UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 21

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO: Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" (UFO: Magazine of Ufological Information), published in November 1998, is a semiannual publication by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). It features a cover story titled "Bolidi e UFO: tutti i casi del 1997" (Fireballs and UFOs: all the cases of 1997), and includes articles on various UFO-related topics, expert advice, and discussions on the scientific and cultural aspects of the phenomenon.

Le Regole Dell'Ufologia (The Rules of Ufology) by Jenny Randles

Jenny Randles, an experienced ufologist, shares her insights on how to approach UFO investigations with seriousness and enthusiasm. She reflects on the evolution of ufology over her 25 years of involvement, noting a shift from a more grounded approach to one influenced by media sensationalism and financial incentives. Randles criticizes the current trend of sensationalized UFO reporting, the promotion of 'cover-up' theories, and the financial rewards for those who propagate unsubstantiated claims. She argues that this has led to a loss of control over the phenomenon, with media producers and show business figures dominating the narrative rather than serious researchers.

Randles outlines five key rules for UFO investigation:

1. If you don't solve at least nine out of ten cases, you're doing something wrong: She emphasizes that the vast majority of UFO sightings (90-95%) have rational explanations (identified flying objects or IFOs). Investigators must be diligent in finding these explanations.
2. The more witnesses there are, the less likely it is to be a real UFO: Contrary to intuition, Randles suggests that genuine UFOs tend to be isolated events. Mass sightings, especially those violating the concept of a 'sphere of influence,' are more likely to be IFOs.
3. Never say never: Some UFO cases remain unexplained for years or even decades. It's important to remain open to possibilities, as even seemingly clear-cut cases can have surprising explanations, like the 1966 Williamette Pass photograph initially thought to be a UFO but later identified as a misinterpretation of a road sign.
4. First-hand accounts are the only ones that matter: Randles stresses the importance of relying on original witness testimony and original data, cautioning against relying on secondary accounts or sensationalized media reports. She uses the 1956 Lakenheath/Bentwaters case as an example, where initial reports were sensationalized and later investigations revealed a different, less extraordinary reality.
5. Dig deep: Even when a case seems straightforward, there might be hidden layers of information. Randles uses the example of Jim Templeton's 1964 photograph, which initially seemed like a simple enigma but, upon deeper investigation, revealed connections to Men in Black encounters and military involvement.

Randles concludes by urging ufologists to be open-minded yet rigorous, to prioritize fieldwork, and to disabuse themselves of preconceived notions to truly understand the phenomenon.

Marte Ha Perso la Faccia? (Has Mars Lost Its Face?) by Remo Ponti

This article addresses the controversy surrounding the 'Face on Mars' formation in the Cydonia region. It explains that while initial images from the 1976 Viking mission fueled speculation about artificial alien structures, subsequent high-resolution images from the Mars Global Surveyor in 1997 clearly show it to be a natural geological formation. The article debunks conspiracy theories about NASA cover-ups and highlights how scientific data, when properly analyzed, can resolve such mysteries.

UFO E Scienza: Siamo Finalmente Allo Sdoganamento? (UFO and Science: Are We Finally Getting Accepted?) by E.R.

This piece reports on the findings of the Sturrock Commission, a group of scientists convened by the Society for Scientific Exploration. The commission concluded that while existing UFO data does not definitively prove extraterrestrial phenomena, there is a significant body of unexplained observations that warrants serious scientific study. This contrasts with the Condon Report of 1968, which had recommended against further UFO research. The article notes that the CISU's approach aligns with the commission's call for objective and scientific investigation, distinguishing itself from sensationalist ufology and skeptical dismissal.

Meteore Contro Alieni (Meteors vs. Aliens) by Paolo Toselli

This article critically examines the media's sensationalist reporting of the 'UFO of Epiphany' on January 6, 1997. The author argues that despite widespread speculation about extraterrestrial visitors, the phenomenon was likely a complex meteorological event, specifically a bright meteor or fireball. The article debunks claims of unusual accelerations and radar detections made by some ufologists, citing official denials from the Italian Air Force and Civil Aviation Authority. It criticizes the tendency of some ufologists and media outlets to sensationalize events and attribute them to aliens without sufficient evidence, while also pointing out the superficiality of some scientific explanations.

Quelle Pizze Degli UFO (Those UFO Pizzas) by Fabrizio Dividi

This article explores the portrayal of UFOs in cinema from the 1950s to the late 1990s, focusing on films like "Independence Day," "Mars Attacks," and "Men in Black." It categorizes UFO cinema into three phases: early films emphasizing invasion and spectacle, a phase of parody and irony reflecting the public's familiarity with UFO themes, and a more recent phase where UFO elements are used as background or thematic devices. The article analyzes how films like "Independence Day" use classic UFO tropes and American patriotism, while "Mars Attacks" offers a satirical take on invasion narratives. "Men in Black" is discussed as a comedy that uses UFO elements as a backdrop for its plot. The author notes the evolution from serious invasion narratives to more lighthearted or satirical depictions, reflecting changing cultural perceptions of UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently advocates for a scientific, objective, and rigorous approach to ufology. It criticizes sensationalism, unsubstantiated theories, and the commercialization of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance favors evidence-based research, critical analysis, and a distinction between genuine unexplained phenomena and misinterpretations or hoaxes. The publication aims to provide reliable information and promote a more serious understanding of UFO studies, contrasting with both extreme skepticism and unfounded belief.

This issue of "Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" (UFO Magazine) from November 1998, issue 21, features an in-depth investigation into the widely reported UFO sightings in Arizona on March 13, 1997. Titled "Arizona '97: tanto rumore per nulla?" (Arizona '97: Much Ado About Nothing?), the article by Remo Ponti aims to provide an objective overview of the event, which generated significant discussion among ufologists.

The magazine also includes sections on the history and phenomenon of "Men in Black," a profile of Albert K. Bender, and discussions on the Roswell incident and technological advancements attributed to UFO crash retrievals.

Arizona '97: The Sightings and Investigations

The article details the events of March 13, 1997, when hundreds of residents in Arizona reported seeing unusual lights in the sky, coinciding with the visibility of the Hale-Bopp comet. The sightings, which occurred between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, involved lights in various formations, including V-shapes, triangles, and lines, reported across locations like Paulden, Prescott, Phoenix, and Tucson.

Initial reports described the lights as moving fluidly and silently. Bill Hamilton of Skywatch International in Phoenix, an association focused on UFO research, began collecting testimonies. The NUFORC (National UFO Reporting Center) also received numerous calls. One notable report came from a former police officer and his family in Paulden, describing red lights in a V-formation.

Witnesses in Prescott Valley reported lights appearing enormous, with one pilot estimating their altitude at under 1,000 feet. A civilian pilot also reported seeing a small civilian aircraft near the formation.

Further sightings were reported along an imaginary route from Prescott to Phoenix to Tucson, with reports coming from Kingman, Chino Valley, Tempe, Glendale, Phoenix, and Tucson. Around 9:45 PM to 10:00 PM, lights in a line formation were sighted and filmed in the northwest of Phoenix, near the Sierra Estrella mountains.

Some less verifiable reports included a witness in Chandler describing a semi-transparent triangular object and a family in Sunnyslope reporting a boomerang-shaped object with lights. A witness in Goodyear claimed three fighter jets from Luke Air Force Base attempted to intercept a luminous amber object that disappeared before they could reach it.

The article distinguishes between two main events: Event A, involving V-shaped lights reported from Prescott to Tucson, and Event B, a line formation of lights sighted near Phoenix around 10:00 PM.

Analysis of Event A: The V-Formation

Event A is characterized by sightings of V-shaped lights moving slowly and at low altitude. A Sony Hi8 video recording captured a V-formation of five amber-orange lights moving slowly over a black background for about 45 seconds. Analysis of this video proved difficult due to the lack of reference points for determining altitude or speed.

Two journalists from the Phoenix New Times, living in Prescott Valley, provided similar testimonies of five yellow-white lights in a V-formation. One suggested the lights were part of a boomerang-shaped object, while the other believed they were independent objects.

Mitch Stanley, a young man from Scottsdale, reported seeing three lights in a triangle formation that he initially identified as aircraft. Upon closer inspection with a telescope, he realized they were two distinct light sources, likely positioned under the wings of straight-winged aircraft.

Efforts to identify the aircraft involved were complicated by the fact that Phoenix-Sky Harbor Airport's control tower did not detect the formation on radar. The shift supervisor stated that air traffic control for that altitude was handled by the FAA in Albuquerque. The radar at Sky Harbor had a limited range, and the powerful radar at Luke AFB also reported nothing unusual.

Analysis of Event B: The Line Formation

Event B involved lights sighted in a line formation south of Phoenix, which were videorecorded by at least six witnesses. The recordings showed a row of luminous points that remained almost stationary for several minutes before disappearing towards the southwest.

Initially, various hypotheses were proposed. Later, a local TV channel broadcast a film showing flares launched from training aircraft over the Barry Goldwater range, south of the city. The lights in this film resembled those in the March 13 videos, suggesting a possible terrestrial explanation.

However, Skywatch International, particularly Bill Hamilton, opposed the flare hypothesis. James Dilettoso, a photographic and computer expert associated with Skywatch, claimed to have analyzed the films and found "luminous filaments" below the lights, which he argued could not be flares. This claim was widely reported by the media without critical examination.

The article critically examines Dilettoso's analysis, explaining that digital video cameras have limited resolution and cannot capture details of distant lights. It also debunks the idea of "spectral analysis" from video footage, calling it a "physical non-sense."

Further investigation, including an analysis of the Krzyston video by Professor Rudin of Cognitech, using digital image processing, suggested the lights were consistent with flares launched from military aircraft over the Goldwater range, disappearing behind the Sierra Estrella mountains.

The Role of Military and Government Agencies

Interviews with spokespersons from Luke AFB and Davis-Monthan AFB confirmed no aircraft from their bases were in the area. However, the spokesperson for the Arizona National Guard, Eileen Bienz, reported that a pilot had sighted a group of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft heading towards Tucson around 10:00 PM. It was later confirmed that A-10s from the Maryland ANG were conducting exercises over the Goldwater range, launching magnesium flares (Luu2) for target identification.

The article criticizes the military's initial laconic responses and the perceived secrecy surrounding the events, which contributed to misunderstandings and fueled ufological speculation.

The "Men in Black" Phenomenon

The magazine dedicates significant space to the phenomenon of "Men in Black" (MIB), tracing its origins to Albert K. Bender, founder of the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB). Bender claimed to have been visited by three men in black suits in 1953, who warned him to dissolve his organization and keep silent about UFOs.

This narrative was popularized by ufologist Gray Barker in his book "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers." The article discusses various theories about MIBs, including government agents suppressing UFO information and extraterrestrial or para-physical beings.

It explores the evolution of the MIB stereotype, from perceived government agents to more alien-like figures with paranormal abilities. The article references the film "Men in Black" as a popularization of this phenomenon.

Several cases are cited, including the alleged encounter of Harold Dahl on Maury Island in 1947 and the intimidation of Rex Heflin, who photographed a UFO in 1965. The article notes that while some MIB encounters may involve genuine government inquiries, many accounts are exaggerated or fabricated.

Roswell and Technological Advancement

The issue also touches upon the Roswell incident, discussing the theory that advanced technology, such as transistors and integrated circuits, originated from recovered alien spacecraft. It mentions the claims of Colonel Philip J. Corso, who alleged that fragments from the Roswell crash were distributed to research laboratories, leading to technological breakthroughs.

The article critically examines Corso's claims, particularly regarding the invention of the transistor and integrated circuits, suggesting that the timeline and evidence do not fully support his narrative.

CISU: Promoting Ufological Research

The magazine includes information about the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), a non-profit organization dedicated to the scientific study of UFO phenomena. It outlines CISU's objectives, activities, and publications, encouraging readers to become members or subscribers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of the magazine appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations for reported UFO phenomena while acknowledging the complexity and enduring mystery surrounding some cases. The article on the Arizona '97 sightings leans towards a conventional explanation (military flares) for a significant portion of the event, while still leaving room for unexplained elements. The discussion on Men in Black and Roswell also reflects a critical approach, distinguishing between folklore, alleged government cover-ups, and scientifically verifiable evidence. The promotion of CISU underscores a commitment to rigorous research and information dissemination within the ufological community.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated November 1998 (Issue 21), focuses on historical ufology, with a prominent article by Giuseppe Stilo titled "The Mystery of the Green Fireballs: A Historical Analysis of the American Green Meteors of 1949." The magazine is published by CISU (Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici) and is in Italian.

The Mystery of the Green Fireballs

Giuseppe Stilo's extensive article, presented as a monograph, delves into the "green fireballs" phenomenon that occurred primarily in the southwestern United States, especially New Mexico, from December 1948 to November 1951. Stilo emphasizes the importance of historical research in ufology, aiming to provide a rigorous analysis based on primary documents, contrasting with what he perceives as sensationalism and lack of critical depth in some ufological circles.

Origins and Initial Investigations

The "green fireballs" phenomenon gained significant attention starting December 5, 1948, an event considered by some as the unofficial beginning of the green fireballs' saga, akin to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting for the broader flying saucer phenomenon. The unusual sightings alerted the U.S. Air Force (USAF), specifically its Office of Special Investigations (OSI). Professor Lincoln La Paz, a renowned meteoriticist, was consulted. Initially, La Paz suggested the objects might be artificial devices, possibly Russian missiles, reflecting the anxieties of the Cold War and fears of potential military applications.

The climate of the Cold War was a crucial factor, as military and scientists worried that these phenomena might be reconnaissance activities targeting sensitive research facilities like Los Alamos. Many reports came from technicians and scientists working for the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), and security services of the AEC were involved in investigations.

Parallels and Related Phenomena

Stilo draws parallels between the green fireballs and the "phantom projectiles" or "ghost lights" observed over Sweden and other parts of Europe in 1946, which also generated concern among intelligence services. He also highlights the "Ghost Lights of Texas" phenomenon, which military sources linked to the green fireballs. These lights were observed around Camp Hood, Texas, in 1949, where nuclear warheads were stored, leading to a separate, albeit related, investigation by the Army.

Project Twinkle and Official Conclusions

In response to the numerous sightings, the USAF initiated Project Twinkle, a study aimed at investigating the green fireballs. The project, however, had limited scope and resources, partly due to the Korean War. The final report in November 1951 concluded that most phenomena were attributable to an unusually high influx of atmospheric meteors, deeming the findings "essentially negative" regarding national security concerns. Despite this, Stilo suggests that some enigmatic sightings might have been underestimated.

Document Analysis and Historical Methodology

Stilo criticizes the tendency to invoke "conspiracies of silence" and emphasizes the need for rigorous historical methodology, working directly with primary sources. He notes that the Project Twinkle final report, initially classified, was declassified in the mid-1970s due to the Freedom of Information Act. Stilo advocates for a critical, analytical approach to ufological history, moving beyond sensationalism and speculation towards a more scholarly understanding.

CISU's Role and Publications

The magazine also highlights CISU's activities, including its online presence through websites like CISU-ON-LINE, UFO-ONLINE, and UFODATANET, providing resources for ufological research. It also promotes several CISU publications, such as "F.B.I. Dossier UFO" by Paolo Toselli, "Prigionieri di un UFO" by John Fuller, "UFO: Cinquant'anni di ufologia tra fantasia e realtà" (an anthology), and books on specific cases like "Intrusi" by Budd Hopkins, "Gli UFO e la Scienza" by James McDonald, "UFO in Italia vol. II," "Luci nella Notte" by Rino Di Stefano, and "Gli UFO in Visita a Siena" by M. Bianchini and R. Cappelli.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical and historical approach to ufology. The editorial stance, as articulated by Stilo, is one of rigorous documentation, analysis of primary sources, and a rejection of unsubstantiated theories and conspiracy narratives. The magazine aims to provide a scholarly perspective on UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of historical context, particularly the influence of the Cold War on early investigations. The focus is on presenting factual data and reasoned analysis rather than speculation.