UFO Forum - No 19 - ottobre 2001

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Forum, number 19, published in October 2001, is dedicated to exploring the intersection of ufology with science and critical analysis. The cover headline, 'UFO: la lotta per la scienza' (UFO: the fight for science), sets the tone for the content, which aims to foster a serious and systematic study of UFO phenomena.

Editorial: Fisica vs. scienze umane (Physics vs. Human Sciences)

Giuseppe Stilo, the director, opens the issue with an editorial reflecting on the shift in ufology towards a more scientific, physics-based approach, a trend he welcomes. He contrasts this with the earlier dominance of socio-psychological hypotheses (HSP) in the 1980s, which he suggests led to a decline in rigorous analysis. Stilo emphasizes the importance of integrating methodologies from the natural sciences while acknowledging the need to avoid naivety and to address the inherent linguistic and conceptual limitations of witness testimony. He calls for a synergy between those who focus on the human aspects and those who prefer physical approaches, urging against mutual suspicion and advocating for a critical yet open-minded investigation.

Un passo indietro (A Step Back)

This section features articles that delve into specific aspects of ufology, often with a critical or historical perspective.

Il cuore del problema? (The Heart of the Problem?)

Edoardo Russo discusses two topics that have become central to modern ufology: alien abductions and crashed flying saucers. He notes how these themes, once on the fringes, are now considered core issues by many enthusiasts. Russo highlights that much of the 'crashed saucer' lore is based on rumors and speculation, though he acknowledges the CISU's work in cataloging such cases. He also touches upon the evolution of abduction studies, from early cases like the Hills and Villas Boas to the 'epidemic' of reports following Budd Hopkins' work. The article suggests that the debate around abductions has become complex, with some questioning whether they are still part of the classic UFO phenomenon.

UFOLOGI CONTROCORRENTE (Countercurrent Ufologists)

This part of the section revisits figures and movements that have challenged mainstream ufological thought. It mentions an article about Renato Vesco, described as a controversial but important figure in Italian ufology, whose extensive archive was preserved by CISU. The text also discusses the legacy of the 'UPIAR initiative' and its connection to the formation of CISU, highlighting the shift towards a more instrumental and scientifically rigorous ufology.

MEN AT WORK

PreUFOCAT: Il catalogo delle segnalazioni ufologiche italiane “antiche” del CISU (PreUFOCAT: The Catalog of 'Ancient' Italian UFO Sightings of CISU)

Umberto Cordier presents the PreUFOCAT project, an initiative by CISU to collect and catalog UFO and paraufological events in Italy prior to 1900. Cordier explains the project's origins, its connection to the earlier FORTCAT catalog, and the unique challenges involved. These include dealing with historical dating systems, evolving territorial definitions, and the often unreliable nature of ancient sources. The catalog aims to classify phenomena using existing ufological categories (LN, DD, IR) and also includes 'paraufological' cases. Cordier notes that while many ancient cases are of low quality, some from the 18th and 19th centuries offer better documentation, suggesting that UFO-like phenomena have been present throughout history.

UFO AL POPOLO? (UFO to the People?)

Stefania Genovese critically analyzes the 'historical-ufological materialism' promoted by the 'Men In Red' (MIR) collective, which emerged from social centers in Rome. Genovese describes MIR's ideology as a blend of Marxist theory, pseudo-dialectic jargon, and a disconcerting view of ufology. She argues that MIR's theories, which posit extraterrestrials as allies in a cosmic class struggle against global capitalism, are based on misinterpretations of thinkers like Roland Barthes and Michel Foucault. Genovese criticizes their view of UFOs as revolutionary symbols and their belief that contact with aliens is contingent on societal transformation. She concludes that MIR's approach is a form of 'pure fantasy' and 'irrationalism,' where aliens are merely projections of their own ideology, and that their radical ufology serves as an escape from the perceived inadequacies of human society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Forum strongly advocates for a scientific, critical, and systematic approach to ufology. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous research methodologies, drawing from both the natural and social sciences. The magazine critiques speculative or ideologically driven interpretations of UFO phenomena, particularly those that lack empirical grounding or rely on unsubstantiated theories. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and a preference for in-depth analysis and historical research, as exemplified by the PreUFOCAT project. The editorial and various articles underscore the need for intellectual honesty and a commitment to understanding the UFO phenomenon through evidence-based investigation, rather than ideological frameworks.

This issue of UFO forum, dated October 2001 (Issue 19), centers on a cultural provocation by Giuseppe Stilo regarding the possibility of creating a ufological encyclopedia. The magazine explores this idea through a debate initiated on the Cisuforum mailing list, featuring contributions from various ufologists and researchers.

The Encyclopedia Debate

Giuseppe Stilo, in his piece "E' possibile una enciclopedia ufologica?", poses the question of whether a ufological encyclopedia is feasible, considering the inherent difficulties in factual accuracy and theoretical framing. He draws parallels to historical encyclopedias like Diderot and d'Alembert's or Treccani's, emphasizing the need for a clear ideological stance, defined scope, and systematic approach. Stilo questions the criteria used by foreign compilers of such works and suggests that understanding these might shed light on how UFO phenomena are approached.

Massimiliano Grandi, in "aporie teoriche", expresses disagreement with the theoretical underpinnings of such a project, particularly within the context of the CISU (Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici). He argues that the CISU's stance, which avoids defining UFOs by positive attributes and instead focuses on the subject reporting them, makes it difficult to establish a theoretical basis for an encyclopedia. Grandi points out that an encyclopedia typically aims to provide a general framework of knowledge, which is problematic when the subject itself is ill-defined.

Nico Conti offers a brief, skeptical view, stating that the idea is "completely unrealizable" given the difficulties in even publishing their main magazines and books. He suggests that a guide like Allan Hendry's might be more useful.

Nico Sgarlato proposes an "antologia di saggi" (anthology of essays) as a more viable alternative to a traditional encyclopedia. He acknowledges the editorial challenges but believes that a collection of in-depth essays on key themes could function as a reference work, drawing inspiration from works like Vladimir Nabokov's "Lezioni di letteratura russa".

Grandi, in his reply, clarifies that while an anthology might be more feasible, his initial concern was with the idea of a systematic, comprehensive encyclopedia in the Enlightenment sense, which would require defining the "boundaries" of ufology.

The UFO Evidence 2 Review

Jan Aldrich reviews "The UFO Evidence, Volume II: A Thirty Year Report" by Richard H. Hall. He notes that the book, while not strictly an encyclopedia, aims to be a reference text on the UFO phenomenon. Aldrich highlights that the volume continues the work of the first volume, published in 1964, and focuses on cataloging observations, identifying patterns, and analyzing physical traces and secondary effects. The review details the book's structure, including examinations of military sightings, pilot reports, scientific analyses, and new categories like mass observations and animal reactions. It also discusses Hall's criteria for evaluating photographic and film evidence and Bullard's essay on UFO waves. The review mentions the book's treatment of "abductions" and its inclusion of essays on the Philadelphia Experiment, FOIA requests, and experimental aircraft.

Aldrich strongly recommends both volumes of "The UFO Evidence" as essential additions to any ufological library, emphasizing that simple explanations are insufficient given the persistent and unusual characteristics of the phenomenon.

BORDERLINE: Teleportation Case from Scorzè

Nico Conti presents an in-depth analysis of a case from Scorzè, Italy, involving a young man who allegedly experienced "teleportation" on December 28, 1998. The incident, reported by "Il Gazzettino", describes the young man being lifted by a blue light while on his moped and transported at high speed. Conti examines the case from both a phenomenological and folkloric perspective.

The Scorzè Incident and its Analysis

The father of the witness recounts the event, emphasizing the precision of his son's description and his own observations. The case involves a blue light, a lifted moped, and a sensation of being "magnetized." Conti notes the father's unusual beliefs, including theories about government control and esoteric knowledge, which he connects to the phenomenon.

The article explores the father's interpretation of the event, which he links to the Philadelphia Experiment and suggests it might be related to military experiments or surveillance rather than extraterrestrial activity. The father's detailed account of his own esoteric interests and theories adds a layer of complexity to the case.

Folklore and Alternative Beliefs

Conti draws parallels between the Scorzè case and historical accounts of magical transport, witchcraft, and shamanic practices. He discusses the concept of "teleportation" within folklore, citing legends of witches traveling by boat and the "Caipora" figure from Brazilian folklore, known for instantaneous travel. The article suggests that modern UFO experiences, including teleportation and abductions, might be a modern manifestation of older shamanic rituals and cultural narratives, particularly in contexts where traditional beliefs are in opposition to dominant societal or religious structures.

The father's own beliefs, including his interest in alchemy and esoteric doctrines, and his description of his son's state as "magnetized," are explored. The article also touches upon psychological explanations, such as depersonalization and the "folie à deux" phenomenon, as potential factors in interpreting such experiences.

Unresolved Questions

The article concludes by posing several questions regarding the Scorzè case and similar phenomena:

1. If the experience is inspired by magical-religious traditions, how is it transmitted and experienced?
2. If it stems from a fear of external control, what is the origin and social production of this fear?
3. Why do these "rites of passage" occur individually, to adults, and in the form of sudden "astral journeys" without a guide?
4. What is the social and religious significance of these experiences if they are considered folkloric or religious inventions?
5. Why do these experiences, unlike many others, tend to isolate individuals rather than foster social interaction?
6. How do mass media contribute to the dissemination of these stories?
7. Why do ufological experiences seem to isolate those who live them?

The article also contrasts these "spontaneous" teleportation experiences with abduction cases, noting the frequent presence of alien entities in abductions, which is largely absent in the Scorzè case. This leads to the question of whether teleportation cases are a form of "unrecognized abduction."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the importance of cultural and historical context when analyzing UFO phenomena. It suggests that modern UFO experiences may be reinterpretations or continuations of ancient myths, folklore, and shamanic practices. The editorial stance appears to favor a nuanced approach that considers psychological, sociological, and historical factors alongside the direct evidence. The debate on the encyclopedia highlights a tension between the desire for systematic knowledge and the inherent ambiguity and definitional challenges within ufology. The "BORDERLINE" section, in particular, advocates for understanding UFO reports within their specific cultural and social settings rather than isolating them as purely anomalous events.

This issue of UFO forum, dated October 2001, presents a collection of articles focusing on UFO sightings and the history of UFO research. The magazine's title is 'UFO forum', and the issue number is 19, with the volume indicated as 'Ottobre 2001'. The cover prominently features the 'CASISTICA' section with the headline 'A proposito del filmato di Crosia' by Pietro Torre.

Article: Casistica - A proposito del filmato di Crosia

Pietro Torre contributes an analysis of a UFO film allegedly shot in Crosia, Italy, around June 2, 1987. He addresses the possibility of the object being a bright celestial body like Jupiter or Venus, but dismisses this by consulting astronomical data for the period. Torre notes that on the night in question, Venus rose about an hour before the Sun and was visible in the dawn light, while Mars was a dim magnitude 2 star. Jupiter was only visible after midnight, and Saturn, though the brightest celestial body at apparent magnitude 0.00, was low in the sky and difficult to discern. The crescent moon was also visible but not exceptionally bright. Torre concludes that no known celestial object could have been confused with the observed phenomenon. He also considers the 'light on the hill' hypothesis, questioning why such an intense light wouldn't be noticed by locals. He suggests that the phenomenon was not a 'celestial body' and encourages seeking explanations elsewhere.

Article: UFO nei cieli della Sicilia

This section details two UFO sightings in Sicily:

1. Palermo, late August 2000: A 53-year-old man reported seeing a bright, whitish light that appeared larger and brighter than a star. Initially thought to be Venus, it was located north-east. The light moved horizontally for about ten seconds, then ascended vertically at high speed, diminishing in size before disappearing. The witness estimated its initial altitude at 10,000 meters and an angle of 70 degrees. His family did not take the sighting seriously.
2. Capo d'Orlando (Messina), August 17, 1997: A 14-year-old student reported seeing a red light moving in a strange zig-zag pattern around 3:30 AM. The light was larger than stars and moved erratically. She estimated its altitude to be around 2,000 meters. The object disappeared behind trees after about two minutes. She was with her brother and cousin, and they were on the beach celebrating Ferragosto.

Article: Casistica - Milazzo (Messina), January 2, 2001

On January 2, 2001, around 6:20 PM, a witness in Milazzo observed an unusual object while walking to a pharmacy. She described it as a large, flattened, red-orange disc-shaped object with indistinct edges. It moved at high speed, then rapidly shrunk to a luminous red point and disappeared. She initially mistook it for a bird but ruled this out due to its speed. She later compared its speed to that of an airplane and found it to be exceptionally fast. She also ruled out meteors due to its shape and color, and aircraft due to its unusual movement and lack of sound. The witness had previously reported sightings on June 10, 1999, and July 27, 2000.

Article: DECOSTRUZIONI - Storia della ricerca di stato sugli UFO nell'URSS

This extensive article, authored by Julii Platov and Boris Sokolov, details the history of state-sponsored UFO research in the Soviet Union from the mid-1970s to 1990. It highlights that while private organizations were active in studying UFOs, government bodies did not openly encourage public discussion but also did not prohibit conferences.

Early Stages and Official Interest:

By the mid-1970s, UFO discussions became a social phenomenon in the USSR. Scientific and intelligence circles showed interest, leading to the accumulation of UFO-related news. The Department of Physics and Astronomy of the Academy of Sciences formed a working group to classify UFO reports and consult experts. The 'Petrozavodsk phenomenon' on September 20, 1977, a large luminous event, significantly boosted the investigation of these phenomena. This event led to a request from the President of the Academy to the Military-Industrial Commission (MIC) to initiate a comprehensive investigation involving military and defense industries.

Establishment of Research Programs:

In October 1977, a meeting at the Kremlin led to the recommendation to include a program on 'paranormal phenomena' in the defense research plans for 1978. Two research centers were established: one within the Ministry of Defense and another within the Academy of Sciences. The Ministry focused on data from military units and potential impacts on military operations and personnel, while the Academy focused on the physical nature and mechanisms of the phenomena. The research was conducted voluntarily, with limited funding and no special budget.

Methodology and Findings:

The research program, which ran for thirteen years (1978-1990), aimed to seriously investigate UFO observations, avoid preconceived notions, and conduct long-term studies. The primary hypotheses considered were: UFOs as human-made objects, UFOs as natural atmospheric phenomena, and UFOs as extraterrestrial craft. The program collected and analyzed approximately three thousand reports, with most being identified as conventional phenomena.

Identification of Phenomena:

A significant portion of the observed 'UFOs' were identified as effects related to missile launches and space equipment tests. These phenomena, often appearing as cross-shaped luminous trails, were caused by sunlight reflecting off dust and gas clouds from rocket propellant combustion. The article details specific instances, including the Petrozavodsk phenomenon (linked to a 'Kosmos 955' satellite launch) and other events attributed to satellite launches ('Kosmos 1188', 'Meteor-2', 'Molnija-1', 'Kosmos 1581') and ballistic missile launches.

Another category of identified phenomena involved weather balloons. The article describes incidents where spherical or unusually shaped balloons were mistaken for UFOs, particularly when observed at great distances or under specific atmospheric conditions. The witness accounts often involved misjudgments of distance and altitude by pilots and observers.

Lack of Extraterrestrial Evidence:

Crucially, the research found no evidence of extraterrestrial activity. The article states that despite extensive data collection and analysis, there were no reports of UFO landings, pilot contacts, or alien abductions in the Soviet archives. This led the researchers to conclude that either the USSR remained inaccessible to extraterrestrials during that period, or the extraterrestrial hypothesis itself was inconsistent with the findings.

Conclusion of the Research:

The research demonstrated that most reported UFO phenomena had rational explanations, often linked to human activities or natural occurrences. While a small percentage remained unidentified, they did not provide any indication of extraterrestrial interference. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of rigorous scientific study in understanding UFO phenomena and acknowledges the contributions of various scientists and military personnel to the research effort.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting case studies, scientific analyses, and historical research. The editorial stance, as reflected in the 'DECOSTRUZIONI' section, leans towards a critical and analytical approach, seeking rational explanations for sightings and debunking sensationalist claims, particularly those related to extraterrestrial visitation. The emphasis is on methodical investigation and evidence-based conclusions, as exemplified by the detailed account of the Soviet UFO research program.

This issue of UFO Forum, dated Ottobre 2001, is titled "Storie di "crashes" nel XIX secolo" (Stories of "crashes" in the XIX century) and is authored primarily by Giuseppe Stilo. The central theme is the reconstruction and analysis of historical accounts of mysterious aerial craft crashes from the 19th century, demonstrating how the idea of extraterrestrial vehicles falling to Earth was a recurring motif in Western journalism from at least 1864.

The Nebraska Crash of 1884

The issue begins by referencing an article published in "Il Giornale dei Misteri" in January 1998, which explored the prevalence of 'crash' stories predating the modern UFO era. It highlights a specific case from an 1884 Nebraska newspaper, the "Nebraska Nugget," detailing a mysterious object that crashed northwest of Benkelman on June 6th of that year. The account, reported by John W. Ellis and his cowboys, describes a flaming object falling from the sky, leaving behind fragments of machinery and causing intense heat that melted the earth. However, a subsequent article in the "Nebraska State Journal" on June 8th, and later analysis by ufologist Jerome Clark, revealed that the story was likely a journalistic invention. Further investigation by Clark suggested the story originated from a correspondent in Holdrege, and the "Nebraska Nugget" article was a rehash. A later report on June 9th, 1884, claimed the object had dissolved like salt in water after a heavy rain, further casting doubt on its authenticity.

The Sorisole Meteorite Hoax

The magazine then delves into a case from Sorisole, Italy, reported in "L'Eco di Bergamo" on October 24, 1884. The article, titled "Lo scoppio di un bolide" (The burst of a bolide) by Ferruccio Biazzi, described a mysterious explosion and a falling object. Biazzi speculated that 'aerolites' showed traces of primitive flora and fauna, suggesting extraterrestrial life. This was further fueled by a brief notice on December 9-10, 1884, claiming a meteorite containing curious fossils had been found. However, this was later revealed to be a hoax, with "L'Eco di Bergamo" retracting the story on December 11-12, 1884, stating it was an error and that Biazzi had denied it. The magazine notes that Otto Hahn's earlier work on meteorites and their potential organisms contributed to the public's willingness to believe such claims.

Other 19th Century Accounts

The issue presents two other lesser-known stories from the late 19th century, both set in the United States:

1. The Marietta, Georgia Incident (September 15, 1888): Reported by the Norwegian newspaper "Lillehammer Tilskuer," this account describes a balloon-like object landing near Marietta, Georgia, from which a small, bronze-faced man emerged, claiming to be a messenger from the heavens. The story is considered a potential journalistic fabrication.
2. The Rocky Mountains Stone (October 19, 1865): This story, published in "The Cincinnati Commercial" and referencing the "St. Louis Democrat," details the discovery of a large stone with engraved characters and a glass-like substance after a luminous object broke apart in the sky. The stone was interpreted as having an artificial origin, possibly related to extraterrestrial beings.

The "Le Pays" Martian Hoax

A significant portion of the article discusses a widely circulated hoax from the French newspaper "Le Pays" on June 17, 1864, titled "Un habitant de la planète Mars" (An inhabitant of the planet Mars). This story described the discovery of a mummified humanoid body, about 1.3 meters tall, found inside a large, metallic object unearthed near Arrapahys, USA, by a wealthy landowner named Paxton. The body was identified as a "Martian." The article traces the spread of this story and similar "Martian" discoveries reported in various newspapers across Argentina and Mexico in the following decades, highlighting how these narratives contributed to the idea of extraterrestrial life and advanced technology.

Foo Fighters and the Schweinfurt Incident

Andy Roberts contributes an article investigating the "foo fighters" phenomenon, specifically focusing on the alleged sighting during the bombing of Schweinfurt, Germany, on October 14, 1943. Roberts details how Martin Caidin's book "Black Thursday" brought this incident to prominence. Caidin claimed that pilots reported seeing silver discs that were hit by a B-17 bomber without damage. Roberts' research at the UK Public Record Office uncovered a declassified report (AIR 40/464) from October 14, 1943, which corroborated many details of Caidin's account, including the description of the discs and the incident where a B-17's wing passed through a cluster of discs. The report also mentioned debris and other aircraft sightings. While the report confirms the existence of the document, Roberts concludes that these objects were likely not "foo fighters" in the typical sense but possibly related to German anti-aircraft technology or 'window' countermeasures.

Rossellini, Zavattini, and UFOs

Another article by Giuseppe Stilo explores a brief mention in a 1954 "Settimana INCOM Illustrata" article by Dario Zanelli, suggesting that filmmaker Roberto Rossellini and writer Cesare Zavattini might have witnessed a UFO in the Po Delta region around 1952. The article notes Zavattini's collaboration with Rossellini on films set in the region and speculates on the possibility of a UFO sighting during their research for a film project titled "Italia mia." However, it emphasizes the lack of concrete information and the need for further investigation.

The Almaseda UFO Case Debunked

Joaquim Fernandes, a Portuguese ufologist, is featured for debunking the alleged 1954 UFO landing in Almaseda, Portugal. Fernandes explains that the story, reported by "Diario de Lisboa," was a fabrication by Francisco Antonio Freiere, who admitted to inventing it to draw attention to the lack of a paved road to Almaseda. Freiere's nephew, Cesar Cardoso, was cited as the witness. Fernandes highlights how quickly the story was embellished and how it was picked up by various media outlets without verification.

UFOs and the Scientific Paradigm

Ricardo Campo contributes an article titled "UFO: la lotta per la scienza" (UFO: the fight for science). Campo discusses the inherent difficulties ufology faces in gaining acceptance within the scientific community. He references Thomas S. Kuhn's "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions," explaining that science operates within established paradigms, and phenomena that do not fit these paradigms are often overlooked or dismissed. Campo argues that while science seeks anomalies to challenge existing theories, the UFO phenomenon has not yet provided the kind of radical disruption needed to fundamentally alter scientific paradigms. He also touches upon the "residue fallacy," where a small percentage of unexplained cases is used to argue for an anomalous phenomenon, which he finds unconvincing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Forum adopts a critical and investigative approach to historical UFO accounts. It emphasizes the importance of source verification and exposes numerous instances of journalistic fabrication, hoaxes, and embellishments in the reporting of alleged UFO sightings and crashes. The magazine highlights the historical context of these stories, showing how they reflect societal anxieties and fascinations with the unknown, particularly regarding extraterrestrial life and advanced technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalized accounts, advocating for rigorous research and critical analysis, while also acknowledging the enduring mystery surrounding some unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of an article on the scientific approach to anomalies suggests a desire to bridge the gap between ufology and mainstream science, albeit with a cautious and evidence-based perspective.

This issue of UFO forum, number 19, dated October 2001, features a prominent section titled "SCIENZA & UFO" (Science & UFO), exploring the complex relationship between UFO phenomena and scientific inquiry. The magazine is published by UFO forum and is in Italian.

The Scientific Stance on UFOs

The lead article, authored by Ricardo Campo, critically examines why UFO phenomena are largely rejected by the academic scientific community. Campo argues that the perceived anomaly of UFOs is not necessarily inexplicable, but rather a consequence of the tools and methods used to investigate them. He points out that while some researchers have acknowledged UFOs, this recognition has often come from outside mainstream academia or in insufficient numbers to shift the scientific consensus.

Campo refutes the claim that UFOs are the 'number one problem of contemporary science,' suggesting this is an exaggeration to imbue trivial human testimonies with transcendental significance. He notes that even when scientists like those at the Complutense University of Madrid study phenomena like ball lightning, which have some overlap with UFO reports, it doesn't automatically elevate ufology to a scientific discipline. The article posits that ufologists often aspire to gain useful knowledge as byproducts of other scientific work.

Ufological Collectivism

The author likens ufology to a "Baconian discipline," referencing Francis Bacon's emphasis on empirical data collection. However, Campo contends that ufology has largely remained a mere collection of data, often relying on unreliable oral testimonies. He criticizes the tendency to treat these testimonies as definitive proof, arguing they have only relative value. He draws a parallel between ufologists meticulously cataloging their findings and alchemists working with their apparatus, suggesting a lack of rigorous scientific explanation.

Campo asserts that this inherent "Baconism" prevents ufology from acquiring a scientific character. He cites Karl Popper's philosophy of science, which emphasizes contrasting hypotheses with reality rather than simply collecting data to form theories. He notes that ufologists, due to the difficulties in studying their subject, predominantly use old inductive methods. Peter Brookesmith is quoted stating that ufologists have historically done the opposite of what science requires: trying to derive meaning from fragile data rather than testing hypotheses against the data.

The Academic Rejection

The article delves into the reasons for academic skepticism. Campo suggests that scientists view the world through a framework (paradigm) that makes it difficult to accept anomalies that don't fit. He argues that the scientific community's indifference is not necessarily due to prejudice against UFOs, but rather a methodological stance rooted in the impossibility of formulating falsifiable hypotheses about the phenomenon. While acknowledging that scientists are not free from biases, he notes that the scientific method aims to minimize them.

Campo criticizes pseudoscientific charlatans who falsely accuse science of rejecting UFOs. He states that a cursory examination of adequate sources can counter claims about seemingly enigmatic facts that might fall under the UFO label. He observes that many ufologists desired academic recognition for UFO phenomena as a global problem, but this reticence stems from more than just prejudice.

The Nature of Scientific Progress

Campo explains that in scientific tradition, new and anomalous facts are often met with resistance because the existing paradigm is believed capable of eventually resolving its own problems. He references Thomas Kuhn's concept of scientific revolutions, where anomalies become significant impediments to a paradigm's survival, leading to a "sudden illumination" for scientists. He contrasts this with ufology, where, despite decades of discussion, a clear understanding of the UFO phenomenon or its true nature remains elusive.

He questions whether science will eventually address UFOs as a solvable enigma, perhaps as a stimulus for pseudoscience or as an important contemporary myth. He notes that for a new discovery to be integrated, adequate conditions (a scientific revolution) must be met, as exemplified by the discovery of oxygen. The path for those who acknowledge anomalous phenomena must be paved, a complex journey not achievable by solitary individuals seeking definitive answers.

Methodological Hurdles

Campo discusses the difficulty of integrating new or anomalous facts into science. He argues that the scientific community's perspective, or paradigm, can prevent them from seeing what is right in front of them. He suggests that the UFO problem might be unsolvable and therefore irrelevant to current scientific paradigms. Félix Ares de Blas goes further, proposing that the UFO problem is already 'solved' and has become a new religion or a body of beliefs, suggesting ufologists are like laypeople who have not focused their natural curiosity on more productive scientific areas.

He concludes that ufology's traditional fight for science may be lost. Instead, it should apply methods from various academic disciplines, abandoning the demand for recognition as a science or a distinct discipline. This approach is supported by Spanish anthropologist Ignacio Cabria and ufologist Ballester Olmos.

Campo reflects on the decades of rational ufology, where the common opinion was that they were contributing to the birth of an academic-scientific discipline. He acknowledges that this was not driven by vanity. The UFO phenomenon was seen as a problem that no single discipline could solve, necessitating a specialized field of inquiry. However, the nature of the phenomenon itself hindered this outcome. Over time, techniques similar to those in psychology and sociology were developed, but these were insufficient for ufology to gain academic certification.

He notes that others realized this earlier and dedicated themselves fully to ufology. The article cites several references, including works by John Ziman on the credibility of science, Thomas S. Kuhn on the structure of scientific revolutions, and Ballester Olmos's book "OVNIs: El fenomeno aterrizaje."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific methodology and critical thinking when approaching the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards ufology's current standing as a scientific discipline, advocating for a more grounded, evidence-based approach, possibly incorporating social science perspectives. The magazine highlights the gap between popular fascination with UFOs and the requirements of academic science, suggesting that ufology needs to redefine its goals and methods to gain any form of credible recognition.