Notiziario UFO - 1979 03 - Vol 2 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO, Volume II, Number 3, dated March 1979, is published by Riccardo Mariotti Editore and priced at 1000 Lire. It is the official organ of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale and focuses on technical aspects of ufology and current space-related topics. The cover prominently features a headline about a night watchman in Genova allegedly being abducted by UFOs, an interview with Deputy Falco Accame, and an article titled "Il Pianeta Proibito" (The Forbidden Planet).

Key Articles and Features

Interview: Falco Accame

The magazine features an in-depth interview with Deputy Falco Accame, a former naval officer and member of the Defense Commission. Accame discusses the UFO phenomenon from a parliamentary perspective, noting that while official studies by the US Air Force and CIA have not indicated aggressive intentions, prudence dictates considering potential capabilities. He emphasizes the government's duty to investigate, especially after revelations from the Washington Post, and highlights the potential for mass psychosis or radar interference, as well as the possibility of new discoveries in unexplored fields. Accame also touches upon the potential for the UFO phenomenon to be used for demagoguery and the concerns about ideological interpretations, drawing parallels to the Galileo affair. He expresses a belief in the value of young, unknown scientists and suggests that the time is ripe for new perspectives.

Genova: Night Watchman Abducted by UFOs?

This multi-part article by Luciano Boccone details an extraordinary event that allegedly occurred on the night of December 6-7, 1978, in Marzano, Torriglia, province of Genova. Fortunato Zanfretta, a 26-year-old night watchman, reported encountering four white lights arranged in a triangle, which caused his car's radio and electrical systems to malfunction. He then claims to have been approached by a large, grey entity with a green head, large yellow eyes, and spikes. Zanfretta experienced a physical push and fell, losing approximately 50 minutes of time. Upon regaining consciousness, he found himself on the ground, and later, his colleagues found him disoriented. The article notes the discovery of a horseshoe-shaped imprint on the ground near the villa and mentions a previous burglary attempt at the same location. Zanfretta's account is further explored through a hypnotic regression session, where he reportedly relived aspects of the encounter, including being manipulated and experiencing intense fear and heat.

Ufologia: Scientific Interpretation

This article by Pier Luigi Sani critiques the generally negative and dismissive attitude of the "official" scientific community towards the UFO phenomenon. Sani argues that many scientists, influenced by a dogmatic rationalism, prematurely dismiss UFOs without proper investigation. He contends that while ufology may not yet be a formal science, the sheer volume and consistency of witness testimonies, including those from credible sources like military personnel, cannot be ignored. The article questions the scientific method's application when it leads to the denial of observable phenomena and highlights the limitations of current scientific understanding in explaining UFO behavior, such as their ability to defy inertia and appear/disappear instantaneously. It suggests that instead of dismissing these phenomena, science should strive to expand its framework to understand them.

ONU: The General Assembly Has Decided. Now It's Up to the Governments

This piece by Olga Bianchi reports on the UN General Assembly's decision, prompted by initiatives from countries like Grenada, to request reports from member states on UFO sightings. The article notes that this decision follows Sir Eric Gairy's long-standing advocacy for UFOs to be addressed at the UN. It explains that the UN will collect data from national governments, which will then be reviewed by a special commission. The article also mentions the role of Professor Joseph Allen Hynek in confirming the UN's decision and highlights the importance of government-sanctioned research bodies, suggesting that private research centers may not be directly involved unless recognized by their respective governments. The author expresses hope that this UN initiative will encourage national governments, including Italy's, to seriously investigate the phenomenon.

The Duty of Correct Information

Roberto Risoli discusses the responsibility of scientists and journalists in reporting on the UFO phenomenon. He observes that while the recent wave of UFO sightings has led to more balanced reporting than in the past, some scientists and journalists still resort to dismissive or sensationalist approaches. Risoli criticizes those who, in the name of professionalism or scientific rigor, deny evidence without proper investigation, comparing such attitudes to the dogmatism of the Inquisition. He argues that true scientific inquiry requires an open mind and a willingness to consider all evidence, even if it challenges existing paradigms. The article emphasizes the importance of accurate and objective information dissemination to the public.

Other Sections

• Pilota, ingegnere o ingegnere pilota - ACCADEMIA AERONAUTICA CONCORSO 1979: An advertisement for the Italian Air Force Academy's 1979 competition.
• Bertucci - Gioielli Roma: An advertisement for Bertucci jewelry.
• GLI PSICHEDELICI OPTOR ITALIANA s.a.s.: An advertisement for Optor Italiana's psychedelic products.
• Il Pianeta Proibito: A mention of the film "Forbidden Planet."
• UFO notizie: A section likely containing brief news items related to UFOs.
• Astronomia: A section on astronomy.
• La pagina bianca: A section with blank pages or reader contributions.
• Lettere: A section for reader letters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, technical, and analytical approach to ufology, distinguishing itself from sensationalist or purely speculative content. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation, even while critiquing the limitations and biases of the established scientific community. The editorial stance supports the idea that UFOs are a real phenomenon worthy of study and that governments have a responsibility to investigate and inform the public. The magazine advocates for objective reporting and encourages critical thinking, urging readers not to accept dismissive attitudes uncritically. The recurring theme is the need for a more open-minded and rigorous approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, both from scientific and governmental perspectives.

This issue of 'UFO DI FRONTE ALL'OBIETTIVO' (UFOs in Front of the Lens) focuses on photographic evidence and eyewitness accounts of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The cover story details a significant sighting in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on December 29, 1978, accompanied by photographs taken by the Carabinieri and Polstrada. The magazine also delves into the perspectives of astronauts, historical UFO reports, and scientific analyses of the phenomenon.

Reggio Emilia Sighting: Photos and Testimonies

The lead article by Alberto Lazzaro describes a UFO sighting near Masone, between Reggio and Modena, on December 29, 1978. Hundreds of witnesses, including police and Carabinieri, observed a luminous body, described as triangular with a red, flashing light. The Carabinieri and Polstrada managed to photograph the object, with one photograph capturing peculiar light trails attributed to the object's movement or camera lens reflections. The sighting lasted for nearly two hours, involving numerous witnesses.

Astronauts and UFOs: Between Myth and Reality

This section explores the opinions of astronauts regarding UFOs. It highlights Gordon Cooper's account of seeing a bright, greenish object with a red tail while in orbit over Australia in 1963, which was reportedly tracked by ground stations. It also mentions reports from Russian cosmonauts Leonov and Belyaev about encountering an unidentified satellite. The article notes the general reluctance of astronauts to publicly discuss UFOs, often citing NASA's stance or personal reasons. The issue also touches upon alleged statements from astronauts about extraterrestrial spacecraft on the Moon, though it cautions that such information is often part of UFO lore and legends.

Historical UFO Accounts

The magazine presents historical evidence of UFO sightings, including an account from a 1388 manuscript found in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia. This document describes 'great luminous signs, flying through the air in formation like an army' observed for over an hour. Another section discusses an fresco from the 14th century in the Decani monastery, which appears to depict two luminous, disc-shaped objects with figures inside, interpreted by some as early representations of UFOs.

Scientific and Political Perspectives on UFOs

Roberto Risoli's article critically examines the political and societal implications of UFO phenomena. He argues against dismissing UFOs as mere escapism or non-political matters, suggesting that their existence challenges established worldviews and requires a broader understanding of reality. Risoli criticizes the selective reporting by some media outlets and advocates for a more open approach to information, even when it is strange or incomprehensible. He also discusses the potential political relevance of UFOs, not as a threat, but as a phenomenon that transcends national boundaries and could unite humanity.

Hermann Oberth on UFOs

This section features an article by Professor Hermann Oberth, a pioneer of astronautics, originally published in 1954. Oberth addresses various theories attempting to explain UFOs, such as meteors, secret weapons (like the V-2 rocket), or atmospheric phenomena like ball lightning. He dismisses these explanations, citing discrepancies in size, speed, and behavior. Oberth also considers the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors, suggesting that their advanced technology might allow them to overcome vast distances and time. He proposes the term 'uranidi' for these celestial inhabitants and speculates about their nature and origins, suggesting they might come from other solar systems.

The Forbidden Planet (Film Review)

Mario Pagni reviews the 1956 science fiction film 'Forbidden Planet'. The article praises the film for its innovative approach to science fiction, its exploration of the subconscious, and its compelling narrative. It details the plot, which involves a spaceship crew encountering a scientist, Morbius, and his daughter on a desolate planet, along with a sophisticated robot named Robby. The review highlights the film's special effects and its themes of advanced technology, alien civilizations (the Krell), and the dangers of repressed psychological forces manifesting as a destructive entity.

UFO Investigations and Reports

Several smaller articles cover recent UFO-related news. One reports on a legal action taken by the Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) against the CIA for allegedly withholding evidence of extraterrestrial bodies. Another discusses the official explanation for UFO sightings over New Zealand, which attributed them to atmospheric phenomena, a conclusion disputed by an eyewitness pilot. A brief report mentions a claim of two extraterrestrials landing in Argentina, and another notes a debate on UFOs in the British House of Lords, where the government declined to fund an official inquiry.

Researcher's Guide to UFO Sources

Pier Luigi Sani provides a comprehensive bibliography of books and periodicals related to UFO research. This section lists numerous titles in English, French, and Italian, along with their publishers and availability. It also includes a list of key UFO journals and encyclopedic references, serving as a resource for researchers interested in the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious investigation, moving beyond simple dismissal. It highlights photographic evidence, eyewitness accounts, and historical records as crucial components of UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and advanced technologies while critically evaluating various explanations. There's a clear emphasis on scientific rigor and the importance of documented evidence, even while acknowledging the speculative nature of much UFO research. The inclusion of diverse perspectives, from astronauts and scientists to historical documents and film reviews, suggests a broad approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of 'Taccuino di Astronomia' (March 1979, Volume 1, Issue 1) is a monthly publication from Fanucci Editore, priced at L. 1,000, focusing on alternative science and ufology. The cover features the title 'CREATURE DALL'IGNOTO' by John A. Keel, with an introduction by 'Gruppo Clypeus'. The magazine aims to provide a serious and scientific approach to ufological topics.

Astronomy Series: The Solar System

The issue launches a new series on astronomy, dedicated to the planets of the solar system. The first part covers the general characteristics of the planets, their orbits around the Sun, and their apparent sizes as seen from Earth. A table lists the nine planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto) with their order from the Sun, average distance in kilometers, and orbital period. The article explains that planets, being solid bodies, do not emit their own light but reflect the Sun's. It also notes that the magazine will detail individual planet characteristics in subsequent issues. Future installments will cover effective sizes, order from the Sun, planetary diameters, densities, average temperatures, masses (relative to Earth), rotation periods, the origin of the solar system, and gravity.

The issue also includes diagrams illustrating the variation in apparent size of planets like Venus, Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter as their distance from Earth changes. A note informs readers that planet visibility updates will be provided every two months due to space constraints, advising observers to account for slight positional shifts.

Ufology and Science Fiction Debate

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a debate between ufology and science fiction. A letter from Salvatore Ferrara defends Eugenio Siragusa and the Centro Studi Fratellanza Cosmica against criticism in a previous issue, arguing that Siragusa is unjustly accused and that the magazine should not pass judgment before a trial. Ferrara emphasizes that his group seeks truth without influencing public opinion and criticizes the magazine's approach to Siragusa.

The editorial response, attributed to the magazine's direction, clarifies that their criticism is directed at Siragusa's figure and the Centro Ufologico Nazionale's (CUN) approach, which they view as missionary and potentially discrediting to ufology. They distinguish their approach as 'study' versus 'faith' and criticize Siragusa for perceived contradictions and ambiguous behavior. The editorial states that Siragusa has 'dug his own grave' and that their criticism is based on information from people close to him.

Another letter from Antonio Pagani (Forlì) further elaborates on the distinction between science fiction and ufology. Pagani argues that science fiction is a cultural genre dealing with human-conceived possibilities, while ufology deals with present, concrete facts that require scientific investigation. He believes that while science fiction can be useful, it should not be conflated with ufology, which he sees as a serious study of current phenomena. He warns against the 'discrediting' policies that have sometimes plagued ufology when linked to the paranormal, advocating for a scientific and reality-based approach.

Reader Letters and Q&A

Several reader letters address various aspects of the magazine and ufology.

Laura Vernocchi Di Nino (Carezzano, AL) expresses appreciation for the magazine's objective approach to ufology and its inclusion of astronomy basics. She questions the inclusion of science fiction content and asks about opportunities for more active collaboration beyond subscriptions. She also inquires about the nature of non-official 'knowledge acquisition' methods, such as telepathy, and their potential role in UFO phenomena.

The editorial response to Vernocchi suggests contacting the Piedmont sections of the organization, particularly the Turin section, for active collaboration. Regarding telepathy, the magazine acknowledges it as a studied phenomenon but suggests it's currently too subjective and poorly understood to be directly linked to ufology.

Franco Mallia (Latina) praises the first issue of 'Notiziario UFO' for filling a gap in specialized scientific magazines on the topic and expresses interest in subscribing. He inquires about the continuation of the Rome section's meetings and whether friends can attend. Mallia also offers his opinion that while astronomy and space sciences are interesting, ufology should remain the primary focus, and that the magazine's scientific seriousness is commendable.

Barbieri Piero Luigi (S. Giuliano Milanese) asks why UFOs, when accelerating rapidly or exceeding the speed of sound, do not produce a sonic boom. The magazine provides an answer, citing French astrophysicist Paul Guérin, who suggests a 'differentiated flow' of air layers in front of the object as a possible explanation.

A clarification is also provided by Laura Bei of Corrado Tedeschi Editore regarding the financing of Professor J.A. Hynek's visit to Italy. She states that 'Il Giornale dei Misteri' fully funded Hynek's travel and accommodation, with only TG1 paying for a specific interview.

Featured Book and Advertisement

The magazine features an advertisement for the book 'CREATURE DALL'IGNOTO' by John A. Keel, published by Fanucci, described as a classic of 'diverse' non-fiction that revolutionized ufology and parapsychology. It details mysterious creatures and their alleged visits to Earth.

An advertisement for Mondialcamping in Sardinia promotes cooperative camping facilities with beach access, sports facilities, and accommodation options.

Another advertisement is for a Peugeot 305 car dealership, ITAL FRANCE AUTO, in Rome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine positions itself as a serious, scientific publication dedicated to ufology, distinguishing its approach from faith-based beliefs or speculative fiction. It emphasizes objective study, factual reporting, and a critical analysis of phenomena and personalities within the ufological community. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, aiming to separate credible research from sensationalism and misinformation. The inclusion of astronomy serves to provide a foundational scientific context for understanding celestial phenomena, including potential UFOs. The magazine actively engages with reader feedback, fostering a dialogue on complex and often controversial topics within the realm of alternative science.