Notiziario UFO - 1986 07-12 - Vol 21 No 105

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO" (Notiziario UFO), published by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (C.U.N.), is dated Luglio-Dicembre 1986, Volume XXI, Issue 105. It is an Italian-language publication focused on ufology, with an international scope.

Editorial: Addio, Allen!

The editorial section, written by R. Pinotti, pays tribute to Joseph Allen Hynek, referred to as a "master, collaborator, and sincere friend," who passed away on April 27th in Scottsdale, Arizona. The article notes that while the news is late in reaching Italian readers, it is important to remember Hynek, particularly his letter to SCIENCE, which is described as a "manifesto" of ufology. The editorial also mentions the recent passing of Jim Lorenzen, founder of APRO, the oldest civilian UFO research organization in America.

Joseph Allen Hynek: A Memorial

This section details the death of Joseph Allen Hynek, an astrophysicist famous for his role as the scientific consultant for the US Air Force's Project Blue Book on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) until 1969. The project was funded by the US military. Hynek's death was reportedly due to a brain tumor on April 27th, with the news being released later at the request of the deceased, according to the National UFO Center. Hynek, a professor of astronomy at North-Western University, initially approached his role with skepticism but became convinced of the reality of UFOs and developed the first classification system for them.

Perspectives on Ufology

This article reflects on the impact of the deaths of Hynek and Lorenzen, noting that their passing has practically "decapitated" American ufology. It also mentions a crisis in European ufology, citing the French GEPAN agency's inactivity due to lack of funds and official indifference. In the US, the article suggests that organizations like MUFON will need to step up to fill the void left by Hynek and Lorenzen, potentially leading to closer cooperation between APRO, MUFON, and CUN. The scientific aspect of ufology is highlighted as particularly impacted by Hynek's absence, given his unique experience, prestige, and charisma as an astrophysicist.

The UFO Scene in Italy Today

This section addresses the internal divisions within the Italian ufology community. It details the formation of the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU) in December 1985, stemming from a split within the CUN. The article criticizes the CISU and its president, Antonio Chiumiento, for alleged sensationalism and the dissemination of unverified information. The CUN is pursuing legal action against CISU for retaining original materials. The article also mentions a proposed moral code for ufologists to prevent easy protagonism and calls on the media to verify information before publishing it, citing a false report of an 'ominide' in Irpinia as an example of misinformation.

J. Allen Hynek's Letter to SCIENCE (October 21, 1966)

This is a translation of J. Allen Hynek's letter to the journal "Science." In it, Hynek discusses his experience as a scientific consultant for the US Air Force regarding UFOs. He addresses common misconceptions about UFO sightings, stating that:

1. UFOs are not just reported by "cranks" but often by credible individuals.
2. Reports come from a significant number of balanced and educated individuals, with the most detailed accounts from intelligent observers.
3. Scientifically prepared individuals do report UFOs, though they often prefer anonymity.
4. Not all UFO sightings are distant or vague; many are close-range and detailed.
5. The US Air Force does not have proof of extraterrestrial origins or advanced technology, but the absence of contrary evidence means the question remains open.
6. While publicity can stimulate reports, it is not the sole cause of UFO sightings.
7. Radar and photographic equipment have sometimes detected unexplained phenomena, though not necessarily conventional objects.

Hynek concludes that the documented cases with "concrete data" show recurring kinematic, geometric, and luminosity characteristics. He warns against a temporal provincialism in science, urging consideration for future scientific perspectives.

"Close Encounters" Divide Ufologists

This article from "Il Giornale d'Italia" reports on the conflict between the CUN and CISU, two prominent Italian UFO organizations. The rivalry has led to mutual accusations regarding the credibility of sightings and testimonies. The CUN criticizes CISU for disseminating reports received by phone without proper verification, while CISU's claims have reportedly not been confirmed by CUN's investigations. The article also mentions the CUN's proposal for a moral code for ufologists and a call for media to verify sources.

Proposed Moral Code for Ufologists

This article from "La Sicilia" reports on a CUN convention in Florence where a moral code was proposed for ufologists. The aim is to prevent individuals from seeking easy publicity and discrediting the serious study of UFOs. The CUN, through Professor Corrado Malanga, appealed to the Italian press to verify the origin and validity of UFO sighting news before publication.

The UFO Scene in Italy Today (Continued)

This section continues the discussion on the CUN-CISU conflict. It highlights the negative impact of this dispute on the public image of ufology in Italy, potentially setting back progress to pre-1977-78 levels. The article suggests that the influx of unverified and sensationalized reports from CISU has led to public skepticism and a "rejection" of the topic. The CUN emphasizes its commitment to rigorous investigation and analysis, distancing itself from the sensationalist approach of CISU.

Premise: Guidelines for UFO Sightings

This section outlines the procedures for reporting UFO sightings, referencing the "Title Seven of the Instructions for the Carabinieri Corps." It provides a guide for reporting, including specific details to be recorded, such as date, time, location, shape, color, speed, direction, altitude, weather conditions, and witness reliability. The guide also includes a list of official bodies to which reports should be sent, such as the Ministry of the Interior and the Carabinieri.

The Last Bellaria Sighting is Just Fantasy: When Ufologists Lie

This article debunks a reported UFO sighting in Bellaria, Italy. It states that investigations by the Carabinieri and a CUN investigator found no evidence to support the claims. The article criticizes those who fabricate or sensationalize UFO reports, emphasizing the need for objective evidence and responsible reporting. It mentions that the CUN, at a recent convention, proposed a moral code to prevent such fabrications and urged the media to verify sources.

UFOs at the Borders of Reality Dossier Review

This is a review of the dossier "UFO al confini della realtà" (UFOs at the Borders of Reality), published by JP4 magazine. The review highlights the dossier's scientific basis and its focus on the CUN as a reliable source for UFO information in Italy. It mentions statistics on UFO sightings in Italy and the US, and references the "Center for UFO studies" by Professor Hynek as a serious entity in the field.

Reserved: UFO Sightings of the Month

This section, marked "RISERVATISSIMO" (Highly Confidential), presents a table of UFO sightings recorded by the Italian Air Force. It details the date, location, form, color, speed, direction, altitude, and a description of each sighting. The article notes that the Italian Air Force has been officially tasked with investigating UFOs since 1979 and collaborates with various scientific and military bodies. It also mentions ongoing contacts with other countries at the forefront of UFO research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the passing of key figures in ufology, the internal dynamics and conflicts within the Italian ufological community (particularly the CUN-CISU divide), the importance of scientific rigor and evidence-based research, and the role of the media in reporting on UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a serious, scientific, and ethical approach to ufology, with a strong emphasis on verifying information and combating sensationalism and misinformation. The CUN positions itself as the reliable and authoritative body for UFO research in Italy.

This issue of 'UFO' magazine, dated October 1984, focuses on significant UFO sightings and investigations, primarily from Italy. It features detailed accounts and analyses of the Polcanto case (1984) and the Caselle case (1973), alongside a document from the US Air Force Academy concerning UFOs.

The Polcanto Case (1984)

The magazine presents the Polcanto case, which occurred on the night of October 8-9, 1984, at Villa 'La Radicchia' near Borgo S. Lorenzo, Florence. The primary witness, Isidoro Ferri, a 46-year-old caretaker, reported seeing a luminous red sphere and 'luminous columns' from his bedroom window. The article emphasizes the credibility of Ferri, noting that he appeared sincere and was well-regarded in his community. Investigators corroborated that the phenomenon was observable from his window, even with the limitations of the setting. Independent sightings in Calenzano and Mulinaccio, as well as testimony from the Wiechmann family, suggest unusual aerial activity in the region that night, lending indirect support to Ferri's account.

However, the 'traces' found at the alleged landing site were deemed less conclusive. While Ferri's dog exhibited anomalous behavior in the days following the sighting, the ground imprints and holes were not definitively linked to an unconventional origin, with authorities suggesting animal hooves as a possibility. The investigation also considered and largely dismissed hypotheses of hoax or mistification due to the lack of evidence and the witness's apparent sincerity.

The Prata Principato Ultra Case (1984)

Another case detailed is from Prata Principato Ultra on October 8, 1984. Giuseppe Cocozza, a 57-year-old farmer, reported an encounter with a short, humanoid entity (approximately 1.20 meters tall) wearing a helmet and backpack. The entity was observed examining the ground with a T-shaped tool. Cocozza described the entity's body as covered in dark fur and noted it emitted bluish flames from its sides, accompanied by a rhythmic noise. Following this encounter, Cocozza observed a flying object, described as a parallelepiped or 'box' with a dish-like top, ascending rapidly into the sky.

An analysis of the physical traces left at the site, including imprints and holes, was conducted. The report from the Ministry of Defense suggested that the observed phenomena might be explained by the launch of weather balloons from nearby stations, a conclusion met with skepticism by the magazine's editorial stance.

The Caselle Case (1973)

The magazine revisits the well-known Caselle UFO incident of November 30, 1973, near Torino. This case is notable for involving multiple witnesses, including professional pilots and radar operators. The article recounts the testimony of Commander Mezzelani of Alitalia, who, while preparing to land, was alerted by air traffic control to an unknown luminous object. He described the object as emitting an intense, fluctuating white-blue light.

Pilot Riccardo Marano, flying a Piper aircraft, reported actively pursuing the object. He described it as an intensely luminous sphere that changed speed dramatically, outmaneuvering his aircraft. He estimated the object's speed to be significantly higher than his own. The radar at Torino airport also detected the object, with operators noting its size comparable to a DC8 and its unusual movements.

An anonymous technician from the airport provided further corroboration, stating that the radar clearly tracked the UFO. The article also references a report from the Italian Air Force's Meteorological Service, which suggested meteorological phenomena or optical illusions as possible explanations, a conclusion that the magazine's authors found unsatisfactory.

Analysis of the Caselle Case and Official Response

The magazine criticizes the official response to the Caselle case, particularly the perceived secrecy and attempts to downplay the event. It references a report from the Air Force's Operations Office which, despite acknowledging the visual sightings and radar data, attributed the pilot's pursuit to 'emotivity' and suggested a 'classic' meteorological explanation involving plasma refraction. The authors express bewilderment at the 'secret' classification of such a report, suggesting it implies more significant findings than officially admitted.

The article also critiques the work of ufologist Michel Monnerie, who attempted to explain the Caselle incident by citing the conjunction of planets, radar anomalies, and a weather balloon. The magazine dismisses these explanations as simplistic and lacking in scientific rigor, contrasting them with the detailed investigations undertaken by organizations like the Centro Ufologico Nazionale.

Document from US Air Force Academy

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a document from the US Air Force Academy's 'Introductory Space Science' text. This text, used to train future officers, includes a chapter on 'Unidentified Flying Objects'. It recounts instances of military forces firing on UFOs, including a Soviet encounter in the Kuril Islands in 1957 and a US encounter involving F-86 interceptors. The text acknowledges the possibility that UFOs might be extraterrestrial in origin, advising cadets to maintain an open and skeptical mind.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a pro-investigation stance, emphasizing the importance of witness credibility and the need for thorough analysis of physical evidence and official reports. It expresses skepticism towards conventional explanations when they fail to adequately address the observed phenomena, particularly in cases involving radar confirmation and multiple witnesses. The editorial stance leans towards accepting the reality of UFOs as a subject worthy of serious study, often challenging official dismissals and perceived cover-ups. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFO sightings and the limitations of current scientific understanding in explaining them.