Notiziario UFO - 1992 05-08 - Vol 27 No 117

Magazine Overview

This special supplement to Italy's International UFO News, titled 'UFO', is the official organ of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN). The issue, dated May-August 1992, is dedicated to the memory of Giancarlo Barattini, the founder of the CUN, and features articles on space-related mysteries.

In Memoriam: Giancarlo Barattini

The issue opens with a tribute to Giancarlo Barattini, described as a pragmatic and active manager from Milan, who emerged in 1965 as a significant figure in Italian ufology. His proposal to establish the CUN was a 'breath of fresh air' against the prevailing 'amateurism, fideism, and charlatanry' in the field. The article emphasizes the CUN's commitment to continuing his fight for truth with seriousness and integrity. Barattini's final message, conveyed through an 'Open Letter' in 'FILO DIRETTO' NN. 14/15 (April/May 1992), is recalled. A photo from a 1984 meeting in Milan with Hynek depicts him as optimistic, positive, and generous.

A statement from the President of the CUN, Mario Cingolani, the Vice President Roberto Pinotti, and the National Counselors (Gianfranco Lollino, Corrado Malanga, Salvatore Marcelletti, Gianfranco Neri, and Pierluigi Sani) expresses deep sorrow for the passing of Giancarlo Barattini, Honorary President and Founder of the CUN. They recall his determination and humanity, quoting his profound gratitude to those who discredited ufology, as their skepticism was instrumental in the CUN's inception. The article highlights the CUN's strategic direction for the 1990s, set in 1984 with Barattini and Hynek, focusing on shedding organizational dead weight, operating with more selective criteria, and maintaining media contact. The CUN asserts its readiness for the year 2000 and beyond, committed to Barattini's legacy.

UFO in Space: Phobos 2 Mystery

An article titled 'Ma cosa ci faceva quell'Ufo a Phobos?' (What was that UFO doing at Phobos?) discusses a mysterious photograph shown at a symposium of ufologists. The photo, presented by Marina Popovich, a retired Soviet Air Force colonel and test pilot, reportedly shows a UFO photographed against the backdrop of Phobos, a moon of Mars. The object, described as missile-like with rounded ends, was photographed by the unmanned Soviet probe Phobos 2 on March 25, 1989. Three days after transmitting the photo, the spacecraft disappeared, with the reasons remaining unknown. Popovich suggested a radiation flash might have caused the disappearance. The photo was made available for purchase, with proceeds going to support the Russian space program during difficult times. Other ufologists present at the convention were hesitant to offer definitive explanations, noting the absence of photographic trickery but acknowledging the object's mysterious nature and its disappearance, suggesting it might have been piloted.

Near-Earth Object: The 'Apollo Rocket' or Asteroid?

Another section addresses a mysterious object predicted to pass near Earth on December 5, 1991. Initially dubbed a 'UFO' and speculated to be a small asteroid or a piece of an Apollo rocket abandoned near the Moon, the object was later identified. The article 'Identificato l'UFO' from 'L'UNITA'' (December 5, 1991) suggests it is likely the remnant of a 'Centaur' rocket launched in 1974 for the 'Helios' probe, or possibly debris from the 'Pioneer 4' mission. NASA has already identified over 6600 pieces of debris in space. However, an article from 'IL TEMPO' (November 24, 1991) titled 'Non è spazzatura ma un asteroide quell'ufo che viaggia nel cosmo' (It's not junk but an asteroid, that UFO traveling in space) states that the object is a small asteroid, approximately nine meters long, and was identified by James Scotti of the University of Arizona. It was predicted to pass within 460,000 km of Earth. A report from 'CORRIERE DELLA SERA' (November 20, 1991) titled 'Rimane un mistero l'oggetto spaziale che ha «sfiorato» il nostro pianeta' (The space object that 'brushed' our planet remains a mystery) also discusses the object, designated '1991vg', and its close approach to Earth. While initial observations suggested it might be an asteroid, its luminosity raised doubts, though scientists leaned towards it being an asteroid. The article mentions that the object was observed by astronomers at the Kitt Peak observatory and was approximately twenty meters in diameter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'UFO' magazine strongly emphasizes the importance of serious, scientific, and non-dogmatic ufology, as championed by the late Giancarlo Barattini. The magazine positions itself as the official organ of the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN), dedicated to rigorous investigation and the pursuit of truth in the field of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance is one of commitment to Barattini's legacy, advocating for a more selective and professional approach to ufology, while maintaining a connection with the public through the media. The coverage of the Phobos 2 incident and the near-Earth object incident reflects the magazine's interest in unexplained phenomena in space and the ongoing efforts to identify and understand them, whether they be extraterrestrial in origin or natural space objects.