UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO
Subtitle: Rivista di Informazione Ufologica
Issue: Anno II N. 4
Date: Dicembre 1987
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.)
Price: L. 5.000

This issue of the Italian ufology magazine "UFO" from December 1987 is dedicated to exploring public opinion on UFOs and presenting detailed case studies.

Editorial Introduction

The editorial highlights 1987 as a significant year for ufology, marked by numerous international congresses, including one organized by C.I.S.U. in Turin. A key initiative discussed is a major opinion poll conducted by the DOXA institute, asking Italians about their beliefs regarding UFOs, their potential nature, and whether they have witnessed any sightings. The editorial also emphasizes the importance of studying sighting cases as the foundation for qualitative and quantitative analysis. It mentions specific articles focusing on a detailed analysis of a humanoid encounter case from 1962 and a quantitative study of over 150 sightings of a luminous object with a trail from 1983. The issue also features international perspectives from Spain and Canada, and a critical examination of the geophysical hypothesis of Persinger. Finally, the editorial notes the magazine's slight delay due to graphical improvements and announces a change in publication schedule to April and October starting in 1988.

Table of Contents

• UFO: COSA NE PENSANO GLI ITALIANI (What Do Italians Think About UFOs?) by Edoardo Russo
• UMANOIDI A BOLOGNA (Humanoids in Bologna) by Paolo Fiorino and Gian Paolo Grassino
• GLI ATTERRAGGI IBERICI (Iberian Landings) by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos
• UN "ORDIGNO EXTRATERRESTRE" SULL'ITA IA? (An "Extraterrestrial Device" Over Italy?) by Paolo Toselli
• CONGRESSO INTERNAZIONALE A TORINO (International Congress in Turin)
• INCONTRI RAVVICINATI IN ITALIA (Close Encounters in Italy)
• L'IPOTESI GEOFISICA (The Geophysical Hypothesis) by Chris Rutkowski

UFO: COSA NE PENSANO GLI ITALIANI (What Do Italians Think About UFOs?)

This article presents the findings of a survey conducted by the Istituto Doxa in May 1987, commissioned by C.I.S.U., involving 1850 adults across Italy. The survey aimed to gauge public awareness and beliefs about UFOs.

Key Findings:

• Existence of UFOs: Nearly one-fifth (19%) of adult Italians believe UFOs exist, while over half (53%) believe they do not. 24% are uncertain or do not express an opinion, and only 4% have never heard of UFOs.
• Nature of UFOs: Of those who believe in UFOs, 70% attribute them to extraterrestrial origins, 15% to terrestrial origins, and 14% are undecided. Regarding their nature, 60% believe they are piloted objects, 17% consider them natural phenomena, and 24% are undecided.
• Witnesses: Approximately 6.5% of the adult Italian population, translating to about 3 million people, believe they have seen something resembling a UFO. Of these, about 2.5% are certain they saw a UFO.
• Demographics: Belief in UFOs is more prevalent among younger individuals and those from higher social classes. Conversely, older individuals and those with lower incomes tend to be more skeptical.
• Geographical Distribution: Belief in UFOs is highest in Central Italy, with lower rates in the South, Islands, and Northeast. The Northeast also shows a higher percentage of undecided individuals.
• Comparison with 1979 Survey: The survey highlights a significant decrease in belief in UFOs since a similar Doxa poll in 1979 (35% believed then, compared to 19% now). This decline is attributed to a reduced media focus on UFOs.
• International Comparison: The article briefly compares Italian data with a Gallup poll from the US in February 1987, noting that while Americans are more informed about UFOs (12% never heard of them vs. 4.4% in Italy), a much higher percentage (49%) believe in their existence compared to Italians.

UMANOIDI A BOLOGNA (Humanoids in Bologna)

This article details a 'classic' third-type encounter case that occurred on December 9, 1962, in Bologna, Italy. The witness, identified as Antonio Candau (a pseudonym), was a 27-year-old driver and waiter.

The Case:

• The Sighting: Around 9:45 PM, Candau heard a whistling sound and observed a large, disc-shaped object with a dome, emitting multi-colored lights, hovering about 8 meters above the ground.
• The Object: Described as approximately nine meters in diameter, metallic gray with silvery and golden hues. It had no visible windows, protrusions, or symbols. A hatch opened on the underside, revealing a ladder.
• The Beings: Two humanoid figures, about 1.70 meters tall, emerged. They had dark, olive-colored skin, dark short hair, and large, cat-like eyes. They wore tight-fitting yellow suits with dark belts.
• Interaction: One of the beings spoke to Candau in an incomprehensible language, pointing with an index finger. Candau did not respond.
• Departure: The beings re-entered the object, the hatch closed, and the object ascended silently, departing towards the southwest.
• Physical Traces: A small area of grass where the beings stood appeared flattened, but not trampled.
• Investigation: The case was initially reported in a 1962 magazine but remained largely uninvestigated until Paolo Fiorino and Renzo Cabassi re-examined it in 1986. The witness, Candau, was cooperative and provided detailed accounts.
• Significance: The article emphasizes the importance of investigating such cases, even years later, to gather data and understand the phenomenon.

GLI ATTERRAGGI IBERICI (Iberian Landings)

This section introduces Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, a prominent Spanish ufologist, and his extensive work on UFO landing cases, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula.

Key Points:

• Focus on Landings: Ballester Olmos has specialized in 'landing cases' (Type 1 encounters) since 1968, believing they offer more potential for scientific investigation due to their ground-level occurrence and the possibility of physical evidence and witness interaction.
• "Enciclopedia de los encuentros cercanos con OVNIs": This book, co-authored with Juan Antonio Fernandez Peris, is the culmination of years of research, cataloging and analyzing hundreds of landing cases in Spain and Portugal.
• Methodology: The project involved critical review of existing cases, new investigations, and the development of a standardized schema for data collection. It also included the creation of a catalog of 'negative' or explained cases (NEBLIB) and a catalog of positive, unexplained cases.
• Scientific Approach: The research emphasizes a rigorous, scientific approach, aiming to filter out unreliable data and focus on cases with high evidential value. The authors acknowledge the subjective nature of witness testimony but stress the importance of systematic data collection and analysis.
• Challenges: The article touches upon the difficulties in gaining acceptance from the mainstream scientific community and the need for more interdisciplinary research.

UN "ORDIGNO EXTRATERRESTRE" SULL'ITALIA? (An "Extraterrestrial Device" Over Italy?)

This article by Paolo Toselli analyzes a series of UFO sightings that occurred across Italy on the evening of June 6, 1983.

The Event:

• Widespread Sightings: Numerous reports of a mysterious flying object were received from various regions in Northern and Central Italy, including Turin, Milan, Brescia, Bergamo, Mantua, Piacenza, Florence, and Lucca. Similar sightings were also reported in Switzerland, France, and Spain.
• Object Description: The object was consistently described as cigar-shaped, with three lights, and emitting a long, fiery trail. Some witnesses reported it as a 'reddish-clear' or 'orange' object.
• Altitude and Speed: Estimated altitudes ranged from 500 to 800 meters, and the object was described as moving very fast.
• Possible Explanations: The article discusses potential explanations, including UFOs, bolides (meteors), satellites, and ball lightning.
• Analysis of Descriptions: Toselli analyzes the descriptions provided by witnesses, noting the prevalence of the 'cigar' shape (61% of reports) and 'ball of fire' (15%). He also discusses the influence of media portrayals on witness descriptions, contrasting reports from the general public with those from amateur astronomers who often identified the phenomenon as a bright meteor.
• Subjectivity vs. Objectivity: The article acknowledges the subjective element in witness accounts but emphasizes the importance of systematic data collection and the potential for identifying patterns that suggest an objective phenomenon.

Other Articles

• CONGRESSO INTERNAZIONALE A TORINO: A report on the international UFO congress held in Turin.
• INCONTRI RAVVICINATI IN ITALIA: A section likely detailing other close encounter cases in Italy.
• L'IPOTESI GEOFISICA (The Geophysical Hypothesis): An examination of Chris Rutkowski's work on the geophysical hypothesis as an explanation for UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, investigative approach to ufology, emphasizing the need for rigorous data collection, analysis, and scientific methodology. It aims to inform the public about UFO phenomena, present findings from surveys and case studies, and foster a critical understanding of the subject. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena while maintaining a skeptical and analytical perspective, encouraging further research and interdisciplinary collaboration. There is a clear effort to distinguish between credible evidence and sensationalism.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated 1988, published by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici, focuses on the scientific investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena. The cover story, "L' "EFFETTO AERONAVE" (The 'Aircraft Effect')," explores how psychological factors influence the perception of UFOs, drawing on the work of researchers like William Hartmann and Gaetano Kanizsa. The magazine features detailed analyses of significant UFO sightings, including the widely reported event of June 6, 1983, across Italy and France, and discusses various scientific and geophysical hypotheses attempting to explain these phenomena.

The 'Aircraft Effect'

The "Aircraft Effect" is explained as a psychological tendency for observers to perceive patterns and connections in luminous phenomena, leading to the interpretation of simple lights as structured objects. Gaetano Kanizsa's work on "amodal" contours is cited, illustrating how the mind completes incomplete visual information, attributing a sense of form and meaning to scattered stimuli. This effect is shown to be relevant in interpreting sightings of meteors, satellites, and even misidentified aircraft.

Case Studies and Analysis

The issue presents several case studies, including the "Aircraft Effect" phenomenon observed in nine US states in March 1968, attributed to fragments of the Soviet satellite "Zond IV." A detailed account of the June 6, 1983, event describes a luminous object with a persistent trail observed over Italy and France. Initial hypotheses ranged from meteorites to aircraft, with later analysis by researchers like Jean Bourdon and Marcel Delaval suggesting a possible meteorite or satellite re-entry. Other cases include unusual vegetation effects in Rubiana (TO), Italy, and a sighting near Settefrati (FR), Italy, involving a luminous object with perceived "steps" and an internal "person."

Geophysical Theories: The Tectonic Strain Hypothesis

Chris Rutkowski, a researcher from the University of Manitoba, critically examines the "Tectonic Strain Hypothesis" (TST), developed by Michael Persinger and Paul Devereux. TST proposes that geological stress and seismic activity can generate electromagnetic radiation or plasma, potentially explaining UFO sightings. The hypothesis is supported by statistical correlations between UFO reports and seismic events, as well as observations of "earth lights" and "spook lights." However, Rutkowski highlights the limitations of TST, including the lack of direct proof for "strain fields," the use of unfiltered data in statistical analyses, and the difficulty in establishing a clear causal link between seismic activity and UFO phenomena.

International UFO Congresses

The magazine reports on major international UFO conferences held in 1987. The "National UFO Information Week" in Italy, culminating in a congress in Turin, aimed to present a scientific image of ufology, featuring discussions on the phenomenon's characteristics, statistical analysis, and the psychological aspects of witness testimony. Bertrand Meheust, a professor of philosophy, emphasized the need for anthropological studies of "abduction" cases, linking them to ancient myths and mystical experiences. The congress also included presentations on the physical aspects of UFOs and the influence of science fiction on the public perception of UFOs.

Separately, the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) held its Fourth International Congress in London. This event focused on ongoing research projects, including studies on extraterrestrial hypotheses, geophysical explanations, and the psychological profiles of witnesses. The contrast between the American and European approaches to ufology is noted, with the former often presenting conclusions as established facts, while the latter emphasizes rigorous scientific methodology and falsifiable hypotheses.

The Role of Statistics and Interpretation

The issue stresses the importance of statistical analysis in ufology but also warns against misinterpretation of data. The use of broad time and spatial tolerances in statistical studies, such as those related to TST, can lead to spurious correlations. The reliability of data sources, like the UFOCAT database, is questioned due to the inclusion of misidentified objects (IFOs). The article concludes that while statistical methods are valuable, they must be applied with caution and combined with a critical understanding of the underlying phenomena and potential biases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "UFO" magazine demonstrates a commitment to a scientific and analytical approach to the study of unidentified aerial phenomena. It actively debunks sensationalism, presenting research that attempts to explain sightings through natural phenomena, psychological factors, and geophysical theories. The editorial stance favors rigorous investigation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a critical evaluation of evidence, encouraging readers to look beyond simplistic explanations and embrace a more nuanced understanding of the UFO enigma. The magazine highlights the ongoing evolution of ufology from a fringe interest to a field of serious scientific inquiry.

This issue is titled "UFOs 1947-1987: The 40-Year Search for an Explanation" and is a compilation of articles curated by Hilary Evans and John Spencer for the British UFO Research Association. Published to commemorate four decades of ufological research, it offers a comprehensive overview of the data, theories, and opinions that have emerged in this field, presenting a detailed snapshot of ufology in the 1980s. The volume is 384 pages long and is available in English.

Contents and Articles

The issue features a wide array of articles contributed by numerous ufologists, covering diverse aspects of the UFO phenomenon:

• Historical Perspectives: Articles delve into the history of UFOs, including "UFOs through history" by Michel Bougard and "Before the Flying Saucers came" by Nigel Watson.
• Specific Cases and Phenomena: Several articles focus on particular incidents and types of sightings, such as "The ghost rockets" by Anders Liljegren & Clas Svahn, "The Maury Island caper" by John A. Keel, and "13 UFO case histories" by Kim Hansen.
• Cultural and Regional Studies: The influence and perception of UFOs in different cultural contexts are explored in "UFOs as related to the African tribal system" by Cynthia Hind and "UFOs in Latin America" by Willy Smith.
• Analytical and Theoretical Approaches: The compilation includes analyses of UFO phenomena, such as "UFO statistics" by Claude Maugé, "Defining the UFO" by Richard Haines, "Investigating the UFO" by V.J. Ballester Olmos, and "UFO effects upon people" by James McCampbell.
• Witness and Design Aspects: The role of the witness is examined in "Assessing the witness" by Alex Keul & Ken Phillips, while "The paradox of UFO design" by Jenny Randles explores the characteristics of reported UFOs.
• Theoretical Debates: The issue presents various viewpoints on the nature of UFOs and related phenomena, including articles on "The ET hypothesis" by John Prytz, "UFOs as natural phenomena" by Chris Rutkowski, "UFOs and concepts of reality" by Jenny Randles, and discussions on skepticism and its counterarguments by Michel Monnerie and Willy Smith.
• Societal Impact and Conspiracy: Articles also address the public perception and societal impact of UFOs, such as "UFOs and the public" by John Spencer, and "Conspiracy and cover-up" by Hilary Evans.
• Psychological and Philosophical Dimensions: The psychological and psychophysical aspects of UFO reality are explored by Mark Moravec and Jacques Vallée, respectively.

Key Contributors

The issue features contributions from a broad spectrum of researchers and writers in the field of ufology, including but not limited to: Michel Bougard, Nigel Watson, Anders Liljegren, Clas Svahn, John A. Keel, Kim Hansen, Cynthia Hind, Willy Smith, Claude Maugé, Richard Haines, V.J. Ballester Olmos, James McCampbell, Martin L. Shough, Alex Keul, Ken Phillips, John Spencer, Maurizio Verga, Jacques Vallée, Jenny Randles, Ken Behrendt, Robert Girard, John Prytz, David Clarke, Granville Oldroyd, Chris Rutkowski, Mark Moravec, John Rimmer, Michel Monnerie, and Bertrand Méheust.

Publication Details

The book is published by the British UFO Research Association and is available in English. The Italian text indicates that the volume (384 pages) is available through the Servizio Librario del C.I.S.U.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this compilation is the comprehensive examination of UFO phenomena over a 40-year period, aiming to provide explanations and insights. The editorial stance, as suggested by the title and the range of articles, appears to be one of thorough investigation and open-minded inquiry into the UFO subject, presenting a wide variety of theories, cases, and perspectives from leading figures in ufology. The collection aims to be a definitive resource on the search for understanding UFOs during this significant period.