Notizie UFO - No 22

Magazine Overview

This issue of "NOTIZIE UFO" (Issue 22), dated March 1988, is a circular from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), based in Torino, Italy. It serves as a communication channel for the organization, providing updates on its activities, received materials, and news relevant to the ufological community.

Editorial and Membership

The editorial begins with a thank you to members and subscribers who have renewed their affiliations and subscriptions, emphasizing that the CISU's activities are entirely self-funded by its associates. It serves as a reminder for those who have not yet renewed, stating that this is the last issue they will receive. The newsletter also addresses complaints about delays in receiving publications, attributing them to numerous railway strikes that affected postal services.

Reports Received (Dalla Segreteria)

This section details various investigation reports received by the CISU:

• Antonio CUCCU (Sassari): A detailed report on a nocturnal light sighting on November 20, 1987, in Alghero, with additional notes on related sightings in La Maddalena.
• Renzo CABASSI (Bologna): A brief account of a close encounter of the third kind with effects on the witness, occurring near Bologna on May 15, 1960.
• Giuseppe STILO (Firenze): A report on a daytime object sighting in Prato during the summer of 1985.
• Moreno TAMBELLINI (Borgo a Mozzano, Lucca): A report on a landing case with traces and strange effects on witnesses that occurred on the night of August 5-6, 1987, on the Altopiano delle Pizzorne.
• Stefano INNOCENTI (Roma): An investigation into the IR-2 case at Campocatino di Guarcino on January 2, 1979, including a commentary on the electromagnetic effects associated with the phenomenon.

The newsletter also thanks numerous collaborators for sending clippings, information, and other materials, specifically mentioning Lorenzo BARTOLI, Angelo CAMPAGNA, Vittorio CROSA, Fabrizio DIVIDI, Giampiero DONATI, Roberto and Marisa DRI, Angelo FERLICCA, Massimo GRECO, Giorgio IPPOLITO, Vera KUPFER, Alberto LAZZARO, Matteo LEONE, Lorenzo MASSAI, Ermenegildo PERSONE', Mario PESCATORE, Leonardo PIANEZZOLA, Giuseppe SORTINO, Massimo VALLOSCURO, and Maurizio VERGA. Special thanks are extended to Alessandro CORTELLAZZI, Giorgio FERRARI, Bruno MANCUSI, and Giorgio RUSSOLILLO for their substantial contributions.

Received Publications

This section lists publications received by the CISU:

• CONTACT INTERNATIONAL ITALIA (Rome): Issues from 1987, containing articles on the Condon Commission and 1979/1981 sightings.
• UFO-SCIENZA (USA): Issues from 1986 and 1987, featuring local case studies, a report on a landing with traces in Fiesso Umbertiano, and sightings in Picara.
• GLI ARGONAUTI (Montalcino): The regular bulletin from Roberto CAPPELLI's group.
• GIORNALE DEI MISTERI and NONSIAMOSOLI: Other received periodicals.
• Centro Indagini Esoteriche Aratron (Ancona): Bulletin issue no. 11 from January 1988.

"M" Collaboration

The CISU has established a collaboration with the Marche-based monthly magazine "M". Starting from the February 1988 issue, CISU will contribute a page of ufology content to "M". This page will be sent free of charge to anyone who requests it, with the magazine being self-financed through advertising.

Translations

Volunteers with personal computers are sought to translate lengthy foreign ufological texts for the "DOCUMENTI UFO" series. Topics include UFO sightings by astronauts, Persinger's tectonic stress hypothesis, abduction cases, the epistemology of ufological research, a crashed UFO case in Britain, and the Nort-sur-Erdre case involving recorded UFO sounds.

Correction (Rettifica)

A correction is issued regarding issue no. 21 of "NOTIZIE UFO," where the name "Sebastiano Di Gennaro" was mistakenly used for the CISU collaborator who organized a conference and exhibition in Novi Ligure. The correct name is Raffaele DI GENNARO, who also created the cover art for the December issue, inspired by his own sighting on June 6, 1983. The CISU apologizes for the error.

Regional Coordinators (Coordinatori Regionali)

New Regional Coordinators have become operational as of January 1, 1988, following approval by the CISU's Executive Council. Members are encouraged to contact their respective regional coordinators for any needs and to collaborate more effectively with the Center.

• Regional coordinators listed include:
• Piedmont and Aosta Valley: Edoardo RUSSO (Torino)
• Liguria: Umberto CORDIER (Savona)
• Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Alessandro CORTELLAZZI (Trento)
• Umbria: Massimo VALLOSCURO (Terni)
• Puglia and Basilicata: Arcangelo CASSANO (Bari)

For regions not listed, acceptance from nominated coordinators is still pending.

Franco OSSOLA has accepted the position of Honorary Member of the CISU.

Executive Council Meeting (Consiglio Direttivo)

The Executive Council met in Milan on February 28, 1988. Key attendees included GRASSINO, LAZZARO, and VERGA. The meeting discussed the CISU's situation at the end of 1987, focusing on activities and membership. The council also approved new members and discussed plans for 1988, including the production of future issues of "UFO" magazine and the "RASSEGNA CASISTICA".

Activities (Attività)

Regional Catalogs (Cataloghi Regionali)

The "PROGETTO CATALOGHI REGIONALI" initiative has received a strong response, with dozens of interested individuals offering to participate or collaborate. Thanks are given to Marcel DELAVAL, Giorgio FERRARI, Giorgio IPPOLITO, Paolo NORDIO, Ermenegildo PERSONE', and Giuseppe VERDI for providing data on local sightings not included in existing provincial catalogs. Information requests will be forwarded to regional curators. Those who haven't responded are urged to do so, and those who haven't received a questionnaire should request one. Preparations for catalogs in Marche, Abruzzi, and Molise are underway, while Emilia-Romagna and Campania are awaiting initial versions from their regional curators.

Library Service (Servizio Librario)

The CISU has launched a new library service for its members. This service aims to help members find copies of ufological books published in Italy, especially those that are out of print. It will collect requests for books and offers from those wishing to sell literature. The service is also interested in purchasing used books. A list of Italian ufological books published since 1954 can be requested from Lorenzo BARTOLI in Reggio Emilia.

Local Dissemination (Divulgazione Locale)

Several CISU associates have been featured in local media:

• Fabrizio DIVIDI (Torino): Interviewed by "Il Gazzettino" (Udine) on December 31, 1987, about sightings in Carnia.
• Alberto LAZZARO (Salsomaggiore): Published an announcement in "Gazzetta di Parma" on January 10, 1988, seeking interested parties.
• Massimo VALLOSCURO (Terni): Made appeals in "Corriere dell'Umbria" on January 21 and 26, 1988, for witnesses of the recent Umbrian 'flap'.
• Bruno MANCUSI (Payerne): Issued a press release summarizing 1987 sightings in Switzerland, which was widely covered by Swiss media.
• Maurizio VERGA (Cermenate): Published two articles on the ufological applications of computing in "Computer News" in January and February 1988.

Information (Informazioni)

Recent Sightings (Avvistamenti Recenti)

The period from November 1987 to January 1988 saw a return of UFO activity in Sicily and Sardinia, along with several IFO (Identified Flying Object) sightings attributed to spotlights and a small regional 'flap' in Umbria.

• November 4 (19:00): Opicina, Trieste - Several people reported a luminous object with a trail.
• November 21 (18:30): Sassari province - Four luminous points moving in formation were seen at Alghero, and a large yellow light that approached and divided into three parts was observed at La Maddalena.
• November 30 (evening): Genoa - Thousands observed luminous circles, later identified as stage lighting from a concert by the band "Pooh".
• December 16: Florence - The "Pooh" concert's stage lighting caused alarm with observations of four luminous balls moving erratically.
• December 20 (evening): Castronovo di Sicilia (PA) - A luminous object remained stationary for 45 minutes, emitting a noise. Three luminous cylinders were seen on the ground, and a car door opened spontaneously.
• Christmas/St. Stephen's Night: Tramonti di Sopra (PN) - A powerful light was seen moving slowly over a lake. Similar phenomena were observed the following night.
• Consecutive Mornings (approx. 5:30): Invillino, Villa Santina (UD) - Four white circular lights were observed, later identified as reflections from lighthouse beams.
• Mid-January (Umbria 'flap'):
• January 10-11: Giano dell'Umbria (PG) - A luminous point descended rapidly, widening into a cone of light that changed color.
• January 14: Avandita di Cascia (PG) - A luminous globe with a white trail crossed the sky.
• Following Evening: Foligno, Capitan Loreto, Giano dell'Umbria - A luminous sphere with a trail was observed descending.
• January 26: Rivotorto di Assisi (PG) - A young observer saw a luminous object hovering and changing color through binoculars.

Communion

The issue notes the release of "COMMUNION," Whitley Strieber's best-selling book, which had topped U.S. sales charts in 1987 and revived interest in UFOs in America. Rizzoli, the Italian publisher, has launched a promotional campaign, including an excerpt in bookstores in January. The book is described as well-written, passionate, and important, regardless of the reader's stance on the experiences described.

"UFO RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA" - Fourth Issue

The fourth issue of "UFO RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA" for 1987 has been released, albeit with a delay due to technical issues with its new graphic design, which now features full laser-printed photocomposition. Interesting articles include a Doxa opinion poll on UFOs, a report on the Turin International Congress focusing on CISU's activities, a retrospective analysis of an IR-3 case from 1962, an analysis of UFO/IFO sightings on June 6, 1983, a presentation of a study by Ballester Olmos on Iberian landing cases, and commentary on Persinger's geophysical hypothesis.

The next issue, due in late April, will focus on abduction cases in Italy.

The End of a Bluff (La Fine di un Bluff)

This section details the activities of Claudio NASO, an individual who gained notoriety in the Italian ufological scene since 1986 for sensationalist stories and spectacular behavior. Naso, leveraging his fame from the TV show "Lupo solitario," announced the production of a fictitious science fiction film titled "EDEN ESPERIMENTO UOMO." He advertised for hundreds of extras in Milan, claiming the film would star David Bowie and Nadia Cassini, with Steven Spielberg as director, and that "Cannon Cinematografica" (a front for his operation) was involved. Applicants were asked for a fee of 100-200,000 lire, with promises of participation from "Canale 5." However, "Canale 5" denied any involvement, and the legitimate "Cannon" company initiated legal action to protect its trademark. Naso subsequently closed his office and disappeared temporarily. The article criticizes such individuals who exploit ufology for personal gain, damaging its credibility and distorting factual data.

Foreign UFOlogists Visiting

• Alejandro AGOSTINELLI: From Argentina, director of "UFO PRESS," visited Italy in February. He met with CISU members in Torino, Milano, and Firenze, sharing information and materials from Argentina.
• Thierry PINVIDIC: A Parisian ufologist visited in early March to consult CISU's archives and library. He discussed national ufological situations and ongoing research projects in France and Italy.

Clamorous Sightings Abroad (Avvistamenti Clamorosi all'Estero)

January 1988 saw a surge in UFO articles in the UK press, triggered by two significant sightings:

• January 2: London, UK - A 16-year-old girl observed a luminous object with a pink halo through her telescope. Police also witnessed the phenomenon.
• January 20: Mundrabilla, Australia - An entire family in a car was pursued by a luminous oval object emitting a strange odor. The car experienced effects, and sticky residue was found on its roof.

Investigations into these cases by the British UFO Research Association and the Australian Center for UFO Studies are underway and will be published in CISU's "RASSEGNA CASISTICA."

• November 11 to January 26: Florida, USA - A couple reportedly photographed and filmed a daytime object at close range twenty-two times.

Rare Books (Libri Rari)

The CISU's Foreign Library Service has acquired several rare foreign ufological books, available to members and collaborators for 25,000 lire each (to cover expenses):

• Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, "OVNI: EL FENOMENO ATERRIZAJE" (Spanish, 1979)
• Michel Monnerie, "LE NAUFRAGE DES EXTRATERRESTRES" (French, 1979)
• G. Barthel & J. Brucker, "LA GRANDE PEUR MARTIENNE" (French, 1979)
• Bertrand Meheust, "SOUCOUPES VOLANTES ET FOLKLORE" (French, 1984)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, particularly within Italy, the dissemination of ufological information through publications and collaborations, and the organizational activities of the CISU. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent investigation, transparency with its members, and a critical approach to sensationalism and fraudulent claims within the ufological community, as evidenced by the "bluff" section. The CISU actively promotes collaboration and information sharing among its members and with other organizations.