Ufologia - No 07 - gen-feb 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGIA
Supplement: SUPPLEMENTO A CLYPEUS N° 60
Issue Date: Gennaio-Febbraio 1980 (January-February 1980)
Volume: II, N°1
Publisher: CLYPEUS
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of UFOLOGIA marks the second year of the publication and introduces a more critical and informative stance, moving away from group affiliations to become a more independent voice. The editorial highlights a shift towards more commentary and less raw case data, reflecting a growing trend towards 'critical ufology'. The magazine is sent free to members of Gruppo Clypeus and is open to contributions from scholars.

Editorial

The editorial announces the second year of UFOLOGIA, with a formal change to 'Bimestrale di critica e di informazione ufologica' (Bimonthly of critical and ufological information). It emphasizes the magazine's independence from specific groups and its commitment to a critical approach. The editorial board has seen some changes, with the departure of Paolo Mercuri and the addition of new collaborators like Roberto D'Amico, Luigi Sorgno, Roberto Farabone, and Paolo Toselli. The editorial also notes the continuation of the 'Notiziario ufologico A.C.O.M.' and introduces an article by French astrophysicist Pierre Guérin on the situation of ufology thirty years after Kenneth Arnold's sighting.

Article: Il mistero dei palloni giapponesi (The Mystery of the Japanese Balloons)

This article by Roberto D'Amico investigates the possibility that some UFO sightings, particularly those from the late World War II period (1940-1945), might be explained by the Japanese balloon bomb campaign. The author argues that the officially recognized first UFO case, Kenneth Arnold's sighting in 1947, might not be the true starting point of modern ufology, suggesting that earlier phenomena, including medieval accounts and archaeological finds, should also be considered. However, the article focuses on the 1896-97 'aeronavi' and the 1940-45 period. The author references Renato Vesco's theory about German 'foo-fighters' and then introduces a report by retired US General W.H. Wilbur titled 'The Mystery of the Japanese Balloons'.

The Japanese, seeking retaliation after the Doolittle raid on Tokyo in 1942, developed a campaign using unmanned, automatic aerostats (balloons) to cross the Pacific and drop incendiary bombs. Between November 1944 and March 1945, approximately 9,000 balloons were launched. These balloons, about 10 meters in diameter, were designed to travel at high altitudes (9,000-10,600 meters) carried by prevailing air currents towards North America. While not radio-controlled, they had automatic mechanisms for releasing ballast and hydrogen, and a destruction mechanism. The article details how the US government became aware of this threat, involving the Navy, FBI, and Forest Guards. Fragments of these balloons, made of heavy parchment, were recovered, bearing Japanese markings. The threat was considered serious, especially the incendiary bombs, which could have caused widespread forest fires. The US also prepared for potential biological warfare through these balloons.

The campaign was largely unknown to the public due to wartime censorship. However, an incident in Oregon where children found and detonated a balloon bomb, resulting in casualties, highlighted the danger and the difficulty of warning the population without revealing information to the enemy. The balloon launches ceased in late April 1945. The mystery was later solved when General Kusaba, who led the balloon campaign, revealed that the Japanese considered the operation a failure because they believed their balloons were not reaching America, or if they did, the news would have been reported. The US military's success in keeping the operation largely secret was attributed to the cooperation of educational authorities, police, and forest rangers.

Observatorio (Observatory)

**DOVE VA "UFOLOGIA" (Where is UFOLOGIA Going?)

This section examines the international distribution of UFOLOGIA. The magazine sends copies to 42 countries, with 230 copies distributed in the last mailing. Of these, 140 went to Europe. The distribution includes 'exchanges' with similar publications and 'personal' free copies to individual researchers. The article lists the number of 'exchanges' and 'personals' sent to various countries, with Great Britain, France, Spain, Belgium, and the USA receiving the most.

**L'UFOLOGIA DEL RIFLUSSO (The Reflux of Ufology)

This piece discusses a growing trend of 'critical ufology' or 'ufological self-harm' among some researchers, who tend to explain away UFO sightings with conventional theories. The author contrasts this with the magazine's goal of clearing the ground and continuing to do so. The 'reflux' phenomenon is noted as being particularly evident in France, where there is a vibrant debate and numerous publications. The article mentions several French authors and their works, including:

• Pierre Vièroudy: Explains UFOs through paranormal and parapsychological lenses.
• Bertrand Meheust: Argues that typical UFO manifestations are predicted by science fiction.
• Jean Robin: Views UFOs as manifestations of a diabolical, demonic intelligence.

Another prominent figure is Michel Monnerie, whose work suggests UFOs are a form of self-induced hallucination. His book "Le naufrage des extraterrestres" analyzes the 'extraterrestrial myth'. The article also references Belgian researchers Jean Marie Gantois and C.W.H. de Loore, who are presented as debunking classic UFO cases.

The author views this critical trend as healthier than the uncritical acceptance of phenomena, stating that it's important not to push explanations to absurd lengths but to acknowledge that sometimes everything needs to be re-examined. The 'reflux of ufology' is welcomed if it fosters critical thinking and self-criticism within the field.

Other Sections

• Editoriale (Editorial): Continues from page 1, discussing the magazine's new direction.
• Recensioni (Reviews): Includes a review of a book on UFOs by Roberto Farabone.
• Operazione "IR-III" (Operation "IR-III"): Discusses the tactics of the UFO phenomenon, with contributions from Luigi Sorgno.
• Gli altri dicono (Others Say): A section featuring the 'Notiziario ufologico ACOM' and other reports.
• Inserto (Insert): 'UFO in Piemonte' on pages 9-12.
• Controluce (Backlight): Discusses the negative aspects of UFO popularization and ongoing research into UFOs in Lombardia, along with problems of epistemology.
• Trent'anni dopo (Thirty Years Later): An update on the ufological situation by Pierre Guérin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (specifically the Japanese balloon bombs), the critical analysis of ufology as a field of study, and the promotion of skepticism and rigorous research. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a critical, independent, and informative approach to ufology, encouraging self-reflection and the debunking of sensationalist claims in favor of evidence-based analysis. The magazine aims to be a platform for serious discussion rather than mere speculation or group-driven narratives.

This issue of "Un Altro Libro Sugli UFO" (Another Book on UFOs) is a collection of reviews and a catalog of UFO sightings, primarily focusing on Italian ufology. The main review, penned by Roberto Farabone, critically examines Franco Ossola's book of the same title. The issue also features a detailed listing of UFO sightings in the Piedmont region of Italy from the 1950s and reviews of other ufological publications.

Review of "Un Altro Libro Sugli UFO" by Franco Ossola

Roberto Farabone begins his review by stating that Franco Ossola's book is another entry into the already saturated field of ufology. He notes that Ossola covers familiar ground, including the Arnold sighting, various UFO study commissions, contactees, space archaeology, the Blue Book project, the Condon report, and different UFO theories. Farabone describes this as the 'usual cream' that has been served by those involved in ufological historiography for years.

Despite acknowledging that the book is written in a concise and accessible manner, Farabone's primary criticism is that the content is "old, old like all the Italian production on the subject." He argues that Ossola, like most Italian authors in the last 15 years, has failed to move beyond repeating existing information. The reviewer points out that Ossola ignores recent and promising developments in ufology worldwide, mentioning only the para-physical hypothesis and animal mutilations as recent topics. Furthermore, Ossola perpetuates the misconception that ufology is solely about collecting data and creating theories, neglecting the broader research efforts.

Farabone highlights specific researchers whose contributions Ossola seems to overlook, including McCampbell, Phillins, Ballester Clmos, Guasn, Ramirez-Barbero, Per Andersen, and others from America, Spain, and Denmark. A particularly critical point is Ossola's mention of Italian ufological research starting in 1966, while ignoring the fact that, as of 1980, no significant ufological research had yet been conducted in Italy. The review also criticizes the final chapter, "I protagonisti" (The Protagonists), for its mélange of ufologists, 'space archaeologists,' and contactees, suggesting it creates unnecessary confusion for the reader. The bibliography is also deemed outdated, partial, and lacking in quality.

The Tactic of the UFO Phenomenon

In an article titled "La tattica del fenomeno Ufo" (The Tactic of the UFO Phenomenon), Luigi Sorgno explores the strategies employed by UFO occupants in their interactions with humans. Sorgno posits that the aliens' approach might be more complex than initially perceived, drawing parallels to the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel, where breadcrumbs are left to find the way back. He suggests that aliens might be leaving 'mechanisms'—psychological and physical—in the minds of witnesses like Betty and Barney Hill to ensure they can retrace their steps or to control their memories.

Sorgno questions the aliens' desire to keep their 'medical examination' of the Hills secret, especially given the subsequent memory gaps and psychological stress experienced by the couple. He also points to the anomalous traces on Barney's car and the radar interception during their encounter as evidence of a deliberate, albeit perhaps flawed, strategy.

He proposes that the 'IR-III' encounters might be subjective, involving an inductive projection by the ufologists onto a receptive subject, whose psyche is malleable enough for hypnotic-dreamlike projections. This allows aliens to implant messages, such as the humanoid appearance of the pilots and the design of their craft.

Sorgno further elaborates on the 'tactic' by discussing how witnesses, depending on their background, interpret encounters differently. Those with technical knowledge might focus on mechanical details, while others might perceive smooth surfaces and invisible doors. He also touches upon low-altitude flights over populated areas, suggesting they might serve as a form of psychological 'selection' by the ufologists.

The article examines the case of Chuck Doyle, a 15-year-old with a high IQ, who was 'frozen' by a green ray from a hovering craft. Doyle reported experiencing temporal gaps and seeing strange equations and symbols. Sorgno interprets this as a forced hypnotic-dreamlike encounter, an attempt to convey a message to a subject resistant to simple dream narratives.

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (IR-III) are also discussed, with Sorgno suggesting that when the phenomenon appears in a ufological form (e.g., disguised individuals), it might indicate a further development of the alien tactic. He speculates that individuals with latent psychic or parapsychological abilities might be contacted by aliens who exploit their sensitive qualities.

Sorgno concludes that the UFO manifestation tactic is multifaceted and variable, with encounters being the result of precise analysis and selection. He quotes Jacques Vallée, suggesting that to understand the phenomenon, researchers must remain in continuous contact with IR-III witnesses, almost becoming involved themselves.

The article argues that the 'fight' against the denigration of UFOs is uneven, with authorities increasingly losing ground. The public is beginning to question official explanations, such as the debunking of UFOs as weather balloons. Sorgno suggests that humanity is on the verge of a new evolutionary stage, and the strange phenomena observed in the skies might be indicators of a noble future path among the stars.

Reviews of Other Publications

"Il Cambero" (No. 3, Year I, October 1979)

This photocopied publication, 25 pages plus cover, is the organ of the "Centro Universale" in Ercolano. The reviewer expresses surprise at the existence of a "universal" center, given the number of groups claiming national or international status in Italy. The issue contains acts from the "First Universal Congress" held in Ercolano, featuring topics like the "universal movement" (based on parapsychology, attacks on science, pseudo-clipeology, and reincarnation), "The relationship between parapsychology and ufology," and "UFOs and us Earthlings." The reviewer sarcastically notes the congress's focus on Ercolano as the "land of Hercules, land of Bacchus, land of Venus" and an eulogy of southern agriculture, concluding with a lament about the state of Italian ufology.

"Nuraghex" (Vol. VI, No. 30, December 1979)

This publication dedicates only 17 out of 58 pages to ufology. It includes a UFO-aircraft encounter over Valencia and a summary of the Cergy-Pontoise "abduction" case, both sourced from the French press. Other news items are also reprinted from Italian media. The reviewer notes a reduction in foreign news from semi-specialized magazines and finds the ufological content, which consists mainly of case histories, to be repetitive and tiresome.

"La Torre...di Babele" (No. 17, January 6, 1980)

Fortunately, the ufological content is limited, featuring a Sicilian sighting and various press clippings, all recent and cited. The reviewer notes an improvement in the publication's content.

"Arcani" (Vol. IX, No. 1, January 1980)

This issue marks a new format and a new person responsible for the ufological section: Franco Ossola, who contributes a column and an article. In his column, Ossola takes over from "Pier Luigi Dani," and in his article ("Gli UFO assurdo mistero" - UFOs: An Absurd Mystery), he retells the story of the "turning point" in ufology.

"Misteri" (No. 106, January 1980)

This monthly publication covers ufology, clipeology, parapsychology, occult sciences, astrology, and archaeoastronomy. The lead article, accompanied by a sensationalist cover, discusses the myth of flying saucers "parked" on the Moon, near the Apollo 11 landing site. The article relies on declarations from anonymous Russian sources and ex-NASA employees, which the reviewer dismisses as sensationalist pseudo-ufology. The Italian case studies include a light in the sky and a Tuscan case investigated dubiously by a regional SUF representative. The review also mentions an article by Conti detailing his encounter with a witness, and other clippings from Spain. The issue concludes with a case history from March 1978 and a biographical sketch of GORU, a Ligurian SUF representative who claims contact with the British governmental organization WATSUP.

"Misteri" (No. 107, February 1980)

This issue continues the case history review for 1978, moving from September to October. Conti presents the IR-3 case from Gallio, claiming it was misrepresented by the press. A low-altitude sighting in Genoa, investigated by CIRSUFO, is also mentioned. The reviewer notes that Coppetti continues to present Ministry reports, which he finds increasingly tedious and lacking in substance. One case refers to a nocturnal light for Marcello, possibly a sonda balloon or a binary star. The issue also includes a piece on the rights and duties of "R.R." (presumably researchers) and a review of a Vallée book that the reviewer believes has been misinterpreted.

"UFO" (December 1979)

This issue is considered the best so far from "Notiziario UFO." It balances foreign and Italian content, along with theoretical articles. The reviewer notes a slight tendency towards monographic content with the GEPAN section. The main criticism is an interview with Hynek, accompanied by a photo, which the reviewer finds not very ufological. An article by Farabone on GEPAN is also mentioned, which criticizes GEPAN as the French version of the Condon Committee. The Italian case histories are described as still localized, with two investigations from Liguria. A report on a conference in Palermo is deemed superficial. The issue also includes a Doxa poll on Italian UFO enthusiasts/phobes and articles on landings near military bases in Italy and Spain. The postal sections feature "true believers" defending their positions against rational explanations.

"UFO" (January 1980)

This issue marks a significant decline in quality compared to the previous one. The reviewer notes that the emphasis on ufology being discussed in "Rivista Aeronautica" was a warning sign. The issue presents 1500 lire worth of photocopied reports on simple lights in the sky, primarily because the witnesses were military personnel. One of the introductory pieces is recycled from the November 1978 issue, with numerous self-citations. The reviewer expresses concern that the publication is too focused on "official ufology" and not enough on research, despite its stated aim of critically examining Coppetti's work. The issue also highlights the incredulity of some.

UFO in Piemonte Catalog

This section provides a catalog of UFO sightings in the Piedmont region of Italy, spanning from 1954 to 1957. Each entry includes the date, location, time, type of sighting (e.g., probable astronomical, probable aerial, probable UFO), and a brief description of the event. The sightings include luminous objects, spherical and fusiform craft, and phenomena involving lights, trails, and unusual movements. The catalog draws from various sources, including newspapers and specialized ufological publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical assessment of Italian ufology, the analysis of UFO encounter tactics, and the cataloging of specific sightings. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reviews, is largely critical of the state of ufology in Italy, highlighting a perceived lack of rigorous research, a tendency towards repetition of old material, and an overemphasis on sensationalism and theoretical speculation. There is a clear preference for original research, critical analysis, and engagement with international developments in the field. The issue also shows an interest in the psychological aspects of UFO encounters and the potential for manipulation or subjective interpretation of events.

This issue of 'UFO IN PIEMONTE' (PAGINA 11) presents a collection of UFO sightings and related discussions, primarily focusing on events in the Piemonte region of Italy. The content spans various dates, with a significant number of reports from the late 1950s and some extending into 1979. The magazine also features critical analyses of UFO phenomena and theories.

UFO Sightings in Piemonte

The issue meticulously documents numerous UFO encounters, providing details such as date, time, location, and witness accounts. Several incidents are highlighted:

• 1957-11-13: An object near Novara was initially interpreted as a Soviet satellite or a prank.
• 1957-12-20 (Oropa): A luminous pink object was observed moving east to west, changing color to reddish-yellow and becoming brighter.
• 1958-10-22 (Aosta): Dozens of people witnessed a red bolide crossing the sky towards Switzerland.
• 1958-11 (Biella?): A luminous object was seen moving at airplane altitude shortly after sunset.
• 1958-12-08 (Candelo): A yellow object with reddish 'veins' and a white trail was observed by many people.
• 1959-01-30 (Biella): A round, emerald green, highly luminous object, described as moving faster than a plane, was seen.
• 1959-01-30 (Quarona): A similar phenomenon to the one in Biella was observed by workers.
• 1959-03-07 (Acqui Terme): A spherical, yellowish object with a white trail was reported.
• 1959-03-15 (Caselle): A light approached the airport with an unusual, pendular, and oscillatory motion before growing larger.
• 1959-04-17 (Verbania): A luminous globe was observed to shrink and disappear.
• 1959-05-15 (Caselle): A repeat of the March 15th sighting was reported.
• 1959-09-07? (Caselle): Twenty-six unidentified discoid objects were detected by radar at high speed and altitude, along with a larger, brighter object at low altitude.
• 1959-09-16 (Torino): Discs with a grey-iron color and a clear halo were observed moving at high speed, attempting to evade powerful light beams.
• 1959-12-02 (Torino): A very luminous globe with a long tail of pale green color was seen moving horizontally.
• 1960-09-17 (Asti): A luminous point was observed approaching from Alessandria.

Analysis and Theories

The issue includes several analytical articles. Pierre Guérin's article, "TRENT'ANNI DOPO: Il punto sulla situazione ufologica" (Thirty Years Later: The State of Ufology), critically examines the current state of UFO research. Guérin notes that a significant portion of reported UFO cases are eliminated due to misidentification or hoaxes, leaving a small percentage of genuinely unexplained phenomena.

He discusses the impasse in ufology, where different interpretations clash. Two main lines of argument are presented:

1. Extraterrestrial Probes: This classic model views UFOs as spacecraft from other star systems. Guérin argues against this, citing the immense distances involved in interstellar travel, which would require vast amounts of time and resources, making the observed characteristics of UFOs (small size, high frequency of appearance) inconsistent with such interstellar vessels.
2. Parapsychological Model: This model suggests that UFOs are materializations of human psychic origin, triggered by individual or collective anxiety and shaped by contemporary cultural ideas. Guérin acknowledges that this model might explain some phenomena but contends it conflicts with other established facts. He uses examples to illustrate these inconsistencies.

Guérin also critiques the sensationalist approach often taken by the media regarding UFOs, arguing that it hinders serious research. He emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific investigation rather than mere sensationalism.

Another section, "PROBLEMI DI EPISTEMOLOGIA" (Problems of Epistemology), invites researchers to debate the definition of UFOs and related concepts, aiming to clarify the epistemological foundations of ufological research.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The publication appears to adopt a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. It prioritizes detailed reporting of sightings while also engaging in rigorous theoretical discussion. The recurring themes include:

• Documentation of Sightings: Providing factual accounts of UFO events in Piemonte.
• Critique of Sensationalism: Condemning the media's tendency to sensationalize UFO reports.
• Epistemological Debate: Encouraging discussion on the definition and nature of UFOs.
• Analysis of Theories: Evaluating different hypotheses, from extraterrestrial visitation to psychological explanations.
• Scientific Rigor: Advocating for a scientific approach to UFO research, emphasizing evidence and critical thinking.

The editorial stance seems to be one of cautious investigation, aiming to separate credible evidence from speculation and misinformation, and to advance the scientific understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, number 13, published in August 1979, delves into the complex nature of UFO phenomena, challenging simplistic explanations and exploring various theories. The magazine adopts a critical stance towards purely rationalist interpretations while also questioning purely psychic or hallucinatory explanations.

Analysis of UFO Phenomena

The issue begins by examining the temporal and geographical correlation of UFO sightings, noting that they often appear in waves localized in time and space. Contrary to some assertions, it finds no correlation between UFO waves and population anxiety or media influence. Research by Nicolas Greslou is cited, suggesting that UFO appearances are not triggered by mass media or public hysteria.

The article also addresses the influence of cultural imagination on the perceived forms of UFOs, noting that shapes imagined by authors from distant countries have appeared in sightings, even in cultures with no direct exposure to those works. This suggests that UFOs, while distinct from psychic manifestations, may be influenced by the human psyche.

Refutation of the 'Waking Hallucination' Model

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to refuting the 'waking hallucination' model, which is popular among 'rationalists' when faced with credible testimonies that cannot be easily explained. Statistical studies, particularly those by Claude Poher, are presented to counter this theory. Poher's findings indicate that the number of UFOs seen increases with angular elevation and is proportional to the amount of sunlight, suggesting a physical phenomenon rather than a purely psychological one. The article argues that while brief sensory misinterpretations can occur due to fatigue, they do not account for the detailed, often terrifying, and prolonged experiences reported by UFO witnesses.

It is emphasized that psychiatric literature does not typically describe prolonged hallucinations in mentally healthy individuals, especially not triggered by observing a real phenomenon. The article critiques the idea that UFOs are merely products of the human unconscious, as proposed by some, noting that UFO descriptions often include purely physical characteristics and behaviors that do not align with symbolic psychoanalytic interpretations.

The Nature of UFOs and Extraterrestrial Intelligence

The magazine posits that UFOs are not simply spaceships for interstellar travel but are machines that appear to be constructed and guided by an intelligence. It suggests that this intelligence is not human and may possess a profound understanding of our technological and scientific evolution. The 'elusive' nature of UFOs is highlighted, with their behavior described as more akin to magic than physics, including sudden disappearances and reappearances.

The issue explores the possibility that humanity might be part of a 'colony' without its knowledge, implying a level of manipulation that requires a certain mental capacity to comprehend. It questions the idea that extraterrestrials are here to study us, suggesting they have always known about us and that their actions have a purpose.

The article discusses the concept of 'parallel universes' or 'other space-time structures' as a potential explanation for UFO origins, linking modern UFO phenomena to historical accounts of 'demons' or supernatural entities. It argues that the perceived 'magical' aspect of UFOs might stem from an advanced extraterrestrial technology that manipulates space-time, rather than from non-terrestrial entities in the supernatural sense.

Scientific and Religious Interpretations

The magazine critiques the 'rationalist' opposition to UFO research, suggesting it stems from a fear of destabilizing the dominant ideology. It proposes that a scientific breakthrough in theoretical physics might eventually provide a rational framework for understanding UFOs, bridging the gap between current science and the 'magical' functioning of these machines.

However, it expresses concern that if this scientific understanding does not develop, the persistent UFO phenomenon might lead to a resurgence of religious credulity and a regression in human thought.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOLOGIA adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. It challenges simplistic explanations, whether purely rationalist, psychological, or religious. The editorial stance appears to favor the investigation of UFOs as a genuine phenomenon, possibly of extraterrestrial origin, while acknowledging the limitations of current human understanding and the potential for misinterpretation. The magazine emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific inquiry and expresses skepticism towards explanations that rely solely on faith or dismiss the evidence outright. It highlights the ongoing debate within ufology and the resistance from mainstream scientific and intellectual circles.