UFO Forum - No 15 - febbraio 2000

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Forum
Issue: 15
Date: February 2000
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU)
Country: Italy
Price: £. 4.000

This issue of UFO Forum, the fifteenth in its series and dated February 2000, marks the magazine's fifth anniversary. The editorial, penned by Giuseppe VERDI, reflects on this milestone and the publication's journey since its inception in April 1995. Verdi expresses his intention to take a break from ufology at the end of the year, but emphasizes that this is a personal pause rather than an abandonment of the field. The magazine aims to foster the dissemination of technical articles, studies, research, debates, and proposals related to ufology, with the understanding that published material does not necessarily reflect the opinions of CISU or its members.

Cover Story: Aliens and Apocalyptic Doctrines

The cover prominently features the headline "Alieni e dottrine apocalittiche" (Aliens and Apocalyptic Doctrines), suggesting a focus on the intersection of UFO phenomena and end-of-the-world beliefs. The cover art depicts historical figures observing a castle-like structure, hinting at a historical or symbolic approach to the theme. The issue also highlights other articles, including "IO, VESCO E IL BOOMERANG" (I, Vesco and the Boomerang), "RAPIMENTI ALIENI" (Alien Abductions), and "LE 'ORIGINI' DEI FULMINI GLOBULARI" (The 'Origins' of Ball Lightning).

Key Articles and Sections

Editorial: Five Years of "UFO Forum"

Giuseppe VERDI's editorial celebrates the fifth anniversary of UFO Forum. He notes the initial skepticism towards the publication but highlights its growth into a comprehensive magazine for enthusiasts and professionals. Verdi thanks numerous contributors and individuals who have supported the magazine. He reflects on the challenges of ufology in the late 20th century, characterized by misinformation and opportunism, positioning UFO Forum as a voice of seriousness.

"Un Passo Indietro" (A Step Back) by Edoardo RUSSO

This section revisits the history of ufological research, particularly focusing on the psychology of perception and testimony. Russo reflects on how concepts discussed in the 1970s and 1980s might be taken for granted by newer researchers. He discusses the importance of connecting with past research and acknowledges a perceived loss of the collaborative spirit that characterized earlier ufological communities. The article also touches upon the "nostalgia canaglia" (rascally nostalgia) for the earlier days of ufology, when a sense of shared purpose prevailed.

"Io, Vesco e il boomerang" by Roberto Raffaelli

This article is based on correspondence between Raffaelli and the late Renato Vesco, a prominent Italian ufologist. The discussion centers on a 1946 article from the British magazine "Flight" titled "Prospects and Portents," which described a peculiar aircraft called the "Spuffing airliner." Raffaelli initially questioned the technical feasibility and potential disinformation behind the article, especially its connection to UFO phenomena. Vesco's response clarifies that the term "boomerang" was used metaphorically and that the "Spuffing airliner" was likely a product of disinformation, possibly intended to obscure the true nature of advanced aircraft development. The article delves into the complexities of interpreting historical UFO-related reports and the potential for deliberate misinformation.

"Ufologia Antropologica" (Anthropological Ufology)

This section includes an article on "Rapimenti Alieni" (Alien Abductions), exploring parallels between UFO abductions and historical accounts of abductions by indigenous peoples and aboriginal cultures. This suggests an examination of the psychological and cultural aspects of abduction narratives.

"I Primordi" (The Beginnings)

This section features an article by Giuseppe Stilo titled "I fulmini globulari negli anni delle origini" (Ball lightning in the early years of origins). It likely explores the historical context and early reports of ball lightning phenomena, potentially linking them to early UFO sightings or related atmospheric events.

"Casistica" (Case Studies)

The "Casistica" section presents the "Saseno affair" by Roberto Raffaelli, indicating a detailed examination of a specific UFO sighting or encounter.

"UFO & Dintorni" (UFO & Surroundings)

This section includes an article by Paolo Fiorino & Giuseppe Verdi titled "Notizie dal pianeta...giocattoli" (News from the planet...toys). This suggests a look at how UFOs and related themes are represented in popular culture, possibly through toys or other merchandise.

"Scienza & UFO" (Science & UFO)

"ScienceCat: stato dell'arte e prospettive future" (ScienceCat: State of the Art and Future Prospects) by Paolo Toselli is featured in this section. This article likely discusses the scientific study of UFO phenomena, current research methodologies, and future directions in the field.

Monograph: "Il mistero delle 'green fireballs'" (The Mystery of the 'Green Fireballs')

A monograph by Giuseppe Stilo on the "green fireballs" is advertised, available in Italian for 18,000 lire (15,000 lire for CISU members). This indicates a detailed investigation into these specific types of UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Forum include the historical evolution of ufology, the psychological aspects of witness testimony, the potential for disinformation in UFO reports, and the connection between UFO phenomena and apocalyptic or millenarian doctrines. The magazine maintains a serious, research-oriented approach, encouraging critical analysis and debate. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, seeking to separate fact from fiction and to understand the complex nature of the UFO phenomenon through historical, technical, and psychological lenses. The issue also highlights the importance of preserving and building upon past research within the Italian ufological community.

This issue of UFO Forum, dated February 2000, presents a collection of articles and discussions centered around UFO phenomena, aerodynamics, and the ongoing debate about extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine features a mix of technical analysis, personal accounts, and opinion pieces from prominent figures in the ufology community.

Key Articles and Discussions

"Quella foto del disco di Taormina..."

This section begins with an account from Ole Henningsen regarding the famous "Taormina photo" taken in 1954. Henningsen recounts his investigation into the photo, including his conversation with the photographer, Giuseppe Grasso. Grasso initially described the objects as meteorological balloons but later denied they were UFOs when contacted by the press. Henningsen notes that the objects in the photo do not resemble typical meteorological balloons and that there are issues with the positioning of shadows, as pointed out by Professor Donald H. Menzel. Grasso provided a signed declaration stating the objects were balloons and that one was found and handed over to the police. The article also mentions that the photo was published in various international media.

Reflections on Aerodynamics and UFOs

Several articles delve into the technical aspects of aerodynamics and their potential relation to UFOs. One piece summarizes a report by Dr. A.M. Spuffing, Professor of Aerodynamics at the Montgolfier Institute, concerning a "Progetto Boomerang Airliner." Spuffing's research focuses on the aerodynamic characteristics of a 'tutt'ala' (all-wing) aircraft, including stability, structural stress, and pressurization issues. The article discusses the concept of 'tip-stalling' and the potential for such designs to achieve exceptional stability and efficiency. The discussion touches upon the formula for Spuffing's number and the practical experiments conducted.

Another section, "Un Passo Dell'Articolo di Alata," discusses the 'boomerang' wing shape and its potential application in aircraft design, referencing the 'Spuffing boomerang airliner' project. It highlights the aerodynamic principles that could lead to a stable, rotating flight path.

The ETH Debate: Plausibility and Evidence

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a debate on the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), primarily featuring exchanges between Jenny Randles and Jerome Clark, with contributions from Roy Hale, Jim Deardorff, Ed Stewart, and Stanton Friedman.

Roy Hale questions Jenny Randles about her 25 years of research and whether she believes Earth has been visited by extraterrestrial vehicles. He asks for a simple 'yes' or 'no' regarding alien visitation.

Jenny Randles responds cautiously, stating that while the probability of extraterrestrial life in the universe is high, the probability of visitation is much lower, perhaps around 1%. She emphasizes that the vast majority of UFO cases are not indicative of alien origin and can be explained by IFOs (Identified Flying Objects) or UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena). Randles stresses that there is no scientific evidence, such as alien DNA or non-terrestrial technology, to support the ETH. She concludes that the answer to the question of visitation is "maybe," as the evidence is not conclusive.

Jerome Clark challenges Randles's probability assessment and her stance on the ETH. He recalls Randles previously considering the ETH a plausible explanation for many UFO reports. Clark questions the basis of her 1% probability and her shifting opinions, labeling her approach as "elastic." He also asks for clarification on the term "UAP" and expresses skepticism about the debunking of classic UFO cases.

Jim Deardorff critiques the statistical claims, particularly the assertion that 90-95% of UFO reports are conventional. He suggests that the actual percentage of explainable cases might be closer to 50-75% and questions the scientific rigor of dismissing cases based on mere possibility.

Ed Stewart analyzes Stanton Friedman's interpretation of the Project Blue Book data, specifically the Battelle Memorial Institute's findings. Stewart argues that Friedman misrepresents the data, as the Battelle researchers did not conduct investigations but merely interpreted reports provided by the Air Force. He contends that the reports containing episodic observations, incorrect identifications, or contradictions would have been classified as "10% not identified" and not necessarily indicative of extraterrestrial craft.

Stanton Friedman asserts that the question of whether UFOs are alien spacecraft is a matter of fact, not semantics. He argues that the sheer volume of UFO reports and the consistent patterns observed over decades point towards extraterrestrial origin for a significant portion of these phenomena. He dismisses the idea that most cases are explainable and criticizes those who, in his view, downplay the evidence.

Larry Hatch addresses the issue of percentages, stating that the concept of 'non-identified' is semantic. He believes that a very small percentage of raw, unfiltered UFO reports are truly anomalous, with the vast majority being explainable if we had the means to control them. Hatch distinguishes between 'belief' and 'probability,' stating that scientists assign probabilities based on evidence. He estimates an 80% probability that interstellar vehicles have visited Earth in the last fifty years, though he finds the idea of 'grey aliens' and mass abductions less credible.

Other Mentions

The magazine also includes a glossary of terms and acronyms relevant to ufology and aeronautics. It references historical figures like Charles Yeager and Alexander Lippish, and mentions various research institutes and publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of evidence in ufology, the scientific vs. belief-based approaches to the subject, the potential for aerodynamic innovation inspired by UFO reports, and the ongoing debate about the reality of extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance appears to encourage critical thinking and open discussion, presenting differing viewpoints from researchers and skeptics alike, while also highlighting the technical and historical aspects of UFO phenomena.

This issue of UFO Forum, dated February 2000, delves into the complex intersections of ufology with anthropology, history, and religious beliefs. The cover story, "I fulmini globulari negli anni delle origini" (Globular lightning in the years of origin), by Giuseppe Stilo, focuses on early UFO phenomena and data collection efforts.

Anthropological and Cultural Parallels

Michael Sturma's article, "Rapimenti alieni" (Alien Abductions), explores the fascinating parallels between contemporary alien abduction accounts and historical narratives of captivity by Native Americans and Australian aborigines. Sturma argues that these narratives share common themes of being taken to an alien world, undergoing examinations, and experiencing psychological transformations. He notes that while historical captivity often involved physical hardship and cultural assimilation, alien abductions are frequently linked to reproductive experiments and hybridization programs. The article also touches upon the ambivalence of captives towards their captors, a sentiment mirrored in the responses of abductees towards aliens, ranging from fear to admiration.

Sturma highlights how these narratives, like those of Mary Rowlandson and Eliza Frazer, have become ingrained in popular culture, influencing novels and films. He suggests that the anxieties surrounding the unknown, identity, and societal changes, particularly prevalent in frontier eras and during the Cold War, find expression in both captivity and abduction stories.

The Intersection of Religion and UFO Phenomena

Nico Conti's review, "Dottrine apocalittiche e visite aliene" (Apocalyptic Doctrines and Alien Visits), examines Damian Thompson's book "La fine del tempo" (The End of Time). Conti explores the potential cultural and religious roots of alien abduction beliefs, particularly within the context of American millenarianism and apocalyptic expectations. He posits that the concept of 'alien rapture,' where individuals are taken by extraterrestrials, may be influenced by deeply ingrained religious ideas of ascension and divine intervention.

Conti discusses how certain religious groups, particularly fundamentalist Christians, interpret apocalyptic events and may see aliens as potential saviors or agents of change. He notes the rise of 'New Age' spirituality and its overlap with UFO folklore, suggesting a syncretic blend of religious and paranormal beliefs. The article also touches upon the phenomenon of 'satanic ritual abuse' panics and how they relate to broader cultural anxieties and the search for supernatural explanations.

Alessandro Zabini's brief commentary, "MILLENARISMO E DEMONI" (Millenarianism and Demons), further explores the historical connection between religious beliefs, demonology, and the emergence of UFO phenomena, questioning how alien abductions can be understood within this religious context.

Early UFO Cases and Data Collection

Giuseppe Stilo's "I fulmini globulari negli anni delle origini" (Globular lightning in the years of origin) provides an update on the 'Operazione Origini' project, which aims to catalog early UFO reports. The project has amassed over 5,000 documents, with 'articles' constituting nearly 99% of the collection. Stilo presents data on the number of sightings and documents classified by year, highlighting a significant increase in reports and media coverage during the early 1950s.

A notable section features an observation by a meteorologist, Franco Carpineti, from July 29, 1954. Carpineti, a technician from the Aeronautical Meteorology Service, observed a luminous object with a lenticular shape and a long luminous trail, which he did not identify as a meteorological phenomenon. The report details the object's appearance, movement, and trajectory, noting its unusual characteristics.

Further 'Primordi' (Origins) sections detail early UFO cases, including a discussion of the 1954 Capannori sighting and an analysis of the famous Pietro Trussardi case from Clusone, correcting a previously reported date and location. The section also examines the case of Renzo Pugina, noting a curious coincidence with an advertisement for chicken broth cubes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the idea that UFO phenomena, particularly alien abductions, may not be entirely novel but could be rooted in historical, cultural, and religious frameworks. The magazine seems to adopt an investigative stance, seeking to understand these phenomena through comparative analysis and historical research, while acknowledging the subjective nature of witness testimony and the potential for psychological or cultural influences. There is a clear emphasis on the 'anthropological' dimension of ufology, suggesting that understanding human belief systems and cultural narratives is crucial to interpreting UFO reports. The editorial stance appears open to exploring unconventional explanations while maintaining a critical approach to evidence and interpretation.

This issue of UFO Forum, dated February 2000, focuses on historical UFO sightings and related phenomena in Italy, particularly from the 1940s and 1950s. It also explores the increasing presence of UFO and alien themes in popular culture, including advertising and toys.

The 'Saseno Affair' and Flying Cigars

The article "Il 'Saseno affair'" by Roberto Raffaelli investigates the theory linking 'flying cigar' sightings in the 1950s to Soviet missile launches from the Albanian island of Saseno. The author examines the disappearance of four British RAF aircraft over the Tyrrhenian Sea, suggesting they may have been targeted by these missiles. The analysis includes technical details about missile capabilities of the era, concluding that it was technically improbable for missiles launched from Saseno to hit high-altitude aircraft over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The article also touches upon the presence of a Soviet submarine in the Strait of Otranto and the subsequent disappearance of the 'flying cigars' during naval patrols, suggesting a possible connection.

Globular Lightning Cases

Another section, "I FULMINI GLOBULARI NEGLI ANNI DELL'OPERAZIONE ORIGINI," by the magazine's editor, examines cases of globular lightning potentially linked to UFO phenomena. The author notes that such reports were a small percentage of Italian UFO sightings during that period. Two specific cases are detailed: one from Susa in 1946, where a ball of fire was seen rolling across fields during a thunderstorm, and another from Borgo Valsugana in 1954, involving a globe of fire descending into a house. The article also references a rare observation of a globular lightning from an airplane in 1948.

Historical UFO Sightings in Italy

The issue presents several historical UFO sighting accounts from Italy:

• Milan, 1954: An employee of Montecatini reported seeing a UFO with a ladder and three small beings.
• Pescara, 1954: A young girl reported an encounter with a small, suited being.
• Florence, 1937: Ugo Dettore and a journalist observed a luminous object moving erratically in the sky.
• Florence, 1954: A woman reported seeing a large, luminous object over Fiesole.
• Rufina (Florence), circa 1940-1942: Dante Rogai reported seeing a blue-electric fiery object with an undulating tail.

Ernesto Michehelles (Thayaht) and Early Ufology

A biographical piece focuses on Ernesto Michehelles, known as 'Thayaht,' an artist and early Italian ufologist. It details his interest in the occult, his observations of flying objects, and his correspondence with organizations like NICAP. His notes suggest a strong belief in extraterrestrial visitors, predating the main UFO wave of the 1950s.

UFOs in Advertising and Toys

The "UFO & DINTORNI" section highlights the growing trend of incorporating UFO and alien themes into advertising and children's toys. Examples include:

• Toys: UFO models, alien figures (like 'Alien Anatomy' inspired by Roswell), and toys with UFO designs from China and other manufacturers.
• Advertising: Commercials for Bauli cakes featuring ETs, Ericsson mobile phones using an alien invasion theme, and children's products like 'Forza 4' and 'Year 2000' gift sets with alien motifs. Even beer brands like Heineken have used extraterrestrial themes in their campaigns.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena from a historical and investigative perspective, often linking sightings to potential military activities or natural phenomena while acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial origins. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts for the reader to consider. The recurring theme is the increasing integration of UFO and alien imagery into mainstream culture, suggesting a societal shift in how these concepts are perceived and utilized.

Title: UFO Forum
Issue: 41
Date: February 2000
Publisher: CISU
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of UFO Forum features an in-depth article on the "SCIENCE.CAT" project, a comprehensive bibliography of UFO-related literature, and announces a new book on the 1950 UFO wave.

SCIENCE.CAT: State of the Art and Future Prospects

The article, authored by Paolo Toselli, details the history and current status of the SCIENCE.CAT project, initiated in 1985 by CISU. The project's initial goal was to create a commented bibliography of articles and book excerpts related to UFO phenomena, aiming to establish an electronic archive that would prevent the concentration of paper material in a single location. Contributors from Italy, France, and England were solicited.

Despite initial efforts and some collaboration, the project's original goal of a fully realized electronic archive did not materialize due to a lack of widespread participation. In November 1988, CISU published an English-language fascicle titled "SCIENCE.CAT - An Annotated Bibliography," containing approximately 260 entries in Italian, English, and French. This initial edition, however, lacked abstracts, which were intended for a subsequent edition that has not yet been completed.

Currently, the project is represented by a flexible database managed in a Macintosh environment, but exportable to Windows. This database contains 510 records. Each record includes information on the topic, author, title, publication source (journal or book publisher), date, page count, language, type (article, book, letter, review, grey literature), and whether UFOs are explicitly mentioned. Abstracts are present for many entries. The electronic archive references over 9,000 pages published since the beginning of the century.

• The language distribution of the entries is predominantly Italian (48%), followed by English (41%) and French (10%), with some German or Spanish texts also included. Thematic distribution of the references, excluding those with minimal incidence, is as follows:
• Psychology and Social Sciences: 43%
• Earth Sciences: 31%
• Astronomy: 11%
• Biological Sciences: 8%
• Science and Technology: 6%

Records specifically referencing UFOs (from simple mentions to entire texts dedicated to the subject) total 161, representing 31% of the database. These are broken down by language: 51 in Italian (33 articles, 13 books, others), 74 in English (57 articles, 1 book), and 36 in French (27 articles, 2 books).

The author estimates that his archives still contain about a hundred articles or book excerpts to be added to the database. However, considering the recent emergence of other CISU projects focusing on bibliographies for specific scientific themes (such as seismic lights or ball lightning), the objective of SCIENCE.CAT has been modified. The project will now focus exclusively on texts that make explicit reference to UFO phenomena. This includes not only material directly possessed but also information known through reviews, various reports, or other catalogs/databases.

Furthermore, the project will introduce a distinction, similar to the BIBLIOCAT system, to indicate whether the word "UFO" or "Flying Saucer" is merely cited, or if the topic is dedicated a few lines, a paragraph, or the entire text. Material not directly related to ufological themes will be "frozen" for potential use in other thematic databases.

The article concludes by inviting readers to submit suitable material for cataloging and promises an update in the next issue.

New Book Announcement: "Scrutate i cieli!"

The issue also announces the availability of Giuseppe Stilo's new book, "Scrutate i cieli!" (Look to the Skies!). This work, completed thanks to archival research conducted as part of CISU's "Operazione Origini" (Operation Origins), is described as a powerful and comprehensive reconstruction of 1950, a pivotal year for the development and global spread of ufology.

The book is 412 pages long, with 16 pages of full-page illustrations. It reportedly covers nearly 300 Italian cases and cites hundreds of journalistic sources, offering an engaging account of the early days of ufology. The price is L. 36,000 for non-CISU members and L. 42,000 for members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Forum focuses on the systematic cataloging and study of UFO phenomena through bibliographical projects like SCIENCE.CAT. It emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor and comprehensive documentation in the field of ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of dedicated research and information sharing, encouraging contributions from the ufological community to build a robust knowledge base. The announcement of Giuseppe Stilo's book further underscores the magazine's commitment to documenting the history and key events of ufology.