CISU Sicilia - No 12 - dicembre 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: CISU SICILIA
Issue Date: December 2002
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU)
Document Type: Periodical Bulletin

This issue of CISU Sicilia, the regional bulletin of the Italian Center for Ufological Studies, focuses on UFO-related activities and sightings in Sicily between 2000 and 2002. It offers a comprehensive look at the region's ufological landscape, including a review of relevant literature, analysis of specific phenomena, statistical data on sightings, and in-depth case studies.

What to Read?

The editorial section addresses the difficulty of finding reliable literature on UFOs, noting that many important works are out of print or untranslated. It highlights the CISU's book service and the Cooperativa UPIAR's efforts in translation. Two recent Italian publications are recommended: Jenny Randles' "Ritorno al futuro" (Return to the Future), which explores time travel and parallel realities as potential explanations for UFO phenomena, and a book by Richard F. Haines. Randles' work is praised for its attempt to construct a reasonable argument, though criticized for its anecdotal style and reliance on potentially unreliable witnesses. The editorial also includes a critical quote from Randles about the sensationalism surrounding the supernatural.

UFO News Sicilia (2000-2002)

This section provides a statistical overview of UFO sightings reported in Sicily from 2000 to 2002, comparing regional data with national trends. In 2000, Sicily ranked fourth nationally with 29 cases. In 2001, it recorded 38 sightings, placing it ninth. In 2002, Sicily reported 41 cases, ranking seventh. The data is broken down by province and by type of sighting (daytime discs, nighttime lights, close encounters). The article notes a lack of reported 'third-type encounters' (close encounters) in Sicily during this period, contrasting with national figures.

Controversial Films

Two controversial amateur films are discussed. The first, from August 2001 in Ummari (TP), features a supposed UFO. However, the analysis suggests the observed effects could be due to camera zoom and operator movement, possibly explaining it as a sunlit weather balloon. The second film, from March 2002 near Canicatti (AG), also shows a luminous object. The investigation points to the planet Venus as a likely explanation, given its visibility and apparent movement across the sky during the observation period.

The International Space Station (ISS) and Other IFOs

Several sightings in the summer of 2001 were identified as the International Space Station (ISS). Cases from Fondachello (CT) and Acireale (CT) described lights resembling stars moving horizontally, which witnesses ruled out as shooting stars or aircraft. Similarly, a sighting near Milazzo (ME) was also likely the ISS. Other phenomena discussed include a possible refraction of Jupiter causing unusual light effects near Gioiosa Marea (ME), and a 'metallic sphere' sighting off the coast of Messina, which remained unidentified but was unlikely to be an aircraft due to its prolonged stationary behavior.

Discs, Triangles, and USO

This part details sightings of unusual aerial objects. A 'small metallic sphere' was observed near Messina in August 2001. A triangular UFO with pulsating orange lights was reported in the Messina province in February 2002. Another triangular UFO, described as a 'black triangle with colored lights,' was sighted in Trapani in June 2002, with witnesses reporting incredible speed and unusual movements. An 'Unidentified Submarine Object' (USO) was reported off the coast of Motta S. Anastasia (CT) in January 2002, described as a 'platform' that ascended vertically into the clouds.

False Alarms

Two incidents were quickly dismissed as false alarms. One involved a small aircraft observed leaving a smoke trail over the sea near Vulcano and Patti (ME) in August 2002, explained by the Air Force as a routine flight. Another incident in August 2002 involved strange light beams reported in the Caltanissetta and Enna areas, which were attributed to the simultaneous passage of two military aircraft and two visible shooting stars.

"Siliceous Cotton"

The phenomenon of 'siliceous cotton' (or 'angel's hair'), a white, filamentary substance, is discussed, noting its seasonal appearance in autumn and winter. Historical cases in Sicily, such as one in Gela (CL) in 1954, are mentioned. More recent reports from Carini (PA) and western Sicily in October 2002 describe large quantities of these filaments falling from the sky. While early ufologists linked this to UFO engines, modern analysis indicates it is typically spider silk from migratory 'flying spiders.'

A Globular Lightning?

A potential globular lightning event was reported in Catania in August 2002. A witness described a luminous blue ball moving between clotheslines, which then transformed into a large, violet-colored luminous globe. However, the description lacks sufficient detail for a definitive analysis.

CISU Sicilia on Radio and TV

The bulletin highlights CISU Sicilia's outreach efforts. In April 2002, Antonio Blanco was interviewed on Radio Studio 90 Italia, discussing UFOs and Sicilian cases. In May 2002, Pietro Torre participated in a TV program in Messina, alongside ufologist Orazio Valenti and priest Gaetano Savoca, discussing UFOs and the need for evidence. Salvatore Foresta also spoke on Radio Studio Centrale in October 2002, emphasizing CISU's serious and objective approach to UFO research.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind: The Sicilian Casuistry (Part 2)

This section delves into Close Encounters of the Third Kind (IR-3) cases in Sicily between 1960 and 1980, focusing on the influential contactee Eugenio Siragusa. Siragusa, from Catania, became a prominent figure in ufology in the late 1950s and early 1960s, claiming contact with extraterrestrials. His initial encounter in April 1962 involved two beings described as wearing metallic suits, who delivered a message of peace and a warning against atomic experiments. Over time, Siragusa's accounts evolved, aligning with classic depictions of benevolent extraterrestrials. He founded the 'Centro Studi Fratellanza Cosmica,' which gained many followers. The article suggests Siragusa's influence on subsequent Sicilian UFO cases, particularly in the 1970s.

Case Studies (1960s-1980s)

Several IR-3 cases are detailed:

• 1962CT*01: Two postal workers in Catania reported encountering a short, transparent entity with a furry face and triangular eyes in December 1962. The entity disappeared mysteriously.
• 1972CT*01: A photograph taken at Villa Belvedere, Acireale (CT), revealed an enigmatic figure in the background, possibly a transparent entity with unusual features. The lack of the original negative prevents definitive analysis.
• 1978CT005: Three individuals (two air force sergeants and one navy sergeant) reported seeing three red, pulsating objects forming a triangle on Mount Etna in July 1978. They then discovered a 10-meter diameter 'disc' with intense yellow lights, accompanied by tall, fair-haired beings in white suits. The article questions the veracity of this account due to its strong similarities to Siragusa's narratives, suggesting it might be influenced by his teachings or a fabricated story.
• 1978CT022 & 1978CT023: Two cases from December 1978 involved children reporting encounters with beings and UFOs, again showing potential influence from the Siragusa narrative.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of critical analysis and scientific rigor in ufology. It highlights the challenges of distinguishing genuine phenomena from misidentifications, hoaxes, and psychological influences. The editorial stance favors a cautious and evidence-based approach, encouraging readers to be discerning about sensational claims and to rely on credible sources. The recurring theme is the need for objective investigation, particularly in a field often prone to speculation and folklore. The bulletin also underscores the role of CISU in collecting, cataloging, and disseminating UFO-related information in Sicily.

Title: CISU SICILIA
Issue: 12
Date: Not specified (content focuses on the 1970s)
Publisher: CISU
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of CISU Sicilia, titled "Abbiamo visto gli extraterrestri" (We have seen extraterrestrials), delves into several reported UFO sightings and close encounters of the third kind that occurred in Sicily, primarily during the 1970s. The magazine presents detailed accounts, witness testimonies, and accompanying illustrations, aiming to explore the nature of these phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports

Catania Encounter (1977)

The issue begins with an account from Catania where, in July 1977, two children witnessed a hovering object emitting colored lights. A hatch opened, and a beam of light descended, from which a robot-like entity emerged. Another, larger entity was seen in the opening of the UFO. The children's drawing of the robot-like entity is included. The entity reportedly fired a projectile at a rock, causing it to split, and a dark, viscous liquid was seen to leak from a wound on its shoulder after it fell. The entity was then pulled back into the UFO, which spun like a top before departing.

Licodia Eubea Encounters (1978 & 1977)

Two significant encounters are detailed near Licodia Eubea. The first, in December 1978, involved a 48-year-old dairy producer, Angelo Cappuzzello, who was forced to stop his truck due to a radio malfunction on the SS.115 Catania-Ragusa road. He witnessed a flying object land near the roadside. Shortly after, two beings, described as approximately 2 meters tall, wearing dark, tight-fitting suits, gloves, and helmets with visors, emerged. They communicated through incomprehensible language and gestures, which Cappuzzello interpreted as a request for information. He noted that their faces, once the helmet lights dimmed, appeared human-like and 'very young.' The beings then re-entered the object, which took off with a flash, leaving behind a strong smell of sulfur. The object was described as being shaped like an 'ice cream cone' with a conical beam of light.

Curiously, about a year earlier, in May 1977, another truck driver, Antonino Amore, had a similar experience on the same road (SS.115). While resting, he was illuminated by a strong yellow-white light. He observed an ovoid object slowly lifting off the ground. As it approached his truck, he saw a row of portholes, and through one, he glimpsed the upper body and head of an entity with rhythmic arm movements. The entity wore a dark grey suit and a helmet with a dark visor and a lighter grey collar. The object then flew towards Comiso (RG), and Amore fled in shock.

Catania Encounter (1979)

A third case, dated December 30, 1979, involved Sebastiano P., an electro-mechanical worker in Catania. Awakened by unusual occurrences, including electrical interference and his dog's barking, he observed a clear silhouette outside his window, approximately 90 cm tall. The entity appeared to be wearing a tight-fitting, elasticized suit that emphasized its musculature. It was bald or wearing a tight hood, with a dark stripe across its back and dark spots on its shoulders. The entity disappeared in a few minutes.

Research and Context

Antonio Blanco, a researcher, re-interviewed Sebastiano P. in 1994 as part of a study on the potential effects of epilepsy in ufology. The interview revealed that P. had previously associated with individuals linked to Eugenio Siragusa, a known contactee, and had experienced other alleged UFO-related events. The article suggests that these subsequent experiences might have influenced P.'s perception of the 1979 incident, questioning whether the search for explanations can sometimes lead to altered recollections.

The magazine also references a 1978 article from 'La Sicilia' newspaper about a supposed IR.3 (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) involving three non-commissioned officers and a woman on Mount Etna.

Notes and References

The issue includes several footnotes providing context and references. Note 1 clarifies that the Catania CSRS (Centro Studi e Ricerche Spaziali) had sections dedicated to Astronomy and Astronautics/Rocketry. Note 2 discusses the academic titles claimed by a figure named Williamson. Notes 3, 4, and 5 cite newspaper articles from 'Espresso Sera' and 'La Sicilia' related to Eugenio Siragusa's claims. Note 6 elaborates on Siragusa's widespread influence and his fantastic repertoire of alleged encounters and past lives, which contributed to the popularization of UFO folklore. Note 7 points to other sightings in the Trapani area involving Paolo Alagna. Note 8 cites an 'Espresso Sera' article from 1962. Note 9 refers to a detailed discussion of a specific case in a previous issue of Cisu Sicilia. Note 10 indicates that CISU collected over 900 sightings, with a concentration in December 1978. Notes 11 and 12 cite 'La Sicilia' articles and a publication by Antonio Bianco, respectively.

Additional Content

The issue also includes a section discussing the complex nature of 'crop circles,' referencing a book by Eltjo H. Haselhoff, and recommending it as a stimulating read. The author, Antonio Blanco, concludes by suggesting two thought-provoking readings for those interested in the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, close encounters of the third kind, and the investigation of alleged extraterrestrial phenomena in Sicily. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting witness accounts and research findings, while also acknowledging the complexities and potential for subjective interpretation in such cases. The magazine aims to document these events and encourage further discussion and investigation, as suggested by the concluding question about discerning true encounters from false ones.