Notiziario UFO - 1970 03-04 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NOTIZIARIO UFO
Issue: 2 (Volume 32)
Date: March-April 1970
Publisher: C.U.N. (Centro Unico Nazionale)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of Notiziario UFO, the official bimonthly publication of the National Unified Center for the study of phenomena believed to be of extraterrestrial nature, provides a comprehensive look at UFO activity and research in early 1970. The magazine aims to offer a technical and scientific analysis of unidentified flying objects and related issues.

Editorial: The Crisis in UFO Research

The editorial highlights the profound crisis in UFO research in the USA following the closure of the Air Force's 'PROJECT BLUEBOOK'. This event has led to the dissolution of numerous smaller UFO study groups and has put pressure on more established organizations like NICAP, led by Donald E. Keyhoe. The editorial attributes these defections to a fear of 'discrediting' themselves in the eyes of the public, who have largely accepted the 'Condon Report'. However, it also notes that a segment of scientists dissent from the USAF's policy and the 'Condon Commission's' methods, asserting that the problem of unidentified flying objects remains a valid area of study, returning to the point of discussion from 1966.

Historical Context: The UFO Phenomenon Begins

The issue traces the origins of the UFO phenomenon back to June 24, 1947, when pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing a chain of strange, flat objects oscillating in a zig-zag pattern near Mount Rainier, Washington, at an estimated speed of 1200-1700 mph. This event marked the beginning of widespread reports, initially termed 'UFO' (Unidentified Flying Objects). Early theories speculated about Soviet secret craft, but public opinion soon divided between those who believed they were craft from other worlds and those who attributed them to atmospheric phenomena.

In 1952, the increasing number of sightings prompted a press conference by the US Air Force, where meteorological explanations were favored. Despite a period of calm, sightings surged again in 1957, largely explained as known electromagnetic effects. A lull followed until 1964, when reports of 'elliptical objects' and objects that landed, leaving scorched grass, became more frequent. By 1966, descriptions included extremely illuminated cylindrical objects and oval objects that disrupted electrical transmissions and stopped car engines. By mid-1967, an estimated twenty thousand sightings had been reported globally, though 70-80% were deemed rationally explainable, too vague, or inaccurate.

UFOs in Brazil: A Wave of Activity

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO activity in Brazil, detailing numerous sightings and landings that occurred particularly in the state of São Paulo starting in late August 1968. These events took place in locations such as Villa Mariana, Ribeirão Pires, Bauru, and Lins, often near electrical power plants and strategic centers. The report details an incident where a night guard at a power plant in Bauru was allegedly attacked by three individuals dressed in black, who then entered a 'Volkswagen-like' grey craft and departed. The incident was investigated by authorities, including a representative from the Presidency and the head of Military Intelligence.

Further reports from Brazil include sightings near power plants, such as one in Pernambuco on August 9, 1968, where a luminous object interrupted high-tension power lines. The magazine also recounts an incident in Lins where a 'flying saucer' landed near a sanatorium, and a tall, foreign-looking woman emerged requesting water. The witness, Maria José Cintra, was described as credible. Another report details a UFO landing near the hospital in Belo Horizonte on September 14, 1967, involving two pilots described as over two meters tall.

The 'Blackout' Phenomenon and UFOs

The issue extensively discusses the phenomenon of mysterious power outages, often referred to as 'blackouts', that have coincided with UFO sightings in various parts of the world. It cites examples such as the August 3, 1958 blackout in Rome, May 15, 1961, in London, June 14, 1961, in New York, and the major 'big blackout' of November 9, 1965, affecting New York and six other US states. Other significant blackouts mentioned include those in London (November 15, 1965), strategic areas of Texas, Alaska, and Canada (December 1965), Buenos Aires (December 26, 1965), Naples (January 8, 1966), and widespread outages in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Utah (April 26, 1966), as well as Portugal (November 4, 1966) and Denmark (March 29, 1967).

The magazine specifically links the power outage in Recife during Queen Elizabeth II's visit on November 1, 1968, to this pattern. It also notes similar occurrences during high-level political meetings, such as President Johnson's conference in Honolulu (February 8, 1966), a meeting in Jakarta (August 11, 1966), and a visit by the Soviet Minister Kossighin to Ankara (December 19, 1966).

Detailed Sightings and Investigations

The magazine provides a chronological list of UFO sightings and incidents in Brazil from January to May 1969. These include:

• January 5, 1969: A 'flying saucer' observed over Belo Horizonte, flying over the telephone exchange and television tower.
• January 8, 1969: Sightings over Oliveira (M.G.) near an electrical plant, and over Barbacena (M.G.) near a television station and military school.
• January 27, 1969: A 'disc' sighted in Limera (S.P.), remaining stationary for twenty minutes.
• January 31, 1969: A landing at Fazenda Santa Teresina in Lins (S.P.), observed by the owner and his family.
• February 7, 1969: Hundreds observed a landing in Pirassununga (S.P.), where two small pilots emerged from the craft and interacted with a young man named Tiago Machado, using a paralyzing ray to prevent him from approaching.
• February 15, 1969: The FAB (Brazilian Air Force) decides to create a special department to investigate UFO appearances.
• February 18, 1969: A 'disc' observed over São José church in Belo Horizonte.
• February 25, 1969: A UFO over Ribas do Rio Pardo (Campo Grande, Mato Grosso) paralyzed an electric locomotive.
• February 27, 1969: New sightings in Lins (S.P.).
• March 3, 1969: 'Discs' reported near a petroleum refinery in Belo Horizonte.
• March 12, 1969: A UFO near Campinas (S.P.) stopped a car and changed its luminescence.
• April 1, 1969: A sensational sighting on the Serra de Maxambomba, observed by hundreds.
• April 5, 1969: Numerous nighttime sightings in Itaperuna (Rio State).
• April 6, 1969: A 'disc' photographed on Serra Dourada (Goiás State).
• May 10, 1969: A soldier was reportedly taken on a 'flying saucer' from Pedro Leopoldo to Colatina, remaining absent for 48 hours.

Notable Cases and Personalities

The magazine features an account from painter Franco Tomassini, who claims to have seen a 'flying saucer' near Pescara, Italy. He described a very tall individual emerging from the craft, requesting water. The report includes a sketch of the object made by Tomassini.

It also mentions the testimony of Maria José Cintra, a night guard at a sanatorium in Lins, Brazil, who reported a landing and an encounter with a woman from a 'disc'. The investigation by Nigel Rimes for the FLYING SAUCER REVIEW reportedly confirmed Cintra's good faith.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UFO sightings worldwide, the challenges faced by UFO researchers, particularly in the USA after the closure of Project Bluebook, and the intriguing correlation between UFO appearances and unexplained power outages. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the phenomenon, acknowledging the difficulties and skepticism but advocating for continued investigation into the 'enormous body of unexplained cases'. The magazine aims to provide documented evidence and analysis, even when personal conclusions of contributors like Alberto Perego may not always align with the CUN's official stance.

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO, dated August 15, 1966, with the title "Globo misterioso nel cielo: e poi Napoli piomba nel buio" (Mysterious Globe in the Sky: and then Naples Plunges into Darkness), delves into the phenomenon of widespread electrical power outages and their potential connection to UFO sightings. Published by the CENTRO ITALIANO STUDI AVIAZIONE ELETTROMAGNETICA, the magazine presents a collection of testimonies and reports from various countries, suggesting a pattern of mysterious events that defy simple explanation.

UFO Sightings and Electrical Disruptions in Brazil

The magazine details numerous UFO sightings in Brazil during May, June, and July of 1969. These sightings often involved 'disks' or luminous globes exhibiting unusual flight patterns. Notably, several of these sightings coincided with unexplained electrical power outages in the affected areas. For instance, in Saramenha (M.G.) on May 25, 1969, a 'disk' sighting was accompanied by a complete electrical outage. Similarly, in Itajubá (M.G.) on May 29, 1969, a 'disk' presence was linked to a 15-minute suspension of electricity.

Other Brazilian incidents include:

• May 13, 1969 (Nanuque, M.G.): Numerous sightings caused public agitation.
• May 21, 1969 (Baurú, S.P.): Witnesses observed a 'disk' that departed upon the approach of an aircraft.
• May 25, 1969 (Manaus): An army officer, professors, and students witnessed a UFO evolving over the city at high speed.
• May 29, 1969 (Montes Claros): A 'flying disk' reportedly landed in the main square and then flew across the city.
• May 31, 1969 (Santa Cruz): Two truck drivers saw a UFO land and then take off again.
• June 1, 1969 (Lavras, M.G.): A 'flying disk' was clearly observed and photographed by about a hundred people.
• July 12, 1969 (Ibiúna): Reports of sightings and landings, including 'dancing lights' and 'fireballs,' with three landings leaving ground traces.
• July 23, 1969 (Rio Grande do Sul): A UFO allegedly used a luminous ray to affect a car, and its occupants were reportedly 'lifted' and dropped.

The "Big Black-Out" and International Incidents

The issue extensively covers the massive power outage that affected the northeastern United States and Canada on November 9, 1965. This event, referred to as the "big black-out," plunged an area of 80,000 square miles into darkness for up to 14 hours, impacting millions of people and causing widespread panic. The article details the technical cascade of failures that led to the outage, originating from a relay trip on an Ontario Hydro line. It notes that while official investigations pointed to technical causes, the sheer scale of the event led to public speculation about more extraordinary explanations.

Further international incidents are mentioned, including power outages in:

• London: Partially affected by cold.
• Stoccolma, Sweden: Experienced a blackout.
• Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Suffered electrical disruptions.
• Texas and New Mexico, USA: Regions bordering Mexico experienced outages.
• Eastern Netherlands: A significant blackout occurred.
• Alaska, Northern Canada, and Vancouver Island: Experienced disruptions.
• Melbourne, Australia: Affected by power loss.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina: Experienced an outage.
• Southern Italy: Including Naples and Bari, suffered long interruptions.

The "Day the Earth Stood Still" and UFO Parallels

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to analyzing the 1951 science fiction film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (titled "ULTIMATUM ALLA TERRA" in Italian). The article highlights how the film's plot, which involves an alien emissary named Klaatu and his robot Gort neutralizing Earth's electrical power as a demonstration, eerily parallels real-world events. The film's depiction of a global power shutdown is presented as a curious precursor to the actual "big black-out" of 1965. The magazine notes that the film, released in 1957, featured elements like flying disks and extraterrestrial visitors that resonated with the growing public interest in UFO phenomena.

It is suggested that the film's themes, particularly the idea of extraterrestrial intervention to prevent human self-destruction through atomic warfare, might have influenced or resonated with the public's interpretation of UFO events and power failures.

Official Responses and Public Skepticism

The magazine notes that official investigations into these power outages, like the Warren Commission's report on the Kennedy assassination, often provided technical explanations that failed to fully convince the public. The sheer scale and mysterious nature of these events led to widespread speculation, including theories of sabotage, secret weapons, and extraterrestrial intervention. The article quotes letters to newspapers suggesting that "Martians" might be responsible for shutting off electricity.

In Brazil, the Air Force (FAB) reportedly made investigations difficult by attempting to suppress information. In the US, the USAF, while admitting to "unsettling presences" during the 1952 Washington UFO incident, sought to downplay the events.

Naples Blackout and Mysterious Globe

The issue's cover story focuses on a specific incident in Naples on January 8, 1966. On that night, a mysterious luminous globe was reportedly seen in the sky just moments before a widespread electrical outage paralyzed large parts of Southern Italy. The globe was allegedly observed by multiple witnesses, including two NATO pilots, and was described as descending to about a thousand meters before disappearing towards Capri. This event, coupled with the lack of a clear explanation for the blackout, fueled speculation about a connection between the celestial phenomenon and the electrical failure.

An electrician in Naples reportedly claimed that the electricity didn't completely disappear but became extremely weak, a detail that further deepened the mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the potential link between UFO phenomena and unexplained electrical power failures. The magazine presents a narrative that leans towards the extraordinary, highlighting witness testimonies and the limitations of official explanations. It suggests that the consistent pattern of these events, across different countries and time periods, points towards a phenomenon that is not merely technical but possibly related to extraterrestrial activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these unexplained events, presenting evidence that challenges conventional explanations and encourages readers to consider the possibility of UFO involvement in global power disruptions.

LA NAZIONE, dated November 15, 1965, is an Italian newspaper that dedicates significant coverage to the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and their potential connection to unexplained events, particularly power failures. The issue features a prominent headline about a mysterious daytime darkness over Washington D.C. and delves into the recent New York blackout.

New York Blackout and UFOs

The lead story on page 1 discusses the New York blackout of November 9, 1965, and a similar event in Southern Italy on January 8, 1966. It notes that both incidents occurred simultaneously with reported sightings of UFOs. While officials attributed the New York blackout to a 'relay' failure at the Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric plant near Niagara Falls, the article highlights that UFOs were also reported in the area at the time. The newspaper quotes TIME magazine, mentioning that some New Yorkers believed they saw a satellite pass over the city at the moment the lights failed, leading to speculation about Russian involvement.

The article contrasts the American tendency to rationalize such events as 'satellites' with a more critical European perspective, referencing the controversy surrounding the Warren Report on the Kennedy assassination as an example of differing public reactions. It also cites a report by Auro Roselli in 'Il Giorno' which sarcastically suggests that 'something went wrong near Niagara,' a location where a UFO was also sighted by a pilot and other witnesses.

Washington Plunged into Darkness

Page 2 features the main headline 'Tenebre di giorno oscurano Washington' (Daytime darkness obscures Washington), detailing an event on March 15, 1959. For approximately three hours, Washington and its surroundings experienced an unexplained darkness. This phenomenon led to thousands of calls to meteorological offices and police. The article notes the coincidence of this event with the period before Easter and mentions that meteorologists found it unusual. It also touches upon magnetic disturbances in radio transmissions and auroras observed in unusual locations around the same time, attributing the official explanation to an 'electromagnetic storm due to solar spots.' However, the article questions this explanation, suggesting the possibility of artificial causation through magnetic deviation of photons, especially given the atmospheric humidity.

The article lists several other instances of unexplained blackouts in various cities globally, including Tokyo, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Paris, and Bonn, often preceding significant international events like the Geneva conferences. It speculates that these events might be warnings or messages from extraterrestrial civilizations, particularly in the context of the Cold War and the development of nuclear weapons.

Statistical Correlation: UFOs and Power Failures

Page 4 presents a detailed analysis titled 'L'argomento non potrebbe dirsi esaurito se non rilevassimo un ultimo sconcertante nesso apparente fra le apparizioni degli UFO e le misteriose interruzioni di corrente' (The topic could not be considered exhausted if we did not note a final disconcerting apparent link between UFO appearances and mysterious power interruptions). This section refers to a study by Paul J. Smith of APRO, published in 'THE APRO BULLETIN' (March-April 1970), titled 'Power Failures Vs. Unidentified Flying Objects.' The study, based on official data from the USAF's 'PROJECT BLUEBOOK' and records of power interruptions in US metropolises from 1954 to 1966, presents a graph showing two curves. The solid line represents the annual frequency of UFO sightings, and the dashed line represents the annual frequency of power interruptions. The article highlights that these two curves are 'in phase' and maintain a constant trend year after year, suggesting a strong correlation. A slight phase difference is noted for 1956, which the authors suggest could be resolved with further data. The article concludes that, while hasty generalizations should be avoided, the analysis demonstrates an intimate connection between UFO phenomena and power failures when compared statistically, encouraging further investigation.

Other Articles and Features

'I marziani?' (The Martians?)

This section, appearing on page 1, poses the question of how one would react if the lights were out for an extended period. It humorously suggests that people might not announce the situation to avoid panic, instead attributing it to a local issue like a problem at Niagara. This piece seems to be a commentary on public reaction to crises and potential extraterrestrial involvement.

'LE CONCLUSIONI DELL'INDAGINE' (The Conclusions of the Investigation)

This section on page 1 summarizes the findings regarding the New York blackout, attributing it to a 'relay' failure in the Ontario hydroelectric plant.

'Una palla di fuoco si levò sul Niagara' (A ball of fire rose over Niagara)

This article on page 1 reports a pilot's testimony of seeing a large 'ball of fire' rise from the power lines near Niagara Falls immediately after the blackout. The pilot, Weldon Ross, described it as looking like a grenade exploding.

'MEDIO PORTUGAL A OSCURA' (Portugal's Interior in Darkness)

This brief report on page 2 mentions a one-hour blackout in Portugal, with investigations underway to determine the cause. It notes that the cause was a strong electrical overload.

'Danimarca al buio' (Denmark in Darkness)

This report on page 2 describes a two-hour power outage in parts of Denmark, which caused chaos. The cause is speculated to be an excessive load on power plants due to high temperatures and the use of air conditioners. Another hypothesis mentioned is a squirrel falling into a transformer.

'L'Onu detta legge sugli <spazi esterni>' (The UN Makes Laws on <Outer Space>)

This article on page 3 discusses the work of a special UN commission in Geneva concerning the peaceful regulation of outer space. It notes that two rival projects, one American and one Russian, do not consider the possibility of intelligent beings existing beyond Earth. The article implies that humanity is disregarding the rights of potential extraterrestrial inhabitants.

'Misteriose interruzioni dell'energia elettrica in tre Stati americani' (Mysterious power interruptions in three American states)

This brief report on page 3 mentions two power interruptions in the Midwest states of Nebraska, Iowa, and Dakota, with the causes unknown. It recalls a similar interruption in New York eight months prior that lasted 12 hours.

'I DISCHI PARLANO' and 'A.C. Bailey'

These are references on page 3 to books by G.H. Williamson and A.C. Bailey, suggesting they discuss communication with extraterrestrials.

'Globus' Magazine Announcement

Page 4 features an announcement for 'Globus,' a magazine for collectors, which will begin publishing articles on UFOs curated by the CUN starting with its next issue.

'I MARZIANI?' (The Martians?)

This section on page 4 promotes the seventh issue of the photographic magazine 'SKEMA,' which includes UFO-related documentation in collaboration with the CUN.

'L'AVIAZIONE DI ALTRI PIANETI OPERA TRA NOI' (The Aviation of Other Planets Operates Among Us)

Pages 5 and 6 extensively promote a book by Alberto Perego titled 'L'Aviazione di Altri Pianeti Opera Tra Noi.' The book is described as the result of eight years of investigation across continents, presenting a 'new reality' about extraterrestrial aviation. Perego claims this aviation has prevented atomic conflicts and the spread of radioactive fallout from nuclear tests. The book is presented as essential for understanding the 'new reality' and the 'political consequences' of this extraterrestrial presence. It mentions that scientists and military leaders like MacArthur and Dowding acknowledge this reality. A second book by Perego, 'La Rivelazione Dell'Era Cosmica,' is also announced.

'PUBBLICITA INFORMATIVA' (Informative Advertising)

This section on page 5 lists numerous books related to UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, with their publishers and prices. Titles include works by Frank Edwards, John G. Fuller, Coral Lorenzen, Peter Kolosimo, and others. It also lists books by 'Ashtar Sheran,' presented as extraterrestrial communications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of LA NAZIONE revolve around the unexplained, particularly UFO sightings and their correlation with mysterious power failures. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, suggesting that they are not mere accidents but may be deliberate actions or communications from extraterrestrial intelligences. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations and a leaning towards the idea that governments may be withholding information or that a 'conspiracy of silence' exists. The newspaper actively promotes books and magazines that explore these topics, positioning itself as a disseminator of information on UFOs and related mysteries. The issue emphasizes the potential global significance of these events, suggesting they are crucial for humanity's future and may even be attempts by advanced civilizations to guide humanity away from self-destruction, particularly concerning nuclear warfare.