Notiziario UFO - 1980 01 - Vol 3 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NOTIZIARIO
Issue: Year III, No. 1 (92)
Date: January 1980
Publisher: Riccardo Mariotti Editore
Price: Lire 1500
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This special issue, titled "DOSSIER: ITALIA: DOCUMENTAZIONI UFFICIALI DEL MINISTERO DELLA DIFESA SUGLI UFO," focuses on official Italian Ministry of Defense documentation concerning UFO sightings. It is distributed to all Italian Parliament members.

Editorial Stance and Premise

The editorial "Premessa" by Roberto Pinotti criticizes the lack of a dedicated UFO research body within the Italian Ministry of Defense, describing existing efforts by certain services as improvised and lacking scientific background. The article highlights that the Ministry does not allocate specific funds for UFO research, leading to a reliance on military and police personnel who may not be adequately trained for such investigations. Despite this, the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN) has maintained a discreet approach, avoiding sensationalism while acknowledging the growing sensitivity to the UFO issue within military circles.

The issue includes a letter from the US Air Force's Ministry of Aeronautical Military, dated May 14, 1965, addressed to an Italian citizen. This letter, signed by Lt. Col. John P. Spaulding, references Project Blue Book and states the official USAF position: that all investigated UFO reports were explainable as man-made objects, atmospheric phenomena, or celestial bodies, with no evidence of extraterrestrial origin or threat. The letter suggests contacting the Italian Ministry of Defense's SIOS for further information.

Official Documentation and Military Involvement

The magazine details the CUN's efforts to obtain official documentation from the Italian Ministry of Defense. It recounts how the CUN's Director, Roberto Pinotti, gave a lecture to officers of the III Missile Brigade in Portogruaro in 1972, which was intended for publication in the "Rivista Militare." The article also mentions that the Ministry of Defense's II Reparto (Operations Office) collected interesting UFO reports. The "Rivista Aeronautica Militare Italiana" published a positive review of Pinotti's book, "UFO: LA CONGIURA DEL SILENZIO," which advocated for transparency in military UFO investigations.

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the "dossier" of official reports from the Italian Ministry of Defense. The magazine explains how this dossier was initially provided to the CUN for study but was later leaked to the press by Marcello Coppetti, a journalist who, along with his brother, was accused of sensationalism and seeking personal publicity. The CUN expresses its disapproval of this unauthorized disclosure, emphasizing its commitment to serious, scientific research and its established, confidential relationship with the Ministry.

Key UFO Incidents and Reports

Several specific UFO sightings and reports are detailed:

• March-May 1976: A table lists UFO sightings reported by Italian Air Force personnel, including dates, locations (Grosseto, Cuneese, Tyrrhenian Sea, Poggio Renatico), descriptions (luminous fusiform, ovoidal, ellipsoidal, lenticular, circular, spheroidal objects), speeds, and directions.
• December 6, 1973: Radar reports from the Italian Air Force (RA) indicate unknown tracks with high speeds (up to 1370 Km/h and 1870 Km/h) and a radar signature similar to a DC8 or Caravelle, with orders not to engage tactically.
• October 27, 1977: Three military helicopters near Elmas (Cagliari) were followed by a luminous orange UFO. Major Francesco Zoppi described the object as a luminous orange circle moving at a speed identical to his helicopter.
• March 9, 1978: An Italian Air Force aircraft (IH-662) reported sighting a luminous object described as a rocket, moving at high speed and performing evasive maneuvers. This sighting was corroborated by other international flights and military aircraft near Ancona.
• February 23-24, 1977: A pilot of an F-104/G aircraft reported sighting a luminous object while flying near Giulianova Marche. The object was described as a bright white light, appearing to follow the aircraft and then performing evasive maneuvers.

Analysis and Commentary

The magazine includes a section "GLI UFO: COSA NE PENSANO" (What do they think of UFOs?) featuring quotes from various figures, including Prof. Luigi Broglio (Italian Space Program), Robert Galley (French Minister of Defense), Albert Einstein, Lord Dowding (RAF), Barry Goldwater, Prof. Felix Zighel (Soviet astronomer), Harry Truman, Pierre Clostermann (French flying ace), and Prof. Carl Gustav Jung. These quotes generally acknowledge the reality of UFOs and, in some cases, suggest extraterrestrial origins or advanced technology.

An article titled "GLI UFO: VEIVOLI SPIA?" (UFOs: Spy Planes?) critiques Marcello Coppetti's theories, arguing that his claims of UFOs being used for psychological warfare or as remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) lack evidence and ignore the distinct characteristics of UFOs compared to known aircraft. The author suggests Coppetti's work is driven by sensationalism and a desire for personal publicity.

Another section, "ANCHE IL GOVERNO ADESSO CI CREDE" (Even the Government Now Believes), reports on the impending formation of a governmental commission in Italy to study UFOs, citing confirmation from a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Defense's operations office. This commission is expected to review existing classified UFO dossiers.

Suggestions for a Governmental UFO Commission

The CUN offers suggestions for the ideal composition and operation of a potential governmental UFO commission. They recommend:

1. Avoid a purely military commission: Research should transcend the limitations of the defense sector.
2. Include diverse expertise: Scientists should have the necessary background to approach the subject.
3. Incorporate civilian input: Recognize the value of private institutions and individuals with proven expertise.
4. Allow for long-term research: The sporadic nature of UFO phenomena requires medium to long-term study.
5. Include historical analysis: Examine past cases alongside current ones.
6. Foster interdisciplinary collaboration: A structure involving multiple research teams, supported by state funding, is preferable to a purely state-run entity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the official investigation of UFOs by military and governmental bodies, the tension between scientific ufology and sensationalism, and the CUN's role as a credible research organization. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rigorous, scientific investigation, advocating for transparency while condemning sensationalist reporting and the misuse of official information for personal gain. The magazine emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between credible research and unfounded speculation, particularly concerning the nature and origin of UFOs.

This document is a collection of detailed reports concerning sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), primarily from air traffic controllers at Cagliari Elmas Airport. The reports are structured as questionnaires filled out by the witnesses, providing specific details about the sightings.

Key Sightings and Details

Several distinct sightings are documented, occurring on different dates in late 1977:

October 27, 1977 Sighting:

One report details an event on October 27, 1977, starting around 18:00. The witness, an air traffic controller, first noticed the object while observing three military helicopters in training near the airport. The object was initially to the SUD/OVEST of the airport, near one of the helicopters. It was observed for approximately 4 minutes and 35 seconds. The object was lost from view as it moved away at a considerable distance and altitude. The witness described the object's initial position relative to the airport and its eventual disappearance towards the NORD/OVEST. The object was described as having a luminous, non-dense light that became denser, and it was not perceived to produce any noise, likely due to the presence of helicopters.

Another report from the same date (October 27, 1977) describes an object seen around 18:00. The witness observed it for about 4 minutes and 35 seconds. It was initially located to the SUD/OVEST of the airport, near a helicopter. The object was described as having a luminous, non-dense light that became denser. It was not heard due to the presence of helicopters. The object was lost from sight as it moved away at a significant distance and altitude.

November 5, 1977 Sightings:

Multiple reports detail sightings on November 5, 1977. One witness, an air traffic controller, reported seeing an object around 18:00. The object was initially observed at approximately 5000 ft, moving horizontally. It then began a rapid ascent, reaching an estimated 30,000 ft and remaining there for about 90 seconds before continuing a slow vertical ascent and disappearing around 18:55. The object was described as having an orange light that was not very intense, comparable to a car headlight at 400-500 meters, and its size diminished as it ascended. The object's contours were described as not well-defined.

Another report from November 5, 1977, describes an object seen around 18:47. The witness observed it for about 8 minutes. It was initially located to the SOUTH of the airport and moved towards the NORD. The object disappeared into the sky. The witness estimated its altitude at around 5000 ft and its distance at approximately 10 miles. The object was seen to move horizontally at a reduced speed (around 300 km/h) before initiating a very rapid ascent at an angle of about 40/45 degrees, reaching 30,000 ft and stopping for 90 seconds. It then resumed a slow vertical ascent and disappeared.

A third report from November 5, 1977, details a sighting around 18:00. The object was observed for approximately 8 minutes. It was initially to the SOUTH and moved towards the NORD. The object disappeared into the sky. The witness estimated its altitude at 5000 ft and its distance at about 10 miles. The object moved horizontally at a reduced speed before initiating a rapid ascent, stopping at 30,000 ft for 90 seconds, and then continuing a slow vertical ascent until disappearing around 18:55.

A fourth report from November 5, 1977, describes an object seen around 18:00. The object was observed for about 8 minutes. It was initially to the SOUTH and moved towards the NORD, disappearing into the sky. The witness estimated its altitude at 5000 ft and its distance at about 10 miles. The object moved horizontally at a reduced speed before initiating a rapid ascent, stopping at 30,000 ft for 90 seconds, and then continuing a slow vertical ascent until disappearing around 18:55.

Object Characteristics and Witness Observations

Across the reports, several common themes emerge regarding the objects' characteristics:

• Shape: Described as spherical, oval, or like a football.
• Color: Predominantly orange, sometimes described as luminous.
• Size: Varied estimates, including comparable to a medium helicopter, a football, a car headlight at a distance, or a quarter of the full moon.
• Speed and Altitude: Objects were often observed to ascend rapidly, reaching significant altitudes (up to 30,000 ft or more), and moving at speeds estimated to be faster than military jets.
• Behavior: Objects exhibited horizontal movement, rapid ascents, periods of hovering, and slow vertical ascents.
• Luminosity: Described as luminous, with varying intensity, sometimes compared to a star or a car headlight. One report notes the light becoming denser.
• Sound: Most reports indicate no audible sound, often attributing this to the presence of other aircraft like helicopters.
• Visuals: Contours were sometimes described as not well-defined or slightly confused. No flames, vapors, or smoke were reported, nor was a luminous halo.

Witness Background and Methodology

The witnesses were primarily air traffic controllers at Cagliari Elmas Airport. They filled out detailed questionnaires, providing information on the date, time, duration, location, and specific movements of the observed objects. They also used drawings to illustrate the objects' paths and positions. Some reports mention using binoculars and looking through windows or directly at the sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the consistent reporting of anomalous aerial phenomena by trained observers in a professional capacity at an airport. The detailed nature of the reports and the structured questionnaire format suggest a systematic effort to gather information on these sightings. The editorial stance, as implied by the title and the format of the document, is one of serious investigation and documentation of unidentified flying objects, treating them as a subject worthy of detailed reporting and analysis.

Title: Il Giornale
Issue Date: Monday, January 21, 1980
Publisher: Il Giornale
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of 'Il Giornale' features a prominent article titled "Il governo vuol conoscere gli Ufo" (The government wants to know about UFOs), indicating a significant public and governmental interest in unidentified flying objects in Italy.

Government Interest in UFOs

The central theme of the article is the Italian government's burgeoning interest in the UFO phenomenon. It reveals that while there might not be an immediate official commission being formed, a project is underway within the Presidency of the Council of Ministers to establish an entity dedicated to studying UFOs. This initiative is reportedly driven by the increasing number of reports, not just from ordinary citizens but also from military personnel of high rank. The article quotes a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defense, who confirms the existence of this project, suggesting that the phenomenon is too significant to ignore.

Military and Official Reports

Dr. Roberto Pinotti, Vice President of the National Ufological Center, expresses his hope that the study commission will be formed soon, noting that his organization was already aware of this project in a confidential capacity. The article highlights that the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior have received hundreds of reports on UFO sightings. It mentions an incident where the Carabinieri were called to investigate a 'flying saucer' reportedly hovering vertically over an antenna in the Teramo region. The sheer volume of unexplained cases has apparently led defense officials to believe that the enigma needs to be addressed.

Nature of the Phenomenon

The article posits that UFOs are not just mistaken identities of conventional aircraft or celestial bodies. The phenomenon is often observed by individuals with aeronautical, astronomical, and meteorological knowledge, indicating a genuine anomaly. The Ministry of Defense has collected numerous reports over the years, which, while not classified as military secrets, are considered to be of little military interest by the ministry itself. However, many of these reports have been examined by civilian research groups and published in newspapers, particularly those involving aircraft being pursued by mysterious lights.

Specific Case Reports

The article details several intriguing cases, often involving military personnel:

• July 4, 1978: Two Air Force sergeants and a Navy sergeant stationed at a NATO base reportedly encountered a group of five or six 'beings' emerging from a 'flying saucer' with a dome on the slopes of Mount Etna.
• July 17, 1977: An ex-Navy officer and a chemical expert witnessed a UFO landing in the countryside near Angera, on Lake Maggiore. The 'flying saucer' allegedly left traces on the ground and had a profound effect on the witnesses.
• December 12, 1978: Two sentinels at the Brindisi military airport reported seeing a UFO and a 'being' that levitated off the ground.
• November 19, 1973: Two sentinels at the Istrana Air Force base (Treviso) claimed to have seen a strange couple dressed in white board an 'anomalous aircraft' and take off, leaving behind ground marks.

Ministry of Defense Clarification

In response to recent media reports about a secret UFO dossier, the Ministry of Defense issued a clarification. It stated that the documentation in question does not hold any classified status and has been publicly available since 1978. This 'dossier' consists of reports compiled using a special form distributed by the Air Force for about 15 years to both civilian and military entities. The Ministry reiterated that these reports, while archived, were deemed to have no military significance, and many of the cases had already been widely reported by the press.

International Perspective

The article briefly touches upon the international context, mentioning Brinsley Le Poer Trench, the Earl of Clancarty, who advocated for the British government to raise public awareness about UFOs. He warned that a mass landing of UFOs could cause widespread panic if the public remained unprepared.

Editorial Stance

The article, published in 'Il Giornale', adopts a serious tone towards the UFO phenomenon, presenting it as a subject worthy of governmental investigation. It highlights the credibility of witnesses, particularly military personnel, and suggests that the time has come to move beyond sensationalism and address the issue at a high level. The publication of these reports and the government's project indicate a shift towards acknowledging and potentially studying UFOs more formally.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are government interest in UFOs, the credibility of military witnesses, and the need for official investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance is one of encouraging the government to take a proactive role in studying UFOs, moving beyond mere collection of reports to active research and analysis. The article implicitly supports the efforts of ufological organizations like the Centro ufologico nazionale by highlighting the importance of their work and the data they collect.