Notizie UFO - No 18

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Notizie UFO" from May 1987, published by the Segreteria del Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), focuses on the upcoming 40th anniversary of ufology, marked by the Kenneth Arnold sighting in 1947. The magazine announces a comprehensive program of events organized by CISU to commemorate this milestone, aiming to foster greater public and media involvement in ufological studies.

Editorial and Announcements

The editorial highlights the significant effort CISU is undertaking for the 1947-1987 ufological anniversary, expressing hope for broad participation and success. It notes a resurgence in ufological interest after a quieter period in the early 1980s, emphasizing a qualitative improvement in the study of the phenomenon. The upcoming third issue of "UFO - Rivista di informazione ufologica" is mentioned, featuring articles on Swedish "phantom rockets," the relationship between UFOs and publicity, and a case study of a landing with traces.

The magazine also addresses persistent issues with postal services, causing delays in the delivery of "Notizie UFO" and membership cards. Readers are advised to report these disservices. Gratitude is extended to Vera Kupfer for financial contributions, underscoring the reliance on self-funding for the advancement of ufological research.

Material Received

The "Dalla Segreteria" section details materials received by CISU, including reports on sightings from Robegano (VE), Asiago, Dueville (VI), and Brescia. It also mentions reports from Paolo Fiorino on cases from Colfiorito (PG), Brescia, and Montecrestese (NO), spanning various years. Several individuals are thanked for their contributions to the archives, with special mention to Claude Mauge' for the quantity of material provided.

CISU Activities and Events

Convocation of Assembly

An annual assembly for ordinary members of CISU is announced for Sunday, June 21, 1987, in Turin, with an agenda including reports on 1986 activities, budget approval, election of the new board, and plans for 1987. Members unable to attend are invited to submit comments and suggestions.

Ongoing Work

Several decentralized activities are reported as progressing well, including the cataloging of sightings from "Giornale dei Misteri" and updated regional computerized catalogs. Work on articles for the magazine and monographs is underway, with translations being handled primarily by members in Turin.

Magazine Distribution

Following the release of the third issue of "UFO - Rivista di informazione ufologica," CISU thanks numerous associates for their help in local distribution and is exploring options for national distribution. Collaborators are encouraged to pre-order copies.

Telematics for Ufologists

The launch of "CISU Bulletin Board," Italy's first telematic ufological service, is announced. This service, available on Wednesdays and Fridays, provides information on ufology, CISU activities, news, and archive material, along with an email service. Different access levels are available for members.

Local Outreach

Recent outreach activities include a photographic exhibition in Castions di Strada (UD) and interviews with CISU representatives on television and radio programs, which have generated interest and requests for information.

Information and Recent Sightings

Recent Sightings

This section details UFO sightings reported in February, March, and January 1987. Notable incidents include:

• January 5, 1987: A fiery red globe observed moving in a zig-zag pattern near Torrette di Ancona.
• January 6, 1987: A disk-shaped object with incised symbols seen in Poggio (AN), and a white luminous sphere reported by a night watchman in Ancona.
• January 11-12, 1987: Three young people in Civitanova Marche (MC) observed a bluish light for four hours.
• January 22, 1987: An encounter near Manerbio and Leno (BS) with a "hairy" being, later identified as a disturbed individual.
• February 1, 1987: A luminous oval UFO reported moving rapidly in Mestre (VE).
• February 16, 1987: Air traffic control at Venice's Marco Polo Airport reported a mysterious object on a collision course with a flight.
• February 22, 1987: Three luminous globes observed moving over the sea near Riccione (FO).
• March 5, 1987: A red light that "exploded in a red flash" was seen in Fano (PS).
• March 6, 1987: Four lights of varying orange to red colors were observed in Senigallia (AN).
• March 24, 1987: Two orange lights reportedly submerged into the sea near Pesaro.

The majority of these cases are from the Adriatic coast of the Marche region and were collected by Gabriele Petromilli.

Latest News

• Ice Fall: A heavy block of ice fell through the roof of a shed in Calsmaggiore (RE).
• Ufological Rally: The "Centro Ricerche Ufologiche SHADO" in Lucca is organizing a rally at the stone of Bismanova to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Arnold sighting.
• Conference in Ancona: A conference on "Esoteric Marches" is scheduled for June 6th in Ancona, featuring a presentation on sightings in the Marche region.

International Meeting in Lyon

The first "Incontro ufologico di Lione" took place in France from April 18-20, 1987, organized by the AESV group. The event brought together about sixty ufologists from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Great Britain, and Italy. The conference aimed to stimulate discussion within French ufology and foster exchanges among ufologists from "Southern Europe." Key presentations included discussions on the philosophy of science in ufology, comparisons between spiritualism and ufology, "men in black" cases, the use of computers in ufology, and the "UNICAT" project. A critical review of the "unidentified" as an "intrusion of strangeness" was also presented. The proceedings, comprising 87 pages, are available for purchase.

Studies by Poher

CISU is making photocopies of two statistical studies by physicist Claude Poher available: "Etudes portant sur 1000 temoignages d'observation d'UFO" (1972) and "Etude des correlations entre les enregistrements geomagnetiques et les temoignages d'observations d'UFO" (1973).

40 Years of Ufology: 1947-1987

This section reflects on the significance of the 40th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting on June 24, 1947, as the birth of modern ufology. It acknowledges earlier sightings but emphasizes Arnold's testimony and the subsequent coining of "flying saucers" as the starting point for widespread interest. The anniversary is seen as an opportunity to assess the progress of ufological studies over four decades and to raise public and media awareness.

National Week of Ufological Information

To enhance the visibility of anniversary events, CISU is organizing the first "Settimana Nazionale di Informazione Ufologica" (National Week of Ufological Information), modeled after successful initiatives in the United States. This week will consolidate various activities across Italy, including conferences, debates, exhibitions, and media interventions, all centered around the 40 years of ufological interest. Events are planned in several Italian cities, and collaborators are encouraged to participate.

International Congress: 40 Years of UFOs: For a Scientific Study of the Problem

The main event of the anniversary celebrations is an international congress in Turin on June 20-21, 1987, held at the Centro Incontri della Cassa di Risparmio di Torino. The congress aims to provide a comprehensive and scientific overview of ufological research, attracting participants from university and scientific environments, as well as ufologists. The program includes two main sessions: "The Scientific World Confronts the UFO Problem" on Saturday, featuring various speakers and a round table, and "40 Years of Ufology: Results and Perspectives" on Sunday, with a debate and contributions from CISU members and international researchers.

Information and Organization

CISU's secretariat is available to provide logistical information regarding the congress, including accommodation and schedules. The secretariat's telephone number is available 24 hours a day, with direct contact possible on Tuesday evenings after 9 PM.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes a commitment to a scientific approach to ufology, as indicated by the congress title and the inclusion of academics and scientists as speakers. There is a clear desire to move beyond anecdotal reports towards rigorous study and to elevate the perception of ufology from a fringe interest to a legitimate field of research. The anniversary serves as a platform to consolidate the efforts of ufologists and to foster greater collaboration and public engagement. The editorial stance is one of proactive organization and dissemination of information, aiming to build a more robust and recognized ufological community in Italy and beyond.