UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 20

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO, Rivista di Informazione Ufologica, is number 20, published in July-December 1997, and marks the 50th anniversary of ufology's modern era, with the cover headline "1947-1997 L'UFOLOGIA COMPIE 50 ANNI." The issue delves into key historical cases, including the Roswell incident and the phenomenon of 'Foo Fighters,' while also exploring contemporary UFO-related events and controversies.

Key Articles and Features

Roswell: Military Speak Out (and Confuse the Waters)

The magazine revisits the 1947 Roswell incident, a pivotal event in ufology. It discusses the unexpected shift in stance by Kent Jeffrey, a promoter of the Roswell Initiative, who began to doubt the alien spacecraft theory. This led to accusations of him being an infiltrator, but also garnered support from prominent ufologists like Kevin Randle and Jerome Clark. The article also covers the controversial book "The Day After Roswell" by Philip Corso, which claimed the alien craft's technology influenced modern inventions. The piece highlights the conflicting narratives and the ongoing debate surrounding the event, including the USAF's later statements suggesting balloon tests and manikins as explanations.

The Return of the Foo Fighters

This section investigates the phenomenon of 'Foo Fighters,' luminous objects reported by military pilots during World War II. The article scrutinizes photographic evidence, questioning the authenticity and origin of many widely circulated images, particularly those attributed to Japanese and German sources. It points out that most known photos originate from non-Anglo-American sources, while testimonies are predominantly from Allied pilots. The piece highlights the work of researchers like Giuseppe Stilo and the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU) in clarifying the history and debunking misinformation, such as the fabricated 'Sonder Büro N. 13' story. It also presents exclusive, previously unpublished testimonies of 'Foo Fighter' sightings by Allied pilots over Italian skies during the war, detailing encounters with luminous orbs and unexplained aerial phenomena.

Lomellina, Land of UFOs

This article details a series of UFO sightings in the province of Pavia, Italy, focusing on a specific 'flap' that occurred in the mid-1990s. It begins by addressing a prior case from 1993 involving a filmed light, which was later identified as the planet Venus, highlighting the media's tendency to sensationalize and misinterpret events. The author, Claudio Cavallini, recounts his investigation into a sighting by Cesare S., a local official, who observed four lights in a rhombus formation. Cavallini emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and debunks sensationalist claims, while also noting the role of media and pseudo-ufologists in creating public interest and sometimes misinformation.

The Man with the Suitcase

This article profiles Derrel Sims, an individual who self-proclaims as an 'alien hunter.' It touches upon his activities and claims, suggesting a critical perspective on his methods and pronouncements.

UFO-crash Made in Italy

A study examining the phenomenon of crashed UFOs within Italy, aiming to understand cases of alleged extraterrestrial craft falling to Earth on Italian soil.

The Strange UFOs of the Californian Suicide Cult

This piece delves into the 'Heaven's Gate' cult, detailing their beliefs and their tragic mass suicide in 1997. It explores their connection to UFOs and extraterrestrial entities, their leader Marshall Applewhite's background, and the media's reaction to the event. The article suggests that while UFOs were part of their belief system, the core of their ideology was rooted in a syncretic mix of Judeo-Christian apocalyptic themes and New Age concepts, with UFOs serving as a vehicle for their spiritual 'ascension.'

The 1947 Project: At the Dawn of the UFO Era

This article examines the early days of ufology, focusing on studies and events from 1947, the year that is considered the beginning of the modern UFO era, marked by Kenneth Arnold's sighting and the Roswell incident.

Lomellina, Land of UFOs: A Flap Followed and Investigated in the Field Day by Day

This section provides a day-by-day account of a UFO flap in the Lomellina region of Pavia, Italy. It details the investigation process, including witness interviews, environmental analysis, and media involvement, highlighting the challenges of distinguishing genuine sightings from misidentifications and sensationalism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes critical analysis and rigorous investigation of UFO phenomena. It aims to debunk misinformation, correct erroneous interpretations, and present factual accounts based on documented evidence. There's a clear stance against sensationalism and a preference for detailed research, as seen in the articles on Roswell, Foo Fighters, and the Heaven's Gate cult. The editorial stance promotes a scientific and cautious approach to ufology, distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and hoaxes or misidentifications. The publication also highlights the role of the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU) in collecting and researching UFO-related data.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated July-December 1997, delves into two primary areas: the "Tarquinia Case" in Italy and a comprehensive historical investigation into the pivotal year of 1947, often considered the dawn of the modern UFO era.

The 'Tarquinia Case': The Poor Man's Tunguska

The issue opens with an investigation into an event in Tarquinia, Italy, that occurred around February 11, 1997. Local news reported on a pinewood where numerous pine trees were felled and others showed signs of burned bark. Fabrizio Aumento, a geologist and volcanologist, initially suggested the phenomenon might be related to globular lightning or other anomalous events, even mentioning the term UFO. This sparked immediate interest and investigation by the CISU (Center for Ufological Research).

Upon inspection, investigators found over 80 felled trees and dozens more with burned bases. The undergrowth, however, appeared largely unaffected. The pinewood, composed of Aleppo pines, was noted to have a shallow root system, making it vulnerable to environmental stress. The area was also near a high-voltage power line.

Several hypotheses were proposed. Aumento himself later elaborated on theories involving a tornado with a circular base emitting globular lightning or even 'solid' objects causing mechanical damage and electrical discharges. He also suggested a 'wall' of circular section, three-dimensional and hollow in the center, descending from above.

However, the magazine's own investigation, along with input from the State Forestry Corps, pointed towards a more conventional explanation. The severe weather conditions in late December 1996, including strong winds (the 'Burian') and heavy snowfall, were identified as the likely cause for the trees falling, especially given their shallow root systems and the terrain's slope. The burns on the bark were attributed to a ground fire that occurred about five years prior, a conclusion supported by the presence of lichens on the affected areas, indicating an older burn.

The article critically examines Aumento's theories, highlighting inconsistencies such as the selective damage to trees and the intact undergrowth. It also touches upon the involvement of the University of Bologna, which initially showed interest due to potential links to the Tunguska event, but later concluded the burns were from an old fire based on lichen growth.

50 Years of UFOs: Project 1947 - The Dawn of the UFO Era

The second major section of the magazine focuses on the year 1947, a critical period for UFO sightings. The article, "Project 1947: The Origins of the UFO Era," by Jan Aldrich, details the extensive archival research undertaken to reconstruct the events of that year.

Aldrich highlights the challenges of historical UFO research, including the lack of systematic record-keeping in the early days, the absence of photocopiers, and the tendency for early enthusiasts to focus solely on accumulating sighting reports rather than analyzing the media's portrayal of the phenomenon. He mentions early Italian researchers like Solas Boncompagni and Gianni Settimo, and later efforts by Antonio Giudici and others.

'Project 1947' was initiated to expand knowledge of the early UFO era, focusing on cases from 1947 but also seeking earlier reports and official documents. The project has involved a global network of researchers, leading to the cataloging of thousands of newspaper articles and reports.

The article discusses the famous sighting by Kenneth Arnold on June 24, 1947, near Mount Rainier, Washington, which popularized the term "flying saucer." It also covers the Roswell incident of July 1947, where initial reports of a crashed "flying disc" were later officially explained as a weather balloon. The Maury Island incident in July 1947, involving alleged metallic fragments from a UFO, is also mentioned.

Aldrich details the media frenzy surrounding UFOs in 1947, including hoaxes, sensationalism, and attempts by authorities and scientists to provide conventional explanations. He notes the role of the "silly season" in generating false reports and the eventual decline in sightings and media interest towards the end of July.

The article also touches upon the international aspect of UFO sightings in 1947, with reports from Canada, South America, Europe, and Asia, though European coverage was more limited due to post-war censorship.

UFO-Crash Made in Italy

A third section, "UFO-Crash Made in Italy," by Giuseppe Stilo, focuses on the study of alleged UFO crash incidents in Italy. Stilo introduces the 'CRASHCAT' project, aiming to catalog and analyze these events using specific methodological criteria. He distinguishes between different categories of crashes: A (recovered), B (unidentified), C (water landings), and D (recovery of entities).

The study notes that most reported incidents fall into categories A and C. Category B cases, where a crash is reported but the object is not found, are considered particularly intriguing. Category D, involving the capture of alleged alien entities, is treated with caution.

The distribution of these cases over time shows a general increase in reports in recent years, possibly due to increased ufological attention. Interestingly, the peak UFO years of 1973-79 did not correlate with a rise in crash reports, while the 1954 wave saw a significant number of incidents, many linked to the launch of scientific and military balloons.

Geographically, reports are concentrated in northern and central Italy, with fewer in the south. The article also discusses criteria for excluding cases, such as "Fortian rains" (falls of animals or objects) and events where the object's ascent is not observed due to observer departure rather than a complete crash.

The Man with the Briefcase: The True Story of Derrel Sims

Finally, an article by Randall Patterson profiles Derrel Sims, an American ufologist known for his work on alien abduction and "implants" – micro-devices allegedly placed in abductees. Patterson expresses skepticism about Sims' claims, noting his lack of recognition in mainstream American ufology circles and his frequent appearance in tabloids. The article includes accounts from former associates of Sims who believe his methods and claims are damaging to the credibility of the UFO field. It details Sims' investigative techniques, including hypnosis and symbolic profiling, and the controversial nature of his work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous, evidence-based research in ufology. It highlights the challenges of distinguishing genuine phenomena from hoaxes, misidentifications, and sensationalism. The editorial stance favors critical analysis, archival research, and the application of scientific methodology to understand UFO reports. The magazine appears to lean towards conventional explanations for many phenomena, as seen in the Tarquinia case, while still acknowledging the enduring mystery and the need for continued investigation into the more complex aspects of the UFO phenomenon, particularly those from the early years of its modern study.

This issue of the magazine "UFO" focuses on the phenomenon of "crashed UFOs" and related topics, including alien abductions and government interest in the subject. It presents a collection of articles, book reviews, and analyses of various cases, primarily from an Italian perspective but also referencing international incidents.

"Dischi Precipitati" (Crashed Disks) Section

This section critically examines the phenomenon of alleged UFO crashes. It begins by referencing the modern resurgence of interest in UFOs, particularly the "crashed UFO" narrative. Several anecdotal accounts from Italy are presented:

• 1959 Italian Military Incident: A radio report from Ottawa in 1959 claimed Italian military captured six extraterrestrials who landed near Rome.
• 1974 Piedmont Incident: Rumors circulated about a recovered UFO shot down in southern Piedmont and transported to a US Army base.
• 1910-1915 Puglian Incident: A story recalled by a Milanese journalist about his father, a Carabinieri officer, capturing a "little green man" with his "flying saucer" in Sant'Agata di Puglia.
• Venetian Incident: A report from Venice about alleged participation of Firefighters in the recovery of an alien and their spaceship, with the materials then transferred to the USA.
• 1913 Latina Incident: A news item from December 1996 about a local newspaper's articles concerning a mysterious aircraft crash on September 18, 1913, near Latina, with the subsequent recovery and burial of two humanoid bodies.
• Aurora Case Comparison: The Latina case is noted for its similarity to the "Aurora airship" legend of 1897, with the addition of alleged "autopsies" on the alien bodies.
• April 1997 Udine Report: A story from "Il Gazzettino" about a young man from Daniele del Friuli who sent prank letters claiming to have recovered a crashed UFO and two alien bodies 28 years prior.

The article also discusses the role of organizations like the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (C.U.N.) in linking alleged UFO sightings to supposed UFO crashes. Examples include:

• Fermo Meteorite (September 1996): The C.U.N. president suggested this event might be a cover-up for something more significant.
• Fregene Bolide (January 1997): The C.U.N. suggested a green meteor might have had an anomalous nature and possibly crashed near Rome.
• Germagnano Lake Incident (Winter 1996): C.U.N. members claimed a UFO crashed in the lake, inferring this from a supposed rise in water level and temperature.

The author expresses a belief in the importance of prudence, discretion, and critical sense in ufological investigations, especially for emotionally charged stories like UFO crashes.

Book Reviews and Features

"F.B.I. Dossier UFO: I Veri Files" by Paolo Toselli

This book is presented as a revelation, claiming that the FBI's documentation surpasses fictional portrayals like "X-Files." It reportedly contains over two thousand pages of documents released under the Freedom of Information Act, detailing the FBI's genuine interest in UFOs. Topics covered include the Arnold case, the Maury Island incident, links to the Kennedy assassination, J. Edgar Hoover's interest in crashed UFOs, and the control of ufologists. The book offers a new perspective on the "silence conspiracy" based on original documentation.

"Prigionieri di un UFO" (Prisoners of a UFO) by John Fuller

This book is described as a classic of investigative ufology, detailing the "interrupted journey" of Betty and Barney Hill, the most famous UFO abduction case. Fuller, a journalist, meticulously investigated and reconstructed the entire event, presenting facts and data without forcing conclusions. An updated appendix in the Italian edition covers recent developments, background information, debates, and controversies surrounding the Hill case.

"UFO: Cinquant'anni di ufologia tra fantasia e realtà" (UFO: Fifty Years of Ufology Between Fantasy and Reality)

This anthology, curated by Gian Paolo Grassino and Edoardo Russo, celebrates fifty years of ufology. It features contributions from prestigious Italian and international authors, including investigations, sightings, data, and opinions. The book aims to provide guidelines for ufological research supported by CISU's activities. It covers significant events like the Belgian wave, Hessdalen, flying humanoids, and Roswell, offering insights into the UFO phenomenon from various perspectives.

"A Colazione con gli UFO" (Having Breakfast with UFOs) by Massimo Valloscuoro

Massimo Valloscuoro, CISU's regional coordinator for Umbria, presents a personal introduction to ufology based on his extensive field experience. The 250-page book is divided into two parts. The first part addresses common UFO themes and questions in a simple, dialogue-like manner. The second part consists of ten chapters detailing cases investigated by the author, focusing on the witness's perceptions, sensations, and emotions, highlighting their role in understanding the mystery.

"Senza Consenso" (Without Consent) by Carl Nagaitis and Philip Mantle

This book focuses on alien abductions, described as one of the most controversial aspects of ufology. While many cases are reported in the US, the book highlights European abduction experiences, particularly from Great Britain. It covers a range of experiences, from "lost time" to entire families being taken aboard extraterrestrial craft. Carl Nagaitis is an English journalist, and Philip Mantle is a prominent UK ufologist. The book details their investigations into documented alien abduction cases in Great Britain, including witness interviews and hypnotic regression transcripts. It is presented as an extraordinary catalog of the inexplicable, offering a panoramic view of theories proposed for this phenomenon.

UPIAR Library Service Special Offer

The magazine promotes a special offer for CISU members on several classic and new UFO books:

• "Intrusi" (Intruders) by Budd Hopkins (193 pages, £25,000 / £20,000 for CISU members)
• "Gli UFO e la Scienza" (UFOs and Science) by James McDonald (265 pages, £25,000 / £20,000 for CISU members)
• "UFO in Italia: l'ondata del 1954" (UFO in Italy: The 1954 Wave) by AA.VV. (536 pages, £30,000 / £24,000 for CISU members)
• "Luci nella Notte: UFO: il caso Zanfretta" (Lights in the Night: UFO: The Zanfretta Case) by Rino Di Stefano (193 pages, £25,000 / £20,000 for CISU members)
• "Gli UFO in Visita a Siena" (UFOs Visiting Siena) by M. Bianchini & R. Cappelli (96 pages, £15,000 / £12,000 for CISU members)

A discount is offered for purchasing five volumes, reducing the total price from £120,000 to £110,000 (or £96,000 to £90,000 for CISU members).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO crashes, alien abductions, and the historical and governmental interest in these phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by the author of the "Dischi Precipitati" section, is one of cautious skepticism and a strong emphasis on critical analysis, prudence, and rigorous investigation. While acknowledging the existence of numerous reports and claims, the magazine advocates for a measured approach, urging readers to apply critical thinking to emotionally charged subjects like UFO crashes. The promotion of books by various authors and organizations suggests an aim to provide a comprehensive overview of ufological research and its diverse facets.