UFO Rama - No 109

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-RAMA
Issue: 109
Date: March 2008
Publisher: Printed in-house in Catanzaro, Italy.
Type: Monthly UFO and ufology bulletin.

Editorial

The editorial section mourns the passing of Arthur C. Clarke, a seminal science fiction writer whose work, particularly '2001: A Space Odyssey', brought the issue of contact with extraterrestrial civilizations out of the realm of B-movies and into serious discussion. The author hypothesizes that, following Clarke's influence, the topic of extraterrestrial life may eventually move beyond niche debates to become a subject of open and civil discussion among politicians, military personnel, religious figures, and citizens. The editorial concludes by noting the incessant UFO sightings worldwide and the messages received from individuals in contact with "occupants of flying saucers" as reasons for this reflection.

Article: Fotografafo un Ufo nel cielo di Londra (UFO Photographed in the London Sky)

This article, published in Corriere della Sera on February 23, 2008, details an alleged UFO sighting in London. A student named Karolina Stavka Mueller, studying at the University of Exeter, was in London with friends and took photos with her mobile phone. A month later, upon reviewing the photos, she discovered an object resembling a UFO emitting a mysterious blue light next to the Tower Bridge. The student and her friends were astonished, unable to explain the phenomenon. Experts, including a scholar named Chris Martin, have examined the digital images and stated they are not manipulated and show a real object moving in the sky. The UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the report.

Article: La corsa di Google sulla Luna (Google's Race to the Moon)

This brief report from Corriere della Sera on February 23, 2008, announces Google's initiative to reignite the race to the Moon. Google is offering a prize of 30 million dollars to the first two scientific teams that can successfully send a robotic station to the Moon to transmit data and images back to Earth. This competition, known as the Lunar X Prize, has already attracted 10 consortia from 5 countries, comprising universities and companies.

Article: L'eco del chissone on line (The Echo of the Chison Online)

This article, dated March 26, 2008, reports on two luminous object sightings in the hills near Revello, Italy. The first incident occurred on the night of March 18th, where a strange yellowish-orange light, described as similar to lightning but hovering, was seen for about half an hour before disappearing. Witnesses described it as being "like a switch being turned off." The location was known as S. Michele. The article also references a previous sighting from some years prior in the same area, where a large, bright, balloon-like object was observed descending onto a snow-covered slope.

Article: Rischio Apophis: Una sonda indaga (Apophis Risk: A Probe Investigates)

Written by Giovanni Caprara and published in Corriere della Sera on March 1, 2008, this article discusses the potential threat posed by the asteroid Apophis. While astronomers are still assessing the risk, the private organization The Planetary Society has launched an initiative to fund a probe to study Apophis. They have awarded a prize to SpaceWorks Engineering of Atlanta for their "Foresight" project, which involves an economical probe launching in 2012 and orbiting Apophis for at least 300 days starting in 2013. The probe will use a laser to scan the surface and transmit data to help determine the asteroid's trajectory and potentially devise a plan to deflect it. Apophis, measuring 330 meters long and 210 meters wide, is predicted to pass within 29,470 kilometers of Earth in 2029, and a more dangerous encounter is calculated for 2036, with a 1 in 45,000 probability of collision. An impact would release an energy of 400 megatons. The article notes that space agencies are monitoring Apophis but have not yet initiated intervention plans. It also mentions various deflection techniques being studied, including gravitational tractors and using solar mirrors to heat the asteroid and create gas jets for propulsion. The article also references the Tunguska event as a reminder of the reality of asteroid threats.

Article: L'iceberg gigante: 7 volte Manhattan (The Giant Iceberg: 7 Times Manhattan)

This short report from March 27, 2008, states that Antarctica has lost a massive block of ice measuring 570 square kilometers, attributing it to global warming.

Television Segment: "Siamo vicini alla concreta possibilità di abbandonare il nostro pianeta" (We are close to the concrete possibility of abandoning our planet)

This segment from Televideo RAI on March 15, 2008, features astronaut Umberto Guidoni. Guidoni predicts that within a few decades, humanity will be able to navigate interplanetary space, fulfilling Konstantin Tsiolkowski's vision of Earth as a "cradle" for humanity. He describes this goal as "much closer than one might think."

Article: E morto Arthur Clarke, inventò «2001 Odissea nello spazio» (Arthur Clarke is Dead, He Invented '2001: A Space Odyssey')

This obituary from Corriere della Sera on March 19, 2008, commemorates the death of Sir Arthur C. Clarke at the age of 90 in Sri Lanka. It highlights his significant contributions to science fiction, including '2001: A Space Odyssey' (which inspired Kubrick's film), '2010', '3001', and numerous short stories. The article notes his early interest in astronomy and his innovative ideas, such as the concept of geostationary satellites for global communication. It also touches upon a personal scandal involving a tabloid report about his move to Sri Lanka. Clarke's work is described as exploring the universe and posing more questions than answers, often delving into mystical and silent realms.

Book Review: UNIVERSO ORGANICO e l'utopia Reale (Organic Universe and the Real Utopia)

This section reviews a book titled "UNIVERSO ORGANICO e l'utopia Reale" by Biuliana Cantone. The book is described as exploring a single force that unites infinite worlds, moves stars, and touches the human heart, identifying it as "Life." It suggests that the "real utopia" is becoming possible as the "dark side" that has controlled the world diminishes, making way for the "luminous side" that brings freedom and consciousness of immortality. The book is 256 pages, 13.5x20.5 cm, and costs €20.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, extraterrestrial contact, and related phenomena. It also covers space exploration, scientific advancements, and potential cosmic threats like asteroids. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into these subjects, acknowledging the growing public interest and the need for serious discussion, while also reporting on scientific and technological developments in space. There is a clear admiration for science fiction writers like Arthur C. Clarke who have shaped public perception of these topics.