Notiziario UFO - 1978 11 - Vol 1 No 1 INCOMPLETE

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO
Issue: Volume I, Number 1
Date: November 1978
Publisher: Riccardo Mariotti Editore
Country: Italy
Price: Lire 1000

This inaugural issue of 'Notiziario UFO' presents itself as a monthly publication with a technical and scientific approach to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and current space affairs. It aims to provide an objective and documented source of information, distinguishing itself from sensationalist or belief-based accounts.

Editorial

The editorial, titled 'A magazine more,' highlights the need for a dedicated, qualified periodical in Italy to address the complex subject of UFOs. It notes that the growing public interest in UFOs stems from psychological motivations, but emphasizes that the phenomenon is rooted in concrete facts. The editorial criticizes the sensationalism and inaccuracies often found in media reports, advocating for a critical discernment of information. It states that ufology, defined as the study of UFOs, should be freed from irrational elements and focus on verified data. The Centro Ufologico Nazionale (National Ufological Center), a non-profit research entity since 1966, is presented as the driving force behind the magazine, aiming to foster a productive dialogue with the public, scientific communities, and defense sectors.

Key Articles and Features

Interview: Luigi Broglio

General Luigi Broglio, a Professor of Aeronautical Constructions, is interviewed by Claudio Gallo. Broglio discusses his involvement in the 'Progetto S. Marco,' which involved launching Italian satellites from a mobile ocean platform in collaboration with NASA. He highlights the 'Sirio' satellite as a significant achievement for Italy in space. Broglio addresses Italy's position in European space activities, noting it is second to France but has achieved the first European satellite launch. He touches upon the collaboration with other European countries through the European Space Organization and the government's attention to space research, despite bureaucratic delays. Broglio expresses optimism about potential future space collaboration between the US and Soviet Union, driven by the high cost of scientific programs. He also discusses the shift in American space efforts from the Saturn V rocket to the Space Shuttle, predicting increased space activity in the 1980s. Regarding the 'anti-atomic umbrella' for Italy, he states he has no information. He believes young people's interest in scientific research is comparable to past generations and suggests incorporating fundamental physics and mechanics related to space activities into secondary school curricula.

UFOs in the Past

This section explores the historical presence of UFOs, referencing the work of Joseph Allen Hynek. It discusses the challenges of studying UFOs, relying on human testimony rather than solely instruments. The article notes that UFO sightings are global and reported by credible individuals. It categorizes UFO sightings into distant and close encounters, with close encounters further divided into three types: first (visual observation), second (physical traces), and third (contact with beings). Examples like the Socorro, New Mexico incident with landing traces and a case in Saskatchewan, Canada, are cited as evidence of physical interactions.

Profile of Joseph Allen Hynek

This article details the career and contributions of astrophysicist and ufologist Joseph Allen Hynek. It describes his initial skepticism and his eventual dedication to studying UFOs after realizing the phenomenon's persistence and global nature. Hynek's work in classifying UFO sightings and his role in challenging the conclusions of the Condon Report are highlighted. His establishment of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) and his involvement in the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' are mentioned. The article notes Hynek's ongoing efforts to analyze UFO cases using computer data to identify patterns and understand the enigma.

Why We Should Care About UFOs

Joseph Allen Hynek, speaking at a press conference in Florence, reiterates that UFOs are a real phenomenon. He emphasizes that many cases are reported by credible individuals and are not limited to specific regions. Hynek discusses the difficulty in explaining the propulsion systems and maneuverability of UFOs, suggesting they operate beyond our current understanding of physics. He also touches upon the possibility of extraterrestrial life, acknowledging the vast number of planets but the low probability of parallel evolutionary development.

Ufology: Definition, Meaning, and Goals

Pier Luigi Sani defines ufology as the study of UFO reports, emphasizing the need to distinguish it from contactism, cultism, or other speculative approaches. He clarifies that 'UFO' is a conventional term for an unknown cause of sightings, and the primary goal of ufology is to identify this cause and its nature. Sani stresses that the existence of reports, not necessarily the objects themselves, is the starting point for ufological investigation. He outlines the process of filtering out misidentifications and hoaxes to focus on credible cases.

The Terms of an Uncomfortable Problem

Roberto Pinotti discusses various approaches to studying UFOs, differentiating ufology from clipeology (studying UFOs in the past), contactism (belief in extraterrestrial messages), cultism (religious interpretations of UFOs), and archeology spaziale (interpreting ancient artifacts as evidence of alien visitation). Pinotti argues that ufology, as the objective study of unknown phenomena, is the most rational approach, while other disciplines often start with preconceived notions of extraterrestrial origins.

Italian Military and UFOs

This section, likely a continuation of Hynek's discussion, touches upon the reluctance of scientists to engage with UFO research due to its controversial nature. It mentions the US Air Force's increased attention to the phenomenon and Hynek's role in analyzing reports. The article debunks common misconceptions about UFO sightings, such as them only being reported by 'cranks' or being exclusively visual and vague.

Close Encounter of the Third Kind on Etna

This article likely details a specific UFO sighting or encounter, possibly related to the Etna region, as suggested by the title.

Mystery Over Italy

This section probably discusses unexplained UFO phenomena or sightings reported within Italy.

The Gela Photo: A Critical Analysis

This article focuses on a critical examination of a photograph taken in Gela, presumably related to a UFO sighting.

Night Flight of Aeromobiles

This section likely describes sightings of unidentified aerial objects during nighttime flights.

Cinema: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

This article likely discusses the popular film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' possibly in relation to its scientific accuracy or its impact on public perception of UFOs.

SIRIO: Italian Satellite

This article focuses on the 'Sirio' Italian satellite, likely detailing its purpose, capabilities, and any related space exploration aspects.

The Blank Page

This title suggests a section that might be about an unexplained case, a mystery, or perhaps a space exploration topic that is still under investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific, objective, and analytical approach to ufology. It aims to demystify the subject by separating factual evidence from speculation, myth, and sensationalism. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging critical thinking and rigorous investigation. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing 'ufology' as a field of study from other related but distinct disciplines like contactism or cultism. The magazine also highlights the global nature of UFO sightings and the importance of international collaboration in space research and the study of unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of PAESE SERA focuses heavily on the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in Italy, with a particular emphasis on military involvement and official investigations. The cover headline, "I MILITARI ITALIANI E GLI UFO" (Italian Military and UFOs), sets the tone for the issue, which explores a "restricted and unbiased collaboration" between the military and civilian UFO research organizations.

Collaboration with the Ministry of Defense

The article "Una collaborazione ristretta e senza preconcetti" by Roberto Pinotti details the relationship between the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN) and the Italian Ministry of Defense. It reveals that the CUN had a confidential but direct relationship with defense circles regarding UFOs, receiving official reports from 1977. A significant event was the accidental leak of a Ministry of Defense document concerning UFO sightings in Italy to two civilian organizations, CNIFAA and CIRSUFO, causing considerable embarrassment and controversy. The article criticizes the sensationalist approach of some groups, like the Mantero brothers from CIRSUFO, who allegedly misused the information for personal gain.

Official Investigations and Sightings

The issue highlights a specific sighting on March 9, 1978, involving the aircraft IH-662 and multiple international flights, which was reported by the newspaper "Paese Sera." The Air Force confirmed the sighting but excluded the presence of other aircraft that could be mistaken for UFOs. The article also references the French GEPAN commission, led by Prof. Claude Poher, as being at the forefront of UFO study, and mentions the ongoing private research by Prof. Joseph Allen Hynek in the USA.

Scientific Analysis and Optical Illusions

Several articles address the scientific aspects of UFO phenomena. "LA FOTO dell'UFO DI GELA" and "UNA ANALISI CRITICA" by Angelo Jacopino discuss how photographic evidence can be misleading. The Gela UFO photo is explained as a classic case of lens flare, a reflection of light within the camera. The article "Errori ottici (riflesso dell'obiettivo, ingl. Lens flare»)" further elaborates on how such illusions are created, citing studies by J. Murasciov and Dr. Helmut Naumann. It emphasizes the need for the press to distinguish between genuine optical phenomena and actual UFO reports, suggesting the use of graphic reconstructions over potentially misleading photographs.

Close Encounters and Eyewitness Accounts

"INCONTRO RAVVICINATO DI TERZO TIPO, sull' ETNA" by Angelo Jacopino recounts a remarkable alleged encounter on July 4, 1978, near Mount Etna, Sicily. Three military personnel and a woman reported seeing three luminous objects, one of which descended and landed. They described encountering five or six tall beings with white suits and beautiful human features. The beings reportedly communicated non-verbally and indicated the landed craft. The article notes the similarity to famous contactee cases like George Adamski and Eugenio Siragusa.

Another piece, "INCONTRI RAVVICINATI DEL TERZO TIPO: UNA NUOVA DIMENSIONE PER L'UOMO" by Lidia Parenti, discusses Steven Spielberg's film of the same name. It highlights the film's success and its optimistic message about humanity's place in the cosmos and the possibility of extraterrestrial contact. The article praises Spielberg's direction and the film's ability to resonate with audiences by touching upon themes of hope and the unknown.

Technical and Scientific Articles

"VOLO NOTTURNO DEGLI AEROMOBILI" by Leonardo Pinzauti provides practical advice for sky-watchers, distinguishing between celestial bodies, artificial satellites, and aircraft. It details the standard position lights on civilian aircraft (red on the left wingtip, white flashing on the tail) and other lights like landing gear lights, warning against mistaking them for UFOs.

The article "SIRIO ITALIAN SATELLITE" describes the Italian satellite Sirio, designed for telecommunication experiments. It details its technical specifications, launch by NASA in August 1977, orbital position, and the various Italian industries involved in its development. The satellite's primary mission was to conduct experiments in the 12 and 18 GHz SHF bands.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a serious, scientific approach to UFO research, distinguishing it from sensationalism and hoaxes. There's a clear emphasis on official investigations, military involvement, and the need for critical analysis of evidence, particularly photographic and eyewitness accounts. The editorial stance appears to be that while many sightings can be explained by conventional means (optical illusions, aircraft), the phenomenon itself warrants continued, rigorous investigation. The magazine also acknowledges the cultural impact of UFOs, as seen in the discussion of Spielberg's film, and suggests that the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, while speculative, is a topic of significant public interest.

This issue of UFO magazine, identified as a "NOTIZIARIO" from "FANUCCI EDITORE" and featuring a "20% di sconto" offer, appears to be from 1977. The cover headline is "LA PAGINA BIANCA". The magazine focuses on two main areas: the SIRIO satellite project and new science fiction book releases.

SIRIO Satellite Project

The article details the SIRIO satellite's technical specifications and experimental objectives. The satellite is designed to study radio wave propagation through the atmosphere at 12 and 18 GHz, crucial for future telecommunications, especially concerning atmospheric disturbances like rain.

Satellite Subsystems and Configurations

The satellite's communication package includes a transponder and an antenna. The transponder can be configured in three ways via telecommand:

• Configuration 1: Propagation experiment.
• Configuration 2: Narrow-band communication experiment (multi-access telephone link).
• Configuration 3: Wide-band communication experiment (television channel transmission).

Propagation Experiments

The propagation experiment aims to measure:

• Absolute attenuation at 12 and 18 GHz.
• Relative attenuation at the same frequencies.
• Phase distortion at 12 GHz.
• Depolarization through the atmosphere.

Antenna and Coverage

The antenna is counter-rotating and continuously oriented towards the Northern Hemisphere. It can assume different pointing positions to cover specific areas on Earth, including Italy (A.1), Central Europe (A.2), Western Europe/Eastern USA (B), and specifically Rome-Washington DC.

SHF Experiment Significance

The SHF experiment is notable for simultaneously using the 12 GHz band (typical for second-generation telecommunication satellites) and the 18 GHz band (typical for third-generation satellites). It also marks the first transoceanic transmissions on SHF frequencies.

Program Realizations

The development process involved experimental models and two prototypes: a development prototype and a qualification prototype. The qualification prototype validated the final design, procedures, and testing equipment. The flight unit was then constructed and integrated. Extensive testing on both prototypes, including environmental stress tests simulating launch and orbital conditions, demonstrated the project's robustness. A comparative analysis of ground test results and orbital data from the satellite showed excellent correlation, confirming the design's accuracy and the effectiveness of ground simulations.

Launch Campaign

Two months before the launch date, the qualification and flight units, along with testing equipment, were transported to the USA. This approximately 40-ton shipment required two round trips by a Boeing 747-F cargo jet. The launch activities were conducted at two NASA centers: Cape Kennedy in Florida and Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. At Cape Kennedy, operations included integration and testing of the flight unit, mounting it on the third stage of the launch vehicle, final countdown, and launch. At Goddard, compatibility tests between the satellite and the ground support network were performed, and the computer programs for orbital operations were validated. Post-launch, Goddard managed the orbital maneuvers to place SIRIO in its final geostationary position at 15º West longitude. Personnel from the SIRIO Project and NASA participated in these activities.

Book Reviews and Offers

This section promotes two new books from Fanucci Editore's "Enciclopedia della Fantascienza" series:

• SPACE OPERA, edited by Brian W. Aldiss (544 pages, 7,500 Lire). This volume explores the history of space opera from 1927 to 1977, featuring 25 original stories by renowned authors and critical commentary.
• PORTE SUL FUTURO (Gates to the Future), edited by Michael Ashley (640 pages, 9,500 Lire). This book covers the first two decades of science fiction (1926-1945), examining the best narrative from specialized magazines, with essays, bibliographies, and 25 original stories.

A 20% discount coupon is provided for readers ordering these books via cash on delivery from Levis & Levis International. The offer includes a discounted price and a 500 Lire shipping fee.

Reader Contributions and Subscriptions

"LA PAGINA BIANCA" (The White Page) is a section dedicated to reader contributions, inviting personal opinions on topics covered in the magazine. Information is also provided on how to subscribe to the monthly magazine for 11,000 Lire per year (11 issues), with the benefit of price protection against future increases.

Advertisement

A full-page advertisement for the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) is featured, with the slogan "ogni giorno i piloti dell'aeronautica militare solcano il cielo" (Every day, pilots of the military aeronautics soar through the sky) and "L'AERONAUTICA MILITARE PRODUCE SICUREZZA" (The Military Aeronautics Produces Security).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers topics related to UFOs, science fiction, and space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be informative and promotional, highlighting scientific advancements (like the SIRIO satellite) and promoting genre literature. The inclusion of reader contributions suggests an engagement with their audience, while the advertisements reinforce the magazine's thematic focus on aviation and space.