Notiziario UFO - 1980 03 - Vol 3 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO
Issue: 3
Volume: III
Date: March 1980
Publisher: Riccardo Mariotti Editore
Country: Italy
Price: L.1500

This issue of "UFO" magazine, subtitled "Notiziario UFO," is a monthly publication with a technical focus on ufology and current space topics. It serves as the official organ of the "centro ufologico nazionale" (National Ufological Center) for the study of UFO phenomena.

Editorial and Cover Story

The editorial section discusses the ongoing efforts to establish an official UFO investigation commission in Italy. It references an article in "Il Messaggero" by Filippo Anastasi, which suggested the formation of such a commission within the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR). The editorial notes that the CUN had been informed about a procedure initiated by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers regarding a governmental investigation into UFOs. However, a subsequent official denial from the CNR is presented, creating ambiguity about the government's stance.

The cover story, "UNA RISPOSTA DAL PASSATO?" (An Answer from the Past?), is accompanied by a striking image of a crop circle. Another prominent headline on the cover is "LE ARMI DEGLI UMANOIDI" (The Weapons of Humanoids).

Featured Articles and Interviews

UFO Interview: Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos

This section features an in-depth interview with Vicente Juan Ballester Olmos, described as a leading figure in Spanish ufology. Olmos, an Industrial Engineer, discusses his early interest in UFOs, which began in 1964. He founded the "Circulo de Estudios sobre Objetos No Identificados" (CEONI) in 1968 and, after years of research, concluded that UFOs represent a real and inexplicable phenomenon. He highlights his book "OVNI: EL FENOMENO ATERRIZAJE" as a significant contribution to ufology, emphasizing its rational approach to analyzing landing phenomena. Olmos advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to UFO research and suggests that an extraterrestrial origin is the most plausible explanation. He also discusses the potential for closer collaboration between Italian and Spanish ufologists and expresses his honor at being recognized by the CUN, though his work commitments limit regular contributions.

ufologia, buchi neri e iperspazio (Ufology, Black Holes, and Hyperspace)

Written by Alberto Cannella, this article explores the scientific concepts of black holes and hyperspace in the context of UFOs. Cannella dismisses simplistic explanations like hoaxes or psychological projections, asserting that UFOs represent a real phenomenon. He examines photographic evidence from the Forcalquier observatory in 1957, suggesting it rules out conventional explanations. The article discusses the possibility of UFOs being secret terrestrial devices but finds it unlikely. It then delves into the theoretical possibility of interstellar travel using 'hyperspace tunnels' or 'Einstein-Rosen bridges' connected to black holes, citing the work of astrophysicist Pierre Kohler. Kohler, in an interview, suggests that UFOs might be 'hyperspace ships' capable of traversing these tunnels, potentially explaining their sudden appearances and disappearances. The article concludes by noting that while the existence of black holes and hyperspace is still debated, these concepts push the boundaries of scientific understanding and imagination.

Il caso di Santa Croce sull'Arno (The Case of Santa Croce sull'Arno)

Authored by Paolo Fiorino, this article details a UFO sighting that occurred on January 8, 1979, in Santa Croce sull'Arno, Italy. The witness, Chiara S., reported a large, disc-shaped object hovering at low altitude over a cypress tree. The object emitted strong beams of light and had moving colored lights on its underside. The sighting reportedly caused a range of effects: the witness experienced fear and visual disturbances (heat perception, temporary blindness), electrical equipment malfunctioned (a lamp and a neon light burned out), a nylon thread became carbonized, a potted plant dried up, and electrical outlets were scorched. Animals in the vicinity also exhibited agitation. The cypress tree and a nearby willow showed signs of burning, and a section of the electrical line fell the next day. The article notes that the local community initially reacted with skepticism. A follow-up investigation by CUN members and a chemical expert confirmed some of the physical evidence, though the long delay between the event and the investigation limited conclusive findings.

Un confronto: l'avvistamento di Spino D'Adda (A Comparison: The Spino D'Adda Sighting)

Written by Roberto D'Amico, this piece presents an interview with Natale Lodigiani, a colleague and friend of the author, who reported a UFO sighting on December 17, 1979, in Spino d'Adda, Italy. Lodigiani described observing a bright, circular, and irregular light source that appeared to pulsate. The object, estimated to be about 35-40 cm in apparent diameter, emitted three cones of light (two downward, one upward) before rapidly moving south and then returning to its original position before vanishing. Lodigiani, a petroleum research technician with extensive travel experience, ruled out conventional explanations like aircraft or balloons. He reported the incident to the Carabinieri, who took a detailed statement. The sighting was subsequently reported in local newspapers. Lodigiani's account is presented as a credible case due to his background and the detailed nature of his observation.

L'ipotesi di Marcello Coppetti: UN'ARMA SEGRETA TERRESTRE? (Marcello Coppetti's Hypothesis: A Secret Terrestrial Weapon?)

Authored by Edoardo Russo, this article critically examines Marcello Coppetti's hypothesis that UFOs might be secret terrestrial weapons, possibly derived from World War II German technology or a post-war US-Soviet conspiracy. Russo argues that Coppetti's theory fails to adequately explain sightings prior to the 1940s or modern close encounters involving landing traces or entities. Russo suggests that Coppetti selectively addresses evidence, dismissing some phenomena as 'psychological flashes' or misinterpretations while ignoring cases that contradict his thesis. The article questions how such advanced technology could remain secret and why it would be used in ways that don't align with potential military advantages. Russo concludes that while Coppetti's hypothesis attempts to explain some UFO phenomena, it falls short in accounting for the full spectrum of reported sightings and encounters.

Other Sections

• UFO Notizie (UFO News): A section likely containing brief news items related to ufology.
• Recensioni (Reviews): Reviews of books or other media related to UFOs.
• UFO Lettere (UFO Letters): A section for reader correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a serious, scientific, and investigative approach to ufology. It prioritizes detailed case studies, witness testimonies, and the analysis of physical evidence. There is a clear skepticism towards simplistic explanations and a willingness to explore even speculative scientific theories, such as the role of black holes and hyperspace, when they are presented within a rigorous framework. The editorial stance appears to be that UFOs represent a genuine phenomenon that warrants serious scientific inquiry, with a leaning towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis as a potential explanation, while also acknowledging the possibility of unknown natural phenomena or advanced terrestrial technology. The magazine actively engages with scientific advancements and theoretical physics to contextualize UFO reports. There's also an underlying theme of potential government secrecy or lack of transparency regarding UFO information, as highlighted in the editorial.

This issue of "Notiziario UFO" from June 1979 features a cover story titled "Gli extraterrestri torneranno" (The Extraterrestrials Will Return), accompanied by an illustration of an astronaut's helmet. The magazine delves into various theories and case studies related to UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on alleged alien technology and encounters.

Analysis of UFO Theories

The issue critically examines Marcello Coppetti's book, particularly his theories on UFOs. Coppetti's explanations range from military experiments and optical illusions to the use of holograms. The article highlights Coppetti's reliance on the optical principles described by Vasco Ronchi, suggesting that perception can differ significantly from reality. However, the author criticizes Coppetti for potentially overlooking or dismissing existing ufological research on perceptual aspects of sightings. The text also points out Coppetti's controversial connection between UFO sightings and the Italian Air Force's F-104 aircraft, which is later addressed with a retraction and explanation of potential inaccuracies or misinterpretations.

Ancient Astronaut Hypothesis

David William Davenport presents a compelling hypothesis that ancient texts, such as Sanskrit scriptures, suggest extraterrestrial visitation in the distant past. He argues that evidence from ancient sites like Mohenjo-Daro, which shows signs of destruction consistent with atomic explosions, supports this theory. Davenport suggests that ancient civilizations possessed knowledge far beyond what is commonly accepted, and that understanding these ancient records is key to comprehending advanced technology and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Catalog of Close Encounters: 'Alien Weapons'

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed catalog of "close encounter" cases, primarily from the 1950s, focusing on alleged encounters involving 'third type' interactions. These cases often describe humanoids or 'entities' possessing and using various devices interpreted as weapons. These include:

• Paralyzing Rays/Light Beams: Numerous accounts describe beings emitting beams of light from handheld devices (tubes, torches, pistols) that cause temporary paralysis, blindness, or incapacitation in witnesses. Examples include cases from France (1954), Italy (1954), and Brazil (1954).
• Tubes and Cylinders: Various forms of tubes and cylinders are frequently mentioned as being held or used by the entities, sometimes emitting light or other effects.
• Spheres and Discs: The UFOs themselves are often described as disc-shaped, oval, or spherical, with some cases detailing their landing and occupants emerging.
• Other Devices: Some encounters mention 'cameras,' 'black boxes,' or 'machines' used by the entities for observation or other purposes.

The catalog meticulously lists specific incidents with dates, locations, and brief descriptions, citing sources like "Flying Saucer Review," "Gli Umanoidi," and various national UFO reports. The cases highlight a recurring theme of witnesses being immobilized or affected by unknown energies or devices wielded by the alleged extraterrestrial visitors.

Critical Commentary and Editorial Stance

The article includes a critical commentary on Marcello Coppetti's work, suggesting that he may have been "instrumentalized" or at least "deceived" by his sources, particularly in his attempts to link UFOs with military technology and historical events. The author of this commentary, Roberto Pinotti, emphasizes the importance of rigorous research and warns against accepting information without critical evaluation, drawing parallels to the tactics used by security and intelligence services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of UFOs, the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the interpretation of ancient history through the lens of ufology. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from speculative theories about alien technology and ancient visitations to a catalog of empirical encounter reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, while also maintaining a critical approach to the sources and interpretations presented, particularly concerning Coppetti's work. The emphasis on detailed case studies and the exploration of alternative explanations for UFO sightings underscore the magazine's commitment to investigating the unknown.

This issue of "Notiziario UFO" (Issue 10, Volume II, September 1979) is published by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale and focuses on the theme "Gli ufo di fronte all'obiettivo" (UFOs in front of the lens). It delves into various UFO sightings, humanoid encounters, and the challenges of documenting these phenomena, particularly through photography. The magazine also includes a section on legal cases and scientific discussions surrounding UFOs.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The issue presents a detailed catalog of UFO sightings and alleged encounters with extraterrestrial beings from various locations, primarily in the 1970s. These accounts include:

• Bebedouro, Brazil (September 26, 1968): A police officer reported an encounter with three beings approximately two meters tall emerging from a disc. They used light spheres to incapacitate him.
• Olavarria, Argentina (July 26, 1968): Four police officers encountered a disc from which three beings emerged, using light spheres to paralyze them.
• Roncenay, France (September 1968): Witnesses observed a luminous red object and a landed disc from which small beings emerged, using luminous sources.
• Macédo, Brazil (November 1968): A witness observed a disc with a dome, and three tall beings emerged. One used a tube-like device emitting a light beam that paralyzed people.
• Pirassununga, Brazil (February 6, 1969): A merchant and custodians saw a luminous disc. Two small beings emerged, one using a weapon that emitted a flame-like beam.
• Pirassununga, Brazil (February 20, 1969): A farmer witnessed a disc on a tripod with three small beings using various devices.
• Bebedouro, Brazil (May 4, 1969): José Antonio de Silva reported being hit by a light beam, causing cramps, and then being taken by three small beings into a machine.
• Imjarvi, Finland (January 7, 1970): Two men observed a disc descending, a light beam, and a slender figure pointing a light-emitting box.
• Penang, Malaysia (August 19, 1970): Children observed a small flying disc from which tiny beings emerged, one firing a shot.
• Broome, Australia (1971): Witnesses observed a luminous figure emitting a bouncing white light.
• Aznacollar, Spain (September 1971): An 82-year-old man reported seeing a large machine with many figures in blue uniforms emerging.
• Itaperuna, Brazil (September 25, 1971): A salesman reported being lifted by a red-blue beam from a torch-like object held by two small beings.
• Buenos Aires, Argentina (October 4, 1972): A witness reported being observed by tall, human-like creatures who extracted blood and sperm samples.
• Warminster, UK (September 8, 1973): A person observed a tall individual in a green uniform holding a torch-like object.
• Nohant-en-Gout, France (October 1973): A witness encountered a luminous object and a two-meter-tall being in a suit and helmet.
• Vilvorde, Belgium (December 1973): A witness observed a creature in a one-piece suit and helmet with a luminous box and a device resembling a vacuum cleaner.
• Warneton, Belgium (January 7, 1974): Witnesses observed a disc-shaped object and two figures, one resembling the 'Michelin man,' holding a pyramid-tipped object.
• Witehouse, Ohio, USA (April 10, 1974): A witness encountered a man who demonstrated the ability to dematerialize rocks.
• Duxbury, Massachusetts, USA (September 3, 1974): A woman encountered four small humanoids who examined her and left small puncture marks.
• Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, USA (September 1974): A couple encountered a figure in silver clothing that caused their car's engine and lights to fail.
• Petit Ile, Réunion (February 14, 1975): A witness observed a disc and a being similar to the 'Michelin man' who used a luminous object.
• Oakenholt, UK (July 1976): Two siblings observed silver objects and beings using 'pistols' that emitted red rays.
• Paciencia, Brazil (September 30, 1977): A witness encountered a hat-shaped object and three 'robot'-like beings who extracted blood samples.
• Trehorningsjo, Sweden (October 18, 1977): Witnesses observed a disc-shaped object and three figures in 'space suits.'
• Catania, Italy (December 15, 1978): Two children and a man observed a luminous object and a being described as 'ugly like Frankenstein.'
• Levico, Italy (December 28, 1978): The Cetto family observed a luminous orange globe with 'effervescent' contours that pulsed and ascended.

UFO Photography

The article "Come si fotografa un ufo" by Riccardo Germinaro discusses the challenges and techniques of photographing UFOs. It highlights that while thousands of UFO photographs exist, many are easily faked. The article provides advice on camera settings, film sensitivity (ASA), and the importance of manual controls for night photography. It also suggests including known objects in the frame to establish scale and distance.

Scientific Theories and Analysis

Alessandro Cortellazzi's article "Gli ufo di fronte all'obiettivo" explores two main hypotheses for the origin of UFO phenomena:

1. UFO = Human + Quid: The phenomenon arises from the interaction between a human subject and an invisible 'Quid' (something) that exists before and after the sighting.
2. UFO = Human + Habitat + Socio-cultural Environment: The phenomenon is an abstraction of latent psychic forces within the human subject, influenced by environmental factors.

Cortellazzi emphasizes the subjective nature of witness perception and the role of personal factors in shaping the interpretation of UFO events. He also discusses the importance of studying 'contactees' (those who claim direct interaction) for understanding the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious investigation, often citing scientific and technical details. However, there is a clear editorial stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the critique of certain 'contactees' and the emphasis on objective analysis. The "UFO lettere" section features a strong rebuttal from Roberto Pinotti against an article by Alberto Nigi, highlighting a controversy regarding the case of Eugenio Siragusa and the nature of his followers. The magazine promotes the idea that UFO research requires rigorous methodology and critical thinking, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena.

Other Content

The issue also includes:

• "Casistica spicciola dei quotidiani italiani": A compilation of brief UFO sighting reports from Italian newspapers between January and August 1979.
• Reviews of UFO-related books: "Colonie Umane nello Spazio" by Gerard K. O'Neill and "Almanacco Universale delle cose più strane e misteriose" curated by George E. Delury.
• News items: A report on the legal case involving Eugenio Siragusa, a photographic exhibition in Turin, and a report on a UFO sighting in Spain.
• Promotional material: An advertisement for the CREDIT CLUB GUIDA and membership card.