UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO - Rivista di Informazione Ufologica
Issue: Numero 8
Date: Aprile 1990
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.)
Type: Semestrale (Bi-annual)

This issue of "UFO - Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" is a special 40-page edition largely dedicated to two major events that captured the attention of Italian mass media and ufologists worldwide in 1989: the mysterious crop circles appearing in English cereal fields and the significant wave of UFO sightings in the Soviet Union. The magazine aims to provide a comprehensive and objective panorama, presenting firsthand data and comments on both phenomena. The editorial acknowledges a delay in publication due to organizational reasons and apologizes to readers, promising to recover the schedule with future issues.

Editorial Stance

The editorial, penned by Gian Paolo Grassino, outlines the magazine's mission to promote a serious and scientific approach to ufology. It states that the magazine will be sent to selected journalists, media outlets, researchers, and institutions to raise awareness of ufology as a discipline distinct from the superficial and folkloric image often presented by the mass media. The editorial emphasizes that UFO phenomena, while on the fringes of contemporary science, offer valuable insights into various fields of knowledge, including physics, psychology, and social sciences. C.I.S.U. believes that UFO phenomena can and should be studied scientifically, as no subject is inherently unscientific or unworthy of scientific study. The organization rejects both fideistic attitudes towards UFOs and the ostracism from some scientific circles. C.I.S.U. does not claim to know what UFOs are but acknowledges the existence of unusual aerial phenomena, some identifiable (IFO) and others unexplained (UFO). The editorial criticizes the historical identification of ufology with the extraterrestrial hypothesis and the uncritical acceptance of it, while also denouncing the scientific community's potential ostracism. It advocates for a new, evolving ufology in the 1990s, characterized by rigorous, critical, and data-driven approaches, remaining neutral regarding various interpretations and hypotheses.

Contents

"Misteriosi Cerchi nel Grano" (Mysterious Crop Circles)

This section, largely based on an article by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles, delves into the phenomenon of crop circles, which began appearing in England in 1980. The article details the history of their discovery, starting with three circles found in Westbury, Wiltshire, in August 1980. It discusses early interpretations, including the involvement of UFOs and meteorological explanations proposed by Dr. Terence Meaden, who suggested they were caused by atmospheric vortices or whirlwinds. The article highlights the role of researchers like Ian Mrzyglod and Pat Delgado, and organizations like BUFORA.

• Key aspects covered include:
• The History of Circles: Tracing their appearance from 1980, with initial discoveries in Westbury and later in Cheesefoot Head and other locations. The phenomenon gained public attention through media coverage, similar to the 1947 Washington state "flying saucer" sightings.
• Early Interpretations: Ken Rogers of the British UFO Society immediately linked circles to UFO landing traces. Dr. Terence Meaden proposed a meteorological explanation involving whirlwinds. Pat Delgado initially suggested UFO causation and later evolved his hypothesis to "anomalous energy forces."
• The "Wessex Corridor": The concentration of crop circles in the Wessex region of Southern England is discussed, noting that while many are found there, the phenomenon is not exclusive to this area.
• The "Devil's Punchbowl" Formations: The discovery of annular crop circles in 1986 at Cheesefoot Head, characterized by flattened grain in a rotational pattern surrounded by a ring of flattened grain, is detailed. The appearance of a second, smaller annular circle the next day generated significant media attention.
• Hoaxes and Falsifications: The article addresses instances where crop circles were admitted to be hoaxes, often created by individuals seeking publicity or by journalists. However, it emphasizes that these hoaxes differ from genuine formations in their methods and characteristics.
• Characteristics of Crop Circles: Detailed descriptions are provided, including the precise boundaries of affected areas, rotational flattening of plants, varied directions of rotation, the presence of concentric rings, the unusual formation of plant stems into bundles, and the absence of damage to the plants themselves or surrounding areas.
• Crop Types: Circles have been found in various crops, including wheat, barley, oats, and even sand and snow, suggesting the phenomenon is not limited to cereals.
• Geometry and Dimensions: Formations vary in shape, often being elliptical rather than perfect circles, with diameters ranging from one to over twenty meters. Numerous types of formations have been identified.
• Timing of Discovery: Many formations are discovered in the morning, suggesting they appear overnight, though some instances of daytime appearance have been reported.
• Location: While widespread, certain locations like Cheesefoot Head and White Horse Hill in England have been recurring sites.
• "The Devil's Reaper" (Il Diavolo Mietitore): A 1678 pamphlet describing a field of oats mysteriously cut into round shapes overnight is presented as a potential historical precursor to the crop circle phenomenon.
• Non-Conventional Hypotheses: The article explores the UFO hypothesis, discussing alleged UFO sightings correlated with crop circle discoveries. It notes that these correlations are often weak, with few consistent sightings and often explainable by conventional means (e.g., planetary Venus or Jupiter). Other hypotheses include mysterious telluric energies and advanced military technology.
• Meteorological Theory: Dr. Terence Meaden's theory of descending plasma vortices is presented as a leading meteorological explanation, suggesting these vortices can create the observed patterns and anomalies.

"UFO in Italia" (UFOs in Italy)

This section addresses reports of circular traces in Italy, noting that while some have been reported, they differ significantly from English crop circles. These Italian phenomena are often described as "fairy rings" or "witch rings," typically caused by fungal mycelium or unusual grass growth, and lack the characteristic bent plants and spiral patterns of their English counterparts. Examples include findings in Appiano Gentile (Como), Sasso Marconi (Bologna), and Cozzano (Parma). The article also mentions a large circular ring found in a cornfield in Castions di Zoppola (Udine) in 1985, and briefly touches upon alleged sightings in Umbria and Piedmont, inviting readers to share information with C.I.S.U.

"Speciale U.R.S.S." (Special U.R.S.S.)

• This part of the magazine focuses on the wave of UFO sightings in the Soviet Union, presenting data and analysis. It includes:
• "La Nuova Ondata Sovietica" (The New Soviet Wave): An article by Gianni Favero detailing the surge of UFO reports from the USSR.
• "L'Ufologia Sovietica" (Soviet Ufology): An article by Edoardo Russo discussing the study and reporting of UFO phenomena within the Soviet Union.

"Epistemologia Ufologica" (Epistemology of Ufology)

An article by Vladimir Rubtsov likely explores the philosophical and methodological underpinnings of ufological research.

"Le Ipotesi" (The Hypotheses)

This section systematically reviews various hypotheses proposed to explain the crop circle phenomenon, categorizing them into conventional (natural or artificial) and non-conventional (unknown causes). It discusses theories involving viruses, fungi, animal behavior, archaeological remains, military aircraft, druidic rituals, hoaxes, and the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

"Cosa Sono i Vortici" (What are Vortices)

This article provides a meteorological explanation of atmospheric vortices, distinguishing between major vortices (associated with bad weather, like tornadoes) and minor vortices (associated with good weather, like dust devils). It explains their function in atmospheric energy distribution and notes that they are often invisible unless they pick up debris or water vapor. The article highlights unusual characteristics of natural vortices, such as their ability to drain water, cause localized strong winds, and their association with luminous and acoustic phenomena, suggesting a link to electrical charges and plasma.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained phenomena of crop circles and UFO sightings, particularly the significant wave in the Soviet Union. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a rigorous, scientific, and critical approach to ufology, moving beyond sensationalism and the 'extraterrestrial hypothesis' alone. C.I.S.U. aims to bridge the gap between ufology and the scientific community, encouraging objective data collection and analysis. The magazine emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, while also acknowledging the potential for unknown natural or artificial causes. The issue highlights the challenges in researching these phenomena, including media sensationalism, the difficulty of obtaining reliable data, and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.

This document, titled "UFO IN ITALIA," presents an analysis and commentary on the period of UFO sightings in Italy from 1955 to 1972, authored by Pier Luigi Sani and published by the Cooperativa Studi e Iniziative UPIAR. It also includes extensive coverage of UFO phenomena in the Soviet Union, particularly the "new wave" of sightings in 1989, with a focus on the Voronezh incident and its media reception. The issue delves into the historical context of ufology in the USSR, the evolution of its study, and the impact of political changes like glasnost and perestrojka.

Analysis of the 1955-1972 Period in Italy

The analysis categorizes 177 UFO cases from 1955-1972 into six types: 'Ufological' (130 cases), 'Contactee' (8), 'Meteorological' (8), 'Fortian' (7), 'Extraordinary' (10), and 'Identified' (14). The period is described as quantitatively scarce compared to the 1954 'wave', with an average of about 7 ufological cases per year.

Characteristics of Sightings

Shape and Appearance: Common shapes were circular or oblong. Unusual descriptions included a 'gymnastics handlebar,' 'triangle with portholes,' 'diamond,' and 'inverted cone.' Witnesses used curious comparisons like 'priest's hats,' 'British helmets,' 'turtles,' 'lamps,' '50-liter barrels,' 'hot water bottles,' 'large cakes,' 'silkworm cocoons,' 'spinning tops,' 'tiles,' 'fans,' and 'comets.'

Associated Objects: In 6 cases, UFOs were accompanied by 'satellite' objects, which could be emitted, absorbed, or simply observed alongside the main craft. One case involved a single object splitting into two equal parts.

Peculiar Behaviors: Rotation was observed in 8 cases, sudden disappearances in 10, and color changes in various sightings. Reported sounds included 'whistles' or 'hums,' but also 'deafening roars' and 'intermittent rumbling.' The smell of 'sulfur' was noted in one instance.

Typical Evolutions: Typical flight patterns included 'falling like a dead leaf,' 'vertical and horizontal movements,' 'yo-yo oscillations,' 'sudden ascents and descents,' 'sudden stops,' 'jerky or zig-zag movements,' 'right-angle turns,' and 'broken trajectories' to avoid unseen obstacles. Lights were also described as rotating in sync.

Traces: Ten cases reported traces, mostly burnt grass or ground in circular patterns. In two cases, animal carcasses were found in the burnt areas. Other traces included 'footprint impressions,' broken branches, triangular impressions, and sandy ground impressions. One case described a scraped or 'blade-cut' strip of ground.

Residues: A single case reported 'angel hair' in San Daniele del Friuli. Two other episodes (without UFO observation) were classified as natural phenomena. Two cases with low credibility mentioned metallic cylinders and radioactive fragments, which were subsequently lost.

Thermal Effects: Four cases reported thermal effects, two involving heat and two cold, described as 'unbearable heat,' 'powerful hot blast,' 'glacial cold,' and 'icy sensation.'

Electromagnetic Effects: Three cases involved electromagnetic effects, including a major blackout in Southern Italy after a luminous globe passed over Naples in 1966, power interruptions in Milan in 1962, and the dimming and extinguishing of fountain lights in L'Aquila in 1966.

Effects on Humans and Animals: Beyond 'astonishment' and 'fear,' one witness felt a 'body vibration' near an landed UFO. Animals reacted with nervousness, barking, and agitation during sightings. Dogs became restless, cats hid, and geese became frantic during the Naples blackout. Birds changed flight direction, and cows became immobilized.

Photos and Films: Seven cases involved alleged UFO photography, but the authenticity of the photos was generally dubious. One photo from Gargano in 1966 showed two aligned objects and was considered relatively credible. Other photos, particularly those by Gaspare De Lama, were deemed highly suspicious due to the circumstances of their capture.

USOs (Unidentified Submarine Objects): Four USO cases were reported, including one where an object was seen disappearing into the sea and three involving 'emergence from the sea.'

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (IR-3): Twenty IR-3 cases were reported between 1955-1972. In many instances, details about the entities were lacking. Some cases involved entities observed without a UFO, while others had entities seen inside objects. Three cases involved entities observed inside objects that were in flight, and two involved landed objects where entities emerged.

Unnatural Silence: Four cases described a phenomenon of 'unnatural silence' where sounds ceased, and witnesses felt isolated, as if in a glass bell.

The Soviet UFO Wave of 1989

The issue dedicates significant attention to the 1989 UFO wave in the Soviet Union, sparked by the Voronezh incident.

The Voronezh Case

On September 27, 1989, children and adults in Voronezh reported seeing a dark red, spherical or ovoid object land in a park. A humanoid figure with three luminous eyes, no neck, and a small head reportedly emerged. The object, estimated to be 10-15 meters in diameter, left a circular depression with four incisions, and traces of gamma radiation anomalies were detected. Initial reports suggested the presence of 'extraterrestrial materials,' but later investigations by scientists and ufologists cast doubt on these claims, attributing some findings to natural causes or misinterpretations.

Media Reaction and Skepticism

The Voronezh case received widespread media coverage, amplified by the official TASS agency's report. However, Soviet ufologists expressed skepticism, pointing out inconsistencies in witness accounts and the lack of rigorous investigation. The mayor of Voronezh appointed an official commission to investigate. Later, the director of the Geology Laboratory, Genrikh Silanov, clarified that the 'extraterrestrial materials' were common hematite, and that his 'Geology Laboratory' was a private ufology association, not a scientific institution. The 'biolocation' technique was identified as a form of dowsing.

Other Soviet UFO Incidents in 1989

Beyond Voronezh, 1989 saw numerous other UFO reports in the USSR, including alleged landings and close encounters. Cases mentioned include sightings in Zhiltovka (near Dnepropetrovsk), Konantsevo-Kharovsk (Vologda region), and Spassk-Dal'ny. The latter involved a tentacle-like object allegedly emerging from a UFO and causing illness or death to a child, though later reports suggested the child was alive and well.

Acephalous Humanoids

Several cases reported encounters with 'headless humanoids,' described as dark figures with unusual proportions, observed in various locations across the USSR.

UFO Parodies and Media Manipulation

The issue notes how Soviet media, particularly Pravda and Komsomolskaja Pravda, used UFO reports for satirical purposes, often making political commentary through parodies of alien encounters. This highlights the complex role of media in shaping public perception of UFO phenomena.

The Study of UFOs in the USSR

Vladimir Rubtsov, a professor of epistemology, provides an overview of the history and methodology of UFO research in the Soviet Union.

Historical Context

UFO interest in the USSR dates back to the 1940s, with early sightings often dismissed by the government as Western propaganda or hoaxes. The official stance remained skeptical for decades, with limited information available to the public. The rise of glasnost and perestrojka in the late 1980s led to a more open discussion of UFOs, with increased media coverage and the formation of ufological groups.

Methodological Reflections

Rubtsov proposes a three-stage approach to analyzing UFO reports: identifying and discarding easily explainable cases ('pseudo-anomalous aerial phenomena'), then analyzing remaining cases with scientific expertise ('complex pseudo-anomalous aerial phenomena'), and finally, studying the unexplained residue ('probable anomalous phenomena'). He emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific methodology and cautions against constructing definitive theories based on insufficient or ambiguous data.

Evolution of Soviet Ufology

Soviet ufology has evolved from a clandestine activity to a more open field, with academic institutions and private groups now studying the phenomenon. The issue highlights the increasing number of UFO reports in Soviet media, the formation of ufological associations, and the growing interest in international collaboration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific investigation and critical analysis of UFO phenomena. It contrasts the sensationalized media coverage with the need for careful research, distinguishing between genuine anomalies and misinterpretations, hoaxes, or natural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the complexity of the UFO phenomenon and advocating for a mature, scientific approach to its study, both in Italy and internationally, particularly in light of the developments in the Soviet Union.

This document appears to be a scanned issue of an Italian ufology magazine, likely from the early 1990s, given the mention of a 1990 membership fee. The content discusses the complexities of UFO research, the role of witnesses, and introduces a new book publication.

The Witness as a 'Tool' The article "IL TESTIMONE COME 'STRUMENTO'" (The Witness as a 'Tool') by Vladimir Rubtsov delves into the challenges of using human testimony as a primary source for UFO research. Rubtsov argues that a witness's perception is not a direct recording but a construction influenced by their existing 'anticipatory models' and cognitive processes. The interpretation of sensory data is shaped by these internal models, which can lead to illusions and inaccuracies. He highlights that the 'meaning' attributed to an observation is often a subjective construction, influenced by cultural acceptance of certain phenomena. The article points out that the scientific community's skepticism towards UFOs leads to social sanctions against witnesses, resulting in a significant underreporting of sightings (90% are not reported). Rubtsov criticizes the current state of UFO research, stating that the 'human being is a fallible recorder' and that our understanding of the parameters influencing this 'recorder' is lacking. He suggests that judging UFO phenomena without fully understanding the witness's perceptual and cognitive limitations is problematic.

Regulating Information The section "REGOLARIZZARE L'INFORMAZIONE" (Regulating Information) proposes a more scientific approach to UFO research. It calls for a complete regulation of the 'sensor - channel - researcher' chain, advocating for the use of instrumental sensors at the 'right place and right time' to ensure a continuous flow of data. This would allow for the discernment of intrinsic characteristics of UFO phenomena and the identification of truly anomalous processes or objects. The author acknowledges that such a comprehensive system is currently beyond reach but suggests that a relative regularization of sensors and channels is achievable in the near future. This would involve creating efficient environmental monitoring systems and standardized reports from specialized observers like aviators and meteorologists. These reports would need to be immediately verified and analyzed by research centers. The goal is to build a 'provisional empirical fact' that represents the essential characteristics of UFO phenomena. A significant obstacle identified is the widespread 'anti-UFO prejudice' within the scientific and official communities. To address the psychosocial aspects, the article suggests regulating the 'channel' to obtain objective information about the phenomenon, focusing on the witnesses' reactions and society's response to their reports. It emphasizes the need for representativeness of reports in relation to the totality of UFO sightings, which is a complex but crucial objective.

Rubtsov critiques Dr. Hynek's suggestion of combining 'mass statistics' with the analysis of selected cases, advocating instead for a stable flow of rich and reliable reports. Each report should be studied thoroughly, and collectively they would form a representative sample. The subsequent analysis would depend on these findings. If anomalous components are found, they would warrant separate research directions. The construction of an empirical proof is the first stage, followed by explanation through hypotheses, deduction, and verification. However, for natural phenomena that cannot be reproduced experimentally, a single-theory explanation might be insufficient due to the potential superposition of multiple processes. The article suggests that the real situation might only become clear through ongoing investigation.

It is noted that while the irregularity of sensors and channels is often due to poor investigation organization, the aleatory nature of events is less obvious. The author suggests that with an adequate model of certain types of UFOs, a law might be discovered instead of mere randomness. For the 'normal' components of UFO phenomena, this is already the case. However, existing hypotheses about the anomalous components do not yet allow for such predictions. The article posits that explanations of individual sightings do not suffice for a complete explanation of the phenomenon. It questions how to move from a 'local' to a 'global' explanation, suggesting it's currently impossible under existing conditions. Only after regulating the 'UFO observation system' will it be possible to establish a solid link between data and empirical facts, leading to a global explanation, even if provisional. This would involve proposing a set of hypotheses capable of convincingly explaining the 'regularized' flow of 'regular' reports received by scientists.

Finally, the article touches upon the idea that a researcher might, in the current state, ignore an inexplicable residue if it's small enough. However, with a regularized system, even the smallest residue would become a solid basis for seeking explanations beyond established theories. The translation is attributed to Matteo Leone.

New Editorial Release: "UFO IN ITALIA" - Third Volume This section announces the publication of "UFO IN ITALIA - Il periodo 1955-1972", the third volume in a series of UFOlogy books edited by the "Cooperativa studi e iniziative UPIAR". This volume, curated by the Sezione Ufologica Fiorentina (SUF) members Solas Boncompagni, Fernando Lamperi, Roberto Ricci, and Pier Luigi Sani, covers the period between the 1954 wave and the 1973 wave. It is described as an important period for Italian ufology, marked by journalistic investigations into flying saucers, the founding of early ufological groups, and the emergence of the controversial phenomenon of 'contactism'.

The 352-page book includes 32 illustrations and details 130 UFO cases, 14 IFO (Identified Flying Object) cases, 8 'meteorological flaps', 8 contactee cases, 7 Fortian phenomena, and 10 extraordinary phenomena, all with documented sources. Several cases are expanded into monographic chapters, discussing topics such as 'black-outs', 'anthropomorphic flying entities', 'radio contactism', and 'telepathic contactism'. The volume also features a comprehensive analysis of the period.

Copies of the third volume can be obtained by sending £. 30,000 (or £. 25,000 for C.I.S.U. members) to Cooperativa Studi e Iniziative UPIAR, Casella postale 212, 10100 Torino, via postal current account n. 17347105. Copies of the previous two volumes, covering the years 1907-1953 and 1954, are also available.

Where to Find the Magazine This section lists numerous bookstores and newsstands across Italy where "UFO - RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA" can be purchased, thanks to the collaboration of CISU associates and store owners. The list is organized by region (Piemonte, Liguria, Lombardia, Trentino Alto Adige, Emilia Romagna, Toscana, Umbria, Lazio, Campania, Sicilia) and provides specific store names and addresses.

Why Join C.I.S.U. This section outlines the benefits of joining the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.). It highlights C.I.S.U. as the primary reference point for Italian UFO enthusiasts and researchers, emphasizing its serious, scientific research methodology and its commitment to disseminating information. Membership includes an annual subscription to "UFO Rivista di informazione ufologica", "Notizie UFO" (a quarterly newsletter with center activities and news), and "Rassegna Casistica" (a quadrimestral report on UFO sightings and case studies). "Collaborator" members also receive discounted access to other publications like "Documenti UFO" monographs and the "Notiziario Archivio Stampa".

Additional services for C.I.S.U. associates include the "CISU Video Service" (a UFO video archive), a "Servizio Librario" (book service for acquiring international UFO literature), and the "Banca Dati Ufologica" (UFO database for research material). Joining C.I.S.U. also offers the opportunity to participate in meetings, conventions, and research activities, such as library research, field investigations, data computerization, and local outreach, allowing members to actively contribute to the study of ufology.

The membership fee for 1990 is £. 25,000 (Supporters £. 50,000), payable to Gian Paolo Grassino via postal current account n. 16035107, Casella postale 82, 10100 Torino.

Local Representatives of C.I.S.U. This section provides contact information for C.I.S.U. representatives across various regions and provinces in Italy, enabling direct communication with the Italian Center for Ufological Studies and the reporting of UFO sightings. The listed regions include Piemonte, Liguria, Lombardia, Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Emilia Romagna, Toscana, Umbria, Marche, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Sicilia, and Sardegna, with names, addresses, and phone numbers for local contacts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific methodology of ufology, the critical analysis of witness testimony, the historical documentation of UFO events in Italy, and the promotion of ufological research and organizations like C.I.S.U. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous, scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the challenges and biases within the field, and encouraging active participation and information sharing among enthusiasts and researchers. The publication of the "UFO IN ITALIA" book series underscores a commitment to documenting and preserving the history of ufology in Italy.