Notiziario UFO - 1978 01-03 No 77

Magazine Overview

Title: NOTIZIARIO UFO
Issue: 77
Date: January - March 1978
Publisher: Centro Ufologico Nazionale
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of "Notiziario UFO" (UFO Newsletter), Italy's International UFO News, prominently features the visit of Professor J. Allen Hynek to Italy, hailing him as "The World's Most Authoritative Ufologist." The cover also announces "ITALY WELCOMES THE WORLD'S MOST AUTHORITATIVE UFOLOGIST."

Editorial Stance and Key Themes

The editorial section, "Le nostre conclusioni attuali" (Our Current Conclusions), outlines the Centro Ufologico Nazionale's (CUN) long-standing efforts to sift through UFO reports, separating factual accounts from myth and sensationalism. The CUN identifies five fundamental aspects of the UFO phenomenon:

1. Objective Reality: Characterized by technological aspects, verifiable through testimonial and instrumental data (traces, findings).
2. Persistent Identity: Consistent characteristics in form, dimensions, colors, effects, and occasional ground presence over time and space.
3. Intelligent Activity: Suggestive of cognitive reconnaissance (formation flight, systematic evasion of interception, humanoid presence), not always aligning with logical behavior (lack of direct contact).
4. Extraterrestrial Origins: Not attributable to the current technical-scientific-military potential of any major power, suggesting revolutionary aerodynamic and strategic possibilities.
5. Psycho-Sociological Consequences: Significant impacts on individuals and society, contributing to a new, cosmocentric, relativistic worldview.

The editorial also notes a perceived shift in the Italian authorities' approach to UFOs, citing recent articles in military and police publications that address the topic more openly. The CUN pledges its support to governmental investigations if requested.

J. Allen Hynek: The Traveling Ambassador of Ufology

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer and director of the "Center for UFO Studies" in Evanston, Illinois. His arrival in Rome on May 18, 1978, for a five-day visit is highlighted. Hynek, a former scientific consultant for the USAF, is recognized for his extensive work on UFOs, including his books "The UFO Experience: A Scientific Enquiry" and "The Edge of Reality" (with Jacques Vallée). His upcoming book, "The Hynek UFO Report," is to be published in Italy by Mondadori. Hynek's visit includes participation in the VI National Congress of Research Groups organized by "Il Giornale dei Misteri" in Florence, and he is scheduled to have contacts with RAI-TV, the CUN, and Mondadori. The article emphasizes the importance of honoring Hynek's contribution to ufology and his role as an "ambassador" for the field.

Hynek's Views on 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'

An extensive interview with J. Allen Hynek reveals his involvement as a technical consultant for Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Hynek initially hesitated to participate, fearing it might undermine his scientific credibility. However, he was impressed by Spielberg's deep understanding of the subject. He discusses how the film has made it easier for people to talk about UFOs and how it has brought attention to the phenomenon. Hynek clarifies that while the film is largely fictionalized, it incorporates many elements from actual UFO reports, such as skin burns, car malfunctions, and the appearance of humanoids. He also touches upon the electromagnetic effects observed in some UFO cases, noting that while such phenomena have been reported, direct verification is challenging. Hynek expresses his hope that the film will encourage more people to report their experiences and contribute to the study of UFOs.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

The Cagliari-Elmas Incident (October 27, 1977)

The magazine details a significant UFO sighting that occurred near Cagliari-Elmas, Sardinia, on October 27, 1977. Military personnel in helicopters and ground observers reported seeing a luminous orange object pursuing their aircraft. Initially, the Ministry of Defense attributed the sighting to a military exercise, but later investigations and public inquiries led to an official investigation. The article notes that the initial official explanation was vague and that the CUN had gathered more direct evidence.

The Rosa Lotti Case (November 1, 1954)

A retrospective report details the encounter of Rosa Lotti in Cennina, Italy, on November 1, 1954. Lotti reported seeing a metallic, fusiform object and interacting with two small, humanoid beings. The report includes detailed testimony from Lotti, corroborated by other witnesses who observed similar phenomena in the area. The CUN investigators, Roberto Pinotti and Pier Luigi Sani, conducted an interview with Lotti, assessing her credibility and the details of her experience.

Other UFO Reports

Brief mentions are made of UFO sightings in other locations, including Petrozavodsk (Soviet Union), Iran, and off the coast of Portugal during NATO exercises. The magazine also touches upon the phenomenon of UFO literature and discussions within the Soviet Union, citing an article from "Komsomolskaia Pravda" that dismisses claims of extraterrestrial civilizations.

Reviews and CUN Activities

The "Recensioni" (Reviews) section features summaries of several books on UFOs, including works by James Mc Donald, Jean-Claude Bourret, Adolf Schneider, Hubert Malthaner, Franco Ossola, and an encyclopedia on parapsychology. The "Notizie CUN" (CUN News) section announces the renewal of social quotas for 1978 and the election of the new CUN board of directors for the year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes a scientific and evidence-based approach to ufology, aiming to separate fact from fiction. It highlights the importance of credible witnesses and rigorous investigation. The CUN positions itself as a key organization in this field, collaborating with researchers and, when appropriate, with official bodies. There is a recurring theme of the evolving official stance towards UFOs, with a perceived increase in openness and investigation, particularly in Italy. The influence of popular culture, such as Spielberg's film, on public perception and the study of UFOs is also a significant element.

Title: NOTIZIARIO UFO
Issue: Quarterly publication
Date: April 27, 1970
Publisher: Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of "NOTIZIARIO UFO" serves as the quarterly organ for the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN), an organization dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The publication aims to provide a technical and scientific review of the phenomenon.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The Centro Ufologico Nazionale is a private organization legally recognized, constituted on January 21, 1967. The central board includes Gian Carlo Barattini as President, Roberto Pinotti as Vice-President, Michele Magagni as Secretary General, and Massimo Pittella, Mario Pagni, and Pier Luigi Sani as councilors.

The "NOTIZIARIO UFO" itself is authorized by the Tribunal of Bologna under number 4069, dated April 27, 1970. Roberto Pinotti is the Responsible Director, and Michele Magagni is the Vice-Director. The composition and printing are handled by Officina Grafica di G. Barghigiani in Bologna.

A key editorial note states that partial reproduction of the material requires authorization from CUN.

The publication also expresses its willingness to exchange with similar publications in various languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, and Esperanto.

Regional Sections

The magazine details its regional sections across Italy, providing contact information for each:

• LOMBARDIA
• MILANO: Directed by Massimo Pittella. Contact: Via S. Luca 10, 20122 Milano. Tel. 02/8370231.
• BRESCIA: Directed by Marco Morocutti. Contact: Via Renato Serra 5, 25100 Brescia. Tel. 030/390827.

• EMILIA-ROMAGNA
• BOLOGNA: Directed by Michele Magagni. Contact: Via XXI Aprile 1945 n. 20, 40134 Bologna. Tel. 051/432090.

• PIEMONTE
• TORINO: Directed by Dario Camurri. Contact: Str. Costalunga 10/8, 10024 Moncalieri (Torino). Tel. 011/6405893.

• TOSCANA
• FIRENZE: Directed by Mario Pagni. Contact: Via Ippolito Pindemonte 65, 50124 Firenze. Tel. 055/225672.
• PRATO: Directed by Siro Menicucci. Contact: Via Zarini 36, 50047 Prato. Tel. 0574/594990.
• GROSSETO: Directed by Dr. Gianni Bernardini. Contact: Via Fulceri P. de' Calboli 15, 58100 Grosseto. Tel. 0564/22207.

• LAZIO
• ROMA: Directed by Leonardo Pinzauti. Contact: C.P. 70, 00050 Fiumicino Aereoporto. Tel. 06/4687 Int. 4361. Secretariat: Claudio Gallo, Via Papiria 68/B, 00175 Roma. Tel. 06/763852.

• VENETO
• VERONA: Directed by Dr. Angelo Brugnoli. Contact: Via XXIV Maggio 20, 37100 Verona. Tel. 045/45987.

• SARDEGNA
• CAGLIARI: Directed by Giorgio Metta. Contact: P.zza Giovanni XXIII n 35, 09100 Cagliari. Tel. 070/45928.

• CAMPANIA
• CASERTA: Directed by Renato Fedele. Contact: Via Acquaviva 47, 81100 Caserta. Tel. 0823/23753.

• CALABRIA
• CROTONE: Directed by Giulio Grilletta. Contact: Via Torino 129, 88074 Crotone.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the formal establishment and organization of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale and its publication, "NOTIZIARIO UFO." The editorial stance is clearly focused on the scientific and technical study of UFOs, as indicated by the publication's subtitle and the emphasis on documentation and analysis. The extensive listing of regional sections suggests a nationwide effort to gather and study UFO-related information. The publication's commitment to scientific rigor is underscored by the requirement for authorization for reproduction and the explicit mention of scientific analysis in its purpose.