Releases / 7 / DOW-UAP-D157

Air Intelligence Information Report, Italy, 1952

File

DOW-UAP-D157

Type

Document, 5 pages

Agency

Department of War

Date

8/27/52

Place

Italy

Released

Release 7, October 23, 2026

Open the original on war.gov

The government's description

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (AIIR), a standardized U.S. Air Force reporting form used to record raw information of potential intelligence value for later analysis. The form served as a primary vehicle for U.S. Air Force field intelligence collection throughout the early Cold War, until defense-wide reporting standards were established in the early 1960s.

This AIIR records an August 27, 1952, incident near Sassari, Italy, that was reported in the local Italian press the following day. The U.S. Air Attaché in Rome relayed the translated newspaper account to the Air Force in November 1953 and later interviewed the individual who made the initial report, Professor Giovanni Battista Sias. Sias described observing a brilliantly luminous sphere, slightly larger in apparent size than the full moon, with a green-blue color, silvery brightness, and metallic streaking on its right side. He reported that it moved from east to west at very high speed, intermittently disappearing and reappearing while leaving behind a narrow luminous trail or ribbon. The preparing officer characterized Professor Sias as intelligent, pleasant, and eager to share his account.

All descriptive and estimative language contained in this report reflects the reporter’s subjective interpretation at the time of the event. Such characterizations should not be interpreted as a conclusive indication of the presence or absence of any intrinsic object features or performance characteristics.

-·
u
AF FORM 112 •
APPROVED 1 JUNE 1"48.
~
COLllfTRY
ITALY
REPORT NO.
I 8 -700-53
AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT
SUBJECT
(UNCL)
Report of Unusual Aerial Pheonmenan
f'RON (Ag<ntfl)
AREA REPORTED ON
Air Attache, Rome, Italy
Italy
DATE OF REPORT
I EVALUATION
I D-'TE or 1 N r o ; s t
15 December 1953
PREPAAED BY ( OJ!i.ur)
D-4
SOURCE
Prof. G. B. Sias
JOSEm A. WOIDA, Lt Col USA.F, Aotg AirA
REFERENC£S (Oontrol ,iumbn, d1r,.,t1,., pr.,,/ou• rtporl, de., •• applleabu)
SUM MARY: (Em~ concise wmmarv of r"IJDTI.
1.
Gi•c olgnlfi«mce In final one-.,rnten« paragraph.
Ll<t facl04Urtf at lower le/I.
&gin'"' o/rcpo,-t on A.E Form I II-Part fl.)
This IR transmits a report of unusual aerial pheonomen:in witnessed by
Prof'. G. B. SIAS on the 28th of August 1952~ in Sassari, Sardinia.
2.
COMMENTS of the Preparing Officer:
Prof• Sias was interviewed by this officer a.nd be appeared to be in­
telligent, pleasant, and very eager to tell his story-. He, in his own mini, is con­
vinced that either: (1) The United States has made scientific strirles unknown to the
rest of the world and this particular phenomenon was one of these items; or1 (2) This
particular phenomenon was super-natural or it was instituted by another government in
Italy. Prof. Sias appeared to be a very intense individual and, while not exactly
fanatic , I believe that this title comes very close to :fitting him. Enclosure #1
is a sketch by the professor of what he thought he saw.
~~
WOIDA
• C
el, USAF
Acting Air Attache
Authority:
NND 57597
L18RARY SUBJECT & AR~·A CO'DE
\'\W\
~03
l
-~-~•NCLS.
Drawing
--{-()
A.
TlC
DISTRIBUTION BY ORIGINATOR
1 cpy ATlAE-5, Aerial Phenomenon Section
NOTE: rHIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OFTHE ESPIONAGE ACT. 50 U. S. C.31 AND 32. AS A.MENDED. ITS TRANS MISSION OR THE REVELATION OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.
IT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY OTHER THAN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AGENCIES. EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF
INTELLIGENCE, USAF.
UNCLASSIFIED
{CLASSIFICATION)

.

APPROVED I JUNE 1948

·• I E

J

AF FORM 112-PART II
....:

AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT

FROM (Agt11cv)

REPORT NO.

2

Air Attache, Rome, Italy

PAGE

5

OF

PAGES

TRANSLATIOM
REPORl' AND ILLUST

TIO OF A F.LYI?il SPH

Ooservation by Pro!. o.B. SIAS - Via Armando Diaz 22, Sassari
CCR&DITJ!iD ro THE ITALIAN GOV RNMPH1'

TO TH
APP
'On the 28th of A,u

ITION OF A FLnNG SPHERE

st 19521 the fellewirg article of mine was published in

Sassari in the local •Corriere dell'Isola" newSP-aper1
"Yesterday ev ning, 27th of August, at 2145 hours, I was walking - as usual along the court-yard f Sassari Brigade, below th wind ws of the war orphans dorm:1.­
tory, saying the ros
• It was exactly the time :when the. t 1."Wllpet o! Gonzaga. barrack
vas playing the lights out signal. I watched now am then the sky" covered with stars,
heavy, moonless, till torrid for the temperature which in tmse daya, aa anyone wuld
remember, often attained 40 degrees, with a sky which .remained clean and cloudless for
three 1t10nths.- Suddenly ll\1 attention was attracted by: a transparent small cleud, c
from the
st, isolated in the lliddle of the sq, . the ,remaining ky was serene. ?tr
eyes were .fixed to that point, fascinated by the view, ,men sudde~ a sphe
ot
astonishing brightness aDd luminosity se d to depart from the Milky Way. I had th
~ression that it as• very close to the earth: 1 t was slightly larger than the .full
moon, of green-blue color, silver bright like th mother-of-pearl, with m,tal streaks
in the right side; it pr ceeded. at a dizzy speed along East-West diredtion, appearing
suddenly as i f it c
cnit of a thick shadow. It cans out and in a s conc3 disappeared
leaVing behind a liile r luminous ribbon, haVi.ng a thickness of on1t-seventh of the
sphere; after a econd, the entire sphere appeared again; then again, it disappeared
and the line showed and again the sphere returned, always idem.ical. Finally, it
disappeared toward the horizon. The apparition lasted in total three to five seconds.
"M;,' first idea vaa that such a phenomenon was due to a.n aeroli ta.

Everyam
teoric stonas, 11hile it was evident that the
lundnou.si'ty of the sphere originated fro tm sun, like the moon's•

knowa the color and brightness of

!'In regard to motion, I . refiected that such an objec~ suppose it was a human
ere tion, could not hav such a dizzy ctual speed to excel the velocity of any- human
invention, even if carried to 5o or 60 kilometers aJ.titud • On the supposition that
the sphere was colling fro a tral spaces, frc:a
oh higher altitudes, its otion could
be either partially or emtire}J" apparent, th t is equal to e revolution speed of the
earth, Viz. thirty kilometer per seccmd.,
"Where the lumino ity was cone rned, I thcnght that it could be traced to the
locatic>n of the sph~re at hundreds or thou.sams kilometers above the earth while it
got out o:f ths cone of ahadov of the earth and proc ded Westward, beii:g ilJ11rni11ated
the sun wh~eh had set two hours and a half earlier. The location was the follOldng,
approx. LS between the Zenith and the horizon lin3,Southward; direction E1st-West
beginning .from the Milky ay.
PTb,e doubt that mine may be a mere optical illusion is dissipated by- the
testimony of tvo other persons a an orphan, Brau, who had not yet gom1- to bed, sav
the lum1.not1s sphere through the window of the dorm.torr; another testimony was offered
by Mr. Piccolo, a guardi:an or Valmascheri concern placed approx. 3 kil eters in air
line fro Saasart, who observed the phenomenon at the sam3 time: rea.l.ity am. not

illusion, then.

MOTE: THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED SfATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIQNAGF.ACT, 50 U. S. C. 31 AN'D 32, AS AMENDED. ITS TRANSM ISSION OR THE REVELATION OF LTS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PEflSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.
IT MAY NOT BE REPROOlJCEO IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY OTHER THAN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AGENCIES, EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF
INTELLIGENCE. USAF.

JG- 65670-1

U••• GOVEJNJll!H.T PRHtTl"'V or,u:c

t ED

.J

AF FOlfM 112-PART II
APPROVED 1 JUNE 19~

AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT
FROM (Agency)

REF'ORT NO.

.3

Air A.ttache, Rome• Italy

OF

PAGE

5

PAGES

ALTITUDE AND DIM™SIONS OF THE SPHERE

"The observation of the sphere, the peculiar circumstances of its apparition
and the logical deductions, inspired me with a pressing desire, rather a stimulating
impulse, to find a solution of the phen0111anon in its complete significance. I had
precise dataa
(1) the small cloud which was a sort of signal
(2) the egress of the sphere fran the earth •s cone of shadow at 2145 hours
(3) tbe du.ration of the apparition for three to five seconds in South-West
direction.
(4) the distance - cardinal point: South - o! 45° between the Zenith and the

horizon line.
(5) the seeming diameter.
The sole thing to do was to contact a scientist, I wnt to Father Junkes,
well-known astronomer, director of the Vatican observato17 at Castel Gandol:foa after
some days or study, he obtained with the system of the coordinates, the following
results,
"On the basis 0£ the geographical position of the observers, the coordinates
can apprmc. be estimated as .follows:
Longitude 33.8 East
(o8° 33 11 )
0
Latitude 4o 16' ortb
On the basis of the sun position on the 27th of Augm,it at 2145 hours the
resulting TM3C will bes
Ax:i.Jril.ltb. 133~ 36 1 iieasuring fro South to North, through est
Altitude 27 41,, that is balow the horizon

"Oc. the basis of the above d ta., not taking 'Into account the effects of re­
fracti?n, the distance of the observer visibility in this point at an elevatiln ot
1.6 up to the point where it CQMSS out of the earth shadow is:

approx. 1681 kilo eters Southward
approx. 1091 South-Westerward
At such a distance an apparent diameter of 1/2 degree (lllDOll'& apparent
diameter} is equal to the following actual diaJOOtersa

l.4. 67 kilometers at 1681 km. distance
9. 25 kilometers at 1091 1cm. distance
From t~ above it can be easily deduced that the object observ d could not
be a common terrestrial "n,ing saucer", some bright metal body illuminated by the sun
because its dimensions wu1d be too big."
'
These were the deductions of Father Junks; but since he ts also the Director
ot the :Vatican observatory and well versed in etrop~sics., he mentioned. to me 1n
anothor letter that the birght green, blue, silver colors and the luminosity of thl
sphere is presmnably due to the :remarkable quantity of iron and nic~l lilhich many astr

bodies a::,ntain.

NOTE: THIS OOCUMENr CONTAINS I NFORMATION AFFECTING THE NAT IONAL DEFENSE OF T HE UNITED STATES WITHI N THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE ACT. 50 U. S. C.31 ANO SZ. AS AM ENDED. ITS TRANSMISS ION OR TH E REVELAT ION OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MAN NER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHI BITED BY LAW.
IT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY OTHER THAN UNITED STATES AI R FORCE AGENCI ES, EXCEPT BY PER MISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF
'
INTELLIGENCE. USAF.

l0-M670-l

U. I . GOYUM ME:NT PRIHTIHG c:i,r lCI.

~ 1ED

&

AF FO RM 112_:PART II
APPROVED 1JUNE 1948

•

~~

(CLASSIFICATION)

AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT
REl'ORT NO.

FROM (Aoenc~)

Air Attache,

PAGE

THE MtST&Rf OF THE LINE

4

OF

5

PAGES

SPHE:iE SB P&D LUMINOOM

nNotwithstan:ii.ng the numerous bypothesi

which were advanced b1 the astro­

nomer and myself in an attempt to explain such a phenomenon, none
s entirely atis­
factory-. Still a quite reasonable hypothesis is that the diseoid sphere, .along its
itinerary, presented to the sun alternately its surface entirelJ illuminated by the
sun. Its dimensions were 1/7 of tm sphe , that is two kil eters in breadth. This
re ult d in an undulatory motion, ltlich was made n cessary either by suspension stabi
in the space at that altitude or by some other equilibrium 1avs unknown to us.
P s:>NAL RHM&RKS

{l) I must categorically affirm that the viSf or the sphere on my part was nol;
casuals a small cloud, one cloud in a clean sk;y, which later on disappeared, was like
a speaking signal to my attention. I dare not .ffirm - a.a:l it would be presumption
on iq part - that the sphere
s occupied by non-human be il'.lgs, no matter lilb.at they mq
be like: but the heavenly intervention is too evident I
(2) A llllld.nosity which cannot even be compared with t.he brightness of !ull
moon in a clear night; such bright and Vivid colors that camot be found on earth.
this was a heavenly smile 'Which inspired my sool with a joy and peace never felt before
A naw, heavenly- light !
(3) I believe that privilege was not entirely intend d tor: mez the pheno non
occurred in the Institute for War Orphans of the S ssa.ri Brigade, tl1l c:ustodian of
Trieste after the first liberation lilhich waits for the second liberation fr
the han
of America, which is today the faithful custodian of it. I do not .mean to get involve
1ri politics, becuase I know nothing of it. I think, though, that this is a 1 gitimate
remark which reflects the psychology ol history. America is b s Gd on freedom: freedo
of tho~ economical freedo , freedom of religion, in this conmction, no other peep
in the world begins official ceremonies with the "Pater Noster" prayer: reflection of
God wiseness and pow.ar J America defvnds freedo
cm fea.r: fear of -wa.r, tear of unployment, fear of starvation. God put the deat1Dl"' of the world in its hands. The
oriental civilization elapsed, arxi so did the Greek civilization and the Roman world.
The &:.1cred Boman :e.mpire collapsed., the British h11geJ1101V was eclipsed: the c~e fro
t;ast to West is- terminatillg in Amari • The words Virgilius wrote 2000 years ago,
whoa can batter wu.it than America?
"Ramem.ber to rule the ~oples with the authority o.f power:
be clement to the humble and exhaust the arrogance of the superb"
(Eneide 6tb book)
The basic scientific

ta are here below bri.efiy sumaarized.

(l) the cc,rt inty that tlie sphere is not
human invention in vi&w of ite
dimension and heavenly light.
{2) the secret • now diseloe
- of the measuring system of such apP4ritions
{.3) the • alm, resulting tram astonishing revelation, of cbosi~ a people a
a guide to ·--~nd, under the guidance of God.
Th tollowing is to be addeda
(1) I intend to transfer the secret and the property of this
to the American l!mbassy-, Office of the .Air Forces.
was

iting of mine

(2) What I requested in m:, letter to .tmbasaador CLara wee, to lihich reference
de in a letter addressed. t.o
by Col. Anthony Mony on J Jul.y' 195 J, be' granted

NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE ACT, SD U S. C.31 AND 32, AS AMENDED. ITS TRANSMISSION OR THE REVELATION OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.
IT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART. BY OTHER THAN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AGENCIES, EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF
INTELLIGENCE, USAF.

14-56570-1

U. I. GOYUNIIICNT PAI NTING OfF ICE

T

t
.
•
(17
AF FOlfM 112-PART II
APPROVED 1 JUNE lj.4)1
-'
AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT
FROM (Aomcu)
REPORT NO.
Air Attache, Roll8, Italy
s
m-100-5)
PAG.E
5
OF
to me, as a token of re1(alrd. rather than as a compensation, for the b
the Institute for War Orphans and .....~.A.L.t.I.
PAGES
fit of
Prof. Giovanni B t.tista Sias
Vi Amado Diaz 22 - Sassari (Italy)
Sassari, 19 November 195.3
****
NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE ACT. 50 U.S. C.31 ANO 32, AS AMENDED. ITS TRANSMISSION OR THE REI/ELATION OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON !S PROHIBITED BY LAW.
IT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART. BY OTHER THAN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AGENCIES. EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF THE DJRECTOROF
t
INTELLIGENCE, USAF.
I
i0-at>570--l
U, I. G,Q.VC'll:HM£H1 l'RJHTING Cl(FICIE