Notiziario UFO - 1989 01-12 - Vol 24 No 110-111

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO, identified as Notiziario UFO Italy's International UFO News, is a special combined issue, numbers 110/111, from Anno XXIV, covering January-December 1989. Published by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (C.U.N.), it is an Italian publication dedicated to ufology. The cover prominently features the headline: "L'agenzia Tass annuncia al mondo 'Gli extraterrestri sono sbarcati'" (The Tass agency announces to the world 'Extraterrestrials have landed'), referencing an event in Voronezh and page numbers 19-20. Other cover elements include a graphic representation of UFOs over Europe and America, and a smaller mention of 'A PG. 6' related to 'UFO, Europa e America'.

Table of Contents and Editorial Stance

The table of contents on page 2 lists various articles, including an editorial, a chronicle on 'UFO A GULF BREEZE?', a document on 'UFO, Europa e America', an interview with Richard Haines, a piece on the Ustica incident, book reviews, and a section on 'Marx e UFO'.

The editorial, signed by Giancarlo Barattini, explains the necessity of combining issues 110 and 111 due to a need to restore normal periodicity. It promises that the next issue, 112, will mark the magazine's 25th anniversary and expresses gratitude to its loyal readers for their continued support of its honest and serious research.

Key Articles and Features

UFO A GULF BREEZE?

This section, authored by Gianfranco Neri, discusses the UFO phenomenon in the USA, particularly the Gulf Breeze case. It references photographs taken in Gulf Breeze, Florida, on November 11th, allegedly by a prominent citizen seeking anonymity. The article notes that these photos were presented to the press and that the case attracted interest from MUFON and the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR), though the Joseph Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) was less enthusiastic. The article also touches upon the 'Majestic-12' case and the 'abduction' debate, contrasting them with the Gulf Breeze photos.

Document: Europa e America - Due Ufologie a Confronto

Written by Roberto Pinotti and Pier Luigi Sani, this extensive article delves into a perceived division between European and American ufology. It begins by acknowledging the inherent conflicts and rivalries within the field, often stemming from personal ambitions rather than scientific principles. The authors trace the origins of this divergence to a 1988 report by Edoardo Russo and Gian Paolo Grassino (formerly of CISU) at a Brussels UFO Congress, titled 'Towards a European Ufology'. They argued that European ufology, particularly its embrace of the 'paraphysical hypothesis' proposed by Keel and Vallée, had become distinct from and superior to American ufology, which they claimed remained anchored to the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH), contactee phenomena, and debunking.

American responses, notably from Mark Rodeghier and Jerome Clark of CUFOS, are presented. Rodeghier agrees on the separation but attributes it to the differing ways ufologists in Europe and the US utilized their time following a decline in sightings. He points to the US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as a factor enabling the investigation of government interest in UFOs, contributing to 'cover-up' theories, and also notes the prevalence of abduction reports in the US. Clark offers a more critical rebuttal, arguing that Russo and Grassino confuse contactees with abductees and that the European focus on socio-psychological explanations is insufficient. He defends the ETH as scientifically supportable and criticizes the European neo-ufologists for their 'nihilistic' approach and rejection of traditional ufology.

The article concludes that while the term 'two ufologies' might be an exaggeration, the fundamental difference lies in the theoretical starting points: Americans assume UFOs are objective phenomena, while Europeans question their objectivity and inexplicability. The authors suggest that both sides are prone to biases and that a more balanced approach is needed, acknowledging that ultimately, both theories might be proven false.

Ustica: IFO?

Authored by Mario Cingolani, this piece addresses the 1980 air disaster of the DC-9 Itavia near Ustica. The C.U.N. conducted an investigation, prompted by reports of an unidentified flying object (UFO) near the aircraft moments before its explosion. While ruling out structural failure or terrorism, the investigation considered collision with another aircraft or a missile as possibilities. The C.U.N. concluded that the case, while involving a potential 'intruding flying object', was outside the scope of typical UFO phenomena studied by the center. However, the article highlights two details: a sighting by the Maggini couple of an irregularly flying, fusiform object near Praia a Mare on the same night, and a pattern of anomalous events in the Tyrrhenian Sea area (unidentified submerged objects, aircraft disappearances, unexplained air incidents) that suggest a security issue.

"Non Siamo Soli & C."

This section details a legal dispute from 1987 involving Roberto Pinotti, the magazine 'Il Giornale dei Misteri', and Filippo and Giorgio Bongiovanni, who represented Eugenio Siragusa. Siragusa, a self-proclaimed contactee, felt defamed by Pinotti's article, which questioned his role and suggested he might be an agent of US intelligence. The Bongiovannis, publishers of the 'Nonsiamoli' bulletin, threatened legal action. The article explains that Pinotti's original piece was largely based on published reports and official records concerning Siragusa. Ultimately, the case was archived, with the Bongiovannis ceasing publication of 'Nonsiamoli'.

UFO in URSS

This article, referencing the Tass agency, reports that the agency announced to the world that extraterrestrials had landed. It mentions that the Tass report stated the extraterrestrials were 'four meters tall'.

Spirali di mistero (Crop Circles)

Written by Enrico Verdecchia, this piece discusses the phenomenon of crop circles appearing in southern England, particularly in Hampshire and Wiltshire. It notes the geometric perfection of these circles, the way stalks are bent without damage, and the speed at which they form (five to thirty seconds). The article highlights the work of engineers Andrews and Delgado, who have studied hundreds of cases and published a volume titled 'Circular Evidence', yet the origin of the phenomenon remains unexplained. Various hypotheses, including vandalism, whirlwinds, and electromagnetic phenomena, are considered and largely dismissed.

Interview with Richard Haines

This interview with Professor Richard Haines, a NASA aerospace researcher, explores his views on UFOs. Haines believes the study of UFOs is slowly emerging from scientific ostracism. He suggests multiple origins for the phenomenon, including unknown natural physical phenomena, psychological interactions with witnesses, and interference from non-human intelligences. He entertains the idea that extraterrestrials might have been present in our solar system for a long time, perhaps using probes like UFOs to monitor evolving species. Haines dismisses the idea of UFOs being secret terrestrial weapons and advocates for interdisciplinary study, free from military and intelligence interference.

Marx e UFO

This section, by Roberto Pinotti, reviews Dante Minazzoli's book, which examines the UFO phenomenon from a Marxist perspective. The article references the 'perestroika' era and the crisis of communism and Marxism. It highlights Minazzoli's view that the 'conspiracy of silence' surrounding UFOs by governments is a tactic to control social order, particularly in the context of the Cold War and the potential for mass hysteria or distrust in authorities if contact with extraterrestrials were revealed.

Book Reviews

• Several books are reviewed, including:
• 'OLTRE LA TERRA' by Daniele Bedini and Roberto Pinotti, praised for its historical-philosophical analysis of UFOs through the lens of Marx.
• 'CRONACHE DELL'INSPIEGABILE' (Chronicles of the Unexplainable) from Selezione dal Reader's Digest, noted for its UFO section but criticized for omitting mention of the C.U.N.
• 'GUARDIANI COSMICI' (Cosmic Guardians) by Hilary Evans, an exhaustive analysis of alleged non-human presences on Earth.
• 'IL LIBRO DEI FATTI INCREDIBILI MA VERI' (The Book of Incredible True Facts) by Charles Berlitz, a broad anthology of unusual phenomena.
• 'EUGENIO SIRAGUSA: IL CONTATTATO' by Filippo and Giorgio Bongiovanni, a biography of the contactee Siragusa, presented for documentation purposes.
• 'PERCHÉ GLI EXTRATERRESTRI NON PRENDONO CONTATTO PUBBLICAMENTE?' by Dante Minazzoli, a Marxist-Trotskyist perspective on UFOs, prefaced by Roberto Pinotti.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently grapples with the nature of UFO phenomena, the credibility of evidence, and the role of official bodies and researchers. There's a clear tension between scientific skepticism and the acceptance of anomalous events. The magazine champions rigorous research, as exemplified by the C.U.N.'s work, while also exploring controversial cases and theories. A recurring theme is the critique of 'debunking' efforts and perceived government secrecy ('cover-up'). The debate between European and American ufology highlights differing methodologies and philosophical underpinnings. The editorial stance appears to favor an open-minded yet critical approach, valuing empirical data and thorough investigation, while acknowledging the complexities and potential socio-political implications of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of "La Nazione" from October 13, 1989, features a prominent cover story titled "Tutta l'Urss è invasa dagli Ufo e qualcuno li ha pure fotografati" (The Entire USSR is Invaded by UFOs and Someone Has Even Photographed Them). The accompanying article, "Ma gli alieni ce l'hanno con noi?" (But are the aliens against us?), delves into alleged extraterrestrial encounters within the Soviet Union, linking them to the ongoing political reforms of Perestroika. The publication also includes a related piece from "il Giornale" dated October 13, 1989, and a reprinted article from "Moskovskie Novosti" via "La Repubblica" dated November 29, 1989, featuring a commentary by cosmonaut Konstantin Feoktisov.

Cover Story: UFO Invasion of the USSR

The cover image depicts a man on skis facing a mysterious, glowing orb, suggesting a direct encounter. The headline boldly announces the widespread presence of UFOs across the Soviet Union and the existence of photographic evidence. The article "Ma gli alieni ce l'hanno con noi?" by an unnamed author, explores several alleged sightings.

Voronezh Encounter

The article highlights an incident in Voronezh where extraterrestrials reportedly landed. The author notes that the news was broadcast on television, and the day after, Moscow announced that the aliens had delivered an ultimatum: if Perestroika was not terminated by the year 2000, the Earth would be destroyed. The author speculates that the aliens might be concerned about life in Russia and fear contagion. The primary witness to the Voronezh landing was a ten-year-old boy, described as a credible source. He reportedly showed the television crew the exact location where the aliens, described as three meters tall with three eyes and bronze-colored footwear, had landed.

Kiev and Perm Sightings

In Kiev, aliens were reported to have appeared in evening wear, described by a fortunate lady as having silver clothing, being very pale, and looking identical, possibly twins. Another account from Kiev describes aliens with no shoulders or heads, only three eyes, with one eye in the center of their 'body' that could rotate, as drawn by a child on television.

In Perm, UFOs were photographed, with the image published by "Komsomolskaya Pravda." The photograph shows an orange light disk that illuminated the faces of the residents for several seconds, causing them to appear pale.

Scientific and Official Reactions

The article mentions that Soviet scientists, including Professor Silanov, have called for further studies based on the traces left by the extraterrestrials. The Tass agency is quoted as confirming that the movements of the flying saucer, detected through "biological magnetism," correspond with the witnesses' accounts. The provincial party committee in Voronezh has reportedly established a commission to investigate the UFO phenomenon.

Commentary by Konstantin Feoktisov

A reprinted article from "Moskovskie Novosti" (via "La Repubblica") features a commentary by cosmonaut Konstantin Feoktisov. He expresses a belief that it would be more encouraging to erect a monument to the children who reported these encounters rather than focusing solely on the official investigation. Feoktisov muses on the human desire for something extraordinary beyond everyday life and the hope for miracles, suggesting that extraterrestrials might be granted the right to appear for this very reason.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the sudden and widespread appearance of UFOs in the Soviet Union, the potential connection between these sightings and the political climate of Glasnost and Perestroika, and the public's fascination with the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events with a degree of sensationalism, while also acknowledging the scientific and official responses, and including a more philosophical perspective from a prominent figure like Feoktisov. There's an underlying tone of wonder and speculation about the motives and origins of these alleged extraterrestrial visitors, with a particular focus on how they might be reacting to the changes within Soviet society.