Notiziario UFO - 1979 12 - Vol 2 No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NOTIZIARIO
Issue: 12
Volume: II
Date: December 1979
Publisher: Riccardo Mariotti Editore
Country: Italy
Price: Lire 1500

This issue of UFO NOTIZIARIO, a monthly technical magazine on ufology and current space topics, serves as the official organ of the Italian National Ufological Center. It features a prominent cover story asking "What Happened in Val di Vara?" and poses the question "Valentich Case: abduction or hoax?", alongside an interview with Joseph Allen Hynek.

Articles and Features

UFO Interview: Joseph Allen Hynek

The magazine presents an informal conversation with astrophysicist Joseph Allen Hynek, described as "the standard-bearer of ufology." Hynek expresses surprise and satisfaction with the quality and quantity of UFO data collected and investigated by the Italian Ufological Center, particularly the cases from 1978. He commends the work of Roberto Pinotti and Edoardo Russo, noting the involvement of technicians, pilots, and military personnel in reporting sightings. Hynek discusses his ongoing global efforts to build an international network of collaborators for UFO research, acknowledging the need to leverage various platforms and funding sources to achieve his goals. He also praises the current format of UFO NOTIZIARIO, highlighting its critical and serene approach as key to its success in reaching a wider audience.

UFOLOGIA E AERONAUTICA MILITARE ITALIANA: il sintomo di una presa di coscienza

This article discusses the evolving stance of the Italian Air Force's official publication, "Rivista Aeronautica," towards ufology. It notes that the magazine, previously focused on technical and military aspects, has broadened its scope to include ufology and space-related topics. The author highlights the significance of "Ufologia" appearing in the publication's detailed list of contents, interpreting it as a sign of growing official awareness and acceptance of the subject within the military.

L'aeronautica francese di fronte agli ufo

This piece examines the French Air Force's approach to UFOs, referencing an article from the French armed forces magazine "Armées D'Aujourd'Hui N. 9/1979." It details how the French Ministry of Defense, through the Air Force, has been investigating UFO sightings since the 1950s. The article outlines the official mission of the Air Force in this regard, which is to examine reports for national defense relevance and to correlate sightings with known aerospace phenomena. It notes that while the Air Force's role is primarily analytical and not to pronounce on the origin of phenomena, the data collected is forwarded to the CNES for scientific examination. The article also presents statistics on the types of witnesses and the characteristics of reported phenomena in France.

G.E.P.A.N. presentazione di una ricerca scientifica

This section introduces the GEPAN (Group for the Study of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena), a scientific body within the French National Center for Space Studies (CNES). It explains the reasons for GEPAN's creation in 1977, including government interest, public curiosity, and the CNES's mandate. The article details GEPAN's structure, which includes a rapid intervention group, a trace detection group, a radar alert group, and various analysis and cataloging units. It emphasizes GEPAN's interdisciplinary approach, involving scientists from various fields, and its collaboration with the French Gendarmerie and other private ufological groups.

G.E.P.A.N. è tutto oro quel che riluce?

This article offers a critical perspective on GEPAN, questioning the extent of its transparency and effectiveness. It cites a researcher, Jean Francois Gille, who suggests that GEPAN might be more focused on public relations than on genuine research, with the most interesting cases potentially being handled by discreet private groups rather than being officially reported. The author also points out that GEPAN members dedicate only a small portion of their time to UFO studies and that the reliance on the Gendarmerie as the primary source of information might limit the scope of investigations. The article expresses a hope for a more open and thorough approach to UFO research.

CASO VALENTICH: rapimento o montatura?

This is a critical analysis of the Frederick Valentich case. It recounts the disappearance of the young Australian pilot on October 21, 1978, after he reported seeing an unidentified object and experiencing engine trouble. The article details the events, including Valentich's last radio transmissions, the subsequent search for his aircraft, and the various explanations proposed, ranging from disorientation and mechanical failure to more sensational theories involving UFOs. It highlights the family's belief in UFO involvement and their accusations of authorities withholding information. The analysis also touches upon the media's role in sensationalizing the case and the involvement of private ufological groups.

Other Articles and Sections

• Polonia 1978: il ritorno dei « Little green men »: A report on UFO sightings in Poland.
• Oltre 14 milioni di italiani credono all'esistenza degli UFO: A statistic on public belief in UFOs in Italy.
• Incontri ravvicinati presso aeroporti e basi militari italiane: A section detailing close encounters reported near Italian airports and military bases.
• Anche in Spagna: atterraggi dentro le basi militari: Reports of landings within military bases in Spain.
• Palermo: qualcosa di più di un convegno: Discussion of a UFO-related convention in Palermo.
• Gorgona 22 giugno 1979: USO in manovra: An account of an Unidentified Submerged Object (USO) maneuver.
• Marsala: retrospettiva di segnalazioni ricorrenti in Sicilia: A look back at recurring UFO sightings in Marsala, Sicily.
• Cosa è successo in Val di Vara?: The main cover story, likely detailing an investigation or event in this Italian region.
• Cinema: La cortina di Bambù: A review or discussion related to cinema and UFOs.
• Casistica italiana 1978: A summary of Italian UFO cases from 1978.
• Recensioni: Book or media reviews.
• UFO notizie: News and updates on UFO-related events.
• Il cielo di dicembre: Astronomical information for December.
• UFO lettere: A section for reader correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a scientific and analytical approach to ufology, aiming to present information objectively while also critically examining official statements and research. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible evidence and speculation, and on encouraging a more rigorous and professional approach to UFO investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the complexity of the phenomenon and the need for continued research, while also being wary of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The inclusion of articles on military involvement and governmental agencies like GEPAN suggests an interest in the official response to UFOs and the potential for cover-ups or limited transparency.

This issue of "POLONIA" focuses on the return of "Little Green Men" and UFO phenomena, with a particular emphasis on encounters involving military personnel and bases across Europe. The magazine presents a collection of detailed reports, witness testimonies, and investigative findings from Poland, Italy, and Spain during the 1970s.

UFOs and Humanoid Encounters in Poland

The issue details several significant humanoid encounters in Poland. In September 1978, eight children near Magnusy reported seeing a strange creature with a green face and almond-shaped eyes. On the same day, Henryk Marciniak, a resident of Golina, encountered two short, green-faced beings with webbed fingers while mushroom picking. Another notable case from May 1978 involved farmer Jan Wolski near Emilcin, who met two green-skinned, almond-eyed beings that gestured him into a hovering vehicle.

Italian Military Encounters

The magazine highlights a series of close encounters involving Italian military personnel. In November 1973, sentinels at the Istrana Air Force base reported seeing two figures near an anomalous aircraft. In December 1978, sentinels at the Brindisi Military Airport observed an unidentified aircraft emitting unusual lights. The issue also includes an account from an Air Force pilot who saw a large, silver, oscillating object near Guidonia in December 1973, and a report from Artegna in September 1965 about soldiers witnessing an unknown aircraft with pulsating lights on the ground.

Spanish Encounters and Military Incidents

Spain is featured with reports of encounters near military bases. In November 1976, sentinels at the Talavera La Real air base heard a strange whistle and saw a bright light, later encountering a tall, luminous figure. In January 1975, soldiers at the Bardenas Reales shooting range reported seeing red lights on the ground that took off, leaving behind burnt areas. The magazine also notes a similar incident at the same location a few days later.

Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an encounter with an Unidentified Submerged Object (USO) off the coast of Gorgona, Italy, on June 22, 1979. The crew of the yacht "Rainbow II" reported seeing a large, dark, cylindrical object emerge from the water, producing a loud noise, a whistling sound perceived directly in the mind, and causing the yacht to roll. The object submerged and re-emerged, exhibiting similar phenomena and emitting a sensation of heat.

Public Opinion on UFOs in Italy

The issue includes survey data on Italian public opinion regarding UFOs. A poll revealed that 35% of Italian adults believed in the existence of UFOs, with 22% attributing them to extraterrestrial origins. The survey also explored beliefs about life on other planets, with half of Italians considering it possible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO and humanoid sightings, particularly those involving military personnel and bases, suggesting a potential pattern of observation or interaction. The magazine also highlights the phenomenon of Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs). The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of these phenomena, encouraging collaboration and dispelling skepticism, while acknowledging the need for discretion and the challenges in obtaining official confirmation. The presentation of survey data indicates an interest in understanding public perception and belief in these topics.

This issue of UFO Notiziario, dated December 1979, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena across Italy and internationally. It includes detailed case studies, analysis of witness testimonies, and discussions on the scientific and societal implications of UFO encounters. The magazine also features a review of a UFO-themed film and information on ongoing ufological research and investigations.

Key Articles and Features

Marsala and Western Sicily Sightings

The issue begins with accounts from Marsala and the surrounding areas, detailing multiple sightings. Witnesses like Mrs. Lo Cicero and her husband Fortunato Antonino recount experiences with strange lights and ovoidal objects. Paolo Alagna of Marsala provides a detailed description and a drawing of a circular object with a luminescent halo, observed on February 3, 1972, which he compares to a George Adamski saucer. Alagna also claims to have photographic evidence of UFOs, including images taken with infrared film.

Val di Vara 'Fireball' Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the events in Val di Vara on June 23, 1979, where brothers Claudio and Aldo Rossi witnessed two large, silent, orange 'fireballs' descending. The incident was investigated by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale, which noted the lack of physical evidence but highlighted the consistency of witness testimonies and the previous occurrence of unexplained phenomena in the area. The article discusses various hypotheses, including meteors and conventional aircraft, but leans towards an anomalous origin.

UFOs in the News and Government Investigations

The cover story highlights a surge in UFO sightings across Italy, from Sardinia to Puglia, with specific mentions of sightings in Cagliari, Chieti, and Lanciano, where students reportedly photographed a UFO. The article also touches upon the Italian Ministry of Defense's long-standing involvement in UFO investigations through its 'Modulo su avvistamento di oggetto volante non identificato' (ONVI) questionnaire.

Film Review: 'The Bamboo Saucer'

A detailed review of the 1967 film 'The Bamboo Saucer' (La Cortina di Bambù) is presented. The film, produced by Jerry Fairbanks, depicts a Russian-American expedition in China to study a crashed UFO. The review praises the special effects and the film's realistic portrayal of UFO phenomena, noting its themes of international cooperation and technological advancement.

UFO Case Catalog: 1978

A comprehensive listing of UFO sightings in Italy during 1978 continues, with entries for December detailing events in various locations such as Chieti, Lanciano, Palermo, Genoa, and Florence. These entries include dates, times, locations, witness descriptions, and sometimes photographic evidence or physical traces.

'La Pagina Bianca' - Reader Contributions

This section features reader contributions, including an article by an author discussing the 'ufological self-harm' phenomenon, where genuine sightings are dismissed or conventional events are labeled as UFOs. The author uses the Naples UFO sightings of December 1978 as a case study, arguing against the explanation of Venus and emphasizing the need for objective research.

Book Reviews

Several books on UFOs are reviewed: 'Visitatori dallo Spazio' and 'UFO: la congiura del silenzio' by Roberto Pinotti, and 'L'Ufologia: Le teorie e i fatti' by Franco Ossola. These reviews highlight the authors' approaches to UFO research, emphasizing scientific methodology, documentation, and the potential for a global cover-up or a significant shift in human consciousness.

Astronomical Information

The issue includes a celestial map for December, detailing the positions and conjunctions of planets and stars, and a table of astronomical events for the month.

UFO News Briefs

Short reports cover UFO sightings in Hawaii (a triangular object), Florida (police officers witnessing a V-formation of yellow-orange lights), and France (a luminous object near Corsica and a saucer-shaped craft observed by gendarmes).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent nature of UFO sightings across Italy, the challenges of distinguishing genuine phenomena from misidentifications or hoaxes, and the importance of rigorous scientific investigation. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, evidence-based approach to ufology, while acknowledging the widespread public interest and the potential for anomalous phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on documenting cases, analyzing witness testimonies, and exploring both conventional and unconventional explanations. The magazine also highlights the role of research organizations like the Centro Ufologico Nazionale in gathering and disseminating information on UFOs.