Notiziario UFO - 1979 06 - Vol 2 No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NOTIZIARIO
Issue: Volume II, Number 6
Date: June 1979
Publisher: Riccardo Mariotti Editore
Country: Italy
Price: Lire 1000

Cover Story: Submarine Bases for UFOs?

The cover of UFO Notiziario features a striking image of an ancient, carved stone slab against a starry sky, hinting at mysterious origins. The main headline poses a provocative question: "Submarine Bases for UFOs?" accompanied by the subtitle "The UFO Puzzle". The cover also includes smaller text indicating the magazine is a monthly publication with a technical focus on ufology and space topics, priced at 1000 Lire for June 1979.

Contents Overview

This issue of UFO Notiziario delves into various facets of ufology, presenting a blend of scientific inquiry, eyewitness accounts, and theoretical discussions. Key articles include an exploration of potential underwater UFO bases, an interview with a plasma physicist, and an analysis of photographic evidence.

Article: Submarine Bases for UFOs?

This extensive article, authored by Wendelle C. Stevens (a retired US Air Force Colonel) and presented by the CUN (Centro Ufologico Nazionale), investigates the hypothesis of submarine UFO bases located in deep gulfs, particularly along the Argentine coast. The article compiles numerous reports of UFO sightings and underwater phenomena in the region, dating back to 1950. These include:

• 1950 (June): A luminous oval object seen emerging from the sea near Rio Grande, Argentina.
• 1960 (February): Joint US and Argentine naval forces attempting to surface two unidentified objects in Golfo Nuevo.
• 1962 (August): A witness reporting a cigar-shaped object emitting vapor and entering the water near Puerto Deseado.
• 1964 (July 28): The cargo ship 'Cazador' observing a strange light falling into the water in the Golfo de San Jorge.
• 1966 (March 18): A circular object with a reddish halo photographed near Punta Norte.
• 1971 (May 31): A luminous, elongated object seen rising from the water near Pinamar.
• 1974 (March 23): A silver disc with a dome photographed near Caleta Olivia.
• 1975 (January 3): A disc-shaped object with a dome photographed at Las Grutas Balneario.

The article highlights the depth of these gulfs (up to 150 meters) and the sparsely populated nature of the areas, suggesting they could serve as ideal, hidden bases. It also includes a photographic analysis of some of these sightings, noting discrepancies between witness descriptions and photographic evidence (e.g., a silver object appearing black in a photo).

Interview: Alberto Egidi - Plasma in Space

This section features an interview with Professor Alberto Egidi, Director of the Laboratory for the Study of Plasma in Space at the National Research Centre (CNR) in Frascati. Egidi, a physicist with expertise in cosmic rays and elementary particles, discusses:

• Plasma: Defining plasma as a completely ionized gas at extremely high temperatures, existing in various forms.
• Laboratory Research: Explaining that his laboratory conducts basic research in astrophysics, focusing on the Sun and its plasma emissions.
• Solar Plasma Effects: Describing how solar plasma, accelerated by the Sun, interacts with Earth's magnetic field, creating a protective shield.
• Practical Applications: Mentioning that studies on plasma instability are crucial for developing stable plasma for nuclear fusion and potentially solving radioactive waste issues.
• Space Missions: Detailing the use of satellites like EROS 1 & 2, GEOS, ISEE, and HELIOS for measuring plasma density, velocity, and magnetic fields. Future missions to Jupiter are also mentioned.
• UFO Phenomena: Egidi expresses interest in UFOs, acknowledging them as a reality that requires scientific study. He dismisses the idea that astronaut photos of lights could be due to plasma ionization, stating the densities are too low for visible phenomena, implying a different origin for such sightings.

Article: The UFO Puzzle - Searching for a Key

Authored by Roberto Risoli, this article discusses the inherent irrationality and complexity of UFO phenomena, drawing on the work of researchers like Franco Ossola and Jacques Vallée. Risoli questions the possibility of understanding all UFO events with a single scientific method, suggesting that the phenomena often defy conventional logic and scientific explanation. He highlights:

• Inconsistent Phenomena: UFOs appearing in various forms and exhibiting unpredictable behavior.
• 'Contactee' Reports: The wide range of descriptions of alleged UFO occupants, from giants to small beings, and their varied interactions with humans.
• The 'Zen' Approach: Referencing Ossola's suggestion to adopt a philosophical approach, possibly inspired by Zen Buddhism, to understand the irrational aspects of ufology.
• The 'Casanova' Incident: Drawing a parallel between a 1977 sighting in Boschetto di Nocera Umbra and an account by Giacomo Casanova in the 18th century, where both described a strange, luminous, pyramid-shaped phenomenon.

Article: Venus on Trial

This piece, written by Edoardo Russo, critically examines the common explanation of UFO sightings as misidentifications of the planet Venus. It recounts instances where Venus was blamed for phenomena that witnesses insisted were not astronomical, citing:

• The 'Flying Volante' Incident: Thousands of Milanese citizens reported seeing unidentified objects, which police and scientific specialists later attributed to Venus and Jupiter.
• Jacques Vallée's Critique: The article quotes Vallée, who acknowledges Venus as a frequent misidentification but also notes that some reports contain details (like apparent movement or specific shapes) that challenge this explanation.
• The 'Challenge to Science' Argument: Vallée's work is cited for its analysis of how visual perception and descriptive accounts can lead to misinterpretations, but also for acknowledging the limitations of such explanations in certain cases.
• Italian Sightings: The article mentions specific cases in Italy where Venus was proposed as an explanation, but witnesses maintained the phenomena were distinct from astronomical bodies.

Article: UFOs in Infrared Photographs

This section, by José Maria Alegre, discusses photographs taken by the journalist using infrared film during his investigation in Italy. Alegre, initially skeptical, became convinced of the reality of UFO phenomena after his experiences.

• Chieti Sighting: Alegre photographed a luminous source near Chieti, using both normal and infrared film.
• Impact of Investigation: The experience significantly impacted Alegre, leading him to abandon his skepticism and become impressed by the phenomenon.
• Witness Accounts: He collected numerous testimonies, particularly from fishermen in the Adriatic region, who reported strange lights and water phenomena.
• Fear and Mystery: Alegre notes that fear was a dominant emotion among the fishermen he interviewed, who had witnessed phenomena like strange lights and water columns.

Article: The Naples Incident

This short report from "PAESE SERA" (December 19, 1978) describes a mysterious object sighted over Naples, Italy, causing traffic chaos. A group of fishermen reportedly saw the UFO, and one agent photographed it. The object was described as a bright UFO in the sky of Santa Lucia.

Article: 1977, Boschetto di Nocera Umbra: Was it Casanova's UFO?

Authored by Alvaro Palanga, this article revisits the 1977 Boschetto di Nocera Umbra sightings, drawing a parallel with Giacomo Casanova's 18th-century account of a pyramid-shaped flame.

• Vitali Family Testimony: The article details the experience of Bruno Vitali, who encountered a metallic black object hovering near the ground, exhibiting unusual movement and emitting a bright flash.
• Physical Sensations: Vitali reported experiencing physical discomfort, described as a thousand needles pricking his skin, as the object moved alongside his car.
• Other Witnesses: The report mentions that other witnesses in the area heard strange sounds and observed unusual animal behavior, suggesting a localized phenomenon.
• Casanova's Account: The article quotes Casanova's description of a pyramid-shaped flame accompanying him on a journey, highlighting the similarity in the phenomena reported centuries apart.

Article: The 'UFO Puzzle' - Searching for a Key

This piece by Roberto Risoli continues the discussion on the complexity and apparent irrationality of UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the difficulty in applying conventional scientific methods to understand these events.

• Contradictory Evidence: Risoli points out the inconsistent nature of UFO reports, including varied descriptions of craft, occupants, and behaviors.
• The Role of Suggestion: The article touches upon how suggestion and psychological factors can influence witness testimonies.
• Conventional Explanations: It acknowledges that many sightings can be explained by natural phenomena or misidentifications, but questions whether this covers all cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, presenting a wide range of UFO phenomena from alleged sightings and photographic evidence to theoretical discussions about their origins and nature. There's a clear interest in investigating phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanations, such as potential underwater bases and the nature of plasma in space. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding. The magazine aims to present factual accounts and expert opinions, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and the ongoing search for answers, often highlighting the challenges posed by the phenomena's apparent irrationality.

This issue of "UFO Notiziario," dated February 1979 (Volume X, Issue 2), published by Gino Manfredini, focuses on historical and scientific aspects of UFO phenomena. The cover story, "GLI UFO NEL PASSATO" (UFOs in the Past) by Remo Cappelli, explores ancient evidence, while other articles delve into numismatics, specific sightings, and theoretical discussions.

UFOs in the Past and Numismatics

The article "GLI UFO NEL PASSATO" by Remo Cappelli highlights how numismatics can provide historical evidence of celestial events that might be interpreted as UFO sightings. Cappelli discusses coins from the Roman Empire, including those from the reigns of Pertinax and Commodus, which depict unusual celestial phenomena. He references ancient writers like Seneca and Pliny the Elder, who described luminous objects and beams in the sky, suggesting these might be early accounts of UFOs. A key piece of evidence is a coin from Emperor Pertinax's reign (circa 193 AD) that Cappelli interprets as depicting a satellite with four antennas, a description he finds remarkably similar to modern artificial satellites.

The La Spezia Landing Case

Another significant article details a UFO landing case in Ponzano Magra, near La Spezia, Italy, on July 4, 1973. Witnesses reported seeing a bizarre, spheroidal object emitting a strong reddish light moving erratically over the hills. Following the sighting, researchers discovered distinct hemispherical imprints on a tiled area, suggesting a landing. The article, attributed to Marco Marianti, discusses the dimensions of the object and the nature of the imprints, noting the unusual arrangement of three or four landing points and the possibility of a large landing gear.

Theoretical Discussions on UFOs

The issue features a debate between Pier Luigi Sani and Renzo Boscoli regarding the definition and study of UFOs. Sani argues for a broader approach, suggesting that UFOs represent a new phenomenon that requires new scientific methods, while Boscoli emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and criticizes the tendency to accept unsubstantiated claims. They discuss the nature of 'objective' observation and the role of individual perception in interpreting UFO sightings. The debate touches upon the idea that UFOs might be 'machines' due to observed electromagnetic effects and physical traces, but also acknowledges the complexity and potential for misinterpretation.

Other Articles and Features

• UFO News: Brief reports on a potential close encounter in Poland involving a farmer and two 'bizarre' beings, and a mention of a possible extraterrestrial skeleton found in Panama.
• Convegno Veneto-Friulano sull'Ufologia: A report on a conference held in Conegliano Veneto discussing UFOs from a scientific and rational perspective, involving prominent figures from Italian ufological organizations.
• Cinema: A review of the film "GLI EXTRATERRESTRI TORNERANNO" (The Extraterrestrials Will Return), based on Erich Von Däniken's theories about ancient astronauts.
• Astronomy: An article titled "COSMOLOGIE A CONFRONTO" (Cosmologies in Confrontation) by Roberto Cioni, which compares relativistic cosmology (Lemaître's model) with the steady-state universe theory.
• Visibility of Planets: Astronomical charts and information detailing the visibility of planets for May and June.
• Letters to the Editor: Correspondence from readers, including Gian Luigi Zoccoli commenting on a TV appearance by Professor Zichichi regarding UFOs, and Giuseppe Binetti expressing interest in joining a UFO research group. Another letter from Moreno Fogli and Renato Di Carlo suggests a possible UFO depiction in a religious artwork.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational, scientific, and evidence-based approach to ufology. It encourages rigorous investigation, critical analysis of reports, and the development of new methodologies to understand the phenomenon. While acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, it cautions against fideism and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to integrate UFO phenomena into a broader scientific understanding of reality, as seen in the discussions on cosmology and the nature of observation. The magazine also highlights the importance of historical documentation, such as ancient texts and numismatics, as potential sources of evidence.

This issue of Quasar, a monthly magazine of alternative science, published in June, features a prominent article on the origin of "Balloon-Probes" and explores the connection between UFOs and numismatics. The cover visually depicts fighter jets, suggesting a theme of military aviation and possibly security, with the tagline 'L' AERONAUTICA MILITARE PRODUCE SICUREZZA' (The Air Force Produces Security).

Bibliography of UFO Literature in Italy

A substantial section of the magazine is dedicated to a bibliography of UFO-related books and pamphlets published in Italy up to June 1979. The introductory text, attributed to Marco Malavasi, emphasizes that the bibliography is quantitative and does not imply endorsement of the content, acknowledging the presence of works ranging from serious studies to sensationalist or sectarian publications. It notes that books dealing with 'fantascience' or 'space archaeology' are included for documentary purposes without discrimination. Works specifically and directly related to the objective and documentary reality of the phenomenon are marked with an asterisk.

The bibliography itself is extensive, listing hundreds of titles with authors, publishers, and publication years. Notable authors frequently cited include George Adamski, Charles Berlitz, Erich von Däniken, Raymond W. Drake, Peter Kolosimo, and Roberto Pinotti, among many others. The entries cover a wide range of topics within ufology, from historical accounts and alleged extraterrestrial contacts to theories about ancient astronauts and cosmic civilizations.

The Origin of "Balloon-Probes"

An article titled "L'ORIGINE DEI 'PALLONI-SONDA'" (The Origin of 'Balloon-Probes') by an unnamed author discusses the use of stratospheric balloons for space research. It highlights the challenges posed by Earth's atmosphere to astronomical observation and explains how modern balloons, constructed from polyethylene, can overcome these limitations by reaching altitudes of 40-45,000 meters. The article details the principles of buoyancy, the construction of large balloons (up to 3.5 million cubic meters), their inflation with hydrogen or helium, and the launch process, including the use of ballast for altitude control and parachutes for payload recovery. The author suggests that these balloons, though seemingly archaic, offer a cost-effective means for nations to participate in space research, especially for those who could not join the initial space race.

UFOs and Numismatics

Another article, "GLI UFO E LA NUMISMATICA" (UFOs and Numismatics), explores the possibility that ancient Roman coins might depict evidence of extraterrestrial visitation or advanced civilizations. The author examines specific coins, particularly those from the reign of Emperor Pertinace, which feature unusual symbols such as a globe surrounded by stars or objects with short antennae. These depictions are contrasted with traditional iconography, suggesting they might represent actual observations of unidentified flying objects or spacecraft. The article posits that if life is universal, then advanced civilizations may have visited Earth in the past, and these coins could be historical records of such encounters.

Infrared Photographs

A section titled "Nelle fotografie 'Infrarosse' scattate dal giornalista M. Alegre" (In the 'Infrared' photographs taken by journalist M. Alegre) presents a series of images. One photograph shows the planet Venus as a bright white spot, with surrounding reddish forms described as being in 'almost perfect formation.' Another image shows similar reddish forms arranged in a chain, suggesting a 'flying object characterized by an intermittent, almost pulsating emission of luminous and thermal energy,' typical of reported UFO behavior.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Quasar strongly leans into the realm of unexplained phenomena, UFOs, and alternative historical interpretations. The extensive bibliography indicates a commitment to documenting the breadth of literature on the subject, even if the editorial stance on the validity of all claims is cautious, as noted in the introduction to the bibliography. The articles on balloon probes and numismatics suggest an interdisciplinary approach, linking scientific endeavors with historical mysteries and potential evidence of extraterrestrial contact. The magazine appears to cater to an audience interested in scientific exploration, historical enigmas, and the possibility of life beyond Earth, presenting information from various sources and perspectives within the field of alternative science.