UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 19

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica, number 19, published in January-June 1997, is a semiannual publication by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.). It features a cover story titled "Alla ricerca degli extraterrestri" (In Search of Extraterrestrials), exploring the project SETI, ufology, and bio-astronomy.

Main Articles and Features

"Pronto ET, siamo in ascolto" (Hello ET, We Are Listening)

This article by Pierre Lagrange and Matteo Leone discusses the complex relationship between SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and ufology. It highlights the enthusiasm for SETI, exemplified by Carl Sagan's involvement with the Planetary Society, which aims to fund the search for extraterrestrial signals. The article contrasts the scientific approach of SETI with the popular fascination with UFOs, noting that while SETI researchers generally do not believe UFOs are extraterrestrial craft, some acknowledge the potential for discovering other phenomena. It also touches upon the historical skepticism and eventual openness of some prominent astronomers towards UFOs.

The SETI Institute vs. Independence Day

A sidebar clarifies the differences between the real SETI Institute and its portrayal in the movie "Independence Day," emphasizing that the Institute does not own a New Mexico radio telescope and that the movie's depiction of SETI's function is inaccurate.

"Gli Extraterrestri dei Bio-Astronomi" (Extraterrestrials of Bio-Astronomers)

This section explores the differing perspectives of bio-astronomers and ufologists. While bio-astronomers focus on the scientific search for extraterrestrial life, ufologists investigate UFO sightings. The article notes the historical skepticism of some prominent astronomers towards UFOs, such as Frank Drake and Carl Sagan, but also mentions others who have shown more openness. It discusses the challenges in bridging the gap between scientific methodology and anecdotal evidence.

"Alla ricerca di ET" (In Search of ET)

This article details the ongoing efforts in SETI research, mentioning projects like Phoenix, Serendip IV, and Beta. It highlights the technological advancements and the challenges faced, including funding issues and the vastness of space. The article also touches upon the historical context of SETI research and the public's perception of it.

"Wow... Allarme dallo Spazio" (Wow... Alarm from Space)

This piece recounts the discovery of the 'Wow!' signal by Jerry Ehman in 1977. It describes the signal's characteristics, its potential extraterrestrial origin, and the subsequent lack of repetition, leaving it as one of the most intriguing candidates for an alien signal.

"Materia clasificada" (Classified Material)

An interview with Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos discusses the declassification of UFO-related documents by the Spanish Ministry of Defense. Ballester details the process, the initial secrecy surrounding UFOs in Spain, and the eventual release of documents, emphasizing the transparency of the process and refuting conspiracy theories.

"Le indagini di Nick Pope" (Nick Pope's Investigations)

This article focuses on Nick Pope, a former UFO investigator for the UK Ministry of Defence. It covers his role in investigating UFO sightings, his personal journey from skepticism to belief in the extraterrestrial origin of some sightings, and the declassification of UFO files in the UK. Pope discusses the challenges of his role, the limited resources, and the general skepticism within the Ministry.

"Top Secret USA"

This section reports on recent releases of declassified documents from the US military, specifically from the NSA. It highlights the significance of these releases for UFO research, countering claims of a government cover-up and emphasizing the work of dedicated researchers in uncovering this information.

"Attualità" (Current Affairs)

This section includes several shorter reports:

• Marche: Evento Eccezionale, ma non così Misterioso (Marche: Exceptional Event, but Not So Mysterious): Details the discovery of a meteorite in Fermo, Italy, and the initial speculation surrounding it.
• Le indagini di Nick Pope (Nick Pope's Investigations): A continuation of the article on Nick Pope, discussing his book and the UK's approach to UFO investigations.
• All'inseguimento del marzianino verde (In Pursuit of the Little Green Martian): Reports on a controversial UFO incident in Israel involving a supposed alien creature and the subsequent media frenzy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry (SETI, bio-astronomy) and the phenomenon of UFOs. It advocates for transparency in government investigations and the declassification of UFO-related documents. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advanced phenomena, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and public interest in UFOs, often highlighting the contributions of ufologists in bringing attention to these topics.

This issue of UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica, dated January-June 1997, delves into various aspects of ufology, focusing on declassified government documents, significant sighting cases, and book reviews. The magazine's primary goal is to provide objective information and encourage scientific study of the UFO phenomenon.

Declassified NSA Files and UFO Secrecy

The issue begins by detailing the legal battles initiated by Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS) to obtain NSA documents related to UFOs. Despite initial resistance and claims of national security, eventually, parts of a 21-page 'top secret' document were released. However, much of it was redacted, leading to accusations of a 'conspiracy of silence.' Further research in 1996 led to the release of 240 pages of documents, including NSA, Army Intelligence, and Defense Intelligence Agency reports. These documents revealed that the NSA's primary reason for withholding UFO information was to protect its intelligence gathering methods and sources, rather than a specific secret about UFOs themselves.

Air Force Intelligence and Project Blue Book

Thousands of pages of UFO-related documents from the 4602° Air Intelligence Service Squadron (AISS) of the Air Force, dating from the mid-1950s, were discovered in the National Archives. These documents, investigated by Jan Aldrich of 'Project 1947,' shed light on the operations of the unit that assisted Project Blue Book. The findings indicated that 'missing cases' from the Blue Book archives were not suppressed but rather were cases where the 4602° had compiled summaries, and if not specifically requested, the full reports were archived separately. The documents also clarified the role of the Ground Observer Corps (GOC) in reporting unusual aerial observations.

Roswell: New Interrogatives

A declassified 289-page document from a March 1948 meeting of the Air Force's Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is presented, raising new questions about the Roswell incident. The transcript, obtained through a FOIA request, includes a discussion by Colonel Howard McCoy of Project Sign, the first USAF study group on UFOs. McCoy's statements about the desire to recover a crashed UFO and the use of the term 'unidentified flying objects' prior to its official coining are highlighted. The document suggests a potential discrepancy between the number of reports mentioned and those in the Project Blue Book archives, and it implies that key figures like McCoy and General Twining might have been aware of a crash, challenging the 'alien origin' theory of Roswell.

Italian UFO Cases

Sicily 1995: Two Photographs, One Mystery

The issue features an investigation into a UFO sighting in Catania, Sicily, in January 1995. A photograph taken by a young woman named 'Simona R.' and another by a witness named 'Piero' are analyzed. Both accounts share similarities, including the description of a central depression on the object and the involvement of a photographer friend. The analysis by Maurizio Verga suggests the objects might be small and relatively close to the camera, but the credibility of the witnesses and the authenticity of the photos remain subjects of debate.

Ibiza: A Balloon Case?

An alleged UFO sighting over Ibiza in July 1995, initially reported in the magazine, is revisited. New information suggests the object was likely a stratospheric balloon launched from an Italian Space Agency base in Sicily, intended for astronomical observations and data collection.

Gela: A Gigantic 'Flying Egg'

In February 1995, dozens of people in Gela, Sicily, reported seeing a large, luminous, egg-shaped object. Local newspapers gave the event significant coverage, and the investigation by Salvatore Inguì highlights the number of witnesses and the extraordinary proportions of the object. Hypotheses of 'invisible aircraft' or 'collective hallucination' are considered, but the case is presented as a strong candidate for a genuine UFO sighting.

UFO and Aircraft: Caselle '73

This section details the 1973 radar-visual sighting over Turin-Caselle Airport. The incident involved a luminous object observed by pilots and radar operators, with radar tracking confirming its presence and anomalous movements. The report includes testimonies from pilots Riccardo Marano and Franco Tracquilio, as well as a radar report from the Mortara center. The analysis suggests the object exhibited incredible aerodynamic capabilities, far beyond conventional aircraft. The article also touches upon the military's involvement and the subsequent media coverage, noting the official explanation of atmospheric phenomena or misinterpretations of celestial bodies like Venus.

Book Reviews

Wilhelm Reich and the Secret of the Flying Saucers

This review discusses Alessandro Zabini's book, which explores the connections between Wilhelm Reich's theories, particularly his concept of 'orgone energy,' and UFO phenomena. The book examines Reich's persecution and the destruction of his work, suggesting that his ideas about UFOs and weather modification were suppressed. The review notes the book's pro-Reich stance and its focus on the latter part of his life.

Aliens in Italy: 50 Years of Close Encounters

Moreno Tambellini's book, 'Aliens in Italy: 50 Years of Close Encounters,' is reviewed. The book catalogs 92 cases of alleged close encounters in Italy, with graphical reconstructions of the entities. While praised for its originality and attempt to move beyond conventional UFO literature, the review points out limitations, including the lack of exhaustive investigation for some cases and the subjective nature of the entity classifications.

Roswell: Back to Square One

This review discusses the reprint of Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore's book, 'Accadde a Roswell' (Accident at Roswell). The review criticizes the reprint for being identical to the 1981 edition without updates, despite significant developments in the Roswell case. It highlights the book's commercial nature and the authors' potential detachment from later findings. The review also touches upon the book's influence in popularizing the Roswell crash narrative and the subsequent proliferation of testimonies, some of which have been debunked.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation, objective reporting, and the critical analysis of evidence in ufology. It highlights the challenges of obtaining government information, the complexities of witness testimonies, and the need to differentiate between genuine sightings and misidentifications or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking factual evidence and avoiding sensationalism, while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated January-June 1997, delves into the phenomenon of alien abductions and related topics, featuring book reviews, discussions on ufological research methods, and information on online resources.

Reviews of Abduction Literature

The magazine critically examines two prominent books on alien abductions: 'Rapite dagli UFO' (Abducted by UFOs) by Karla Turner and 'Incontri ravvicinati tra umani ed extraterrestri' (Close Extraterrestrial Encounters) by Richard J. Boylan. Both authors are noted for having had personal abduction experiences, a common trait among researchers in this field, including Leo Sprinkle, Raymond Fowler, and Whitley Strieber.

Karla Turner's book analyzes eight cases of women allegedly studied by aliens, drawing from her own experience and subsequent contact with other abductees. Her work includes a comparative table of 114 data points from the testimonies, though the limited sample size (8 cases) is noted as a statistical weakness. Turner observes that abductees who did not undergo regressive hypnosis reported fewer details but that these details often aligned with those recalled consciously. She also highlights common elements such as close-up alien faces ('staring') and mentions potential physical effects, childhood sexual abuse, and gynecological issues among abductees, as well as paranormal experiences.

Richard J. Boylan's book is presented as a psychological analysis of these extraordinary experiences. However, the review points out Boylan's questionable professional background, including his expulsion from the psychotherapist registry for ethically dubious regression techniques. The review criticizes Boylan's assertions, such as the claim that many abductees have family members in military or secret organizations, suggesting his explanations are speculative and lack rigor. Boylan's book also includes a list of 'twenty symptoms indicative of close encounters with ET,' which the reviewer finds amusingly broad.

Despite criticisms, the review acknowledges Boylan's critique of the automatic association of abduction with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and his view of abduction as a potentially positive phenomenon for personal growth, similar to the perspective of John Mack.

The review also touches upon the debate regarding the reliability of hypnosis in recovering abduction memories, referencing the work of Thomas Bullard and John Mack, who suggest that hypnosis may enrich details rather than fabricate them, and that many testimonies emerge without hypnosis, triggered by external stimuli.

UFOs and Government Secrecy

Another section reviews Paolo Toselli's 'F.B.I. Dossier UFO,' which compiles over two thousand pages of documents released under the Freedom of Information Act. These documents reportedly reveal the FBI's significant interest in UFOs, covering cases like the Arnold and Maury Island incidents, Hoover's investigations, the Roswell crash, and the FBI's surveillance of ufologists and alleged extraterrestrial activity.

Other Ufological Content

The magazine also features a review of John Fuller's 'Prigionieri di un UFO' (Prisoners of a UFO), a classic account of the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case. The book is praised for its meticulous investigation and presentation of facts without forcing conclusions.

Further content includes reviews of Italian ufology books such as 'UFO in Italia: l'ondata del 1954' (UFO in Italy: the 1954 wave) by AA.VV., and 'Gli UFO in Visita a Siena' (UFOs Visiting Siena) by M. Bianchini and R. Cappelli, cataloging sightings in the province of Siena.

Online Ufology Resources

The issue highlights the growing presence of ufology on the internet, detailing the CISU's online initiatives: CISU-ON-LINE and UFO-ON-LINE, which offer extensive text archives, photos, and links. It also mentions the UFOTEL telephone service for UFO news updates and the UFOITALIA mailing list for discussions.

The UFONET section describes Italy's first telematic network dedicated to ufology, coordinated by Daniele Maffettone and promoted by CISU, connecting various BBS (Bulletin Board Systems) across Italy.

Space Exploration

Briefly mentioned is the book 'Il Ritorno sulla Luna' (The Return to the Moon) by Alberto Lo Campo, which recounts the Apollo 14 mission and includes contributions from astronauts Alan Shepard and Umberto Guidoni, discussing future space missions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of alien abductions, government secrecy surrounding UFOs, and the methodologies used in ufological research. There is a critical yet engaged approach to the subject matter, with reviews often highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the presented material and research. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and critical analysis, while acknowledging the subjective reality of experiencers' accounts. The emphasis on online resources and accessible information reflects a commitment to disseminating ufological knowledge to a wider audience.