Notiziario UFO - 1977 04-06 No 74

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Notiziario UFO" (Issue 74, April-June 1977) is the official publication of the National Ufological Center (Centro Ufologico Nazionale - CUN). The cover prominently announces the upcoming 2nd National Congress of Ufology, scheduled for June 25-26, 1977, in Toscolano-Maderno on Lake Garda. The magazine features a detailed program for the congress, highlighting international participation and various research presentations.

Editorial and Media Criticism

The editorial section addresses the issue of media coverage of UFOs, specifically criticizing the Italian state broadcaster RAI-TV. It recounts an incident on the quiz show "SCOMMETTIAMO?" hosted by Mike Bongiorno, where a representative from "Fratellanza Cosmica" presented alleged UFO evidence, much of which was later identified as fake or misidentified. The CUN sent a telegram to the show's producers and subsequently received a clarification on the following broadcast. However, the editorial also criticizes RAI-TV for later featuring Eugenio Siragusa, a contactee, in a way that ridiculed the UFO phenomenon. The editorial argues for objective reporting and collaboration with competent ufologists.

Congress Program and International Participation

The issue provides the definitive program for the 2nd National Congress of Ufology. The first day, Saturday, June 25, includes welcome addresses, presentations on global ufology trends, Italian ufology's place in the world, and specific reports on historical aspects, international cases, documentary evidence, methodology, technical aspects, operational research, and professional relations within the CUN. The second day, Sunday, June 26, features a debate based on the previous day's requests, a concluding report from the CUN, and a closed-door session for members. The magazine notes a massive foreign participation, with researchers from Spain, England, France, Romania, and Argentina confirmed. This international interest is seen as mirroring the global reach of ufological events.

Witness Testimonies and Case Studies

Several detailed witness testimonies are presented:

• Selective Perception of UFO Phenomena: An article by Roberto Pinotti discusses the concept of selective perception, where some individuals may perceive UFO phenomena while others do not, citing the experiences of Uri Geller and presenting two Italian cases.
• C.E. II with EM Effect in Cento (Ferrara): Professor Fiorella De Pierantoni reported a UFO sighting on February 7, 1974, involving a luminous object that exhibited complex maneuvers, followed her car, and appeared to be visible only to her. The case is noted for potential electromagnetic effects.
• C.E. III of Type "C" in Ravenna: Lorenza Jole Maltoni, a 69-year-old widow, reported observing an oval, pinkish-violet object with luminous white spheres hovering in a courtyard. She also described seeing a humanoid figure with a helmet-like head. The case is classified as a Close Encounter of the Third Kind.
• Submarine UFO Bases in the Atlantic: An article based on research by Wendelle C. Stevens explores the possibility of underwater UFO bases off the coast of Argentina. It recounts several incidents from the 1950s and 1960s involving luminous objects emerging from or submerging into the sea in the Golfo Nuevo and Golfo de San Jorge.
• UFOs in La Spezia: The GORU (Ufological Research Group) reported multiple sightings of a luminous, oval object moving at low altitude, followed by phenomena of upward-directed light beams. Similar events have been reported internationally.
• UFOs in France: A French couple reported being chased by an oval object that landed in a field.

UFOs in Italian Ufology

The issue includes a comprehensive bibliography of Italian ufological literature, covering 30 years up to June 1977. It notes that the list includes a wide range of works, from serious studies to sensationalist accounts, and that asterisked entries denote works directly related to the objective reality of the phenomenon.

Scientific and Philosophical Perspectives

An article discusses the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project, including concerns raised by Nobel laureate Sir Martin Ryle about the potential risks of broadcasting messages into space. It also touches upon the Soviet scientist Iossif Chklovsky's assertion that humanity might be alone in the universe, rejecting the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious and scientific approach to ufology, advocating for objective investigation and critical analysis of evidence. It emphasizes the importance of accurate media reporting and criticizes sensationalism. The CUN positions itself as a central organization for research and documentation in Italy, aiming to foster a greater understanding of the UFO phenomenon. The issue also highlights the growing international interest in ufology and the CUN's role in connecting researchers across borders. The call for new members under "Operazione RADDOPPIO" underscores the organization's commitment to expanding its reach and influence.

This document is the cover of the program for the 2nd National Congress of Ufology, organized by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale. The event took place on June 25-26, 1977, in Toscolano-Maderno, located on Lake Garda, Italy.

Congress Theme and Context

The central theme of the congress was "The Developments of Research in 30 Years of Ufological Casework." This theme highlights the significant period of UFO research being celebrated. The congress was timed to coincide with two important anniversaries:

• The 30th anniversary of the first officially reported UFO sighting, the K. Arnold case, which occurred in the State of Washington on June 24, 1947.
• The 10th anniversary of the first Italian National Congress on Unidentified Flying Objects, which was held in Riccione from June 24-25, 1967.

Organizing Body and Location

The congress was organized by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (National Ufological Center). The chosen location for this significant event was Toscolano-Maderno, a town situated on the picturesque Lake Garda.

Inspirational Quote

The cover features a prominent quote attributed to H. Spencer: "There is a principle that hinders any information: this principle is contempt before investigation." This quote underscores the importance of open-mindedness and thorough investigation in the field of ufology.

Program Information

Further details regarding the definitive program for the two congress days were available on pages 2a and 3a of the cover (likely referring to inner cover pages).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The cover strongly emphasizes the historical development and ongoing research within ufology. By commemorating significant past events and focusing on the evolution of research methods and findings over three decades, the congress positions itself as a platform for serious scientific inquiry. The inclusion of the H. Spencer quote suggests an editorial stance that values empirical investigation and opposes premature dismissal of phenomena, advocating for a rigorous and unbiased approach to understanding UFOs.