UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 01

Magazine Overview

This is the inaugural issue of "UFO - Rivista di Informazione Ufologica," a semi-annual publication by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.), dated June 1986. The magazine aims to provide specialized information on the UFO phenomenon, distinguishing itself from sensationalist publications by focusing on recent, unpublished, and primarily Italian material. The issue features a variety of articles, including case studies, analyses of sighting waves, and discussions on the scientific approach to ufology.

Editorial: Why an 'Information Magazine on Ufology'?

The editorial explains the rationale behind launching the magazine, filling a void in Italian ufological publications since 1980. It targets readers already interested in ufology who wish to deepen their knowledge, as well as journalists, the curious, and scientific researchers. The magazine pledges to avoid sensationalism and recycled stories, instead aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the phenomenon, with a focus on Italian investigations and research. It emphasizes a rigorous, critical, and neutral approach, acknowledging that ufology is not yet a science but aspires to be one. The editorial highlights the importance of scientific methodology and rejects both blind faith and outright scientific ostracism of the subject. It distinguishes between identified flying objects (IFO) and unidentified flying objects (UFO), stating that all sightings, regardless of their eventual explanation (natural phenomena, experimental aircraft, or extraterrestrial visitors), deserve study.

Articles and Features:

• UFO nel Trevigiano (UFO in the Treviso area) by Antonio Chiumiento: This article details a close encounter of the second kind in Volpago del Montello, where a witness reported a dark mass, red spirals, and a conical light beam, which caused a temperature drop in a chicken coop. The phenomenon is analyzed for its environmental effects.

• Dal Mito alla Ricerca (From Myth to Research) by Paolo Toselli: This piece discusses the evolution of ufology, from early reports of 'flying saucers' to contemporary research. Toselli critiques the speculative nature of many UFO hypotheses and the public's tendency to equate UFOs with extraterrestrial visitors. He emphasizes the need for a rigorous, scientific approach to distinguish between 'noise' (misidentifications, hoaxes) and 'signal' (genuinely unexplained phenomena).

• Quarant'anni di Atterraggi UFO (Forty Years of UFO Landings) by Maurizio Verga: This article provides an overview of 450 Italian close encounter cases, analyzing their distribution, characteristics, and the reliability of the data. It highlights the importance of the witness and the environmental context in classifying encounters, noting a shift in descriptions over time and the challenges posed by the quality of available data.

• 1985: Analisi di un'Ondata (1985: Analysis of a Wave) by Edoardo Russo: Russo examines the significant UFO wave in Italy during 1985, analyzing media coverage and witness reports. He suggests that the wave was more influenced by sociological factors and the active role of ufologists in disseminating information than by a genuine increase in anomalous phenomena. The article notes the shift from purely technological descriptions in earlier cases to more complex narratives involving environmental effects and entities in recent ones.

• Un'allucinazione? (An Hallucination?): This section discusses the possibility of a witness experiencing an hallucination, referencing common patterns in hallucinatory experiences (grids, cobwebs, tunnels, spirals) and the psychological factors that might contribute to such perceptions. However, it cautions against dismissing reports solely on this basis.

• Il Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (The Italian Center for Ufological Studies): This section introduces C.I.S.U., an association dedicated to the scientific study of the UFO phenomenon. It outlines the organization's goals, including promoting UFO research, facilitating information exchange, coordinating data collection, and conducting investigations. It also details the center's activities, such as case investigation, archival work, information dissemination, and study.

• Selected Cases: Brief descriptions of specific Italian UFO cases are presented, including:
• Casale (AL) 1974: A report of a luminous object with a transparent dome and figures inside.
• Sturno 1977: A complex case involving a tall being, a cylindrical object, and circular imprints found on the ground.
• Alessandria 1978: An encounter involving a cigar-shaped object causing damage to a cornfield.
• Varzi 1983: A sighting of a dome-shaped object with distinct sections and lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes a scientific and analytical approach to ufology, aiming to move beyond myth and speculation. It highlights the importance of rigorous data collection, investigation, and analysis, distinguishing between identified and unidentified phenomena. The role of media and ufologists in shaping public perception of UFOs is a recurring theme, with a call for more critical and informed reporting. The C.I.S.U.'s commitment to scientific methodology and its various research activities underscore the magazine's stance on treating ufology as a serious field of study, albeit one that is still developing and requires careful investigation.

This issue of the magazine, identified as issue number 18, focuses on the theme of "Strange Traces on the Ground" (STRANE TRACCE AL SUOLO), with a specific section dedicated to "The 'Grooves' of Brescia" (I 'solchi' di Brescia). It delves into various unexplained phenomena, primarily in Italy, including ground traces, pilot sightings, and close encounters.

"Strange Traces on the Ground" and the "Grooves" of Brescia

The lead article, "Strange Traces on the Ground," discusses cases that, while not directly fitting the typical UFO criteria, share characteristics with UFO phenomena. These include ground traces, instrumental anomalies (like magnetic readings), photos of strange objects, and sightings of animated entities. The article highlights the difficulty in establishing a direct link between these phenomena and UFOs, especially when they lack the primary characteristic of a UFO sighting.

It then details the "Grooves" of Brescia case, which began on June 1, 1985, when a farmer in Rezzato (Brescia) discovered strange, large, greyish imprints in his cornfield. These imprints were later investigated by ufologists from the CISU. The traces were described as two groups of grooves, one with three arms and another with five, radiating outwards. The grooves varied in depth and width, with some edges appearing sharp and others irregular. Initial observations noted a greyish color, which subsequent analysis revealed to be a fine dust containing aluminum and magnesium, possibly indicating a high-temperature chemical reaction.

Chemical analyses conducted by Andrea Micela in Turin and Marcel Delaval at the Euratom Research Center in Ispra confirmed the presence of aluminum, magnesium, and traces of uranium. While radioactivity levels were normal, a higher concentration of calcium was found in the trace area compared to the surrounding soil. The article speculates on possible explanations, including the effects of weather and human interference.

Other Cases and Sightings

The issue also presents several collateral cases: a sighting on May 22, 1985, near Rezzato, of a large, round, grey object with two red lights; a sighting on May 31, 1985, of an orange light descending rapidly; and a case from April 14, 1985, near Aviano, where two individuals reported seeing two wide, grey, helmeted figures by the roadside, accompanied by unusual fog and engine failure. Another case from August 4, 1985, in Oderzo, describes a couple witnessing a short, silver-suited being being 'sucked up' by a hovering disc.

A circular imprint case from Castions di Zoppola (Pordenone) is also detailed, where a pilot spotted a large circular area in a cornfield. The investigation revealed flattened plants and two smaller 'holes' outside the main circle. The explanation offered by the landowner involved a malfunctioning irrigation system, though the article suggests this might not fully account for all observed phenomena.

UFOs and Pilots: An Interview with Richard Haines

An extensive interview with Dr. Richard Haines, a psychologist specializing in human factors in aviation, explores UFO sightings by pilots. Haines, who works at NASA's Ames Research Center, emphasizes the reliability of pilot reports due to their training, psychological stability, and access to sensors. He discusses his research methodology, which involves building trust with witnesses and analyzing data from various sources, including historical archives like the 'Project Blue Book.'

Haines distinguishes between the physical characteristics of day and night UFO sightings, noting that night sightings often involve small lights, while daytime sightings tend to be disc-shaped objects with metallic surfaces. He highlights the phenomenon of 'frontal approaches' where UFOs approach aircraft rapidly before veering away, suggesting a possible 'deception strategy' or a natural phenomenon involving high energy concentrations.

The "Italia 3" Project and CE3 Classification

The "Progetto Italia 3" (Project Italy 3), initiated in 1981 by the Roman UFO research group "Documenti UFO," aimed to study Close Encounters of the Third Kind (CE3) in Italy. The article explains the classification system for CE3 cases, developed by Ted Bloecher and David Webb, categorizing them from direct association with a UFO (Type A) to isolated entity sightings without a UFO (Type E). It also touches upon 'abductions' (CE4).

The issue presents statistics on Italian CE3 cases, noting peaks in 1954 and 1978-79, correlating with major UFO waves. It discusses the challenges of analyzing subjective witness accounts and the potential for misinterpretation or psychological factors. The article also touches upon the broader context of UFO phenomena, suggesting potential links to other unexplained experiences like 'Marian apparitions' and near-death experiences.

The Case of Oderzo

This section details a specific incident in Oderzo on August 4, 1985, where a couple reported seeing a short, silver-suited being and a hovering disc. The being was seemingly absorbed by the object, which then ascended vertically. The witnesses, a physicist and his wife, were understandably shaken and wished to forget the experience, a common reaction among CE3 witnesses.

The Passing of J. Allen Hynek

The magazine commemorates the death of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an American astronomer and a pioneer in scientific UFO research, at the age of 76. Hynek is credited with coining the term "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and played a significant role in the "Project Blue Book." His work aimed to bring a scientific approach to UFO investigation, and he founded the "Center for UFO Studies" (CUFOS). The article highlights his transition from skepticism to a belief in the reality of the UFO phenomenon and his efforts to encourage scientific inquiry.

CISU Activities

Details are provided about the activities of the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), including its permanent telephone information service for UFO sightings and its extensive archives, which contain reports, newspaper clippings, and publications related to UFO phenomena. The CISU's organizational structure and key personnel are also listed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes a scientific and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, distinguishing between reliable witness accounts and speculative theories. It highlights the importance of rigorous investigation, data collection, and the application of scientific methodologies. The magazine appears to be critical of sensationalism and advocates for a more professional and evidence-based understanding of UFOs. There is a recurring theme of distinguishing between different types of UFO-related experiences, such as ground traces, pilot sightings, and close encounters, and exploring potential explanations ranging from natural phenomena to unknown technological sources. The editorial stance supports continued research and the open-minded investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Title: SOFTEC COMPUTER
Issue Identifier: CONTENUTI CHE PESANO
Publisher: SOFTEC COMPUTER S.r.l.
Country of Publication: Italy
Original Language: Italian

This issue of Softec Computer, under the headline 'CONTENUTI CHE PESANO' (Content That Weighs), focuses on the critical aspects of choosing and utilizing Personal Computers effectively. It argues that beyond mere technical specifications like memory and price, the true value of a PC lies in understanding what needs to be processed, the appropriate software, and the availability of expert assistance. Softec Computer presents itself as a reliable partner in this decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of its experience and the productivity that a well-chosen system can bring.

Softec Computer's Expertise and Services

The publication highlights Softec Computer's long-standing commitment, spanning over 15 years, as a company specializing in software development and services. A key offering mentioned is the organization of periodic, multi-level training courses designed to provide comprehensive information on principal application programs. This dedication to user education underscores their commitment to ensuring clients can fully leverage their technology investments.

Previously Conducted Seminars

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to listing seminars that Softec Computer has already conducted, showcasing their breadth of expertise and the diverse needs they cater to. These seminars cover a wide array of software applications:

Software Applicativo Gestionale (Management Application Software) * Integrated management programs for multi-user systems. * Modules for general accounting, VAT, client and supplier management. * Sales management, invoicing, and inventory control.

Software Applicativo di Office Automation (Office Automation Application Software) * SUPERWINDOW: A user-friendly database. * WRITING ASSISTANT: For text processing. * GRAPHIC ASSISTANT: For creating management graphics. * LOTUS 1-2-3: A spreadsheet program for budget elaboration.

Software Applicativo Tecnico (Technical Application Software) * GEM: A graphic environment for IBM PCs. * MAC PAINT - MAC DRAW: Graphics software for Macintosh computers. * PC-APT: A programming language for C/N machines.

The Importance of Content and Assistance

The main editorial message, encapsulated in the cover headline, stresses that the 'content' – the software and the ability to use it effectively – is what truly gives a Personal Computer its weight and value. The text explicitly states that choosing a PC requires clear ideas about what one wishes to process, with which programs, and with what kind of support. It posits that the complete reliability and experience of the vendor are paramount for a truly productive purchase. Softec Computer positions itself as that essential partner.

Company Information and Contact

The issue provides contact details for Softec Computer's main offices:

• Torino (Direction and Sales): Via Juvarra, 24, 10122 Torino. Tel: (011) 535449 - 542592.
• Milano (Sales Branch): Viale Jenner, 23, 20159 Milano. Tel: (02) 603721 (auto-registered).

Information Request

An inquiry form is included for interested parties to request information about Softec's seminars without obligation. It asks for Name, Address, City, Company, Sector, and Telephone number.

Partnerships

The issue visually features logos for 'COMPUTERS.r.l.', 'IBM PERSONAL COMPUTER', and 'Apple Center', indicating Softec Computer's role as a dealer or partner for these major technology brands.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the practical application of Personal Computers in business and technical fields, the crucial role of software, and the importance of user training and reliable vendor support. The editorial stance is clearly that of an experienced, service-oriented company aiming to guide customers towards informed and productive technology investments, rather than just selling hardware. The emphasis is on partnership and long-term value.