News Fortiane - No 16

Magazine Overview

This issue of NEWS FORTIANE, dated July 11, 2009, is a bulletin on the world of mystery, published by Centro Studi Fortiani. It covers a range of intriguing topics, from historical artifacts and legal disputes to unexplained aerial phenomena and urban legends.

The Shroud of Turin: State Property?

The lead article, "LA SINDONE NON APPARTIENE AL VATICANO MA ALLO STATO ITALIANO" (The Shroud Does Not Belong to the Vatican But to the Italian State), features the assertion of Francesco Margiotta Broglio, a leading scholar on State-Church relations in Italy. Broglio, who was involved in the revision of the 1984 Concordat, argues that the donation of the Shroud by Umberto II to the Pope is legally void. He cites the third paragraph of the thirteenth transitional provision, which states that assets within national territory belonging to the former Kings of the House of Savoy, their consorts, and their male descendants are devolved to the State. Any transfers or real rights established after June 2, 1946, are considered null. This legal interpretation suggests the Vatican is considered the owner of the burial cloth, having received it as a donation from the House of Savoy through Umberto II's testamentary wish. The article includes a reference to a news report from Adnkronos dated May 26, 2009.

"Sprites" in European Skies

Another article, "'SPRITES' NEI CIELI DELL'EUROPA" ('Sprites' in the Skies of Europe), clarifies that recent mysterious lights seen in European skies are not UFOs but rather meteorological phenomena known as 'sprites.' Spanish atmospheric physicist Oscar Van der Velde is credited with photographing and deciphering these events. He explains that sprites are a type of meteorological phenomenon occurring at altitudes around 80 kilometers, developing in two directions and lasting only about twenty milliseconds. They are generated when lightning strikes cause electrical charges to be ripped from a nearby cloud. The phenomenon was first photographed by NASA astronauts in 1989, leading to the formation of 'Sprite chasers' associations.

Mysterious Crop Circles Appear

The issue highlights the appearance of mysterious crop circles in Italy. "E NEI CAMPI DI GRANO SPUNTANO... CERCHI MISTERIOSI. SCHERZO O ALIENI?" (And in the Wheat Fields They Appear... Mysterious Circles. A Prank or Aliens?) reports on circles found in a field between Castelfranco and Nonantola, Modena, on June 10, 2009. While some speculate about alien landings, others suggest it's a prank. The geometric patterns are compared to similar phenomena in England, famously depicted in the movie 'Signs.' The article notes that the wheat stalks are not cut but neatly laid down in the same direction. A similar report, "TORRECHIARA: COMPAIONO CERCHI NEL GRANO" (Torrechiara: Crop Circles Appear), details new crop circles near the castle of Torrechiara in the province of Parma. The article suggests these are likely the work of pranksters, possibly using ropes and wooden beams, and notes that the perpetrators could face civil and criminal charges for property damage. The phenomenon is described as lacking magnetic anomalies and the grain is not uniformly laid.

Strange Rains and Meteorological Anomalies

"GIAPPONE: MISTERIOSA 'PIOGGIA' DI GIRINI E PESCI SI ABBATTE SU DUE CITTÀ" (Japan: Mysterious 'Rain' of Tadpoles and Fish Hits Two Cities) recounts an unusual event in Nanao and other locations in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, on June 11, 2009. Residents suggest a biblical plague, while experts hypothesize intense turbulence, mini-tornadoes, or birds dropping their prey. Testimonies describe tadpoles and fish found on surfaces and in public parking areas. The meteorological observatory in nearby Kanazawa questioned the conditions for such anomalous rains. An ornithologist suggested that large birds might drop tadpoles they consume during flight.

The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin (Molfetta)

"MOLFETTA. IL MISTERO DELLA SACRA SINDONE" (Molfetta. The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin) delves into the significance of the Shroud, posing questions about the identity of the person wrapped in it and whether it should be classified as a relic, icon, or photograph if the image is attributed to Christ. Dr. Michele Zanna, an oncologist, discussed these questions during a videoconference organized by the "Pia Unione Femminile" in Molfetta. The Shroud is defined as a Greek term for the body of Christ wrapped in a cloth. Scientific analysis, including radiocarbon dating, indicates the fabric is pure linen of Syrian or Palestinian origin, measuring 4.36 meters by 1.10 meters. The Shroud first appeared in France around 1300, with its earlier history suggesting a journey from Jerusalem through various European cities, possibly guarded by the Knights Templar and noble families, before being transferred to Turin by Filiberto of Savoy in 1578. Photographer Secondo Pia's 1898 discovery of a clear image on the negative is also mentioned. NASA's 3D imaging analysis has excluded manual manipulation, and blood traces suggest an AB positive blood group with ancient, indeterminable DNA. The cause of death is believed to be a spear wound to the right side. The article concludes by noting that while science refers to the 'man of the Shroud,' the Gospel refers to Jesus Christ, leaving the nature of the Shroud as a relic or sacred icon open to interpretation.

Urban Legends and Unexplained Phenomena

"LA RASSEGNA DELLE STORIE INVEROSIMILI SUL QUOTIDIANO INGLESE INDEPENDENT" (Review of Implausible Stories from the English Independent Newspaper) summarizes various urban legends. These include tales of alligators in New York sewers, the 'Bloody Mary' legend, organ theft from unsuspecting individuals, the phantom hitchhiker, a boy disintegrating from chemical toilet contents, spontaneous human combustion, the 'licked hand' story, and a terrifying babysitter scenario. The article also touches on legends about lottery winners, bodies growing hair and nails after death, a difficult-to-digest bubble gum, a rare flower resembling a parrot ('Impatiens Psittacina'), and the close approach of Mars to Earth, making it appear as large as the Moon. The latter is debunked by Francesco Tortora, who notes that Mars' closest approach to Earth was in 2003 and it appeared much smaller than the Moon.

UFO Sightings in Puglia and Beyond

Several articles focus on UFO sightings. "QUANDO I CIELI PUGLIESI ERANO PIENI DI UFO" (When the Skies of Puglia Were Full of UFOs) by Mario Desiati recounts alleged UFO sightings in Puglia dating back to 1910. It details a close encounter in San Pietro Vernotico on January 14, 1963, involving a farmer who witnessed a mysterious luminous dome. Another account describes a farmer in Ceglie Messapica seeing a saucer-like object in the 1950s. The article mentions that the sightings in Puglia have been documented since 1910, with about two hundred cases recorded. It also references crop circle sightings near Taranto and luminous globes seen between Bari and the Salento coast, which some attribute to a meteor shower. The article notes that the Italian Air Force was designated in 1978 to monitor UFO reports.

"UFO SEGNALATO DA PESCATORI SU MARINA DI ARDEA" (UFO Reported by Fishermen at Marina di Ardea) describes a sighting on June 6, 2009, of a luminous white sphere followed by smaller spheres moving towards Rome. "UFO NEI CIELI DI CAPITANATA: QUANDO SCATTO' L'ALLARME PRESSO L'AEROPORTO DI AMENDOLA" (UFOs in the Skies of Capitanata: When the Alarm Sounded at Amendola Airport) details military sightings in 1956, including twelve luminous objects and later a sighting of a luminous object by military personnel in 1978. Another report from 1991 describes a yellow, oval object sighted by Air Force personnel.

"AVVISTATO UN UFO DALLA FORMA ELLITTICA IN PROVINCIA DI TARANTO" (Elliptical UFO Sighted in the Province of Taranto) recounts a sighting on June 12, 2009, by a witness near Torricella, who saw a fixed white figure in the sky emitting a pulsating white light. The witness's boyfriend, initially skeptical, missed the opportunity to photograph it.

NASA and Aliens on the Moon

"SECONDO LA NASA GLI ALIENI VIVONO NEL LATO NASCOSTO DELLA LUNA" (According to NASA, Aliens Live on the Hidden Side of the Moon) discusses the possibility of alien colonies on the far side of the Moon, a theory supported by former astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, as well as the US space agency. The article mentions NASA's 'LCROSS Mission,' intended to search for water on the Moon, and raises questions about how aliens might react to this terrestrial activity.

Historical UFO Event

"UFO / IL 24 GIUGNO DI 62 ANNI FA IL PRIMO AVVISTAMENTO DI DISCHI VOLANTI" (UFO / June 24, 62 Years Ago, the First Sighting of Flying Discs) commemorates the event on June 24, 1947, when businessman Kenneth Arnold reported seeing nine disc-shaped objects flying in formation near Mount Rainier, Washington. This event is credited with popularizing the term 'flying saucer' and bringing the UFO phenomenon to public attention.

Television Programs on Mysteries

The section "I «COMPLOTTI» SULLE ALTRE RETI" (Conspiracies on Other Networks) highlights television programs exploring mysteries. These include Enrico Ruggeri's "Mistero," Giuseppe Cruciani's "Complotti," Massimo Picozzi's "La linea d'ombra," and Corrado Augias's "Enigmi," which cover topics ranging from crop circles and shipwrecks to serial killers and historical enigmas.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of News Fortiane are UFO sightings, crop circles, unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and the intersection of science, law, and belief. The magazine appears to present a wide array of reported events and theories related to the unexplained, often citing news sources and eyewitness accounts. While some articles offer scientific explanations or legal analyses (like the Shroud of Turin case), others lean towards the mysterious and speculative, reflecting a broad interest in paranormal and unusual occurrences. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on these phenomena, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also providing context from scientific and legal perspectives where available.

This issue of AREA DI CONFINE, number 46, dated July 2009, delves into a variety of mysterious phenomena, historical discoveries, and fringe theories. The cover prominently features the title 'DEMONI E NOMI' alongside articles on 'L'ASTRONOMIA DEGLI ANUNNAKI' (The Astronomy of the Anunnaki), 'EPPUR SI MUOVONO' (And Yet It Moves), and 'LE PLACCHE CONTINENTALI' (Continental Plates), with a cover price of 5.50.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine reports on several UFO sightings and related events. An article discusses the widely circulated photo of a supposed UFO in Sardinia, which was later identified as a seagull. Another report details an UFO sighting in Perugia on June 28, 2009, where witnesses observed about ten luminous orange lights moving rapidly. The issue also covers sightings in Ticino, Switzerland, on the weekend of July 4-5, 2009, involving multiple witnesses who described seven luminous yellow-orange objects. A piece on World UFO Day, celebrated on July 2, commemorates the 1947 Roswell incident, still considered by ufologists to be a pivotal event in UFO history. The magazine also features a report from Cosenza, Italy, where observers claimed to have seen intense lights during a festival, which they described as 'stars' exhibiting unusual movements, prompting calls for military investigation. A detailed account from Naples describes a night of intense aerial activity involving unidentified flying objects and military fighter jets, likened to a 'War of the Worlds' scenario, with a strong call for government transparency.

Religious and Historical Discoveries

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the discovery of the relics of Saint Paul. Pope Benedict XVI announced the confirmation of the apostle's mortal remains, found in his tomb in Rome. Scientific analysis, including the examination of bone fragments and ancient textiles, supported the centuries-old tradition. The article details the ecumenical ceremony and the scientific methods used, including a small perforation to insert a probe into the sarcophagus.

Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and Other Phenomena

The issue explores a new theory regarding the disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle, attributing them to methane hydrates. Anatoli Nesterov, director at the Institute of the Cryosphere of the Earth, suggests that seismic activity can release methane gas, altering water density and causing ships to sink or aircraft to crash. The article notes that while not yet scientifically proven, the presence of gas hydrates in the Atlantic has been confirmed by American research programs.

Unique Cultural Events and Theories

Roswell, New Mexico, is highlighted not only for its UFO history but also for a unique cultural phenomenon: 'alien weddings'. The magazine describes ceremonies where couples are married by someone dressed as an alien, with vows referencing interstellar journeys, reflecting the town's association with UFO lore.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and alternative theories. There is a clear emphasis on encouraging critical thinking, questioning official narratives, and advocating for transparency from authorities, particularly regarding UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into subjects often dismissed by mainstream science and media, with a particular interest in UFOs, ancient civilizations, and unexplained historical events. The inclusion of various sources and witness testimonies suggests an effort to present a broad spectrum of information on these topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of AREA DI CONFINE reinforces its commitment to exploring the unexplained, from extraterrestrial phenomena to historical enigmas. The recurring themes include UFO sightings across different regions, the potential for ancient civilizations to possess advanced knowledge (as suggested by the Anunnaki article), and the re-examination of historical and religious events through a critical lens. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official explanations and a strong advocacy for transparency and further investigation into these subjects. The magazine encourages readers to question conventional wisdom and to consider alternative perspectives, particularly when official accounts seem incomplete or contradictory. The emphasis on witness testimonies and the presentation of various theories, even those considered fringe, highlights the publication's dedication to providing a platform for diverse viewpoints on mysteries that capture the public imagination.