Notiziario UFO - 1972 05-06 No 45

Magazine Overview

Title: NOTIZIARIO UFO
Issue: 45
Date: May-June 1972
Publisher: Centro Unico Nazionale (CUN)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO, the bimonthly publication of the Centro Unico Nazionale (CUN) for the study of extraterrestrial phenomena, presents a documentary and scientific analysis of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

CUN and European UFOlogy

The magazine opens with a report on the "IL CONVEGNO UFOLOGICO DI GRENOBLE DEL 21 MAGGIO 1972" (The Ufological Conference of Grenoble on May 21, 1972). This conference aimed to coordinate the initiatives and activities of private organizations investigating UFO phenomena. Representatives from various European ufological centers attended, including the French Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU), the Belgian Société Belge des Phénomènes Spatiaux (SOBEPS), and the Swiss Federation of Ufology (FSU). The CUN, represented by its Turin section, was pleased to see that its technical-scientific approach to UFO study was shared by other centers. Proposals were made to enhance cooperation among European UFO groups, such as utilizing a radio or telephone network for tracking UFOs. The SOBEPS proposed a unified manual for UFO investigations, and the CUN is currently comparing it with their own questionnaire. The conference also laid the groundwork for a European Federation of Ufology. The CUN expresses optimism that this meeting will lead to initiatives that will significantly advance the understanding of UFO phenomena.

The article "IL CUN PER UNA FEDERAZIONE EUROPEA" (The CUN for a European Federation) elaborates on the proposal to unite various UFO centers into a single organization, provisionally named the European Federation of Ufology. The CUN is in principle in favor of this initiative, emphasizing its long-standing policy of uniting efforts within the ufological community. However, it notes the challenges posed by the emergence of numerous small UFO groups that refuse to join, often due to vanity or an unwillingness to adhere to the CUN's rigid scientific methodology. The article stresses the need for time and collaborative effort to ensure the federation is vital and not merely a loose association. It also firmly excludes organizations that promote 'cultist' beliefs, such as contact with 'cosmic brothers,' without providing scientific evidence. The CUN believes that a rigorous, scientifically documented presentation of UFO phenomena to civil, political, military, and academic authorities is crucial to move the subject out of its current semi-clandestine status and potentially provide the long-awaited explanation. The CUN declares itself open to all forms of collaboration, data exchange, and information sharing.

The Enigma of 'Foo-Fighters'

The article "L'ENIGMA DEI «FOO - FIGHTERS» GLI UFO NELLA SECONDA GUERRA MONDIALE" (The Enigma of 'Foo-Fighters': UFOs in World War II) delves into the mysterious aerial phenomena observed during the war. It recounts the experience of Lieutenant Edward Schlüter and his crew on November 23, 1944, who observed about ten luminous lights in formation while on a reconnaissance flight over France. Initially mistaken for stars, these lights moved with unusual speed and behavior. The article details several other sightings by Allied pilots, describing the objects as luminous spheres or orbs, often orange or red, that were silent, maneuverable, and capable of keeping pace with high-speed aircraft. These phenomena were often reported to radar stations, which typically detected no other aircraft. The term 'foo-fighters' emerged from Allied pilots' slang. The article suggests that these objects were not conventional aircraft and speculates on their origin, noting that they were observed on both the Western and Eastern Fronts, as well as in the Pacific theater, including near Japanese aircraft.

Further details are provided about specific encounters, such as the sighting by Lieutenant Henry Giblin and radar operator Walter Cleary near Speyer, Germany, and Lieutenant David McFalls' reports of 'phosphorescent orange objects.' The article highlights the confusion and concern these sightings caused among Allied command, especially given the context of German V-1 and V-2 weapons. It also notes that the 'foo-fighters' did not appear to be offensive weapons and did not attack Allied aircraft, leading some to believe they might have been psychological warfare tools or advanced German technology. The article concludes by mentioning that similar objects were observed in the Pacific theater, leading to the realization that they were not German or Japanese in origin, especially after the end of the war.

UFOs in Italian Skies: October 27, 1954

The section "OGGETTI VOLANTI NEI CIELI ITALIANI" (Flying Objects in Italian Skies) presents a retrospective dossier compiled by the CUN's Rome section, detailing a significant wave of UFO sightings that occurred on October 27, 1954. The phenomenon, which included the fall of 'siliceous cotton wool,' primarily affected the regions of Florence and Siena, accounting for about 65% of the sightings, including one landing. The article notes potential discrepancies in the reported times due to varying witness clocks but asserts that this did not hinder the study. A table lists numerous sightings across Italy, including locations, provinces, times, and types of observation. The phenomena described include elongated 'cigar' shaped objects, pinkish-orange discs, and luminous objects moving at high speed. Witnesses reported objects that were silent, often luminous, and capable of extraordinary maneuvers. Some accounts describe objects appearing suddenly, hovering, and then accelerating away at incredible speeds. The article also mentions the analysis of the 'siliceous cotton wool' by Professor Giovanni Canneri, who identified it as a fibrous substance containing boron, calcium, silicon, and magnesium, possibly a form of borosilicate glass.

The Gulf of Mexico Case: B-29, December 6, 1952

Dr. Mc Donald's study excerpt, "IL CASO DEL GOLFO DEL MESSICO" (The Gulf of Mexico Case), analyzes a specific UFO incident involving a B-29 bomber on December 6, 1952. While returning from a training flight, the aircraft's crew detected four objects on radar that were rapidly approaching. The radar operator initially failed to detect the coastline, leading to instrument checks. Subsequently, four objects were observed on radar, followed by a second group. The crew reported visual sightings of luminous flashes described as white-blue and changing trajectory. The article notes that the official report from the Air Force Information Service downplayed the visual evidence, deeming it not decisive. However, the CUN's analysis highlights discrepancies and unanswered questions, including the number of objects and the radar's ability to detect them. The B-29 crew estimated the objects' speed to be over 9,000 mph (approximately 14,400 km/h). The report also mentions a phenomenon of radar echoes 'fusing' into a single group, indicating complex aerial activity.

Building a UFO Detector

The article "I RIVELATORI UFO COME COSTRUIRNE UNO CON POCA SPESA" (UFO Detectors: How to Build One Inexpensively) provides practical instructions for constructing a simple UFO detection device. It explains that UFOs are difficult to study due to their unpredictability and the limited number of dedicated observers. The proposed detector utilizes electromagnetic effects often associated with UFOs, such as magnetic and electrical phenomena. The design involves a magnetized needle, a light source (lamp), a photocell, and a relay, all housed in a protective casing. The article details the electrical connections and components, suggesting that it can be powered by standard batteries or a transformer. It emphasizes placing the detector in a quiet location away from electrical interference. The author suggests that this device can help monitor for unusual phenomena, contributing to the study of UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO strongly advocates for a scientific and rigorous approach to the study of UFO phenomena. The CUN positions itself as a leading organization committed to objective analysis, distinguishing itself from groups that rely on unsubstantiated claims or 'cultist' beliefs. The magazine promotes international cooperation among ufological organizations to advance research and potentially achieve a definitive explanation for UFOs. The historical accounts of 'Foo-Fighters' and the 1954 Italian UFO wave serve to demonstrate the long-standing nature of the phenomenon and the importance of documenting such events. The inclusion of technical articles, such as the one on building a UFO detector, reflects the CUN's commitment to practical research methods. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, grounded in scientific methodology, and dedicated to uncovering the truth about UFOs, whatever that truth may be.

Title: NOTIZIE DAL MONDO
Issue: 29
Volume: 2
Date: September 1971
Publisher: GROUPEMENT D'ETUDE DES PHENOMENES AERIENS (GEPA)
Language: Italian

This issue of 'Notizie dal Mondo' presents a collection of articles exploring unexplained phenomena, scientific findings, and psychological interpretations.

Radar Anomalies and Atmospheric Phenomena

The issue begins by examining a case involving UFOs observed on radar, referencing an explanation by Thayer (1969) that they were likely meteors from the Geminid shower. However, the article disputes this, highlighting significant directional discrepancies that make the meteor explanation improbable. It also discusses Thayer's alternative theory that the radar anomalies were caused by imperfections in an atmospheric 'ducting layer,' which allowed radio energy to enter at various points, creating sporadic returns. The author of this section strongly refutes Thayer's explanation, calling it "totally erroneous and without precise logic" and a "pure verbiage." The article concludes that unidentified radar echoes remain an unresolved scientific problem, with proposed atmospheric explanations lacking sufficient basis.

*(1) N.d.T.: This footnote provides a detailed explanation of the term 'duct' and 'ducting' in radar and atmospheric contexts, describing it as a layer where temperature and humidity gradients are high, causing abnormal radio wave propagation similar to a mirage effect.*
*(2) N.d.T.: This note indicates that the case presented is the last in a series of significant cases studied by Dr. Mc Donald.*

The "Connected with the Galaxies" Case

A prominent article, reprinted from 'GIORNALE D'ITALIA' (January 11-12, 1972), details the "inconcerting case of two sisters 'connected with the galaxies.'" The report from Catania describes how two sisters, Marta (24) and Anna (24) Damiano, along with their mother Silvana, claim to communicate with inhabitants of other planets through "extra-sensory perceptions." Marta, using her left hand, writes messages that she claims to be dictated by these beings, often in reverse script requiring a mirror to decipher. The family interprets these as messages from distant worlds aiming to bring "peace to our dying world."

The article, however, frames this phenomenon not as supernatural but as explainable by modern psychological concepts such as "delusions of influence" and "automatic writing." It draws parallels to historical cases, notably Hélène Smith, a medium studied by psychologist Théodore Flournoy, who produced "automatic" texts in supposed "Martian" languages. The author suggests that such phenomena, while appearing extraordinary, stem from psychological processes and can be understood within the framework of dynamic psychology, psychoanalysis, and parapsychology.

Psychological Interpretation of "Messages"

Emilio Servadio, a psychiatrist, further elaborates on the psychological aspects of these "messages." He notes that such communications rarely offer practical solutions or profound insights, instead consisting of vague exhortations to peace and brotherhood. He contrasts this with the teachings of major prophets and initiates. Servadio explains that individuals who believe they are channeling higher entities often derive psychological comfort and a sense of importance from it, akin to a child feeling protected by benevolent parents. He also points out that the publicity surrounding such "extraordinary" phenomena can further inflate the protagonists' self-perception.

Servadio emphasizes that these "delusions of influence" can sometimes be well-organized and isolated from the rest of the personality, which may otherwise appear normal. He concludes that while these phenomena are not supernatural, they are psychologically significant and warrant careful consideration.

UFO Sighting in a Spanish Convent

Another report, originating from Logrogno, Spain, details a mysterious object sighted by Fra' Javier Bosque, a religious of the Scolopi order. On a Wednesday evening, while recording music, Fra' Javier witnessed a luminous object, described as approximately one meter and fifty centimeters long and shaped like a rugby ball, enter his cell through the window. The object remained suspended in mid-air for several minutes, emitting strange sounds that were also recorded. It then exited through the same window. Fra' Javier consulted members of the Civil Defense of Logrogno, who deemed the recorded sounds to be genuine and the phenomenon "very curious."

Soviet Scientists and Martian Channels

In a scientific update, the issue reports that Soviet scientists have concluded that the famous "channels" of Mars do not exist. According to an article in the specialized periodical 'Zemlià i Vsieliennaia' (Earth and Universe), astronomers in Moscow, after studying data from Soviet probes 'Mars 2' and 'Mars 3' and the American 'Mariner 9,' determined that the perceived channels are an optical illusion caused by darker surface features. The images reveal that Mars is covered in a large number of craters, which disappear at twice the rate seen on the Moon due to its atmosphere facilitating erosion. The surface of Mars is estimated to be about three hundred million years old.

Advertising

The issue also includes advertisements for 'LIBRA EDITRICE,' a publisher specializing in science fiction, promoting its various series and authors. Additionally, there is information about 'RADIO STAMPA,' a monthly publication on technology, culture, and information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the scientific investigation of phenomena, and the psychological interpretation of unusual experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations for reported events, whether they be radar anomalies, alleged psychic communications, or astronomical observations. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena and the public's fascination with them, the magazine leans towards scientific and psychological frameworks for understanding these occurrences, often debunking sensationalist claims in favor of more grounded analyses.