Notiziario UFO - 1971 06-07 No 39

Magazine Overview

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO, identified as number 39 and dated June-July 1971, is the official bimonthly publication of the 'centro unico nazionale' (CUN) for the study of phenomena considered to be of extraterrestrial origin. It is authorized by the Tribunal of Bologna and published in Italy.

Editorial: 'Perché continuare' by A. Michel

In his editorial, A. Michel reflects on the progress of UFO research over the past two decades, acknowledging that some advancements are due to isolated researchers. However, he stresses the indispensable role of research centers and investigative bodies, as no single researcher could achieve significant conclusions without access to the vast amount of material they collect. Michel outlines his view of ufological research, categorizing activities into three types: investigative organizations, isolated researchers, and the 'Collegio Invisibile' (Invisible College).

Investigative Organizations: These entities have the crucial, albeit monotonous and discouraging, task of collecting facts. Michel notes that even a year of observations or a single wave in one country can reveal the phenomenon's structure, but this can lead to a sense of repetition and futility, which he argues is only apparent.

Isolated Researchers: These individuals gather data, compare it, and elaborate on it. They rely heavily on the information provided by investigative networks.

The 'Collegio Invisibile': This group consists of scientists, many of whom cannot openly engage in UFO research due to their professional positions. They are as vital to isolated researchers as the investigative organizations, keeping them informed about advancements in science and proposing new ideas. Michel clarifies that individuals can belong to all three groups simultaneously. He mentions Vallée, Creighton, Bowen, and himself as part of this 'Invisible College,' which is not a secret society but a convention reflecting the scientific community's average mindset. He notes collaborations with groups like STENDEK and LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT, and mentions prominent scientists like McDonald, Saunders, Hynek, and Salisbury who can conduct research openly.

A diagram illustrates the flow of information, with the 'Phenomenon' feeding into 'Information Networks of Investigative Organizations,' which then disseminate data through 'Periodic Bulletins' to 'Isolated Researchers.' These researchers interact with the 'Invisible College,' and feedback loops exist between researchers and the information networks.

The 'Invisible College' and International Collaboration

Michel discusses the 'Invisible College' further, describing it as a global network of scientists, cosmonauts, and technicians who have been studying UFOs since 1964. This network is highly organized, ensuring that members are informed about significant events within days. A central archive contains over 18,000 case files, managed with modern classification and processing methods. He emphasizes that this community does not seek publicity and that its members are often well-known scientists.

Michel addresses the skepticism and discouragement among Italian researchers, attributing it partly to a perceived lack of critical rigor and depth in Italian UFO investigations. He suggests that Italian researchers have not fully trusted or engaged with international information networks. To overcome this, he proposes that Italian bulletins should demonstrate prudence, critical spirit, seriousness, and a deep understanding of phenomena that can be confused with UFOs, while maintaining absolute independence from the press. He points to Spain as an example of success in this regard.

He also suggests that Italian investigative organizations could attract high-level foreign researchers by publishing in-depth studies of significant Italian cases, complete with supporting materials like site plans, diagrams, analyses, and witness testimonies, similar to the cases of Socorro and Valensole.

Michel notes a foreign criticism of Italian ufology: the lack of open condemnation of irresponsible publications. He argues that foreign researchers cannot fully grasp the nuances of the Italian context and are left waiting for clarity. He expresses regret, given the known scientific ingenuity of Italians and the significant UFO phenomenon in Italy. He specifically questions why the important historical UFO wave of autumn 1954 in Italy, which followed a similar wave in France, was not thoroughly investigated.

Michel concludes by suggesting that publishing a well-elaborated catalog of the 1954 Italian UFO wave could generate global interest, potentially leading to studies by scientists like Saunders and Vallée and widespread coverage in English-language magazines.

Note di redazione (Editorial Notes)

This section provides references to previous articles and publications related to UFOs:

• 'Ortotenia' mentioned in NOTIZIARIO UFO N°3, 1970 and idem N° 5,1970.
• 'Dottor X' discussed in Flying Saucer Review, Special Issue №3, September 1969, titled 'UFO PERCIPIENTS'.
• The concept of 'Collegio Invisibile' is referenced.

A. MICHEL: 'Una rete mondiale di studiosi'

This section, extracted from an article by Aimé Michel originally published in 'Pianeta N°12 Agosto-Settembre 1966,' describes the 'Invisible College.' It reiterates that this is not a secret society but a global network of scientists, cosmonauts, and technicians studying UFOs since 1964. The network is highly efficient in information dissemination, with a central archive of over 18,000 case files. Michel explains that the silence of these scientists stems from a profound intellectual schism and an anguish related to the significance of their findings. He states that all researchers who have examined the UFO case files have reached the same conclusion, a truth that is difficult to proclaim publicly.

McDonald

The magazine announces the death of Dr. McDonald with deep regret, noting that details are scarce. They received information from the American Embassy in Rome, referencing a brief report in 'Aviation Week and Space Technology' (June 21, 1971). Dr. McDonald's body was found near his home in the Arizona desert. The article laments the significant void left in the ufological field by his passing.

UN CASO DI COSCIENZA (A Case of Conscience) - J.A. HYNEK

This article details the pivotal role of J.A. Hynek in challenging the official stance on UFOs. It recounts the events of April 5, 1966, when, under pressure from public opinion following the August-September 1965 UFO wave, Republican leader Gerald Ford convened a hearing of the Military Affairs Committee. Key figures present included Senator Mendel Rivers, Hector Quintanilla (Director of Project Blue Book), J.A. Hynek (scientific consultant to Blue Book), and Harold Brown (Secretary of State for Aeronautics).

During the hearing, Dr. Hynek declared that Air Force communications did not reflect the truth, that unexplained cases were accumulating without serious study, and that UFO investigation should be a task for a civilian, scientific commission, not the military. This marked a significant departure from his previous role.

The article references Hynek's earlier statements in 'Yale Scientific Magazine' (April 1963), where he refuted the notion that UFO sightings were solely by people without scientific knowledge and noted the lack of scientific examination despite the volume of data.

Quintanilla, Hynek's superior at Blue Book, reportedly attacked him violently, possibly viewing him as a 'traitor.' However, Hynek's stance was seen as a matter of conscience, supported by his reputation for seriousness and competence.

Hynek explained his open action against the U.S. Air Force by stating his scientific conscience refused to summarily dismiss a new scientific fact simply because it went against the current. He considered the UFO problem of capital importance, a conclusion reached after eighteen years of study.

In a letter published in 'Science Magazine' (August 1, 1966), Hynek concluded: "I cannot dismiss the UFO phenomenon with a shrug. I have formed the idea that within 20th-century science there is a tendency to forget that there will be a 21st-century science."

Hynek's actions led to the creation of the Condon Commission.

The article further details Hynek's involvement in the 1967 Playboy article and the 1967 Prague International Astronautical Congress, where the 'Commission Zero' met. Scientists from various countries, including Carl Sagan, Philip Morrison, Donald Menzel, Franklin Ranch, Robert Low, and Aimé Michel, participated. Following this, Playboy published Hynek's article, expressing concern about potential Soviet advancements in UFO mystery resolution. The Soviet agency TASS then announced the creation of a UFO study office.

The article mentions the Condon Report's conclusion in 1969, which Hynek found unacceptable. Condon's report stated that UFO studies had added little to scientific knowledge and further investigations were not justified, echoing Hynek's earlier concern about science forgetting the future.

In 1971, Hynek continued to lament the obscurity surrounding the UFO problem. To preserve potentially valuable scientific material, he initiated a 'Project Blue Book' at Northwestern University, offering anonymity to observers to protect them from ridicule by their colleagues. Hynek insisted that UFO sightings are often made by respectable observers, including scientists and technicians, and that the idea that they are exclusively reported by ordinary people is a popular misconception.

C.U.N. Address and Information Request

The C.U.N. provides its address (CAS. POSTALE 796, 40100 BOLOGNA) for collaborations. They request newspaper clippings with sources and dates, personal UFO sighting reports, and studies or analyses of phenomena relevant to their research. They also mention an 'EXCHANGE COPY' policy for publications and specialized magazines.

PUBBLICITA INFORMATIVA (Informative Advertising)

This section lists books available for purchase:

• 'GLI OSCAR' series (Mondadori): 'IL MATTINO DEI MAGHI' by Pauwels and Bergier (Lit. 900).
• 'GLI ENIGMI' series (Dellavalle Editore): 'GLI DEI VENUTI DALLE STELLE' by Jean Sendy (Lit. 3.000) and 'L' UNIVERSO SCONOSCIUTO' by Jean E. Charon (Lit. 3.000).
• 'I MISTERI DELL'UNIVERSO' series (Newton Compton Italiana): 'DALLE GALASSIE AI CONTINENTI SCOMPARSI' by Quixe Cardinale (Lit. 2.500).
• 'Giornale dei Misteri' by Corrado Tedeschi Editore (Lit. 200).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of organized research efforts, and the challenges posed by skepticism and official resistance. The editorial stance, particularly through A. Michel and the coverage of J.A. Hynek's work, advocates for a more open, rigorous, and internationally collaborative approach to ufology. There is a strong emphasis on the value of collected data and the need for scientists to overcome professional barriers to study this phenomenon seriously. The issue also highlights the difficulties faced by Italian researchers in gaining international recognition and calls for improved investigative standards within Italy. The death of Dr. McDonald serves as a somber reminder of the personal toll and the loss experienced by the ufological community.

Title: L.E.F.
Issue: 23-24-2-71
Date: February 23-24, 1971

This issue of L.E.F. delves into the mysterious "red cloud" phenomenon observed in the skies of northwestern Italy, Spain, and France on February 23-24, 1971. The publication questions the official explanation and presents a detailed investigation into witness testimonies and potential causes.

The "Red Cloud" Phenomenon and Initial Investigations

The article begins by recounting the immediate aftermath of the "red cloud" sighting in Italy, where the reasonable doubt arose that it might be a space experiment conducted in the upper atmosphere. By February 25th, a significant volume of reports from Italy and abroad had accumulated. Despite the possibility of linking the most apparent aspects of the phenomenon to a scientific experience, the investigators deemed it worthwhile to continue their inquiry due to reports that did not fit such a simple explanation, citing discrepancies in location, technical characteristics, and timing.

Four months later, the publication maintains its stance that the events of February 23-24, 1971, were more complex than the "Tibère" experiment within the "Electre" project. While acknowledging a potential connection, they argue that the phenomenon warranted examination by those interested in UFO analysis. The official communication from the French National Center for Space Studies (ONERA) is contested not for its authenticity, which is not doubted, but for its imprecision and lack of consistent data. The authors emphasize the importance of public participation in scientific and technological progress, finding ONERA's post-hoc explanation, which left citizens and scientists astonished, unsatisfactory.

Challenges in Gathering Testimony

The investigations, initiated promptly, were soon limited to a few testimonies, often lacking crucial details. This was attributed to the natural diffidence of residents in the affected areas towards investigators. This diffidence was exacerbated by "rumors" spread by irresponsible interviewers who, to safeguard the exclusivity of their findings, frightened witnesses with terrifying tales borrowed from science fiction. Consequently, many witnesses failed to recall precise times or durations of their observations, providing only vague data like "towards evening," "it was dark," or "for a few seconds."

Furthermore, some areas identified as potential crash sites were inaccessible due to heavy snowfall during the period. Local guides recommended the summer (June-July) for reconnaissance, a timeframe the investigators felt was too distant from the events to yield significant traces, though they planned to conduct the survey regardless.

The publication also expresses strong disapproval of the media's handling of the information, accusing some outlets of trading journalistic integrity for sensationalism. This "unqualified behavior" hampered the investigations, leaving the researchers still seeking direct and reliable testimonies four months later, which was deemed an unfavorable condition for the positive progression of ufological research.

International Sightings and Reports

Spain - Balearic Islands (Mallorca)

On February 23, 1971, between 6 PM and 7 PM, bus passengers near Pollensa observed a spheroid object moving at fantastic speed from the North, seemingly disappearing between two hills. Witnesses believed it had crashed. Military personnel from the Puerto Pollense Air Base initiated an investigation, which concluded that the object had fallen into the sea, explaining the lack of ground traces. Some hunters also reported seeing the object hover in the air, surrounded by something like smoke.

Spain - Montserrat

On February 23, 1971, a monk reported a flying object to the Guardia Civil. Despite an investigation, no object was found. The General of the Air Sector of Catalonia was informed, and Colonel Archanco of the Zaragoza Air Base was ordered to send units for investigation. Reports also emerged of three pilots observing the object, with one pilot claiming to have passed within 200 meters of an object moving at approximately 1200 km/h.

Commander Apodaca of the Spanish airline IBERIA, along with passengers on his flight "Città di Siviglia," also observed the phenomenon. At 8:30 PM, about 40 miles from Barcelona, Apodaca reported a brilliant circular object. He photographed it using a camera provided by a passenger.

Spain - San Sebastian

On February 23, 1971, an object reportedly fell into the Atlantic Ocean, 25 miles north of San Sebastian, near a fishing boat. Fisherman Josè Pèrez Gomez described the object as appearing "incendiary," moving slowly at first, then at full speed before crashing into the water, causing a large splash. The atmosphere was filled with a strong, unpleasant odor, like gasoline but worse. A burning residue was visible at the impact site for about ten minutes. The object was described as silvery, with a red spot on the front and a yellow-gold color on the rear, featuring a tapered point and very large wings. Gomez reported hearing a loud noise that ceased as the object fell. Another boat marked the impact site with a buoy. Gomez arrived at port late due to a fuel line issue. The Marina in San Sebastian had no prior knowledge of any objects falling in that area. An EFE agency report from Paris suggested the object was a scientific capsule from the Landes Test Center returning to Earth. However, this explanation lacked details regarding the time and characteristics of the object.

France - Marseille

On February 23, around 8 PM, a large spheroid object, described as orange and moving erratically, traversed the sky of Marseille from East to West, disappearing towards Italy. Witnesses reported its altitude to be around a hundred kilometers.

France - Mens (Isère)

Around 7:10 PM, a triangular object with a bright yellow color appeared, moving from Northeast to Southwest at a speed comparable to a jet plane. A protuberance at the top of the object, appearing as large as a full moon, extended downwards, making the object resemble a giant funnel. The apparent fall lasted about five minutes, leaving a luminous conical area visible.

France - Correze

A luminous cone appeared on the horizon, moving from East to West at jet-plane speed. Its base was several kilometers wide, and it shone with an intense luminescence. A luminous rod descended from the cone's vertex, followed by a reddish sphere, after which the cone disappeared. A luminous trail, later enriched with reddish streaks, remained in its wake. In Saintes and Aiffres, witnesses reported hearing explosions after the sphere fell, while in Gers, a whistling sound similar to a jet plane was heard.

ONERA's Official Explanation and Critiques

ONERA issued a statement the following day, explaining the phenomenon as the return of a scientific capsule from the "Tibère" rocket, launched from the Landes Experimental Center. The plume of gas from the third stage's combustion, illuminated by the setting sun, supposedly caused the luminous phenomenon observed across France. The "Tibère" rocket was a three-stage vehicle, and this was its first launch. The elements of the rocket were designed to fall into the ocean. The experiment's purpose was to analyze electrical phenomena during the re-entry of hypersonic vehicles. ONERA stated the operation was satisfactory, with the third stage's combustion occurring between 130 and 60 km altitude. The article notes that the twilight conditions would have made it easier for observers to see the gas plume and ionized trail.

However, the publication cites M. Lagarde from "Lumières Dans La Nuit" (May issue) who criticizes ONERA's communication. Lagarde points out that all post-event communications about the "Tibère" experience seem to originate from ONERA. He expresses disappointment that ONERA, a public entity, did not provide a more detailed explanation to the public, leaving witnesses with unease and doubt. He also highlights the lack of notification to observatories, meteorological stations, and the public about the experiment, deeming it "absolutely distressing."

Despite the official explanation, Lagarde finds comfort in the fact that UFO witnesses, regardless of their ability to attribute their observations, described phenomena consistently and sometimes provided sketches comparable to photographs. This reinforces his belief in the reality of their experiences.

Further Analysis and Hypotheses

The article then revisits the ONERA communication, noting that the "Tibère" rocket weighed 4500 kg and was 14.50 meters long, with a third stage similar to the "Diamant A" rocket. This third stage, attached to the scientific capsule, ignited upon descent, causing acceleration. Safety devices were in place to destroy the stage in case of danger.

Meteorite Hypothesis

In Italy, initial hypotheses suggested the objects were meteorites. Testimonies described flying objects resembling "balls of fire" moving roughly East to West, with some reporting "crashes." The article examines several such testimonies:

• Campo dei Fiori (Varese): Professor Furia and Dr. Camilla Zanzi instrumentally observed a spheroid object moving from East-Northeast across Varesotto, Lake Maggiore, and Monte Rosa, with recorded data on direction, speed, and tail characteristics.
• Perrero: A white trail, wider and lower than jet exhaust, preceded by an object with reddish glows, was observed. Some heard noises similar to a sputtering engine. The object was heading Northwest.
• Fenestrelle: Similar objects were observed with a Southeast direction.
• Monte Bric Ghinivert: Numerous inhabitants reported seeing "something" fall "towards evening" on the north slope.
• Monginevro/Modane: A red, spheroid object was seen making an extensive trajectory, seemingly crashing onto the Moncenisio massif, or disappearing into French territory. A smoke trail was observed, followed by a large white flare upon impact.

Marcel Giordan, director of the Moncenisio Hydroelectric Center, reported a communication interruption while on radio with Chambery, followed by seeing a luminous globe cross the sky. However, it was later clarified that the director was Monsieur Tichit, and the center is near an ONERA facility. The article suggests that these observations could indicate significant trajectories for meteorite theory or other phenomena.

Natural Illuminated Cloud Hypothesis

This hypothesis, one of the first proposed, referred to a mysterious luminescence observed over nearly a thousand kilometers. It was quickly retracted.

Artificial Cloud from Scientific Experiment Hypothesis

This hypothesis was advanced by more cautious observers. The lack of prior announcements for such a large-scale experiment was puzzling. The idea of an "artificial plasma cloud" was considered, but French communications clarified that the experiment aimed to study ionization mechanisms during space capsule re-entry, and the cloud formation was "accidental" and not planned in its magnitude. This explanation, while not officially confirmed, offers a reason for the French silence preceding the experiment.

Strategic Missiles Launched in Error Hypothesis

This rather fanciful hypothesis suggested that the sudden appearance of the mysterious cloud and unidentified objects might have triggered an international security system, leading to the accidental launch of tactical missiles. This was proposed to explain objects seen flying in various directions and seemingly crashing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the discrepancy between official explanations and witness testimonies. The editorial stance appears critical of official bodies like ONERA for their lack of transparency and the media for sensationalism. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of detailed, accurate reporting and the challenges faced by independent researchers in gathering reliable data. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding unexplained aerial phenomena, even when official explanations are provided, suggesting that the truth may be more complex than initially presented. The publication champions the accounts of witnesses, finding validation in their consistent descriptions despite the lack of official acknowledgment or scientific explanation.

This issue of CUN NOTIZIARIO UFO, identified as N° 38, focuses on ongoing investigations into UFO phenomena, emphasizing that conclusions are rarely final due to the evolving nature of the subject and the continuous work of international researchers. The magazine presents these findings as starting points for further research rather than definitive answers.

Conclusions and Hypotheses

The editorial section begins by stating that definitive conclusions in UFO investigations are elusive, with each case remaining open due to the continuous evolution of the phenomenon and new hypotheses emerging from international research. These conclusions are presented as a starting point for further inquiry. The authors note that while some hypotheses focus on explanations like luminous clouds, they are more interested in explaining the objects themselves, citing sightings in Mallorca, San Sebastian, and Italy that are not adequately addressed by simpler explanations. The UFO hypothesis itself is deliberately placed within the conclusions to give it prominence.

"Annext Phenomena" and the Cosmos 169 Case

Henry Durrant, in his book "Il libro nero dei dischi volanti," is cited regarding "annex phenomena" – events occurring concurrently with UFOs, which can involve natural or artificial factors. A significant example discussed is the widespread observation of lights across Europe on the night of July 17-18, 1967. This event, witnessed in England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and the Soviet Union, was officially explained as the re-entry of the Soviet artificial satellite "Cosmos 169." However, investigations by European UFO research centers revealed discrepancies in timings, trajectories, and technical data concerning the luminous objects. This led to the hypothesis that a genuine UFO phenomenon occurred on a European scale, with the official explanation potentially being a plausible cover or coincidence.

The article suggests that the "Cosmos 169" case might be linked to the "IEF 23-24/2/1971" case. The authors state that investigations for both are not yet closed and that CUN has correlated other cases using this study hypothesis, promising a future analysis.

Case Study: A Humanoid in Imjärvi, Finland

The magazine features a detailed account of an incident that occurred on January 7, 1970, near the village of Imjärvi, Finland. Forest ranger Aarno Heinonen and farmer Esko Viljo were skiing when they heard a humming sound and saw a luminous object descending towards them, surrounded by a reddish-white cloud of light. The object, described as metallic, approximately three meters in diameter, circular, and equipped with three hemispheres and a lower tube-like structure, hovered about fifteen meters above them. As the humming intensified, the object descended closer to the ground, and the luminescence and sound faded. A beam of light projected from the central tube onto the snow, and a grey-red mist enveloped the area. For about 20 seconds, the witnesses observed a figure emerge from the light on the ground. This figure was described as short (under 90 cm), with thin arms and legs, pointed ears, a pale face with a prominent nose, wearing a greenish, tight-fitting suit, darker green boots, white gloves, and a conical metallic helmet. The figure held a black box from which a pulsating yellow light emanated.

Following this, large red and green sparks were emitted from the illuminated circle on the snow, and the mist made it difficult to see. The luminous circle then shrank, and the beam of light retracted upwards into the object. The mist dissipated quickly. The article includes reconstructions of the event and notes that other witnesses in nearby villages also observed the UFO. The case received significant attention from the Finnish press and was also studied by GICOFF.

Physiological Effects and Further Details

The incident's effects on Heinonen and Viljo were significant. They experienced visual disturbances, circulatory and respiratory problems, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and persistent migraines. Their skin remained noticeably red for an extended period, and Heinonen's urine turned black like coffee in the days following the event. These elements are presented as supporting the witnesses' account.

Case Study: The Maarup Incident in Denmark

A subsequent case in Haderslev, Denmark, on August 13, 1970, is presented as further corroborating evidence. Policeman Evald Hansen Maarup, while driving his patrol car, was suddenly surrounded by a bright blue-white light. His car's engine, headlights, and radio ceased functioning, and the temperature inside the vehicle rose considerably. The light then ascended, revealing a dark object with a base diameter of 4 to 5 meters, hovering silently above the road. Maarup managed to take photographs of the object. After the light retracted into the UFO, which then departed at high speed, the car's electrical systems returned to normal. Maarup reported the incident to the Danish Air Force, submitting his deposition and photographic material. The response was described as vague and evasive, but the case became known.

Bibliography

The issue includes a bibliography listing various publications and sources, primarily newspapers and periodicals from Italy, Spain, and France, dated between February and June 1971, as well as the book "Il libro nero dei dischi volanti" by Henry Durrant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UFO phenomena, the challenges of definitive investigation, and the importance of international cooperation and ongoing research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting detailed case studies while acknowledging the lack of final answers and the need for further analysis. The magazine highlights specific, well-documented cases like Imjärvi and Maarup, alongside broader phenomena like the Cosmos 169 incident, to illustrate the complexity and ongoing nature of UFO studies. There is a clear emphasis on presenting factual accounts and witness testimonies, even when official explanations are provided or when physiological effects are noted, suggesting these elements lend credibility to the reported events.