He described it as diamond-shaped and platinum-colored, hovering with a halo of orange and white light, and making no sound. Hamazaki noted it was distinct from the aircraft at the nearby Komatsu U.S. Air Base. He sent the videotape to the private UFO Research Institution Fund in the United States for analysis. Bruce Maccabee, a physics professor at Washington University, conducted the analysis using a computer to enhance the video. After two months, Maccabee concluded that the object was not identical to any known terrestrial craft and could be acknowledged as a "real UFO." He also noted its similarity to an object photographed in Hawaii in 1975. Findings were sent to the Hakui Youth Mystery Club, which had arranged for Hamazaki to send the video. Hamazaki expressed pleasure that his discovery was validated by an authoritative UFO researcher.

Avvistato UFO su Kanazawa (UFO Sighting Over Kanazawa)

This section, written in Italian, reiterates the Kanazawa sighting. It confirms that a video recording of a flying object over Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, made in early July, has been identified as a "real UFO" by a research institution. Yasuhiko Hamazaki, a 32-year-old public employee, located and recorded the object on the evening of July 6. He described it as diamond-shaped and platinum-colored, hovering silently with orange and white light. The article notes that the object was different from aircraft at the Komatsu U.S. Air Base.

Movie Review: Walken Has Purported Close Encounter in 'Communion'

This review discusses the film "Communion," starring Christopher Walken as Whitley Strieber, the author of the book of the same name. The film dramatizes Strieber's purported contact with aliens. The review praises Walken's performance as a man caught in a nightmare and fearing for his sanity, and Lindsay Crouse's role as his determined wife. It notes the assured direction of Philippe Mora. However, the review criticizes the presentation of the aliens, suggesting they appeared too literal and could have been depicted more ethereally. Despite this, the film is described as a handsome production that takes the viewer on an incredible journey.

Soviets Report Sighting of Giant UFO in Siberia

This article from STARS & STRIPES reports on a UFO sighting in Siberia. Days after reports of "pinheads from space," hundreds of people, including Red Army Major Vladimir Loginov, observed a giant unidentified flying object with four headlights over Omsk. Loginov stated the UFO sped away at over 4,300 miles per hour after hovering over the city. The Socialist Industry newspaper published the account, which came after the official Tass news agency reported aliens landing in Voronezh. While the Tass report was later admitted to be based on children's accounts, Socialist Industry pinned its credibility on Loginov, a senior military officer. Loginov described the object as a luminous ball, about 1.5 times larger than the moon, with four spotlights. He observed it for about five minutes, noting it seemed to hover over a civilian airport before descending slightly. The spotlights went out, the air became turbulent, and the object sped east. Pilots from a nearby airfield also saw it, but it did not appear on their radar. Information was relayed to a military base in the Altai Mountains, where observers reported seeing it five minutes later, indicating it covered approximately 375 miles at nearly 4,350 mph. The article links these sightings to a broader trend in the Soviet Union of people embracing the supernatural amidst societal changes, with popular TV shows featuring mystics and a high demand for science fiction books.

Extraterrestrial Ultimatum

This piece reflects on the UFO sightings in Voronezh, Russia, and the public's fascination with the supernatural. The author notes the irony of UFO reports coinciding with societal changes like "perestroika." The article describes the Voronezh incident, mentioning eyewitness accounts from children and adults, including sketches of the UFO and its occupants. It highlights the discovery of dents in the soil at the supposed landing site and increased gamma-radiation levels, which were investigated by a commission of scientists and officials. The author also touches upon the cultural context, mentioning the popularity of mystics and science fiction, and the human yearning for miracles.

Aliens Visit Voronezh: Eyewitness Accounts

This article details the events in Voronezh, Russia, where numerous witnesses reported seeing unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and their inhabitants in late September and early October. The report is based on eyewitness accounts, including those from adolescents and adults. Sketches of the UFO and the "pilots" were produced. The article mentions that dents were found in the soil at the supposed landing site, with some showing increased gamma-radiation. Specialists are investigating, though they state the radiation poses no threat. The city's Mayor, Viktor Atlasov, was involved in organizing research. The article also notes the public's reaction, with crowds of curious people visiting the park where the events occurred, and some religious figures condemning the phenomenon. Eyewitnesses described a mysterious ellipsis-shaped body landing, with three-meter-tall figures emerging. Lieutenant Sergei Malveyev reported seeing a luminous ball moving at high speed. Colonel Lyudmila Makarova, head of the criminal expertise department, confirmed the increase in radioactive background but could not provide a definitive explanation.

UFO O Meteorite? (UFO or Meteorite?)

This section presents a photograph taken by Boris Tombak on April 15 in Moscow, showing several bright spots that were not noticed at the time of shooting. The article consults Wladimir Migulin, a member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, and physicist Alexander Kuzovkin. Migulin suggests the spots could be burning meteorites. Kuzovkin, however, believes the objects appear to be "living, intelligent matter" and notes that similar photos and information suggest such objects dodge aircraft. Kuzovkin plans to study the photograph further, acknowledging that while the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence has not been proven, the controversy between skeptics and optimists continues.

The UFO Tass Missed

This article features an account from a Soviet émigré, Paul Goldberg, who claims to have seen an unidentified flying object over Moscow in the spring of 1972. He describes it as saucer-shaped and emitting a clicking sound. Goldberg contrasts his experience with the more recent Voronezh sightings, suggesting aliens might have waited for "glasnost" to reveal themselves. He recounts his childhood sighting, noting his dog Santa as the only other witness. He also mentions that his astronomy club leader had stated that authorities receive thousands of UFO reports without acting on them. The article references Andrei Sakharov's thoughts on the possibility of other civilizations and notes the public's continued interest in UFOs and the supernatural in the Soviet Union.

Stimolante Dialogo con Esseri Alieni (Stimulating Dialogue with Alien Beings)

This Italian article details an encounter reported by Soviet reporter Pavel Mukhortov. Mukhortov claims to have met glowing creatures from "Red Star" in the Libra constellation near Perm. When he asked to be taken home, they refused, stating it would be dangerous for them due to "thought bacteria" he might bring. The aliens communicated telepathically, with their answers appearing as illuminated letters. The article also mentions other sightings near Perm in July, including reports of large, headless figures and humanoids with luminous eyes. It notes that the official Soviet press has reported these events with a deadpan style, reflecting a traditional fascination with the bizarre and supernatural.

Friday 13th Kicks Off With Report of a UFO

This article from The Age, Melbourne, reports on a UFO sighting in St Kilda, Australia, on Friday the 13th. Police received numerous calls about an unidentified flying object hovering above the bay. Two witnesses, a retired British major and a public servant, described the object as cigar-shaped with balls of fire at either end, hovering about 500 meters offshore and 250 meters above the water. Police inspected the area and found a burnt patch of grass near Point Ormond. The Planetarium reported no unusual celestial activity, and the Bureau of Meteorology found no weather-related explanation. The Civil Aviation Authority stated there was no other air traffic in the area at the time.

Venerdì 13 Inizia con la Segnalazione di un UFO (Friday 13th Begins With a UFO Sighting)

This Italian section summarizes the St. Kilda UFO sighting. It states that police received numerous reports of an unidentified flying object over the bay. Two witnesses, including a retired British major, described the object as cigar-shaped. Police found a burnt patch of grass near Point Ormond. The article notes that the ex-major's testimony was considered credible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters from around the world, with a particular focus on events in the Soviet Union during this period. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts, often with a degree of scientific analysis or eyewitness testimony, while acknowledging the skepticism and ongoing debate surrounding the phenomena. There is a clear interest in documenting these events, as evidenced by the detailed reporting and the inclusion of various perspectives, from scientific analysis to personal anecdotes. The magazine also touches upon the cultural context of these sightings, particularly in the Soviet Union, where they seem to intersect with societal changes and a public yearning for the extraordinary.

This issue of "AVVENIMENTI" from October 25, 1989, titled "DISCHI VOLANTI SU MOSCA UNA FAVOLA MODERNA" (Flying Saucers Over Moscow: A Modern Fairy Tale), delves into the phenomenon of UFO sightings, with a particular focus on recent events in the Soviet Union. The magazine explores the public's fascination with extraterrestrial life, the scientific community's skepticism, and the historical context of UFO research.

UFO Sightings in the Soviet Union

The issue highlights recent UFO encounters in Russia, including an incident in Konanzevo in June 1989, where children witnessed a gigantic luminous sphere from which a humanoid figure descended. Another significant event occurred in Voronezh, which garnered international media attention. The article notes that the Soviet Union has a long history of UFO reports, with the Academy of Sciences having established a section dedicated to the study of anomalous events, including the cataloging of "NLO" (Neoposnannye ljetajuscyie objekti - unidentified flying objects).

Scientific Perspectives and Skepticism

Joseph Allen Hynek, an astrophysicist, is featured for his belief in the reality of UFOs, stating that while ninety percent of cases can be explained rationally, ten percent remain unexplained, often from credible witnesses. The article contrasts this with the general skepticism of the scientific community. It mentions that various countries, including the USA, France, and Italy, have established organizations to study UFO phenomena. The USAF's projects (Sign, Grudge, Blue Book) and France's Gepan are cited as examples. In Italy, organizations like Suf, Cun, and Cisu are actively involved in collecting and analyzing UFO reports.

Historical Context and Case Studies

The magazine touches upon historical UFO incidents, such as the famous 'Turguisk contact' and the Tunguska event of 1908. It also references a 1954 incident in Italy where a woman reported being approached by small beings. The article includes a report from a Soviet scientist, A. Listratov, detailing an investigation into a UFO sighting by children in Konanzevo, which involved luminous spheres and a humanoid figure. The investigation confirmed that it was not a hoax, and local residents reported frequent sightings of unidentified traces on their screens.

Theological and Philosophical Considerations

The issue includes an interview with Father Gino Concetti, a theologian, who states that the Catholic Church does not rule out the possibility of intelligent alien life, considering them as creations of God. The article also briefly touches upon the concept of extraterrestrial life in the context of the vastness of the universe, as discussed by astrophysicist Margherita Hack.

Related Articles and Features

Several smaller articles and features are included:

• "COSÌ LI VEDEVANO IN ITALIA TRENTACINQUE ANNI FA": A look back at how UFOs were perceived in Italy in 1954, referencing a "Domenica del Corriere" illustration.
• Interview with Margherita Hack: The astrophysicist expresses skepticism about alien encounters, attributing most sightings to misinterpretations of natural phenomena or autosuggestion.
• "AGOSTO, UFO MIO TI RICONOSCO": A chart showing the monthly distribution of UFO sightings in Italy from 1985 to 1988, with a peak in August.
• "IN TOSCANA IL REGNO DEGLI UFOLOGI": An overview of ufological organizations in Italy (Suf, Cun, Cisu) and their activities.
• "URSS, GIUGNO 1989 «NLO» AVVISTATI: IL RACCONTO DI UNO SCIENZIATO": A detailed account by A. Listratov of a UFO sighting investigated by the Academy of Sciences.
• "MA IVAN LI HA SEMPRE SOGNATI": A brief mention of the growing popularity of paranormal phenomena and alleged healers in the Soviet Union.
• "Un mare di bugie": An article discussing the intelligence of marine mammals, challenging the notion that whales and dolphins are highly intelligent, citing research by Margaret Klinowska.
• "«Abbiamo violato la legge di gravita»": A report on a sensational claim by two Japanese scientists who allegedly found a way to violate the law of gravity using spinning gyroscopes.
• "IL GIORNALE, 8/01/90 da non perdere": A brief mention of UFO sightings in Forlì-Cesena, Italy.
• Calvin Knows: A comic strip reference to the idea that intelligent life elsewhere in the universe hasn't contacted us.
• "«Scompaiono» le rane colpa dell'inquinamento": An article on the mysterious disappearance of frogs worldwide, linked to environmental pollution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt a balanced approach, presenting both the sensational aspects of UFO sightings and the scientific skepticism surrounding them. It highlights the growing public interest in anomalous phenomena, particularly in the context of Soviet 'glasnost,' while also providing scientific perspectives and historical context. The editorial stance seems to be one of cautious exploration, acknowledging the unexplained while emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and critical thinking. The inclusion of diverse topics, from UFOs and marine mammal intelligence to gravity-defying experiments and environmental concerns, suggests a broad interest in the unusual and the unexplained.