Notiziario UFO - 1970 01-02 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO, the official bimonthly publication of the Centro Unico Nazionale (CUN) for the study of extraterrestrial phenomena, is dated January-February 1970. It is designated as Issue 1 and Volume N.1 (31). The magazine's primary goal is to provide a documented and scientific analysis of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Editorial Stance and Key Articles

The Editorial section, titled "Eppur si vedono..." (And yet they are seen...), comments on the closure of the USAF's "Project Blue Book." It frames this closure as the logical epilogue to a "farce" and links it to the "Flying Saucer Fiasco" reported by LOOK magazine. The editorial notes that while the USAF registered only 146 cases in 1969, Latin America became a focal point for mysterious apparitions, with an international UFO congress planned for Madrid. The editorial highlights an article by F. Pagan as perfectly reflecting the CUN's perspective.

The article "Morti e sepolti i «dischi volanti»" (Dead and buried, the 'flying saucers') from Corriere della Sera reports on the USAF's official closure of Project Blue Book on December 17, 1969, after 22 years. The decision, signed by Secretary of the Air Force Robert C. Seamans, declared that UFO reports no longer held interest for security or science. The article notes a significant drop in reported sightings, from 1,501 in 1952 to 146 in 1969.

Another major article, "Forse recitato troppo in fretta il requiem dei dischi volanti" (Perhaps the requiem for flying saucers was too hastily recited), published in Il Piccolo on January 4, 1970, delves into the implications of the "Blue Book" closure. It points out that out of 12,618 reported sightings in the US, 701 remained unexplained, questioning the abrupt decision. The article discusses the Condon Report, commissioned by the USAF and the University of Colorado, and its alleged biases, including the opposition of its president, Prof. E. U. Condon, to the existence of UFOs. It highlights that even the Condon Report acknowledged at least three inexplicable cases, including a radar-detected object and photographic evidence. The article also touches upon the psychological impact of UFO phenomena, referencing the 1938 radio broadcast of "The War of the Worlds."

"Avvistamenti clamorosi" (Sensational sightings) briefly mentions two particularly famous and unexplained cases: the "Mantell case" and the "Zamora case." The Mantell case involved a pilot pursuing a UFO that ascended rapidly and disappeared, leading to Mantell's death. The Zamora case describes an agent witnessing a landed UFO with occupants and physical traces left behind.

"Domanda spontanea" (Spontaneous question) explores the origin of UFOs, considering whether they are extraterrestrial or terrestrial in origin. It discusses theories suggesting secret terrestrial development, possibly based on German wartime research, citing authors like Renato Vesco and interviews with individuals like Andreas Epp.

An article titled "Sì, il 'PROJECT BLUEBOOK' è stato chiuso, ma la questione resta più che mai aperta" (Yes, 'PROJECT BLUEBOOK' has been closed, but the question remains more open than ever) reports on a symposium organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Boston. It reveals a diplomatic dissent among scientists regarding UFOs, with professors like Thornton Page and Carl Sagan discussing the educational aspects of UFO interest and its potential to engage students in science. The article notes that over 40% of American adults consider UFOs to be extraterrestrial spacecraft, though many scientists find such visits impossible.

Further articles discuss the activities of various UFO research groups and individuals. "Attingendo a piene mani..." (Drawing heavily...) from La Domenica del Corriere (1967) critiques the speculative nature of some UFO literature and the exploitation of public interest by unscrupulous individuals. It mentions groups like "Centro Alaya" and Eugenio Siragusa's activities in Catania.

"Disco volante cercasi" (Flying saucer wanted) from Fotografare magazine (January 1970) features a letter from Renzo Cabassi of CUN seeking collaboration from readers who may have photographed UFOs, emphasizing the need for documented evidence and offering the CUN's archive for serious study.

CUN Activities and Structure

The "NOTIZIE CUN" (CUN News) section details the organization's activities and structure. The annual General Assembly held on February 8, 1970, approved the registration of the "Notiziario UFO" as a formal publication. Amendments to the statutes were deemed unnecessary for economic reasons. A new Board of Directors was elected, including Roberto Pinotti as President and Giancarlo Barattini as Secretary General. The CUN also accepted representation of the American APRO (Aerial Phenomena Research Organization).

The "REGOLAMENTO" (Regulations) section outlines the CUN's operational guidelines, emphasizing seriousness, documentation, and the control of published material. It details the responsibilities of the Propaganda Section in archiving, publishing, and disseminating information. The regulations also cover the organization of congresses and the importance of collaboration with similar groups.

Membership and Finances

The "COSTITUZIONE E STATUTO del C.U.N." (Constitution and Statutes of C.U.N.) section details the organization's founding in Milan as a private, apolitical association with unlimited duration. Its aims are to study, objectively disseminate, and promote initiatives related to extraterrestrial phenomena. The statutes define various categories of members (Founders, Ordinary, Subscribers, and Honorary Subscribers) and outline their rights and duties, including annual fees. The issue notes that the CUN's 1969 balance closed with a surplus, allowing for necessary expenses related to the publication of the Notiziario UFO. Despite anticipated increased costs for 1970, membership and subscription fees remain unchanged, with a plea for members to recruit new subscribers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the official dismissal of UFO phenomena by governmental bodies like the USAF, contrasted with the persistent evidence and public interest in the subject. The CUN positions itself as a serious, scientific organization dedicated to the objective investigation of UFOs, emphasizing documentation and reasoned analysis. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official pronouncements that dismiss the phenomenon, advocating for continued research and the dissemination of credible information. The magazine aims to counter sensationalism and speculation with a rigorous, evidence-based approach.

This issue of "Dischi volanti NEL PASSATO" (Flying Saucers in the Past), with the cover headline "ANCHE NEL RINASCIMENTO" (Also in the Renaissance), published by REGIA TIPOGRAFIA in BOLOGNA in 1974, presents a historical investigation into UFO phenomena, suggesting that such sightings are not a recent invention but have occurred throughout history, even during the Renaissance.

Historical Accounts from the Renaissance

The magazine highlights the work of historian Leone Cobelli and his "CRONACHE FORLIVESI DI LEONE COBELLI," focusing on the period from the founding of the city until the year 1498. Cobelli's chronicles, published for the first time from manuscripts and edited by Prof. Giosuè Carducci and Dr. Enrico Frati, with notes by Count Filippo Guarini, are presented as containing accurate accounts of events that bear a "startling resemblance" to modern UFO episodes. The introductory text suggests that there is "nothing new under the sun."

The Year 1485

An account from March 14, 1485, describes a "white sign with three suns" appearing over Forlì, accompanied by a lightning bolt and a star. This phenomenon was observed by the entire population and lasted for three days. The text notes that this was not a meteorological phenomenon.

The Year 1487

Several incidents from 1487 are detailed:

• July: Three luminous "lances" were seen above the campanile of the Predicatori friars in Forlì.
• June: A "bloody sword" appeared in the sky, witnessed by the author and passing farmers.
• June: A "fiery beam" (trave de fuoco) was observed coming from Monte Puzolo towards Forlì.
• August: A large star appeared, followed by a fiery beam resembling a flying chariot, seen by many people.

The magazine discusses the possible interpretations of these phenomena, ruling out celestial bodies or St. Elmo's fires, and suggesting they might have been "three UFOs of the tubular type, popularly called 'flying cigars.'" The description of the "lances" is compared to modern descriptions of UFOs.

Other Historical References

• Benvenuto Cellini: A description from Benvenuto Cellini's "LA VITA" (Book I, Chapter 89) is cited, describing a "great beam of fire" that scintillated and rendered a "grandissimo splendore" seen over Florence.
• Nuremberg, 1561: A depiction from the Wickiana collection of the Central Library of Zurich shows "gigantic 'tubes'" that appeared in the sky over Nuremberg on April 14, 1561. The text notes that these "discs" were also observed alone, in groups, or isolated.

Modern Sightings and Comparisons

The issue then transitions to modern UFO sightings, emphasizing that these historical accounts are not mere fantasy but can be explained by phenomena similar to those reported in the last two decades.

Oloron, France (October 17, 1952)

This section provides a detailed account of a spectacular UFO sighting in Oloron-Sainte-Marie. Several inhabitants, including Yves Prigent (a high school supervisor), his family, and others, witnessed a long, thin cylinder moving slowly at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters. This was followed by a swarm of smaller, spherical objects moving in zig-zags. These objects left behind a white, woolly, and filamentous trail that dissolved into a gelatinous substance. The report notes that scientific authorities were taking the collective testimony seriously.

Gaillac, France (October 27, 1952)

Ten days after the Oloron sighting, a similar phenomenon occurred in Gaillac, where a "flying cigar" accompanied by smaller objects was observed, and a mysterious filamentous substance fell from the sky.

Prato, Italy (October 27, 1954)

Two co-owners of a hotel in Prato observed two luminous "fusi" (spindles) moving at high speed, performing sharp turns, and flying towards Florence. The event interrupted a football match, with spectators and players alike looking up at the sky. Strange, woolly filaments also fell on the city.

Gargano, Italy (September 1966)

A bank official photographed two luminous objects on the Gargano peninsula. The photos, analyzed by the Centro unico nazionale UFO (CUN), showed one object shaped like a "priest's hat" and another like a cigar. The analysis suggested similarities with UFOs seen in France and Florence.

Scientific Analysis and Interpretation

Physical Evidence Analysis

An engineering student, Alfredo Jacopozzi, collected a sample of the strange "cotton wool" substance that fell in Prato and had it analyzed by Professor Giovanni Canneri at the University of Florence. The analysis revealed a fibrous material with high tensile and torsion resistance, primarily composed of boron, silicon, calcium, and magnesium, suggesting it might be a borosilicate glass.

Comparison of Sightings

The magazine emphasizes the consistency of UFO descriptions and maneuvers across centuries, from the Renaissance to modern times. It argues that the historical accounts are not mere fantasy but can be explained by phenomena similar to those reported recently.

"Dischi volanti un po' dappertutto" (Flying Saucers Everywhere)

This section briefly mentions other sightings, including one in Oklahoma City where radar tracked four unknown objects in a diamond formation. It also notes that these sightings have been reported across various regions of the USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the historical continuity of UFO phenomena, suggesting that "flying saucers" have been observed for centuries, not just in recent times. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation, presenting historical documents, witness testimonies, and scientific analysis as evidence that UFOs are a real and persistent phenomenon. The magazine aims to convince readers that these sightings are not mere fantasy but warrant serious consideration, drawing parallels between historical accounts and modern observations. The issue concludes by promoting the magazine "SKEMA," which focuses on UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena.

This issue of IL GIORNO, dated December 3, 1968, features a prominent cover story titled "I dischi volanti hanno radiofari?" (Do flying saucers have radio beacons?), exploring the potential connection between the precise signals from newly discovered pulsars and the mystery of UFOs. The magazine delves into astronomical discoveries, scientific hypotheses, and reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, suggesting a broader context for understanding our place in the universe.

Pulsars: Cosmic Radio Beacons?

The lead article by Giuseppe Tagliaferri discusses the groundbreaking discovery of pulsars, celestial objects emitting highly regular radio signals. The first pulsar, CP 1919, discovered in July 1967 at the Cambridge Radio Astronomy Laboratory, emits signals every 1.3373 seconds with astonishing regularity. This precision has led scientists to speculate about their nature, with some suggesting they could be artificial "radio beacons" created by super-advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. The article notes the global scientific stir caused by these discoveries, with numerous research papers and a dedicated conference held in America. It highlights that over a dozen pulsars have been identified, each with its own stable repetition period, ranging from the rapid CP 0950 (0.25 seconds) to the slower PSR 2045 (196 seconds). The estimated distances of these sources, between 100 and 1500 light-years, place them within our own galaxy. The invisibility of these sources to optical telescopes fuels further speculation.

Exoplanets: A New Reality

The issue also addresses the confirmation of planets orbiting other stars. It revisits the work of astronomer Peter Van de Kamp, who, starting in 1938, studied Barnard's Star and, through meticulous observation of its trajectory perturbations, deduced the presence of planetary companions. While initial calculations suggested a planet too massive to remain cool, further analysis revealed the presence of two planets. These exoplanets, announced in April of the previous year, are approximately the size of Jupiter and have orbital periods of 12 and 26 Earth years, respectively. The article references earlier, less conclusive reports of exoplanets, such as a satellite around 70 Ophiuchi and a planet around Proxima Centauri, but emphasizes that Van de Kamp's findings provided definitive evidence. The existence of these extrasolar planets, even if they are not necessarily habitable by human standards, is presented as a significant scientific achievement.

The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

The possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence is a recurring theme. One article explores the hypothesis that pulsars might be artificial signals, but also considers and dismisses the idea that such advanced civilizations would broadcast on such broad frequencies. Another section discusses a fascinating, though ultimately discarded, hypothesis that pulsars might be artificial radio beacons. The magazine also touches upon the idea that life might have originated from interstellar gas clouds, citing a theory by American astronomer David Buhl based on the discovery of formaldehyde in interstellar space.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Several reports of UFO sightings and related phenomena are included:

• Panama: Residents reported seeing a large, oval-shaped, silent flying object with numerous windows, emitting a greenish light, marking the first reported UFO sighting of 1970 in Panama.
• Apollo 12 Mission: Astronaut Bean reported seeing a mysterious light resembling Venus in the Earth's atmosphere, originating from the eastern coast of India.
• X-ray Source: A mysterious X-ray source near the Centaurus and Lupus constellations, detected by the Vela satellites, has defied explanation, emitting radiation twice as strong as the previously known strongest source (Scorpio).
• Chile: Spanish priest Eleuterio Bravo claimed to be in communication with extraterrestrials via flying saucers, which he called "angels of heaven." He stated he possessed recordings of these dialogues and that these beings were guiding humanity towards a path of simplicity and anti-materialism.
• Ravenna: A local resident named Gaetano Pacifico recounted an experience from twenty years prior, involving an encounter with small beings from a flying object who allegedly warned him about humanity's misuse of nuclear energy.
• Canelli, Italy: An unusual optical phenomenon caused the setting sun to appear doubled due to atmospheric refraction.
• Avigliana, Italy: Three flying objects were reportedly seen in formation, coinciding with a conference on archaeological findings on Monte Musinè.

Ancient Astronaut Theory and Scientific Skepticism

The magazine also touches upon the ancient astronaut theory, referencing a discussion in the Soviet journal Znanie-sila about whether extraterrestrial spacecraft visited Earth in the past. It mentions the Tunguska event and ancient traditions that speak of celestial beings and flying chariots. The article highlights the difficulty in verifying such claims due to lost documentation and deliberate falsifications of artifacts, citing examples like the Piltdown Man and a fossilized bean pod inserted into a meteorite.

Book Reviews and News

Briefly mentioned are upcoming books on UFOs by Italian journalist Forcella and Mario Caddeo, as well as a new book by Doctor Alberto Perego. A report on a documentary film produced by Rai and Bavaria about flying saucers, titled "The Silver Pyramid," is also included.

Erich von Däniken Convicted

A notable piece of news reports the conviction of Swiss writer Erich von Däniken, author of "Chariots of the Gods?" and "Return to the Stars," for fraud. He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for falsifying documents and defrauding creditors, despite having become a millionaire while awaiting trial.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence, the scientific investigation of cosmic phenomena like pulsars and exoplanets, and the persistent mystery of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting intriguing hypotheses and reports of unexplained events alongside scientific findings and skeptical viewpoints. The magazine encourages readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding, particularly in light of new astronomical discoveries and ongoing UFO reports.