UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 34

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated December 2006, is titled 'UFO: Rivista di Informazione Ufologica' and is published by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). It features a cover headline about an important official study from Great Britain and discusses various UFO-related topics, including alleged alien abductions, scientific research, and notable figures in ufology.

Key Articles and Features

Gran Bretagna, un importante studio ufficiale

This section likely details a significant official investigation or report from Great Britain concerning UFO phenomena. The article may explore the findings, methodologies, and conclusions of this study, potentially shedding light on the government's or military's stance or discoveries regarding unidentified aerial phenomena.

Francia, archivi on-line?

This article discusses the efforts in France to make the archives of the GEIPAN (Group for the Study and Information on Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena) and its predecessor, SEPRA, publicly available online. It highlights the process of digitizing thousands of case files and the potential for researchers to access this data, while also noting delays in the publication schedule.

UFO al "check-in"

This report details a sighting on August 15, 2006, near Hilo, Hawaii, where multiple witnesses observed a tubular object flying over the airport. The object was described as silver, missile-like, with a steam trail and producing a loud noise. The incident prompted an investigation by the FBI and the Transportation Security Administration.

La scomparsa di Siragusa

This obituary marks the passing of Eugenio Siragusa, a prominent and controversial Italian contactee, on August 27, 2006. It traces his career from the late 1950s, his claims of communication with extraterrestrials, the founding of the 'Centro Studi Fratellanza Cosmica' (CSFC), and his later activities, including his legal troubles and the emergence of Giorgio Bongiovanni as his successor.

La vecchia guardia se ne va

This section commemorates the deaths of three significant American ufologists: Harley D. Rutledge (a physicist who pioneered instrumental surveillance of anomalous aerial phenomena), Karl Pflock (an experienced researcher known for his work on the Roswell case and critical analysis of abduction claims), and Willy Smith (a physicist who developed the UNICAT database of high-quality unidentified case files).

Il mistero dei "rapimenti"

This article explores the phenomenon of alien abductions, examining whether they are cultural constructs, false memories, or genuinely unexplained experiences. It features discussions with psychologists and folklorists, including Elizabeth Loftus and Thomas Eddie Bullard, who debate the nature of memory, the consistency of abduction narratives, and the influence of cultural factors.

Approfondimenti: The Condign Report

• This extensive section analyzes the 'Condign Report,' a study that investigates various potential explanations for UFO phenomena. It covers numerous working papers (WP) that explore topics such as:
• Atmospheric optical phenomena: Including lenticular clouds, noctilucent clouds, glories, coronas, and St. Elmo's fire.
• Radar detection of UFOs: Discussing reasons why UFOs might not be detected by radar, including low reflectivity, absorption of radio frequencies, and operation at high altitudes.
• Ball lightning (BL) and other plasma phenomena: Examining theories about the formation, behavior, and potential electromagnetic effects of BL, earthlights, and charged dust aerosols.
• Potential links to geological factors: Exploring connections between UFO sightings and geological features like fault lines and leys.
• Effects of magnetic fields on humans: Discussing experiments by Michael Persinger on the effects of low-frequency magnetic fields on human perception.
• Misinterpretations: Identifying natural phenomena like weather balloons, dirigibles, and optical illusions (mirages) as potential sources of misidentified sightings.
• Near misses: Analyzing cases where aircraft narrowly avoided collisions with unidentified objects.
• UFOs and military technology: Briefly touching upon the possibility of advanced military aircraft being mistaken for UFOs.

The report emphasizes the complexity of UFO phenomena and the need for rigorous scientific investigation, acknowledging that many aspects remain unexplained.

Buon compleanno, ufologi

This piece celebrates anniversaries of ufological organizations, noting the 30th anniversary of Germany's CENAP and the 50th anniversary of Australia's UFOIC (UFO Investigation Centre), highlighting their contributions to the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a rational and scientific approach to ufology, seeking to explain phenomena through established scientific principles while acknowledging the existence of genuinely anomalous cases that warrant further investigation. There is a strong emphasis on data collection, analysis, and the critical evaluation of evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous research and discourages sensationalism, while remaining open to the possibility of unexplained phenomena.

Key Persons and Organizations

The issue mentions prominent figures like J. Allen Hynek, Jean-François Hait, Jacques Patenet, Pierre Lagrange, and Yves Sillard in the context of scientific ufology and official investigations. It also features the legacy of contactee Eugenio Siragusa and the passing of influential researchers like Harley D. Rutledge, Karl Pflock, and Willy Smith. Key organizations like GEIPAN, CNES, CUFOS, and various national ufological groups are discussed in relation to their research activities and publications.

Themes and Tags

The primary themes revolve around official UFO studies, the scientific investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena, the psychological aspects of abduction experiences, and the exploration of natural phenomena that might be mistaken for UFOs. Tags include UFO, ufology, official study, Great Britain, France, GEIPAN, abduction, contactee, plasma, ball lightning, and scientific research.

Notable Incidents

Two specific incidents are highlighted: a sighting of a tubular object over Hilo, Hawaii, in August 2006, and a pilot's filming of an unidentified object near Lima, Peru, in February 2006. Both incidents involved rapid movement and unusual characteristics, prompting official attention.

FAQ

The FAQ section addresses questions about the French GEIPAN, the 'Condign Report,' theories on alien abductions, and the role of plasma in UFO phenomena, providing concise answers drawn from the magazine's content.

Summary Synopsis

This issue of UFO Magazine provides a comprehensive overview of current ufological research and debates. It highlights a significant official study from Great Britain, explores the complex phenomenon of alien abductions with input from psychologists and folklorists, and delves into scientific explanations for UFO sightings, including atmospheric plasmas and electromagnetic effects. The magazine also pays tribute to key figures in ufology and discusses the ongoing efforts of organizations like France's GEIPAN to study and archive UFO-related data. The overall tone is one of rigorous scientific inquiry, seeking to understand anomalous phenomena through evidence-based research.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated December 2006, focuses on the intersection of ufology with astrophysics and psychology, while also detailing case studies and trends in reported sightings. The cover headline, "Astrofili e fenomeni UFO" (Astrophysicists and UFO Phenomena), introduces the theme of scientific engagement with the topic.

Abduction Experiences and Psychological Explanations

The article "Abduction" by Stuart Appelle discusses how supernatural beings and extraterrestrials are used to fulfill social and psychological functions, evolving into modern-day saviors or agents of government secrecy. Appelle suggests that the phenomenon of alien abductions might be better understood through the lens of 'non-identified' experiences rather than unidentified objects.

Richard J. McNally, a psychology professor at Harvard, proposes that alien abduction experiences can be explained by recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse, which may be false. His research indicates that individuals reporting alien abductions exhibit psychophysiological responses similar to those experiencing genuine trauma, suggesting that false memories can elicit real emotional and physiological reactions.

Astrophysicists and UFO Phenomena

The article "Astrofili e fenomeni UFO" (Astrophysicists and UFO Phenomena) by Gert Herb and Joseph Allen Hynek presents a study on UFO sightings among amateur astronomers. It contrasts their experiences with those of professional astronomers, noting that amateur astronomers, who spend more time observing the sky visually, might be more prone to reporting unusual aerial phenomena. The study, conducted in the 1970s, aimed to gauge the opinions of astrophysicists on UFOs and their personal experiences.

Peter A. Sturrock's earlier survey of professional astronomers indicated that a significant percentage had observed unidentified events. The article suggests that amateur astronomers, due to their more extensive sky observation habits, might be better equipped to identify and report unusual aerial events, making their accounts potentially more reliable than those of the general public.

UFO Trends in Italy: 2006

Giorgio Abraini's article "2006, in calo gli 'UFO' crescono i 'para-UFO'" (2006, 'UFOs' decrease, 'para-UFOs' increase) analyzes the reported UFO cases in Italy during the first eight months of 2006. It highlights a significant rise in 'para-UFO' phenomena, such as crop circles and photos without accompanying sightings, which constituted 30% of all reports. Conversely, classic UFO sightings, especially during the summer months, saw a notable decline, reaching a minimum since 2001.

The article details the increase in crop circle reports, with May being the peak month in 2006, earlier than in previous years. It also notes the growing proportion of photos submitted without a corresponding visual sighting, attributed to the widespread use of digital cameras and mobile phones.

Case Studies and Investigations

Ronco Scrivia, Genoa (1979)

The "Rassegna Casistica" section features a detailed investigation into a high-strangeness case from Ronco Scrivia, Genoa, on February 3, 1979. Six witnesses reportedly observed a luminous entity during a power outage. The entity, described as about 1.20 meters tall with a helmet, was accompanied by a luminous beam and unusual sounds. The event was allegedly photographed, though the photos are described as poor quality. The investigation by Antonio Rubechini uncovered discrepancies with earlier reports, suggesting the phenomenon occurred outdoors and involved more witnesses than initially reported.

Palermo (2006)

Another case study describes a sighting near Palermo on July 7, 2006, where two witnesses observed a "square" object in the sky leaving a white trail. The object was luminous and approximately the size of a commercial aircraft.

Fiumefreddo, Catania (2001)

A testimony from a Carabinieri officer recounts an observation in Fiumefreddo, Catania, in late May or early June 2001. The witness saw a small white light behaving erratically, which then disappeared into a triangular shape. A second triangle appeared later, followed by two lights.

Scientific Literature and Books

"Luci in cielo e sismicità" (Lights in the Sky and Seismicity)

This section reviews Cristiano Fidani's book "Ipotesti sulle Anomalie Elettromagnetiche Associate ai Terremoti" (Hypotheses on Electromagnetic Anomalies Associated with Earthquakes). The book explores theories linking seismic activity to electromagnetic phenomena, including Earth Lights (EQL). Fidani examines historical observations and scientific theories, suggesting that various mechanisms might be involved in generating these anomalies.

"Così vicina, così lontana" (So Close, So Far)

This review discusses Luc Bürgin's book "OVNI sur la Suisse. Les dossiers de l'armée de l'air" (UFOs over Switzerland: The Air Force Files). The book compiles UFO reports from Switzerland, including military documents. The review highlights a specific case from December 7, 1978, involving a physicist who observed a luminous beam emitted from an unidentified object while on a flight from Rome to Paris.

"I Fulmini Globulari" (Globular Lightning)

Andrea Bovo reviews a book on globular lightning, emphasizing its relevance to ufology. The article notes that while globular lightning is often cited as an explanation for UFO sightings, the phenomenon itself is not fully understood, and a comprehensive understanding is crucial for accurate UFO investigations.

CISU Activities and Resources

The magazine also features information about the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), including its online resources and local representatives. It highlights CISU's publications, such as "Il Fenomeno UFO come Costruzione Sociale" (The UFO Phenomenon as Social Construction) and "USOCAT" (Italian Catalog of Unidentified Submerged Objects).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, contrasting empirical evidence with psychological and sociological explanations. There's a recurring theme of debunking hoaxes, as seen in the "Alien Autopsy" film review, while also acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many reported sightings. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and critical analysis, encouraging a scientific approach to ufology while remaining open to the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of documenting and archiving UFO-related information, as evidenced by CISU's activities.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated December 2006, features a prominent article titled "Un workshop su Hessdalen" (A workshop on Hessdalen) by Renzo Cabassi. The issue delves into an international meeting held in Medicina, Italy, to review studies on the Norwegian phenomena. The magazine's focus is on scientific inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena.

Un workshop su Hessdalen

The main article by Renzo Cabassi details the "International Project Hessdalen Workshop (IPHW2006)" held in Medicina on June 17, 2006. The event brought together researchers to discuss the Hessdalen Phenomena (HP) and similar atmospheric luminous phenomena (ALP). The initiative stemmed from a collaboration between Italian and Norwegian institutions, including the CNR-IRA and Østfold College University, and was supported by the Italian Committee for Project Hessdalen (CIPH).

The workshop aimed to establish a state-of-the-art on research into Hessdalen and "Hessdalen-like" phenomena, and to find synergies with research on more accepted phenomena like ball lightning and seismic lights. It also served to relaunch field research in Norway.

Key participants and their contributions included:

• Erling Strand and Bjørn Gitle Hauge (Project Hessdalen) presented on the current situation and future of the project.
• Stelio Montebugnoli and Jader Monari discussed the instrumentation developed since 2000 and plans for new instruments.
• Andrea Mancini presented experiences with a self-built bistatic radar for detecting unidentified targets in the Adriatic Sea.
• Cristiano Fidani spoke on electromagnetic precursors of earthquakes.
• Andrea Zucchini and Flavio Gori discussed electromagnetic and geophysical phenomena that might contribute to luminous manifestations.
• Felice Labbrozzi (ENAC) focused on low and medium atmosphere FLA phenomenology.
• Pierre Lagrange analyzed the application of scientific practice to ufology and its historical methodology in France and Italy.
• Giorgio Abraini discussed data collection methods for Hessdalen-like observations.
• Giuseppe Stilo (absent) submitted a report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and Atmospheric Luminous Phenomena (ALP), emphasizing future analysis.
• Massimiliano Di Giuseppe, Ferruccio Zanotti, and Romano Serra presented their observations of luminous phenomena in Hessdalen in 2003.
• Contributions on seismic precursors and VLF signals from rocks were presented by Friedemann Freund, John Derr, France St.-Laurent, Akihiro Takeuchi, Bobby E. S. Lau, Adriano Nardi, and Michele Caputo.
• Massimo Silvestri provided an analysis of Motoji Ikeya's book "Earthquakes and animals."
• Marsha Adams sent a detailed report on her observations and measurements during the EMBLA 2002 mission.

The workshop also secured rights to reprint four important scientific works related to Hessdalen phenomena.

Ricerche a Sassalbo

Another article, "Ricerche a Sassalbo" (Research at Sassalbo) by Marco Peruzzi, details the work of the Progetto Sassalbo research group. Formed in 2001, the group studies anomalous phenomena in the Sassalbo area, comparing them to Hessdalen and other global locations. Their objectives include cataloging testimonies, analyzing instrumental data, deploying automated monitoring stations, studying local environmental factors, and developing scientific models for the phenomena. The article highlights the installation of a VLF monitoring station to detect electromagnetic signals, with a focus on potential seismic precursors.

Forum

The "Forum" section features several opinion pieces:

• Renzo Cabassi responds to Giuseppe Stilo's article "Congedo dall'ufologia?" (Farewell to ufology?). Cabassi argues for a more scientific approach, emphasizing the need for clear objectives, shared methodologies, and collaboration with scientists. He stresses that ufology should focus on producing verifiable facts rather than endless speculation and disputes.
• Massimiliano Grandi also comments on Stilo's article, agreeing with the need for a more scientific approach but finding Stilo's proposed solutions inadequate. Grandi suggests that ufology, as currently practiced, is too broad and anecdotal to be amenable to quantitative scientific measurement. He advocates for focusing on specific, well-defined phenomena and applying scientific protocols, rather than a general collection of UFO reports.

Documenti UFO - Le Monografie del CISU

This section presents a catalog of books and publications available from UPIAR and CISU, including bibliographical catalogs, reports on UFO sightings by pilots, and studies on specific UFO cases and phenomena in Italy and worldwide.

Books and Publications

Several books are advertised, including works by Giuseppe Stilo on the history of UFO waves in 1954, 1952, and 1946, and on the 1950 UFO wave. Other featured books cover "Intruders," "UFOs and Science," and specific cases like "UFO in Italia: Luci nella Notte" and "UFO in visita a Siena."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific study of unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly the Hessdalen Phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on applying rigorous scientific methodologies, developing new instrumentation, and fostering collaboration between ufologists and scientists. The magazine advocates for a more disciplined and evidence-based approach to ufology, moving away from mere speculation and anecdotal evidence. The "Forum" section highlights ongoing debates within the ufological community about how to achieve greater scientific credibility and integrate findings into mainstream scientific discourse. The editorial stance clearly favors a transition from traditional, often speculative, ufology towards a more structured, interdisciplinary, and scientifically grounded investigation of UFOs and related phenomena.