UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 35

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, number 35, dated December 2007, is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of ufology, commemorating the Kenneth Arnold sighting of 1947. The cover prominently features the title 'UFO' and the anniversary theme '1947-2007 SESSANT'ANNI DI UFO' (60 Years of UFO), accompanied by an illustration of flying saucers over a landscape. The magazine is published by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU) and edited by Gian Paolo Grassino, Edoardo Russo, Giuseppe Stilo, and Paolo Toselli.

Editorial: Buon compleanno, UFO

The editorial, written by Gian Paolo Grassino, reflects on the 60th anniversary of ufology, emphasizing its maturation into a complex and multifaceted field. It highlights the Saint Vincent 2007 event as a significant milestone, bringing together scientific and academic figures. Grassino argues that ufology has moved beyond superficiality and simplistic explanations, now engaging with physical, sociological, and psychological dimensions. He stresses the importance of a mature, direct approach to the subject, focusing on sightings and observations rather than unfounded conspiracies. The editorial also calls for constructive dialogue with science and recognition of ufologists' role. The Saint Vincent event, attended by scientists, journalists, and academics, served to legitimize ufology and set future goals.

Special Feature: 1947-2007 Sixty Years of UFO

Saint Vincent 2007: Chronicle of an Event

This section details the organization and events of the '1947-2007. Sessant'anni di UFO' manifestation in Saint Vincent. The event, held in June 2007, was a significant occasion for CISU to combine popularization, information, and the scientific relaunch of ufology. The initiative, supported by local administrations and sponsors, included a photographic exhibition, thematic evenings, and an international conference. The article traces the project's origins from January 2006, the collaboration with local entities, and the formation of an organizing committee. The event aimed to be a comprehensive celebration, with interesting relations from the conference to be published in subsequent issues.

Cinema, Art, Science: An Interdisciplinary Journey

Fabrizio Dividi explores the role of cinema in shaping the UFO myth and its contamination with science fiction. The article discusses a film festival organized as part of the Saint Vincent event, showcasing titles that reflect ufological themes and the broader genre of science fiction. It highlights the Italian context of science fiction cinema, often blending comedy with social commentary. The section also touches upon the 'trash' cinema genre and its unique contributions, featuring short films and discussions with directors like Tinto Brass. The article emphasizes how art and cinema can offer alternative perspectives on UFO phenomena.

The Sky Above Valle d'Aosta

This piece describes the 'Stars and UFOs' evening held at the Astronomical Observatory of the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta. Participants, including ufologists and observatory professionals, engaged in observing celestial bodies and discussing the intersection of astronomy and ufology. The event aimed to foster a spirit of scientific inquiry and collaboration, highlighting shared values like rigorous data collection and passion for phenomena.

EuroUfo: Perspectives for a 'European Way'

Edoardo Russo reports on the EuroUfo network, a collective of European ufologists focused on scientific research and documentation. The article details the network's growth since its inception, its online presence, and the initiation of joint projects. The Saint Vincent conference provided a platform for a private meeting of EuroUfo members with Jacques Patenet, director of the French GEIPAN. The discussion focused on collaboration between private researchers and official bodies, emphasizing the importance of shared methodologies and the potential for synergy. The meeting underscored the value of such gatherings for strengthening the network and promoting a unified European approach to ufology.

European Ufology: Specificities and Prospects

Gian Paolo Grassino discusses the distinct characteristics of European ufology compared to its American counterpart. He notes the shift towards a more rational and socio-psychological approach in Europe, contrasting with a perceived return to more simplistic and conspiratorial themes in the US, partly influenced by media like 'X-Files'. Grassino advocates for a renewed focus on European specificities and a collaborative effort to build a serious, rational ufology, emphasizing the importance of historical research, social studies, and scientific investigation.

The UK Ministry of Defence and UFOs

David Clarke presents an overview of the UK Ministry of Defence's (MOD) involvement with UFOs. He discusses the historical engagement of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the MOD's intelligence department (D155) in investigating sightings. A significant development highlighted is the MOD's decision to open its archives to the public, a move influenced by years of pressure from ufologists and the example set by France and the US. Clarke details the D155's role, its conclusions about UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena), and the eventual release of a study that classified UAPs as likely natural phenomena, not extraterrestrial craft, but of interest for potential technological applications.

Other Sections

Summary of Contents

The 'Sommario' (Table of Contents) lists various articles, including an editorial, a special feature on the 60th anniversary, a chronicle of the Saint Vincent event, discussions on cinema, art, and science, reports on European ufology, the UK Ministry of Defence's UFO files, and reviews.

CISU on the Internet

This section provides links to CISU's official websites, including cisu.org for general information, ufo.it for case files and photos, and ufodatanet.org for study projects. It also mentions the UFOITALIA mailing list and the online bookstore upiar.com.

Representatives

A comprehensive list of CISU representatives across various regions of Italy and their contact information is provided, facilitating communication and reporting of sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, scientific, and rational approach to ufology. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, data collection, and interdisciplinary study. There's a clear stance against sensationalism, conspiracy theories, and pseudoscientific claims. The editorial highlights the maturation of ufology as a field and advocates for collaboration between researchers, scientists, and official bodies. The magazine also champions the value of historical research and the declassification of government documents related to UFO phenomena. The Saint Vincent event serves as a focal point for these themes, aiming to legitimize ufology and foster a European identity for serious research.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated December 2007 (Issue 35), commemorates the 60th anniversary of the UFO phenomenon, with a special focus on the 1947-2007 period. The cover headline highlights a round table discussion on 'UFOs and Science'. The magazine is published by RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA and is in Italian.

Key Articles and Discussions

The UFO and Science Round Table

The central event of this issue is the report on the International Convention in Saint Vincent, Valle d'Aosta, which concluded with a round table discussion titled 'UFO: a scientific approach?'. The discussion aimed to address the relationship between science and ufology. Notable participants included Professor Tullio Regge, physicist and mathematician; Franco Malerba, the first Italian astronaut; Piero Bianucci, science journalist; Guido Cossard, astronomer; Piero Galeotti, professor of experimental physics; Paolo Toselli and Gian Paolo Grassino, moderators from CISU.

Malerba shared experiences from his space missions, including the observation of falling stars from above and the creation of luminous phenomena by the Shuttle's thrusters for military experiments. He also discussed the possibility of discovering new natural laws through the study of unknown phenomena and the challenges of public funding for such research.

Bianucci discussed the difficulties in communicating about UFOs, attributing 'bad' communication to imprecise information and sensationalism. He lamented the loss of the starry sky due to light pollution, which hinders astronomical observation and public understanding.

Guido Cossard, an archeoastronomer, drew parallels between the challenges faced in his field and ufology, emphasizing the need for rigor, objectivity, and avoiding sensationalism to gain credibility.

Historical Cases and Research

Roswell Anniversary: The issue revisits the Roswell incident, criticizing the focus on it as a symbol of conspiracy-driven ufology ('X-Files' style) that distracts from genuine fieldwork and scientific inquiry. It argues that the true birth of the 'flying saucer' phenomenon is linked to Kenneth Arnold's sighting in 1947.

Kenneth Arnold Sighting: The magazine highlights Arnold's sighting as a more representative starting point for ufology, emphasizing the importance of understanding what witnesses actually saw.

Australian Archives: Research based on Australia's Freedom of Information Act has revealed numerous documents related to UFOs, though no evidence of scientific studies on the phenomenon by public offices has been found. However, a significant number of unidentified cases from 1956 to 1987 are noted.

Iranian UFO Sightings: Reports from Iran in 2007 detail numerous UFO sightings, often linked by local media to tensions with the United States and attributed to reconnaissance aircraft. Several incidents involved luminous objects, some of which were reportedly shot down or involved in crashes.

The 'Clear Skies' Project: Giuseppe Stilo introduces his 'Clear Skies' project, which aims to collect and analyze UFO observations from astronomers and amateur astronomers worldwide. The project uses a modified 'Herb classification' system and emphasizes rigorous data collection and analysis.

Sturrock Survey: The issue references Peter A. Sturrock's 1975 survey of American astronomers, which found that a significant percentage had observed unidentified aerial phenomena, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Herb Survey: Gert Herb's 1980 survey of American amateur astronomers revealed that over 23% had witnessed unidentified phenomena, but this data was not widely published.

UFOs and Professional Astronomy: The article 'UAP and Telescopes: The Controversial Report Between Astronomers, Astrophiles and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena' by Giuseppe Stilo discusses the historical reluctance of astronomers to engage with the UFO topic, citing surveys that indicate a small but significant number of astronomers have had relevant experiences.

Italian Air Force and OVNI: A discovery by Renzo Cabassi revealed that the Italian Air Force's 2004 Archive Titled 'Titolario d'Archivio A. M.' includes a classification for 'O.V.N.I. (Oggetti Volanti non Identificati)', suggesting a systematic collection of documents related to the topic.

Obituaries

The issue includes obituaries for several prominent figures in ufology:

• Motoji Ikeya: Japanese geophysicist and seismologist, known for his studies on seismic lights (EQL) and their potential connection to UFO phenomena.
• Rafael Farriols Calvo: Spanish ufologist, known for his involvement in the 'UMMO' case.
• William Booth Gill: Australian pastor who reported a significant UFO sighting in Papua New Guinea in 1959.
• James A. Harder: American ufologist, known for his investigations into the Pascagoula abduction case and the Ubatuba UFO fragments.

Organizational News

SOBEPS Disbands: The Belgian UFO organization SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etudes des Phénomènes Spatiaux), a prominent rational ufology group, has decided to dissolve after 35 years due to financial issues and a lack of generational renewal. Its archives and library are being made available.

PRUFOS Catalog: Gary Heseltine has published an updated version of his PRUFOS catalog, documenting UFO sightings by British police officers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently advocates for a scientific and rigorous approach to the study of UFOs, emphasizing the importance of witness testimony, data collection, and analysis. There's a clear distinction made between sensationalist or conspiracy-driven ufology and serious, evidence-based research. The editorial stance supports collaboration between ufologists, astronomers, and other scientific disciplines to better understand unexplained aerial phenomena. The loss of starry skies due to light pollution is highlighted as a significant impediment to astronomical observation and public engagement with the cosmos. The magazine also acknowledges the historical evolution of UFO research, from early sightings to modern scientific inquiry, and mourns the passing of key figures in the field.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, number 35, dated December 2007, published by UPIAR, focuses on various aspects of ufology with a strong emphasis on Italian cases and research. The cover highlights "LE IMMAGINI DI SAINT VINCENT" and commemorates "1947-2007 SESSANT'ANNI DI UFO," suggesting a retrospective look at the phenomenon.

Articles and Case Studies

"CLAR SKIES" Section

This section features an analysis of UFO observations made by astronomers and amateur astronomers. It discusses the challenges in distinguishing genuine UAP phenomena from conventional explanations, the reliability of witness testimony, and the need for rigorous scientific methodology. The author notes that while many observations are of high quality, a significant number are difficult to explain conventionally. The article also touches upon the potential for amateur astronomers to be misled by unusual phenomena or to misinterpret data. It mentions the work of J. A. Hynek and the Sturrock Report, as well as the difficulties in classifying UFO sightings.

"RASSEGNA CASISTICA" (Case Review)

This section presents several detailed case studies:

• Observation in broad daylight in the Messinese area: A woman and her cousin observed a cigar-shaped object hovering over hills near Sant'Agata Militello in the spring or summer of 1997. The object, described as metallic or silver, appeared to be about half the size of the moon and released smaller spheres before rapidly disappearing westward. The encounter lasted about twenty seconds.
• A "pizza" case on the North Sicilian coast: On November 10, 2006, a witness in Altavilla Milicia (Palermo) observed a bright green, luminous object shaped like a "pizza" in the sky. Initially appearing small, it suddenly descended into the sea, increasing in apparent size. The witness compared its appearance to foam on the sea, suggesting a real size of about one meter. The object made no sound and left no trail. The witness also recalled a similar experience from 1963.

"CASISTICA" (Case Studies) Section

This section continues with more case studies:

• The testimony of a child in the Sassari area: EM effects on a car? In the winter of 1980, a family driving near Cargeghe (Sassari) observed a bright white, oval-shaped object, appearing as large as the full moon. The car's engine began to lose power and eventually stopped. After observing the object for about 40 seconds, they exited the vehicle and saw it disappear rapidly to the right. The car restarted only after several attempts.
• "The light" and the clouds: On April 21, 2005, near Capo d'Orlando (Messina), witnesses observed four small clouds arranged in a square pattern with a luminous white-yellow object passing through them. The object, described as oval, elliptical, or spherical and very luminous, seemed to be composed of flashing lights. It moved horizontally, passing through the lower clouds, and then disappeared towards the north. The entire event lasted between three and six minutes.

"UN PARTICOLARE ESEMPIO DI 'UFO TRIANGOLARI'" (A Particular Example of 'Triangular UFOs')

This article discusses the phenomenon of triangular UFO sightings and proposes that some of these sightings may be attributed to NOSS (Naval Ocean Surveillance System) satellites. These US spy satellites, launched since 1976, orbit at around 1000 km and are often observed in groups, sometimes forming a triangle. While typically faint, they can become visible to the naked eye under certain conditions. The article notes that while NOSS satellites are a common explanation for such sightings, they are not always recognized by amateur astronomers. It also mentions that most sightings in Italy occurred during the summer months.

Book Reviews

• "THE UFO EVIDENCE. A THIRTY-YEAR REPORT" by Richard H. Hall: This review discusses Hall's comprehensive work updating his earlier research on UFO evidence. The reviewer acknowledges Hall's extensive research but points out limitations, including a focus on US cases and a lack of integration with human sciences. The review highlights the inclusion of Italian cases and the extensive bibliography.
• "FIRESTORM" by Ann Druffel: This review praises Druffel's biography of physicist James E. McDonald, portraying him as a dedicated scientist who championed the scientific study of UFOs. The review emphasizes McDonald's critical analysis of the Condon Report and his extensive research on cases like the RB-47 incident. It also touches upon McDonald's difficult relationship with Josef Allen Hynek and the tragic circumstances of his death.

"NOTIZIE CISU" (CISU News)

This section provides updates on the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU):

• New Board, New President: The election of a new board and president for the 2007-2008 biennium is announced.
• Acquisition of SOS-OVNI Archive: CISU has acquired the archive and library of the French association Sos-Ovni, which faced financial difficulties. This acquisition significantly expands CISU's collection of UFO periodicals.
• The CISU Guide: The publication of "UFO e ufologia - La guida del Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici" is announced, serving as an introduction to ufology, methodology, and Italian case studies.
• Ongoing Projects: Updates are provided on ongoing research projects, including the cataloging of "angel hair" phenomena, pre-UFO cases, and meteor sightings that were mistaken for UFOs.
• Another Monograph in English: The publication of "When Saucers Came to Earth - The Story of the Italian UFO Landings during the 'Golden Age' of Flying Saucers" by Maurizio Verga is announced, providing detailed information on Italian UFO landing cases from 1947 to 1954.

"NOVITA" (New Releases)

This section features new book releases from Edizioni UPIAR:

• "Il quinto cavaliere dell'Apocalisse" by Giuseppe Stilo: This book examines the 1954 UFO wave, focusing on Italian cases and the emergence of alleged entities associated with the phenomenon.
• "Ultimatum alla Terra" by Giuseppe Stilo: This volume details the 1952 UFO wave, including the first close encounters and photographic evidence, highlighting the growing public perception of UFOs as an extraterrestrial event.
• "Scrutate i cieli!" by Giuseppe Stilo: This book analyzes the 1950 global UFO wave, presenting a detailed reconstruction of the phenomenon based on extensive archival research.
• "L'alba di una nuova era" by Giuseppe Stilo: This work focuses on the 1946 "phantom rocket" phenomenon, exploring its precursors to the "flying saucers" era and its impact on Italy.

"GLI UFO DA INDOSSARE" (UFOs to Wear)

This section advertises T-shirts featuring UFO-themed artwork by Giorgio Giorgi.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and rigorous approach to ufology, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection, critical analysis, and historical research. There is a clear effort to distinguish serious UFO investigation from pseudoscience and sensationalism. The editorial stance favors collaboration between different research organizations, such as CISU and CUN, to advance the study of UFO phenomena. The publication also highlights the historical evolution of ufology, from early "phantom rocket" sightings to the more complex cases of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, and advocates for a more mature and respected public perception of the field.