Ufologia - No 05 - set-ott 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIA SUPPLEMENTO A CLYPEUS N° 58
Issue Date: September-October 1979
Publisher: Gruppo Clypeus / Centro Torinese Ricerche Ufologiche
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of UFOLOGIA, a supplement to Clypeus, is dedicated to exploring various facets of ufology, with a particular emphasis on Italian contributions and critical analysis. The cover features a striking illustration with the headlines "UFO bifronte" (Two-Faced UFO) and "UFO: energia tellurica?" (UFO: telluric energy?).

Editorial

The editorial highlights the increasing quality and quantity of Italian contributions to ufology, positioning this publication as a leading voice in the field. It announces the inclusion of four "domestic" articles, alongside a foreign contribution from Stringfield. Key articles discussed include Flavio Roux's piece on the importance of studying false UFO reports, Gian Paolo Grassino's concept of the "two-faced" UFO phenomenon likened to the Roman god Janus, and Roberto D'Amico's exploration of the hypothesis that UFOs are manifestations of telluric energy. The editorial also notes the conclusion of the catalog of Italian UFO sightings from 1978, with further analysis promised for a later issue. It mentions ongoing critical reviews of specialized ufological publications and the evolution of the "Osservatorio" section into a more internationally focused and critical publication. The regional catalog "UFO in Piemonte" is also mentioned as being resumed.

Key Articles and Features

UFO bifronte (Two-Faced UFO)

By Gian Paolo Grassino, this article examines the dual nature of the UFO phenomenon, comparing it to the two-faced Roman god Janus. Grassino argues that approaching UFOs inevitably leads to confronting a dichotomy between the true and the false, the probable and the improbable. He illustrates this with examples, focusing on the common practice of quantifying UFO sightings. Grassino suggests that the increase in sightings during summer months can be attributed to various factors, including potential extraterrestrial interest in summer conditions, the release of collective unconscious stress, or deliberate mystification. He also points to the influence of mass media in sensationalizing UFO reports during the summer. The article further explores the idea of constant UFO manifestations, potentially linked to increased observer numbers due to favorable weather and longer daylight hours, and the possibility of these explanations being interconnected.

Grassino delves into the concept of UFO intelligence, noting that early ufologists, particularly those favoring the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), sought confirmation of UFO intelligence in patterns like their interest in roads, railways, and military installations. However, he argues that these patterns can have multiple explanations, such as the presence of potential witnesses. He also discusses the para-physical hypothesis, which suggests an "illogical" but intelligent force behind UFOs. The article concludes that a clear understanding of the phenomenon remains elusive, and a more active, specialized research approach is needed.

IFO e falsi: importanza di uno studio (IFO and False Reports: Importance of a Study)

By Flavio Roux, this article emphasizes the necessity of studying Identified Flying Objects (IFOs) and false reports. Roux argues that while the common approach is to collect and select UFO reports, a deeper analysis of IFOs and false sightings is crucial for understanding the overall morphology of the UFO phenomenon. He contends that by examining these "false" cases, researchers can gain insights into the psychological, sociological, and media-driven aspects that influence UFO reports. Roux believes that this approach, though potentially controversial, is essential for a rigorous study of ufology and can help clarify the relationship between UFOs and IFOs.

Osservatorio (Observatory)

This section presents several brief reports:

• UFO inseguono pallone transoceanico (UFOs chase transoceanic balloon): Reports on an incident in October 1978 where a UFO reportedly pursued the "Double Eagle II" balloon during its transatlantic flight. Witnesses claimed a laser-like beam struck the balloon, and they were allegedly ordered by government agents to remain silent.
• Il revival dell'ETH (The Revival of the ETH): Discusses the resurgence of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) in ufology, noting a shift from "new ufology" (which linked UFOs to phenomena like demons and telluric energy) back to the classic view of UFOs as physical interplanetary spacecraft. This revival is seen as a response to the perceived crisis in contemporary ufology.
• Il congresso inglese (The English Congress): A report on the First London International UFO Congress held in August 1979. The author, who attended as an Italian delegate, highlights the strong international participation and the discussions on terminology and methodology. While praising the congress's aims, the author notes some organizational shortcomings and the persistent issue of personal rivalries among researchers.

UFO: energia tellurica? (UFO: telluric energy?)

This article, by Roberto D'Amico, explores the hypothesis that UFOs are manifestations of telluric energy. It suggests that UFOs might be related to Earth's natural energies and geological phenomena, offering an alternative to the purely extraterrestrial explanation.

Gli altri dicono (Others Say)

A brief section likely containing short comments or opinions from other sources.

Ritrovamenti del terzo tipo (Third Kind Encounters)

By Leonard H. Stringfield, this likely discusses close encounters or physical evidence related to UFO sightings.

Inserto: UFO in Piemonte (Insert: UFOs in Piedmont)

This section is a continuation of a regional catalog of UFO sightings in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Controluce (Backlight)

• Un esempio da sostenere (An example to support): This piece likely discusses a case or phenomenon that warrants further investigation and support.
• UFO? No, pallone sonda! (UFO? No, weather balloon!): This report likely debunks a UFO sighting by identifying it as a weather balloon.
• UFO O RPV? (UFO or RPV?): This section likely discusses the identification of UFOs as potentially Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs).

Casistica italiana (Italian Case Files)

This section presents a continuation of Italian UFO sightings, specifically covering December 17-31, 1978.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the dual nature of UFO phenomena, the debate between the extraterrestrial hypothesis and alternative explanations like telluric energy, the critical analysis of UFO reports (including false ones), and the influence of mass media. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous, critical, and internationally-oriented ufological research, with a particular focus on Italian contributions. The magazine aims to provide a platform for diverse ideas while maintaining a discerning and analytical approach to the subject matter.

Title: UFO: energia tellurica?
Issue: Articolo 21 (likely a section or article number within a larger publication)
Date: July 1979
Publisher: Gruppo Alpha 2001
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue delves into the intriguing theory that Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) might be manifestations of 'telluric energy,' a concept that has been explored by various geomatic associations and researchers. The article, authored by Roberto D'Amico, examines the less-discussed hypothesis that UFOs are not necessarily extraterrestrial craft but rather phenomena related to Earth's own energetic fields.

Telluric Energy and UFOs

The central theme revolves around the idea of 'telluric energy,' a poorly understood force that some believe influences human consciousness and can manifest in various ways. The article references the work of researchers, particularly in England and America, who have been investigating 'ley lines' and 'water lines' – perceived pathways of energy on Earth, often associated with ancient sacred sites, megaliths, and natural formations.

Don Robins, a chemist, is cited for his theory that terrestrial energy (telluric, electric, hydrostatic, or electromagnetic) can, under certain conditions, be converted into visible emanations. He posits the existence of a 'transducer' – a substance capable of trapping energy and allowing its conversion into visible light. This phenomenon, he suggests, could explain luminous anomalies observed at ancient sites and might even be linked to the heat energy detected through thermography.

The article notes that while the idea of energy currents in the Earth's crust is not entirely absurd, the concept of concentrated energies and their perception by humans remains more speculative. It draws parallels between these terrestrial energies and phenomena observed at ancient sites, such as strange lights and luminous displays.

Soviet Research on UFOs

Recent reports from Moscow are presented, suggesting that Soviet scientists have proposed a demystification of UFOs. According to these reports, UFOs might be 'vaporized accumulations of water and dust.' Researchers at the Institute of Oceanology of the USSR Academy of Sciences are said to have successfully reproduced a 'model' of a flying disk in their laboratory that closely matches descriptions of observed phenomena. The TASS news agency is quoted as explaining that turbulent air masses, when mixed with dust or water particles, can create luminous, disk-shaped formations. These formations can occur at various altitudes, from low levels to tens of kilometers. The Soviet scientists reportedly attribute the increased frequency of UFO sightings to environmental and atmospheric pollution resulting from industrialization.

The article anticipates that this scientific explanation will be met with skepticism and accusations of being 'anti-UFO' by ufologists, who are described as having a paranoid attitude towards the scientific community.

UFO Crash Retrievals and Extraterrestrial Bodies

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to alleged military operations involving the recovery of UFO wreckage and extraterrestrial bodies. Leonard H. Stringfield's research is highlighted, focusing on incidents from the 1950s.

One account details a UFO crash in 1952 near Edwards Air Force Base, California. A radar operator's brother, working at the base, reportedly witnessed a UFO descending rapidly and then crashing. He was allegedly instructed by his commanding officer to deny having seen anything. Subsequently, information emerged about an unidentified craft, over 15 meters in diameter, with a metallic, fire-scorched surface, being recovered. Witnesses claimed it was piloted by humanoids about 1.3 meters tall. The craft was reportedly moved to a hangar at Edwards before being transported to Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

Further testimonies corroborate the idea of strange vehicles being transported under cover. One informant, a former guard at Wright Patterson, reported seeing cadavers of humanoids discovered in a crashed UFO, described as small with large heads, kept in transparent caskets. These bodies were allegedly transported to the base. The guard's testimony suggests that information about such events is highly classified and kept separate from public records like the Project Blue Book files.

Another account from a military technician, Mr. T., describes a special film screening in 1953 at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. The film showed a crashed silver disk-shaped object in a desert setting, with an open hatch. Subsequent scenes depicted military personnel examining the object and, disturbingly, two tables inside what appeared to be a military tent, each bearing the bodies of small, humanoid beings with disproportionately large heads. The bodies were described as having pale, greyish skin and wearing light-colored suits. The film concluded abruptly, with the audience being warned not to speak of what they had seen.

These accounts suggest a systematic effort to conceal information about UFO crashes and potential extraterrestrial occupants, with such data being classified at a high level and seemingly inaccessible through Freedom of Information Act requests.

Reviews of UFO Publications

The issue also includes reviews of various UFO-related publications, offering a snapshot of the ufological landscape in Italy during that period:

• ALPHA 2001: A quarterly newsletter from Olbia, Sardinia, presenting an investigation into a landing case with traces and an article attempting to link the shape of the Cheops pyramid to sighting locations.
• REALTA DELL'IGNOTO: A publication from Verona, featuring a report on the term "disk" (flying saucer) being used as early as 1676 and an attack on a skeptical astronomer, alongside local sighting reports.
• NURA GHEX: A magazine from Sardinia that includes a critique of Margherita Hack and two 'UFO wells' – one detailing a case with legal implications related to victim insurance, and another discussing the GEPAN (an official French UFO investigation body) in a highly critical manner, referencing the Condon Report.
• IL SENZA TITOLO: A publication that responds to criticisms and promotes UFOLOGIA, featuring a review of a contactee book.
• GLI ARCANI: This publication includes reports on landing case studies, photographic hoaxes in ufology, and discussions on 'Men in Black' (MIB) phenomena.
• IL GIORNALE DEI MISTERI: Features Italian UFO cases from 1978 and discusses interesting IR3 cases from 1964 and 1978.
• NOTIZIARIO UFO: Reports on the formation of the CUN's Scientific Committee and an interview with Carl Sagan, along with discussions on UFO luminosity and contactee phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unconventional theories regarding UFO origins, particularly the 'telluric energy' hypothesis, and the critical examination of alleged government cover-ups and military involvement in UFO incidents. There is a clear skepticism towards purely extraterrestrial explanations for UFOs, favoring more terrestrial or energetic phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning official narratives and highlighting the perceived paranoia and insularity within some segments of the ufological community, while simultaneously acknowledging the potential significance of unexplained phenomena. The publication seems to advocate for a more scientific and less dogmatic approach to UFO research, even while presenting highly speculative theories and controversial accounts of military secrecy.

This issue of "CONTROLUCE," identified as Volume VII, Issue 23, dated October 1978, is published by 'Gli Arcani' in Italy and is in Italian. The cover headline is "UFO? No, palloni sonda!" (UFO? No, weather balloons!). The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, critically examining various theories and incidents.

Article: UFO? No, palloni sonda! (UFO? No, weather balloons!)

This lead article questions the nature of many UFO sightings, suggesting they are often misidentified phenomena, particularly weather balloons. It recounts a supposed UFO crash in New Mexico in 1952, described by an informant who saw a low-quality film of the event. The informant believed the film depicted a real crash and occupants, but the quality suggested it might have been a hoax. The article also mentions a witness, Mr. T., who saw the film and was concerned about its implications for his radar work.

A commentary section evaluates the credibility of the informant, deeming him reliable and the film's realism difficult to fake, questioning the purpose behind such a presentation.

SINTESI N°6: The Kingman, Arizona Incident

This section details a statement from Fritz Werner, dated June 7, 1973, regarding an investigation into an unidentified object that crashed near Kingman, Arizona, on May 21, 1953. Werner, a specialist, was part of a team tasked with investigating the crash. He described the object as an oval craft made of a dull, silver-like metal, about nine meters in diameter, partially embedded in sand with no visible damage. An access hatch was open, revealing a cockpit with two swivel seats and various instruments. Near the object, a tent housed the body of the sole occupant, described as a humanoid about 1.20 meters tall, with dark brown skin, dressed in a silver, metallic-looking suit, and wearing a helmet.

Ray Fowler, Director of Research for MUFON, presents Werner's account. Werner was an engineer working for the Atomic Energy Commission at the time. He was flown to the crash site with other specialists and sworn to secrecy. His task was to determine the object's approximate speed at impact based on its imprint in the sand. He noted the occupant's body was covered and described the being's features. Werner was ordered to write a detailed report and given a phone number to call upon completion.

Fowler notes that Werner held various engineering positions, including in the Special Studies office at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, which later became the Air Command Installations Division. Werner was involved in projects related to landing gear and was assigned to the Atomic Energy Commission at the time of the incident. Fowler states Werner was aware of Air Force secrecy regarding UFOs and believed the USAF did not know the origin of these objects, but was concerned about public panic.

Fowler comments that Werner's story has no contradictions but notes some memory inaccuracies and possible exaggerations. He is highly regarded by former colleagues for his competence and integrity.

Werner's Diary Entries

Further details from Werner's account, corroborated by diary entries, are presented. On May 20, 1953, Werner was supervising construction and repairs at Frenchman Flat and received a call from Dr. Doll about a special assignment the next day. On May 21, he departed for Indian Springs and was flown to Phoenix, Arizona, then to the Kingman area. He was informed that a top-secret aviation prototype had crashed and that specialists were needed to investigate.

Commentary on Werner's Account

The author finds Werner's story credible, especially given his professional background. He notes that the story, though perhaps embellished, is based on an authentic event, with confirmation from a former intelligence service member.

NOTE 1

This note clarifies that certain summaries from the original article were not presented by the author at a MUFON symposium and were added later. It also mentions an interview with Stringfield about his research.

Article: Un esempio da sostenere (An example to support)

This article critiques the tendency of Italian ufology to be overly focused on foreign cases ('esterofila'), resulting in a lack of a comprehensive national catalog of sightings. It mentions the reorganization of the National Ufological Center (CUN) and the initiation of regional catalogs across Italy, suggesting a potential shift towards a more organized Italian ufology.

The article then focuses on a particular type of sighting: landing or near-landing incidents ('rapporti di tipo 1'). It notes that while these are of interest internationally, Italy has lacked a systematic collection of such cases. Maurizio Verga, a researcher from Como, is highlighted for his efforts in collecting approximately 300 such 'type 1' reports from Italy, despite limited support from other ufologists.

The author appeals to readers to send unpublished reports of this type to Maurizio Verga.

Article: UFO? No, palloni sonda! (UFO? No, weather balloons!)

This article, continuing from page 9, revisits the theme of misidentified UFOs, specifically focusing on weather balloons. It notes that March is often associated with 'craziness,' but September has also seen significant UFO-related events, including a large wave of sightings in 1978 attributed to a meteor and, in 1979, a weather balloon mistaken for a UFO.

The article describes the 1979 incident where a luminous orange object, observed between 6 PM and 8 PM across Northern Italy, was widely reported as a UFO. However, it was identified as a weather balloon from an unknown origin, possibly Nice. The article cites radar sightings by Venice Airport and a visual confirmation by an Aeritalia pilot in Turin, who identified it as a 'BR 400' aircraft. The balloon was at approximately 2000 meters altitude over Chivasso.

The author emphasizes the growing importance of UFOs as a mass phenomenon, evident in the sheer volume of reports and media coverage. The qualitative aspect is highlighted: people's eagerness to believe in UFOs, even when presented with simple explanations. This eagerness is seen as a social and potentially 'political' phenomenon requiring study by psychologists and sociologists.

The article also stresses the need to remember the possibility of misinterpreting weather balloons, noting that even the Air Force may not be aware of all meteorological activities. It raises the question of whether more than one balloon was involved.

Article: UFO O RPV? (UFO or RPV?)

This review by Paolo Fiorino discusses Marcello Coppetti's book "UFO: arma segreta" (UFO: secret weapon). Fiorino critiques Coppetti's theory that UFO phenomena, particularly since the Cold War, are a psychological operation designed to create a fear of extraterrestrials, serving as a substitute for nuclear terror and a tool for superpower control.

Coppetti's book draws heavily on the concept of a manufactured "external enemy" to unite nations under the control of superpowers. Fiorino finds Coppetti's arguments unconvincing, stating that much of the material is sourced from "Il Giornale dei Misteri." He argues that Coppetti's theory fails to explain the long history of UFO sightings predating the Cold War and that it oversimplifies the phenomenon by focusing on a single aspect, akin to blind men describing an elephant.

Fiorino also addresses Coppetti's suggestion that UFOs might be advanced German secret weapons (RPVs - Remotely Piloted Vehicles) that were developed and hidden by the Allies. He references Renato Vesco's theories about Anglo-Canadian collaboration on aeronautical constructions hidden in Canadian forests.

However, Fiorino finds the terrestrial origin hypothesis for UFOs increasingly difficult to defend, questioning how such advanced technology could remain secret for so long and why it hasn't been exploited for geopolitical advantage. He acknowledges that some sightings might be explained by secret experimental activities, providing a convenient cover for such programs.

Fiorino then examines Coppetti's explanation of UFOs as 'holograms,' which Coppetti suggests could be used to abduct people or create realistic illusions. Fiorino questions whether such holograms could physically interact with people or objects, citing the Zanfretta case as an example of apparent physical contact.

He concludes that Coppetti's categorical statements lack sufficient evidence and that a more serious, rigorous, and humble approach is needed in UFO research. He criticizes Coppetti for not considering other explanations or 'non-responses' for UFO cases.

Note on "UFO: arma segreta"

This note provides bibliographic details for Marcello Coppetti's book and references other related works by Renato Vesco and articles by P.L. Sani. It also mentions an article about flying on a UFO built in Germany.

Article: UFO O RPV? (Continued)

This section continues the critique of Marcello Coppetti's book. The author argues that Coppetti's explanation of UFOs as a psychological weapon or secret technology is not new and has been proposed by others. He points out that Coppetti's use of terms like "the vast majority" and "many" implies that not all cases can be explained by conventional means, acknowledging a "pre-existing phenomenon" and a "mystery" surrounding flying saucers.

The author questions Coppetti's selective use of cases, noting that many historical UFO sightings cannot be easily explained conventionally. He quotes an astronomer who suggests that, apart from secret weapons, there might be a physical phenomenon that is difficult to interpret but merits scientific analysis.

Furthermore, the author criticizes Coppetti for equating UFOs solely with extraterrestrials, stating that serious ufologists consider the extraterrestrial hypothesis as just one among many possibilities. He highlights that even Coppetti admits that some objects or phenomena in our skies and outer space escape interpretation and remain unexplained.

The article concludes that the UFO phenomenon remains shrouded in mystery, and a simple answer is not readily available. It reiterates that the hypothesis of UFOs being secret weapons, as proposed by Coppetti, is not a definitive explanation. The author quotes astrophysicist Peter Sturrock, who stated at an AIAA congress that anyone claiming to have all the answers about UFOs should not be believed.

The piece ends with a proverb about willful ignorance: "Unfortunately, there are none so deaf as those who will not hear and none so blind as those who will not see."

NOTES

This section provides references for the articles and books mentioned, including "Gli Arcani," Coppetti's "UFO: arma segreta," works by Renato Vesco, and articles from "Pianeta," "Notiziario UFO," and "Il Giornale dei Misteri." It also references an article about a UFO built in Germany.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "CONTROLUCE" adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. It consistently questions sensationalist claims and seeks rational explanations, often debunking sightings as misidentifications of conventional objects like weather balloons or meteors. The editorial stance appears to favor scientific rigor and evidence-based reasoning, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena. There is a clear skepticism towards theories that solely attribute UFOs to secret weapons or psychological warfare, suggesting that while these may explain some cases, they do not encompass the entirety of the UFO mystery. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by researchers in gaining credibility and the tendency for the field to be dominated by speculation rather than solid investigation. The focus on Italian cases and the call for a more organized national catalog indicate a desire to bring more structure and scientific methodology to ufology within Italy.