Notiziario UFO - 1979 09 - Vol 2 No 9

Magazine Overview

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO, Volume II, Number 9, dated September 1979, is the official organ of the National Ufological Center for the study of UFO phenomena. Priced at 1500 Lire, it presents itself as a monthly publication with a technical character, focusing on ufology and space topics of current interest.

Cover Story

The cover prominently features the headline "Napoli: venere o ufo?" (Naples: Venus or UFO?), suggesting a discussion about a possible UFO sighting or misidentification in Naples. Other prominent headlines include "PILOTI EXTRATERRESTRI PRIGIONIERI DEGLI USA?" (Extraterrestrial Pilots Prisoners of the USA?) and "2000 a.c.: esplosione atomica!" (2000 BC: atomic explosion!), hinting at speculative or historical UFO-related content.

Editorial and Staff

The magazine is edited by Riccardo Mariotti, with Roberto Pinotti as the responsible director. The editorial team includes Giancarlo Barattini, Claudio Gallo, Mario Pagni, and Pier Luigi Sani. The graphic design is handled by Biagio Cristaldi, Patrizia De Luca, Marcellino Orru', and Claudia Di Lillo, with Nino Cappello as Art Director. A comprehensive list of collaborators and regional editorial offices across Italy is provided.

Key Articles and Features

UFO Interview: Juan José Benitez

This section features an interview with Spanish journalist Juan José Benitez, who discusses his contribution to ufology, particularly his report based on a dossier released by the Spanish General Staff concerning 12 UFO cases investigated by the military. Benitez recounts how he obtained the dossier on October 20, 1976, after extensive research into UFO sightings in Spain. He emphasizes that the information was provided under strict conditions of confidentiality regarding witness names and details, which has led to some criticism of his work. He defends his adherence to these conditions as a matter of professional integrity and accuracy.

Barcelona: European Ufology Becomes Aware of Itself

This article by Lidia Parenti reports on the "1st Mediterranean UFO Congress" held in Barcelona on June 16-17, 1979. The congress saw participation from delegates from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Romania. It highlights the role of Antonio Ribera, a renowned ufologist and writer, as the president of the event. The article details the international participation, including the Italian delegate Dr. Roberto Pinotti, and discusses the scientific contributions, such as a presentation by Dr. François Louange from ESA on scientific methodology in UFO research. The report notes the generally positive media coverage, with some exceptions.

From Contactism to Cultism: An Unnecessary Act of Faith

Written by Roberto Pinotti, this extensive article critically examines the phenomenon of 'contactees' – individuals who claim direct communication with extraterrestrials. It begins by referencing George Adamski as a prominent figure in this movement. Pinotti contrasts the serious, scientific approach to ufology with the more faith-based claims of contactees, questioning the veracity and implications of messages received through alleged telepathic or mediumistic channels. The article discusses the case of Eugenio Siragusa in Italy and the controversial figure of 'anti-pope' Michel Collin, who claimed contact with Venusians and Martians. Pinotti argues that many such claims, including those involving 'Ashtar Sheran,' are rooted in psychological phenomena or deliberate fabrications, rather than genuine extraterrestrial contact. He cites the opinions of psychoanalysts like Emilio Servadio and parapsychologists who view these phenomena through a psychological lens, warning against uncritical acceptance and the potential for these beliefs to devolve into cult-like behavior.

The UFOs and Theology

Authored by R.P. Domenico Grasso S.J., this article explores the theological perspective on the existence of extraterrestrial life. It posits that while the Bible does not directly address the existence of other inhabited worlds, it does not exclude the possibility. The author argues that from a theological standpoint, God's omnipotence and wisdom could certainly have created other intelligent beings. The article discusses the concept of creation for God's glory and how this might imply the existence of other beings capable of acknowledging it. It contrasts the scientific search for extraterrestrial life with theological interpretations, suggesting that while theology cannot definitively prove or disprove alien existence, it can accommodate the possibility within its framework, provided it does not contradict divine revelation.

Val di Vara: Carabinieri and Forest Rangers Hunt for UFO

This investigative report details a series of sightings in Val di Vara, Italy, in May 1979. Witnesses, including Luigi and Aldo Pietronave, reported observing an intense, metallic luminosity over Monte Gottero. The event attracted the attention of local Carabinieri and forest rangers, who investigated the area. Despite initial theories attributing the phenomenon to ice reflections, witnesses maintained it was an object. The article presents testimonies, including that of Aldo Pietronave, who described the light as 'pulsating,' and notes the involvement of authorities and their attempts to document the event, including a request for helicopter support. The investigation concluded that the phenomenon could not be explained by simple reflections and remained unidentified.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to ufology, distinguishing between rigorous scientific investigation and unsubstantiated claims, particularly those from 'contactees.' There is a clear emphasis on factual evidence, documented cases, and the psychological and sociological aspects of UFO beliefs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry but grounded in skepticism towards phenomena that lack concrete proof or rely heavily on faith. The publication aims to provide a technical and scientific perspective on UFOs, while also exploring their broader implications, including theological and philosophical dimensions. The recurring theme is the need for critical evaluation and a move away from sensationalism towards a more evidence-based understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of the magazine, titled 'ASTRONAVI SULLA PREISTORIA' (Astronauts on Prehistory), features a cover story by Alberto Lori exploring the controversial theory of ancient astronauts and their advanced technology.

Ancient Astronauts and Prehistoric Technology

The lead article by Alberto Lori, "Astronavi sulla Preistoria," delves into the idea that advanced civilizations and technologies existed in prehistoric times. It highlights the work of David W. Davenport, an expert in Sanskrit, who interprets ancient Vedic texts not as mythology but as historical accounts. Davenport's research points to evidence of an atomic explosion in the Indus Valley, specifically at Mohenjo-Daro, which allegedly destroyed a city and a civilization approximately four thousand years ago. He cites archaeological findings like fused and vitrified artifacts as proof of extreme heat, suggesting a nuclear event rather than natural calamities.

Davenport's interpretation of the Vymanika Shastra, a Sanskrit manuscript, is presented as a detailed aeronautical manual describing various types of aircraft, their construction, and operation. The article contrasts this with the more poetic descriptions found in epics like the Ramayana. The author questions how ancient texts could describe sophisticated technology if not based on actual observation or experience, suggesting the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement.

The "Chiavi di Lettura" of UFO Phenomena

Roberto Risoli contributes an article titled "LE CHIAVI DI LETTURA DEL FENOMENO UFO" (The Keys to Reading the UFO Phenomenon), which explores the semiotic interpretation of UFO sightings. Risoli argues that UFOs, their occupants, and associated objects can be analyzed as signs transmitting meaning. He proposes four keys of interpretation: anthropomorphism (interpreting UFOs and occupants in human-like terms), functionality (understanding objects based on their presumed purpose), individualization and standardization (examining the uniqueness or mass production of objects), and symbolic or archetypal references (connecting UFOs to deeper psychological or cultural meanings).

The article discusses how witnesses often describe UFOs and their occupants in ways that reflect human forms and technologies, suggesting a projection of human understanding onto the unknown. It also touches upon the idea that the unique characteristics of UFOs might indicate a non-standardized production process, unlike human manufacturing.

Historical UFO Cases and Investigations

The magazine features several historical UFO cases:

• UFO Sulle Filippine: Indagini Ufficiali by Olga Bianchi reports on official military investigations into alleged UFO landings in the Philippines in May 1982, following sightings of a 'mother ship' and smaller UFOs.
• Navi-Madre in Manovra? Tre Esempi Classici by Umberto Telarico presents three classic cases:
• Oloron, France (October 17, 1952): Witnesses reported a cylindrical object followed by smaller spherical objects, leaving behind white, filamentous material.
• Gaillac, France (October 27, 1952): Similar observations of a 'flying cigar' and smaller objects, also leaving behind a mysterious substance.
• Prato, Italy (October 27, 1954): Sightings of 'luminous fusiforms' and spherical objects over Florence, accompanied by wool-like filaments.
• Napoli: Venere O UFO? by Umberto Telarico investigates a mass sighting in Naples on December 18, 1978. While some attributed the luminous object to the planet Venus, the article discusses witness testimonies and photographs taken by police, suggesting a potentially anomalous aerial phenomenon.

Cinema and UFOs

An analysis of the 1951 film "LA COSA DA UN ALTRO MONDO" (The Thing from Another World) is provided. The article connects the film's themes of alien invasion and unknown threats to the UFO phenomenon and public anxiety of the era. It notes the film's suspenseful atmosphere and its portrayal of an alien creature, linking it to the broader cultural context of UFO reports in the 1950s.

Scientific and Parapsychological Perspectives

• Marte: Microrganismi e Due Grandi Oasi reports on the discovery of two large oases on Mars by three US astronauts, with evidence of microorganisms, suggesting the possibility of life beneath the Martian surface.
• La Pagina Bianca: Intelligenze UFO e Parapsicologia by Daniele Bedini explores the intersection of UFO phenomena and parapsychology. The author suggests that parapsychological concepts like telepathy and psychokinesis might be relevant for understanding UFO encounters, particularly 'close encounters of the third kind' (CE-3). It discusses how phenomena like ideoplastia (materialization of forms) and teleplasty could explain some aspects of UFO encounters, and how these experiences can share similarities with psychic phenomena observed in mediumship.
• La Luminosità degli UFO (The Luminosity of UFOs) continues an examination of theories explaining the visual characteristics of UFOs, focusing on their light emissions. It discusses interpretations of colors, faint glows, and bright lights, referencing theories involving atmospheric gases, electrical phenomena, and plasma.

Limits of Science and Unusual Events

• I Limiti della Scienza (The Limits of Science) is a letter from a reader, Evio Utimpergher, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the CUN's (Centro Ufologico Nazionale) scientific research on UFOs due to the limitations of current official science. The reader argues that modern science has significant gaps in understanding fundamental concepts like gravity, mass, and the nature of light and particles, which hinder the investigation of phenomena like UFOs.
• Fenomeni Transitori Insoliti by Daniele Bedini presents a classification of unusual and infrequent phenomena, based on research by Persinger and Lafrenière. It categorizes events such as unusual astronomical occurrences (star disappearances/appearances, solar anomalies, unknown celestial bodies), meteorological events of particular magnitude, and geophysical anomalies (volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, unusual ground movements, strange zones). The article also touches upon the classification of 'anomalous zoological' phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, mythology, and modern scientific inquiry, particularly in relation to UFO phenomena. There's a strong undercurrent suggesting that ancient civilizations possessed advanced knowledge and technology, possibly influenced by extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears open to unconventional theories, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream scientific explanations, while also presenting documented cases and scientific analyses. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and their potential implications for our understanding of history, science, and humanity's place in the universe.