Itufor03

Magazine Overview

Title: ITALIAN UFO REPORTER
Issue: No. 3 (ITUFOR-3)
Date: December 1986
Publisher: Italian Center for UFO Studies (CISU)
Country: Italy
Language: English (abstracts of Italian articles)

This issue of the Italian UFO Reporter presents a collection of articles and summaries focusing on UFO/IFO sightings and research, with a particular emphasis on Italian cases and investigations from 1986. It includes a significant comparative study of UFOs and IFOs, reports on humanoid encounters, and an exploration of the role of computers in ufology.

Article Summaries

ITUFOR-3 Introduction

The editorial explains that this issue consists mainly of English language abstracts from CISU's "UFO Information Review" (No. 2, December 1986). The aim is to provide comprehensive summaries rather than brief abstracts, to assist readers who do not read Italian. Illustrations are not reproduced. Two articles received shorter treatment: one by Scornaux, originally in English, and one by Gianni Favero, which concerns Russian sources rather than Italian reports.

UFOS AND IFOS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY - The 1977 Italian Sightings by Marcel Delaval

This article summarizes a detailed study by CUFOC (a research group at Euratom, Ispra) published as "UPIAR Monograph". It represents the first extensive coding of Italian UFO/IFO reports, analyzing over 40 variables. It is also one of the few comparative analyses of Italian UFOs vs. IFOs and utilizes inferential statistics, with GEPAN in France being a noted precedent.

The study defined the domain as "reports of hypothetical observations of object(s) or light(s) for which the characteristics... do not suggest any logical and conventional explanation". An "open" definition of "UFO experience" was adopted. 217 reports were coded using 44 variables, grouped into GEPAN's tetrahedron model (testimonies, witnesses, physical environment, psycho-sociological environment). A new "identification level" was introduced, based on the "human bias" concept, to quantify changes generated by witnesses during information processing. Eight identification classes were defined (0-7), with classes 1-4 grouped as "IFO", 5-6 as "UFO", and 0 and 7 excluded.

The "Results" section indicates no significant difference between UFOs and IFOs globally, except for variables like dimensions, colors, luminosity, trajectory, and maneuvers. A peculiar finding was that UFOs were more correlated with hills and low mountains (40%) than IFOs (20%), possibly due to the CUFOC investigation focus in the Varese area. No difference was found in UFO/IFO duration, confirming Allan Hendry's findings over Poher's. Identification breakdown showed 57% IFO classes, 25% UFO classes, and 18% insufficient data. Among IFOs, 47% were identified as planes, 20% as stars/planets, 10% as satellite reentries, and 7% as hoaxes. Differences were noted among the four collection centers (Ispra, Bologna, Cagliari, and press). An attempt to link monthly distribution to sociological events was inconclusive.

The "Analysis" using Multivariate Component Analysis (MCA) did not reveal significant differences between UFOs and IFOs beyond what distribution analysis showed, likely due to data quality issues. The "Evaluation" concluded that the study offered no conclusive answer on whether an original UFO phenomenon exists, supporting both "reductive" and "irreductible" viewpoints.

The full 48-page study with tables and figures is available from Coop. UPIAR, Torino, for US$ 7.00.

STRANGE BEINGS AT RUDIANO - A Flap and Humanoids near Brescia by Paolo Fiorino

This article details sightings in Rudiano (Brescia) on July 12, 1986, where tens of people observed a pale white luminous object described as an "intermittent flare", "colored mist", or "disc". Witnesses reported a "bright white ball" spinning and moving erratically. A Carabinieri patrolcar arrived and police also observed a "strange light of anomalous behavior". Hypotheses included "ionized air" or a "laser beam" reflecting off clouds. A local "flap" arose, with other sightings reported, including potential CE-III encounters investigated by CISU.

Another report from the night of July 13-14 describes a witness encountering a "kind of kid with a large hairless head" who entered a 1.5x1 meter metallic "case" or "chest" that lit up and flew away. This report remains anecdotal as peasants denied knowledge, but its interest lies in its "local flap" context and details similar to other Italian CE-III cases.

A third report from July 17th describes a "hairy beast" with a large head and bright eyes, awakened by barking dogs. Footprints were found the next morning. The witness also claimed to have seen a "bright chandelier" in the sky. The investigator notes the witness's unreliability, contradictions, and tendency to embellish the story.

CONSIDERATIONS (on Rudiano reports)

No firm conclusions could be drawn from the Rudiano events due to imprecise data, vague descriptions, unconfirmed reports, and reluctance to cooperate. The author attributes this to the reluctance of rural people to discuss "silly stories" and the local "UFO psychosis" climate.

"HAIRY MONSTERS" IN ITALY

This section reviews a "wave" of "hairy" beings reported in Italy in 1986, with sightings from Siena, Bologna, and particularly the Irpine mountain area. The beings were described as 1.7-2 meters tall, anthropomorphic, with "bright eyes" and large ears, covered in long hair, and often running away when approached, sometimes leaving footprints or scorched trees. Only two reports linked these entities to luminous objects. Hypotheses included a large hydrophobic dog, an escaped circus monkey, a bear, or an exaggerated "story". "Hairy monsters" have been reported since 1974. Italian "isolated hairy entities" are rare, with only one case directly connected to a UFO noted.

COMPUTERS & UFOS - The Applications of Informatics to Ufology by Maurizio Verga

This article provides an overview of the past and present use of computers in ufology, noting the impact of Personal Computers (PCs) in making informatics an accessible tool and leading to "computerization" of research.

Early applications in the '60s and '70s used large "mainframe" computers for coding UFO reports for statistical purposes (e.g., Vallée's and Poher's Catalogues). In the early '70s, national files emerged on "minicomputers" (e.g., 'UFO Data' in Denmark, 'UFOCOMFILE' in Australia). G.S.W. in the USA pioneered digital analysis of UFO photographs.

The '80s saw the "PC revolution", leading to a proliferation of projects like case cataloguing (national and specialized), bibliographic references, and field investigation calculations. IBM "professional computers" also saw fewer but significant applications. Telematics is a promising new field.

The "Italian Scene" section details Italy's efforts: Edoardo Russo initiated a national UFO report index in Turin (1981) on an IBM-PC. The diffusion of home computers (Commodore 64, Apple II) led to local coding activities and the foundation of the "Rete Ufologica Computerizzata" (RUC), coordinated by Maurizio Verga, for coding regional catalogues and articles. Specialized catalogues like ITACAT, TRACAT, and ITALIA-3 have been computerized. Other applications include bibliographies on topics like hypnosis and angel hairs. Most Italian ufologists now use PCs instead of typewriters. RUC plans include data conversion facilities and telematic connections.

"Considerations" emphasize avoiding "over-enthusiasm" in computers, as data quality remains crucial. However, PCs are valuable for managing large data masses quickly and precisely, connecting researchers, and sharing scarce resources.

FLAP IN PIEMONTE - The Sightings of September 15, 1985 by Gian Paolo Grassino

Thousands of people in Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta witnessed a bright white, motionless object for hours on September 15, 1985. Witnesses used binoculars and telescopes, and some took photographs. National TV (RAI) filmed the object, which appeared to change shape (from "question mark" to "3 balls" to "3 organ pipes") and bobbed up and down. Investigators interviewed witnesses, including newsmen and a pilot. The object was not visible on radar.

"The Phenomenon" section details the object's characteristics: Shape descriptions varied, with 58% matching a "balloon" or similar shape, 15% as "point" sources, and 23% as "other" structured shapes. Some reported "ropes" or "tapes" hanging down. Higher quality descriptions often led witnesses to recognize it as a balloon. Color was described as bright white, "metallic", or "silvery", sometimes like a "plastic bag". Motion was reported as either motionless or slowly moving. Sightings lasted for hours, usually ending when clouds covered the object. The area involved was provinces of Turin and Aosta, mostly in mountain locations.

Photos showed nothing unusual, but enlargements revealed a tear-drop shape consistent with a balloon. The RAI-TV film's appearance was attributed to telephoto lens, refraction, camera instability, and vibrations.

"Analysis" determined the object's actual position to be above Lanslebourg, France, at about 22,000 meters (66,000 feet). All data were consistent with identification as a large stratospheric research balloon launched by CNES. The absence of French sightings was due to sun position.

"Considerations" state that while the case was identified as a balloon, the investigation tested investigative abilities. Collected quantitative data was useful for determining position. Witness testimony was generally reliable for descriptions, but some anomalous details were added, and media treatment was inaccurate, focusing on "mysterious" aspects while ridiculing identifications. The lack of interest from authorities in investigating such sightings was noted.

THE REASONS AND THE LIMITS OF DOUBTING - The Rise of the Socio-psychologic Theory in France by Jacques Scornaux

This is a translation of an article originally published in "Magonia" No. 13, April 1984.

1986 CASES HISTORIES

This section provides short summaries of recent Italian UFO/IFO sightings investigated by CISU members.

• BRIGHT TRIANGLE AT VIVERONE: On August 29-30, 1986, a restaurant owner and friends witnessed a large, bright, motionless, triangle-shaped, yellow-red "object" for over an hour. A triangulation suggested an altitude of about 1600 meters, but alternative explanations involving the planet Jupiter and the star Capella, enhanced by unusual weather, were also considered, leading to the conclusion that the triangulation was a "mere self-delusion".
• UFOS IN THE SKY AND ON THE SEA: On July 9th, 1986, a family near Eraclea Mare (Venezia) saw a yellow circle-shaped light moving to and fro. A closer, lower light blinked over the sea. A series of luminous phenomena were reported in the area, including a zigzagging sphere and a large ball emerging from the sea at Bibione, emitting orange flares before flying away with a loud bang.
• THE CAR THAT "WENT MAD": On October 28th, 1986, near Viareggio (Lucca), a couple saw a huge, black, triangle-shaped object with four yellow lights hovering above the harbor. As they passed underneath, a loud "boom" caused their car's speed to drop drastically, the engine to rev up, and the back to lift, followed by a sensation of "void". The object then passed towards the mountains. The couple suffered headaches afterward. Anonymous callers also reported a strange light.
• LIGHTS CAROUSEL IN THE SALERNITAN SKY: On October 22nd, 1986, in Postiglione (Salerno), a young man and his family observed an oval-shaped light moving in a circle, emitting a light beam. For two hours, they watched six white lights maneuver in two groups, merging and separating. A power failure was reported in the area.
• A UFO AT FIUMICINO?: On September 9th, 1986, at Rome airport, about 40 people saw a bright red, lens-shaped light "following" a landing plane. The object followed the plane until it touched the ground, then disappeared. Nothing was seen from the plane, nor detected by Air Traffic Control radar.

UFOS IN THE U.S.S.R. by Gianni Favero

This section summarizes 1984-85 press coverage of UFO sightings and information in the USSR. It includes translations of articles about the establishment of a UFO Research Committee of the National Sciences Academy, interviews with astronaut Pavel Popovich, and reports from Kiev, Gorkij, Estonia, and a radar-visual sighting by an Aeroflot pilot. This series concluded with an article in "Trud" on January 30th, 1985, after which no further UFO publications appeared in the USSR.

NEXT ISSUE

ITUFOR-4 will feature the "1986 Italian Update", covering UFO/IFO sightings, investigations, research, public education, meetings, publications, and information in Italy for that year.

Who's Who in Italian Ufology

This section profiles Edoardo Russo, an ufologist with an M.A. in economic sciences. He has been interested in UFOs since 1973 and actively involved since 1977, serving as editor-in-chief of "Ufologia". He held various positions within the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN) from 1978 to 1980, including Foreign Relations Director. He was appointed Italian representative to PICUR and CECRU. Since 1982, he has been a member of the Council of UPIAR Cooperative Society and assistant editor of "URIP". Russo has investigated numerous UFO/IFO sightings, including trace landing cases and the Zanfretta abduction. He authored CUN's "Field Investigator's Manual" and has published articles internationally. After leaving CUN in 1985, he co-founded the Italian Center for UFO Studies (CISU), where he is a Council member, co-editor-in-chief of "UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica", and editor of the "Italian UFO Reporter". He is also active in the RUC network.

Subscription Rates

Information is provided for subscribing to "Italian UFO Reporter" (ITUFOR), published quarterly by CISU. Subscription costs are listed in various currencies (Lire, FF, Lst, DM, Pst, US$) with additional charges for air mail. The issue was produced using an "Olivetti M-24" personal computer and a "Honeywell L-34 CQ" printer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rigorous investigation and analysis of UFO phenomena, the comparative study of UFOs versus IFOs using statistical methods, the exploration of unusual phenomena such as humanoids and strange beings, and the increasing role of technology (computers) in ufological research. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough, data-driven investigation, acknowledging the limitations of imprecise data and witness reluctance while striving for comprehensive reporting and analysis. There is a clear effort to bridge language barriers by providing English summaries of Italian research, aiming to make the findings accessible to a wider international audience.