Notiziario UFO - 1979 07-08 - Vol 2 No 7-8

Magazine Overview

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO, the Italian monthly magazine focused on the technical study of ufology and space-related topics, is dated July-August 1979 and is identified as Volume II, Issue 7-8, priced at 1500 Lire. The cover prominently features an illustration related to the Pioneer 10 probe's message to extraterrestrials, with the headline "un messaggio dalla terra" (a message from Earth). It also announces an interview with Carl Sagan and mentions the "blue book" in TV.

Editorial Stance and Key Articles

The magazine opens with an Editorial by Roberto Pinotti, the responsible director, titled "L'EVOLUZIONE DEL NOSTRO RUOLO" (The Evolution of Our Role). Pinotti discusses the challenging but important role of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN) in collecting, examining, and disseminating information about UFO phenomena. He highlights the CUN's efforts to gain official recognition and support, including the establishment of a Scientific Committee comprised of academics and experts. He also touches upon the political climate in Italy, suggesting that the UFO topic might gain more attention following recent electoral results.

Interview with Carl Sagan

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Professor Carl Sagan, conducted by Roberto Pinotti. Sagan, a renowned astronomer and space scientist, shares his perspectives on UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. He expresses skepticism about many UFO claims, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and scientific rigor. Sagan discusses the challenges of interstellar travel and the low probability of Earth being visited by extraterrestrials. He also comments on the formation of the UN commission on UFOs, suggesting that it should include skeptics.

The Pioneer 10 Message

An article titled "UN MESSAGGIO DALLA TERRA" (A Message from Earth), authored by Carl Sagan, Linda Salzman-Sagan, and Frank Drake, details the contents of the golden record sent aboard the Pioneer 10 probe. The article explains the diagrams designed to convey information about humanity, our solar system, and our location in the galaxy to any potential extraterrestrial finders. It includes technical explanations of the binary numbering system used and the representation of human figures and the probe itself. The authors acknowledge the speculative nature of the message being found but express hope that it symbolizes humanity's advanced civilization.

Analysis of the Pioneer 10 Message

Walter R. Fuchs provides a critical analysis of the Pioneer 10 message in his article "QUALCHE CRITICA AL MESSAGGIO IDEATO DA SAGAN" (Some Criticism of the Message Devised by Sagan). Fuchs questions the interpretability of the diagrams for an extraterrestrial intelligence, particularly the representations of human figures and the hydrogen atom. He suggests that the message might be too complex and culturally specific, potentially leading to misunderstandings or being incomprehensible to non-human recipients. He also touches upon the potential for misinterpretation of scientific data and the role of religious beliefs in shaping perceptions of the unknown.

The Extraterrestrial Skeleton Case

An article by Francisco Rubiales, titled "SCHELETRO DI PICCOLO EXTRATERRESTRE TROVATO SU UNA SPIAGGIA DI PANAMA" (Small Extraterrestrial Skeleton Found on a Panama Beach), reports on the alleged discovery of a small skeleton in San Carlos, Panama, by Dr. Francisco Ramon de Aguilar. Aguilar, a psychologist and psychiatrist, claims the 15 cm skeleton is of an extraterrestrial child and considers it a significant discovery. The article mentions a similar alleged find in Playa Eréndira, Mexico, in 1972. Rubiales notes that the skeleton lacks ribs, having a carapace-like bone structure instead, and suggests it belongs to a small, intelligent being with a large head. Aguilar posits that extraterrestrials are already interacting with Earth, possibly to prevent atomic catastrophe, and that a "conspiracy of silence" involving governments and the Vatican is hiding this truth. The article includes a critical commentary by Claudio Gallo of Notiziario UFO, who expresses skepticism about Aguilar's conclusions, urging for more scientific evidence and rational analysis rather than relying on unsubstantiated claims and interpretations of religious texts.

UFO Psychosis

Paolo Mercuri and Edoardo Russo contribute an article titled "PSICOSI DA UFO" (UFO Psychosis), analyzing the phenomenon of mass hysteria and heightened public attention surrounding UFO sightings. They discuss the "Adriatic flap" of November 1978 and the "Venus flap" of December 1979, where sightings, often attributed to the planet Venus or military exercises, caused widespread panic and media frenzy in Italy. The authors explore the psychological and sociological factors contributing to these "psychoses," including a predisposition to believe and the influence of media sensationalism. They cite examples of hoaxes and misidentifications, such as the satirical newspaper "Il Male" publishing a fake edition of "Corriere della sera" to illustrate how easily people can be misled.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on "ELEMENTI DI SOCIO-UFOLOGIA" (Elements of Socio-Ufology), further exploring the social impact of UFO phenomena. There is a request for information regarding UFO sightings in Jesolo, Italy, from the "LEGARE E SCIOGLIERE SCUOLE JESOLO LIDO DI VIA NAUSICAA." The magazine also features a section on "Astronomia i pianeti e la loro osservabilità" (Astronomy, Planets, and their Observability) and "UFO lettere" (UFO Letters).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFOs, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the societal impact of these phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance that balances open inquiry with a critical and scientific approach, as exemplified by the interview with Carl Sagan and the analysis of the Pioneer 10 message. While acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, the editorial team, particularly through the critical commentary on the Panama skeleton case and the analysis of UFO psychosis, emphasizes the need for evidence-based research and a skeptical mindset to distinguish fact from speculation and hysteria. The CUN's role as a facilitator of serious research and its engagement with official bodies are also highlighted as central to its mission.

This issue of "LA GACETA DEL NORTE" features a special report on UFO and USO (Unidentified Submerged Objects) sightings in the Canary Islands, under the headline "OVINI sobre Canarias: ANCORA INQUIETANTI PRESENZE?" (UFOs over Canarias: Disturbing Presences?). The main article focuses on a striking incident that occurred on March 5, 1979, in Izaña, Tenerife.

UFO Sighting in Tenerife (March 5, 1979)

The report details how Gilberto Naranjo, a TV technician, captured photographs of a mysterious phenomenon. While working at the TVE antenna site near Mount Teide, Naranjo observed a large, fiery, globular object emerge from the sea around 7:30 PM. The object, described as "a globular structure, but rather elongated," illuminated the islands for approximately half an hour, leaving behind luminous glows in the sky. Witnesses, including Naranjo, ruled out natural phenomena or missile launches, with Naranjo stating, "It couldn't have been a missile, it was a fireball, enormous, that came out of the sea." The photographs were reportedly requested by an unspecified American entity based in Houston.

Historical Context: Canary Islands and UFOs

The article emphasizes that the Canary Islands are no strangers to such events. It highlights a previous, significant case that occurred on June 22, 1976, between the islands of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. This incident is part of an official dossier compiled by the Spanish Air Force and was presented by journalist Juan José Benitez. This dossier, similar to one provided by the Italian Defense Staff to the National Ufological Center, contains 12 cases. The 1976 event was discussed by ufologist Antonio Ribera at the Second National Ufology Congress in Toscolano Maderno in June 1977. The article notes the evident points of contact between the 1976 and 1979 incidents, suggesting a pattern of unexplained aerial and submerged phenomena in the region.

Related Content and Themes

Beyond the main report, the magazine includes other articles related to ufology and related sciences:

• "UFOLOGIA E SCIENZE UMANE" (Ufology and Human Sciences) by Roberto Risoli discusses the potential role of psychology, anthropology, and psychoanalysis in studying UFO phenomena. It argues that while scientific approaches are crucial, understanding the human element—perception, cultural codes, and psychological states—is equally important for interpreting UFO encounters. The article touches upon Jung's concept of the collective unconscious and how semiology could be applied to understand the symbolic meaning of UFO shapes and other elements.

• "FENOMENI TRANSITORI INSOLITI" (Unusual Transient Phenomena) by Daniele Bedini analyzes a study by Michael A. Persinger and Gyslaine F. Lafrenière on over 6,000 cases of unusual phenomena. The study categorizes these into phenomena of 'fall' (rocks, ice, substances, animals), unusual electromagnetic phenomena, inexplicable sonic phenomena, and UFO sightings. The UFO category is further broken down into cases of landed craft, humanoid entities, exploding spheres, contacts with ufologists, and physical harm caused by UFOs. The study notes seasonal patterns for some phenomena and highlights the prevalence of small humanoids in UFO occupant reports.

• "LA LUMINOSITA DEGLI UFO" (The Luminosity of UFOs) by Pier Luigi Sani explores the characteristics of light emitted by UFOs, including changes in intensity and color. It discusses various theories, such as Wilbert Smith's overheating ring hypothesis and Jean Plantier's theory of ionized air, and notes that the observed color variations do not always correlate with speed as initially thought. The article also references James McCampbell's analysis of UFO descriptions, particularly the metallic appearance often reported during daytime sightings.

• "Inside: Israel's Deadly Raids" and "Newsweek" are visible on page 3, indicating a broader context of news and international affairs, though not directly related to the ufology content.

• "UFOLOGIA OGGI" (Ufology Today) by Eugenio Del Buono discusses the challenges and approaches in studying UFOs, emphasizing the need for systematic research and interdisciplinary collaboration. It mentions the work of Charles Fort and the importance of data collection.

• "PROJECT UFO" - il blue book in tv" (Project UFO - The Blue Book on TV) reviews the television series based on the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book. It highlights the series' attempt to visually reconstruct UFO investigation techniques used by the Air Force, acknowledging the need for spectacle while aiming for accuracy. The review notes the series' portrayal of skepticism among investigators and the public's fascination with the phenomenon.

• "Bambino in Brasile «ammutolito» da un UFO" (Child in Brazil "Muted" by a UFO) reports on a case in Lins, Brazil, where a ten-year-old boy allegedly lost his voice after witnessing a UFO. A commission of ufologists was expected to investigate multiple local sightings.

• "CONVEGNO DEL CUN A NAPOLI" (CUN Convention in Naples) announces a regional ufology convention held in Naples, organized by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN), which included testimonies and presentations by experts.

• "L'ULTIMA TEORIA DI JACQUES VALLEE" (The Latest Theory by Jacques Vallée) presents Jacques Vallée's controversial theory that UFOs are not extraterrestrial but rather a product of "psychotronic" technology used for mass manipulation. Vallée suggests that UFOs, alien encounters, and animal mutilations are part of a global plan to influence human consciousness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO and related phenomena from multiple angles, including eyewitness accounts, scientific investigations, and psychological interpretations. There's a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous research and interdisciplinary approaches, as seen in the articles on human sciences and transient phenomena. The publication seems to present various theories and cases, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also highlighting the challenges posed by public perception, media sensationalism, and the inherent difficulty in studying such elusive events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, advocating for a balanced approach that considers both empirical data and the psychological and cultural dimensions of the experience.

Title: Quasar
Issue: Luglio - Agosto (July - August)
Volume: 3
Date: 1967

This issue of Quasar, a monthly magazine of alternative science, features a prominent article on the Betty and Barney Hill UFO case, alongside sections on astronomy, psychic research, and historical mysteries.

The Betty and Barney Hill Case

The main article, "Il Caso di Betty e Barney Hill" by Michel Bougard, details the famous encounter of Betty and Barney Hill on the night of September 19-20, 1961. While driving through the White Mountains in New Hampshire, they observed a strange luminous object. Barney, initially curious, stopped the car to observe it with binoculars. The object's behavior was unusual, and it eventually approached their vehicle. After a period of confusion and fear, they drove away, only to find themselves 60 kilometers further down the road with two hours of missing memory.

Initial Investigation and Witness Testimony

Following the incident, Betty and Barney Hill reported their experience to the U.S. Air Force. Major P.W. Henderson of Project Blue Book interviewed them and noted their sincerity. Walter Webb of NICAP also investigated, concluding that the couple was intelligent, honest, and adhered to the facts.

Hypnotic Regression and Recovered Memories

Due to the missing two hours and recurring nightmares, Betty and Barney Hill underwent hypnotic regression sessions with psychiatrist Dr. Benjamin Simon between January and March 1964. Under hypnosis, they recalled being taken aboard the UFO and subjected to a complete medical examination by non-human beings. Barney described the craft as a "large pancake with windows" and the beings as "human-like." Betty provided more detailed accounts of the examination, including the collection of skin samples and a strange procedure involving an "needle" in her navel, which the beings claimed was a pregnancy test.

Analysis and Scientific Context

The article discusses the challenges of investigating such cases, noting that while some might dismiss them as fantasy, the Hill case presented compelling testimony. Dr. Simon initially considered the possibility of psychological issues related to their interracial marriage but was convinced of the reality of their experience after learning about the UFO encounter. The magazine also includes astronomical information, with sections on observing planets and identifying constellations for July and August, and a discussion on the use of stratospheric balloons for space research.

Letters to the Editor

The "UFO lettere" section features correspondence from various individuals and groups interested in UFO phenomena. These include:

• CR UFO CZ (Centro di ricerche ufologico Catanzaro): Seeking members and contacts with other research centers.
• Giuseppe Rosselli (Gruppo Catanese Studi UFO): A young researcher from Sicily looking to connect with other UFO groups in the region.
• Massimiliano Barelli and Massimiliano Di Giorgio (CUGUE): A group of middle school students in Rome Lido (Ostia) forming a UFO research center and seeking communication and materials.
• Lorenzo Maviglia (Rome): A 12-year-old UFO enthusiast interested in joining the C.U.N. and seeking information on the "Tromello hole" incident.
• Fratres Universi (Quarto, Naples): A group of 16-year-olds who formed a UFO association and are facing skepticism and ridicule in their community.
• I.O.C.U. (Rome): A club of young individuals (10-14 years old) seeking advice on how to conduct UFO research effectively.

The editorial response to the young correspondents emphasizes the importance of seriousness, preparation, and establishing direct contact with the C.U.N. headquarters or local sections.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Quasar positions itself as a serious publication exploring alternative science, including UFO phenomena, psychic research, and historical mysteries. The magazine aims to provide detailed accounts and encourage scientific inquiry, as evidenced by its in-depth coverage of the Hill case and its engagement with young researchers. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet grounded in the pursuit of verifiable facts and serious investigation, encouraging critical thinking and discouraging sensationalism.