UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 07

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA (UFO Magazine of Ufological Information), published by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.), is dated June 1989, marking the 7th issue of its 4th year. The cover prominently features the headline "21 MARZO 1989: FIAMME NEL CIELO" (March 21, 1989: Flames in the Sky), accompanied by a striking photograph of a luminous aerial phenomenon.

The editorial introduction highlights the diverse range of topics covered, spanning the spectrum of ufology in the 1980s. It specifically mentions the analysis of the luminous phenomenon observed in Northern Italy on March 21st, compared with similar 'flaps' from the 1970s. It also discusses the controversial American case of Gulf Breeze, rich in photos and testimonies. The issue includes a systematic bibliographic work on Italian UFO texts by Marcello Pupilli, offering insights into the state of ufological publishing. Two retrospective pieces are featured: one by Paolo Fiorino on close encounters of the third kind from 1900-1950, before UFOs were widely recognized, and another by Giuseppe Stilo on the 'Operation Origins,' examining the public awareness of UFOs in Italy from 1946-1954. The editorial stance emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of current ufological study, with no single unifying theme but rather a complex and articulated exploration of various sectors.

Articles and Features

I LIBRI SUGLI UFO: Quarant'anni di bibliografia ufologica in Italia (UFO Books: Forty Years of Ufological Bibliography in Italy)

This extensive article by Marcello Pupilli provides a detailed analysis of UFO literature published in Italy between 1948 and 1988. It discusses the methodology used to compile the bibliography, including criteria for inclusion and categorization of texts. Pupilli notes that books have always played a crucial role in disseminating information about UFOs. The bibliography includes 384 cataloged texts, with a significant peak in publications between 1971 and 1980, particularly in 1978. The author suggests a causal link between the increase in UFO sightings and the surge in book publications, possibly triggered by the launch of the magazine "Il Giornale dei Misteri" in 1971. The article also examines the shift in public interest from experimental investigation to more esoteric themes like parapsychology, astrology, and occultism, which has impacted the ufological publishing market. The author laments the current lack of new UFO-specific books and the dwindling interest from major publishers, attributing it partly to the perceived 'niche' nature of the subject and a general trend towards spiritualism.

GLI UFO AL SALONE DEL LIBRO: Uno sguardo sull'editoria ufologica oggi (UFOs at the Book Fair: A Look at Ufological Publishing Today)

Gian Paolo Grassino reports on the state of ufological publishing as observed at a recent book fair. He notes a disappointing lack of new UFO-related books, with few publishers actively promoting such titles. The few new releases mentioned include a book on contactee Eugenio Siragusa and collections of unexplained phenomena from "Selezione dal Reader's Digest." Grassino observes that publishers like Mediterranee, which once published UFO books, now focus on other genres, citing low sales and changing market demands. The article touches upon the controversial nature of contactee literature and the difficulty of finding a dedicated UFO publisher, leading many authors to self-publish.

FIAMME NEL CIELO: Il fenomeno luminoso del 21 marzo 1989 (Flames in the Sky: The Luminous Phenomenon of March 21, 1989)

Paolo Toselli investigates the widespread luminous phenomenon observed across Northern Italy, parts of Southern France, and Switzerland on March 21, 1989. Hundreds of calls flooded newsrooms and authorities, describing a bright light, a white and red trail that transformed into a luminous cloud. While initially attributed to a missile launch, the article presents numerous witness testimonies describing the event in detail. These accounts include observations of objects ascending rapidly, changing direction, forming unusual shapes like a 'four of diamonds' or a spiral, and emitting intense light. The article includes photographic evidence and graphical reconstructions of the phenomenon. It also discusses the official explanation of a French missile launch from Biscarosse as part of the 'Operation Electre' project, designed to study atmospheric re-entry phenomena. The author notes the striking similarities between this event and previous missile launches from the same base, which had also generated UFO reports.

OPERAZIONE “ELECTRE”: Un UFO di nome Tibère: i precedenti degli anni '70 (Operation 'Electre': A UFO Named Tibère: Precedents from the 1970s)

This article by an unnamed author revisits the 'Tibère' phenomenon of March 18, 1972, which involved a luminous trail observed over Piedmont, Italy, and other regions. The event was initially reported as a UFO but was later explained as the reentry of a French Tibère missile. The article details witness accounts, including that of a TWA pilot, describing a falling object with flames and a luminous trail. It contrasts these accounts with the official explanation, which identified the phenomenon as a missile launch from Biscarosse, France, part of the 'Operation Electre.' The author highlights the similarities between the Tibère incident and the March 21, 1989 event, suggesting a pattern of missile launches causing UFO-like sightings.

URSS: la base segreta (USSR: The Secret Base)

This piece discusses the 'Petrozavodsk phenomenon' of September 20, 1977, where a luminous 'jellyfish'-like object was observed over the city. Initially reported by Soviet media as an unusual natural phenomenon, it was later identified by Western experts, including James Oberg, as the launch of the Soviet spy satellite Kosmos-955. The article notes the Soviet authorities' initial reluctance to confirm the launch site (Plesetsk) and the later, more open acknowledgment of such launches. It also touches upon sensationalized reports, such as one from the National Enquirer alleging physical damage caused by the phenomenon, which the author dismisses as unsubstantiated. The article concludes by suggesting that many spectacular UFO sightings in the USSR were likely related to missile and satellite launches from Plesetsk.

UMANOIDI NEL PASSATO: Gli IR-3 italiani dal 1900 al 1950 (Humanoids in the Past: Italian IR-3s from 1900 to 1950)

Paolo Fiorino presents a historical overview of Italian close encounters of the third kind (IR-3) cases occurring between 1900 and 1950, prior to widespread public awareness of UFOs. The article highlights that such cases were not widely reported in the Italian media until the 1950s, with the 'Facchini case' of Abbiate Guazzone in 1950 being a notable exception. Fiorino discusses several specific cases, including 'Johannis' (Raveo, 1947), Fara di Cigno (1948), and Monte Benichi (1930), noting that some remain controversial or are still under investigation. The author contrasts the reporting of UFO-related incidents with the more common reports of 'ghosts' and 'apparitions of the Virgin Mary' in the press of the time, suggesting a different cultural reception of anomalous phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong emphasis on investigating the origins and explanations behind UFO sightings, often linking them to known technological or natural phenomena, particularly missile and satellite launches. There is a clear effort to demystify some of the more sensationalized accounts by providing official or scientific explanations. The magazine also critically examines the state of ufological publishing, noting a decline in serious investigative work and a shift towards more esoteric or speculative content. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, evidence-based ufology, seeking to distinguish between genuine mysteries and misinterpretations or hoaxes. The interdisciplinary approach to ufology is also a recurring theme, suggesting that a comprehensive understanding requires input from various fields.

This issue of "UFO - Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" (Issue 27, November 1989) delves into early Italian UFO cases and extensively covers the controversial Gulf Breeze case.

Early Italian UFO Cases (1940s-1950s)

The magazine presents several early Italian UFO encounters, predating the widely recognized 'flying saucer' era. These include:

• Montecrestese (March 1943): Two young sisters, Angela and her older sister, reported seeing a small, metallic green object land near them. Two small beings, described as 'little men' with white suits and helmets, emerged. The older sister reportedly spoke with them. The beings were described as similar to humans but smaller, and the object was compared to a go-kart without propellers.
• Corbola (circa 1927): Francesca C., then 11-12 years old, witnessed a 'shiny, round' object submerge in the Po River and later emerge, appearing to 'boil' the water. She described seeing a 'little man' visible from the neck up inside the object.
• Foligno (circa 1945-1946): Amleto B. observed a bell-shaped, shiny white object, about 10 meters in diameter, descend with 'telescopic legs'. A 'little man', about 1.5 meters tall, emerged, wearing a suit and helmet. The witness fled in fear.
• Voltaggio (early 1900s): A gamekeeper reported seeing 'legs ending in chicken feet' and being struck by a 'monstrous being' that left him unconscious.
• Naples (circa 1940): At the Poggioreale train station, several people observed a metallic, robot-like humanoid with protruding, luminous eyes.

The article notes that many of these early testimonies were only reported decades later, potentially influenced by later UFO lore. It also discusses the sociological aspects, often involving children as witnesses, and the limited media exposure at the time.

The Gulf Breeze Case

The majority of the issue is dedicated to the complex and controversial Gulf Breeze UFO case, which involved numerous sightings and photographic evidence in Gulf Breeze, Florida, between November 1987 and May 1988.

• The Witness ('Ed'): The primary witness, identified as 'Ed', a builder, claimed to have witnessed and photographed UFOs repeatedly. His initial sightings involved luminous objects, some of which were photographed with a Polaroid camera.
• First Sighting and Photos (November 11, 1987): 'Ed' reported seeing a luminous object and took five Polaroid photos. He described being immobilized by a blue light beam from the object, experiencing a sensation of being lifted, and hearing a 'humming' sound.
• Media Involvement: 'Ed' anonymously provided photos to Duane Cook, director of the local newspaper 'Gulf Breeze Sentinel'. The newspaper published the photos and an anonymous letter, sparking regional interest.
• Subsequent Sightings and Photos: 'Ed' continued to report sightings and take photos, often accompanied by investigators from MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), including Donald Ware and Charles Flannigan. The case gained national attention, involving experts like Bruce Maccabee.
• Controversies and Skepticism: The case faced significant skepticism from ufologists like Robert Boyd and Willy Smith, who questioned the authenticity of the evidence. They pointed out discrepancies in the photos, the witness's alleged history of pranks, and the possibility of photographic manipulation (e.g., double exposures).
• The 'Abduction' Claim: In May 1988, 'Ed' reported a final sighting where he was struck by a white light, lost consciousness, and later found with marks on his face, suggesting a possible abduction and the removal of a device implanted in his head.
• Investigation and Debate: MUFON largely supported 'Ed's' claims, while CUFOS (J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies) expressed strong doubts. The debate involved accusations and counter-accusations between organizations.
• The 'Operation Origins' Project: The magazine also introduces the 'Operazione Origini' project, an ongoing research effort to systematically collect and analyze UFO-related news published in Italian newspapers from 1946-1954, aiming to understand the introduction and evolution of the UFO phenomenon in Italy.

Analysis of Media Coverage and Terminology

The article touches upon the role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs, particularly in Italy during the 1950s. It discusses how newspapers introduced the concept of 'flying saucers' and 'extraterrestrials', influencing public belief and contributing to the 'myth' of UFOs. The evolution of the term 'extraterrestre' from a scientific to a more para-religious and folkloric connotation is also explored, noting its connection to early UFO lore and popular culture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the persistent challenges in UFO research: the difficulty of verifying old testimonies, the influence of media on public perception, the debate between believers and skeptics, and the role of photographic and physical evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, presenting various cases and viewpoints while acknowledging the complexities and controversies inherent in the field. The 'Operazione Origini' project signifies a commitment to rigorous historical research into the origins of the UFO phenomenon in Italy.

This document appears to be a page from a magazine or newsletter, likely from the early 1990s given the software specifications (MS-DOS, 640k RAM). It features two main sections: one detailing a software product called "Ago II net" and another advertising a language learning service called "Dialophone."

Ago II net Software

The primary focus of the first section is "Ago II net," described as information retrieval software for personal computers running MS-DOS. It is designed to help users manage and quickly find information stored on their computers. The software boasts features such as:

• System Requirements: 640k RAM, Hard Disk, Monitor, 80-column Printer (optional), compatible with Novell networks.
• Core Functionality: Acts as a "new magic wand" for information management, allowing users to archive information rapidly for future use.
• Search Capabilities: Can find any text using a single word, phrase, or date. It claims to locate a desired page in a 100-page book instantly.
• Data Input: Users can insert notes, tables, newspaper articles, stock quotes, medical records, and more, using the program's internal word processor.
• Tagline: "Cerca quello che vuoi usando una sola parola o una frase" (Search what you want using a single word or phrase).

The software is authored by FANTUZZI and PESCI and distributed by Computer System, located at Via G. Ercolani, 10/d, 40122 Bologna, Italy. The contact telephone number provided is 051/52.16.10.

L'INGLESE AL TELEFONO CON IL METODO DIALOPHONE

The second major section is an advertisement for Dialogue International's "Dialophone" method for learning English over the telephone.

• Method Introduction: "Dialophone-linea diretta" (Dialophone-direct line) is presented as a new system for language instruction via telephone. It offers special and personalized courses aimed at mastering terminology, sector-specific knowledge, staying updated, and preparing for conferences.
• Revolutionary Advantages: The advertisement highlights that a 25-minute telephone lesson with a native-speaking teacher is claimed to be as effective as a traditional one-hour lesson. It also emphasizes significant savings in travel time to and from a school.
• Results and Concentration: The effectiveness is attributed to the synergies created by this new didactic method, which necessitates maximum concentration due to the telephone-based learning system.

Dialogue International is located at C.so Re Umberto 61, 10128 Torino, Italy. Their telephone numbers are 590500 and 584710, and their Telecopier number is 501390.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document showcases a blend of technology and education. The first part promotes a software solution for efficient information management, reflecting the growing importance of digital tools in the early computing era. The second part highlights an innovative approach to language learning, emphasizing convenience and effectiveness through modern communication technology (telephone). The overall stance appears to be forward-looking, presenting new solutions and methods in both software and education.