UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - Numero speciale 1994 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO - Rivista di Informazione Ufologica is a special, condensed edition (16 pages) published in December 1994 by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). It serves as an introduction to CISU and its publication for new readers, while also reminding existing members of available resources. The magazine covers current events in ufology worldwide, with a focus on contemporary studies and analyses. It features detailed reports on Italian sightings investigated by CISU researchers, offering a comprehensive overview of the field in Italy. The publication aims to present contributions from leading Italian and international ufologists, covering discussions and in-depth analyses of key ufological topics.

Editorial Stance and Approach

The editorial emphasizes CISU's commitment to a scientific approach to ufology, asserting that the phenomenon can and should be studied using scientific methods. They reject preconceived notions and aim to gather and analyze evidence of unusual aerial phenomena, classifying them as either identified (IFO) or unidentified (UFO). The core of their methodology is field investigation, patient data collection, and precise analysis of testimonial, physical, and environmental data. The magazine promotes a modern, rigorous, and critical approach to ufology, aiming to move beyond mythology and address the subject directly and openly.

Key Articles and Content

"I casi UFO italiani in cifre" (Italian UFO Cases in Numbers)

This article presents the first statistical analyses derived from the "Progetto Cataloghi Regionali" (Regional Catalogues Project), which has collected over 9,000 UFO sightings in Italy over 50 years. Initiated in 1981, the project involves local archives constantly updated by CISU collaborators. The analysis covers the period 1945-1990, highlighting trends in sighting numbers, regional distribution, and temporal patterns. Key findings include:

• Annual Distribution: UFO sightings show 'waves' rather than a constant trend, with significant peaks in 1954 and 1978. The 1970s saw a progressive increase, peaking in 1978, followed by a decrease in the early 1980s. Since the low of 1982, annual sightings have stabilized around 100-200 cases, with a progressive increase in the early 1990s.
• Regional Distribution: Sightings are particularly numerous in Piedmont, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna, each with over 1,000 cases. Other regions show a distribution generally proportional to population and surface area, with exceptions like Liguria and Marche.
• Hourly Distribution: Sightings follow a characteristic curve, with a small peak in the early morning (5-7 AM), decreasing during the day, and rising again in the evening, peaking between 10-11 PM. Most observations occur during evening and night hours.
• Monthly Distribution: Contrary to popular belief, UFO sightings are not solely a summer phenomenon, with significant numbers reported in December as well as August. The second half of the year sees more reports, concentrating major waves (1954, 1973, 1978).
• Typological Distribution: Over 70% of cases are 'night lights' (luci notturne) observed from a distance. Daytime sightings (oggetti diurni) account for about 10%. Close encounters (incontri ravvicinati) number 1,350, indicating a significant number of potentially interesting cases. These are further categorized: IR-0 (distant observation), IR-1 (temporary environmental effects), IR-2 (physical traces), and IR-3 (presence of humanoids). Close encounters of the third kind are relatively common, while direct contact or abduction cases (IR-4) are rare. A new category in the 1990s includes 'flying humanoids'.

"Ufologia da leggere" (Ufology to Read)

This editorial piece introduces the special issue, explaining its purpose as a presentation of CISU and its magazine. It highlights the magazine's focus on current events, global updates, and in-depth studies of contemporary ufology. It also emphasizes the inclusion of analyses of Italian sightings and contributions from prominent ufologists. The editorial reiterates CISU's scientific methodology and its commitment to objective investigation, distinguishing itself from more speculative approaches.

"Spielberg e l'incredibile filmato di 'veri' extraterrestri" (Spielberg and the Incredible Footage of 'Real' Extraterrestrials)

This article debunks a sensationalist report from the tabloid 'Daily Star' claiming that Steven Spielberg was preparing a film based on a leaked UFO crash footage showing alien bodies. The report linked this to a supposed 1947 crash in New Mexico and a photographer named Nicholas Von Poppen. The article argues that the source is unreliable, that Spielberg has not commented, and that the story is likely a fabrication, possibly originating from a science fiction story by George Tyler and embellished by Gray Barker, known for his pranks. It suggests this was an attempt to blend genuine UFO topics (like Roswell and Majestic-12) with misinformation.

"UFO: parlano i militari" (UFOs: The Military Speaks)

This section presents two cases of military radar detections of unidentified objects ('Zombi').

• Cassano Murge Case (October 25, 1978): Citizens reported a large purple light. A radar operator at Gioia del Colle airbase detected a 'bleep' moving at approximately 50-60 km/h. The object then accelerated to about 10,000-11,000 km/h and executed at least three right-angle turns before exiting radar range. The radar used was an ATCR-3, primarily for air traffic control, not defense.
• Cases from the 1980s: An ex-Italian Air Force officer reported two incidents: one in 1982 involving a 'Zombi' detected by depth and altitude radars, prompting a scramble of F-104 jets that lost track due to the object's acceleration towards France. Another in 1985 involved an object at 30,000 feet traveling at 5,000-6,000 km/h from France, too fast for a fighter jet intercept. Neither case appears in official records.

CISU: l'ufologia attiva (CISU: Active Ufology)

This section details the structure and activities of the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). It describes CISU as a non-profit volunteer organization with around 300 members dedicated to ufological research. Its objectives include investigating UFO sightings, promoting scientific study, disseminating information, and coordinating research activities. CISU maintains international contacts and is part of ICUR. Its activities are divided into four main areas: investigation, archiving and cataloging, external dissemination (conferences, media), and member information. The organization publishes "UFO - Rivista di informazione ufologica" and the newsletter "Notizie UFO", as well as a series of "Documenti UFO" monographs. Membership offers access to various services, including archives, specialized publications, and information services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the statistical analysis of sighting data, and the reporting of specific cases, including military radar encounters. The editorial stance is firmly rooted in a rigorous, evidence-based, and objective approach to ufology, distinguishing itself from sensationalism and speculation. The magazine promotes the idea that ufology is a legitimate field of study that can be approached with scientific methodology, emphasizing the importance of careful data collection and analysis to understand the phenomenon.