Notiziario UFO - 1992 01-04 - Vol 27 No 116

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO" (Notiziario UFO), Italy's International UFO News, is dated January-April 1992, Volume XXVII, Issue 116. Published by the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN), it is a technical magazine focused on ufology and related topics.

Key Articles and Features

Cosmonaut Gennadiy Strekalov Speaks on UFOs

The cover story features Russian cosmonaut Gennadiy Strekalov, a two-time Hero of the USSR. In an interview conducted during a space convention in Rome, Strekalov confirmed witnessing an unidentified object during a mission aboard the MIR space station. He described it as a 'flying object not identifiable' or an 'orbiting object not identifiable,' which he saw approaching the spacecraft. While the Japanese journalist on board did not see it, Strekalov and his fellow cosmonaut observed it for several seconds. He described it as a 'changing, iridescent light source, like Christmas tree lights,' spherical or spheroidal in shape, observed over the Canadian island of Terranova. The magazine notes that Strekalov was initially hesitant to discuss the matter but eventually shared his experience.

The 'Majestic-12' Controversy and Roswell

Several articles delve into the persistent questions surrounding the alleged 'Majestic-12' (MJ-12) documents and the Roswell incident of 1947. The magazine discusses the possibility that these documents and related information might be part of a disinformation campaign orchestrated by US intelligence agencies. It highlights the roles of individuals like Sergeant Richard Charles Doty and Captain Robert Collins, who were allegedly linked to intelligence services, and mentions the investigative work of Linda Howe and Robert Hastings. The article questions the credibility of information released through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), suggesting that some documents might be fabricated or misleading. The potential motives for such a campaign are explored, including discrediting ufology or preparing the public for a 'traumatic revelation.'

The Alitalia Flight Incident

An article details an incident on April 21, 1991, where an Alitalia MD80 aircraft, flying from Milan to London, was nearly hit by a missile-like object. Commander Achille Zaghetti reported the object, described as light brown and about three meters long, passing within 300 meters of his aircraft. Initial skepticism from aviation authorities was overcome when radar data confirmed the presence of an unknown target. The British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) eventually closed the investigation, classifying the object as a UFO, not a missile.

UFOs and the Belgian Wave

The issue covers the widely reported Belgian UFO wave of 1989-1990. It highlights that radar systems in Belgium, including those of NATO, detected an unidentified flying object that exhibited technologically impossible maneuvers for any known aircraft. The object's radar signature was consistent with a low-speed aircraft that frequently changed course and altitude but did not transmit any identification signals. This phenomenon was also observed visually by numerous witnesses and captured on screen by two F-16 fighter jets.

Phobos 2 and the 'Shadow' on Mars

An article discusses the Soviet Phobos 2 mission to Mars. Before losing contact, the probe transmitted images showing an unusual 'shadow' on the Martian surface, described as cylindrical and about twenty kilometers long. This 'unexplained' phenomenon, noted for its distinct shape, was compared by some to 'flying cigar' UFOs observed elsewhere. The article suggests that the publicity surrounding this 'shadow' might have been used to overshadow the mission's overall failure and loss of contact with the probe.

UFOs in Space and Astronaut Perspectives

Several pieces touch upon UFO sightings and discussions within the context of space exploration. An excerpt from Jacques Vallée's book 'Revelations' is included, questioning the nature of 'cover-ups.' A report from the 'Giornale' mentions a ten-year project by NASA astronomers to search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Another article discusses a radio transmission intercepted by an Amateur Radio Club from NASA's Houston Mission Control, which seemed to mention a 'fire' and an 'alien spacecraft under observance' during a Shuttle Discovery mission. The magazine also includes a letter from retired astronaut Gordon Cooper to the Ambassador of Grenada, suggesting a UN initiative for UFO study and expressing his belief in extraterrestrial visitors. Conversely, an article notes that Italian astronaut Malerba is skeptical about UFOs, emphasizing the need for concrete proof.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on "Anniversaries," celebrating the 25th anniversary of the CUN. There are also articles on UFOs and Buddhism, a report on a space convention in Rome featuring cosmonaut Gennadiy Strekalov and Roberto Pinotti, and a discussion on the 'glasnost' policy in Russia leading to more open discussion of UFOs. The magazine also features a review of video cassettes on UFOs, including 'UFO: The Proof' and 'UFO: State Secret.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with science, technology, and government secrecy. There is a strong emphasis on presenting evidence, including radar data, photographic evidence, and eyewitness testimony from credible sources like astronauts and military personnel. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into the UFO phenomenon, challenging official explanations and advocating for transparency. The CUN, as the publisher, positions itself as a professional and scientific organization dedicated to understanding these phenomena, often contrasting its approach with what it perceives as sensationalism or pseudo-religiosity from other groups. The recurring theme of government cover-ups and the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence is central to the magazine's content.

Title: TOP SECRET
Issue Date: March 1990 (derived from document date)
Publisher: Department of Defense (USA)
Country of Publication: USA
Original Language: English
Document Type: Intelligence Report (declassified)

This document is a declassified intelligence report concerning UFO sightings in Belgium during 1989 and 1990. It was originally classified as "TOP SECRET" and obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOLA) by an ex-military American.

Key Events and Sightings

Belgian UFO Wave of 1989-1990

The report highlights a significant increase in UFO sightings in Belgium, particularly in the Liege area, starting in November 1989. The credibility of some observers is noted as good, though some sightings have been explained by natural or man-made phenomena.

Professor Leon Brenig's Sighting

On Sunday, March 18, 1990, at approximately 20:30 hours, Professor Leon Brenig, a 43-year-old professor at the Free University of Brussels, observed an airborne object while driving on the Ardennes autoroute near Beaufays, east of Liege. He described the object as triangular, about the size of a ping-pong ball, with a yellow light surrounding it and a reddish center that varied in intensity. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of 500-1000 meters, moving slowly with no sound, and did not behave like an aircraft. Brenig contacted a friend in the area who took photographs of the phenomenon. Both insisted it could not be an aircraft or a hologram, as the sky was cloudless.

Belgian Air Force (BAF) Involvement

Colonel Wil Debrouwer, Chief of Operations for the BAF, was interviewed regarding the sightings. He acknowledged the large number of reports, especially in November 1989 in the Liege area, and stated that the BAF was taking the issue seriously. BAF experts had not been able to explain the phenomena. Debrouwer specifically addressed the possibility of the objects being USAF B-2 or F-117 stealth aircraft, which might not appear on Belgian radar but could be sighted visually at low altitudes. However, he clarified that no USAF overflight requests had been received for such missions, and the observed characteristics did not match those of US aircraft.

Further Investigations and Similar Incidents

Professor Brenig has since assured the community that he is personally organizing a new UFO observation campaign and requested the help of the Belgian Ministry of Defense (MOD). The report also mentions a similar UFO sighting that apparently occurred to a Belgian Air Force officer in the same area near Liege during November 1989. This officer and his wife reported being blinded by a huge bright flying object while driving, causing them to abandon their car and flee into the woods. They could not provide a detailed description, but the event appeared very real to them, and their credibility is considered solid.

Official Statements and Disseminations

The USAF confirmed to the BAF and Belgian MOD that no USAF stealth aircraft were operating in the Ardennes area during the period in question. This information was released to the Belgian press and received wide dissemination. The report itself was declassified approximately one year after its drafting in March 1990.

Analysis and Commentary

Intelligence Community's Perspective

The document suggests that the US intelligence community, including the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), took the Belgian UFO reports extremely seriously. Despite some redactions in the document, its very existence and the thoroughness of its distribution indicate the perceived importance of the UFO issue for US national security and defense. The report dismisses the idea of UFOs being merely a "socio-psychological myth."

Unexplained Phenomena

While some sightings were attributed to inversion layers, laser beams, or other high-intensity lighting hitting clouds, a remarkable number occurred on clear nights with no other nearby explainable activity. The BAF is concerned about the UFO issue and is taking action to investigate, but acknowledges that they are not optimistic about resolving the problem.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is the serious attention given by the US government and military intelligence to UFO phenomena, even when occurring in foreign countries. The document underscores the belief that UFOs represent a matter of significant national security concern, moving beyond simple psychological explanations. The editorial stance, as inferred from the report's content and dissemination, is that UFOs warrant rigorous investigation and are not to be dismissed lightly.