UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO, number 12, published in July 1993, is a semiannual publication from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.). The cover features a striking illustration of a flying saucer and the headline "ANCORA AVVISTAMENTI IN RUSSIA" (More Sightings in Russia).

Editorial Introduction

The editorial highlights that this issue is a special one, focusing on three significant topics that required extensive coverage, leading to the postponement of other planned articles. The first topic is the Roswell incident, which has gained considerable attention in both the US and Italy, amplified by video releases. The article aims to provide a comprehensive overview with new data, even if it cannot cover every detail of the complex case.

The second major theme is the former Soviet Union, or what remains of it, with reports from a correspondent in Russia and an overview of Russian ufology. This section describes an interesting and contradictory world that continues to intrigue and surprise.

The third topic is dedicated to the recent passing of Aimé Michel, a renowned French ufologist and pioneer of rigorous ufological study. The issue includes a profile of Michel and his last interview, conducted by French colleagues from Ovni Prèsence, which aims to convey his sharp and curious personality, reminiscent of early ufologists.

Table of Contents

The issue's table of contents includes:

• SPECIAL: THE ROSWELL CASE
• CADDE A ROSWELL (Fell at Roswell) by Matteo Leone
• THE ROSWELL CASE IN AN AEROSPACE KEY by Nico Sgarlato
• RECOVERED UFO CRASHES
• EX-USSR: THE WAVE CONTINUES by Gianni Favero
• AFTER VORONEZH by Paolo Toselli
• AIMÉ MICHEL by Edoardo Russo
• MICHEL: THE INTERVIEW by Yves Bosson and Michel Hertzog

Special: The Roswell Case

CADDE A ROSWELL (Fell at Roswell) by Matteo Leone

This detailed article revisits the Roswell incident, described as the paradigmatic case of a "crashed flying saucer." The author aims to provide a panorama of what has been published regarding the discovery of mysterious fragments in a New Mexico pasture in the summer of 1947.

The article begins with the official press release from the 509th Bomb Group's intelligence office at Roswell Army Air Base, dated July 8, 1947, announcing the recovery of a "flying disc" thanks to a local rancher and the sheriff's office. This announcement, widely reported by news agencies, suggested the recovery of an extraterrestrial craft.

However, a few hours later, the Air Force issued a new statement identifying the material as belonging to a mundane weather balloon. The article questions which version is correct and whether a "flying disc" could be confused with a balloon, suggesting a possible deception by the US Air Force. It then proceeds to reconstruct the events of that July 46 years prior.

A preceding event is mentioned: on July 2, 1947, at 9:50 PM, the Wilmots reported seeing a "large luminous object" moving at high speed from southeast to northwest, described as "two inverted plates placed one against the other." Also on July 2, William Woody and his father reported seeing a bright light with a reddish trail northwest of Roswell.

The main events began on the morning of Thursday, July 3, 1947, on the Foster ranch in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Rancher William "Mac" Brazel, accompanied by Timothy Dee Proctor, discovered a field strewn with "wreckage" – metallic sheets, lightweight material, foil, and filaments. Much of the material was so thin and light it moved with the wind but was incredibly strong and resistant to cutting or burning. The debris was so dense that Brazel's sheep refused to cross the field.

Brazel collected some fragments and later showed them to the Proctor family. He also moved a larger fragment to a shed. It took several days for Brazel to report the discovery due to the lack of a telephone and the distance to the sheriff's office.

On Sunday, July 6, Brazel traveled to Roswell and met with Sheriff George A. Wilcox, showing him some fragments. Wilcox, suspecting it might be military equipment, contacted the Roswell Army Air Base. Major Jesse A. Marcel was dispatched to investigate. Before Marcel's arrival, radio reporter Frank Joyce of KGFL inquired about the incident.

Colonel William Blanchard (base commander), Major Marcel, and CIC agent Sheridan "Cav" Cavitt arrived, interviewed Brazel, and accompanied him back to the ranch. Due to darkness, they postponed the inspection until the next day. Two assistants reported finding an area of scorched and vitrified ground but not the specific field Brazel indicated.

On Monday, July 7, Marcel and Cavitt spent the day inspecting the site and collected a significant amount of material, filling their vehicles. Marcel showed some fragments to his wife and son that night.

On July 8, Colonel Blanchard ordered a cordon around the field. Military patrols began "cleaning" the area. That morning, Blanchard authorized Public Information Officer Walter Haut to issue the press release about the recovered "flying disc." Haut distributed this to local media, including KGFL.

In the afternoon, at least three aircraft carrying recovered fragments departed from Roswell: a C-54 to Wright Field, a B-29 piloted by Major Marcel to Fort Worth, and a third to Washington.

That same day, at Fort Worth, General Roger Ramey held a press conference where the material was identified as a "Rawin" weather balloon. However, this explanation did not reach West Coast evening newspapers, which still ran headlines based on Haut's initial announcement.

Throughout July 8, Brazel was taken back and forth to the base and interviewed. On July 9, military officials located Brazel and took him to the Roswell Daily Record, where he gave a revised and contradictory interview, now speaking of a weather balloon. Military officials also collected copies of Haut's press release from local media.

Brazel was also interviewed by Frank Joyce at KGFL, providing a different account than his earlier one and explicitly mentioning a weather balloon.

UN PRECEDENTE? (A Precedent?)

This section briefly touches upon earlier sightings that might be related to the Roswell event.

I FATTI (The Facts)

This section details the events from the discovery of the debris by Brazel to the press conference in Fort Worth. It includes descriptions of the material found, the involvement of various military personnel, and the conflicting accounts given by witnesses and authorities.

It also mentions the initial press release from Roswell Army Air Field, the subsequent retraction, and the involvement of journalists.

MATERIALI FILIFORME (Thread-like Materials)

Describes thread-like material found, similar to silk but stronger and without the typical weave.

TRACCE AL SUOLO (Ground Traces)

Details the extent of the debris field and the mention of a straight "groove" in the ground.

UFO Crash Retrievals

UFO PRECIPITATI E RECUPERATI (Precipitated UFOs and Recoveries)

This article by Nico Sgarlato discusses the history and legends of "discs" falling to Earth. It notes that the topic of crashed UFOs, once relegated to folklore, has become a legitimate part of ufological debate in the last decade.

Early stories of crashed alien spacecraft emerged in the US in 1947 but were largely dismissed by ufologists until the 1980s. The author attributes this dismissal partly to the discredited 1950 book "Behind the Flying Saucers" by Frank Scully, which was based on fabricated accounts.

Consequently, reports of crashed UFOs were primarily published in sensationalist tabloids and were not investigated by serious ufologists. Many such reports were hoaxes or unsubstantiated rumors.

Leonard Stringfield, a ufologist who had consulted for the US Air Defense on UFO sightings, is credited with being the first to seriously consider alleged UFO recoveries. His 1977 book "Situation Red! The UFO Siege" included a chapter on the topic, and he received numerous other reports, leading him to dedicate more research to it. His 1978 presentation at the MUFON annual congress detailed seventeen alleged "third kind" recovery incidents, though based on anonymous or second-hand testimonies.

The Roswell incident, particularly after the 1980 book "Incident at Roswell" by Charles Berlitz and William Moore, significantly boosted interest in UFO crashes. The case was important not only for the initial press release admitting the recovery of a flying disc but also for the large number of witnesses (around a hundred) who were eventually tracked down.

Stringfield's research suggested that the US military had been actively involved in UFO investigations beyond the public Project Blue Book, possibly engaging in cover-ups. The release of declassified documents through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in the late 1970s revealed that Project Blue Book was largely a public relations effort, with more significant cases being handled elsewhere.

If Roswell was indeed a crashed UFO, it implied that authorities had proof of extraterrestrial vehicles since 1947 but concealed it for political reasons. This explained the military's contradictory behavior, the conspiracy of silence, and the inconclusive nature of official UFO studies.

UFO crashes became a central topic in American ufology in the 1980s, with numerous new cases emerging: downed or captured flying saucers, recovered alien pilots (dead or alive), complex recovery operations, autopsies, and even alleged photos of alien creatures. Len Stringfield meticulously documented hundreds of such incidents.

Since 1987, the topic has seen unexpected developments, including the "Majestic 12" memorandum and claims of secret government agreements with aliens. Some researchers believe these are disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the Roswell affair and UFO crash phenomena.

American ufological magazines, particularly in the 1980s, saw a resurgence of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, with UFO crashes being a major focus alongside abductions. The general public became aware of these stories through television programs, such as the 1988 NBC live broadcast "UFO Cover-up," which included a reconstruction of the Roswell incident and interviews with alleged intelligence agents.

This increased public awareness led to new witnesses coming forward for old crash cases and even new UFO crash incidents being reported in various locations. The prospect of recovering alien craft and their occupants would provide the long-awaited material proof of extraterrestrial visitation.

However, European ufologists often view these stories with skepticism, as they frequently rely on second-hand or unverified information. In the US, some researchers, like Jacques Vallée, suggest that many of these revelations, particularly those from former military or intelligence personnel, might be part of psychological warfare or disinformation campaigns to cover up the recovery of spy or experimental aircraft.

The article concludes by mentioning the Renslesham Forest incident in the UK as another complex European case that, despite its UFO-like characteristics, is being investigated with a focus on a "terrestrial" explanation deliberately masked as a UFO event.

EX-URSS: THE WAVE CONTINUES by Gianni Favero

This section likely details UFO sightings and ufological activity in the former Soviet Union, continuing the theme introduced on the cover.

AFTER VORONEZH by Paolo Toselli

This article likely discusses UFO phenomena following the well-known Voronezh incident in Russia.

AIMÉ MICHEL by Edoardo Russo

This section is a profile of the influential French ufologist Aimé Michel.

MICHEL: THE INTERVIEW by Yves Bosson and Michel Hertzog

This section presents the last interview with Aimé Michel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the Roswell incident as a pivotal case in ufology, presenting detailed investigations and contrasting official explanations with witness testimonies. The magazine also highlights the emergence of UFO phenomena in Russia and the former Soviet Union, suggesting a global increase in sightings. The inclusion of a tribute to Aimé Michel underscores the magazine's commitment to honoring significant figures in the field and exploring the historical development of ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the complexities and controversies while seeking to provide comprehensive information to its readers.

This issue of "Rivista di informazione ufologica" presents a comprehensive look at the "EX-URSS: L'ONDATA CONTINUA" (The Wave Continues) of UFO sightings in the former Soviet Union during 1990-91. The content is divided into two main articles: "EX-URSS: L'ONDATA CONTINUA" by Gianni Favero, focusing on recent sightings, and "L'ufologia sovietica degli anni '90" by Paolo Toselli, which provides a broader overview of ufology in the post-Soviet era.

EX-URSS: L'ONDATA CONTINUA by Gianni Favero

Favero reports on a continuation of the UFO wave that began in 1989, with numerous sightings occurring in 1990 and 1991 across the former Soviet republics. The article notes the significant role of the television program "UFO: una visita non annunciata" in raising public awareness.

Nalchik Case (March 24, 1990)

This incident involved radar operators at a military airport and the crew of a MI-2 helicopter. They detected a solid, luminous object on radar, initially mistaken for a helicopter. The object exhibited unusual behavior, including disappearing from radar for 18-20 seconds while radio contact remained, and flying parallel to the helicopter. The object, described as spherical and about three meters in diameter, was luminous and emitted reddish-purple glows. The pilot, Nikolaj Bortychuk, described it as a "silver sphere with four or five concentric circles on its surface."

Other Nalchik Sightings

In November of the same year, strange luminous objects emitting light beams were observed, along with disc-shaped objects flying at low altitudes and hovering. One sighting by Boris Gadzhiev described an object with "portholes" emitting large beams of light.

Sumy Region Sighting (February 2, 1990)

A fourteen-year-old student, Dima Ghirjenko, photographed a disc-shaped object performing low-altitude maneuvers, with apparent landing gear extending. Some of these photographs were published.

The "Nautilus" (June 1990)

This massive cigar-shaped object, nicknamed "Nautilus," was sighted in multiple regions of southern Russia and the Caucasus. It was preceded by a red object that turned green and split into six parts before reforming and disappearing. The "Nautilus" itself was described as about 150 meters long and 40 meters wide, with large portholes and powerful headlights. It flew at low altitudes (under 100 meters) at speeds below 100 km/h. A second, smaller object, resembling two flattened hemispheres, also appeared.

Rostov-on-Don Sighting (April 1990)

Sergeant Vladimir Skibchik reported seeing a giant, illuminated sphere at a low altitude (10-15 meters) that emitted two clear rays of light before ascending rapidly.

Tiraspol Sighting (April 5, 1990)

In Tiraspol, a formation of three square objects, one large and two smaller, was observed. The larger object emitted multi-colored rays, and the smaller ones approached it.

Pereslavl-Zalesskij Case (March 21, 1990)

This significant radar-visual case involved air defense forces in Moscow. A fighter pilot, Captain Alexej Semenchenko, encountered an unidentified object with intermittent white lights. The object changed altitude and direction, did not respond to identification requests, and exhibited remarkable maneuverability, flying at speeds two to three times that of a modern fighter jet. The object's speed was correlated with the flashing frequency of its lights.

Samara Sighting (September 14, 1990)

A triangular object landed near a military radar station, causing damage to the antenna and making two sentinels disappear for two hours. Their watches were found to be stopped at the time the event began.

Grosny Sighting (October 8, 1990)

A fighter pilot was ordered to intercept an unknown object and encountered two large, cigar-shaped UFOs, one approximately two kilometers long.

MIR Space Station (September 28, 1990)

Cosmonauts aboard the "MIR" space station observed a large, silver sphere at an altitude of 20-30 km.

L'ufologia sovietica degli anni '90 by Paolo Toselli

Toselli discusses the evolution of ufology in the former Soviet Union following the "glasnost" era, noting a significant increase in sightings and public interest. He highlights the establishment of official ufological organizations and the challenges they face.

The Official Association

The "Associazione ufologica degli Stati dell'Unione" (SojuzUFOCenter) was officially recognized on April 12, 1991, with Vladimir Azhazha and Pavel Popovich as key figures. Despite initial growth, organizational and financial difficulties led to its dissolution and the formation of a smaller "UFO Centre."

Proliferation of Publications

There has been a surge in ufological publications, including "NLO-Réalnost," "Chetvyortoye Izmeremiye," and "Anomalia." Some publications have achieved significant circulation.

Ufology as a Profession?

Toselli explores the emergence of ufology as a potential profession in Russia, citing examples like Alexandre Avchalunov, who proposed a multilingual ufology magazine, and Vladimir Rubtsov, who founded a research institute.

Russian and American Ufology

There has been increased exchange between Russian and Western ufologists, particularly with American researchers like Jacques Vallée and Richard Haines. The "Joint American-Soviet Aerial Anomaly Federation" (JASAAF) was formed to facilitate this collaboration.

Scientific and Unscientific Ufology

The article touches upon the blend of scientific inquiry and more esoteric or spiritual approaches within Russian ufology. It mentions the use of dowsing (biolocation) and the debate surrounding it among scientists.

"Gli UFO e la scienza moderna"

This book, authored by Yuri V. Platov and Vladimir Rubtsov, is presented as an example of serious ufological research that maintains an open yet scientific approach to the phenomenon.

Aimé Michel and Ortotenia

The article on Aimé Michel details his life and contributions, particularly his theory of "ortotenia" (orthoteny), which posits that UFO sightings often align along straight lines. Michel's work, especially his book "Mystèrieux Objets Cèlestes," is credited with pioneering a more scientific approach to analyzing UFO waves.

The "Collegio Invisibile"

Michel was instrumental in forming the "collegio invisibile" (invisible college), a network of researchers and enthusiasts who shared information and collaborated on UFO investigations.

The "Phobos 2 and Marina Popovich UFO" Case

This section discusses Marina Popovich's claims about a cigar-shaped object photographed by the Phobos 2 probe near Mars. However, the article presents evidence suggesting this was likely an artifact of the "Termoskan" imaging method, contradicting Popovich's interpretation.

The "LEM" Case

This refers to a controversial photograph of a supposed crashed UFO resembling the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM), found in the Caucasus.

Dalnegorsk Incident (January 29, 1986)

This incident describes a spherical object that crashed near Dalnegorsk, Siberia, leaving behind physical traces and anomalous materials that were reportedly analyzed by scientific institutions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation in ufology, while acknowledging the growing public interest and the challenges posed by sensationalism and the blending of ufology with paranormal and esoteric beliefs. The articles highlight specific cases and the efforts of researchers to bring order and understanding to the phenomenon. There's a clear effort to present detailed accounts of sightings and the analytical approaches used, while also critiquing less rigorous methods. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, evidence-based approach, even when dealing with extraordinary claims.

Title: UFO - RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA

Date: Not specified

Character: This issue focuses on the distribution of the magazine, providing readers with a comprehensive list of physical locations where they can purchase copies across Italy.

Distribution Network

The primary purpose of this page is to inform readers about the availability of "UFO - RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA" beyond direct subscription. The magazine is sold at selected bookstores and newsstands in major Italian cities. This distribution is facilitated through the collaboration of the magazine's associates and the cooperation of the shop owners.

Piedmont

• In Piedmont, the magazine can be found at:
• Libreria "ARETHUSA" at via Po 2, Torino.
• "BANCARELLA AERONAUTICA" at CORSO Duca degli Abruzzi 12, Torino.
• Libreria "COMUNARDI" at via Bogino 2, Torino.
• Libreria "MILONE" at via Saluzzo 19/D, Torino.
• Libreria "ZANABONI" at corso Vittorio Emanuele 41, Torino.
• Edicola MAGNE' at via San Secondo 20, Torino.
• Libreria "LEONARDO DA VINCI" at via Trotti 22, Alessandria.
• Libreria "LA TALPA" at via Roma 21/f, Novara.
• Libreria "MEDUSA" at viale XX Settembre 30, Novara.
• Edicola NEGRI at piazza Mercato 38, Domodossola (NO).
• Libreria "IL DIALOGO" at viale Marazza 16, Borgomanero (NO).
• Libreria "GARAVAGLIA" at via Beldi 31, Romentino (NO).
• Libreria "ALBERTI" at c.so Garibaldi 74, Verbania-Intra (NO).

Liguria

• In Liguria, readers can visit:
• Libreria "AMENOTHES" at vico Giannini 1/3, Genova.
• Edicola LA NOTIZIA at via Calamaro 11/R, Savona.
• Edicola MERLINO MARIA at piazza Giulio II 13, Savona.

Lombardy

• Locations in Lombardy include:
• Edicola BELLO' at via V. Emanuele 18, Cassina Rizzardi (CO).
• Edicola BOGANI at via Roma 20, Fenegrò (CO).
• Libreria "OMODEO" at via Silva 12, Vigevano (PV).

Trentino Alto Adige

• In Trentino Alto Adige:
• Edicola PEDRONI at piazza Battisti, Trento.
• "LA RIVISTERIA" in Trento.

Veneto

• In Veneto, the magazine is available at:
• Libreria "Pirola-Maggioli" at viale Verona 2, Sottomarina (VE).

Emilia-Romagna

• Emilia-Romagna locations are:
• Libreria Internazionale "RIZZOLI" at via Rizzoli 8, Bologna.
• Libreria "IBIS" at via Castiglione 31, Bologna.
• Edicola BULGARELLI at piazza Garibaldi (Municipio), Parma.
• Edicola FRAIMINI at via Confalonieri 1, Reggio Emilia.

Tuscany

• In Tuscany, the magazine can be found at:
• Libreria "MARZOCCO" at via dei Martelli 22, Firenze.
• Edicola ARTINI at via Don Minzoni 10, Siena.
• Edicola at viale 24 Maggio, Siena.
• Edicola "PORTA OVILE" in Siena.
• Edicola MICHETTI at piazza del Popolo, Montalcino (SI).

Umbria

• Umbria locations include:
• Libreria "ALTEROCCA" at c.so Tacito, Terni.
• Edicola GRISCI SILVANA at via Cesi 5, Terni.
• Edicola MINIUCCHI at via 1º maggio, Terni.
• Edicola LEONARDI at via Delle Ortensie 5, Orvieto (TR).

Lazio

• In Lazio, the magazine is available at:
• "LIBRI UFO" at via Ostiense 54 bis, Roma.
• Libreria "PROFONDO ROSSO" at via dei Grandi 260, Roma.
• Libreria "POCKET 2000" at via Famagosta, Roma.
• Libreria "SAN SILVESTRO" at Piazza San silvestro, Roma.
• Edicola DE LEGIBUS at circonvallazione Ostiense, Roma.
• Edicola FURINI at piazza del Gesù, Roma.
• Edicola CAMPOSEO at via Chiabrera 136/138, Roma.
• Edicola PELOSI at piazza Cola di Rienzo, Roma.
• Edicola VIA ROMA at Montefiascone (VT).

Campania

• Campania locations are:
• Libreria "LOMBARDI" at Corso Costantinopoli 5 bis, Napoli.
• Libreria "TRAMA" at piazza Cavour 75, Napoli.
• Edicola OSPEDALE MONALDI at via Leonardo Bianchi, Napoli.
• Edicola CAPUZZO at via S.Teresa 56, Napoli.
• Edicola MUSEO NAZIONALE at via Enrico Pessina 52, Napoli.
• Edicola BATTAGLIA at via Bosco di Capodimonte, Napoli.
• Edicola IAVARONE at via Firenze 51, Napoli.
• Edicola GENTILE at via Garibaldi/borgo Cairoli, Napoli.
• Edicola PALMISANO at via Lepanto 33, Napoli.
• Edicola PALMISANO at viale Augusto, Napoli.
• Edicola STAZIONE FERROVIARIA at Cancello (NA).
• Libreria "CROCE" at piazza Dante 11, Caserta.
• Libreria "NIGRO" at via Acquaviva 23, Caserta.
• Libreria "GUIDA" at via Caduti del Lavoro 29, Caserta.
• Libreria "NORINA" at via Acquaviva 55, Caserta.

Sicily

• In Sicily, the magazine can be found at:
• Libreria "MARSA" at via Regina Margherita 27, Catania.

Sardinia

• Sardinia locations include:
• Libreria "VENDITTI" at piazza Università 1, Sassari.
• "LIBRORAMA" at via Brigata Sassari 57, Sassari.
• Libreria "IL LABIRINTO" at via Carlo Alberto 125, Alghero (SS).

Back Issues

Information regarding the ordering of back issues is provided, directing readers to contact the publisher's address.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue's content is purely functional, focusing on the logistical aspect of magazine distribution. There are no articles, editorials, or thematic discussions presented on this page. The editorial stance, as implied by this page, is one of accessibility, aiming to make the publication readily available to its readership across the country through a network of affiliated businesses.