Notiziario UFO - 1979 02 - Vol 2 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NOTIZIARIO UFO
Issue: N. 2, Volume II
Date: February 1979
Publisher: Riccardo Mariotti Editore
Price: Lire 1000

This issue of "Notiziario UFO" is a technical monthly publication dedicated to ufology and current space topics, serving as the official organ of the National Ufological Center. It features a diverse range of articles, interviews, and reports on UFO phenomena, meteorological anomalies, and related scientific and investigative topics.

Featured Articles and Reports

Saluzzo: The Magnetized Car This article focuses on a specific case in Saluzzo involving a car that was reportedly magnetized. While details are not fully elaborated on the cover, it is presented as a lead story.

Photos Taken by the Scientific Police and Carabinieri of Palermo This section highlights photographic evidence related to UFO phenomena, captured by official law enforcement and scientific bodies in Palermo. The implication is that these are significant findings that warrant official investigation.

Pietracamela: Christmas Eve with Black-out This report details an unusual experience in Pietracamela during Christmas Eve, involving a black-out at a hydroelectric power plant. The incident is presented as a potentially anomalous event, suggesting a connection to UFO phenomena or unexplained occurrences.

Interview with Prof. Bino Bini, Director of the Meteorological Observatory of Imperia This extensive interview with Professor Bino Bini explores his observations and insights into UFO phenomena from a meteorological perspective. He discusses various sightings, including luminous objects observed at sea near Imperia, and notes that these phenomena do not align with known meteorological or astronomical events. Professor Bini expresses skepticism towards conventional explanations like ball lightning or atmospheric inversions, suggesting that some UFOs exhibit characteristics beyond current scientific understanding. He recounts specific observations, such as objects moving at high speeds and with unusual maneuvers, and notes that while some phenomena might be explainable, others remain mysterious. He also touches upon the theoretical possibility of inter-universal travel, referencing concepts like black holes, to illustrate the vastness of the unknown.

Interview with Prof. Antonino Palumbo, Meteorologist from the University of Naples This interview features Professor Antonino Palumbo, a meteorologist from the University of Naples, who shares his experiences and observations of anomalous aerial phenomena. He recounts an incident on October 22, 1978, near Naples, where he and a collaborator observed a luminous object exhibiting rapid and complex maneuvers. The object was initially mistaken for a military jet but displayed characteristics inconsistent with known aircraft, including its silent operation and unusual flight patterns. The incident involved a potential electromagnetic effect, as the car's electrical systems temporarily failed.

Adriatic: Let's Get to the Point This investigative report details inquiries conducted by the National Ufological Center into recent UFO phenomena along the Adriatic coast of Italy. The investigation involved interviews with the Port Authority in San Benedetto del Tronto, where officials confirmed numerous eyewitness accounts of anomalous events. The phenomena described include: * Water Columns: Sudden formations of water columns rising from the sea near boats. * Luminous Phenomena: "Globes" of red or white light appearing and disappearing near vessels, sometimes following them. * Electromagnetic Disturbances: Anomalies affecting radar systems on numerous boats, causing disruptions.

The report dismisses explanations involving submarines due to the shallow waters. It highlights the consistency of these reports and the lack of conventional explanations. Specific incidents are detailed, such as a luminous red object observed by a fisherman, and radar anomalies experienced by various vessels. The report also touches upon the mysterious deaths of the De Fulgentiis brothers, suggesting that while UFO involvement was speculated, conventional maritime accidents are also considered.

Phenomena in Other Italian Seas? This section expands the scope beyond the Adriatic, mentioning similar phenomena reported in the Tyrrhenian Sea near Naples and Piombino, as well as observations in the Ligurian Sea. It underscores the widespread nature of these anomalous events.

A 1973 Case from Our Archives: A Witness Speaks This article presents a testimony from a witness regarding an event in 1973 near Maliscola, Naples. The witness describes observing a luminous, disc-shaped object with a dome emerging from the sea and hovering near the beach. The object displayed unusual flight characteristics and emitted intense light. The witness and his companion experienced fear and a temporary failure of their car's electrical systems.

UFOs and Observations of Phenomena in the Marche and Abruzzo Regions This article by Romano Di Bernardo offers observations and considerations on UFO phenomena in the Marche and Abruzzo regions of Italy. It describes luminous globes observed at close range, noting their clear red color and lack of halos, suggesting they might be optical effects related to the observation conditions. The intensity of these lights was sometimes so strong it required sunglasses. The objects varied in shape, including spheres, triangles, and trapezoids. The report also mentions rapid take-offs and "dives" of objects, and phenomena that appeared to dissolve into the air. The author discusses the reactions of witnesses, ranging from fear to attempts at rational explanation (satellites, balloons), and notes the difficulty in establishing precise altitudes and trajectories.

Pietracamela: Vigil of Christmas with Black-out This report details an experience at a hydroelectric power plant in Pietracamela, at the foot of the Gran Sasso. A turnista (shift worker) reported experiencing a sudden illness and observing unusual oscillations in the plant's generators and instruments, even those not in operation. This occurred during a black-out on Christmas Eve. The event lasted for about 60 seconds, leaving the instruments miscalibrated and the worker feeling unwell. The incident is presented as unexplained.

Are there UFOs in Naples? This section presents two accounts from Naples. The first describes an incident on September 16, 1978, where two fishermen observed a violent bubbling of water and a beam of light emanating from beneath the surface near Mergellina. The phenomenon involved large bubbles and a green light that moved with the water disturbance. The second account, from October 27, 1978, near Piombino, describes two individuals observing a dome-shaped object with a yellow light moving rapidly over the water. The object then appeared in the sky, exhibiting similar characteristics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, often linking them to potential technological or extraterrestrial origins. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness testimony, photographic evidence, and the limitations of conventional scientific explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the investigation of UFO sightings and related anomalies, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous analysis. The publication aims to provide a platform for detailed reporting and discussion of these complex subjects, often highlighting cases that defy easy categorization.

Title: Quasar
Issue: 29
Date: May 1979
Publisher: Edizioni Quasar
Theme: Science and Alternative Science, focusing on UFO phenomena and related topics.

Cover Story: "in preparazione"

The cover of this issue of Quasar magazine, titled "in preparazione," features a stylized image of a Phantom jet fighter, suggesting a theme related to aviation, technology, or perhaps military involvement with unexplained aerial phenomena. The subtitle "MENSILIE DI SCIENZA ALTERNATIVA" (Monthly of Alternative Science) clearly positions the magazine within the realm of fringe science and unconventional research.

Article 1: UFO DI FRONTE ALL'OBIETTIVO - anche i carabinieri li hanno fotografati (UFOs in Front of the Lens - Carabinieri also photographed them)

This article, authored by Settimo Albanese, details several UFO sightings and encounters, primarily in Sicily, Italy, during December 1978. It highlights instances where law enforcement, specifically the Carabinieri, were involved as witnesses and even photographers.

Key Incidents and Details:

• December 5-6, 1978 (Addaura-Mondello, Italy): Witnesses Salvatore Guadagna and Pietro Troia reported an intense circle of light moving high in the sky. At one point, the object emitted a beam of blue light. A similar sighting was reported by a woman named S.G. in Monreale, who saw an intense yellow-ochre light illuminating her room, followed by a luminous strip in the sky changing colors from yellow-ochre to orange and green.
• December 11, 1978 (S. Erasmo, Italy): A Carabinieri patrol witnessed a "fireball" (described as a "globo di fuoco") emitting white light with reddish reflections. The object was stationary in the sky at an altitude of about 100 meters. Similar reports came from Bagheria and Termini Imerese.
• December 12, 1978 (Termini Imerese, Italy): A luminous globe was seen hovering over the town, changing shape and color, and causing radio interference. The object moved slowly and then ascended.
• December 12, 1978 (Palermo, Italy): Brigadier Marco Bonfiglio of the Carabinieri managed to photograph a luminous object, taking two snapshots. During this event, the Carabinieri's radio failed for ten minutes. Witnesses also reported that car engines stopped and lights went out.
• December 13, 1978 (Palermo, Italy): Agents of the Scientific Police photographed a UFO, capturing its departure. Similar anomalous phenomena occurred, including police radio failures and car engine stoppages.
• Morning of December 13, 1978 (Palermo, Italy): A luminous disc with metallic reflections was observed hovering over the Central Post Office. It disappeared around noon.

The article emphasizes the involvement of Carabinieri in these events, noting their attempts to contact their central operations and the negative responses received from the Punta Raisi airport regarding air traffic.

Article 2: 1978: PIEMONTE E UFO - sull'alessandrino: molteplici testimonianze (1978: Piedmont and UFOs - on the Alessandria area: multiple testimonies)

This section presents several UFO sightings reported in the Alessandria region of Italy during September 1978.

Key Incidents and Details:

• September 2, 1978 (San Michele d'Alessandria, Italy): 14-year-old Roberto Pozzi witnessed a cigar-shaped object, about 8-10 meters long and 2 meters wide, lift off from a cornfield. The object stabilized briefly, oscillated, and then ascended vertically at incredible speed. A circular area, 6.50x2.90 meters, was found in the field with three rows of stalks bent at right angles. The local Questura (police headquarters) collected samples and took photographs.
• Evening of September 3, 1978 (San Michele d'Alessandria, Italy): Several women reported seeing a luminous white strip descend, transform into a rotating red sphere, and disappear. This happened three times, with the sphere becoming larger each time. A strong smell of burnt wires was noted.
• September 8, 1978 (Frugarolo, Italy): People attending a festival observed a light descending into a field. A circular area of 4.50 meters in diameter was found where stubble had disappeared, the ground was overturned, and there were oily black stains at the center.
• Evening of September 13, 1978 (Spinetta di Alessandria, Italy): Dozens of residents saw a "meteor" streak across the sky and apparently fall near the Michelin factory. A perfectly circular area of the field caught fire with strange flames that did not emit heat. A reddish cloud with an acrid smell appeared.
• Evening of September 14, 1978 (Vignale Monferrato, Italy): About ten people observed luminous objects maneuvering in the sky at low altitude for several hours. During this time, there were temporary and repeated interruptions of the electricity supply.

The article includes an interview with Roberto Pozzi, who describes the object's shape, size, and metallic appearance. He also mentions his dog showing signs of distress before the sighting. The article notes that the police scientific unit collected samples from the site.

Article 3: saluzzo: l'auto magnetizzata (Saluzzo: The Magnetized Car)

This article details a reported UFO encounter by Roberto Comba in Saluzzo, Italy, on November 12, 1978.

Key Incident and Details:

• November 12, 1978 (Saluzzo, Italy): Roberto Comba, while driving home, witnessed a "falling star" that turned into a bright red and yellow flash, illuminating the road. He then saw a luminous disc with a high dome above it. Comba experienced intense fear and felt paralyzed. He described the object as having a cupola and emitting bright lights. He drove home in a state of shock, reporting that the object seemed to be following him. His car, an Autobianchi A112, was later found to have significant anomalies in its magnetic field, particularly in the front right section, suggesting exposure to a strong magnetic field originating from the direction of the UFO.

The article includes an interview with Comba, who was initially skeptical of UFOs. It also mentions that subsequent investigations of the area did not reveal any physical traces. The article notes that the car's Autovox radio, which was playing loudly during the incident, began malfunctioning afterward, though the car's built-in radio continued to work.

Article 4: GLI UFO NEL PASSATO - MASOLINO ed il miracolo della neve (UFOs in the Past - Masolino and the Miracle of the Snow)

Authored by Daniele Bedini, this article examines a 15th-century painting by Masolino da Panicale, "The Miracle of the Snow," and suggests it may depict a UFO.

Analysis of the Painting:

• The painting depicts Pope Liberius tracing the plan of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on snow, which miraculously fell in Rome in August. The artwork shows small, dense, lenticular clouds below a larger, dark, cigar-shaped cloud. The author questions the meteorological accuracy of snow falling in August and interprets the unusual cloud formations as potential UFOs.
• The article connects this to the phenomenon of "angel hair" (bambagia silicea), a substance reported to fall from the sky during UFO sightings. It lists numerous historical accounts of "angel hair" sightings from various locations worldwide, dating back to 1949.
• The author suggests that Masolino might have been depicting an actual UFO event, using the "miracle of the snow" as a symbolic or coded way to represent it, given the societal context of the time where such phenomena might be interpreted as divine intervention or witchcraft.

Article 5: il diritto spaziale (Space Law)

This is the third and final part of a series by Pompeo Magno on space law, focusing on the legal and ethical implications of potential contact with extraterrestrial beings.

Key Points:

• Establishing Relations: The article discusses the need for establishing principles and norms for interactions between humans and extraterrestrial beings, emphasizing the importance of avoiding conflict.
• Universal Principles: It highlights universal legal principles such as 'neminem laedere' (do no harm) and the Golden Rule ('do not do to others what you would not have them do to you') as foundational for any interspecies relations.
• Rights of Beings: The author touches upon the concept of natural rights, including moral and physical integrity, freedom, and defense, suggesting these should extend to extraterrestrial beings.
• Reciprocity: The principle of reciprocity, as applied in international law ('jus inter gentes'), is proposed as a provisional system for regulating relations with extraterrestrials.
• International Cooperation: The article references a letter from Soviet jurist Yevgeniy A. Korovin, who suggests that thinking beings should be treated with a higher level of equality, liberty, and fraternity, potentially surpassing human intellectual and moral development.
• Papal Endorsements: The author cites Pope John XXIII's encyclical 'Pacem in Terris' and Pope Paul VI's messages, which call for adapting legal systems to the atomic age and space conquests, and for recognizing humanity's brotherhood.
• Proposed Actions: The article concludes with concrete proposals for governments, including recognizing the need for potential encounters, declaring human solidarity, establishing universal legal principles for extraterrestrial relations, and creating a dedicated international center for regulating these matters.

Article 6: l'incontro ravvicinato sull'etna: ulteriori particolari (The Close Encounter on Etna: Further Details)

This article provides additional details about a reported close encounter on Mount Etna (Italy) on July 4, 1978, which was previously mentioned in the magazine. It includes an investigation conducted by an Italian Air Force captain.

Investigation Findings:

• The investigation involved interviewing three non-commissioned officers who were the primary witnesses. They had signed declarations attesting to the truth of their account.
• The witnesses described seeing UFOs, with one object reportedly landing. The investigation team visited the site on Mount Sona.
• The captain noted that the witnesses seemed sincere, but there was uncertainty about the exact landing spot. He suggested that distinguishing details of potential occupants would be difficult from the reported distance and at night.
• The article mentions the influence of a local figure named Eugenio Siragusa, whose conferences the witnesses had attended, raising the possibility of his influence on their interpretations.
• The witnesses reported seeing a triangular formation of lights and described the object's colors as predominantly yellow-orange and sky blue, with intermittent flashing lights. They did not report any clear markings or symbols on the vehicle.
• The investigation concluded that the sighting and encounter were likely real, but details about the occupants might have been exaggerated or influenced by imagination.
• The article also addresses a newspaper report claiming the witnesses felt "drained" after the encounter, which they denied.

Article 7: سرنشینان بشقاب پرنده مرا - visitati dagli ufo anche i paesi del petrolio? (UFO Occupants Visited Me - Have UFOs Also Visited the Oil Countries?)

Authored by Lidia Parenti, this article reports on UFO sightings in Kuwait and Iran, suggesting a connection to oil-rich regions.

Kuwait Sightings:

• November 9-10, 1978: A UFO reportedly landed near Kuwait City, hovering for seven minutes before departing at high speed. Witnesses included personnel from a satellite listening center and an oil facility. The object was described as a mass of blinding light, disc-shaped, with a dome, and emitting a powerful light. Communications with the outside world were interrupted during the sighting.
• November 15, 1978: Another UFO sighting was reported in Umm Alaish.
• November 22, 1978: A third sighting occurred near oil storage tanks in Sabria, again causing telecommunication disruptions.

Iran Sighting:

• September 19, 1976 (Tehran, Iran): An Iranian Air Force F-4 Phantom jet was scrambled to investigate a UFO. The UFO reportedly outmaneuvered the jet, causing its electronic systems, including weapons control and communications, to fail. A second F-4 was launched, and its pilot reported that a smaller object detached from the main UFO and descended towards the ground, followed by a bright light. The pilot attempted to fire a missile, but his weapons system also malfunctioned. The UFOs reportedly caused significant interference with radio communications.
• The article notes that the Iranian government initiated an investigation, sharing its findings with various US government agencies, including the CIA and the Pentagon. This suggests the event was considered significant.

The article connects these sightings to previous reports of UFO activity in oil-rich regions, such as Iran in 1978, and raises the question of whether these areas are particularly targeted by UFOs.

Article 8: IRAN, 19 settembre 1976: ecco il resoconto testuale dell'inchiesta promossa dal governo dello Scià (Iran, September 19, 1976: Here is the textual account of the investigation promoted by the Shah's government)

This section provides a detailed account of the Iranian UFO incident from September 19, 1976, based on information obtained by ufologist Charles Huffer for the Center for UFO Studies.

Incident Details:

• The report begins with a civilian receiving multiple phone calls about strange objects in the sky over Tehran.
• An F-4 Phantom jet was dispatched. Upon approaching the object, the jet's UHF and Intercom communications failed. The pilot observed the object visually and on radar, comparing its size to a Boeing 707. The object emitted flashing lights of alternating blue, green, red, and orange colors.
• A second, smaller object detached from the main UFO and headed towards the F-4. The pilot's weapons control panel and communications failed again. He performed a negative G maneuver to disengage.
• The second object rejoined the first, and a third object detached and descended towards the ground, illuminating an area with a bright light.
• After the UFOs departed, the F-4's communications systems were restored. The pilot landed and, with a helicopter, investigated the area where the object was believed to have landed. No physical traces were found, but acoustic signals were detected.
• The report mentions that the F-4 experienced further communication interferences and instrument anomalies when flying near the area.
• The incident was investigated by the Iranian government, and findings were shared with US intelligence agencies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Quasar magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs through witness testimonies, official reports, and even historical interpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and accounts without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and investigation. The magazine seems to favor detailed reporting of sightings, including technical aspects like instrument malfunctions and electromagnetic effects. The inclusion of legal and ethical considerations regarding potential extraterrestrial contact suggests a forward-looking and speculative approach to the subject. The recurring theme of UFOs being observed in proximity to sensitive locations like military bases, power plants, and oil fields hints at a potential interest in the strategic or resource-related aspects of these phenomena. The magazine also highlights the involvement of official bodies, such as the Carabinieri and military forces, in documenting these events, lending a degree of credibility to the reported occurrences.

This issue of "UFO notizie" from February-March 1979, published by Fanucci Editore, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, alongside astronomical information. The cover features a pilot's helmet and a radar screen, advertising a competition for pilots and engineers for the Accademia Aeronautica.

Key Articles and Reports

The Palumbo Sighting

The issue details a significant UFO sighting over the Gulf of Naples, Italy, by Professor Palumbo and his collaborator Sig. Fasano. They observed an object with a narrow elliptical shape, intense uniform white light, and no visible trail. The object exhibited rapid altitude changes and tight turns, moving at high speed and estimated to be above 10,000 meters. They ruled out conventional aircraft, satellites, and balloons. Professor Palumbo expressed his conviction in the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations, stating his duty as a scientist to report his observation.

International UFO Sightings

Reports from around the world include:

• New Zealand: A television crew filmed mysterious objects near Cook Strait, described as 'ping pong balls with a red hue in the center,' flying at approximately 3000 meters. Radar also detected unidentified objects in the area.
• France/Switzerland: The meteorological service in Strasbourg reported a sphere-shaped UFO, about a hundred meters in diameter, moving at extraordinary speed and emitting red and greenish trails.
• Israel: Military aviation was alerted to multiple UFO sightings, but radar operators could not confirm their existence.
• United Kingdom: Sightings were reported in various cities, including Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Norwich, and London. The Ministry of Defence suggested these might be 'space fragments burning up.' A 13-year-old boy described seeing a large white light with a luminous trail.

"Cittadino dello Spazio" Film Review

Mario Pagni reviews the science fiction film "Cittadino dello Spazio" (Citizen of the Space), comparing it to other classics like "The War of the Worlds" and "Forbidden Planet." The film, based on a novel by Raymond F. Jones, tells the story of scientist Cal Meacham who becomes involved with extraterrestrials from the planet Metaluna. They are engaged in an intergalactic war and require Earth's uranium. The review praises the film's technical execution and visual effects, particularly the space travel sequences, but notes that it simplifies some of the complex themes and character developments present in the novel.

Astronomy Section

This section, authored by Mario Pagni, provides a guide to planetary visibility and celestial phenomena for January and February 1979. It details the positions and visibility of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. It also lists other astronomical events, such as the Sun's perigee, planetary conjunctions with the Moon, and the opposition of Jupiter to the Sun. A star chart for the Northern Hemisphere is also included.

Reader Letters

Several letters address the magazine's focus on UFOs:

• Enrico Rossini from Rome defends the magazine's stance, arguing against skepticism and suggesting that phenomena like 'ball lightning' could explain some UFO characteristics. He emphasizes that the goal is to discover the truth, not blindly believe in extraterrestrials.
• Ferruccio Gherardi from Venice criticizes Giuseppe Mercorella for questioning the magazine's title and focus, stating that the publication clearly indicates its subject matter. He advises Mercorella to buy magazines that align with his interests.
• Giuseppina Dettori from Assemini (Cagliari) welcomes the addition of an astronomy section and comments on the need for scientific investigation into UFOs, while also expressing curiosity about astronomical concepts like the Doppler effect and supernovae.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The issue includes the editorial team, responsible director Roberto Pinotti, and a list of collaborators and regional editorial offices. It also features an advertisement for John A. Keel's book "Creature dall'ignoto" (Creatures from the Unknown).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging scientific investigation and the reporting of sightings. It aims to provide a platform for discussion and information, distinguishing itself from pure skepticism. The inclusion of astronomical data suggests an interest in distinguishing known celestial objects from unidentified ones. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking truth and understanding, even when dealing with controversial or unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous analysis and avoiding blind belief.