UFO Rama - No 108

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-RAMA
Issue: Nr. 108
Date: February 2008
Type: Monthly publication
Publisher: N/A
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
Cover Headline: BOLLETTINO UROLOGICO DALL' ITALIA E DAL MONDO (Urological Bulletin from Italy and the World)

Editorial

The editorial section of UFO-RAMA highlights a significant increase in Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings in the first two months of 2008, with statistics reaching unprecedented levels. It notes that even researchers at SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) admit that not everything in space is clear, and that NASA is considering sending musical signals to potential extraterrestrial inhabitants. The editorial asserts that the extraterrestrial reality is evident, and despite the lack of official confirmation, secret meetings in power centers are preparing the ground for an official declaration. UFO-RAMA pledges to keep its readers informed about the issue of flying saucers, which it deems the most important question of our time. The editorial concludes with "BUONA LETTURA" (Happy Reading).

Articles and Reports

SETI Signal Detected (Page 2)

This article, by Seth Shostak of the SETI Institute, addresses a news story from KTVU television station in Oakland, California, which suggested a credible radio signal from space had been detected. Shostak clarifies that the story was misleading and stemmed from miscommunication. He explains that Dan Werthimer, who runs the University of California, Berkeley SETI program, was describing new instrumentation for detecting very short radio pulses. A pulse was detected a few months prior, not 'last week' as reported, and was recorded by the Parkes Radio Telescope in Australia years ago. Researchers at West Virginia University analyzed this data, with results published on September 27th of the previous year. The sudden burst of radio energy lasted only 0.005 seconds and had spectral characteristics suggesting a distant galaxy origin. Since the burst was seen only once, its cause remains unclear, though scientists suspect a collision of neutron stars. Radio astronomers plan to search for more such bursts. The article emphasizes that this signal has no connection to SETI searches and would require multiple observations and verification to be considered a SETI detection.

'ET Signal May Have Natural Cause' (Page 2)

This report from KTVU.com, dated January 15-16, 2008, discusses the anomalous radio signal. While scientists confirmed the signal and reported it, SETI@home lead scientist Dan Werthimer suggests it may have a natural origin. Seth Shostak, SETI Institute Chief Scientist, adds that the signal, though energetic and brief, excited researchers who initially considered it a candidate ET signal. It was received in Australia, not Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The signal has not been confirmed as extraterrestrial, and the Allen array in California is searching for similar signals.

TELEVIDEO RAI - 'Across the Universe' by NASA (Page 2)

On February 3, 2008, this report states that NASA will transmit the Beatles' song 'Across the Universe' to the star Polaris on Monday. This marks the first radio transmission of its kind from NASA. The initiative celebrates the song's 40th anniversary, NASA's 50th anniversary, and the 45th anniversary of the Deep Space Network. A large antenna in Madrid will transmit the song, which is expected to take 431 years to reach Polaris.

MISSILE CHINA CONTRO SATELLITE: PROTESTE (Page 3)

This article from RAI TELEVIDEO (January 19, 2007) reports on a missile test conducted by China that destroyed one of its old satellites, causing alarm in several countries, including the United States. The US stated that the test did not align with the spirit of cooperation. Japan, Australia, and Canada also protested. Concerns were raised about a new space arms race and the test being a threat to American spy satellites. Beijing did not confirm the test, asserting that China uses space only for peaceful purposes.

Russia: 'Right to preemptive nuclear attacks' (Page 3)

This report from La Stampa (January 20, 2008) quotes General Yuri Baluyevsky, First Deputy Minister of Defense, stating Russia's explicit right to use its nuclear arsenal, even preemptively, to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He clarified that Russia is not planning attacks but expects its interlocutors to understand this position.

'Operation Sea Orbit: Drifting and risked falling to Earth' (Page 3)

This article from Corriere della Sera (February 22, 2008) details the US missile strike that destroyed the out-of-control spy satellite NROL-21, weighing 3,500 kilograms, over the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii at an altitude of approximately 230 kilometers. The operation, launched from the cruiser USS Lake Erie, was controversial, drawing protests from China and Russia. China had faced similar international condemnation for a comparable test the previous year due to the debris created. The US justified the action by citing the risk of the satellite falling on inhabited areas and the presence of 500 kilograms of toxic propellant. The article notes that while most satellite debris disintegrates harmlessly, the destruction of NROL-21 and similar attempts are considered violations of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which prohibits the militarization of space. China and Moscow had previously called for a revision of the treaty, and Washington now appears to agree.

'Spy satellite out of control: The Pentagon: "We will shoot it down"' (Page 3)

This report from La Repubblica (February 15, 2008) discusses the Pentagon's decision to shoot down the out-of-control spy satellite 'L-21', launched in December 2006. The satellite, weighing several tons, was expected to re-enter the atmosphere between late February and early March, necessitating its destruction before that. The option chosen was to launch a missile from a US Navy cruiser.

'There was a ball of fire in the sky' (Page 4)

This article from LEGGO (February 14, 2008) describes an incident in Trivignano, Italy, where dozens of people called emergency services reporting a 'ball of fire' falling from the sky around 9:45 AM. Witnesses described it as a large, incandescent metallic sphere about 50 centimeters in diameter, leaving a trail of light. Some initially thought it was a tourist aircraft or a satellite. The object reportedly fell in the area of Trivignano and Olmo di Martellago. Firefighters suggested it might have been a small meteorite or fragments of a satellite that had fallen out of orbit.

UK: Boom in UFO sightings, +40% in 2007 (Page 4)

This report from ANSA (February 8, 2008) states that in Great Britain in 2007, there were 135 reported UFO sightings, a 40% increase from 2006 (97 sightings). The sightings include a presumed flying disc in Staffordshire and a triangular craft in West Yorkshire. The Ministry of Defence will make its archive of sightings public, according to 'The Independent' newspaper.

Books (Page 4)

This section reviews Douglas Baker's book "UFO - Il significato occulto" (UFO - The Occult Meaning). The book addresses the mystery of UFOs and whether flying saucers exist or if Earth has been visited by extraterrestrials. Dr. Baker, who has studied UFO phenomena for over thirty years, offers answers to these questions. The book is 160 pages, illustrated, and costs €11.36.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-RAMA revolve around the increasing prevalence of UFO sightings, the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), and the geopolitical implications of space technology and potential extraterrestrial contact. The magazine adopts a stance that acknowledges the growing evidence for UFO phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, while also critically examining official statements and media reports. There is a clear emphasis on keeping the public informed about these developments, positioning UFO-RAMA as a crucial source of information on what it considers the most important issue of the time. The magazine also touches upon international relations concerning space, particularly the tensions arising from military activities in space and the potential for space militarization.