Notizie UFO - No 20

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Notizie UFO", the 20th circular from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), dated October 1987, is presented as being particularly rich in information from both Italy and abroad. It highlights the numerous activities undertaken by collaborators in recent months and expresses gratitude for their contributions. The publication aims to keep members informed about the latest developments in ufology.

From the Secretariat

The Secretariat reports receiving various investigation reports, including a brief report on a triangular object sighting over Naples on October 12, 1987, a report on two luminous globes seen in San Leonardo in Treponzio on July 5, and an observation of a luminous body on September 5 near Alessandria. They also acknowledge receiving newspaper clippings, photocopies from Italian and foreign magazines, and other materials from a wide range of collaborators. Special thanks are extended to Alessandro Cortellazzi, Paolo Fiorino, Mario Pescatore, Francesco Sortino, and Maurizio Verga for their significant contributions, as well as to the Sezione Ufologica Fiorentina (S.U.F.) and its representatives.

Magazines and Bulletins

The issue reviews several publications: "Gli Argonauti" (March-April 1987), which features a special issue on the 40th anniversary of ufology with articles on famous ufologists and a panorama of Italian cases. "Contact International Italia" (Vol. XIV, No. 8) includes a translation of a Soria abduction case and the controversial "extraterrestrial precipitated" case from Aurora in 1897. "La Questione UFO", a supplement to "Nova Astronautica", is dedicated to UFOs and attempts to align Italian ufology with the ASPS's themes, though it is criticized for superficial analysis.

Brief News

New contact information is provided for UPIAR. A correction is made regarding a previous report about a book by Coral and Jim Lorenzen, clarifying that "Flying Saucers" was also translated into Italian. The deadline for the first "Premio per nuovi contributi all'ufologia" (Prize for New Contributions to Ufology) is announced as December 31, 1987.

CISU Board of Directors

A meeting of the CISU Board of Directors was held in Milan on July 25, 1987. The board reviewed the center's general situation in the first six months of the year, including membership campaigns, the Turin Congress, and the National UFO Information Week. Economic aspects were also discussed. The need for an ideological platform for the center and the utility of external outreach activities, especially in light of the upcoming release of the book "Communion" in Italy, were debated. The board decided to shift the publication dates of the "Rivista di informazione ufologica" to April and October starting next year. Edoardo Russo was appointed as the coordinator for external contacts. Angelo Ferlicca and Professor Solas Boncompagni were appointed as ordinary and honorary members, respectively.

Activities in Progress

Over the past three months, decentralized activities have continued, including regional catalog projects for Sardinia and the Marche region. Alessandro Cortellazzi has been active in decentralizing activities in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, establishing provincial catalogs in Udine and Gorizia. Support for the Tre Venezie Archive has been provided by Leonardo Pianezzola and Francesco Fasolo. Matteo Leone has cataloged sightings from the first two years of "Giornale dei Misteri." Maurizio Verga has reviewed issues of the "Eco di Bergamo" newspaper for local sightings. Translations of foreign articles have been completed by Mario Lorenzati, Massimo Nebbia, and Matteo Leone, while Fabrizio Centonze, Fabrizio Dividi, Riccardo De Flora, and Massimo Nebbia have finished typing texts for publication.

Video Service

Riccardo Germinario is organizing the CISU video archive. Several videocassettes are available, including "Nova-Horizon" (Carl Sagan's UFO program), "Gamma Chronicles" (an American UFO documentary), "MUFON 1985" (featuring interviews with US ufologists), "Convegno Roma" (a summary of the CISU conference on IR-3 cases), and "Congresso Torino" (a summary of the international CISU congress). A "DEMO-CISU" presentation video has also been produced.

Telephone Secretariats

A new telephone secretariat for reporting sightings has been established by Alberto Lazzaro in Salsomaggiore. The Rome telephone secretariat is temporarily suspended due to a change of address. Correspondence for Roman members should now be directed to Claudio Zacchia.

Telematics Ufology

The CISU operates three telematic databases (Bulletin Board Systems): the "CISU BULLETIN BOARD" managed by Maurizio Verga, accessible on Wednesdays and Fridays; the "COMPUTER NEWS CLUB" in Bergamo, accessible daily; and "U-LINK" in Rome, curated by Stefano Innocenti, offering information on CISU, articles, regional case files, and electronic mail.

Computerized Ufological Network

Maurizio Verga has completed the transfer of provincial sighting catalogs to MS-DOS format, compatible with D-BASE III. Other members also possess MS-DOS systems, forming a network of personal computers. The RUC is collaborating with similar organizations in France and the USA, exchanging data and programs. The RUC coordinator has published articles on ufology and computers in "Microcomputer" and "Computer News Bulletin." Numerous requests for information have been received, and the "BOLLETTINO RUC" and "COMPUTER UFO NEWSLETTER" are nearing completion.

Information Week

Local activities related to the National UFO Information Week, sponsored by CISU, are reported. The "SOLARIS" center in Naples organized a photographic exhibition and conference. Newspapers like "Il Mattino" and "Giornale d'Italia" published articles and interviews related to CISU and the event. The "GLI ARGONAUTI" group in Montalcino and the "GRUPPO AVVISTAMENTO UFO" (G.A.U.) in Arezzo also participated. Bruno Mancusi reported on the 40th anniversary of ufology in Switzerland. Articles by scientific communicator Fiero Bianucci on ufology and CISU appeared in "Il Nostro Tempo" and "Alba."

UFO Disclosure

CISU's external activities include a presentation in "Selezione del Readers' Digest" and a television appearance on RAI. The "Selezione" article, which discussed the resurgence of interest in UFOs in the US, generated numerous requests for information. Massimo Greco represented CISU on the RAI program "Intorno a noi," discussing recent sightings in Bracciano and Vicenza.

Summer Sightings

Summer sightings increased, particularly in August. Reports include a white light with a trail in Parma, a yellow spherical object in Chieti, a multi-colored disc in Montesilvano, a stationary light and an ovoid shape in Ancona, green lights in Cattolica, a light in Pordenone, a luminous red object in Castelvecchio Calvisio, a luminous object with legs in Tosi, and two lights in Florence. The issue also details two cases of "teleportation" and poultry theft.

Aereo su Vicenza Incident

The most sensational case of the past months involved three civilian aircraft reporting a luminous object in the sky over Vicenza on September 15. Pilots of a charter flight, a Boeing 727, and an Alitalia DC-9/80 all reported an unknown, fast-moving object. The Italian Air Force acknowledged the sighting but stated that air defense systems detected no anomalies. The ANAV (Civil Aviation Authority) launched a routine inquiry. Some suggested it might have been a military missile. CISU has formally requested information from ANAV and the Air Force.

UFOs in Weekly Magazines

Several weekly magazines have covered UFOs, often focusing on the 40th anniversary. However, the coverage is described as superficial, relying on recycled information and old themes, with little attention to recent events or Italian ufology. Examples include "Tele Sette," "Domenica del Corriere," "Oggi," and "Epoca," which are criticized for sensationalism, lack of depth, and biased reporting.

Foreign Reports

"UFOS: 1947-1987 THE 40-YEAR SEARCH FOR AN EXPLANATION"

A highly important book curated by Hilary Evans and John Spencer, published in July, is reviewed. This 384-page anthology covers various aspects of ufology, with contributions from over 30 international authors. CISU contributed two articles, one on ground traces and another on computer use in ufology. The book is considered indispensable for anyone seriously involved in the subject. CISU has purchased a stock of copies for sale to members.

"The Majestic-12 Affair"

This section discusses the complex affair surrounding the alleged "Majestic-12" document, a supposed secret committee formed in 1947 by President Truman to investigate a UFO crash. Ufologists William Moore and Stanton Friedman, along with producer Jaime Shandera, are central figures. The document, allegedly leaked in 1984, details the committee's formation and purpose. The article notes the controversy surrounding its authenticity, with skeptics like Philip Klass claiming it's a forgery, while organizations like the "Center for UFO Studies" call for further investigation. The role of Barry Greenwood and the CAUS in revealing prior knowledge of a "Majestic-12" document is also mentioned.

Foreign Documentation "Special"

In addition to the "Majestic-12" special, CISU's Foreign Documentation Service has produced three other special issues: "RADAR-VISUAL IN ALASKA" (covering a 1986 commercial flight sighting), "INTRUDERS" (focusing on abduction cases and Budd Hopkins' book), and "COMMUNION" (presenting and commenting on Whitley Strieber's book).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a continued effort by CISU to document and analyze UFO phenomena, both in Italy and internationally. There's a clear distinction made between serious investigative journalism and the sensationalist or superficial reporting often found in mainstream weekly magazines. The magazine highlights the importance of detailed case analysis, the use of technology (like computer networks), and the ongoing efforts to uncover official information, as seen in the discussion of the "Majestic-12" document. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking factual evidence while acknowledging the complexities and controversies within the field of ufology.