Notiziario UFO - 1973 07-12 No 55-60

Magazine Overview

This issue of "La Nazione" from October 29, 1973, and subsequent dates in November and December, focuses heavily on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings across Italy, with a particular emphasis on the Liguria region (La Spezia) and Piedmont. The cover story, "Luci si spengono alla Spezia mentre passa un «disco volante»," details a significant event where lights went out for nearly three hours, attributed to a UFO.

La Spezia Incident: Power Outages and a "Flying Disc"

The main article describes a phenomenon in La Spezia on Friday afternoon where electrical energy was disrupted. Neon lights in offices flickered, streetlights dimmed, and parts of the city went dark. This occurred for two hours and forty minutes. The cause was initially unknown, but the event was linked to the presence of UFOs, with reports of energy absorption being common when these objects appear. Three young observers, Mario Vischio, Ranoto Carassale, and Ignazio Bonadies, claimed to have photographed a UFO. They described seeing a reddish star that grew larger, stopped, and then shrank, disappearing. The photographs were handed over to the questura (police headquarters). The article also mentions other sightings in La Spezia, including a red object seen moving from the sea towards the mountains.

UFOs Over Piedmont: A Wave of Sightings

Subsequent articles detail a surge in UFO sightings across Piedmont. In Caselle, a mysterious object was reportedly seen and pursued by a "Piper" aircraft piloted by Riccardo Marano. Radar systems at Caselle, Mortara, and Linate detected the object, which exhibited extraordinary speed and maneuverability, including a rapid vertical ascent. Pilots of commercial flights (DC9) also reported sightings. The military was alerted, and fighter jets were scrambled, but the object's speed made interception impossible. The incident prompted a NATO official to travel to Turin to investigate.

Photographic Evidence and Witness Testimonies

Franco Contin, a university student from Susa, managed to photograph a luminous object in the Valle di Susa. He described it as a ball of fire that moved at incredible speed. His photographs, along with those of other witnesses, are presented as significant evidence. Detailed testimonies from ordinary citizens, including a night watchman, taxi drivers, and a university student, describe objects of various shapes (spheres, cigars, domes) and colors (red, blue, white, gold) exhibiting unusual flight patterns and sometimes causing electrical disturbances.

Military Involvement and Scientific Scrutiny

The involvement of the military, including radar detection and the scrambling of fighter jets, underscores the seriousness with which some of these sightings were treated. The presence of a NATO official investigating the phenomenon further highlights this. Experts, like Gianni V. Settimo, founder of a UFO study center, are quoted, suggesting that while many sightings can be explained, a small percentage remain unexplained, citing a USAF report that acknowledged a number of unidentified aerial phenomena.

Theories and Speculation

Various theories are discussed, including secret aircraft, advanced terrestrial technology, and extraterrestrial origins. Some reports suggest that UFOs might be attracted to radioactive areas, like the Musinè mountain, or that they draw energy from power lines. The possibility of mass hysteria or collective hallucinations is also mentioned, but the consistency of witness accounts and radar data challenges these explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the articles are the mysterious nature of the "flying discs," their incredible speed and maneuverability, the unexplained electrical effects they sometimes cause, and the growing public interest and concern. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting the facts and testimonies, acknowledging the unexplained aspects of the phenomenon, and highlighting the official investigations, while also presenting expert opinions and various theories. The articles convey a sense of wonder, mystery, and a touch of apprehension regarding these aerial visitors.

This issue of "Dischi Volanti" (Flying Saucers) from STAMPA SERA, dated December 10, 1973, focuses on the surge of UFO sightings reported across Italy, particularly in the Piemonte region. The cover headline, "Gli avvistamenti sono diminuiti nelle ultime 24 ore" (Sightings have decreased in the last 24 hours), suggests a recent peak in activity, while a sub-headline ponders if they might be weather balloons, hinting at the ongoing debate between sensationalism and scientific explanation.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The lead article, "L'Ufo: forse si tratta di palloni sonda ma il cielo era pattugliato dai caccia" (The UFO: perhaps it's weather balloons but the sky was patrolled by fighters), details the recent wave of sightings. It mentions historical accounts from the year 1000 in Val di Susa, describing fireballs and glowing orbs. The article notes that while sightings have somewhat decreased, experts are weighing in. Gianni V. Settimo, director of the "Centro studi esoterici" (Center for Esoteric Studies), recounts a strange phone call, while others, like the "Gruppo Spazio 4," are organizing debates. The "Gruppo Clypeus" offers a more grounded perspective, suggesting that the phenomena might be related to aerological sounding balloons launched by the French Cnes and a group called "Sideral Intercontacts Centre." The article also touches upon the public's desire for answers and the military's alleged directive to keep information about unidentified flying objects confidential.

Eyewitness Accounts and Scientific Analysis

Several articles present detailed eyewitness accounts. "Il rumore" (The noise) describes a sound associated with a UFO. "Sentito cosa?" (Heard what?) recounts a personal experience of hearing a strange noise. The article "Passa nel cielo del Piemonte la <rotta> dei dischi volanti" (The <route> of flying saucers passes over Piedmont) details various sightings, including a "space yeti" on a snowdrift and supersonic jets being prepared to intercept objects. Pilot Riccardo Marano's testimony is highlighted, describing an encounter with an unusual object that disappeared and reappeared. Giancarlo Barbadoro suggests that Mount Musinè might be a source of materials for extraterrestrials. Germana Grosso believes extraterrestrials are announcing their arrival to save humanity from self-destruction. Elio Ramotti suggests they intervene telepathically, while Ugo Fassone and Mario Liberati believe they appear during humanity's most difficult moments. The article "Disco volante visto a Sanremo" reports a couple mistaking a comet for a UFO. Another report from Torino notes that no radar detected the objects seen there, distinguishing it from earlier sightings.

"Dischi volanti nel cielo di Genova" (Flying saucers in the sky over Genoa) describes a luminous object observed by the aeronautical meteorological office, which remained stationary before moving towards the sea. The object's color changed from yellow to red, and it was followed by another object moving at incredible speed. The article notes that radar was disturbed during the observation. "UFO velocissimo sul cielo di Genova" (Very fast UFO over Genoa) includes photographs of the object, described as a flying saucer.

"Ufo, che ossessione" (UFO, what an obsession) discusses the routine nature of UFO alarms and dismisses many photos as easily faked. It mentions the planet Venus as a possible explanation for some sightings, citing Professor Fracastoro. The article "Ufo avvistato in Abruzzo" reports three young people seeing a luminous object moving at high speed.

"Il Secolo XIX" reports on sightings in the Cuneese region, describing a circular, luminous object with a reddish halo. Witnesses reported it moving without noise and changing color to greenish-yellow. The article "Dischi Volanti! fotografati questi giorni" (Flying Saucers! photographed these days) features images and descriptions of these phenomena.

Scientific Skepticism and Extraterrestrial Hypotheses

"Gli scienziati non credono agli «UFO»" (Scientists don't believe in "UFOs") presents a critical view, citing a study from the University of Boulder that found no UFO appearances resistant to analysis. It discusses the Spezia case, where alleged UFO sightings coincided with a power grid fluctuation, which was later attributed to a simple electrical fault. The article questions the validity of UFO photographs and suggests they could be natural phenomena or artifacts.

"I marziani" (The Martians) and "Altri esseri intelligenti nell'universo?" (Other intelligent beings in the universe?) explore the scientific debate on extraterrestrial life. While acknowledging the possibility of developed civilizations elsewhere, many scientists remain skeptical about direct contact or the nature of UFOs. The "zoo hypothesis" is discussed, suggesting advanced civilizations might observe Earth from a distance without interference. The article "Credono negli extra-terrestri" (They believe in extraterrestrials) from PAESE SERA reports on Soviet scientists' efforts to capture signals from space, with some believing in developed civilizations within the Milky Way, while others, like Professor Troitsky, predict first contact in about a thousand years.

"Captate onde radio forse extraterrestri" (Radio waves possibly extraterrestrial captured) from IL MESSAGGERO reports that Soviet scientists have detected radio impulses from space, possibly from an advanced extraterrestrial civilization. The article "Tutti abbiamo visto un disco volante" (We have all seen a flying saucer) quotes astronaut Gordon Cooper's conviction about past alien visits and the existence of UFOs.

Sociological and Psychological Perspectives

"Tornano le visioni nei giorni di crisi" (Visions return in times of crisis) by Professor Francesco Alberoni links UFO sightings to societal crises, suggesting they fulfill a religious need for saviors. He argues that in a secularized society, this need manifests as belief in extraterrestrial visitors. He also notes that the scarcity of resources and the perception of an impending end to the world contribute to this phenomenon. He concludes that while extraterrestrial technology might not offer salvation, humanity must focus on improving its own science and administration.

"Ho visto i dischi volanti" (I saw the flying saucers) recounts an experience in Gratosoglio, Milan, where five luminous points stopped in the sky, defying astronomical explanations. The article "C'erano davvero i dischi volanti?" (Were there really flying saucers?) by Margherita Hack analyzes this event, classifying it as "nocturnal lights" with a moderate strangeness and probability value.

"Due pescatori catturati in riva al fiume da 3 <creature» misteriose nel Mississippi" (Two fishermen captured by the river by 3 mysterious <creatures> in the Mississippi) details an alleged encounter with small, silver-skinned beings. The article "Studiosi USA dicono: <È tutto vero>" (US scholars say: <It's all true>) quotes Dr. Allen Hynek and Professor James Harder, who believe the fishermen's account is genuine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the scientific investigation (or lack thereof) into these phenomena, and the public's fascination with extraterrestrial life. There's a clear tension between sensationalist reporting and attempts at scientific explanation, with a notable skepticism towards many claims, particularly those easily faked or explained by natural causes. However, the articles also acknowledge the persistent nature of sightings and the genuine interest from some scientists in exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting various viewpoints from eyewitnesses, scientists, and sociologists, while maintaining a critical eye on unsubstantiated claims. The underlying message suggests that while UFOs remain largely unexplained, the phenomenon reflects deeper human needs for meaning, hope, and answers to existential questions, especially during times of societal uncertainty.

This issue of L'Europeo, dated November 8, 1973, features a prominent cover story detailing the alleged abduction of two American workers, Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, by extraterrestrials. The magazine delves into the incident with interviews, scientific analysis, and related UFO phenomena.

The Pascagoula Abduction

The main article, "SONO STATO RAPITO DAI 'MARZIANI'" (I Was Kidnapped by 'Martians'), by Gino Gullace and Luciano Fumagalli, recounts the extraordinary experience of Charles Hickson (45) and Calvin Parker (19) in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on October 11, 1973. While fishing, they witnessed a strange blue object descend from the sky, emitting a reddish light and no sound. Three beings emerged from the craft, described as about a meter tall with pointed ears, wrinkled reddish skin, large eyes, and crab-like pincers for hands. The beings levitated the two men aboard a UFO.

Inside the craft, Hickson and Parker were subjected to an examination by a fluorescent device. Parker lost consciousness during the ordeal, while Hickson remained aware. The examination lasted about twenty minutes. Afterward, they were returned to the same spot where they were fishing. Both men were visibly shaken and initially struggled to convince others of their experience.

Scientific Investigation and Credibility

Professor James Harder, an engineering professor at the University of Berkeley and a consultant for the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), investigated the case. He interviewed Hickson and Parker, who were found not to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Harder subjected them to hypnosis to elicit details of their experience. He concluded that their accounts were truthful, noting that the fear and terror they expressed under hypnosis could not be faked.

Dr. Allen Hynek, a professor of astronomy at Northwestern University and a former consultant for the U.S. Air Force's UFO investigations, also examined the case. He stated, "I have no more doubts: creatures from other worlds have landed on Earth." He confirmed that Hickson and Parker were not mentally unstable or lying, and their story was truthful.

Sheriff Barney Mathis of Pascagoula also interviewed the men and subjected them to a lie detector test, which they passed. He initially remained skeptical but became convinced after listening to a secretly recorded conversation between Hickson and Parker the night after their alleged abduction, where they recounted their experience without contradiction.

The Extraterrestrials and Their Craft

The beings were described as approximately one meter tall, with features similar to human eyes but much larger. Their ears and noses were pointed, and their skin was wrinkled and reddish. Instead of a mouth, they had an undefined opening. Their arms were described as large pincers, like those of a giant crab. They moved by hovering, not walking.

The UFO was described as an oval object, very elongated. Inside, Hickson experienced being examined by a large, fluorescent device resembling a camera or an eye, which scanned him as if taking X-rays. The cabin was about three meters long, with no other equipment visible.

Related UFO Phenomena and Theories

The article touches upon other UFO sightings and related events. It mentions the case of Barney and Betty Hill, who reported an abduction in 1961. It also references a report from the Soviet news agency TASS about the capture of unknown signals from space by astronomers at Gorki University, suggesting the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations.

Professor Harder, in an interview by Duilio Pallottelli, expresses his strong conviction that UFOs are real and that Earth is under surveillance by intelligent beings from space. He dismisses the Condon Report (1968), which concluded that UFO investigations were a waste of time, as biased and tendentious.

Harder also speculates that the beings encountered by Hickson and Parker might have been robots rather than biological entities, based on their mechanical movements and the description of their 'hands' as pincers. However, he emphasizes sticking to the witnesses' accounts without interpretation.

CUN's Role and Future

The magazine also includes information about the Centro Unico Nazionale (CUN), an Italian organization dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. It outlines the CUN's history, activities, and future plans, including a change in its name to "Centro Ufologico Nazionale" and a shift to a quarterly publication for its NOTIZIARIO UFO. The CUN aims to provide a more practical and immediate base for research and contact with its members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly supports the reality of UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters, presenting the Pascagoula case as compelling evidence. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness and scientific inquiry, encouraging the investigation of UFO phenomena despite widespread skepticism. The articles highlight the credibility of witnesses, the findings of scientific experts like Harder and Hynek, and the potential implications of these encounters for humanity's understanding of its place in the universe. The magazine positions itself as a source of credible information on these extraordinary events, moving beyond sensationalism to present documented cases and expert opinions.