Notiziario UFO - 1979 05 - Vol 2 No 5

Magazine Overview

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO, Volume II, Number 5, dated May 1979, is the official publication of the "centro ufologico nazionale" (National Ufological Center). It is a monthly magazine with a technical focus on ufology and current space-related topics, priced at 1000 Lire. The cover prominently features the headline "UFO IN MANOVRA ALLE FOCI DEL METAURO?" (UFO Maneuvering at the Mouth of the Metauro?), accompanied by a dramatic illustration of a flying saucer.

Editorial and Staff

The magazine is directed by Roberto Pinotti, with a editorial team including Giancarlo Barattini, Claudio Gallo, Mario Pagni, and Pier Luigi Sani. The graphic design is handled by Biagio Cristaldi, Patrizia De Luca, and Marcellino Orru', with Franco Bergamasco as Art Director. The layout is managed by Sandro Procacci and Angelo Palomba. A list of photographers and numerous collaborators and regional editors is also provided.

Contents Overview

The issue's table of contents reveals a diverse range of articles:

• Editoriale (Editorial)
• Intervista: Care Gustav Jung (Interview: Dear Gustav Jung)
• Italia 1978: l'anno degli umanoidi (Italy 1978: The Year of the Humanoids)
• E' rinata in Francia l'inchiesta sugli UFO (The UFO Investigation is Reborn in France)
• UFO e politica (UFO and Politics)
• UFO in manovra alle foci del Metauro? (UFO Maneuvering at the Mouth of the Metauro?)
• Caso Zanfretta: facciamo il punto (The Zanfretta Case: Let's Take Stock)
• Il Rally degli UFO (The UFO Rally)
• L'« intelligenza» del fenomeno ufologico (The 'Intelligence' of the Ufological Phenomenon)
• Gli UFO e la fotografia (UFOs and Photography)
• Licostene l'umanista ufologo (Licostene the Ufologist Humanist)
• II « duracapalam» magico cubo volante (The 'Duracapalam' Magic Flying Cube)
• UFO notizie (UFO News)
• Recensioni (Reviews)
• Sfogliando i giornali (Browsing the Newspapers)
• UFO cinema: ultimatum alla Terra (UFO Cinema: Ultimatum to Earth)
• Astronomia (Astronomy)
• L'origine dei palloni-sonda (The Origin of Sounding Balloons)
• La pagina bianca (The Blank Page)
• UFO lettere (UFO Letters)

Key Articles and Features

UFOlogia e Metodo

This article by Falco Accame discusses the nature of scientific inquiry, emphasizing that measurements alone are insufficient without a theoretical framework. It critiques absolute skepticism, using historical examples from physics and chemistry to illustrate how scientific understanding evolves. Accame argues that approaching UFO phenomena requires an open mind, acknowledging anomalies and adapting thought processes. He notes the difficulty in studying UFOs due to the lack of a general theory and the need for new conceptual categories.

Interview: Carl Gustav Jung

This section features an excerpt from Carl Gustav Jung's writings, specifically addressing UFO sightings. Jung expresses his belief that these apparitions cannot be explained as collective psychological phenomena alone. He acknowledges the vast amount of documentation on UFO sightings, including personal accounts, but states he has not been able to ascertain their true nature. Jung finds the possibility of a purely psychological explanation unlikely due to the empirical evidence and the fact that American and Canadian aviation authorities consider UFOs as real phenomena. He notes that UFOs do not behave according to conventional physics, suggesting intelligent guidance. The article also includes a quote from Jung stating, "These apparitions, in my opinion, cannot be explained in any way as collective psychological facts."

Italia 1978: L'anno degli Umanoidi

This article by Paolo Fiorino and Edoardo Russo highlights a significant increase in humanoid encounters associated with UFO sightings in Italy during 1978, with twenty reported cases compared to seven in 1977. It categorizes these encounters (Type A-E) and notes the prevalence of 'abductions' and memory lapses. The authors suggest that increased media attention may be contributing to more reports, but also acknowledge a genuine rise in such phenomena. The article details several specific incidents across Italy involving encounters with various types of humanoids.

Uno Studio sugli Occupanti degli UFO

This section presents a study by Jader Pereira, national secretary of GGIOANI, analyzing 333 cases of UFO occupant sightings. The study categorizes occupants based on their physical characteristics and behavior, noting that most are humanoid. It distinguishes between those who can operate without suits in Earth's atmosphere (suggesting extraterrestrial origin from similar planets) and those who wear suits (implying a more alien origin). The general attitude of the occupants towards witnesses is described as friendly or indifferent, with few aggressive encounters.

UFO 1979: Omaggio ai Nostri Abbonati

This is a promotional section offering two science fiction books from the "FUTURO" series as a bonus for annual subscribers to JP4 Mensile di Aeronautica. It lists the available titles.

Il GEPAN e la Ricerca Ufologica

Written by Pier Luigi Sani, this article introduces the GEPAN (Groupement d'Etude des Phénomènes Aériens Non Identifiés), a French official UFO research group established in May 1977 under the direction of Dr. Claude Poher. It details GEPAN's commitment to scientific investigation and its intention to collaborate with private researchers and groups. The article outlines GEPAN's operational phases, including independent scientific committee review and public engagement, emphasizing its openness to the ufological community.

Politica e UFO

This section covers parliamentary actions in Italy concerning UFOs. It details an inquiry by MP Falco Accame to the President of the Council of Ministers regarding unexplained phenomena reported in the Abruzzo and Marche regions. Accame also questioned the Minister of Defense about UFO investigations, citing numerous recent sightings and photographs. The article notes that while UFOs are studied in other countries, Italy has lagged behind, with the Centro Ufologico Nazionale operating with limited government interest. It highlights the potential for UFO research to contribute to scientific understanding and calls for transparency.

UFO in Manovra alle Foci del Metauro?

This article investigates a UFO sighting reported near the Metauro River in Italy on February 15th. It recounts the experience of the Principi family, who witnessed the event and were initially skeptical but became convinced of the reality of UFOs. The report includes details from an interview conducted by a local radio station and the author's own investigation, aiming to rule out collective delusion or fabricated accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and technical approach to ufology, encouraging rigorous investigation and data collection. There is a clear stance against dismissing UFO phenomena as mere fantasy or psychological delusions, as exemplified by the discussion of Carl Gustav Jung's views and the critique of simplistic explanations. The issue emphasizes the importance of official scientific bodies and government involvement in UFO research, advocating for transparency and collaboration between official organizations and private researchers. The recurring theme of 'humanoids' and their characteristics suggests a focus on the occupants of UFOs as a significant aspect of the phenomenon. The magazine also highlights the growing political interest in UFOs, both internationally and within Italy, suggesting a shift towards treating the subject with greater seriousness.

This issue of "UFO Rivista Italiana di Ufologia" from March 1979, published by Riccardo Mariotti Editore, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including contemporary sightings, historical accounts, and scientific investigations. The cover prominently features the headline "ULTIMATUM ALLA TERRA" (Ultimatum to the Earth) and a still from the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still," highlighting the theme of extraterrestrial contact and its implications.

Article: UFO in manovra alle foci del Metauro?

This article details a UFO sighting near the Foci del Metauro in Italy on February 15, 1979. Multiple witnesses, including the Principi family, reported seeing a luminous white disk and a fiery red dome with small white lights. The sighting occurred during dense fog and lasted for about fifteen minutes. The witnesses described the objects as having a diameter of at least 15 meters and being approximately 150 meters from their location. The article also mentions that other individuals in the vicinity reported similar phenomena that night, though they initially hesitated to speak about it for fear of ridicule. The location, near the Metauro river delta, is noted for its strategic position, being close to major roads and an airport, which the author suggests might have been chosen for specific reasons if the phenomena were intelligent.

Article: CASO ZANFRETTA: FACCIAMO IL PUNTO

This section provides an update on the "Zanfretta Case," focusing on Fortunato Zanfretta's experience and the controversy surrounding it. The article asserts that Zanfretta has never lied and that his reported experiences are real to him. It addresses criticisms from scientific figures who questioned the validity of hypnotic regression experiments conducted by Professor Mario Moretti, suggesting potential plagiarism or insufficient rigor. The article highlights Zanfretta's distress over these accusations and his determination to prove his experiences. It details his voluntary submission to a narcoanalysis test (using sodium pentothal) in Milan on February 7, 1979, under the supervision of Professor Marco Marchesan. The test, conducted at the International Center for Medical and Psychological Hypnosis, aimed to verify Zanfretta's accounts. The article emphasizes that while narcoanalysis can reveal a subject's sincerity, it does not guarantee the objective truth of their statements, which requires material proof. It also mentions that Professor Giorgio Gianniotti, a neurologist, certified Zanfretta as being in perfect psychological and neurological condition, deeming him fit for his job.

Article: IL RALLY DEGLI UFO

This article reports on an unusual incident during the "Vuelta a la America del Sud" rally in 1978. Rally participants Carlos Acevedo and Angel Mova, driving a Citroen GS 1220 Club, claimed their car was lifted and transported for 70 km by a luminous, egg-shaped object. They reported that their car's engine stopped, and they experienced intense heat before being deposited back on the road. Upon reaching a service station, they discovered their fuel tank was empty, despite having had a full tank earlier. The service station attendants also reported seeing a similar object. The article notes the skepticism with which this event was initially met by the press but suggests that the details provided by the witnesses and the rally's official data lend credence to the account, calculating an incredibly high speed for the UFO's transport.

Article: L'INTELLIGENZA, DEL FENOMENO UFOLOGICO

Written by Roberto Risoli, this article explores the concept of intelligence behind UFO phenomena. It argues against the hypothesis of UFOs being purely natural phenomena and suggests they are controlled by an intelligence. The author discusses characteristics of UFO behavior, such as their ability to defy gravity, hover, accelerate rapidly, and maneuver with sharp turns. The article highlights 'flight in formation' as a key indicator of intelligence, noting the precise positioning and equidistance maintained by multiple craft. It also examines the apparent ability of UFOs to become visible or invisible and to be detected or undetected by radar. The author poses questions about the purpose of UFOs' appearances, their interest in human civilization, and their varied interactions with humans, ranging from indifference to apparent hostility (e.g., blackouts, abductions). The article concludes that UFOs are likely aware of human observation and may intentionally make themselves seen, suggesting a deliberate, intelligent interaction with humanity.

Article: GLI UFO E LA FOTOGRAFIA

This piece, by Mario Pagni, discusses the role of photography in documenting UFO sightings. It acknowledges that while photos are not definitive proof, they can support witness testimonies. The article references an article in the photography magazine "FOTOGRAFARE" offering advice on UFO photography. It cautions that many UFO photos are either fake or of poor quality due to factors like emotion and lack of photographic expertise. The Centro Ufologico Nazionale's efforts to organize photographic observation networks are mentioned, noting that while results have been limited, they have provided practical experience. The article offers basic advice for UFO photography, including using telephoto lenses set to infinity and employing high-sensitivity film for night shots. It also touches upon the potential for electronic circuits in cameras to be affected by electromagnetic phenomena associated with UFOs.

Article: GLI UFO NEL PASSATO

This article, by Daniele Bedini, delves into historical accounts of phenomena that could be interpreted as UFO sightings. It focuses on Konrad Wolffhart, also known by his Latin pseudonym Corrado Licostene, a 16th-century humanist who compiled records of 'prodigies.' The article discusses Licostene's commentary on Julius Obsequentis' "Book of Prodigies," highlighting descriptions of aerial phenomena from ancient Roman times. Examples include a fiery shield-like object seen in 98 BC and a "globe of fire" descending and expanding in 89 BC near Spoleto, which the author suggests bears a striking resemblance to modern UFO landing descriptions. It also mentions a 'rain of wool' in 91 BC and a 'burning beam' seen in England in 1520. The author suggests that these historical accounts, despite their ancient context, share remarkable similarities with modern UFO phenomena, hinting at a long-standing presence of such events.

Article: IL "DURACAPALAM„ MAGICO CUBO VOLANTE

This article discusses the 'duracapalam,' a mythical flying cube described in a 1957 article from "La Domenica del Corriere." According to the text, it was supposedly built by priests in a lost temple in the Deccan, India, and used for studying the ether and planets. The 'duracapalam' was described as being made of a special, semi-transparent metal, capable of 'dematerializing' and 'rematerializing,' and powered by sonic energy transmitted telepathically by priests. The article draws parallels between this ancient description and modern UFO theories, particularly regarding materialization/dematerialization and the use of advanced energy sources.

Article: L'uomo forte., di Grenada "GOLPE..A GRENADA"

This brief news item reports on the political situation in Grenada, mentioning that the island's leader, Sir Eric Gairy, was reportedly interested in the legal subcommittee on interplanetary space, indicating his involvement with ufology. The article notes that the British Labour party seemed open to the coup that deposed him, and that Gairy himself denied being deposed, claiming he was seeking arms to counter rebels.

Article: I CINQUE UFOLOGI dell' ONU

This news brief announces the formation of a United Nations commission to investigate UFO sightings. The commission comprises five international experts: Professor Joseph Allen Hynek (astronomer, founder of the Center for UFO Studies), David Saunders (psychologist, creator of the UFOCAT database), Gordon Cooper (NASA astronaut), Claude Poher (French scientist, former head of GEPAN), and Jacques Vallée (astronomer, mathematician, and author). The article notes that this initiative was reportedly spurred by Sir Eric Gairy, the former Prime Minister of Grenada.

Reviews

Jean Claude BOURRET: La Nuova Sfida degli UFO

This review discusses Jean Claude Bourret's book, "La Nuova Sfida degli UFO: Ultima Inchiesta Scientifica." The reviewer highlights the book's importance for confirming that the French Gendarmerie has been investigating UFO incidents for years. It also praises the inclusion of articles by scientists, such as Pierre Poher and Jean Pierre Petit, who analyze UFO cases using scientific methods and theories like magnetohydrodynamics. The review notes that while the book presents well-conducted investigations, it lacks quantitative data for statistical analysis. The reviewer recommends the book despite some translation issues.

Joseph Allen HYNEK e Jacques VALLÉE: UFO, Realtà di un Fenomeno

This review discusses the Italian translation of Hynek and Vallée's book, "The Edge of Reality." The reviewer praises the authors, identified as leading experts in ufology, for their scientific and statistical approach to the phenomenon. The book is described as examining UFO reports and circumstances to establish a framework for further study. It posits that UFOs represent a real, unknown phenomenon that challenges our understanding of physics and suggests the possibility of other intelligences in the universe. The review recommends the book as essential reading, despite acknowledging some translation flaws.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a serious subject worthy of scientific investigation, challenging skepticism and ridicule. There's a recurring theme of historical continuity, suggesting that UFO-like events have been observed for centuries, as evidenced by the analysis of ancient texts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of intelligent, non-human craft and the profound implications this has for humanity's understanding of the universe and its place within it. The magazine also highlights the efforts of various organizations and individuals dedicated to the scientific study of UFOs, while also acknowledging the controversies and challenges inherent in such research.

This issue of "astronomia" features a cover story titled "il moto dei pianeti" (The Motion of Planets) by Mario Pagni, accompanied by a constellation map of "IL CIELO DI MAGGIO" (The Sky of May). The magazine also includes articles on the history of flight and UFO phenomena.

The Motion of Planets

Mario Pagni's article begins by referencing a previous discussion on the apparent retrograde motion and stationary points of planets. It then delves into Kepler's laws of planetary motion, summarizing them into three main rules:

1. Planets orbit the Sun in elliptical paths, with the Sun located at one of the foci of the ellipse.
2. A planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun (perihelion) and slower when it is farther away (aphelion). This is explained by the 'radius vector' (the line connecting the planet to the Sun) sweeping out equal areas in equal times.
3. The orbital period of a planet is precisely related to its distance from the Sun, allowing for the determination of other planets' distances based on their orbital periods.

Kepler's work demonstrated that planets have elliptical orbits with varying eccentricity, defined as the ratio between the distance between the foci and the major axis of the ellipse. A circle has an eccentricity of zero.

The article then shifts to discussing the phases observed from Earth, particularly for "inferior" planets (those with orbits smaller than Earth's, like Mercury and Venus). When these planets are on the opposite side of the Sun from Earth, they appear more or less illuminated. When they pass between Earth and the Sun, their visible face is obscured to varying degrees depending on their alignment.

The text uses the Earth-Moon system as an analogy for these phases, describing the Moon's cycle from 'new' to 'waning' as it orbits Earth, illustrating terms like 'crescent,' 'first quarter,' and 'full moon.'

The Origin of "Balloon-Probes"...

This section, authored by Marco Malavasi, explores the historical development of flight and its connection to UFO phenomena.

UFOs and the Quest for Space

Malavasi notes the frequent reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and acknowledges that while most have logical explanations, a small number remain unexplained. He discusses the popular theory that these are alien spacecraft, driven by humanity's innate desire to understand its place in the universe. He argues that even if UFOs are alien, their existence highlights the vast gap in space travel capabilities between humanity and advanced civilizations, given that Earth's current achievements are limited to orbiting the planet and landing on the Moon.

The History of Flight

The article traces the history of flight back to the 18th century. It credits the Montgolfier brothers with the first aerostatic balloon ascent in 1783 and Pilatre de Rozier with the first human ascent using a hot air balloon. However, the idea of lighter-than-air flight was first proposed in 1670 by the Jesuit priest Francesco Lana in his book "Prodromo dell'arte maestra." Lana calculated that a copper sphere with a vacuum inside should lift off the ground. Due to his "religious poverty," he could not test his invention, but he foresaw its potential for misuse.

Military Applications and Tragedies

Lana's fears about misuse were realized in warfare. Balloons were first used militarily during the siege of Manberge in 1793. Napoleon also employed them in Egypt, though the transport ship was sunk by the British. During the American Civil War, balloons were used in conjunction with photography and telegraphy for reconnaissance. In WWII, Japan launched bomb-carrying balloons across the Pacific towards the United States, a tactic that was eventually halted by US censorship.

The article recounts several tragic attempts at high-altitude flight. In 1875, Croce-Spinelli, Sivel, and Tissandier died from lack of oxygen during a balloon ascent to 8,600 meters. In 1897, scientist Andrée and his companions attempted to reach the North Pole by balloon but perished due to extreme cold and adverse weather.

Despite these setbacks, technological advancements continued. Augusto Picard reached the stratosphere in 1932 with a massive balloon. The limitations of balloons for precise navigation led to the development of dirigibles and airplanes, and eventually rockets, satellites, and interplanetary probes, enabling humanity to explore beyond Earth's atmosphere.

The White Page: The Faedis Incident

This section features a letter from Maurizio Midena of Udine to "Pinotti" (likely the editor) expressing enthusiasm for the magazine "UFO" and criticizing other ufological publications for their alleged bias and lack of rigor. Midena defends the investigation into the "Faedis incident," claiming it was not a hoax and that their research group has gathered evidence, including landing imprints and photographs from similar events in Mortegliano.

Midena highlights the persistence of landing traces (an ellipsoid of 16.60 square meters) even after several months. He also mentions collaborations with a local research center in Pordenone and with the Carabinieri, emphasizing a desire for open and honest scientific inquiry.

Regional Meeting on UFO Phenomenon

An announcement details an upcoming regional meeting on UFOs in Naples on May 19, 1979, titled "UFO: ANATOMY OF A PHENOMENON." The event, organized by national UFO centers, will feature discussions with experts, including Dr. Roberto Pinotti, Prof. Antonio Palumbo, Dr. Antonio Prevete, Padre Elio Cipriani, and the Gruppo Astrofili Napoletani.

UFO Letters

This section contains letters from readers:

• Nicola Mancino (Naples) praises the magazine for including astronomy articles, which he believes are essential for readers lacking scientific knowledge. He hopes for the continued success of the "Notiziario UFO" and the "Taccuino di Astronomia" section.
• Loconsole Gennaro (Palese, BA) expresses his appreciation for the magazine since December, particularly the astronomy section with its monthly sky charts. He criticizes the writing style for being too simplistic, as if aimed at very young readers, and questions the age restriction for researchers. He also inquires about ufological centers or experts in Ravenna.
• Riccardo Franchini (Ravenna) responds to Loconsole Gennaro, explaining that while the CUN (Centro Ufologico Nazionale) requires members to be 18, younger individuals can still contribute as researchers, especially in their free time. He suggests contacting the Bologna branch for information on forming new branches in Emilia Romagna.
• Alessandro De Gradi (Milan) writes in response to a TV program featuring Professor A. Zichichi, who dismissed UFOs as the "2000 version of the flying donkey." De Gradi argues that such statements, especially from prominent scientists, often reveal ignorance of the subject matter and should be treated as personal opinions rather than scientific fact. He quotes Karl Popper on the nature of scientific inquiry, emphasizing persistent critical research over the possession of irrefutable truth.

The editorial staff agrees with De Gradi's sentiment, referencing the editorial in the current issue.

Quasar - Science Alternative

A small advertisement for "Quasar," a monthly magazine of alternative science, is present, listing its sections: "Open Sciences," "Psychic Research," "Lost Civilizations," "Chronicles of All Time," "Unknown History," "The Sacred and the Human," "Great Ideas," and "Great Protagonists."

Back Cover

The back cover features an advertisement for the Italian Air Force, stating that "every day pilots of the military aeronautics soar through the sky" and that "the military aeronautics produces security."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious and critical approach to ufology, distinguishing itself from publications that it deems sensationalist or dismissive. It emphasizes historical research, scientific inquiry, and the importance of open-minded investigation into unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of historical articles on flight and astronomy suggests a broader interest in scientific exploration and human endeavor. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging reader participation and fostering a community of dedicated researchers, while also acknowledging the limitations and potential dangers of new technologies and unexplained phenomena.