UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 26

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica
Issue: N. 26
Date: December 2002
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU)
Price: € 4,00

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated December 2002, prominently features the enduring mysteries of the 1952 UFO wave in Washington D.C., exploring its cases, key figures, and lingering questions. It also delves into ongoing ufological research, including the Hessdalen Project in Norway and the Sassalbo Project in Italy, alongside a special focus on the influential ufologist John Keel.

Cover Story: 1952 - The Cases, The People, The Mysteries

The cover highlights the 1952 UFO events, particularly those around Washington D.C. The main article revisits the complex sightings from that summer, including radar contacts and military scrambles. It examines the events of July 26, 2002, drawing parallels to the 1952 incidents, and discusses the official responses and witness accounts. The article notes the difficulty in definitively explaining the phenomena, with official statements often emphasizing routine operations or unidentified aircraft, while witnesses describe extraordinary objects and behaviors.

Current Events (Attualità)

2001: New Cases from Italian Military An overview of UFO sightings reported by the Italian Air Force in 2001 reveals only twelve cases, a stark contrast to the nearly 800 collected by CISU. The article notes the limited data and the fact that only one case involved a military witness.

How Many Italians Believe in ET? A survey published in the magazine Quark indicates that 80% of Italians believe in extraterrestrial life, and 74% think science acknowledges its possibility. The survey also touched upon beliefs regarding UFOs, with 55% believing sightings have a basis in truth.

Alien Abductions: The Latest News Recent studies from the University of London suggest that experiences of alien abduction might be symptoms of psychiatric syndromes, linked to sleep paralysis, false memories, and psychopathology. Concurrently, researchers note a significant decline in reported alien abduction cases in recent years.

When the UFO is Aggressive (In India...) Sensational reports from Uttar Pradesh, India, describe a luminous sphere attacking people, causing numerous deaths and injuries. The phenomenon, dubbed 'Muhnochwa' (face grabber), has caused panic and led to contradictory explanations from authorities, ranging from natural phenomena to terrorist actions.

General Privitera, Who Was Interested in UFOs, Dies The passing of General Michelangelo Privitera is noted. He was known for his behind-the-scenes support for Italian ufology, particularly in facilitating access to military documents in 1977, an effort that was later undermined by media sensationalism.

Secret Services: Real or Imagined Infiltrations? A polemic between two prominent members of the CISU, Corrado Malanga and Roberto Pinotti, is discussed. Both accuse each other of being influenced by or collaborating with secret services to obscure the truth about UFOs.

G.d.M. Changes Publisher and Editor 'Il Giornale dei Misteri,' a long-standing Italian magazine on mysteries, has been sold, with plans to continue publication under new ownership and editorial direction.

The Disappearance of Kazantsev The death of writer Aleksandr Kazantsev is reported. He was known for his theory that the 1908 Tunguska event was caused by the nuclear explosion of an extraterrestrial spacecraft.

2002: A Golden Year for Humanoids? Albert Rosales's catalog of international sightings suggests 2002 has seen a notable number of reports involving humanoid entities associated with UFO phenomena, though many are not close encounters.

Tunguska: A Replica? Reports emerge of a large luminous object crashing in Siberia, causing tremors and illuminating the area, reminiscent of the 1908 Tunguska event. Russian scientists are planning an investigation.

Peru: The Military Ufologist Speaks Peru's Air Force has established a UFO investigation office, with Commander Julio Chamorro discussing its function and the prevalence of sightings in the country. The town of Chilca is aiming to become a 'Peruvian Roswell' for UFO tourism.

SEPRA Continues Its Activities The French official UFO entity, SEPRA, has been evaluated and recommended for continuation, acknowledging public interest and the scientific value of studying unexplained aerial phenomena.

European Ufological Magazine Awarded The European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies received the Cuadernos de ufologia award for 2002, recognizing its contribution to scientific ufological research.

Case Files (Rassegna Casistica)

From the 1930s: An Interesting 'Flying Disc' with Entities An investigation into a 1937 sighting near Naples, Italy, by two customs agents who reported a disc-shaped object with lights and a luminous trail, accompanied by entities. The witness's account is detailed, including a secondary corroboration from a former colleague.

A Light Beam in Puglia. Just an Electromagnetic Phenomenon? A case from August 1986 near Conversano, Italy, where a witness reported a luminous, circular beam of light descending at low altitude. The investigators suggest it might be an electromagnetic phenomenon rather than a UFO.

'Illuminated by Day' from Two Successive Lights An investigation into a 1962 sighting near Milan, Italy, where two witnesses reported being illuminated by two successive lights. The case, previously reported in Italian media, is re-examined through interviews with the original witnesses.

Study Projects (Progetti di Studio)

Hessdalen 2003: A Useful Moment of Synthesis This section discusses the ongoing efforts of the Italian Committee for the Hessdalen Project (CIPH), emphasizing a rationalist approach to ufology and the importance of scientific methodology. It highlights the collaboration between Italian and Norwegian researchers and the development of new instrumentation.

Sassalbo Project: A New Study on Hessdalen-Like Phenomena The Sassalbo Project, initiated after a significant sighting in June 2001, aims to investigate UFO-like phenomena in Sassalbo, Italy. The project focuses on cataloging sightings, analyzing instrumental data, and developing a scientific model for these events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational and scientific approach to ufology, distinguishing it from sensationalist or purely belief-based perspectives. There's a strong emphasis on detailed case investigations, instrumental data collection, and international collaboration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous research while acknowledging the complexities and often elusive nature of UFO phenomena. The magazine also highlights the challenges of integrating ufological research with mainstream science and the importance of accurate reporting.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated December 2002, features a prominent article on John Keel and the importance of paraphysical ufology, exploring his theories and their impact on the field. The magazine also includes a detailed report on Italian UFO sightings from the second and third quarters of 2002, a historical analysis of UFO phenomena in Italy during the 1950s, and a discussion on the 'Nazi flying saucer' legend.

John Keel and the Importance of Paraphysical Ufology

Authored by Edoardo Russo, this extensive piece examines the work of John Keel, a writer and investigator known for his unconventional approach to ufology. Keel's theories, particularly those presented in "Strange Creatures from Time and Space," "Operation Trojan Horse," and "The Mothman Prophecies," challenged the prevailing extraterrestrial hypothesis. He proposed that UFOs were not alien spacecraft but rather a manifestation of a 'paraphysical' reality, an environmental phenomenon that interacts with human consciousness and culture. Keel argued that these phenomena adapt their appearance to fit contemporary beliefs and expectations, explaining why UFOs were perceived as 'foo-fighters' during WWII and 'flying saucers' in the post-war era. The article highlights Keel's syncretic approach, linking UFOs to a wide range of paranormal events, including poltergeists, ESP phenomena, and mysterious creatures. His work is credited with shifting the focus from the object itself to the witness and the complex relationship between the observer and the observed.

2002: Sightings - The Novelty of Italian Ufology in the Second and Third Quarters

This section, by Giorgio Abraini and Sebastiano Ridolfi, analyzes 497 UFO cases recorded in Italy during April, May, June, July, August, and September 2002. The data shows a growing trend in sightings, peaking in August. While the distribution was more even than in the previous year, the second quarter saw fewer cases than the first, largely due to the limited impact of 'flaps' (waves of sightings). April had few significant cases, mostly attributed to conventional causes. May and June showed average numbers, with many sightings explained by conventional phenomena like satellites and meteors. July saw an increase in reports, partly due to a bolide flap. August, though not reaching 2001's peak, was the most prolific month, with sightings attributed to bolides, discoid objects, and astronomical phenomena. September was heavily influenced by a large stratospheric balloon flap, but also included interesting cases like a close encounter in Orbassano (TO) with associated electromagnetic effects. Regionally, the northeast accounted for the majority of sightings, with Veneto and Emilia-Romagna being the most active regions. The majority of cases remained unidentified, with astronomical causes being the most frequent explanation for identified phenomena.

UFO Official? Yes, but in Small Doses

This article discusses the Orbassano sighting of September 28, 2002, as one of the most interesting cases of the year, involving a credible witness, significant electromagnetic effects, and police involvement. However, the article notes that the Carabinieri's press release, intended to provide information, inadvertently revealed details that allowed local journalists to identify the witness, leading to their withdrawal from further contact. The investigation was hampered by the lack of cooperation from the witness's employer and difficulties in obtaining data about the automatic gate. The article concludes that while the authorities' actions opened a door to the case, they also immediately closed it, questioning if this marks the beginning of a 'conspiracy of silence.'

Point Pleasant: The Invasion of the Dummy Men

Written by Colin Bennett, this piece revisits the Mothman events in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, in 1966. Bennett, a musician and electronic engineer, frames John Keel's book "The Mothman Prophecies" as a contemporary masterpiece that re-examines humanity's place in the world. He discusses Keel's investigation into the Mothman sightings, drawing parallels with the work of cryptologists and Fortean researchers who found themselves drawn into the mysteries of landscapes and communities. Bennett emphasizes Keel's theory that these phenomena are not extraterrestrial but rather manifestations of a 'paraphysical' reality, adapting their form to contemporary cultural contexts. The article describes the Mothman as a creature with human and moth-like characteristics, its sightings often accompanied by UFO phenomena and mysterious 'Men in Black.' Keel's research suggested a connection between these entities and a broader range of paranormal events, challenging conventional explanations.

The Message of Keel: Paranoid Foresight

Gian Paolo Grassino reflects on John Keel's "The Mothman Prophecies," contrasting it with Keel's earlier work, "UFO: Operazione Cavallo di Troia." Grassino notes that while "Operazione Cavallo di Troia" presented a speculative hypothesis about cosmic intelligence, "The Mothman Prophecies" presents its narrative as reality. He describes Keel's account as a journey into the absurd and impossible, where the author becomes an active participant in the events he investigates. Grassino expresses skepticism about Keel's claims, suggesting a tendency towards paranoia and a tendency to find confirmation for his theories, even in coincidences. He questions the lack of similar phenomena in Italy and the credibility of Keel's informants. Despite these reservations, Grassino acknowledges Keel's skill as a storyteller, comparing him to Lovecraft in his ability to create a coherent, albeit surreal, world.

UFO: Operation Trojan Horse

This section features a review of John Keel's book "UFO: Operazione Cavallo di Troia." The book is described as an in-depth study of UFOs and the forces controlling them, posing the question of whether humanity is part of a massive conspiracy orchestrated by unknown 'superior extraterrestrials.' The review highlights Keel's theory that UFOs are not from distant galaxies but from a nearby, yet inaccessible, dimension, and that their manifestations are carefully orchestrated illusions.

Creatures from the Unknown

This is a review of John Keel's book "Strange Creatures from Time and Space." The book is presented as an introduction to Keel's core hypothesis, which posits that many 'damned' creatures, from folklore figures like gnomes and elves to cryptids like Bigfoot and UFO occupants, share a common origin. Keel argues that these entities are not necessarily material but are expressions of another reality that temporarily interacts with ours. The review notes Keel's meticulous research and his ability to connect seemingly disparate phenomena into a cohesive, albeit unsettling, picture.

The Return of the 'Nazi Discs' and the V-7

This article revisits the legend of 'Nazi flying saucers,' focusing on the V-7 craft. It discusses the origins of this myth, tracing it back to claims made by Josef Starziczny and Heinrich Richard Miethe in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The V-7 is described as a disc-shaped craft with a diameter of approximately 42 meters. The article also touches upon the 'death ray' legend and its connection to Italian secret technologies, suggesting that these narratives predate the UFO phenomenon and were later incorporated into the 'Axis UFO' mythology.

Operation Origins

This section provides a historical overview of UFO research, discussing the evolution of theories from terrestrial phenomena and secret weapons to extraterrestrial visitors and paraphysical explanations. It highlights the significance of the 1950s in Italian ufology, noting the emergence of close encounters and photographic evidence. The article also touches upon the influence of science fiction and popular culture on UFO beliefs.

Flying Saucers of Bernina

This piece focuses on Italian UFO sightings from the 1950s, particularly the year 1952. It details the increase in close encounter reports and photographic evidence, as well as the identification of many cases with conventional phenomena like meteors and aircraft. The article also discusses the phenomenon of 'angel hair' and its potential connection to UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the exploration of unconventional ufological theories, particularly those of John Keel, the detailed analysis of contemporary UFO sightings in Italy, and the historical context of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various theories and case studies while encouraging readers to consider different perspectives beyond the traditional extraterrestrial hypothesis. There is a clear emphasis on the psychological and cultural aspects of UFO experiences, as well as the interconnectedness of various paranormal phenomena.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated December 2003 (N. 26), is published by UPIAR and focuses on the intersection of ufology, scientific research, and historical events. It features articles on the origins of contacteeism, the comparison between UFOs and ball lightning, and the activities of the Italian Center for Ufological Studies (CISU).

The Genesis of Contacteeism

The article "La Genesi del Contattismo" (The Genesis of Contacteeism) traces the early development of the contactee movement, particularly in California. It highlights how, even before George Adamski's famous encounters, there were individuals reporting telepathic contact with extraterrestrial beings. The text mentions N. Meade Layne and Mark Probert's Borderlands Sciences Research Associates, founded in October 1946, and George W. Van Tassel's claims of telepathic contact with 'Ventlas' starting in January 1952. The article emphasizes that Adamski's public announcements in late 1952, claiming personal meetings with Venusians, occurred within an already developing context of contactee beliefs. It also touches upon the influence of occultism and theosophy on these early contactees. The piece notes the connection between the rise of contactee stories and the 'crashed UFO' narratives prevalent between 1949 and 1952, suggesting contacteeism evolved from the idea of a crashed but recoverable alien craft.

UFOs and Ball Lightning: A Comparison

The "FORUM" section presents a debate between Tony Rullan, Brad Sparks, and Paolo Toselli on whether the study of ball lightning (BL) is similar to the study of UFOs. Rullan argues that while there are similarities, UFO research requires greater rigor due to the phenomenon's perceived intelligent control. Sparks counters that Rullan's premise is flawed and that the scientific community's discredit of UFO research, stemming from the Cold War, is unjust. He emphasizes that while UFOs and BL are different, methodological borrowing is possible. Toselli, representing the CISU's BLITA project, highlights the similarities in data collection (eyewitness testimony) and the challenges of studying rare, transient phenomena. He notes that while BL is linked to thunderstorms and can be studied in laboratories, UFOs are more elusive and often described as intelligently controlled. The discussion also touches on the difficulty of obtaining photographic evidence for both phenomena and the historical efforts by organizations like the USAF to discredit UFO reports.

CISU Activities and Media Presence

Several sections detail the activities of the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). The "Convegno nazionale a Firenze" (National Convention in Florence) reports on the XVII National Ufology Convention held in November 2002, focusing on CISU's ongoing projects and research. The "MEZZO MILIONE DI VISITATORI SU 'UFO ONLINE'" (Half a Million Visitors on 'UFO Online') section highlights the popularity of CISU's websites, with UFO Online surpassing half a million visits and CISU Online reaching over 250,000. The "CISU E MASS-MEDIA" (CISU and Mass Media) report details the center's consistent presence in Italian media during the first half of 2002, with interviews and articles appearing in various newspapers and magazines. The magazine also features news about the "Premio CISU al Festival del Cinema Trash" (CISU Award at the Trash Film Festival) and the reorganization of the "Archivio Vesco" (Vesco Archive).

Book Reviews and Merchandise

The issue includes reviews of several books related to ufology, such as Giuseppe Stilo's "Ultimatum alla Terra" (1952: Flying Saucers in Italy and Worldwide), Richard Haines' "The Day the Earth Stood Still," and Paolo Toselli's "F.B.I. Dossier UFO." Additionally, it promotes a series of t-shirts illustrated by Giorgio Giorgi, featuring various UFO designs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rigorous, scientific approach to ufology, while acknowledging the historical and cultural context of UFO phenomena. There's a strong emphasis on data collection, archival research, and critical analysis. The CISU positions itself as a key organization for disseminating accurate information about UFOs in Italy, countering misinformation, and fostering a scientific understanding of the subject. The debate on UFOs and ball lightning reflects the ongoing effort to bridge the gap between ufology and mainstream science. The editorial stance supports the idea that UFOs warrant serious investigation, even if their nature remains mysterious and controversial.