UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO, Rivista di Informazione Ufologica, is dated June 1987 and is Volume II, Number 3. It is published by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.) and edited by Gianni Settimo, with Gian Paolo Grassino and Edoardo Russo coordinating the editorial content. The cover features an atmospheric illustration of trees against a bright light, with the headline "UFO E TRAMONTO" (UFO and Sunset).

The editorial notes the 40th anniversary of the first UFO sighting in the USA on June 24, 1947, and mentions upcoming events and a 'Week of Ufological Information' organized by C.I.S.U. The issue focuses on historical cases, specifically the 'ghost rockets' observed in Scandinavia in the summer of 1946, rather than the Arnold case. It also includes a close encounter with ground traces from 1978, a general overview of 1986 cases, and theoretical studies on the correlation between UFOs and sunset, as well as the use of UFOs in advertising.

Articles

UFO E TRAMONTO (UFO and Sunset) by Enrico Bernieri

Enrico Bernieri, a physicist and researcher at the National Institute for Nuclear Physics, discusses his work on 'quantitative ufology,' focusing on the statistical analysis of sightings. He presents a study correlating the time of UFO sightings with sunset times, observed in Emilia Romagna and Campania. The analysis suggests a relationship where the average monthly sighting times seem to follow the sunset times throughout the year. Graphs illustrate this comparison for the Emilia Romagna and Campania regions. Bernieri explains that this correlation was investigated using statistical methods to find constants within ufological phenomena, comparing internal and external parameters. He notes that for Emilia Romagna, data from Gianfranco Neri's catalogs were used, excluding 'Close Encounters' to focus on 'Night Lights' and 'Day Discs.' For Campania, data was collected from local researchers. Further analysis extended to Piedmont and Tuscany, confirming the strong correlation between average sighting times and sunset, with a time lag.

Bernieri proposes an interpretation for this correlation: the visibility of luminous phenomena depends on the contrast between light and background, which increases after sunset. Additionally, the number of potential observers also correlates with sunset time, as more people are generally active in the evenings. He suggests that the product of these two effects (contrast and observer numbers) influences the number of sightings. He also mentions that this correlation was independently discovered by others and that simple methodological rules can guide research.

EFFETTI SULLA VEGETAZIONE (Effects on Vegetation) by Antonio Chiumiento

This article details a close encounter case from Vallenoncello, near Pordenone, Italy, that occurred on August 2, 1978. The witness, a villa custodian, reported seeing a luminous object descending and rotating. The object, described as an oval of light, illuminated the surroundings with a bluish-white glow. Despite the intense light, it was not blinding. The witness noted a 'whooshing' sound as the object neared the ground. The following day, a burnt area approximately two meters in diameter was found on the lawn, with a reddish color and scattered with a dark, gelatinous substance that felt cold. The substance was preserved but later discarded. Over time, anomalous vegetation growth was observed in the affected area. Soil samples were analyzed, revealing an unusual presence of calcium, suggesting foreign elements. The article concludes that while physical traces are rare in UFO cases, they offer a potential link between ufology and scientific analysis, though definitive proof of unknown artifacts remains elusive.

LE FRONTIERE DELL'UFOLOGIA (The Frontiers of Ufology) by Hilary Evans

Hilary Evans, a librarian and writer, emphasizes the need for an interdisciplinary approach to ufology. He argues that understanding UFO phenomena requires looking beyond ufology itself to related fields like meteorology, psychology, sociology, and mythology. Evans highlights that many natural phenomena are mistaken for UFOs, and the nature of the universe is full of surprises. He discusses the importance of distinguishing between phenomena that are merely unexplained and those that might be genuinely anomalous. Evans also touches upon the psychological aspects of witness testimony, the influence of social factors, and the potential for misinterpretation due to personal biases or cultural conditioning. He suggests that sociological studies, like those on UFO cults, reveal motivations that can affect witness accounts. Furthermore, he notes the connection between UFO sightings and religious experiences, as well as the role of parapsychology and mythology in understanding the broader context of anomalous phenomena.

UFO E PUBBLICITA' (UFO and Advertising) by Paolo Toselli

Paolo Toselli examines the increasing use of UFO imagery and themes in advertising, reflecting a broader societal fascination with the fantastic. He notes that the UFO has become a valuable economic asset, utilized in various forms of media, including cinema, advertising, and television. The article points to the impact of films like Steven Spielberg's 'E.T.' and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' in popularizing UFO imagery. Examples include the Alfa Romeo 'Disco volante' car and Agnesi pasta. Toselli highlights the use of UFOs as a 'brand' by companies like 'UFO Contemporary Inc.' and in products ranging from lighting fixtures to casual clothing. He also discusses the 'Zenith' watch advertising campaign, which associated its timepieces with extraterrestrial visitors, suggesting that advanced technology like Zenith watches would appeal to aliens. The article notes that the use of UFOs in advertising taps into a desire for new frontiers and the unknown, often employing visual elements like luminous spheres and beams of light.

CONVEGNO A LIONE (Conference in Lyon)

This section briefly mentions a recent conference in Lyon, France, with a report curated by one of the magazine's correspondents.

LA CASISTICA 1986 (The 1986 Case Files)

This section provides a general overview and some of the magazine's investigations into the UFO case files from 1986.

I "RAZZI - FANTASMA" DEL 1946 (The "Ghost Rockets" of 1946) by Anders Liljegren

Anders Liljegren discusses the 'ghost rockets' phenomenon observed in Scandinavia in the summer of 1946. This wave of sightings predates the modern UFO era and involved numerous reports of unidentified flying objects, often described as rockets or luminous trails in the sky. The article aims to present this historical wave of sightings as a precursor to later ufological interest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ufology with scientific inquiry, statistical analysis, and historical investigation. There's a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, acknowledging the influence of psychology, sociology, and even mythology on the interpretation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, albeit cautious, investigation, seeking to ground ufological research in empirical data and rigorous analysis, while also acknowledging the limitations and complexities involved. The use of UFO imagery in advertising is presented as a cultural phenomenon reflecting a broader societal interest in the unknown and the fantastic.

Title: OVNI Presenze
Issue: Special Issue (33/34)
Date: December 1985
Publisher: AESV
Country: France
Language: Italian

This special issue of OVNI Presenze, dedicated to Italian ufology, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, its investigation, and its cultural impact.

Advertising and UFOs

The magazine opens by examining the use of UFOs in advertising, highlighting how brands like Zenith watches and Peugeot have employed UFO imagery to enhance their market presence. The article notes that UFOs provide effective advertising material by tapping into the 'ET/UFO fantasy' and associating with concepts of power and perfection. Examples include Zenith's use of UFOs in short films and print ads, and Peugeot's 'Extra-Voiture' campaign featuring a UFO. Other brands like Pioneer, Texas Instruments, and Sony are also mentioned for their use of UFO themes in their advertisements.

French Ufology and its Divisions

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the state of ufology in France, particularly following the 'nouvelle vague' movement. The 'Convegno a Lione' section details a meeting of French ufologists, noting the participation of various 'tendencies' within the field. The article discusses the historical parallels between 19th-century spiritualism and 20th-century ufology, including their rapid expansion, public acceptance versus scientific rejection, and the development of internal 'principal currents' (scientific vs. philosophical/religious). It also touches upon the 'occultism' and 'counter-culture' ideologies sometimes associated with ufology.

The 'UFO E OCCULTISMO' section by Claude Mauge' explores potential convergences between UFO phenomena and occultism, drawing analogies with spiritism, witchcraft, and shamanism, including shared themes like darkness, luminous phenomena, and altered states of consciousness. The 'IL NON IDENTIFICATO' section by Anne Veve analyzes how the concept of the 'unidentified' has evolved in ufology, moving from a simple exclusion from catalogs to a more complex 'X' that defies current frameworks. Veve suggests that the 'unidentified' creates breaches in our understanding of the world and fulfills a vital human need to transcend the known.

Research Projects and Methodologies

The 'IL PROGETTO UNICAT' section discusses the ambitious project by Jacques Scornaux and Joseph Allen Hynek to create a universal catalog of credible UFO sightings. The project, led by Willy Smith, aims to compile cases meeting specific criteria of witness reliability and detailed investigation. The article also touches upon the challenges of statistical proof in ufology and the debate around the 'discernibility' of UFOs from known aerial phenomena (IFO).

'L' INFORMATICA UFOLOGICA' by Denys Breysse critiques early attempts at computerizing UFO data, citing issues with case selection, methodological control, and project scope. The author emphasizes the importance of focusing on quality over quantity, clear objectives, and avoiding apriorisms.

Michel Bougard's 'C' E' IFO E IFO' challenges the traditional distinction between UFOs and IFOs (Identified Flying Objects), proposing a new categorization of IFOs into habitual phenomena and rare, high-altitude events. Bougard argues that studying the latter is crucial for understanding how witnesses identify phenomena as UFOs.

Joel Mesnard's 'UOMINI IN NERO?' examines the phenomenon of 'men in black' and 'one-way communications,' presenting fifteen French cases and questioning whether these aspects should be dismissed or investigated further.

Paolo Toselli's 'LO STEREOTIPO UFOLOGICO' presents findings from experiments with children, exploring how their mental images of UFOs are formed and whether they align with real-world sightings or media influences.

Historical Cases and Investigations

Anders Liljegren's 'I "RAZZI FANTASMA" DEL 1946' details the ongoing research into the 1946 'ghost rocket' wave in Sweden. The article highlights the challenges of accessing historical documents and the ongoing efforts to interview witnesses and analyze data. It discusses the Swedish government's investigation and the eventual release of some documents, while noting the continued secrecy surrounding others. The research aims to clarify the nature of these phenomena, whether they were Soviet missiles, German V-1 or V-2 rockets, or something else entirely.

'I "RAZZI FANTASMA" IN ITALIA' reports on the Italian sightings during the 1946 wave, noting the media coverage and the numerous reports of 'rocket projectiles' and 'flying bombs' across the country. The article also mentions the ongoing 'Operazione origini' project to archive Italian UFO reports from 1946-1954.

'ABDUCTION' NEL BELLUNESE' by Antonio Chiumiento recounts a close encounter of the third kind case from August 1986 involving a couple who reported being abducted by beings in a UFO. The account includes details of the sighting, the alleged abduction experience under hypnosis, and descriptions of the beings and the craft.

Annual Review

The 'PANORAMICA DELL' ANNATA' section provides a statistical overview of UFO sightings in Italy for 1986. It notes a decrease in sightings compared to previous years, with a geographical distribution favoring northern regions. The review details monthly trends and highlights specific events, such as the 'flap' in Milan and close encounters in Rudiano.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a growing interest in the theoretical and historical aspects of ufology, alongside continued investigation into contemporary sightings. There's a clear acknowledgment of the divisions within the ufological community, particularly in France, and an effort to bridge these gaps through interdisciplinary approaches and practical research. The magazine also highlights the challenges of accessing historical data and the importance of rigorous methodology in UFO research. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry and a critical, yet non-dismissive, approach to the phenomenon, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of information.

This issue of Softec Computer magazine, published by Softec Computer s.r.l., focuses on the critical importance of software content and application programs when selecting a Personal Computer, rather than solely on hardware specifications like memory or price. The cover headline, 'CONTENUTI CHE PESANO' (Content that Weighs), encapsulates this theme. The magazine highlights Softec Computer's extensive experience, spanning over 15 years in software development and services, and their commitment to providing comprehensive training.

Key Articles and Content

The Importance of Content Over Hardware

The lead article emphasizes that choosing a Personal Computer should be guided by a clear understanding of what needs to be processed, the specific programs required, and the level of assistance needed. It argues that the reliability and experience of the provider are paramount to ensure the purchase is truly productive. The article suggests that simply having more memory or an attractive price is insufficient.

Softec Computer's Training and Services

Softec Computer positions itself as a partner in this selection process. They offer multi-level training courses designed to provide complete information on principal application programs. The magazine lists several 'Seminari già effettuati' (Seminars already held), showcasing their expertise in various software categories:

• SOFTWARE APPLICATIVO GESTIONALE (Management Application Software): Covering integrated management programs for multi-user systems, general accounting, VAT, clients and suppliers, sales management, invoicing, and warehouse management.
• SOFTWARE APPLICATIVO DI OFFICE AUTOMATION (Office Automation Application Software): Including SUPERWINDOW (a user-friendly database), WRITING ASSISTANT (for text processing), and GRAPHIC ASSISTANT (for creating management graphics).
• Spreadsheet Software: Specifically mentioning LOTUS 1-2-3 for budget elaboration.
• SOFTWARE APPLICATIVO TECNICO (Technical Application Software): Featuring GEM (a graphic environment for IBM PCs), MAC PAINT and MAC DRAW (graphics for Macintosh), and PC-APT (a programming language for C/N machines).

Partnerships and Offerings

The magazine proudly displays its status as an authorized IBM Personal Computer dealer and an Apple Center. This indicates a broad range of hardware and software support capabilities. The publication also includes a form for interested parties to request information about Softec Computer's seminars, asking for details such as Name, Company, City, Sector of Interest, and Telephone number.

Company Information

Softec Computer s.r.l. has its main office and sales department located in Torino at Via Juvarra, 24. They also have a sales branch in Milano at Viale Jenner, 23. Contact numbers are provided for both locations: Torino at (011) 535449-542592 and Milano at (02) 603721.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the emphasis on the value of software and user-specific applications over raw computing power. Softec Computer's editorial stance is that of an experienced, reliable advisor and trainer in the field of personal computing, advocating for informed purchasing decisions based on practical needs and comprehensive support. They position themselves as a complete solution provider, from hardware sales to in-depth software training.