Ufologia - No 06 - nov-dic 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIA
Supplement: SUPPLEMENTO A CLYPEUS N° 59
Issue Date: November-December 1979
Publisher: Gruppo Clypeus
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of UFOLOGIA, a supplement to Clypeus, focuses on the intriguing connections between UFO sightings and Marian apparitions. The cover prominently features the headline "Ufo e apparizioni mariane" and an illustration depicting a scene that could be interpreted as a celestial or otherworldly encounter.

Editorial

The editorial marks the end of UFOLOGIA's first year of publication, expressing gratitude for compliments received while acknowledging the potential for improvement. It announces that the main publication, Clypeus, will become a monthly magazine in 1980. Subscribers to the Gruppo Clypeus for 1980 will receive eighteen issues of Clypeus for 12,000 lire. Alternatively, those interested solely in ufology can receive the six UFOLOGIA supplements for 6,000 lire. The editorial also notes a change in the postal current account number and playfully refers to this issue as the "number of the Paolos" due to the prevalence of authors with that name, and also as the "issue of scandals" for its controversial topics.

Articles and Content

Apparizioni mariane e fenomenologia UFO (Marian Apparitions and UFO Phenomenology)

By Paolo Fiorino, this article explores the hypothesis of a link between Marian apparitions and UFO phenomena. Fiorino argues that many alleged miracles and visions, when examined closely, share characteristics with UFO reports. He discusses the tendency of both materialist scientists and some religious believers to reject phenomena that do not fit their established frameworks. The article examines several cases, including:

• La Salette (1846): Fiorino recounts the story of two shepherds who witnessed a luminous globe that opened to reveal a "Lady" dressed in local attire, adorned with roses. The Lady delivered a message of prayer, penance, and conversion before disappearing.
• Garabandal (1961-1965): The article references the apparitions at Garabandal, where witnesses reported seeing a mysterious object in the clouds described as "fire" and a luminous star with a long tail, which some interpreted as a UFO.
• Ayn-El-Delb (1966): A 14-year-old girl named Wardi Mansour reported seeing a black cloud that moved towards her, followed by a great light in which a "Lady" appeared. This event is compared to UFO-related phenomena like "teleportation."
• La Codosera (1945): Apparitions in this Spanish town were accompanied by the appearance of "clouds" in the sky, described in various ways, some of which align with UFO descriptions.

Fiorino suggests that these phenomena, often occurring in isolated locations and involving young witnesses, warrant serious consideration within the context of ufology.

Osservatorio (Observatory)

This section, attributed to "P.G.", briefly discusses "Ortotenia e isoscelia," likely referring to geometric aspects or patterns observed in UFO sightings or related phenomena.

Recensioni (Reviews)

• E se gli UFO non esistessero? (What if UFOs didn't exist?) by Paolo Toselli. This review likely questions the conventional understanding of UFOs or explores alternative explanations.

Ritrovamenti del terzo tipo (Third Kind Encounters)

By Leonard H. Stringfield, this article likely details encounters involving UFOs and their occupants, often categorized as "third kind" encounters.

Inser to (Insert)

• INTCAT: catalogo internazionale di atterraggi - Introduzione (INTCAT: International Catalog of Landings - Introduction) by E.R. (Edoardo Russo). This section introduces an international catalog of alleged UFO landing incidents.

Gli altri dicono (Others Say)

This section features contributions or mentions of other researchers and their findings.

Venere: ed è subito UFO (Venus: and suddenly it's a UFO)

By Jenny Randles, this article likely discusses a UFO sighting or phenomenon associated with the planet Venus.

1978: profilo di un'ondata (1978: Profile of a Wave)

By Gian Paolo Grassino, this piece analyzes a wave of UFO sightings that occurred in 1978.

Apparizioni Dal '47 Al '71 (Apparitions From '47 To '71)

This extensive list, compiled by theologian P. Billet, documents Marian apparitions and phenomena recognized (or not) by the Catholic Church between 1947 and 1971. It includes locations, dates, and the Church's judgment where available. The list highlights numerous cases, with a significant number occurring in Italy, France, and other European countries, as well as the USA and Canada. The article notes that most of these apparitions did not receive official church recognition, with only a few exceptions like La Salette, Fatima, and Lourdes. It also mentions the lacrimation of the Madonna of Siracusa in 1953 as the last extraordinary event recognized by the Church. The data is presented with the intention of exploring potential correlations with UFO waves.

Other Mentions and Case Studies

The issue includes several brief case reports of alleged UFO sightings and encounters, often presented as evidence supporting the connection between UFOs and religious phenomena:

• Raffaele Castello's observation in Capri (1954): Described a circular object emitting blue lights.
• Vittorio Camillini's sighting near Fornacette (1966): Witnessed an intense, blinding light.
• Signora C.I.'s observation in Sapri (1978): Reported a round, orange mass from which a humanoid figure emerged.
• Piero Trussardi's experience in Clusone (1954): Saw a cigar-shaped object with entities inside.
• Witness in Torrita di Siena (1978): Described a wall opening to reveal descending beings.
• Witness in La Spezia (1973): Reported a luminous star and a cloud.

Conclusion: What to Say?

The concluding section reflects on the frequency of "celestial visions" and Marian apparitions in contemporary media. It suggests that while modern communication makes us more aware of these phenomena, the underlying patterns might not be entirely new. The author references lists of apparitions compiled by Ernst, Groos, and Billet, noting the geographical distribution and yearly frequency of these events. A key takeaway is the potential correlation between UFO waves and Marian apparitions, suggesting that further study of the data could reveal interesting, though perhaps not fully conclusive, results.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the potential overlap and correlation between UFO phenomena and religious apparitions, particularly those attributed to the Virgin Mary. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider these connections seriously, without necessarily dismissing either ufology or religious faith. The publication positions itself as a cultural and informative resource, aiming to explore these complex topics objectively. The emphasis on detailed case studies and statistical analysis of apparition data underscores a commitment to research, even when dealing with controversial subjects.

This issue of the magazine, identified by the number '9' and featuring the cover headline 'Ritrovamenti del 3º tipo' (Third Kind Recoveries), focuses on UFO phenomena, exploring theoretical frameworks and psychological interpretations. The content is primarily in Italian, with a significant portion dedicated to analyzing UFO sighting patterns and the potential psychological underpinnings of these experiences.

Ortotenia and Isoscelia: UFO Theories Under Scrutiny

The article "ORTOTENIA E ISOSCELIA" delves into two prominent theories in ufology. 'Ortotenia,' proposed by French researcher Aimé Michel in 1957, suggested that UFO sightings occurred along straight lines. This theory, initially met with enthusiasm, was later refuted by Jacques Vallée, who demonstrated the purely coincidental nature of such alignments. The article notes that in Italy, this debunking is largely unknown, and the theory is still cited as valid.

Following this, the issue introduces 'isoscelia,' a new theory presented in December 1979 by three French researchers: Jean Charles Fumoux, Jean François Gille, and Philippe Schneyder. 'Isoscelia' posits a geometric connection between UFO landing sites, suggesting they form isosceles triangles. The researchers used statistical analysis and computer simulations, examining 76 French landing sites from September to October 1954, which reportedly formed 1877 isosceles triangles. However, the article expresses skepticism, calling the theory "fumosa" (smoky/vague) and noting that it, like 'ortotenia,' functions only retrospectively and lacks predictive power.

The Psychological Perspective: Michel Monnerie's "Waking Dream"

Another significant section reviews the book "Et si les OVNIs n'existaient pas?" (What if UFOs Didn't Exist?) by Michel Monnerie. Monnerie, an art restorer and amateur astronomer, proposes a socio-psychological model for UFO sightings. He argues that the "presence" of UFOs in our sky is not necessarily physical but can be explained by the phenomenon of the "waking dream" (rêve êveillé). This occurs when the subconscious mind, influenced by the collective myth of extraterrestrials, projects experiences onto real-world observations, especially during moments of relaxation or anxiety.

Monnerie suggests that common UFO reports, such as cars stalling or lights failing, can be attributed to the witness's altered perception of time and reality during this state. He posits that the widespread belief in extraterrestrials fills a void left by the decline of traditional myths and religious apparitions. The book also addresses the alleged physical evidence, such as landing traces, suggesting possibilities like rare physical phenomena, subconscious creation of false evidence, or psychokinesis.

Case Studies and Investigations

The issue includes "Ritrovamenti del 3º tipo" (Third Kind Recoveries) by Leonard H. Stringfield, which discusses preliminary studies on UFO crash debris and alleged extraterrestrial cadavers held by the US military. One case cited is that of Major Daly, an Air Force metallurgist stationed at Wright-Patterson in 1953, who examined a crashed UFO. He described a silver-colored metallic object, approximately 9-10 meters in diameter, whose metal was analyzed as non-terrestrial. The article notes the similarity to another case reported by Fritz Werner.

Another account, from 1973, involves an informant who recalled seeing five crates on an elevator within a hangar at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The informant, a former military pilot, was discussing UFOs with other pilots when he remembered the incident.

Notes and References

The issue contains extensive notes and references, citing numerous books and articles on Fatima, La Salette, Garabandal, Lourdes, and various UFO-related topics. These references highlight the interdisciplinary nature of the research, drawing from religious, historical, and scientific perspectives. Notably, the notes mention the French GEPAN (Group for the Study of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena) and its research into UFO cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO theories, the exploration of psychological explanations for sightings, and the presentation of alleged UFO-related evidence and investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, acknowledging the complexity of the phenomenon while critically evaluating the evidence and theories presented. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between speculation and verifiable fact, and on understanding the human element in UFO reports. The magazine encourages further research while remaining grounded in scientific and psychological principles, as exemplified by the concluding thoughts on the possibility of 'invisible' signs or encounters.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, dated December 1979 (issue n° 105), delves into various aspects of UFO research and reporting, with a particular focus on catalogues of sightings and reviews of contemporary UFO publications. The main article, "Venere: ed è subito UFO" by Jenny Randles, details a significant sighting in Urmston, UK, initially mistaken for the planet Venus.

INTCAT: The International Catalogue of Type-1 Reports

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to the INTCAT (International Catalogue of Type-1 Reports), a comprehensive collection of close encounter cases. The article traces the history of such catalogues, starting with Jacques Vallée's work and highlighting the extensive efforts of Peter Rogerson, who has compiled thousands of reports. The Italian edition of INTCAT, published by Clypeus, is introduced, noting its unique approach of starting its catalogue from the year 1900, aligning with Italian ufological traditions.

The catalogue's methodology is explained, detailing how reports are synthesized into schematic summaries, including geographical, temporal, and typological information. The typologies cover the presence of temporary and durable effects, as well as the appearance of animated entities and physical contact/abduction scenarios. The sources for these reports are meticulously categorized into journalistic/library, specialized, Italian, and private archives.

UFO Sightings and Cases

The issue presents several historical UFO cases as examples within the INTCAT framework:

• 1900, Caso and Beneros, Spain: A strange light seen along a mountain path, noted as a legendary phenomenon.
• 1900, Caddwst, Wales, UK: A large ovoid object observed flying low over a meadow, described as silent except for the sound of displaced air.
• 1901, New Haven, Missouri, USA: An object shaped like a dome with three large, bright lights was seen in a wood, emitting a hum.
• 1901, Edenderry, Ireland: Children reported seeing figures in black clothing and hoods in a circle.
• 1902, Ivy Bend, Missouri, USA: A grey-silver, spinning top-shaped object flew at high speed over a river.
• 1902, Gulf of Guinea: A dark object with a luminous trail was observed at sea, described as resembling the back of a large monster.

The central article by Jenny Randles recounts a sighting on December 1, 1978, in Urmston, UK. The witness, Alan Babcock, and his wife Sharon, observed a bright light that detached from what they initially thought was Venus. A vehicle then descended and landed in a field. The object was described as hive-like with surrounding rims. The report includes details of police involvement and the local media's interest.

Reviews of UFO Publications

This issue provides critical reviews of several UFO-related newsletters and magazines:

• Il Senzatitolo: A cyclostyled publication from Reggio Emilia, noted for its UFO section, which was unfortunately ceasing publication.
• Documenti UFO: A new publication from Rome aiming for ambitious, in-depth analysis of UFO cases, particularly IR-3 cases.
• La Torre... di Babele: Reviewed for its numerous issues, but criticized for the quality of its content, which often included dated news and uncredited material.
• Panorama UFO: A cyclostyled publication that relies heavily on newspaper clippings, with a noticeable lack of recent material.
• Nuraghex: Contains ufological pages, including an article on 'fanta-archaeology' and a peculiar 'sport' with ufological rankings.
• Il Giornale dei Misteri: Criticized for a decline in quality, featuring a weak Italian case and translations of foreign reports without proper sourcing.
• Gli Arcani: Features articles on parapsychological hypotheses, critiques of other ufologists, and attempts to link UFOs to earthquakes.
• Notiziario UFO: Described as a typical issue with articles on interviews, theories about the Avro-car, and analyses of UFO cases, but also criticized for including non-ufological content and poor sourcing.

Other Content

The magazine also includes a section on 'Gli Altri Dicono' (Others Say), which continues to review various UFO publications and contributions, often with a critical tone, highlighting issues of plagiarism and lack of original research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis and rigorous research. The magazine emphasizes the importance of accurate cataloguing, proper sourcing of information, and distinguishing between credible reports and speculative or plagiarized content. There is a clear effort to evaluate the quality and methodology of other UFO publications and researchers, often pointing out shortcomings in their work. The focus on catalogues like INTCAT suggests a preference for systematic data collection and analysis over sensationalism. The reviews often express disappointment with the lack of originality and poor standards found in many contemporary UFO publications.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, identified as issue 31 and likely from late 1978 or early 1979, focuses on a comprehensive analysis of the UFO phenomenon in 1978, particularly within Italy. The main cover headline, "1978: PROFILO DI UN'ONDATA" (1978: Profile of a Wave), by Gian Paolo Grassino, sets the tone for an in-depth examination of the year's events.

The 1978 UFO Wave in Italy

The article "1978: PROFILO DI UN'ONDATA" by Gian Paolo Grassino provides a retrospective on the year, noting a period of unusual tranquility followed by a significant UFO wave. Grassino suggests that the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" played a role in creating a receptive atmosphere for UFO reports, contributing to a "psychosis" that characterized the last quarter of the year. He observes an increase in UFO-related news in newspapers and a growing public interest, though he questions whether this translated into actual extraterrestrial arrivals.

The author discusses how various events and media portrayals, including the "31st International Humor Exhibition" in Bordighera which chose UFOs as its theme, normalized the concept of UFOs in popular culture. This led to UFOs being invoked in unrelated contexts, such as the mention of civilian pilots or children affected by salmonellosis being referred to as "UFOs." The article notes the increasing acceptance of the UFO phenomenon and the possibility of alien visitors.

Key Incidents and Case Studies

The issue details several significant UFO sightings and events from 1978:

• September 14th Meteor: A meteor crossing the Italian sky from south to north at dawn is identified as the "classic drop that makes the vase overflow," leading to about a hundred sightings. The author notes that scientific explanations, like reflections from the PEGASUS I satellite, seemed to highlight science's impotence in the face of the phenomenon.
• Adriatic Sea Phenomena (Mid-October onwards): Fishermen in the Adriatic Sea near Abruzzo reported strange foam, giant waves, and lights in the sky. This led to speculation about a "Triangle of the Adriatic," linking it to the Bermuda Triangle. The phenomenon intensified, with a significant sighting by a patrol boat on November 9th.
• December 1978 Flap: The article highlights a period of intense UFO activity in December, with numerous sightings reported across Italy. The author notes that while the public's belief in extraterrestrials remained strong, media interest began to wane, following journalistic norms where events are only newsworthy for a limited time.
• Specific Cases: Several specific cases are detailed in the "APPENDICE E CORREZIONI" (Appendix and Corrections) section, including:
• Sassello (SV), September 7th: Dozens of people witnessed a large white light that moved and hovered, causing electrical disturbances.
• Sassello (SV), September 6th: An operaio reported seeing two black spheres near the road, accompanied by strange murmurs, which then disappeared.
• Pollutri (CH), Early December: A family observed a strange object hovering over their town.
• Imperia, December 1st: Fishermen reported seeing nine fireballs emerge from the sea.
• Milan, December 1st: Gianfranco Onorati experienced his car engine failing as a large, luminous object hovered nearby.
• Rome, December 1st: The De Angelis family observed an intense, vibrating light in the sky.
• Cologna (TE), December 1st: A luminous, color-changing globe chased two young people.
• Giulianova (TE), December 1st: Witnesses observed a mysterious object.
• Abductions: The article mentions the "encounter of the third kind" in Torrita di Siena on September 17th, but places greater emphasis on two abduction cases involving night watchman Fortunato Zanfretta, highlighting the "ambiguity and permanent incomprehensibility" of the phenomenon.

Critique of Ufological Research

Grassino offers a critique of ufological investigation methods, particularly those of the DIGAP group. He notes that while DIGAP investigators acted honestly, their approach may have unduly influenced witnesses. He points out that DIGAP did not seem to seek natural explanations first and that their work, while detailed, might have inadvertently sensationalized cases. The author expresses concern that the focus on the irrational might be a common flaw in ufology, leading to discordant data.

He also discusses the emergence of "Notiziario UFO," an official publication of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale, which he believes will become a central reference point for researchers, potentially marking the end of fragmented group research and paving the way for more organized, unified investigation.

Media Influence and Public Perception

The role of media, including newspapers like the "Manchester Evening News" and "Granada TV," is examined. The article suggests that media coverage, while bringing attention to UFOs, sometimes distorted witness accounts or sensationalized events. The author also criticizes the tendency of some media outlets to omit obvious, natural explanations, such as Venus, in favor of more sensational UFO narratives.

Statistical Analysis and Data Presentation

The issue includes an introduction to graphical data analysis of the 1978 sightings. The authors explain their methodology, which primarily relies on newspaper and magazine reports due to the lack of specialized publications and the need for a broad, albeit potentially superficial, overview. They acknowledge the limitations of this approach, including the difficulty in establishing precise statistical relationships and the incompleteness of data. The graphs aim to present quantitative data, acknowledging that qualitative analysis is largely omitted due to the nature of the sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the analysis of a major UFO wave, the impact of media and popular culture on public perception of UFOs, and a critical examination of ufological research methodologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, advocating for rigorous investigation, the consideration of natural explanations, and a more scientific approach to understanding the phenomenon. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to learn from the lessons of 1978 and apply them appropriately to future research.

This issue of Galassia, identified by page number 39, focuses on a detailed statistical analysis of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings. The content is primarily composed of graphs and charts illustrating various distributions of these sightings, with accompanying Italian text explaining the data.

Daily Distribution

The first section, "DISTRIBUZIONE GIORNALIERA," presents the daily distribution of sightings throughout the year. The accompanying text notes a maximum on September 14th, a concentration in November described as "adriatica," and a colossal "mountain" of sightings in December. The graph itself shows numerous small peaks throughout the year, with significant spikes in late summer and autumn, culminating in a very large peak in December.

Distribution by Decades

Following the daily distribution is "DISTRIBUZIONE PER DECADI," which groups the sightings into decades of the year. This graph visually represents the same temporal trends as the daily distribution, with pronounced peaks in the latter part of the year, particularly in September and December.

Monthly Distribution

The "DISTRIBUZIONE MENSILE" section displays the distribution of sightings across the months of the year. Two graphs are presented: one showing monthly totals with a peak of 200 cases, and another, labeled "1 mmgvsd," which appears to be a subset or different categorization, with a peak of 142. The text indicates a peak of 131 cases, likely referring to one of these graphs.

Weekly Distribution

"DISTRIBUZIONE PER GIORNI DELLA SETTIMANA" analyzes sightings by day of the week. The graph on the top right shows the total distribution across the seven days, with a notable peak. The text clarifies that after accounting for the effect of September 14th on Thursday, the maximum is attributed to Wednesday. The graph below shows the weekly distribution broken down by month, highlighting that the Wednesday peak is driven by September (the 13th) and December (also the 13th).

Hourly Distribution

The "DISTRIBUZIONE ORARIA" section examines the temporal distribution of sightings within a 24-hour period. The graph shows two distinct maxima, described as a "double Gaussian curve," occurring around dawn and dusk.

Regional Distribution

"DISTRIBUZIONE REGIONALE" presents the distribution of sightings across 20 Italian regions, listed in an accompanying legend. Two graphs are provided:

1. Cases per Area: The graph on the right, with a peak of 64 and 62, shows the statistical ratio of sightings to the region's surface area (in thousands of hectares). It highlights peaks in Liguria and Abruzzo, followed by Friuli.
2. Cases per Population: The graph below, with a peak of 54, shows the statistical ratio of sightings to the region's population (in millions of inhabitants). This graph shows Abruzzo as predominant, followed by Friuli and Liguria.

The legend lists the 20 Italian regions from 1 (Piemonte) to 20 (Sardegna).

Publisher Information

The back cover features information for "libreria galassia," located at Galleria San Federico, 7 - 10121 Torino, with a telephone number (011) 51.91.71. It also advertises a "vast selection of narrative and unusual non-fiction" and a "well-stocked children's section" spread over "3 floors of exhibition."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the statistical analysis of UFO phenomena, presented through rigorous data visualization. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective reporting and data-driven exploration of the subject, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of sighting patterns across different temporal and geographical dimensions within Italy.