Notizie UFO - No 16

Magazine Overview

This document is the December 1986 issue (Issue 16) of "Notizie UFO," a circular published by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), based in Torino, Italy. It marks the conclusion of the first year of the organization's activities and publications. The circular provides updates on ongoing projects, reports of recent sightings, and information about the CISU's various initiatives.

Editorial Introduction

The editorial section reflects on the first year of CISU's operations, highlighting the fulfillment of its initial commitments. These include the publication of two issues of their journal, six circulars, six "Notiziario Archivio Stampa" issues, three monographs, a work meeting, a study conference, numerous conferences across Italy, media appearances on national and local television and radio, dozens of investigations into sightings, and various specialized projects. The editorial acknowledges a slight delay in this issue's distribution due to the holiday season and technical issues with the second journal issue. It also announces that the second issue of "UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica" is enclosed, along with the last two issues of "Notiziario Archivio Stampa" for subscribers. Additionally, a presentation flyer for CISU, a "special issue" of "Notizie UFO" summarizing activities, a brochure for the "1987 Membership Campaign," and a postal money order form are included. The editorial encourages readers not only to subscribe but also to become collaborators, emphasizing the considerable advantages and the need for both financial and active support.

Dalla Segreteria: Materiale Ricevuto

This section details the investigation reports received by CISU. Several individuals have submitted detailed reports based on the "Manual of Ufological Investigation Methodology." These include:

• Fabrizio Arcese (Rome): Submitted multiple investigation reports on sightings, mostly of night lights, collected via the Rome telephone hotline. Specific cases include sightings at Pratica di Mare (RM) on 9/12/86, Rome on 6/9/86, Ronciglione (VT) on 11/8/86, Torvaianica (RM) on 26/8/86, and Rome on 13/9/78.
• Francesco Fasolo (Robegano di Salzano VE): Submitted a detailed 17-page report on his investigation of lights seen over the sea at Eraclea (VE) on 10/7/86.
• Moreno Tambellini (Borgo a Mozzano - LU): Sent 12 pages of reports on sightings in the Lucca area from August to October 1986.
• Giorgio Russolillo (Naples): Provided brief accounts of an IR-3 incident in Grazzanise (CE) in 1977, a UFO-aircraft encounter over Florence on 20/9/78, and another IR-3 report on 6/3/86 in an unspecified location in Campania.
• Giovanni Merlottti (Siena): Contributed updates on local cases, with three reports dated 11/4/86 (10 pages), December 1974 (7 pages), and an unspecified date (7 pages).
• Antonio Cuccu (Sassari): Compiled a 3-page report on a local case from September 1984.
• Massimo Valloscuro (Terni): Submitted a report on a sighting at Sangemini (TR) on 24/10/86 (19 pages).

The section also thanks numerous friends for sending clippings and various materials over the past three months, listing Lorenzo Bartoli, Ezio Bernardini, Marco Bottäini, Gianfranco Bussacchini, Renzo Cabassi, Marcello Crino', Vittorio Crosa, Angelo Ferlicca, Flavio Gottardi, Massimo Greco, Angelo Iacopino, Bruno Mancusi, Lorenzo Massai, John Brent Musgrave, Francesco Pentella, Mario Pescatore, Antonino Rampulla, Alberto Scaletti, Paolo Toselli, and Massimo Valloscuro. Special thanks are given to Fabrizio Arcese (Rome), Alessandro Cortellazzi (Trento), and Giorgio Russolillo (Naples) for the quantity of material provided.

Secondo Numero della Rivista

This part announces the release of the second issue (December 1986) of the bi-annual journal "UFO RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA," published by CISU. The content is described as being of the same caliber as the previous issue, featuring articles on Italian cases (e.g., Paolo Fiorino on humanoids in Brescia, Antonio Chiumiento on a sighting at Fiumicino) and a section on recent investigations. It also includes articles on foreign cases, such as Gianni Favero's exclusive report from the USSR. Other contributions include a statistical study of 1977 by Marcel Delaval, an overview of French ufological thought by Jacques Scornaux, an analysis of a "flap" with hundreds of sightings, photos and films of a supposed UFO over Piedmont by Gian Paolo Grassino, and the current use of computers in ufology by Maurizio Verga. The journal is sent only to CISU members and subscribers. A "late" subscription for 1986 is available for 10,000 Lire.

The section also thanks Aldo and Fulvio Oglengo for printing and Massimo Panebianco for collation, as well as the Turin-based collaborators responsible for mailing: Fulvio Colombo, Riccardo De Flora, Fabrizio Dividi, Mario Lorenzati, Camillo Michieletto, and Fabrizio Quasso.

Varie in Breve

Ringraziamenti

CISU expresses gratitude to collaborators who sent financial contributions, specifically mentioning Paolo Fiorino (Turin), Vera Kupfer (Bergamo), Emilio Rescigno (Finalborgo), and Bruno Mancusi (Switzerland). Thanks are also extended to friends who sent holiday greetings.

Rettifiche

Two corrections are noted: on "Notizie UFO" no. 14, page 5, the word "rasoio" (razor) should be "rosario" (rosary) in the description of a case involving a baby holding something. On "Notiziario Archivio Stampa" no. 28, page 6, a clipping mistakenly identified as from "La Repubblica" on 5/6/86 was actually from "La Nazione" on the same date.

Brevi Personali

• Lorenzo Massai (Prato - FI): Is seeking John Keel's book, "Creature dall'ignoto," published by Fanucci in 1978.
• Claudio Zacchia (Rome): Reports that the Roman ufological group meetings occur twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays) after 8 PM, and provides a contact number (06-503.75.65) for the CISU's southern Italy hotline.
• The "Gruppo Studi Extraterrestri" (G.S.E.) of Cassino has changed its name to "Organismo Studi Ufologici (O.S.U.)," with contact person Luigi Di Ruzza.

Materiale Illustrativo

Information is provided on how to request copies of the CISU presentation flyer, the "Notizie UFO" special issue, the "1987 Membership Campaign" brochure, and pre-printed postal money order forms from the Secretariat.

Attività in Corso

This section provides a summary of the ongoing activities of CISU on a decentralized basis.

Cataloghi Provinciali di Avvistamenti

• Arcangelo Cassano (Bari): Has completed the regional catalog for Puglia.
• Alessandro Cortellazzi (Trento): Has finished a preliminary version of catalogs for Veneto (275 cases, 17 pages) and Friuli-Venezia Giulia (195 cases, 12 pages), and a new edition for Trentino-Alto Adige (174 cases, 7 pages).

Computerizzazione della Casistica

• Cassano has uploaded data for five Puglian provinces to a Commodore 64.
• Antonello Casiroli (Corteolona) has transferred the case files from Piacenza to the same type of computer.
• Marco Bottaini (Pescia) has completed data entry into the specific database "UFOBANK" for Italian close encounters of the second and third kind.

Traduzioni e Dattiloscrittura Testi

• Luigi Sorgno and Mario Lorenzati (noted for their significant workload) have completed translations from English for the "DOCUMENTI UFO" monograph series.
• Francesco Alfieri (Catanzaro), Francesco Sortino (Palermo), and Antonello Casiroli have typed texts for this purpose.

Il Convegno di Roma

The CISU national conference, held in Rome on November 29-30, focused on "Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Their Role in the Study of the UFO Phenomenon." The event was highly successful and divided into three phases:

• Press Conference: Organized on Saturday morning, it presented the conference and the monograph by Delaval & C. on Italian cases from 1977. About fifteen journalists from major news agencies and national newspapers attended, showing significant interest. Many newspapers published articles about the conference and CISU's activities.
• Conference: The main conference featured presentations on both the physical aspects of UFO phenomena (Antonio Chiumiento on morphological differences of entities, Maurizio Verga on IR-3 case characteristics) and the human aspects (Paolo Toselli on ufological stereotypes in "imagined" IR-3 cases, Marco Mucci on Jungian synchronicity applied to abductions). Brief communications were also given by Edoardo Russo, Gian Paolo Grassino, and Flavio Gottardi. The event was attended by over forty ufologists from across Italy.
• Round Table: Held on Sunday morning for researchers, it discussed ongoing and planned activities, focusing on coordination and common methodologies.

The conference was recorded in audio and video, with the proceedings (texts of presentations and debates) to be published soon.

Varie in Breve

Ringraziamenti

CISU thanks collaborators for their financial contributions: Paolo Fiorino (Turin), Vera Kupfer (Bergamo), Emilio Rescigno (Finalborgo), and Bruno Mancusi (Switzerland). Holiday greetings were also appreciated.

Rettifiche

Corrections are noted for "Notizie UFO" no. 14 (page 5) regarding a "rasoio" (razor) being a "rosario" (rosary), and for "Notiziario Archivio Stampa" no. 28 (page 6), where a clipping was misattributed to "La Repubblica" instead of "La Nazione."

Brevi Personali

• Lorenzo Massai (Prato) is looking for John Keel's book "Creature dall'ignoto."
• Claudio Zacchia (Rome) provides information on Roman ufological group meetings and a contact number.
• The "Gruppo Studi Extraterrestri" (G.S.E.) of Cassino has changed its name to "Organismo Studi Ufologici (O.S.U.)."

Materiale Illustrativo

Requests for CISU presentation materials can be made to the Secretariat.

Analisi della Casistica 1977

This section reviews the monograph "UFO/IFO Comparison: a Descriptive Study of the Year 1977 in Italy" by Jean Bourdon, Marcel Delaval, and Fionn Murtagh. This study, based on Italian UFO/IFO cases from 1977, was conducted by an international group of researchers from the "Euratom" Community Research Center in Ispra. It involved extensive data processing using over 40 parameters per sighting. The study's originality lies in its comparative approach between UFO and IFO cases and its use of advanced inferential statistics. A summary of the study was published in the December issue of CISU's journal. The full English text (48 pages with graphics and illustrations) can be obtained for 7,000 Lire (5,000 Lire for CISU members).

Cataloghi Bibliografici

Several bibliographic cataloging projects have been completed:

• Marco Bottaini (Pescia): Updated his computerized catalog of specialized ufological resources ("Bibliobank") to October 13, 1986. It lists 202 titles of books in English, French, or Spanish, representing 406 volumes held by 14 Italian ufologists. Plans are underway to expand this to include foreign magazine collections, with an initial list of magazines from Bruno Mancusi (Switzerland) already received.
• Paolo Toselli (Alessandria): Produced a preliminary list (20 pages) of articles from scientific journals relevant to ufological study.
• Edoardo Russo (Turin): Compiled an updated bibliography (up to 1985) of 83 ufology books published in Italy (6 pages).
• Marcello Pupilli (Falconara Marittima): Created a catalog of 318 Italian books and pamphlets on UFOs. This manuscript, currently being revised and typed, is expected to be the most comprehensive Italian bibliography to date.

An ongoing epistolary discussion among CISU collaborators interested in bibliographic issues is also mentioned, inviting further participation.

Rete Ufologica Computerizzata

The "Computerized Ufological Network" (Rete Ufologica Computerizzata - RUC) has been a dynamic area of activity for CISU. In addition to cataloging provincial sightings, typing texts for publications, compiling bibliographies, and international contacts, several key achievements are highlighted:

• Media Coverage: Two specialized computer magazines featured CISU's activities. "Computer Gazette" published a summary of the RUC's activities by Maurizio Verga in September, and "Applicando" (December 1986) reported that CISU's "Ufological Information Magazine" is entirely produced using personal computers.
• Telematics: The first ufological telecommunication link in Italy was established on November 4th, transmitting texts for the journal via telephone from Cermenate to Turin using modems. Subsequently, announcements about CISU were posted on various Italian "bulletin board" networks. In late December, Renzo Cabassi arranged for a trial "mailbox" for CISU on the international email network "PEIS" to evaluate its suitability for the organization.

C.I.S.U. Video Service

Riccardo Germinario (Milan) has developed a detailed project for organizing CISU's video archive, named "CISU Video Service." This initiative aims to collect and catalog video material of ufological interest, including TV programs, films, UFO-related commercials, interviews, debates, and footage from investigations and field surveys. The archive currently holds dozens of hours of video recordings. Efforts are underway to convert material to VHS format, especially content from abroad (particularly the USA). Information on obtaining copies of archived material will be provided soon. Video recorder and camcorder owners are encouraged to request the project's introductory circular to help create a census of available equipment and films in Italy.

Piano Conferenze

As part of its outreach activities, CISU launched a "conference plan" in September to ensure regular and geographically widespread ufological events. Recent conferences were held in Alessandria (September 25), Acqui Terme (October 3), Turin (October 4), Carimate (October 10, with a photo exhibition), Latisana (November 14), and again in Turin (December 2) with Gian Paolo Grassino and Edoardo Russo. The Rome conference on November 29 was also part of this plan. Future conferences are planned, and CISU encourages members and supporters to organize events in their cities, offering assistance with venues, illustrative materials, publications, and speaker suggestions.

Divulgazione in TV

Parallel to conferences, CISU has continued its participation in television programs. Antonio Chiumiento appeared on "Tele Lombardia" (November 25 and December 8), "Tele San Marino" (November 26), and "Raidue" (November 28). Massimo Greco hosted a program on "In TV" (Gardone Val Trompia) on November 13, and Maurizio Verga appeared for the second time on "Tele Spazio Lecco" in early September.

Notizie C. I. S. U.

Consiglio Direttivo

The CISU Board of Directors met on October 11 in Carimate (Como) to discuss the organization's economic situation following the 1986 membership drive and the organization of the Rome study conference. While membership and collaborator numbers met expectations, economic equilibrium was not achieved due to significant expenses for the journal, with external sales not covering costs. The Rome conference was confirmed as a study event for professionals, though open to the public. Discussions also covered the possibility of printing the journal in color, appointing new ordinary members, the decentralized organizational structure for 1987, and the launch of the autumn-winter 1986-87 "conference plan."

Conto Corrente Postale

CISU has opened a postal current account (No. 16035107, addressed to Gian Paolo Grassino, Casella Postale 82, 10100 Torino) to facilitate the sending of social contributions, expense reimbursements, and donations. All postal orders and checks should be made out exclusively to Gian Paolo Grassino to simplify processing.

"Documenti UFO"

In addition to the journal, circular, and "Notiziario Archivio Stampa," CISU offers other publications. The first three monographs in the "Documenti UFO" series have been released as supplements to the journal's first issue. Two are translations of French "new ufology" texts by Jacques Scornaux and Thierry Pinvidic, and the third is an expanded and updated catalog of Italian ground trace cases by Maurizio Verga. Details on these monographs and purchasing information are available in the "Notizie UFO" special issue, the 1987 CISU renewal form, and the journal's second issue. The sixth issue of "Computer UFO Newsletter" is also noted, featuring an article by Bob Rickard on creating a "Fortiana" database.

Avvistamenti Recenti

This section summarizes recent sighting reports from August to November 1986:

• August 11: Family in Ronciglione (VT) observed moving lights in the sky.
• August 16: Near Rome, an object hovered 20 meters above ground, then moved away.
• August 26: Two moving lights were followed near Torvaianica (RM).
• September 1: A dark, parallelepiped-shaped object accompanied a car on the state road between Porto Santa Margherita and Duna Verde (VE).
• September 2: A blue-streaked bolide was observed in Rome.
• September 4: A metallic gray object with an orange dome was seen in Udine.
• September 6: Five to six white, flashing lights were observed in central Rome.
• September 9: A red, disc-shaped light followed a landing airliner at Fiumicino Airport (RM).
• Around September 20: A fireball reportedly landed near Fiesso Umbertiano (RO), leaving circular imprints and bent reeds.
• September 17: A brown disc-shaped object with a dome was seen over Monte Conero (AN), and reportedly sighted again later by a hunter in Mazzanrugno (AN).
• September 23: Two individuals observed a metallic, oval object moving towards the sea with a whistling sound near Poggio (AN). Later that day, farmers in Mortegliano (UD) observed a silver disc-shaped object lifting off from a field, leaving a circular imprint.
• September 23-24: Reports of sightings came from various locations in Veneto, Tuscany, and Lazio.
• September 26: A luminous yellow fireball was seen over the Monti Pisani (LU).
• September 27: An "extraterrestrial" changing colors was reported in Capannori (LU), but authorities identified it as a fair balloon.

Flap in Umbria e Marche

• October 4: A very bright meteor crossed the sky over Lucca province.
• October 5: About twenty lights were observed moving in formation over Milan.
• October 17: A family near Fornaci di Barga (LU) saw a luminous sphere move slowly and disappear behind mountains.
• October 22: Four rotating spotlights used during a "Pooh" concert in San Rufo (SA) caused numerous reports in Salerno and Potenza provinces.
• October 22: A farmer in Postiglione (SA) reported being struck by a cone of white light from an oval object.
• October 23: A strong yellow light, triangular in shape, was seen hovering over the sea near Viareggio (LU).
• October 27: Three luminous white intermittent lights were observed near Sangemini (TR).
• October 28: A couple near Viareggio (LU) reported their car being lifted by an object with yellow-orange lights.
• October 30: Five white lights, followed by a red light, moved slowly across the sky near Fano and Calcinnelli (PS).
• November 3: Two people in Castiglione del Lago (PG) saw three white spherical lights moving low and descending vertically into Lake Trasimeno.
• November 6: An oval fireball crossed the sky over Udine province.
• November 4-6: Numerous sightings were reported along the Adriatic coast between Forlì and Pesaro. The most significant occurred on November 5 in San Giovanni in Marignano (FO), where an orange luminous object caused house lights to go out.
• November 5: An object was seen near Gradara and Iavullia (PS).
• November 12: Residents of Fratte di Sassofeltrio (PS) saw a blue disc-shaped object with a dome, causing local lights and car engines to fail.
• November 16: A hunter in Piegaro (PG) observed a large luminous object rise and fall behind a hill.
• November 16: A couple on the Nocera-Valtopina (PG) road saw a dark, disc-shaped object with a dome, approximately 8 meters in diameter, levitate silently in front of their car, causing the engine to stall.
• November 26: Sightings were reported in Reggio Emilia and Forlì.

Disinformazione Televisiva

This section critiques a "Canale 5" television program titled "Fratelli dall'infinito" (Brothers from Infinity), which focused on ufology and related topics. CISU was involved in the program's organization, providing material, witness contacts, and interviews. However, the program ultimately prioritized sensationalism over information, featuring "fanatics" and "contactees" and presenting sightings with an ironic or "extraterrestrial invasion" angle. "Serious" ufologists' contributions were largely cut, except for a brief segment by Maurizio Verga and an interview with physicist Enrico Bernieri. The article concludes that the program was the worst ufological program ever aired in Italy.

Estero

Articoli Italiani

Italian ufological investigations and study activities are increasingly being cited in foreign publications. Maurizio Verga has published articles on ufological computing in the US ("MUFON UFO Journal"), UK ("Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena"), Belgium ("Inforespace"), Denmark ("UFO-Nyt"), Germany ("Journal fur UFO Forschung"), and Canada ("BIUFO"). Reports from Massimo Greco (translating Italian cases into English) and Edoardo Russo are published in "Lumieres dans la nuit" and "UFO World '86." The formation of CISU has also received attention abroad, with mentions in the English magazine "Quest" and the German "CENAP Report." CISU's journal has garnered enthusiastic comments from renowned researchers like Hilary Evans and Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos.

Flap in Europa

On September 24, reports emerged of a UFO "invasion" over Central Europe on the morning of September 23. Over two hundred locations across France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg reportedly witnessed luminous bodies with trails. However, the description aligns more with a bolide or the reentry of an artificial satellite. The NORAD "Spacewarn Bulletin" indicated the reentry of two Soviet satellites (Molniyia 3-29 and Molniyia 1-67) around those dates.

La Scomparsa di Jim Lorenzen

This section reports the death of Jim Lorenzen, founder and director of the "Aerial Phenomena Research Organization" (APRO), the oldest active ufological association in the United States. Lorenzen passed away on August 28 at the age of 64 after a long illness. He authored five books on UFOs, including "Flying Saucer Occupants" (1967), which was published in Italy as "Gli uranidi gli occupanti dei dischi volanti."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes scientific rigor in ufological research, contrasting it with sensationalism and folklore. CISU promotes a methodical approach, evident in its detailed investigation reports, cataloging efforts, and the development of standardized methodologies. The organization actively engages in disseminating information through various publications and media channels, aiming to educate the public and foster a serious study of the UFO phenomenon. There's a strong focus on collaboration and decentralization, with numerous local collaborators contributing to CISU's activities across Italy. The editorial stance is one of promoting a scientific, evidence-based approach to ufology, while also acknowledging the need for broader public awareness and participation.