UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 25

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO
Issue: 25
Publication Date: June 2002
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
ISSN: 1594-039X
Cover Price: € 4.00

This issue of UFO magazine, titled 'UFO - Rivista di Informazione Ufologica,' features a cover story on "Ghost Lights" in late 19th-century Italy and explores various aspects of ufology, including historical cases, scientific research, and organizational activities.

Articles and Features

Editorial: The Ufology of Hessdalen

Nico Conti introduces the Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway as a potential laboratory for a new approach to UFO study. He argues for a non-reductionist and instrumental approach, emphasizing the collection of data through scientific instruments rather than relying solely on anecdotal evidence. Conti notes the initial disinterest from many ufologists, who were more focused on the mystery than on scientific investigation. He highlights the parallels between the Hessdalen case and the early history of UFO sightings, suggesting that the valley holds the key to understanding the UFO enigma. The article discusses the importance of scientific methodology, the need for funding, and the potential for interdisciplinary research.

Current Affairs (Attualità)

• Petition to the United Nations: An international petition is underway, urging the UN Secretary-General to encourage member states to declassify UFO-related archives and cooperate with civilian researchers. The petition calls for transparency and the public release of data.
• Turkey: UFO or Telluric Lights? Clamorous sightings of strange lights in Adyyaman, Turkey, have sparked debate among Turkish ufologists. While some link the lights to telluric phenomena preceding seismic activity, others dispute this connection due to the distance from a recent earthquake.
• British Hypnotherapists and Abductions: The National Council for Hypnotherapy in the UK has issued guidelines for treating clients who believe they have been abducted by aliens. The guidelines emphasize respect, non-directive questioning, and avoiding leading the client towards confirming alien abduction.
• IR-4 in Veneto: Reported to Police: A young man in Conegliano Veneto, Italy, reported to the police that he had been abducted by UFOs, marking what is believed to be the first such police report in Italy. The police reportedly refused to file the report.
• Environmental Study for Abductions: The UFO Research Coalition in the US has launched the Ambient Monitoring Project to scientifically study alien abduction cases by monitoring physical environmental changes in the homes of abductees.

UFO Documents: CISU Monographs

• The magazine highlights several publications from CISU:
• EQL (Earth-Quake Lights): A monograph by Massimo Silvestri on seismic lights.
• AIRCAT: The first catalog of Italian UFO sightings by pilots or near aircraft.
• BLITA (Italian Ball Lightning Database): A catalog of Italian ball lightning observations.

Study Projects (Progetti di Studio)

• Subaquatic UFOs: Marco Bianchini discusses the UsoCat project, which collects reports of Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs) in Italian waters. The project categorizes sightings and aims to analyze historical and modern USO reports.
• "Telluric Lights": An Italian Enigma: Giuseppe Stilo investigates the phenomenon of 'telluric lights' or 'ghost lights,' focusing on historical accounts from late 19th-century Italy, particularly in Berbenno di Valtellina. He discusses various theories, including seismic activity and electrical phenomena, and highlights the CISU's E.L.I.A. database for tracking such sightings.
• Case Files (Rassegna Casistica):
• An Object That Changes Shape: A detailed report of a daytime sighting in Badia Tedalda, Italy, on August 21, 2001. The witness observed a luminous object that appeared to change shape and color, prompting an investigation by CISU.

Military and UFOs

• Swedish Military and UFOs: Clas Svahn reports on the long-standing involvement of the Swedish military in UFO investigations, dating back to the 1940s. The article details a specific case involving a suspected UFO crash in Lake Backsjön in 1999, which led to an extensive military search operation. It also touches upon the collaboration between UFO-Sverige and the Swedish defense forces.

Science, Sociology of Science, or... Prejudice?

This section, authored by Edoardo Russo, appears to be a critical examination of how scientific inquiry approaches UFO phenomena, questioning whether preconceived notions or biases hinder objective study.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and investigative approach to ufology, emphasizing the importance of data collection, instrumental observation, and critical analysis. There is a clear stance against unsubstantiated claims and a preference for rigorous research methodologies. The editorial team, associated with the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), actively engages in cataloging, researching, and disseminating information on UFO phenomena, advocating for transparency and scientific collaboration. The recurring theme is the pursuit of a 'science of UFOs' grounded in empirical evidence and methodical investigation, moving beyond mere speculation and mystery.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated June 25, 2002, delves into various aspects of ufology, featuring detailed case studies, analysis of paranormal phenomena, and discussions on the nature of evidence and belief. The magazine presents a blend of investigative reporting, historical context, and critical commentary.

Case Study: Monreale, Italy Sighting

The issue opens with a detailed account of a UFO sighting that occurred on March 4, 2001, near Monreale, Palermo, Italy. The witnesses, a couple and their son, described a luminous object that was initially perceived as a star but was too large to be one. As they drove towards Monreale, the light, initially stationary, began to change shape, becoming an elongated oval and emitting rays. It then descended towards the mountain, eventually disappearing behind it. The witnesses estimated its size to be ten times that of Venus and its altitude to be around 2000-3000 meters, later revised to 600-700 meters as it descended. They noted its brilliant white light and the absence of any sound. The report includes comments from socio CISU Sebastiano Pernice and Matteo Leone, who discuss the possibility of it being the planet Venus, considering its position and altitude.

Italian UFO Casistica 2001-2002

The magazine provides an overview of UFO sightings in Italy during 2001 and the early months of 2002. The year 2001 saw a significant 'wave' of sightings, with a notable increase in June and a peak in August, totaling 778 cases. The 'Sassalbo flap,' involving numerous sightings and photographic evidence in the Sassalbo area, is highlighted as a major event. The early months of 2002 (January-March) also showed a promising number of reports, though some were attributed to astronomical phenomena like the conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter, and a meteor event. The analysis indicates that the majority of sightings (around 70%) involved nocturnal lights, with a smaller percentage of close encounters.

The Mothman Phenomenon and Film Analysis

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Mothman phenomenon, particularly in relation to the 2002 film 'The Mothman Prophecies.' The film, directed by Mark Pellington and starring Richard Gere, is discussed in detail, with its narrative drawing from John A. Keel's research. The article 'L'Uomo Falena al cinema' by Danilo Arona and Bob Rickard explores the film's plot, its connection to Keel's book, and the historical events in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, including the sightings of the Mothman creature and the collapse of the Silver Bridge. The article 'LE PROFEZIE DEI MEN IN BLACK' by Pierre Lagrange delves into John Keel's background as a researcher and his theories, emphasizing his view that UFOs and related phenomena are not necessarily extraterrestrial but rather manifestations of deeper, possibly terrestrial or psychological, forces. Lagrange contrasts Keel's approach with traditional scientific methods and other ufological perspectives.

'Revelationism' and Rational Analysis

Ronald Westrum contributes an article titled 'La promessa dell'ufologia,' reflecting on the challenges of integrating ufology with mainstream science. He argues that ufologists have remained isolated from the scientific community and have not adequately synthesized their findings. Westrum suggests a need for more rigorous analysis and a connection with fields like SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence).

The 'FORUM' section features a discussion among ufologists Jan Aldrich, Bob Young, and Tony Rullan on how to rationally approach and evaluate 'revelations' or insider testimonies about UFOs. They propose methods for assessing the credibility of such claims, emphasizing the need for verifiable documentation and objective analysis. Tony Rullan suggests a decalogue for a rational approach, advocating for open-mindedness and a willingness to consider evidence without prejudice.

Special Features

The issue also includes a review of the book 'The Mothman Prophecies' by John Keel, discussing its impact on ufology and Fortean studies. Another section, 'CASIUFO: UN DATABASE TELEMATICO PER LA CASISTICA ITALIANA,' describes an initiative to create a telematic database for Italian UFO sightings, aiming to track and analyze the phenomenon systematically. The magazine concludes with regular sections like 'ATTUALITA'' (News) and contact information for the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the critical examination of UFO lore. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages rigorous investigation and rational analysis while acknowledging the complexity and often mysterious nature of the phenomena. There is a clear interest in exploring alternative explanations beyond simple extraterrestrial visitation, touching upon psychological, sociological, and even philosophical interpretations of UFO sightings and related events. The editorial stance seems to favor a critical but open-minded approach to the subject matter, encouraging dialogue and further research.

This issue of "UFO - Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" (Issue N. 25, June 2002) delves into the complex and often controversial world of conspiracy theories related to UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the term "COSPIRAZIONISMO" (Conspiracy Theories), indicating a central theme of the publication. The magazine explores the intersection of ufology with sociology, history, and political extremism, particularly within the context of the United States and its influence on global perceptions.

The Legacy of William Cooper and Conspiracy Theories

The issue dedicates significant space to William Cooper, a conspiracy theorist whose book "Behold A Pale Horse" is presented as a foundational text for many in the genre. Cooper's claims about "Illuminati" infiltration, government manipulation, and the impending "New World Order" are detailed. His life, marked by conflict with authorities and culminating in his death during a police standoff in 2001, is presented as a narrative that reinforces the beliefs of his followers. The article connects Cooper's ideas to the rise of right-wing extremist groups and their distrust of central government. Historian Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke is cited for his analysis of these far-right movements in the US, linking them to fears of bureaucracy, economic crises, and racism.

Nazi UFOs and Esoteric Nazism

A substantial portion of the magazine examines the persistent theories surrounding Nazi Germany's alleged development of advanced UFO technology. The article discusses the claims made by authors like Tim Matthews and Bill Rose, who suggest that figures like Colonel Heinrich Richard Miethe were involved in secret aircraft projects. The role of ufologist Kevin McClure in investigating these claims is mentioned, as is the controversial photograph of Miethe from 1933. The piece also touches upon the broader context of esoteric Nazism and its potential overlap with ufological narratives, referencing the political background of Tim Hepple (also known as Tim Matthews), who had ties to far-right extremist groups.

Critiques of Sociological Approaches to Ufology

The magazine features a lengthy debate between Claude Maugé and Pierre Lagrange regarding the application of sociology to ufology. Lagrange advocates for a "non-reductionist sociology of UFOs," arguing against purely psychological explanations and suggesting that UFO phenomena, if they exist, are not reducible to conventional causes. Maugé, however, critiques Lagrange's position, accusing him of conflating ufological and sociological perspectives and of adopting an ideological stance. Maugé argues that Lagrange unfairly dismisses the role of psychology in understanding witness testimony and that his approach lacks true symmetry by excluding significant aspects of ufological research, such as abduction experiences.

CISU Activities and Publications

Several articles highlight the activities of the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). These include updates on their online presence (CISU Online and UFO Online), the inauguration of their new headquarters in Turin, and their participation in the Turin International Book Fair. The magazine also announces the new telephone number for the CISU secretariat and promotes their membership campaign for 2002. A special offer on books published by UPIAR, including works on Italian UFO cases, the F.B.I. UFO files, and historical UFO waves, is featured.

Historical UFO Waves and Case Studies

The issue touches upon significant UFO events, including the 1952 wave of sightings, which is described as a period that intensified the perception of UFOs as an extraterrestrial phenomenon posing an "Ultimatum to Earth." The article by Giuseppe Stilo, "Ultimatum alla Terra," is presented as a detailed reconstruction of this period. Another book review discusses "Delta Sierra Juliet," which investigates the mysterious disappearance of a pilot and his aircraft in 1978 after reporting a luminous, unidentified phenomenon. The F.B.I. Dossier UFO is also highlighted, promising insights into the federal agency's historical interest in the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of "UFO - Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to analyze UFO phenomena from multiple perspectives, including historical, sociological, and psychological. While acknowledging the existence of conspiracy theories and their cultural impact, the magazine also engages in rigorous debate about the methodologies and conclusions drawn by researchers. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between established scientific fact and speculative or ideological claims. The magazine seems to advocate for a balanced approach that avoids both outright dismissal and uncritical acceptance of extraordinary claims, while also being wary of the potential for ideological contamination within ufological research.