Notiziario UFO - 1979 04 - Vol 2 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NOTIZIARIO
Issue: Volume II, Number 4
Date: April 1979
Publisher: Riccardo Mariotti Editore
Country: Italy
Price: Lire 1000

This issue of UFO Notiziario presents a technical and scientific approach to ufology and space-related topics. The cover prominently features "OPERAZIONE SPACELAB" (Operation Spacelab), alongside reports of "DUE ATTERRAGGI IN ESTONIA" (Two Landings in Estonia) and "L'OPINIONE DI G. TAGLIAFERRI" (The Opinion of G. Tagliaferri).

Editorial

The editorial, written by Roberto Pinotti, addresses the criticisms of UFOs by physicist Professor Antonino Zichichi. Pinotti argues that Zichichi dismisses the phenomenon without proper documentation, referencing key scientific works on UFOs that Zichichi apparently ignores. He criticizes Zichichi's reliance on the Galilean scientific method, which excludes unrepeatable phenomena, and draws parallels to historical scientific skepticism towards meteorites. Pinotti asserts that ufology studies the phenomenon's cause, while extraterrestrial hypotheses belong to the realm of speculation. He emphasizes that the phenomenon's existence and recurring characteristics warrant scientific study, even if current explanations are lacking. He concludes by stating that dismissing information before investigation leads to eternal ignorance.

UFO Interview: Giuseppe Tagliaferri

The magazine features an interview with Giuseppe Tagliaferri, an astronomer and secretary of the Italian Astronomical Society. Tagliaferri discusses a televised debate on UFOs organized by TELEMONTECARLO, highlighting the participation of scientists and journalists. He notes the debate's objective and balanced approach, particularly his own contributions. Tagliaferri states that military personnel were initially involved in UFO data collection, supported by scientists like Hynek and McDonald. He shares findings from a survey of American astronomers, revealing that a significant percentage had witnessed unidentified objects and many were open to studying the phenomenon. Tagliaferri stresses the importance of taking UFO observations seriously, separating them from preconceived notions, and systematically cataloging data. He acknowledges the statistical probability of other life-supporting planets but considers the probability of interstellar travel to Earth to be extremely low, citing the vast distances and the speed of light as limitations. He criticizes both the scientific community's tendency to dismiss UFOs and the public's eagerness to attribute them to extraterrestrials, advocating for a rigorous, evidence-based approach.

Il Fenomeno di Petrozavodsk

This article details extraordinary UFO phenomena observed in the Soviet Union, particularly in Karelia and Petrozavodsk, on September 20, 1977. The event was reported by Soviet newspapers as a "natural phenomenon." Witnesses described a large, luminous object, likened to a "medusa," emitting beams of light and moving over the city. The phenomenon lasted for several minutes and was observed by numerous people. The article notes that meteorologists initially had no explanation, and experiments were ruled out. V. Krat, director of the main observatory of the USSR Academy of Sciences, suggested it might be a meteorite, but the article questions this explanation due to the object's behavior. The phenomenon reportedly caused disruptions in scientific equipment, including radar and computers, and led to high levels of ozone in the atmosphere. The article also mentions similar sightings in Finland and Estonia around the same time. The author, Juri Lina, expresses skepticism about the official explanations and suggests that subsequent investigations were not published.

URSS: Due Atterraggi in Estonia

This section recounts two UFO landing cases in Estonia. The first, from April 1977, involves a six-year-old girl who reported seeing a cigar-shaped object and four small, red-faced beings with hoods near her home in Liiduvere. She described an interaction with these beings, which she believes was telepathic. The second case, from the summer of 1968, describes three teenage girls camping near Lake Kaarma who witnessed a bright, fast-moving star merge with a cigar-shaped object. They also reported a feeling of fear and saw a small, human-like figure after the object disappeared. The article includes details about ground traces found at one of the sites and mentions the investigation by ufologist Tunne Kelam.

NLO? Niet (No! Not)

This article discusses the growing discussion of UFOs (referred to as NLOs - Neopoznannje Ljetaiuscje Objekti) within the Soviet Union, particularly among pilots and cosmonauts, who report disturbances to flights. It revisits the Petrozavodsk phenomenon, citing a report from the newspaper "Unità" which acknowledges the issue. The article quotes scientist Mikhail Dimitriev, who suggests the phenomenon was a form of "chemo-luminescence" caused by interactions in the atmosphere, possibly involving ozone and nitrogen oxides. Dimitriev also notes that such phenomena occur in pure air and can cause computer and radar malfunctions due to high concentrations of ions and electrons. However, the article expresses skepticism about these official explanations, highlighting the recurring nature of the Petrozavodsk event and the lack of definitive answers.

Caso Zanfretta: Un Seguito Inatteso (Zanfretta Case: An Unexpected Follow-up)

This article details a follow-up incident involving the UFO contactee Zanfretta. On December 27, 1978, Zanfretta reported experiencing a severe headache and loss of control over his car, which then drove itself. He described a luminous, oval-shaped object and an encounter where he was ordered to exit the vehicle. His colleagues found him and his car with unusually high temperatures. The article notes the temporal similarity to his previous alleged abduction experience. Zanfretta underwent hypnosis to recall the lost time, reporting a sense of being taken and subjected to uncomfortable procedures, including the removal of a helmet and electrical shocks. He expressed a strong desire not to be taken again. The article also mentions the discovery of unusual footprints and the condition of his car, which showed no signs of damage despite the ordeal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and technical approach to ufology, encouraging rigorous investigation and data collection. It highlights debates within the scientific community regarding the nature of UFO phenomena, contrasting skeptical viewpoints with those advocating for serious study. The publication appears to favor evidence-based analysis over purely speculative theories, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena and potential extraterrestrial implications. The recurring theme is the need for objective observation and analysis, even when faced with phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding.

Title: Notiziario UFO
Issue: April 1979
Publisher: Riccardo Mariotti Editore
Focus: Alternative science, ufology, and related phenomena.

The Zanfretta Case: A Hypnotic Follow-Up

The issue opens with a detailed account of a hypnotic session with Francesco Zanfretta, the subject of a famous UFO encounter. The transcript reveals Zanfretta's experience under hypnosis, where he describes being abducted by extraterrestrial beings. He recounts their physical appearance: tall, with green skin, yellow triangular eyes, and spines on their faces. They communicated through a light emitted from their mouths. Zanfretta describes the craft as triangular and steel-colored, with an interior filled with green light and numerous control panels. He expresses fear and confusion, particularly about the beings' questions and their insistence on secrecy. The hypnotist, Dr. Moretti, guides Zanfretta through the session, aiming to retrieve details and ensure his well-being.

UFO Sighting at Fiumicino Airport

Leonardo Pinzauti reports on a significant UFO sighting that occurred at Rome's Fiumicino Airport on November 12, 1978. The incident involved a luminous red-orange sphere observed by specialized personnel of the Italian Air Force. The object's presence disrupted air traffic, leading to the rerouting of two approaching aircraft. The report details the object's movement and appearance, noting its intense light and high speed. Several witnesses, including airport staff and carabinieri, corroborated the sighting. The article also touches upon a prior incident where pilots of a DC-8 Alitalia and an Arab B.707 reported being blinded by an intense orange light beam during their approach to Fiumicino, an event that authorities attributed to maintenance lights on electrical pylons, a conclusion the article questions.

Scientific Debate: UFOs and Skepticism

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a debate on the scientific validity of UFO phenomena, primarily featuring the views of Professor Antonino Zichichi, a prominent Italian physicist. Zichichi argues that UFOs are not a serious subject for scientific inquiry, dismissing them as 'flying donkeys' or misinterpretations of known phenomena. He emphasizes that only phenomena measurable and reproducible in a laboratory are scientifically valid. He also questions the likelihood of extraterrestrial life and interstellar travel due to the vastness of space and the potential for matter-antimatter annihilation.

In contrast, the magazine presents the arguments of ufologists and other scientists who advocate for a more open-minded approach. They highlight the numerous credible witnesses, including scientists and military personnel, and the consistent patterns in witness testimonies. The article cites the work of researchers like Claude Poher, who stresses the importance of thorough investigation and intellectual honesty when evaluating UFO reports. The magazine criticizes Zichichi's stance, pointing out his admitted lack of familiarity with UFO research and documentation, questioning his authority to dismiss the phenomenon outright.

UFOs in Popular Culture: Comics and Cartoons

The issue explores the role of comics and cartoons in popularizing and shaping public perception of UFOs. It notes how comic strips, like those by Mort Walker and Alex Raymond, have reflected societal anxieties and interests, from early depictions of flying saucers as objects of fear to later explorations of space travel and extraterrestrial life. The article highlights the work of French artists Jacques Lob and Robert Gigi, whose detailed UFO-themed albums have contributed significantly to the visual representation of the phenomenon. The magazine suggests that comics, particularly those aimed at younger audiences, play a crucial role in disseminating information and fostering interest in ufology.

Organizational News and Future Outlook

The Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN) announces reforms to its organizational structure, including the abolition of membership categories and a focus on selecting members based on their contributions and seriousness. The CUN also updates its board composition and invites suggestions from its members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, challenging skeptical viewpoints, particularly those of mainstream scientists like Professor Zichichi. It emphasizes the importance of witness testimony, empirical evidence, and open-minded scientific inquiry. The editorial stance supports the idea that UFOs represent a genuine phenomenon requiring further study, rather than dismissing them as mere fantasy or misidentification. The magazine also highlights the role of popular media, such as comics, in raising public awareness and fostering discussion about UFOs.

This issue of "UFO lettere" from March/April 1979, published by SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION, features a mix of ufology, space exploration, astronomy, and a social commentary on animal rights.

Film Review: "La Terra contro i Dischi Volanti"

The magazine reviews the science fiction film "La Terra contro i Dischi Volanti" (The Earth Against Flying Saucers). The reviewer, M.P., notes that while the film is not particularly innovative in its plot, it is interesting from an ufological perspective, incorporating elements from classic UFO case studies. The film's special effects, created by Ray Harryhausen, are discussed, with some critics praising them and others finding them predictable. The reviewer considers the effects sufficiently spectacular and convincing, citing scenes of flying saucers near cars and an airliner. The film is described as a B-movie, likely aimed at capitalizing on public interest in UFOs in 1956, the year of its release. The reviewer concludes that despite its limitations and predictable plot, the film is not entirely without merit and offers some entertainment.

Spacelab: An All-European Laboratory

Claudio Gallo writes about the upcoming Spacelab mission, scheduled for July 1981. This mission will involve 76 scientists and technicians from Europe and the US, launching via the Space Shuttle from the Kennedy Space Center or Vandenberg Air Force Base. Spacelab, a European-designed space laboratory, aims to conduct research in various fields, including basic physics, medical and biological sciences, astronomy, and solar energy. It will also be used for Earth observation (meteorology, pollution, resources) and telecommunications. The article highlights the collaborative effort between the US and ten European countries, with the European Space Agency (ESA) overseeing the project. Italy's contribution, managed by AERITALIA, is significant, second only to Germany's. The author emphasizes that Spacelab represents a major step towards establishing permanent human presence in space, potentially leading to the construction of space stations and the development of space-based industries like solar power stations and advanced telescopes.

Planetary Motion: March and April 1979

Mario Pagni provides a detailed astronomical guide to celestial phenomena for March and April 1979. The article explains the concepts of direct motion, stationing, and retrograde motion of planets as observed from Earth, using the ecliptic as a reference. Tables list specific dates and times for various planetary events, including perigees, oppositions, conjunctions with the Moon, and changes in zodiacal signs for planets like Saturn, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune. Diagrams illustrate the apparent motion of planets and the structure of the solar system, including orbital distances, inclination, and rotation periods.

UFO Sighting Report

A reader, Palmiro Carta, recounts a UFO sighting experienced by his family on Sunday, May 14, 1978, near Bauladu, Italy. While driving, they observed a dark, cloud-like object that changed shape. Suddenly, a bright, dazzling light appeared within the object, from which two silvery beams descended towards the ground. The phenomenon was brief, and the object then became more transparent, its outline visible against the sky, before passing over their heads and disappearing to the southeast. This experience left the witnesses, including initially skeptical elders, with a sense of profound wonder.

The Anti-Vivisection League

The magazine includes a section on the "Lega Anti-Vivisezione" (Anti-Vivisection League). The article states that many scientists condemn vivisection as an error, deception, and a waste of resources that hinders scientific progress. The League's statutory aim is the abolition of vivisection, which it views as the ultimate expression of cruelty and exploitation of animals. It advocates for alternative research methods that are already available but not utilized. The article argues that renouncing vivisection does not mean abandoning medical and biological research but rather pursuing a new, more advanced approach focused on prevention, environmental health, and the right to a healthy existence.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters from readers are included. N.R. from Livorno praises the "Notiziario NFO" for its objective and scientific approach to UFO phenomena and suggests a practical way to organize the issues by creating a cover for a yearly volume. Maurizio Brianti from Parma congratulates the editor for the magazine's scientific approach and mentions meeting the editor, Dr. Pinotti, at a congress. He inquires about the possibility of an annual cover for binding the monthly issues. The editor responds that a cover is being studied. Francesco Di Noto offers to contribute by sending press clippings and short articles on exobiology, highlighting its potential importance if the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs is proven. The editor thanks him for his contribution. Pietro Chiesa from Genoa asks if there is a UFO group in the city, and the editor directs him to contact Roberto Balbi of the Genoa section.

Bibliography

A comprehensive bibliography of books related to UFOs, parapsychology, and related topics is provided, listing authors like George Adamski, Charles Berlitz, Jacques Bergier, and others, along with their titles and publishers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unknown, both in space (Spacelab, UFOs) and in the realm of unexplained phenomena (film review, planetary motion). There's a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry and collaboration, particularly in the Spacelab project. The magazine also takes a clear stance on social issues, advocating for animal rights through the Lega Anti-Vivisezione. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards scientific investigation and a critical yet engaged approach to ufological topics, while also promoting ethical considerations.