UFO Rama - No 200 - Maggio 2018

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-RAMA
Issue: Nr. 200
Date: May 2018
Type: Bulletin of Ufology from Italy and the World

Editorial

The editorial celebrates the 200th issue of UFO-RAMA, a publication that has consistently provided information on the UFO phenomenon since December 1997, despite numerous difficulties. This year, RETE-UFO presented at the XXVI World Symposium on UFOs on the topic of UFOs and nuclear armaments, including a tribute to George Adamski, who first linked extraterrestrial visits to atomic explosions. The editorial highlights that declassified intelligence documents from the 1970s demonstrate a precise relationship between UFO sightings and atomic structures, such as military bases and nuclear power plants. Recent chronicles also report sightings of unidentified craft above atomic installations, serving as a warning for the peaceful use of atomic forces. The editorial concludes with 'Buona Lettura' (Happy Reading).

Rediscovery of Schiaparelli's Martian Maps

The article "IL PIONIERE LA SCOPERTA Mappe marziane" reports on the rediscovery of two detailed Martian maps created by Giovanni Schiaparelli in 1888 at the Politecnico di Milano's newly inaugurated historical library. These maps were made during a close planetary opposition, allowing for more effective observation with the new Merz-Repsold telescope. Schiaparelli's observations highlighted the famous 'canals' of Mars, which fueled speculation about Martian life. Federico Bucci, head of cultural policies at the Politecnico, stated that these documents, along with Schiaparelli's manuscript notes for students, are unpublished. Agnese Mandrino, head of the Brera Observatory's historical archive, described the sketches as significant, particularly for representing Schiaparelli's observations of the 'duplication' of canals, a phenomenon he noted in his diary as curious and unexplained. While his official reports to the Accademia dei Lincei were cautious, his 1895 book 'La vita sul pianeta Marte' explored the possibility of life on Mars. The geometric patterns in the canals, as depicted in the drawings, led to interpretations of sophisticated hydraulic engineering, influencing American astronomer Percival Lowell. Lowell, who built an observatory in Arizona to study Mars, believed Martians were 'more intelligent than terrestrials.' Schiaparelli's drawings, compiled for the rector Francesco Brioschi, summarized his findings. The article notes that Schiaparelli began observing canal duplication in 1884 with a smaller telescope and that the new Merz-Repsold telescope enabled him to confirm his 'gemination' theory. He observed changes in the planet's color and hypothesized that large channels transferred water from the poles during seasonal thaws. His correspondence with Lowell, starting in 1896, led to the term 'canal' being translated into English, where it implied artificial structures, further fueling the idea of an inhabited Mars. The article concludes by acknowledging that Schiaparelli's observations were likely an optical illusion but that the allure of these Martian landscapes continues to inspire imagination.

UFOs and Atomic Bases: A Secret Report

The article "INCONTRI RAVVICINATI CON BASI ATOMICHE" investigates the serious attention given by the Pentagon and CIA to UFO appearances over secret bases. It questions whether UFOs are mere 'popular fantasy' and notes that while US authorities officially deny the existence of extraterrestrial visitors, their actions suggest otherwise. The article details incidents in late October and early November 1975, where luminous objects of varying shapes and sizes descended close to the ground over atomic missile silos on US bases, evading military pursuit. These sightings were reported not by casual observers but by military officials, radar operators, and special alarm teams. The descriptions are contained in a secret report from the US Department of Defense, which was eventually released due to a Freedom of Information Act request by the private organization 'Ground Saucer Watch.'

• Key incidents mentioned include:
• November 7, 1975: Captain Thomas W. O'Brien of Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana reported a luminous object hovering near an atomic silo, emitting red and white lights.
• October 31: A KC-135 aircraft spotted a UFO over Wutrhsmith Air Force Base in Michigan and attempted pursuit.
• Loring Air Force Base, Maine: A KC-135 was dispatched against a UFO near atomic silos, but the object disappeared towards Canada.

The Defense Department issued a secret circular advising officials to remain silent and not link the mysterious objects to atomic silos. The CIA, despite claiming disinterest in UFOs since the 1950s, was compelled to provide a 900-page report to Ground Saucer Watch, detailing sightings up to 1977. Todd Zechel, director of 'Citizens Against UFO Secrecy,' claims that authorities are hiding significant information, including the alleged downing of a UFO and the recovery of two extraterrestrial bodies. William Spaulding, engineer and director of Ground Saucer Watch, adds that the CIA holds 57 extraterrestrial objects. Both Spaulding and Zechel believe the truth is imminent.

Technology: Enel's New Drones for Power Plant Surveillance

The article "Enel lancia i nuovi droni per sorvegliare le centrali" reports on Enel's implementation of a new high-tech drone system for its power plants, starting with the Torrevaldaliga Nord coal-fired power station in Civitavecchia. Developed in collaboration with Israeli startups Convexum and Percepto, the platform uses drones equipped with sensors and cameras for anomaly detection, as well as for monitoring and protecting the facility. Convexum has also developed a system to prevent unauthorized drones from entering the plant's security zone, capable of hacking into intruder drones and guiding them to a safe landing.

UFO Sightings Around the World

"Ufo stargate in Cina”: misterioso oggetto volante a Jinan
This section reports on a mysterious unidentified flying object sighted in the skies over Jinan, the capital of Shandong province in eastern China, on August 13th. A video of the strange, flat, rectangular craft was shared online, sparking speculation about it being a 'flying carpet' or a 'stargate.' The article dismisses these as fanciful, suggesting an optical illusion is a more realistic explanation.

• Other Sightings:
• Columbia Britannica, Canada: A luminous ball was observed moving in the sky at night, hiding behind trees. The green color is attributed to night-vision camera effects.
• Manurewa, New Zealand: A video shared on YouTube shows a strange fiery object, with the author ruling out an aircraft due to its ability to hover motionless.

Valmalenco: A Valley of Mysteries
The article "«Ho visto una palla di luce bianca e blu in cielo»" details a series of UFO sightings in Valmalenco, Italy, involving six witnesses. Michel Nana, owner of the Mirage hotel, and five Enel employees reported seeing a pulsating white and blue light sphere. The object moved erratically, reportedly caused a blackout in a part of the town of Chiesa, and then disappeared at high speed. The witnesses filed a report with the Carabinieri. An entrepreneur present in the area also reported seeing the object and managed to take photos and film it. The Valmalenco region is described as a 'land of X-files' due to previous similar sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-RAMA are the persistent investigation into UFO phenomena, the potential links between UFOs and sensitive military installations (particularly atomic bases), historical astronomical observations (specifically Mars), and modern technological advancements like drones. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting documented reports and historical accounts while acknowledging the speculative nature of some interpretations. There's a clear emphasis on information dissemination and a critical approach to official denials, as evidenced by the discussion of declassified documents and the pursuit of transparency by organizations like Ground Saucer Watch. The magazine also highlights the enduring human fascination with the unknown, whether it's the possibility of life on other planets or unexplained aerial phenomena.