UFO Rama - No 202 - luglio agosto 2018

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-RAMA
Issue: Nr. 202
Date: July-August 2018
Type: UFO and Ufology Bulletin

Editorial: A Call for Environmental Respect and Cosmic Awareness

The editorial section of UFO-RAMA for July-August 2018 opens by noting the coincidence of rising summer temperatures and extreme meteorological phenomena. It frames these events as Earth's 'strong call' to humanity for respect towards creation and the planet. The editorial highlights that religious authorities and scientific communities are contemplating urgent measures to safeguard the habitat, while private contact groups seek to establish connections with other intelligences for solutions to Earth's problems.

It references past accounts of 'contactees' and 'operators' who claimed to have been aboard flying saucers, emphasizing that humanity must not passively await 'supernal' aid but actively strive to earn it. This involves immediate action to end the race for nuclear armaments and to combat the pollution of the anthropized environment. The editorial acknowledges the incessant, worldwide sightings of unidentified flying objects, which defy statistics and cataloging, suggesting that this presence should not cause fear but should not lead to underestimating the gravity of the environmental problem.

Ultimately, the editorial calls for a collective and individual contribution of thought and, above all, good conduct to safeguard Earth, described as a 'small blue marble' lost in the immensity of the cosmos. It concludes with a wish for 'good reading'.

Article: "Aliens don't show themselves": Three Oxford scientists agree with Enrico Fermi

This article, by James Hansen, discusses the implications of the Fermi Paradox and a recent study by three Oxford University researchers (Anders Sandberg, Eric Drexler, and Tod Ord) from the Future of Humanity Institute. The study re-examines the variables of the Drake Equation in light of nearly sixty years of astronomical advancements.

The Fermi Paradox: The article begins by explaining Enrico Fermi's famous question from the 1950s: "Where is everybody?" Fermi calculated that if extraterrestrial life capable of interstellar travel existed, they should have populated the galaxy by now. The fact that they haven't is the "Fermi Paradox."

The Drake Equation: It then introduces the Drake Equation, formulated by astronomer Frank Drake, which attempts to estimate the number of communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way. The equation involves variables such as the rate of star formation, the proportion of stars with planets, the number of planets that could support life, the probability of life developing, the emergence of intelligence, and the duration of communicative civilizations.

The Oxford Study: The core of the article is the Oxford study, which, by reassessing the Drake Equation's variables with current astronomical knowledge, suggests "a substantial probability that we are alone in our galaxy." If this is true, the solution to the Fermi Paradox is simple: aliens don't show themselves because they don't exist.

Implications: The researchers interpret that intelligent life is likely extremely rare in our galaxy and possibly the observable universe. This implies that humanity is alone and perhaps more precious and important than previously thought.

Historical Context: The article notes that the idea of aliens has become part of popular culture, especially since the mid-20th century, with numerous reports of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters. However, the scientific basis for the belief in widespread extraterrestrial intelligence is now being questioned.

Article: "In the Universe we are not alone": Hunting for extraterrestrial life

This article by Tommaso Strambi celebrates World UFO Day and features an interview with astrophysicist Andrea Tiengo from the IUSS of Pavia.

What is a UFO? The article defines a UFO as an Unidentified Flying Object, encompassing sightings of objects or lights that cannot be identified as natural or man-made phenomena.

Professor Tiengo's Perspective: Andrea Tiengo, who teaches astrophysics, states that in his career, analyzing satellite and telescope data, he has never found concrete evidence of aliens. He recounts an instance where an object appeared to move erratically at incredible speed, but it turned out to be a satellite artifact, not an alien craft.

World UFO Day: The article mentions that World UFO Day, established in 2001, is celebrated on July 2nd each year to encourage reflection on the possibility that humanity is not alone in the universe.

Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life: Tiengo expresses that he would be surprised if life had *only* developed on Earth, suggesting it's highly probable elsewhere. He teaches a course on the scientific search for extraterrestrial life, emphasizing that the challenge is not *if* it exists, but *how* to find scientific proof.

Future Prospects: He anticipates significant progress in studying moons of Jupiter and Saturn, Martian subsurface, and exoplanet atmospheres, but acknowledges that these efforts might be in vain. He finds the idea of aliens visiting in flying saucers, as depicted in science fiction, more difficult to approach scientifically, requiring imagination and luck.

The Roswell Incident: The article briefly touches upon the 71st anniversary of the Roswell incident in New Mexico (July 2, 1947), describing it as the most famous UFO sighting, involving the alleged crash of a balloon probe and subsequent claims of UFO wreckage and alien bodies recovered by the US military.

Data on Sightings: A graphic shows regional UFO sightings in Italy from 2001 to 2016, with Tuscany leading at 15%, followed by Lombardy and Lazio at 12% and 11% respectively. Another section notes that Italy has had 459 suspicious UFO reports, with the first dating back to 1972. It also contrasts data from the National Ufological Center with that of the Air Force, showing differing numbers of reported sightings.

Interview: Guy Consolmagno - "But if there were intelligent life, would it have God's 'sense of God'?"

This interview with Guy Consolmagno, a Jesuit astronomer and director of the Vatican Observatory, explores the implications of discovering extraterrestrial life from a theological and philosophical perspective.

Impact of Discovery: Consolmagno believes that finding microbial life on Mars would be less emotionally impactful than receiving an intelligent signal from SETI. For the general public, the discovery of extraterrestrial life would be exciting, offering a chance to compare it with Earth life. However, he notes that the vast distances involved mean interstellar communication would take centuries, making direct interaction unlikely.

Theological Considerations: He posits that if intelligent extraterrestrial beings exist, they would likely be aware of themselves and possess a capacity for love or ignorance, similar to humans. The key theological question, he suggests, is whether these beings would have a "sense of God" and how they would relate to the divine. He believes God is the God of the entire universe, encompassing all space, time, and potentially other universes.

"Image and Likeness of God": Consolmagno reflects on the concept of humans being made in the "image and likeness of God." He questions how this applies to other intelligent beings and suggests that if they are aware of God, they should be loved as creatures of the Creator, just as we love our fellow humans.

Environmentalism and Faith: The interview connects the discovery of extraterrestrial life with the broader theme of environmental stewardship, echoing the encyclical "Laudato si'." Consolmagno implies that understanding our place in a vast, potentially populated universe should deepen our appreciation for Earth and our responsibility towards it.

Article: "Aliens, we know how to do it..."

This article reports on a UFO conference held at Dreamland, an ecovillage in the Parco la Mandria, near Fiano, Italy, on June 23rd.

Local UFO Sightings: The article notes recent UFO sightings in the Canavese region, which have generated significant public interest, despite denials from the aeronautics sector. These events have led to several meetings on the subject.

Dreamland's Ufology Studies: Ufologist Dario Giacoletto attended a seminar in Ritornato, and the following day, at Dreamland, enthusiasts gathered for a conference titled "Aliens Among Us." The ecovillage, led by Rosalba Nattero and Giancarlo Barbadoro, has a long-standing interest in ufology, studying it from anthropological, humanistic, and scientific perspectives.

Broader Definition of 'Alien': The concept of 'alien' explored at Dreamland extends beyond extraterrestrial beings to encompass any mental structure that differs from the human norm.

Research Group Announcement: A research group formed at Fiano announced their intention to pursue independent research and application to make contact with aliens, citing government cover-ups regarding UFO phenomena. They claim to have the "tools" and "know-how" to achieve this contact.

Related Sightings: The article also briefly mentions a UFO sighting in Corio and another in Avigliana, with reports of a "black triangle" UFO with two flanking lights observed over Avigliana. These reports are being investigated.

Article: Parolin: To save the Earth, it is urgent to change our lifestyle

This article by Gianni Cardinale reports on a conference in Rome on the third anniversary of Pope Francis's encyclical "Laudato si'."

Cardinal Parolin's Address: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, emphasized that neglecting the Earth and creation leads to the abuse of human life and pushes the world to the brink of catastrophe. He called for an urgent change in humanity's sense of progress, economic management, and lifestyle.

Integral Ecology: The conference, promoted by the Dicastery for the Integral Human Development, brought together politicians, scholars, and representatives of indigenous cultures to discuss "saving our common home and the future of the earth." Parolin reiterated the encyclical's message of integral ecology, stressing that humanity and nature are intrinsically linked and that humanity's vocation is to "cultivate and maintain" the Earth, not to dominate or devastate it.

The Question of the Future: The conference began with children from the Nomadelfia community posing the fundamental question: "What kind of world do we want to leave to those who will come after us, to the children who are growing up?"

Urgency and Collective Action: Father Josh Kureethadam highlighted the "urgency" of the situation, stating that for too long, the care of the common home has been left to "big players." He stressed the importance of small, everyday actions by individuals, comparing them to drops of water that form an ocean.

Global Responsibility: Cardinal Peter Turkson warned that the planet is "falling into ruin" and that time is running out. He stated that the current generation has an "immense responsibility to save our common home" and that failure to change economic systems will condemn future generations.

Youth Environmental Activism: The event featured young environmental activists from around the world, including Jade Hameister, who holds a record for being the youngest person to complete the "Polar hat trick" (North Pole, Greenland, and South Pole).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue of UFO-RAMA consistently weaves together themes of ufology, the search for extraterrestrial life, and pressing environmental concerns. The editorial strongly advocates for environmental responsibility, linking it to a broader respect for creation and a call to action against pollution and destructive practices. The articles on the Fermi Paradox and the Drake Equation reflect a scientific skepticism regarding the prevalence of intelligent alien life, suggesting humanity might be alone. However, the magazine also acknowledges the public's fascination with UFOs and the ongoing efforts to find evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence. The interview with Guy Consolmagno adds a theological dimension, exploring how the discovery of alien life would impact religious beliefs. The overall stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, balancing scientific evidence with philosophical and spiritual considerations, while emphasizing humanity's responsibility towards its own planet.