UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 16

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica, number 16, dated July 1995, is a semiannual publication by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). It focuses on the Hessdalen phenomenon and its scientific investigation, alongside other UFO-related news and case studies.

Gli "UFO" della scienza (The "UFOs" of Science) by Renzo Cabassi

This editorial reflects on the scientific community's engagement with UFOs. It recalls the initial enthusiasm following publications like Hynek's 'The UFO Experience' and Sagan's 'UFOs - A Scientific Debate,' which suggested a potential for scientific acceptance. However, in Italy, the scientific community remained largely dismissive, influenced by the Condon Report. Despite the birth of the first scientific UFO journal in Italy ('UFO Phenomena') and attempts to access official data, progress was limited. The editorial notes that even in 1995, the term 'UFO' often evokes ridicule in academic circles, linked to stereotypes of aliens and flying saucers. Yet, a new wave of interest is emerging, focusing on luminous aerial phenomena that are scientifically analyzable. The Hessdalen phenomenon is presented as a prime example, with its nocturnal lights and anomalous behavior being studied. The article highlights a seminar in Bologna hosted by the National Research Council's Institute of Radioastronomy, where researchers from the Hessdalen Project presented their findings, focusing on instrumentation and methodologies. Massimo Teodorani, an astronomer involved in the project, emphasizes that they are studying 'UFOs' as unidentified phenomena, not as extraterrestrial craft. The presence of Italian scientists like Stelio Montebugnoli and Enrico Bernieri at this seminar signifies a growing, albeit cautious, scientific engagement with the topic.

Lucci, foto, dati strumentali: il caso Hessdalen (Lights, photos, instrumental data: the Hessdalen case) by Mentz Kaarbø

This article provides a detailed account of the Hessdalen phenomenon, which began in December 1981 in a valley in central southern Norway. Hundreds of UFO sightings were reported, described as luminous objects of various sizes and shapes, exhibiting unusual flight patterns, including hovering, rapid acceleration, and instantaneous stops. Witnesses reported intermittent white lights, similar to electronic flashes, and pulsing red lights. Some observations noted interference with TV reception. The phenomenon gained public attention in early 1982, leading to increased public interest and attempts to observe the lights.

The UFO-Norge (Norwegian UFO organization) conducted initial investigations, including a survey of 130 attendees at a public meeting in Ålen, revealing that 30 people had witnessed UFOs. The organization, along with UFO-Sverige (Swedish UFO center), conducted field investigations and personal sightings. A permanent observation post was considered.

A first observation campaign took place from March 17-21, 1982, with further excursions in September and October. A Norwegian television crew (NRK) also filmed the phenomena.

The NIFVO (Norwegian Institute for Scientific Investigation and Information) also conducted an investigation, analyzing 47 sightings from December 1981 to October 1982. Their analysis revealed patterns in the timing and duration of sightings, with most occurring between 5 PM and midnight, particularly after 9 PM. Objects were often described as luminous, with colors ranging from brilliant yellow and red to white and blue. Some reports mentioned 'fuselage-like' objects without wings, and others described 'window-like' features. Daytime sightings were rare, describing silver or steel-colored, wingless objects.

The article also touches upon the Norwegian military's involvement, with two officers from Vaernes airport investigating the phenomena in March 1982, marking the first time the military officially engaged in UFO hunting. They reported seeing many shooting stars and satellites but no UFOs, though they acknowledged the credibility of local reports.

The 'Project Hessdalen' was initiated in June 1983, a collaborative effort between UFO-Sverige and UFO-Norge, aiming for a more in-depth investigation. The project involved analyzing existing reports and materials, and conducting field studies with technical equipment. The first phase of the project ran from January 20 to February 26, 1984, registering 186 observations. The second phase took place from January 13 to 27, 1985, with support from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (NDRE) and several universities. This phase recorded approximately 55 sightings of uncertain origin and 220 identified sightings (aircraft, satellites, etc.). Despite extensive monitoring, no definitive explanation was found, though radar and other instruments confirmed the phenomenon's existence.

In the years following 1985, due to decreased activity, the project became inactive in terms of field research, though local reports continued to be collected. The connection with military authorities through NDRE provided some advantages.

Un problema affrontato dalla fisica (A problem addressed by physics) by Massimo Teodorani

This article by astronomer Massimo Teodorani discusses the Hessdalen phenomenon from a physics perspective. He notes that while the phenomenon has been observed since the late 1940s, it gained significant attention in late 1981. The phenomenon experienced periods of low and high activity, with a resurgence between 1992-1994, predominantly occurring in the evenings during winter months.

Teodorani categorizes the sightings into several types: single lights of various colors (white, yellow, red, blue, multicolore), strong flashes, projectile-shaped lights, pulsating or intermittent lights, oscillating or pendular lights, slow-moving or stationary lights, and composite lights (e.g., two yellow/white lights with a red one). He also mentions reports of dark objects appearing after lights extinguished and objects with geometric shapes. A consistent observation is the objects' tendency to move in a North-South direction and their proximity to the ground or surrounding mountains.

The article details the scientific response, including the involvement of engineers from Östfold College and collaboration with ufologists from UFO Norge. The 'Project Hessdalen' aimed to monitor the phenomena using various instruments, including seismographs, radar, radio frequency analyzers, magnetometers, Geiger counters, and infrared cameras. The project also involved photographic and video documentation.

Instrumental observations from the 1984 campaign revealed several key findings:

• Periodicity: The luminous phenomenon appeared to be strictly periodic, with a cycle of approximately 24 hours and peaks around 8-9 PM, suggesting a possible link to Earth's rotation.
• Solar Activity: No significant correlation was found between the phenomenon and daily solar activity (sunspot counts).
• Magnetic Correlation: A 50.9% correlation was observed between the luminous phenomenon and magnetic phenomena, although with limited synchronized data.
• Radar Correlation: A 46.8% correlation was found between radar traces and solar activity, possibly due to solar particles triggering atmospheric plasmoids detectable by radar.
• Radio Correlation: A 47.5% correlation was observed between radio signal amplitude and solar activity, potentially linked to solar storms affecting Earth's atmosphere.
• Magnetometer Correlation: Pulsation amplitude showed a 41.7% correlation with solar activity, consistent with solar influence on Earth's magnetic field. However, the duration of magnetic pulsations showed no correlation.

Teodorani discusses possible explanations, including atmospheric reflections, ball lightning, or other meteorological phenomena. He also touches upon the idea of 'intelligent' phenomena reacting to observation. The article notes that instruments sometimes malfunctioned during sightings, and some observers felt the phenomena were aware of being watched.

The article concludes by emphasizing the seriousness and caution of the researchers involved, who are seeking scientifically treatable data without ruling out any hypotheses. They aim to provide valuable information to science, acknowledging that UFO phenomena might have diverse origins, including natural or artificial phenomena, or even unknown presences.

Analisi numerica della campagna osservativa del 1984 (Numerical analysis of the 1984 observational campaign)

This section presents a numerical analysis of the 1984 Hessdalen campaign data, focusing on the temporal variability of the phenomenon, its correlation with different factors, and potential links to solar activity. The analysis uses the Julian date system for temporal distribution. Key findings include:

1. Periodicity: The phenomenon exhibits a strict 24-hour periodicity, peaking around 8-9 PM, suggesting a connection to Earth's rotation.
2. Solar Activity: No significant correlation was found with daily solar activity (sunspot counts).
3. Magnetic Correlation: A 50.9% correlation was observed with magnetic phenomena, though with limited synchronized data.
4. Radar Correlation: A 46.8% correlation with solar activity was noted, possibly due to solar particles creating detectable atmospheric plasmoids.
5. Radio Correlation: A 47.5% correlation with solar activity was found, potentially linked to solar storms affecting Earth's atmosphere.
6. Magnetometer Correlation: Pulsation amplitude showed a 41.7% correlation with solar activity. However, the duration of magnetic pulsations showed no correlation.

The author offers cautious interpretations, suggesting the phenomenon might be independent of the sun, interact with solar effects, involve physical objects with radar-reflective properties, or exhibit photokinetic characteristics. The possibility of phenomena reacting to stimuli and the intermittent nature of some lights are also noted. The article questions whether scientists will seek conventional explanations or explore more unconventional avenues.

Attualità (Current Affairs)

This section covers several recent UFO-related events:

• UFO ripreso a Viareggio (UFO filmed in Viareggio): On February 25, 1994, witnesses in Viareggio, Italy, reported seeing a luminous object described as a sphere with two sections of different yellow hues. The object appeared to rotate and then merge with another similar object before disappearing. An aircraft was observed pursuing the objects.
• Bruciature nell'erba: il solito fumo senza arrosto (Grass burns: the usual smoke without fire): This report details a case in Berceto, Parma, Italy, where a luminous object was sighted, followed by the discovery of four burnt circles in the grass. The incident was later revealed to be a hoax orchestrated by a teenager using acid chloride and artificial snow. The article criticizes the sensationalism surrounding such cases and the ease with which hoaxes can be perpetrated.
• Singolare incontro del terzo tipo nel Pordenonese (Singular third-kind encounter in Pordenone): A man from Pasiano (PN), Italy, reported an encounter on May 19, 1995, with approximately 25 smiling humanoid beings around a luminous, disc-shaped object. The witness described the beings as having elongated heads, large smiling mouths, and slender bodies. The object projected a yellow beam of light. The report notes the witness's initial skepticism towards UFOs and his subsequent tranquil experience.

Una nuova ipotesi "totale" fallisce il suo obiettivo (A new "total" hypothesis fails its objective)

This article critically examines the hypothesis proposed by neuroscientist Michael Persinger, suggesting that electromagnetic fields, particularly those affecting the temporal lobes of the brain, might induce experiences of abduction and encounters with extraterrestrials. The author discusses experiments involving magnetic fields and their potential effects on perception, citing Susan Blackmore's research. However, the article criticizes the lack of detailed scientific data in such theories and questions the methodology, particularly the reliance on anecdotal evidence and the generalization of findings. It also touches upon Albert Budden's theory linking UFO abductions to electromagnetic hypersensitivity and allergies. The article concludes by advocating for rigorous scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, acknowledging that their origins may be diverse, including natural, artificial, or unknown sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly luminous aerial events, and their investigation through scientific methods and instrumental analysis. There is a clear emphasis on presenting detailed case studies, both from international locations like Hessdalen and from Italy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging scientific exploration while maintaining a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims and hoaxes. The publication aims to bridge the gap between ufology and mainstream science, highlighting instances where scientific institutions and researchers engage with the topic, even if indirectly or under different terminology. The magazine also addresses the psychological and societal aspects of UFO experiences, including witness credibility and the potential for misinterpretation or fabrication.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated July 1995, focuses heavily on the enduring mystery and controversy surrounding the 1947 Roswell UFO crash, particularly the claims of an alien autopsy film. The cover headline boldly asks, "Alien Autopsies in 1947?", suggesting a deep dive into the alleged footage and its implications.

The Roswell Autopsy Film Controversy

The lead article, "Autopsie aliene nel 1947?" by Matteo Leone, explores the sensational claims that filmmaker Steven Spielberg had acquired original footage of the Roswell UFO crash, purportedly showing four aliens. The article traces the origin of this story to two British tabloids in late 1993 and early 1994. However, Spielberg's production company, Amblin Entertainment, officially denied any involvement in such a project, labeling the rumors as false. This initial denial, however, did not end the speculation.

In January 1995, singer Reg Presley, a known UFO enthusiast, mentioned on a BBC talk show that he had seen a film of an alien autopsy, allegedly shot in 1947. He described it as showing one alien and possibly three others, with 15 reels totaling 150 minutes of footage covering the crash site, fragments, and autopsies. Despite the potential significance, this claim received little media attention.

The story gained traction in February/March 1995 through internet discussion groups, with rumors of the film being sold to the American TV program "Encounter" for $150,000, and screenings in Los Angeles and the US East Coast. One rumor even suggested President Truman was seen near the wreckage. The British UFO Association (BUFORA) announced in March 1995 that they would screen a 91-minute black and white film of the autopsy at a Sheffield conference. The film was reportedly shot by a military cameraman and confirmed by Kodak to be old, with experts to examine it further.

Philip Mantle, a British ufologist, became involved when documentarian Ray Santilli contacted him about the film. Mantle initially dismissed the story but later saw a 7-minute video copy of the autopsy footage provided by Santilli. The footage showed a body on a table inside a tent, with two doctors examining it. Santilli claimed the footage was shot at the Roswell crash site. Mantle's copy is the only fragment he possesses.

Further details emerge about Santilli's background and his business partner, Volker Spielberg (no relation to the filmmaker), and Chris Cary, who managed the commercial aspects. Their strategy involved a gradual release of fragments to build interest for a full screening at the BUFORA conference. Santilli reportedly planned to sell distribution rights country by country and offered a VHS copy for sale.

Expert Opinions and Skepticism

Professor Pier Luigi Baima Bollone, an expert in legal medicine, offered a critical opinion on the autopsy footage. He noted that the alien's description resembled 19th-century depictions of malformations. He also questioned the surgical nature of the procedure, the use of latex gloves (which he considered relatively recent technology), and the apparent short duration of the autopsy. He concluded that the being was either a human with severe malformations or, more speculatively, an extraterrestrial.

Gian Paolo Grassino, writing for "UFO" magazine, expressed concern about the commercialization of the alleged footage, stating that the "freedom of information is not for sale." He criticized Santilli's approach, which he saw as a marketing operation rather than a genuine pursuit of truth, potentially damaging the credibility of ufology.

Other UFO Incidents

The magazine also features articles on other UFO sightings:

Piacenza 1966: UFOs Hunted by Aircraft

Marco Orlandi investigates a well-known UFO-aircraft encounter near Piacenza, Italy, on October 17, 1966. Pilots of F-84F Thunderstreak jets reported sighting a large, immobile, triangular object at high altitude. The article details conflicting accounts and dates from various sources, ultimately concluding that the event likely occurred on October 17, 1966, involving pilots Dante Golinelli and Vittorio Bocca. The object's high altitude and immobility made it difficult to identify, with explanations ranging from advanced aircraft to extraterrestrial vehicles.

Balloon Sonde Under Scrutiny

Renzo Cabassi examines the possibility of unidentified flying objects being misidentified as weather balloons. He discusses the procedures for launching and tracking balloons, noting that many UFO sightings are indeed explained this way. However, he emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing data that contradicts the balloon hypothesis, particularly regarding the timing and altitude of sightings.

Video Cassette Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several UFO-themed video cassettes:

• "UFO in videocassetta: gli alieni fanno spettacolo" (February 1992): This review criticizes a series of Italian UFO documentaries for their sensationalist approach, reliance on dubious sources, and promotion of extreme ufological theories. The reviewer points out instances of alleged fake footage and misrepresentation of facts, particularly regarding the "alien autopsy" footage and claims about extraterrestrial civilizations.
• "UFO: LE PROVE - FOTO E FILMATI SENSAZIONALI" (February 1992): This German production is described as more of a New Age documentary than a UFO investigation, focusing on extraterrestrial civilizations without critical analysis. It allegedly includes footage of alleged alien bodies that are identified as props from a Montreal exhibition.
• "UFO: SEGRETO DI STATO - L'INCHIESTA: COSA NASCONDE IL GOVERNO USA?" (March 1992): This review discusses a partial translation of an American TV program about the Roswell incident. It highlights claims made by individuals identifying as former government agents and mentions the controversial Gulf Breeze UFO case.
• "UFO: ROSWELL, LA VERITÀ OLTRE LA CONGIURA DEL SILENZIO" (February 1995): This video is described as a decent journalistic investigation into the Roswell case, produced with the collaboration of CUFOS. It features interviews with witnesses and reconstructions of events but is criticized for not sufficiently emphasizing the age of the case and for presenting a scenario that has been modified by the authors themselves in later works.
• "UFO: INTRUSI DAL CIELO 1991-1992: OBIETTIVO MESSICO" (May 1994): This cassette is reviewed as largely containing footage of UFOs filmed during a solar eclipse in Mexico City. The reviewer suggests that many of these sightings were likely Venus, which was particularly bright at the time, and that other footage was conventionally explained. The review criticizes the sensationalist approach and the methods used to analyze the footage.
• "UFO: L'ENIGMA MEIER - CONTATTI DALLE PLEIADI" (February 1995): This review discusses the case of Swiss contactee Billy Meier, whose claims of contact with Pleiadians are presented with alleged evidence such as photos, films, and metal samples. The review points out factual errors in the presentation (e.g., misidentifying the Pleiades) and suggests that much of Meier's evidence has been debunked as fake, including photos of alleged aliens that are identified as models.

CISU: Active Ufology

The magazine concludes with a section on the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), detailing its mission, activities, and publications. CISU is presented as a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to investigating UFO sightings, promoting scientific study, and disseminating objective information. It highlights CISU's extensive archives, research projects, and publications, including the "UFO - Rivista di informazione ufologica" magazine and "Notizie UFO" newsletter, emphasizing its role in providing reliable information to the public and supporting ufological research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently grapples with the challenge of distinguishing genuine UFO phenomena from hoaxes, sensationalism, and commercial exploitation. There is a strong emphasis on critical analysis, the need for verifiable evidence, and the importance of scientific methodology in ufological research. The magazine appears to advocate for a more rigorous and evidence-based approach to the study of UFOs, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the topic. The editorial stance is clearly against unsubstantiated claims and promotes the work of organizations like CISU that adhere to stricter research standards.

Title: IL FENOMENO UFO
Issue: 15
Publisher: COOPERATIVA UPIAR
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
Price: L. 8,000 (L. 6,000 for CISU members)
Cover Headline: IL FENOMENO UFO

This issue of "Il Fenomeno UFO" is a 48-page publication produced by the C.I.S.U. (Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici) aimed at presenting the principal characteristics of ufology. It covers various types of sightings, famous cases, and includes images, photos, and reconstructions. The publication is described as a concise yet effective introduction for those wishing to approach ufological themes with current study methodologies.

It is presented as a useful reference tool and a richly illustrated booklet (50 images, including photos and drawings) suitable for distribution or as a gift to promote understanding of the UFO phenomenon and its approach. The publication is edited by the COOPERATIVA UPIAR.

UFONET: The Italian Telematic Network for Ufology

The first Italian telematic network dedicated to ufology, UFONET, has been launched. It is coordinated by Daniele Maffettone and promoted by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). UFONET collaborates with various amateur databases (BBS) across Italy and is open to all interested individuals and ufology enthusiasts.

The network provides access to texts, archives, and images on UFOs, sourced from CISU, MUFON, and similar American telematic networks. The data is organized into different areas and is constantly updated. Connection requires only a computer and a modem.

• The issue lists the BBS affiliated with UFONET as of July 24, 1995:
• Torino: Biolus BBS, 011-4347690
• Genova: Miditel BBS, 010-6532705
• La Spezia: United World BBS, 0187-711180
• Milano: Edi BBS, 02-39320122
• Venezia: Totally Wired BBS, 041-5269419
• Trieste: Insonnia BBS, 040-823284
• Bologna: Omnis BBS, 051-6831640
• Perugia: Dark Phoenix BBS, 075-5848242
• Roma: Satya Sai BBS, 06-5037650
• Campobasso: Thunderbolt BBS, 0875-83429
• Napoli: Green Island BBS, 081-8763720; Italtec BBS, 081-5451506; Einstein Village BBS, 081-5466734; Dark Globe BBS, 081-7664158; The Hobbit BBS, 081-5563352; Nevering Struggle BBS, 081-7111481
• Bari: Actai BBS 080-5538562

CISU "Direct Line" and Telematic Contacts

• The Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU) offers a "Direct Line" service with three telephone lines available 24 hours a day for direct contact:
• NORD: 011 329.02.79
• CENTRO: 06512.75.66
• SUD: 081 503.01.19

• Additionally, information on the latest ufological news and activities can be obtained through telematic connections:
• VIDEOTEL: * 57514 #
• U-LINK BBS: 06 512.75.66,,22
• INTERNET e-mail: [email protected]

Other Information

The issue also includes contact information for UFOTEL (011-545294), described as "Ufological actuality by telephone", a service of the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici. A tax notice regarding "TAXE PERÇUE TASSA RISCOSSA TORINO C.M.P." is also present, with instructions for returning undelivered mail to CISU, Casella Postale 82, 10100 Torino.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the introduction and accessibility of ufology to a wider audience. The publication "Il Fenomeno UFO" serves as a foundational text, while UFONET and the CISU direct lines represent efforts to connect researchers and enthusiasts through modern communication technologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious study and information dissemination within the field of ufology, making resources and contacts readily available to the public.