UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 30

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO
Issue: No. 30
Date: January 2005
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
ISSN: 1594-039X
Price: € 5.00

This issue of UFO Magazine, a publication by the Italian Center for Ufological Studies (C.I.S.U.), covers a range of topics within the field of ufology, including obituaries, case analyses, reviews, and news.

Key Articles and Sections

Attualità (Current Affairs)

La morte di John Mack
This article commemorates the tragic death of John Mack, a renowned Harvard psychiatrist and Pulitzer Prize winner, who died in a traffic accident in London on September 27, 2004. Mack was a significant figure in ufology for his research into alien abductions, particularly his book "Abductions: Human Encounters with Aliens." The article details his intellectual journey, his interest in anomalous psychological experiences, his work with the John E. Mack Institute, and his views on the ecological warnings reportedly given by extraterrestrials to abductees. Despite an internal review by Harvard in the mid-1990s, Mack was not censured for his ufological research.

Che fine ha fatto il SEPRA?
This section discusses the uncertain future of SEPRA, the French National Space Center's (CNES) UFO information-gathering body. Following reports of its reduced activities in early 2004, the situation became more complex in the summer. While the CNES stated that the organization would continue in some form, it was to be overseen by an external scientific committee. The article notes that the planned opening of SEPRA's archives might be delayed due to funding issues. It recalls a 2002 request by the former CNES Director General to assess the value of continued UFO research, which concluded that SEPRA's activities were important for addressing public questions about UFOs.

Bye bye, Betty...
This article marks the passing of Betty Hill, often referred to as the "mother of all abductees," who died at the age of 85 in October 2004. Betty and her husband Barney Hill's alleged encounter and subsequent hypnotic regression in 1961 became a landmark case in UFO abduction lore. The article highlights their role in popularizing the concept of UFO abductions and the medical examinations reportedly conducted by "greys." It notes that the Hill case spurred debate about the reliability of hypnosis in UFO research and the potential for cultural or psychological influences on witness testimony. Betty Hill had retired from public life in 1991.

UFO, il dossier cileno
This piece reports on the activities of CEFAA (Committee for the Study of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena) in Chile, established in 1997. CEFAA, an entity of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), investigates UFO sightings reported by military and civilian pilots. The committee, led by Hernan Henriquez Cobaise, aims to assess potential threats to air traffic safety and build a database of UFO phenomena. While CEFAA has registered fifteen "anomalous phenomena," including rapid movements and proximity to aircraft, Cobaise emphasizes that there is no clear evidence of extraterrestrial craft and leans towards explanations involving natural phenomena.

Un'estate molto calda
This article examines a series of alleged UFO sightings and events in Turkey during the summer of 2004, questioning whether they were genuine or part of publicity stunts. It discusses reports from Mersin province of luminous red objects filmed by the police and deputy security chief. However, a similar event in Erzurum, involving a supposed "flying saucer" and a missing artist, was later admitted by the provincial governor to be a hoax involving a disguised hot air balloon intended to promote the region's mountains.

ALTRI LUTTI PER L'UFOLOGIA
This section notes the passing of two significant figures in ufology: astronaut Leroy Gordon Cooper, who died in October 2004, and French ufologist Gilbert Cornu, who died in September 2004. Cooper, a proponent of extraterrestrial visitation, had spoken about his experiences with UFOs during his space missions and in his book "Leap of Faith." Cornu was known for his research into "solar phenomena" and their potential link to UFOs.

UNA PRECISAZIONE SUI "FILES FASCISTI"
This is a clarification regarding an illustration in a previous issue (No. 29) of UFO Magazine. The author corrects a caption that incorrectly identified the accompanying documents as originals, stating they were color photocopies. The article traces the source of the confusion to the complex and sometimes contradictory information presented in various ufological publications and online discussions concerning alleged Fascist-era UFO files.

CorTOCirCUITO
This section, curated by Gian Paolo Grassino, offers commentary on ufology as reported in the non-specialized press. It includes a critique from the Catholic publication "Studi Cattolici" of Roberto Pinotti's work, labeling him a "charlatan of mystery" and questioning his research methodology. The section also addresses the Hessdalen phenomena, citing an interview with Massimo Teodorani in "Venerdi di Repubblica." Teodorani suggests that the lights in Hessdalen can be explained by piezoelectric effects and interaction with atmospheric moisture, dismissing the need for extraterrestrial explanations.

MESSICO: Gli UFO "agli infrarossi" del filmato messicano
This is an in-depth analysis of a controversial infrared film and radar recording made by a Mexican Air Force aircraft in March 2004. The article, by Giuseppe Stilo, critically examines the initial enthusiastic reception of the footage by commercial ufologists, contrasting it with the more cautious approach of serious researchers. Stilo details the flight path, the equipment used (FLIR camera and radar), and the observations made by the crew. While the crew reported seeing unidentified lights, subsequent analysis by ufologists like Bruce Maccabee and Claude Poher, as well as a skeptical analysis by Robert Sheaffer, suggest that the phenomena were likely infrared emissions from oil platform flares. The article discusses the technical limitations of the FLIR camera and the potential for misinterpretation of atmospheric conditions and radar signals. It also touches upon the role of journalist Jaime Maussan in promoting the "alien craft" interpretation and the differing opinions on the case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to ufological claims, distinguishing between sensationalized commercial ufology and rigorous scientific investigation. There is a clear emphasis on evidence-based analysis, with a willingness to debunk sensational stories when evidence suggests conventional explanations. The publication also serves as a platform for discussing the historical development of ufology, remembering key figures, and reviewing relevant literature. The editorial stance appears to favor a cautious, evidence-based approach, often challenging unsubstantiated claims and promoting critical thinking within the ufological community.

This issue of "UFO" (Rivista di Informazione Ufologica), issue number 30, dated January 2005, focuses on the complex reconstruction of a 1973 UFO/airplane encounter in Northern Italy. The cover headline is "In volo con l'UFO" (In flight with a UFO), and the main article delves into the "Ronchi dei Legionari" case.

The "Ronchi dei Legionari" Case: A Detailed Reconstruction

The article begins by referencing an article in "Il Gazzettino" from October 1, 1973, which reported a mysterious object pursuing a DC-9 airliner between Ronchi and Venice. The pilot, Cassano, reported a "white light" following him, triggering an alert that led to the scramble of two F-104 interceptors from the Istrana air base. However, the F-104s could not identify the object.

Subsequent sources, including an article in the Trieste newspaper "Il Piccolo" from December 6, 1973, and ufologist Marco Marianti's book "Visitatori non invitati" (1978), add more details and some contradictions. Marianti's account mentions the object being seen by pilots and confirmed by at least two radars, and that interceptors were launched from a Veneto air base. He also notes that a local newspaper published a brief report on the incident.

The author, Marco Orlandi, highlights several discrepancies between these sources:

• Date and Time: "Il Gazzettino" reported the incident on Saturday, September 29, 1973, around 9 PM. Marianti suggests October 1, 1973, around 7 PM. "Il Piccolo" is less specific.
• Flight Path: "Il Gazzettino" states the incident occurred between Ronchi and Venice. "Il Piccolo" suggests the object followed the plane for most of its flight from Milan to Ronchi. Marianti places the event between Vicenza and Trieste, and then Trieste-Genoa.
• Aircraft Type and Flight Number: While "Il Gazzettino" and Marianti refer to a DC-9 of ATI flight 367, "Il Piccolo" mentions a DC-9 of ATI 361, flight BM 361. The pilot's surname is given as Cassano by "Il Gazzettino".
• Radar Confirmation: "Il Piccolo" mentions radar tracking, while "Il Gazzettino" cautiously suggests radar detection. Marianti's account implies radar confirmation, but the official documents later examined do not confirm radar detection.
• Interceptor Scramble: "Il Gazzettino" mentions F-104s scrambling from Istrana. Marianti implies they were launched from a Veneto air base. The official documents confirm a scramble from Cameri.

Official Documentation and Witness Testimonies

A significant part of the article is dedicated to declassified documents from the Italian Air Force's 2nd Department, transmitted to CISU (Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici) on April 4, 1996. These documents provide a more structured account:

• Date: Confirmed as September 29, 1973.
• Time: The sequence of events began around 18:41Z (Italian time).
• Flight: ATI flight BM 361 from Milan to Ronchi.
• Sighting: The object was first reported by the pilot over Vicenza at flight level 195. It was visible from the ground and the control tower at Ronchi, described as a luminous, circular object with internal lights, a faint green light on the right, and an intense red light on the left, exhibiting sudden movements and right-angle turns.
• Interception: A pair of F-104s scrambled from Cameri air base at 19:26Z. They shadowed the DC-9 but did not visually identify the object. The object reportedly disappeared as the interceptors approached, only to reappear over the Ronchi base.
• Control Tower Observations: Control towers at Ronchi, Istrana, and Tessera confirmed visual sightings. Milan-2 and Venice control towers observed the object's optical detection continuously until 23:35Z, noting its varying luminosity from white to red.
• Interceptor Pilot Reports: The F-104 pilots reported seeing a light comparable to a very bright star.

Analysis of Discrepancies and Potential Explanations

Orlandi meticulously compares the journalistic accounts with the official documents, noting significant differences. For instance, the official reports mention a flight from Milan to Ronchi, contradicting some witness accounts that suggest a Rome-Ronchi route. The official documents also lack any mention of radar confirmation, a point that Marianti had implied.

The article then presents the testimony of a radar technician, referred to as "B.", who was stationed at the Istrana air base. "B." claims the incident involved a Rome-Venice flight and denies any radar confirmation or the scramble of interceptors from Istrana. He also disputes the official report's claim that personnel at Istrana tower observed the UFO. This testimony introduces further complexity, suggesting the possibility of two distinct events or significant memory errors due to the passage of time.

Matteo Leone contributes a section analyzing the possibility of an astronomical explanation. He correlates the sighting times with the positions of Jupiter and Mars, noting their high luminosity. He suggests that the object's static luminous appearance could be consistent with planets, but acknowledges that the reported high speeds and sharp turns are difficult to explain astronomically. He also notes that the sighting concluded around the local sunset of Jupiter.

"What is a UFO?" - A Definitional Debate

The final section, by Giorgio Abraini, discusses the evolution of the definition of "UFO" (Unidentified Flying Object). It traces the term from Kenneth Arnold's "flying saucers" to the more neutral "Unidentified Aerial Object" (UAO) and "Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomenon" (UAP). The article highlights the challenges in defining UFOs, particularly the need to distinguish between objects, lights, and other phenomena like abductions or crop circles. It examines definitions proposed by Josef Allen Hynek and the Condon Report, emphasizing the importance of the observer's report and the lack of conventional explanation.

Abraini notes the ongoing debate about whether the term UFO should encompass phenomena beyond aerial objects, such as alleged alien encounters and other anomalous events. He concludes that while many ufologists struggle with the broad and often contradictory nature of reported phenomena, a clear and universally accepted definition remains elusive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the difficulty in definitively reconstructing UFO events due to conflicting testimonies, media sensationalism, and the passage of time. It highlights the tension between official reports, journalistic accounts, and eyewitness statements. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to analyze evidence rigorously while acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many UFO cases. The article promotes the idea that even seemingly mundane explanations like astronomical phenomena should be considered, but it does not dismiss the possibility of genuine unexplained events. The discussion on definitions underscores the ongoing effort within ufology to establish a scientific and coherent framework for studying these phenomena.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated January 2005, features a cover story by Claude Maugé titled "DEFINIZIONE DI UFO" (Definition of UFO), accompanied by a diagram presented at the 1989 Lyon Congress. The magazine explores the complexities of defining Unidentified Flying Objects, statistical trends in sightings, and detailed case studies.

Defining UFOs: A Complex Task

Claude Maugé's article "DEFINIZIONE DI UFO" tackles the challenge of defining what constitutes a UFO. He argues that the problem is not simply defining by negation (what a UFO is not) but rather the open-ended nature of phenomena that can be mistaken for UFOs. Maugé draws a parallel with negative theology, where understanding is achieved by describing what God is not. He suggests that the vast array of possible explanations for sightings, from aircraft and meteors to more esoteric phenomena, complicates a simple definition. The article emphasizes the importance of witness testimony, stating that if a witness considers their experience ufological, it should be treated as such by ufologists, regardless of subsequent analysis. This approach, drawing from the Hynekian UFO Report methodology, aims to avoid the pitfalls of overly restrictive or overly broad definitions that have plagued ufology.

Summer 2004: A Wave of Sightings?

The article "Estate 2004: la solita ondata?" (Summer 2004: The Usual Wave?) by Giorgio Abraini and Sebastiano Ridolfi analyzes UFO sightings in Italy during July to October 2004. It confirms the common perception that summer is a peak period for sightings, with July and August showing a significant surge. The data, collected by CISU, indicates a notable increase compared to previous years. However, the article questions whether it was a true 'wave' or an 'ondata,' noting that while the frequency was high, it might have been influenced by 'para-ufological' cases, such as crop circles. Despite this, the number of photographic and video-documented cases remained within the annual average. The analysis also highlights regional distribution, with Lombardy reporting the most sightings, followed by Puglia.

Case Studies: Intriguing Encounters

The magazine presents several detailed case studies of significant UFO sightings:

• Trepuzzi (LE), July 6: A witness observed a changing, spherical object and took a mobile phone photograph.
• Puos D'Alpago (BL), August 12: A witness reported a close encounter involving a light beam, humanoid figures, telepathic communication, and physical effects, documented with photos.
• Baronissi (SA), September 22: A woman observed a large, blue, undulating sphere and a disc-shaped object, captured on video.
• Olivadi, Località Tre Croci (CZ), August 21: Two individuals reported seeing a slender humanoid figure and a luminous object.
• Cernusco sul Naviglio (MI), September 24: A woman observed a disc-shaped object with multiple lights.
• Mezzana di Somma Lombardo (VA), October 24: A woman witnessed two luminous objects near an airport, with detached lights exhibiting high-speed maneuvers.
• Milazzo (ME), August 13, 1997: Coast guard officers observed a U-shaped, illuminated object at sea.
• Pomonte di Scansano (GR), November 5, 1999: A witness filmed a luminous object over several years, which appeared to change size and color.
• Pomonte di Scansano (GR), Late August/Early September 1999: Two Carabinieri officers observed a luminous source moving horizontally.
• Albegna River, Scansano (GR), Mid-1980s: Two fishermen reported seeing a ball of light moving along the river.
• Pomonte di Scansano (GR), Second half of the 1990s: A witness reported observing a red-orange light that appeared stationary and then moved.

Collaboration and Data Collection

The article "LE SEGNALAZIONI DI AVVISTAMENTI SU LIBERO.IT" highlights a new collaboration with the internet portal libero.it, which has significantly increased the volume of UFO reports received by ufoitalia.net and CISU. This partnership has been crucial in collecting a larger portion of the 'hidden iceberg' of sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and witness testimony in ufology. It highlights the challenges in defining UFOs and distinguishing them from conventional phenomena or misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to favor a systematic approach to collecting and analyzing reports, acknowledging the role of para-ufological cases while also seeking to identify genuinely anomalous phenomena. The publication also touches upon the influence of media coverage on the reporting and perception of UFO sightings. The recurring theme is the ongoing effort to understand and categorize these unexplained aerial phenomena through detailed case analysis and statistical data.

This issue of La Gazette Fortéenne, Volume II (2003), published by Les Éditions de L'Oeil du Sphinx, presents a collection of articles exploring anomalous phenomena, ufology, and their cultural contexts. The magazine adopts a more academic tone compared to other publications in the field.

Editorial Stance and Crisis in Parapsychology

Jean-Luc Rivera, the editor-in-chief, notes a crisis in parapsychology and ufology magazines, with a shift towards eclecticism and interdisciplinarity. He suggests that this may stem from a growing awareness of the importance of human sciences in studying paranormal phenomena, leading to blurred boundaries between studied phenomena. The cognitive aspect, belief, and myth are highlighted as crucial for understanding strange phenomena within a continuum of cultural manifestations.

Zoologia Fantastica and Ufological Connotations

Prashant Salomon's article, "OVNI et créatures mystérieuses en Inde," examines mass psychoses in India linked to sightings of a "Monkey Man" with alleged ufological origins. The creature, described as a monkey-like being about 1.3 meters tall with luminous eyes, was reportedly seen in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, attacking people. Salomon connects these events to ancient Indian epics and Erich von Däniken's theories of ancient astronauts.

Jerome Clark's "Des sirènes aux petits hommes gris: La préhistoire du phénomène des enlevèments" analyzes sightings of fish-men, tritons, and mermaids through the lens of UFO abduction cases. Clark argues that skeptical arguments based on the lack of folklore matching witness descriptions are simplistic, as folklore encompasses more than just testimonies.

Sébastien Denis's "Massacre dans les ranchs" investigates mysterious animal mutilations, suggesting that unidentified perpetrators are responsible. Denis dismisses conventional explanations and points to UFO sightings and black helicopters in the vicinity of these events. He cites the testimony of Judy Doraty, who, under hypnosis, claimed to have seen cows being 'sucked up' by a UFO and mutilated by small aliens.

Scott Corrales's "Les ravageurs nocturnes: Mutilations de bétail en Argentine" discusses a wave of cattle mutilations in Argentina in 2002, aligning with ufological interpretations. Corrales suggests that strange lights and solid craft are frequently observed in areas of mutilation, transforming Argentina into a place where such phenomena are part of daily reality.

Fabio Picasso's "Les petits êtres d'Argentine" links sightings of small entities to local legends of gnomes and dwarfs, drawing parallels with John Keel's work.

Visioni Straordinarie: Sociological and Cultural Perspectives

Paolo Toselli's "La panthère fantôme: Les apparitions italiennes" analyzes sightings of Italian panthers in the context of contemporary legends, suggesting that many sightings can be attributed to stray dogs. Toselli categorizes theories for 'out-of-place' animal phenomena into four types: Fortean, cryptozoological, supernatural, and folkloric.

Michel Meurger's "Les monstres lacustres. Enquêtes sur des témoignages contemporains" examines the cultural contexts of lake monster sightings, criticizing cryptozoology and traditional skepticism. Meurger argues that lake monsters often evolve from maritime folklore and representations, such as sea serpents and the Loch Ness Monster.

Il Bazar del Mistero

Christian Page speculates on Jack the Ripper. Chris Aubeck analyzes unusual testimonies compiled by Harry Middleton Hyatt in 1930, which he interpreted as omens of death, including cases of 'bedroom invaders' that could be classified as ufological events.

Theo Paijmans investigates the legend of the "Vril Society" and its connection to Nazi occultism, concluding that there is a lack of reliable sources for this narrative.

Hilary Evans writes about ghost apparitions. Brief pieces are dedicated to Professor Agrest, who proposed that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by nuclear explosions, and to the idea of ancient astronauts influencing Earth's history.

Star Trek and Ufology

Marco Orlandi's article "UFO-trek" explores the connections between the Star Trek saga and ufology. It highlights how Star Trek episodes and films often incorporate themes of UFOs, alien encounters, and conspiracy theories, reflecting contemporary cultural interests.

Specific episodes discussed include:

• "Tomorrow is yesterday" (The Original Series): The Enterprise is mistaken for a UFO by a fighter pilot.
• "Schisms" (The Next Generation): Features alien abductions and mysterious disappearances, inspired by cases like Travis Walton.
• "Little Green Men" (Deep Space Nine): A humorous take on the Roswell incident, with Ferengi aliens crashing near Roswell.
• "The 37's" (Voyager): Amelia Earhart and others are found cryogenically preserved, having been abducted by aliens.
• "Future's end" (Voyager): The Voyager is seen in orbit around Earth and mistaken for a UFO.
• "Assignment: Earth" (The Original Series): Gary Seven, an alien agent, attempts to prevent a nuclear missile launch, reflecting themes of extraterrestrial intervention and warnings against the arms race.
• "Carbon Creek" (Enterprise): A Vulcan ship crash-lands in 1957, leading to an integration with humans and a reflection on early human-alien contact.

The article also touches upon the film "Independence Day" and "Man in Black" for their ufological references.

Archival Discoveries: Luanda, Angola, April 21, 1956

This section details the case of Carlos Mar Bettencourt Faria, an amateur astronomer in Luanda, Angola, who photographed a V-shaped formation of bright points on April 21, 1956. The article, based on archival research by Renato Vesco, provides technical details of the observation and the photographs taken. Faria also reported earlier sightings, including a circular object observed against the sun and a V-shaped formation of lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores anomalous phenomena through a Fortean lens, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and cultural contexts. It highlights the ongoing relevance of Charles Fort's work in understanding unexplained events. The articles often draw connections between historical cases, contemporary sightings, and their representation in popular culture, particularly in science fiction like Star Trek. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unexplained, while also critically examining the evidence and interpretations presented.

This issue of UFO, dated January 2005 (No. 30), is primarily dedicated to two major topics: the debunking of a famous UFO hoax and an in-depth analysis of the 2004 Italian crop circle season. It also features a report on a CISU conference discussing the definition of 'unidentified' phenomena.

The 'April Fool's' Hoax: The 'Man from Mars' Case

The lead article, "FINALMENTE RECUPERATA LA FONTE DEL CLAMOROSO 'PESCE D'APRILE'" ('Finally Recovered the Source of the Clamorous 'April Fool's''), by G.S., details the investigation into the famous 'Man from Mars' photo. The author recounts his previous work in identifying the hoax, tracing its likely origin to a German periodical in 1950. The primary source was finally located in the latest volume of Loren E. Gross's historical series, provided by Achim Martin. The article confirms that the story originated from a March 29, 1950, article in the German weekly Neue Illustrierte, titled 'Der Mars Mensch!' ('The Man from Mars!').

The article published much of the original German content, including the famous photo of the 'little Martian' held by two men, and the 'crashed flying saucer.' It also revealed previously unseen images: one allegedly taken at 22:10 on March 21, 1950, showing figures fleeing an apparently crashed spacecraft, and another showing a 'Martian' emerging from a hemispherical dome. The author notes that the story was initially set in Arizona, with the event occurring on March 21st of that year, and that American sources later began treating the image as genuine. A subsequent article in the April 5, 1950, issue of Neue Illustrierte, and another in a later publication, revealed the entire affair to be an elaborate April Fools' Day prank orchestrated by a German tabloid for the year 1950. The 'little Martian' was identified as an acrobatic ice skater.

Historical Context: UFOs in the 19th Century

In a related piece, G.S. briefly touches upon the historical context of unidentified aerial phenomena, drawing parallels between Faria's experiences and 19th-century observations of unidentified objects near the sun and moon. These observations, widely discussed in the scientific press, led to the famous 'first UFO photo' taken by José Arbol y Bonilla in Mexico in 1883. The author promises a more detailed exposition of this complex topic in a future issue.

Italy 2004 - Crop Circles Year 1

This extensive section, authored by Margherita Campaniolo, analyzes the 2004 crop circle season in Italy. It notes a significant increase in reported cases, from 35 in 2003 to 52 in 2004 (a 48% rise), with a geographical concentration in Northern and Central Italy, excluding Trentino, Valle d'Aosta, and Umbria. The distribution across months shows a peak in June (27 cases) and July (13 cases).

The article distinguishes between 'natural' phenomena (37% of cases), 'doubtful' cases (10%), and 'intentional' or 'non-natural' cases (49%). It highlights the media's role in incentivizing interest in crop circles, leading to a surge in reports, many of which are later identified as natural occurrences like 'lodging' (allettamento) due to weather or agricultural practices. The author criticizes the lack of rigorous investigation by ufologists, who often dismiss simple formations as irrelevant.

Analysis of Italian Crop Circles in 2004

The article categorizes formations into 'agroglifi' (simple circles, rings, lines), 'pittogrammi' (more complex geometric designs), and 'pittogrammi complessi' (highly intricate structures). It lists numerous Italian cases from 2004, detailing their locations and descriptions, often noting their imperfections or suspected artificial origins. The author questions the methodology of crop circle researchers, pointing out inconsistencies in identifying anomalous features and the difficulty in obtaining objective data.

• Key issues raised include:
• Whether anyone witnessed the creation of these circles.
• The presence of unusual elements like thermium and palladium, and the challenges of timely detection.
• The assessment of geometric perfection, with many Italian cases deemed imperfect or crude.
• The observation that stalks are bent at the base, suggesting mechanical influence.

The article concludes that while many crop circles are clearly man-made, the phenomenon still presents a significant challenge for ufology, requiring rigorous, multidisciplinary research. It notes the public's fascination and the growing interest in crop circles as tourist attractions and even as inspiration for merchandise.

CISU Activities

19th CISU National Conference: 'Thinking the Unidentified'

This report covers the 19th CISU National Conference held in Bologna on October 2, 2004. The seminar, reserved for CISU members, focused on the epistemological definition of 'unidentified' phenomena. Key speakers like Edoardo Russo, Giuseppe Stilo, Roberto Raffaelli, and Giorgio Abraini discussed the challenges of isolating 'unidentified' cases, their relationship to known phenomena (IFO), and the need for specific research methodologies. The conference highlighted a general consensus to focus more attention on truly unidentified cases, emphasizing a rational and scientific approach.

Regional Catalogs and Press Archive

CISU continues its work in collecting, archiving, and cataloging UFO-related documentation. The report mentions the revision and expansion of regional UFO case catalogs for Siena and Grosseto, and the upcoming publication of a catalog for Sicily. The Press Archive has seen significant activity in 2004, with the organization and digitization of numerous newspaper clippings.

Radio-TV Observatory

The Radio-TV Observatory, which catalogs UFO-related media content, has resumed its activities under Gildo Personé. A new mailing list has also been launched for real-time communication among members regarding UFO-related broadcasts and films.

Cinema Trash Festival

The report notes the 9th Cinema Trash Festival in Rome, where the CISU awarded 'Phantom - The Return' as the best short film with ufological inspiration. Other films discussed included 'I want to believe,' which mixes documentary footage with speculative content about UFOs and aliens.

UFO Database Collaborations

The CISU UFO Database has been significantly enriched in 2004 with contributions from members and collaborators, including case files, press clippings, photos, and audio-visual materials. A list of key contributors is provided.

CISU International

CISU continues to expand its international reach through English and French translations of its newsletters and catalogs. The article highlights the translation of Marco Bianchini's Italian UFO case catalog into English by Carl Feindt, and the English version of Lello Cassano's Puglia UFO website.

"The Stories of UFOs": CISU at the Conference on Urban Legends

This section reports on CISU's participation in an international conference on 'Contaminations... voices, hoaxes, and urban legends in the Internet era.' CISU presented a poster titled "Le storie degli UFO" ('The Stories of UFOs'), which explored the similarities and differences between ufological stories and contemporary urban legends. The article notes that while UFOs are not strictly urban legends, many ufological narratives have become part of contemporary folklore. It emphasizes the role of media in shaping these narratives and the possibility of tracing their origins, unlike many other urban legends. The report also mentions Giuseppe Stilo's summary of the 'Man of Aluminum' case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes a critical and analytical approach to ufology. It prioritizes rigorous investigation, evidence-based analysis, and the debunking of hoaxes. There is a clear distinction made between genuine unexplained phenomena and those that can be attributed to natural causes, misidentification, or deliberate deception. The role of media in shaping public perception and the epistemological challenges of defining 'unidentified' are recurring themes, suggesting a commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also highlights the importance of international collaboration and the dissemination of information across different languages.

This document, likely a promotional insert or a section of a larger publication, focuses on the online resources and offerings of CISU (Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici) and UPIAR, a publisher and online library specializing in ufology. The primary goal is to promote their websites and a special offer on books.

CISU Online Presence The document prominently features the online presence of CISU, detailing several of its websites: * http://www.cisu.org: Described as the main CISU site, containing thousands of text files and weekly updates from UFOTEL. * http://www.upiar.com: The online library for purchasing books, magazines, documentation, and for joining CISU. * http://www.ufo.it: Presented as a rich source of global UFO information, including case files, photos, and links. * http://www.ufodatanet.org: Dedicated to CISU's study projects and cataloging efforts. * Local CISU Sites: Links are provided for regional CISU groups, including: * http://utenti.tripod.it/cisu_lazio (CISU Lazio) * http://www.ufotuscia.it (CISU Tuscia) * http://www.cisupuglia.it (CISU Puglia) * http://members.xoom.virgilio.it/cisusicilia (CISU Sicilia) * http://web.tiscali.it/cisusardegna (CISU Sardegna)

UPIAR Special Book Offer A significant portion of the document is dedicated to a "SERVIZIO LIBRARIO UPIAR OFFERTA SPECIALE" (UPIAR Library Service Special Offer). This section highlights four books, with an emphasis on their historical significance and availability at discounted prices for CISU members.

Featured Books: 1. INTRUSI by Budd Hopkins: * Pages: 193 * Price: €12.91 (CISU members: €10.33) * Description: An incredible series of abductions reveals a new reality: Earth is a giant space laboratory for beings from other worlds.

2. GLI UFO E LA SCIENZA by J.E. McDonald:
* Pages: 265
* Price: €12.91 (CISU members: €10.33)
* Description: Features an introduction by Margherita Hack.

3. UFO IN ITALIA vol. III (AA.VV.):
* Pages: 352
* Price: €15.49 (CISU members: €12.39)
* Description: Covers UFO phenomena in Italy between 1955 and 1972.

4. LUCI NELLA NOTTE UFO: IL CASO ZANFRETTA by Rino Di Stefano:
* Pages: 193
* Price: €12.91 (CISU members: €10.33)
* Description: Focuses on the Zanfretta UFO case.

5. GLI UFO IN VISITA A SIENA by M. Bianchini & R. Coppelli:
* Pages: 96
* Price: €7.75 (CISU members: €6.20)
* Description: Details UFO sightings in Siena.

Special Offer: Purchasing all five volumes offers a discount: €57.00 instead of €61.97 (CISU members: €45.00 instead of €49.58).

Payments for books can be made via postal order to Cooperativa UPIAR, casella postale 212, 10100 Torino.

New Releases by Giuseppe Stilo Page 2 introduces three new books by Giuseppe Stilo, published by UPIAR, focusing on historical UFO events:

1. L'alba di una nuova era (1946: il fenomeno dei "razzi fantasma" in Italia e nel mondo):
* Pages: 228, with 9 photos and illustrations.
* Price: €14.00 (CISU members: €11.20).
* Content: Details the largely unknown and unpublished cases of 'ghost rockets' in 1946 that appeared across Europe and beyond, preceding the Kenneth Arnold sighting.

2. Scrutate i cieli! (1950: La grande ondata dei dischi volanti e la globalizzazione del fenomeno UFO):
* Pages: 420, with 35 photos and illustrations.
* Price: €21.69 (CISU members: €17.35).
* Content: A monumental work analyzing the 1950 global wave of UFO sightings, reconstructing nearly 300 Italian reports and over 1,200 press articles thanks to CISU's archival research.

3. Ultimatum alla Terra (1952: i dischi volanti in Italia e nel mondo):
* Pages: 542, with 39 illustrations.
* Price: €27.89 (CISU members: €22.31).
* Content: Examines the 1952 flying saucer phenomenon, including the first close encounters and famous photos. It notes how UFOs began to be perceived as an extraterrestrial event, leading up to the 'Martian invasion' of 1954.

These books can be ordered directly by CISU members via postal order to Cooperativa UPIAR.

UFO Merchandise The document also advertises a line of t-shirts designed by artist Giorgio Giorgi, featuring UFO imagery: * Models include "GLI UFO NELLA MENTE", "AVVISATMENTI UFO" N. 13, "UFO? YES!", and "UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT". * Material: 100% Cotton T-shirts available in S-M-L-XL-XXL sizes. * Price: €15 per shirt (CISU members: €12). * Quantity Discounts: 3 shirts for €40 (€32 for members), 6 shirts for €75 (€60 for members). * Payment details are provided for both postal and bank accounts associated with Cooperativa UPIAR.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes are historical UFO events, particularly those that occurred in Italy, and the promotion of ufological literature and merchandise. The editorial stance is clearly pro-ufology, with CISU and UPIAR positioned as key organizations providing resources, research, and products for enthusiasts. The emphasis on historical accuracy, archival research (especially by CISU), and the availability of detailed books suggests a commitment to serious study within the field. The special offers and discounts for CISU members reinforce the idea of a community-focused organization.