UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 18

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO, Rivista di Informazione Ufologica, number 18, published in July-December 1996, focuses on the mystery of triangular UFOs and the debate between alien technology and secret terrestrial aircraft. The cover prominently features this theme, along with a report on a UFO crash in Guardiaregia, Italy.

Cover Story: The Mystery of Triangular UFOs

The main cover story delves into the enigma of triangular UFOs, posing the question of whether they represent advanced alien technology or classified terrestrial aircraft. This theme is visually represented on the cover with images of UFOs against a mountainous backdrop.

Feature Article: UFO Crash in Guardiaregia, Italy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the investigation of a reported UFO crash on Mount Mutria in Guardiaregia, Molise, Italy, on March 6, 1994. The article, titled 'UFO-crash a Guardiaregia?', details the extensive search operation involving military and civil authorities, including the Carabinieri, Vigili del Fuoco, and the Alpine Rescue Squad. It presents witness testimonies, such as those of Angelo and Franco Giambattista, who reported seeing a dark object descending onto the mountain. The investigation explores various hypotheses, including a conventional aircraft crash, a drone, or misidentification. The article highlights the unusual scale of the response and the subsequent lack of official explanation, raising questions about government secrecy and potential cover-ups. The investigation's methodology is described as initially focusing on aeronautical aspects before delving into ufological possibilities.

UFOs in Popular Culture: Films and Television

The "Attualità" (Current Affairs) section extensively covers the growing presence of UFOs and extraterrestrial themes in popular culture, particularly in films and television.

• 'Independence Day': The magazine discusses the blockbuster film 'Independence Day,' noting its success in capitalizing on the public's fascination with UFOs and alien invasions. It highlights the film's plot, which involves a massive alien invasion and the use of recovered alien technology from Roswell to defeat the invaders. The film's cultural impact, including its coverage in major magazines like Time and Newsweek, is also mentioned.
• Other Films: The article also touches upon other contemporary films exploring alien invasion themes, such as 'The Arrival,' 'Mars Attack!', and 'Men in Black.' It notes the trend of updating classic 1950s alien invasion tropes with modern anxieties.
• 'Phenomenon': John Travolta's film 'Phenomenon' is discussed for its more spiritual take on extraterrestrial encounters, where a man gains extraordinary abilities after an encounter with a UFO.
• 'Dark Skies': The TV series 'Dark Skies' is presented as a new show exploring government conspiracies and alien presence on Earth, set in the 1960s and involving a secret organization called Majestic-12.

The 'X-Files' Phenomenon

The magazine dedicates a section to the popular TV series 'X-Files,' discussing its cultural impact and the ongoing debate about the reality of its depicted events. It clarifies that creator Chris Carter stated that 99% of the show's stories are fictional, based on imagination, despite drawing inspiration from real-world UFO phenomena and conspiracy theories. The article details plot points from the third season, focusing on government conspiracies, alien experiments, and the ongoing investigation by Mulder and Scully.

Roswell: Business and Controversy

The article 'Roswell is business!' examines how the 1947 Roswell incident has been commercialized, turning the town into a tourist attraction with multiple UFO museums and festivals. It discusses the ongoing debate about alleged debris from the crashed UFO, with various fragments being analyzed and debated, often leading to contradictory conclusions. The article expresses skepticism about the authenticity of some claims, particularly those involving anonymous sources and speculative interpretations.

The Santilli Film Controversy

The ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged alien autopsy film by Ray Santilli is revisited. The article details the findings of experts who suggest the film footage is a reproduction, likely made in the 1960s, and questions the authenticity of the fragments of film provided by Santilli. It highlights the inconsistencies in Santilli's accounts and the technical analysis of the film, concluding that the evidence points towards a fabrication.

UFO Crashes in Italy: The CrashCat Project

Giuseppe Stilo introduces the 'CrashCat' project, a research initiative cataloging UFO crash incidents in Italy. The project aims to analyze reported cases of apparent falling objects, excluding those attributable to known natural phenomena or hoaxes. The article notes that a significant percentage of these cases involve potential public safety concerns, leading to interventions by authorities. The project has cataloged 102 reports, categorized by whether the objects were seen falling and recovered, seen falling but not recovered, seen falling into water, or involved the recovery of alleged extraterrestrial entities.

Reviews

• 'Rapiti! - Incontri con gli alieni' by John E. Mack: This review discusses Mack's book, which posits that UFO abduction experiences can be transformative and positive, leading to personal growth. The review highlights Mack's controversial stance, his use of hypnosis, and the criticisms he has faced from both the scientific and ufological communities. It also touches upon the recurring themes in abduction accounts, such as personal trauma and spiritual awakenings.
• 'Sottomessi alle violenze aliene' by Richard Hall: This is a critical commentary on John E. Mack's work by Richard Hall, a veteran UFO researcher. Hall expresses skepticism towards Mack's interpretation of abduction experiences as positive, arguing that the reported events involve severe abuses that would be considered crimes if perpetrated by humans. He criticizes Mack's acceptance of New Age beliefs and his lack of critical analysis regarding reincarnation and other unsubstantiated claims. Hall emphasizes the real trauma experienced by abduction victims and cautions against romanticizing their experiences.
• 'I rapiti, messaggeri New Age' by Michael Miley: This review offers a contrasting perspective to Richard Hall's critique. Miley, a proponent of New Age thought, views Mack's work positively, seeing it as a challenge to materialistic paradigms and an exploration of transpersonal experiences. He argues that understanding UFO phenomena and abductions requires an openness to spiritual and non-material dimensions, and that Mack's work aligns with broader concepts of consciousness and reality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with government secrecy, popular culture, and scientific investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging detailed research into reported incidents while acknowledging the limitations of current evidence and the potential for misinterpretation or hoaxes. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and sensationalism or fiction. The magazine also highlights the cultural impact of UFOs, particularly in the United States, and its influence on film and television.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated July-December 1996, delves into various aspects of ufology, with a strong focus on the controversial figure of Billy Meier, often referred to as the 'prophet of the Pleiades'. The magazine also explores advanced aerospace technology, potential government cover-ups, and specific UFO and USO (Unidentified Submerged Object) sightings.

Reviews

UFO Top Secret by Roberto Pinotti

This review critically examines Roberto Pinotti's book, 'UFO Top Secret'. The reviewer acknowledges Pinotti's extensive knowledge and the book's comprehensive casuistry but questions the author's thesis-driven approach. Pinotti posits that governments worldwide are engaged in a 'cover-up' to suppress UFO information. The reviewer finds the evidence presented insufficient to prove this theory, noting that many testimonies are anonymous or ambiguous. While acknowledging the importance of the phenomenon, the reviewer suggests that Pinotti's work, like many in ufology, relies on speculation and lacks concrete proof, sometimes blending verifiable facts with dubious information.

Gli Alieni - Contatti con intelligenze extraterrestri by Johannes Fiebag

This review discusses Johannes Fiebag's book, which focuses on close encounters of the third kind and alien abductions, drawing parallels with historical accounts of encounters with demons, elves, and fairies. The book aims to evaluate the UFO phenomenon by suggesting an origin in non-human intelligence, though not strictly extraterrestrial in the classical sense. Fiebag proposes that human experience of the 'Other' is shaped by their cultural context, and questions whether humans adapt the experience or if 'Others' adapt to their appearances. The reviewer notes the book's attempt to avoid extreme positions, acknowledging the reality of the phenomenon while cautioning against purely psychological or mythological explanations.

UFO Dossier - Alla scoperta delle macchine meravigliose by Alan Watts

The review of Alan Watts' book criticizes its outdated approach, noting that much of the content seems to originate from the 1960s. The author, an ex-technical institute teacher, bases his arguments on theories of electromagnetic propulsion and antigravity without deep understanding. The review points out Watts' reliance on questionable sources, including debunked photographic evidence and the unsubstantiated claims of contactees like Billy Meier. The reviewer finds Watts' work superficial and lacking in critical analysis, suggesting it appeals primarily to newcomers to ufology.

Contactism

Meier, il profeta delle Pleiadi

This extensive section focuses on Eduard Albert 'Billy' Meier, a Swiss contactee who claims regular communication with extraterrestrials from the Pleiades star system. The article details Meier's background, his alleged encounters, and the 'evidence' he has presented, including numerous photographs and written messages. It highlights the spiritual and New Age aspects of his claims, which have contributed to his widespread following. The article critically examines the photographic evidence, citing analyses by researchers like Kal Korff and Marcel Vogel, which suggest widespread fabrication through models, double exposures, and photo manipulation. It also discusses the commercialization of Meier's story by his promoters and the critical reception of his claims by many ufologists.

The section also details the role of various promoters, such as Wendelle Stevens and Gary Kinder, in disseminating Meier's story. It points out inconsistencies in Meier's accounts and the alleged use of staged scenarios and fabricated evidence. The article contrasts the claims of Meier's supporters with the findings of independent researchers who have investigated his case.

Kal Korff: L'anti-Meier

This article focuses on Kal Korff, a German-born Californian researcher who has been a vocal critic of Billy Meier's claims. Korff's extensive investigation, including a direct visit to Meier's headquarters in Switzerland and detailed analysis of photographic evidence, is presented. The article highlights Korff's conclusion that while not all of Meier's evidence may be false, there is no credible proof to support his extraordinary claims, and the problem of authenticity remains unresolved.

UFOs in Italy: The Meier Myth

This section traces the introduction and spread of Billy Meier's story in Italy, starting with its first mention in 'Il Giornale dei Misteri' in 1976. It discusses the publication of books like Gary Kinder's 'Anni Luce' and the Elders' 'Contatti dalle Pleiadi' by Italian publishers, which contributed to Meier's notoriety. The article notes the critical stance of many Italian ufologists towards Meier's claims, while also acknowledging the influence of promoters like Roberto Pinotti who, despite some reservations, left room for the possibility of the case being real.

UFO-Aerei (UFO-Aircraft)

The Phenomenon of the Flying Triangles

This article explores the phenomenon of triangular UFOs, linking them to advanced aerospace technologies, particularly those developed during the Cold War by both the US and the Soviet Union. It discusses the development of lifting bodies by NASA and the Soviet Union's advancements in hypersonic aircraft and reconnaissance vehicles. The article suggests that some UFO sightings might be misidentifications of secret military aircraft, such as the Soviet 'Foxtrot Express' or the potential US 'Aurora' spyplane. It examines the characteristics of these advanced aircraft, including their triangular shapes and high-speed capabilities, and notes the difficulty in distinguishing them from genuine UFO reports.

An 'Aurora' with a Red Star?

This section speculates on the possibility of Soviet aircraft influencing UFO reports. It discusses the Soviet Union's advanced aerospace programs, including their development of hypersonic aircraft and reconnaissance drones. The article suggests that the rapid retirement of the SR-71 Blackbird by the USAF might have been due to the development of a superior replacement, potentially the 'Aurora' project. It references a sighting by Chris Gibson of a dark, triangular aircraft being refueled in the North Sea, which could be evidence of such advanced, secret aircraft.

Indagini (Investigations)

The Case of the Flying Saucer at the Hotel Miramare

This report details an alleged UFO sighting at the Hotel Miramare, involving multiple witnesses who described a hovering, black, disc-shaped object. The object reportedly exhibited unusual movements and characteristics, including a pulsating red light and a flexible, balloon-like structure. The witnesses' accounts, despite some variations, consistently described a silent, erratic flight pattern.

Another Flying Humanoid in Rocchetta S. Antonio

This article describes an incident in Rocchetta S. Antonio, Italy, where a young woman reported seeing a small, humanoid figure in a brown suit. The figure was described as about 50 cm tall, with a human-like face and a silver hemisphere on its back. The article notes that the witness's account was corroborated by another person, and that the incident gained media attention. However, subsequent investigations by researchers revealed potential contradictions and suggested the possibility of misidentification, possibly of a toy balloon.

The Investigation of an Unidentified Submerged Object

This report details the sighting of an Unidentified Submerged Object (USO) off the coast of Puglia, Italy. Three fishermen reported seeing a whitish light in the water, followed by a round, metallic grey object emerging from the sea and ascending rapidly at an angle. The object was described as silent and fast, disappearing within seconds. The article notes that the investigation by CISU found the witness to be credible, but the case remains unexplained.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology. While acknowledging the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena and the potential for genuine encounters, it emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation and critical analysis. The issue highlights the prevalence of hoaxes, misidentifications, and sensationalism within the field, particularly in cases like Billy Meier's. The magazine also demonstrates an interest in the intersection of ufology with advanced technology, both terrestrial and potentially extraterrestrial, and explores the psychological and societal factors that contribute to belief in UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based research and a cautious interpretation of claims, while not dismissing the possibility of extraordinary events.

Title: UFO
Issue: N. 18
Date: July-December 1996
Publisher: UPIAR
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of UFO magazine, published by UPIAR, focuses heavily on the historical involvement of the FBI with the UFO phenomenon, presenting it as a reality that surpasses fictional portrayals like the X-Files series. The cover prominently features "F.B.I. DOSSIER UFO I VERI FILES" by Paolo Toselli, published by Armenia.

FBI Dossier UFO: The True Files

The lead article, "F.B.I. DOSSIER UFO I VERI FILES" by Paolo Toselli, delves into declassified FBI documents that reveal the agency's significant interest in UFOs. The book, 224 pages with 26 photos and illustrations, is offered exclusively to CISU subscribers for 22,000 lire. The article poses the question, "What has been hidden from us by the true X-Files of the FBI?"

It highlights key cases and investigations, including:

• The Arnold case and the beginning of the flying saucer saga.
• The Maury Island case and its alleged connection to the Kennedy assassination.
• J. Edgar Hoover's interest in crashed flying saucers.
• The Roswell incident and the Air Force's request for FBI assistance.
• UFO sightings over atomic installations.
• Reports from special agents.
• The involvement of the CIA and secret services.
• A photograph of an extraterrestrial found in FBI archives.
• Federal surveillance of contactees.
• The debate on whether ufologists were considered scholars or subversives.
• UFOs and espionage.
• An investigation into mysterious cattle mutilations.

The article suggests that this documentation provides a new perspective on the "conspiracy of silence," based on rigorous and original research.

UFO in Italy

The magazine also features articles on UFO phenomena within Italy:

• "UFO IN ITALIA: l'ondata del 1954" by Rino Di Stefano. This book, 536 pages, covers the UFO wave in Italy in 1954.
• "LUCI NELLA NOTTE: UFO IL CASO ZANFRETTA" by AA.VV. (Bianchini, Cappelli). This 193-page book discusses the Zanfretta case.
• "GLI UFO IN VISITA A SIENA" by AA.VV. This 96-page catalog details astronomical sightings in the Siena area.

Book Offers

A special library service section offers several UFO-related books at discounted prices for CISU subscribers:

• "INTRUSI" by Budd Hopkins (193 pages): 25,000 lire (20,000 lire for CISU subscribers).
• "GLI UFO E LA SCIENZA" by James McDonald (265 pages): 25,000 lire (20,000 lire for CISU subscribers).
• "UFO IN ITALIA vol. II" by AA.VV. (536 pages): 30,000 lire (24,000 lire for CISU subscribers).
• "LUCI NELLA NOTTE" by AA.VV. (193 pages): 25,000 lire (20,000 lire for CISU subscribers).
• "GLI UFO IN VISITA A SIENA" by Bianchini & Cappelli (96 pages): 15,000 lire (12,000 lire for CISU subscribers).

Readers can purchase these five volumes for 110,000 lire instead of 120,000 lire (90,000 lire for CISU subscribers instead of 96,000 lire). Payments are to be made via postal current account to Cooperativa UPIAR.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of this issue is to present UFO phenomena as a serious subject backed by documentary evidence, particularly from government sources like the FBI. It aims to reveal hidden truths and challenge conventional explanations, positioning UFOs as a reality that exceeds fiction. The magazine actively promotes ufological literature and encourages readers to explore these topics further, emphasizing the importance of rigorous research and original documentation. The recurring themes include government secrecy, historical UFO cases, and the presence of UFOs in Italy.