CISU Sicilia - No 11 - luglio 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: CISU SICILIA
Issue: 11
Date: July 2001
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici

This issue of CISU Sicilia, a periodic bulletin from the Regional Coordination of the Italian Center for Ufological Studies, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on cases and research relevant to Sicily. The magazine adopts a rationalist and research-oriented approach to ufology.

Editoriale: GLI UFO "IN SENSO STRETTO"

The editorial, penned by Antonio Blanco, addresses the common perception of CISU as 'skeptical' by other UFO enthusiasts. Blanco clarifies that their approach is not one of outright disbelief but rather 'rationalist ufology' or 'research ufology.' This stance acknowledges a genuine mystery within the UFO phenomenon and accepts that some sightings are indeed unidentifiable. The editorial cites J. A. Hynek's definition of a UFO as an object or light that defies conventional explanation even after thorough scrutiny. Blanco emphasizes that CISU affirms the existence of these 'UFOs in the strict sense,' which are distinct from the popular media portrayal of UFOs solely as extraterrestrial spacecraft.

UFO NEWS SICILIA 2000-2001: Cronaca delle attività del CISU siciliano e nazionale

This section provides a summary of the activities of the CISU in Sicily and at the national level during the period 2000-2001. It highlights the ongoing efforts in documenting and analyzing UFO reports.

UFO E TRIBOLUMINESCENZA

Sebastiano Pernice explores the phenomenon of triboluminescence, the emission of light from minerals under mechanical stress. The article specifically focuses on 'seismic lights' (Earthquake Lights - EQLs) that occur before, during, or after earthquakes. Pernice discusses how these natural luminous phenomena, which can manifest as flashes, columns of fire, or glowing orbs, might be the origin of some reported UFO events. He provides examples of EQLs observed in Sicily and other parts of the world, correlating them with seismic activity. The article also notes that while EQLs are often observed after seismic events, they can sometimes occur independently, raising questions about their exact nature and potential overlap with UFO reports.

INCONTRI RAVVICINATI DEL 3. TIPO: La casistica siciliana

Salvatore Foresta presents an analysis of Close Encounters of the Third Kind (IR-3) cases reported in Sicily. This section examines the most fascinating and perplexing ufological events, which involve direct observation of alleged extraterrestrial entities. Foresta notes that the province of Catania has the highest number of IR-3 cases, possibly influenced by the prominent contactee Eugenio Siragusa. The article traces the history of IR-3 reports in Sicily, noting a peak in the late 1970s, coinciding with Siragusa's public activity, and a subsequent decline. It also highlights five cases that predate Siragusa's public career, suggesting they may be less influenced by his activities.

Foresta details several specific IR-3 cases, including the well-documented 1960 encounter of Salvatore Cianci near Syracuse, where a strange figure described as having short arms and wearing a transparent helmet was observed. The case involved a circular, burned area on the ground and the discovery of dead animals, though alternative explanations like a stranded motorcyclist were also considered.

UFO NEWS SICILIA: Casi vecchi e nuovi

This section, authored by Antonio Blanco, revisits and presents a collection of both old and new UFO sightings reported in Sicily. It includes:

• 1990 Case (90CT02): A group of young people in Stazzo (CT) saw a matte black sphere with a translucent band moving at low altitude over the sea.
• 1991-1993 Case (91SR01): An 18-year-old in Vacarizzo (SR) witnessed a large, silent craft with metallic inter-partitions hovering low over his garden.
• 1967 Case (67ME03): Pietro P. recalled seeing a blinding flash of light emerge from the sea near Scaletta Zanclea (ME).
• 1997 Case (97ME02): Siblings in Capo d'Orlando (ME) observed a red, star-like object moving in a zig-zag pattern.
• 2000 Case (Pantelleria): A couple reported seeing a strange luminous phenomenon on the sea horizon.
• 2000 Case (Messina): A spectacular natural light display occurred over the Strait of Messina due to atmospheric conditions.
• 2000 Case (Palermo): A bright, star-like object was observed moving rapidly in the sky.
• 2000 Case (PA): A large, silver-colored cylindrical object was sighted near Palermo.
• 2000 Case (Gela): A report of a formation of unidentified flying machines, with photographic evidence showing only small dots.
• 2000 Case (Fonda-chello): A fast circular light was observed.
• 2000 Case (Misilmeri): Multiple intense lights moving in a triangular formation were seen.
• 2000 Case (Enna): A cigar-shaped object was observed moving away.
• 2001 Case (Catania): An object composed of three lights was seen traveling at high speed.
• 2001 Case (Milazzo): A professor reported a large, disc-shaped object with unusual internal structures moving at high speed.
• 2001 Case (Castelmola): An object initially thought to be a star was observed, later identified as the planet Venus.
• 2001 Case (PA): A bright, lighthouse-like object was observed moving and changing shape.

Misteriosi fenomeni nel cielo della provincia di Messina

This section announces the release of the second volume of the provincial UFO catalog for Messina, curated by Pietro Torre. The book covers sightings from 1975-1999 and updates previous data. Information on how to purchase the book is provided.

Miti e Realtà del Fenomeno UFO

A report on a multimedia exhibition held in Acicastello (CT) titled "Myths and Realities of the UFO Phenomenon." The exhibition aimed to debunk myths and document the reality of flying saucers, with support from CISU.

Radio locali

This segment details CISU's participation in local radio broadcasts. Antonio Blanco discussed "Area 51" and "Crop Circles" on Radio Sud Italia, and later spoke about UFOs in general on Rete Radio Caltagirone.

Aperti gli archivi del CISU

CISU announces its decision to open its archives to all ufological associations in Italy. This initiative, communicated via a letter dated October 22, 2000, aims to foster collaboration and mutual support within the ufological community. CISU offers free use of its "Manual of Ufological Investigation Methodology" and data collection questionnaires, along with access to its archives, provided reciprocity is maintained and privacy is respected. The offer also extends to publications and services usually reserved for CISU members.

Un po' di buon senso

Pietro Torre discusses the challenges in accurately determining the size and duration of UFO sightings. He highlights psychological factors, such as the emotional impact of witnessing a mysterious object, which can affect memory and perception, leading to potential overestimations of size or duration. Torre emphasizes the importance of applying common sense when analyzing UFO reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational and evidence-based approach to ufology, distinguishing itself from more credulous or sensationalist perspectives. It emphasizes critical analysis, scientific methodology, and the importance of distinguishing between genuine mysteries and conventional explanations. The recurring theme of seismic lights (EQLs) as a potential source of some UFO reports highlights the magazine's commitment to exploring natural explanations for anomalous phenomena. The opening of CISU's archives signifies a move towards greater transparency and collaboration within the Italian ufological community.