Notiziario UFO - 1980 02 - Vol 3 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of NOTIZIARIO UFO, Volume III, Number 2 (93), dated February 1980, is a monthly publication dedicated to the technical study of ufology and current space topics. Published by Riccardo Mariotti Editore, it costs L.1500 and aims to bring clarity and seriousness to the subject.

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

The editorial, penned by Roberto Pinotti, highlights the magazine's commitment to providing urgent and clear documentation, even if it causes publication delays. The year 1980 is marked as a period of renewed commitment to filling any gaps in coverage and maintaining the publication's identity as a specialized, coherent, and document-based resource. The editorial emphasizes the shift from mere public awareness to engaging with scientific and political authorities, urging for a more serious and official approach to the UFO phenomenon in Italy and globally.

The issue features a wide range of articles and interviews:

UFO at the UN

This section details the process by which the issue of UFOs was brought before the United Nations. It covers Grenada's initiative to establish a UN agency for UFO research, including statements from Sir Eric Gairy and Wellington Friday. The article presents the draft resolution proposed by Grenada and highlights the contributions and perspectives of experts like Dr. Joseph Allen Hynek, Claude Poher, and Jacques Vallée. Hynek emphasizes the global nature of UFO reports and the need for scientific investigation, while Vallée discusses the psychological and social implications of UFO beliefs.

Interview with R. Leo Sprinkle

In an informal conversation, psychologist Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle, a professor at the University of Wyoming and collaborator with APRO, discusses the psychological aspects of UFO phenomena. He touches upon the idea of 'selective perception' and how individuals might 'invent' UFOs based on psychological predispositions. Sprinkle also references his previous work on the 'psychological aspects of UFO research' and his involvement in international UFO congresses.

Case Studies and Analysis

Several articles present detailed case studies:

• "Gli UFO all'assemblea dell'ONU" (UFOs at the UN Assembly): This article, by Edoardo Russo, provides a detailed account of the discussions and resolutions concerning UFOs at the UN, including statements from various delegates and experts.
• "La dichiarazione presentata da Jacques Vallée alle nazioni unite" (Jacques Vallée's Statement to the United Nations): Vallée's full statement is presented, outlining his three-pronged view of the UFO phenomenon: physical manifestation, psycho-physiological effects, and the complex beliefs it generates. He stresses the social consequences of UFO beliefs and the need for scientific study.
• "e se l'ufo non c'e`, ce lo inventiamo" (And if the UFO isn't there, we invent it): This piece by Paolo Toselli analyzes the case of reported sightings of weather balloons in Northern Italy, questioning how easily ordinary phenomena can be mistaken for UFOs due to observer bias and the desire to see something extraordinary. It highlights the unreliability of human testimony and the need for rigorous investigation.
• "percezione selettiva dei fenomeni ufologici" (Selective Perception of Ufological Phenomena): This article by Roberto Pinotti explores the concept that not everyone perceives UFO phenomena equally. It presents two case studies from Italy: one in Cento (Ferrara) involving Professor Fiorella De Pierantoni, and another in Ravenna involving Lorenza Jole Maltoni, both of whom reported unusual visual experiences that others nearby did not seem to notice.
• "I TESTIMONI: predisposizione percettiva della realta' degli ufo ?" (Witnesses: Perceptual Predisposition to the Reality of UFOs?): Paolo Fiorino examines cases from Villorba and Villammare, suggesting that certain individuals or families seem to be repeatedly exposed to UFO phenomena, often accompanied by paranormal events. He questions whether these are objective phenomena or subjective experiences influenced by psychological factors.

Other Content

• "IL PORTIERE": A section featuring literary contributions, including "Da 'L'uccello dalle piume di cristallo' a 'Inferno'" by Dario Argento.
• "UFO e R.P.V." (UFO and RPV - Remotely Piloted Vehicles).
• "UFO: magico e tecnologico" (UFO: Magical and Technological).
• "La nuova panspermia" (The New Panspermia).
• "Casistica italiana 1978" (Italian Case Files 1978).
• "La pagina bianca" (The Blank Page).
• "UFO notizie" (UFO News).
• "Recensioni" (Reviews).
• "UFO lettere" (UFO Letters).

Declarations and Reports

• Gordon Cooper's Declaration: A statement from astronaut Gordon Cooper supporting the UN's initiative to study UFOs and advocating for a coordinated, high-level program to analyze data and interact with potential extraterrestrial visitors.
• Draft Resolution Presented by Grenada: The text of the resolution proposed by Grenada to the UN Special Political Committee, calling for coordinated research into UFOs and related phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing recognition of the UFO phenomenon by international bodies like the UN, the scientific community's engagement with the subject, and the psychological dimensions of UFO sightings. The magazine maintains a stance of rigorous, evidence-based investigation, aiming to move beyond mere speculation and towards a more official and scientific understanding of UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on the need for documentation, analysis, and open dialogue with authorities and the public. The editorial also highlights the potential for misinterpretation and the role of psychological factors in UFO reports, while still affirming the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of Notiziario UFO, published by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale, focuses on the UFO phenomenon with a strong emphasis on terrestrial explanations and investigative methodologies. The main articles explore the hypothesis that UFOs might be Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVs), delve into the reliability of hypnosis in witness testimony, and present several Italian UFO sighting cases.

The RPV Hypothesis: UFOs as Terrestrial Technology

Robert K.G. Temple, in his article "UFO E RPV," presents the theory that many UFO sightings could be misidentifications of RPVs – secret, remotely piloted aircraft. He argues that the rise in UFO sightings coincides with the development of RPV technology after World War II. Temple cites Bill Gunston's work, detailing how RPVs can be small, silent, radar-absorbent, and capable of extreme maneuvers that human pilots could not withstand. He suggests that governments might intentionally allow RPVs to be mistaken for UFOs to cover up their secret military activities or to create a sense of mystery around advanced technology. Temple critically examines the official US government stance on UFOs, referencing the Condon Report, and suggests that the government's efforts to 'debunk' UFOs might be a tactic to divert attention from RPV development.

Marcello Coppetti, a journalist, is presented as a proponent of the terrestrial weapon theory in his book "UFO: Arma Segreta." The magazine reviews Coppetti's arguments, which suggest that UFOs are spy planes or part of a global conspiracy by the US and USSR to create a mythical extraterrestrial threat ('external enemy') to maintain their dominance and foster a unified world government. Coppetti's claims are critiqued for lacking concrete evidence and for relying on speculative interpretations of reports and events, such as the 'Iron Mountain Report.' The review highlights Coppetti's tendency to misinterpret evidence, such as claiming a photo of a Cruise missile is a UFO or misidentifying aircraft.

Hypnosis in Ufological Investigations

Stefano Licata's article, "ATTENDIBILITA' DELL' IPNOSI NELL' INDAGINE UFOLOGICA," addresses the controversial use of hypnosis in obtaining witness testimony for UFO cases. Licata explains that hypnosis is used to access potentially repressed memories, with the belief that subjects cannot lie or distort information while under hypnosis. However, he acknowledges the limitations and potential for error, including the subject's suggestibility, the hypnotist's influence, and the possibility of 'artefacts' or confabulation. The article outlines different theories of hypnosis and its effects on the subject's psyche and physiology. It emphasizes that while hypnosis can retrieve details, the objective truth of the recalled experience remains uncertain without corroborating physical evidence.

Case Studies of UFO Sightings

The magazine presents several detailed accounts of alleged UFO encounters:

• The Villorba Case (June 25, 1974): A witness reported seeing a small, white, thin humanoid figure in a shiny suit in his courtyard. The figure levitated and disappeared. The witness's cat and dog exhibited unusual behavior, and the witness experienced a severe headache for a week.
• The Villorba Case (January 1974): A luminous object was observed, with a probable landing point identified.
• The Monte Parodi Case (May 14, 1976): Witnesses reported seeing a strange individual who rapidly ascended stairs and then 'volatilized' into thin air. The figure was described as short, gracile, and wearing an opaque black suit with two slits for eyes.
• The Villamare Case (April 1978): A witness observed a luminous, round, lobster-colored mass from which a humanoid figure emerged. The figure was described as having an orange suit, a cone-shaped skull, and a peculiar gait.
• Table of Sightings in the Villorba Area (1974-1977): This section lists multiple sightings, including luminous objects of various colors and shapes, some associated with temporary blackouts or unusual electromagnetic effects. Some descriptions include objects performing complex maneuvers.

Other Articles and Features

• "Rapito da extraterrestri" nell'entroterra genovese: This article recounts the alleged abduction of a security guard, Fortunato Zanfretta, by UFO occupants. It details his disappearances, the search efforts, and the subsequent investigation, including the use of hypnosis.
• "UFO: magico e tecnologico" by Roberto Risoli: This piece discusses the intelligent and intentional behavior observed in UFOs, drawing parallels with human technology and suggesting that these phenomena might be a form of communication or interaction with humanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue leans towards a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained sightings, it heavily favors terrestrial explanations, particularly the RPV hypothesis, and questions the validity of extraterrestrial origins. The magazine also highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding the use of hypnosis in ufological research, emphasizing the need for corroborating evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalist claims and a preference for rational, scientific, or technological explanations for the more puzzling aspects of the UFO phenomenon. There's a recurring theme of government secrecy and potential cover-ups related to advanced aerial technologies.

This issue of "Notiziario UFO" (Issue 1981-02, Volume B) from the Centro Ufologico Nazionale delves into the complex and often controversial intersection of ufology with science, psychology, and philosophy. The cover features an advertisement for S.A.F. Società Agricola e Forestale, promoting trees and forestry.

The Nature of UFO Phenomena and Scientific Inquiry

Roberto Risoli's article, "Il Pianeta Proibito," explores the epistemological challenges posed by UFO phenomena. He argues that the traditional scientific view of objectivity, which posits a clear separation between subject and object, is insufficient for studying UFOs. Risoli suggests that UFOs may not be entirely objective but rather a phenomenon that interacts with and is influenced by human consciousness, emotions, and cultural frameworks. This interrelation necessitates a deeper psychological and anthropological approach to understanding witness testimonies. He draws parallels between UFO manifestations and phenomena in parapsychology, citing films like "Forbidden Planet" and "Solaris" to illustrate how external phenomena can be shaped by internal or collective unconscious elements. Risoli posits that UFOs might represent a return to a more magical-animistic worldview, challenging modern rationalism and analytical approaches.

Exobiology and the Origin of Life

Luciano Montemurro's article, "La Nuova Panspermia," discusses the scientific understanding of life's origins. He highlights the role of molecular biology and the discovery of organic molecules in interstellar clouds and meteorites. Montemurro explains that the basic building blocks of life, such as amino acids and nucleic acids, can form under extraterrestrial conditions, supporting the theory of panspermia – the idea that life's components are widespread in the universe and may have seeded Earth. He references the work of Sir Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe, who proposed that life originated in interstellar clouds. The article details the discovery of formaldehyde, formic acid, and other organic compounds in space, suggesting a complex prebiotic chemistry occurring even before star formation. This scientific perspective challenges the notion that Earth is unique in harboring life and opens avenues for considering extraterrestrial life.

UFO Sightings and Casuistry

The issue features a significant section on "Casistica Italiana: Il 1978: un anno di avvistamenti," detailing numerous UFO sightings across Italy. Reports from December 15, 1978, include observations of luminous objects in La Spezia, Arezzo, Perugia, Fano, and near Termoli, with some witnesses describing pursuits by agents and unusual maneuvers. The section also includes reports from Poland and China, noting a wave of sightings in Poland in late 1979 and earlier Chinese reports of unidentified aerial phenomena.

Book Reviews and Theoretical Discussions

Several book reviews are presented:

• Erich von Däniken's "Gli extraterrestri hanno inventato l'uomo?" (Rizzoli Editore): This review discusses Däniken's hypothesis that extraterrestrial beings may have guided human evolution. It highlights his research into archaeological evidence and ancient texts, suggesting that advanced alien intervention could explain the development of human intelligence.
• Autori Vari: "Gli ultimi misteri della Terra" (Ed. Selezione dal Reader's Digest): This compilation covers various unexplained archaeological and historical enigmas, including the megaliths of Baalbek, the Sahara's "lost oasis," the Delhi Iron Pillar, and the Nazca lines, with a dedicated chapter on UFOs.
• Björn Kurtén's "Non dalle scimmie" (Einaudi): The review focuses on Kurtén's paleontological interpretation of human evolution, challenging the theory of descent from apes and proposing a divergence of human and ape lineages much earlier than commonly accepted.

Letters to the Editor and Editorial Notes

Two letters to the editor address significant topics:

• Giovanelli Claudio writes from Milan inquiring about obtaining back issues of the "Notiziario UFO" from its earlier publication run (1966-1970).
• P. F., a theology student, critically examines an article titled "Gli UFO e la teologia." He questions the title's appropriateness, arguing that theology has little to contribute to the UFO phenomenon until more concrete evidence is available. He also refutes claims of a Vatican "conspiracy of silence" and criticizes sensationalist interpretations of religious texts in relation to UFOs.

The editorial notes clarify that the article by R.P. Domenico Grasso S.J. was received with the title "Gli UFO e la teologia" and therefore published as is. They also announce a special issue on UFOs and official documents from the Ministry of Aeronautical Defense.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of reality, the limits of scientific inquiry, the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the interpretation of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, encouraging critical thinking and a multidisciplinary approach to ufology, while also cautioning against unsubstantiated claims and sensationalism. The magazine aims to present a balanced view, integrating scientific findings with theoretical discussions and witness accounts.