News Fortiane - No 08

Magazine Overview

Title: NEWS FORTIANE
Issue: 1, Number 8
Date: 08 September 2008
Publisher: Centro Studi Fortiani
Website: www.centrostudifortiani.it

This issue of NEWS FORTIANE, a bulletin on the world of mystery, focuses on a reported UFO sighting in Gassino, Italy, involving an "incredible video by a child." It also explores other alleged UFO encounters, historical enigmas, and local paranormal legends.

UFO in Gassino: A Child's Video Under Scrutiny

The lead story details an incident in Gassino, Italy, on July 18, 2008, where 11-year-old Andrea and his 12-year-old friend Lorenzo filmed a mysterious object in the sky with a mobile phone. The video, initially unnoticed, was later reviewed by Andrea's father, Vincenzo, who found something unusual. After downloading the footage to a PC and slowing it down, a grainy image appeared, sparking curiosity and debate online. Vincenzo shared the video on the internet, hoping for explanations. The article notes that the object was not visible when they returned to the garden later.

An independent analysis by Andrea (presumably the author of the second article on the Gassino case) questions the credibility of the sighting. He highlights several inconsistencies, including the children's initial lack of awareness, the father's admission that the interview with journalist Claudio Neve was partly to satisfy his son's interest in ufology, and the son's known passion for imagining flying objects and aliens. The analysis focuses on the video's frame-by-frame examination, particularly the color characteristics of the object. It suggests that the object's coloration matches the ambient environment, which could indicate a manipulation or overlay. The analyst points out that the object is only visible for two consecutive frames and disappears in the third, and its perceived size would place it very close, making it unlikely that no one else saw it or that military radar would have missed it. The conclusion is that the object could be anything, even a banana thrown in the air, and warns against jumping to conclusions based solely on YouTube videos without verification.

Other UFO Sightings Across Italy

The magazine also compiles a list of other alleged UFO sightings in Italy, primarily from 2007 and previous years, as reported by the Italian Air Force's General Security Department.

• July 11, 2007 (near Bologna): An 'Ovni' (Unidentified Flying Object) was observed at about 1,000 meters altitude with an irregular shape that varied during rotation, appearing white and with an unestimated speed.
• August 19, 2007 (Punta Raisi, Palermo): Two white lights were seen moving at high speed with a mixed rectilinear and zig-zag motion.
• September 6, 2007 (Nettuno, Rome): Points of light, not visible to the naked eye but captured by a camera, were observed after a brief thunderstorm.
• May 3, 2006 (Procida): An object with an elliptical shape and yellow color was reported.
• September 3, 2006 (Palermo province): Two sightings were registered.
• July 25, 2005 (coast between Pescara and Ancona): Passengers on a plane saw a missile-like object, approximately two meters long, with fins and a red ogival tip.
• October 13, 2004 (Vibo Valentia): An oval, white object that changed to purple, yellow, and orange was observed moving in zig-zag patterns.
• June 17, 2003 (Perosa Canavese, Turin): A UFO composed of three connected circles was reported to have landed on a field, causing crop flattening.
• August 2002 (Orbassano, Turin): A "luminous disc" of about three meters was seen, and simultaneously, a TV signal disappeared and an automatic gate opened.
• May 15, 2001 (Pescia, Pistoia): A "ball of fire" was sighted.
• May 2001 (Rio Marina, Elba): Two globes were seen.

Mysteries from the Past and Local Legends

Beyond UFOs, the issue delves into other mysterious topics:

Historical Mysteries

• The Sharden People: The article briefly introduces the Sharden, possibly ancient inhabitants of Sardinia or one of the "sea peoples" who fought against ancient Egyptians. Their identity remains unclear.
• Emilian Terramaricoli, African Shona, and "Eyes of the Moon" Indian Tribe: These groups are mentioned for their enigmatic characteristics, with the "Eyes of the Moon" tribe having members with unmistakably European somatic features.
• "Bread-loaf" Idols, Pyramids, Ica Stones, Crystal Skulls, Shroud of Turin, and Papyrus of Artemidoro: These are listed as examples of unexplained artifacts and historical enigmas that are explored in the magazine.
• The Disappearance of Cambyses' Army: The presumed disappearance of Cambyses' army in 524 BC, possibly buried by a sandstorm, is highlighted as a significant historical mystery.

Paranormal Phenomena and Ghost Stories

• The "Mugello Cat" (Puma or Cheetah): A large feline, weighing around 40 kg and over a meter long, has been sighted in the woods and hills of Mugello for about 20 days. Experts believe it's a large cat, possibly a cheetah or puma, and it's not considered dangerous to humans.
• Mysterious Itineraries of Summer Excursions: This section explores locations with a reputation for the paranormal:
• Fondi: The ancient synagogue in Fondi is said to be populated by ghosts with a mysterious past.
• The Red Casotto (Red Hut): A traffic intersection in Fondi is reportedly haunted by a large white dog with fiery eyes that appears to motorists.
• Mountain Road (Fondi to Itri): The apparition of an old shepherd, who was killed with his flock, is said to occur.
• Provincial Road (Latina to Campoleone): This road is reportedly inhabited by the souls of those who died in prison.
• Sermoneta: The "Torre dell'Acquaputrida" is associated with stories of murders, suicides, and horrifying deaths. Apparitions, chilling sounds, and mysterious lights are reported, linked to the legend of the "Lady of the Tower."
• Ninfa: The ghost of Princess Ninfa, who committed suicide by jumping from the castle tower, is said to haunt the lake.
• Cisterna: The ghost of Giselda, a beautiful woman from the 14th century known for her lovers, is said to appear near the castle.

Focus Magazine Feature

The issue mentions the September 2008 issue (n°36) of the mensile Focus magazine, highlighting its cover story on "Mysteries from the Past," which includes topics like the secrets of pyramid builders, "bread-loaf" idols, and the enigmatic Sherden people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, historical enigmas, and local folklore. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and analyses, while also encouraging critical thinking and caution against unsubstantiated claims, as exemplified by the detailed analysis of the Gassino UFO video. The publication aims to provide a platform for discussions on mysteries and the paranormal, drawing from witness accounts, historical research, and expert opinions.