Notizie UFO - No 23

Magazine Overview

This document is the June 1988 issue (Number 23) of 'Notizie UFO', a circular from the Secretariat of the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). It provides updates on the organization's activities, case reports, publications, and regional coordination efforts.

From the Secretariat

The Secretariat expresses gratitude for the high level of participation in CISU's activities during the early months of 1988, noting increased engagement in investigations, archival research, cataloging, magazine distribution, and television outreach. A special thanks is extended to collaborators who responded to a survey, highlighting their attentiveness and willingness to contribute. The Secretariat emphasizes that this collaborative spirit is key to CISU's dynamic functioning and encourages continued participation. They also request patience from members regarding responses to material and information requests due to the high volume.

Material Received

The Secretariat reports receiving a significant amount of material. This includes:

• A detailed report by Flavio Gottardi (Rome) and Claudio Zacchia on a daytime sighting in Rome on August 29, 1984, complete with interview transcripts and investigation steps.
• A report by Mauro Guerrini ('Pulsar' - Osimo, AN) on a filmed nighttime light phenomenon in Castelfidardo (AN) on March 23, 1988.
• Reports from Giorgio Ippolito & Dario Barbagelo (Gorizia) on a nighttime light case on February 9, 1988, in Cormons and a photo of a light source taken in the province of Trieste in September 1979.
• Reports from Corrado Guarisco (Fenegro', CO) concerning a 'fireball' sighting in Cassina Rizzardi (CO) in the 1960s and a close encounter of the third kind with physical effects on February 7, 1979, in Olgiate Comasco (CO).
• An in-depth investigation by Giampiero Donati (Novara) on a sighting in Biandrate (NO) on January 23, 1988.
• A report by Giorgio Pattera (Parma) on a daytime sighting in Parma in May 1977, along with case data for updating the 1980s catalog.

The Secretariat thanks all collaborators for their continuous contributions to the archives, listing Lorenzo Bartoli, Arcangelo Cassano, Fulvio Colombo, Alessandro Cortellazzi, Marcello Crinò, Vittorio Crosa, Almerindo Duranti, Edio Gada-Barenco, Giorgio Ippolito, Vera Kupfer, Alberto Lazzaro, Matteo Leone, Bruno Mancusi, Andrea Masotti, Franco Ossola, Giorgio Pattera, Ermenegildo Persone, Leonardo Pianezzola, Luca Rota, Giorgio Russolillo, Giuseppe Stilo, Massimo Valloscuo, and Maurizio Verga. A special mention is made of Antonio Cuccu (Sassari) for his regular submission of information on Sardinian ufology.

Publications Received

The issue lists several publications received:

• 'Contact International Italia' (Year XV, Nos. 1 & 2, 1988), featuring installments of an article by Klass and considerations on 'abduction' phenomena.
• 'UMMO' (Official organ of ONRU, Year II, No. 5, 1988), containing astronomical and astronautical information, articles on the Ummo case, and the 'men in black' phenomenon.
• Regularly received publications include 'Gli Argonauti', 'Il Giornale dei Misteri', 'M', and the contactee bulletin 'Nonsiamoli'.
• 'Nova Astronautica' has announced the suspension of its annual UFO supplement.

Special Issue of the Magazine

The fifth issue of the bi-annual magazine 'UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica' is ready. This special issue is dedicated to the topic of 'UFO abductions'. Due to the complexity of the subject, the magazine has been expanded to 40 pages (from 36) and includes historical introductions, studies by Thomas Bullard, anthropological interpretations, Italian case studies, and detailed presentations of 'Communion' and 'Intrusi' by their authors (Whitley Strieber and Budd Hopkins), along with critical opinions.

In Brief

• Correction: Lorenzo Bartoli was incorrectly identified as the head of the Library Service in the previous issue; Alberto Lazzaro is the correct person.
• The Flap of 13/12/85: Collaborator Claudio Grimaldi (Rome) is seeking information about sightings on the evening of December 13, 1985.

CISU Assembly

The annual general assembly of CISU members was held in Bologna on April 30, 1988. The assembly approved the 1987 financial statements and discussed economic support for the association's activities. The 1988 Board of Directors was appointed, consisting of Antonio Chiumiento, Roberto Farabone, Gian Paolo Grassino, Edoardo Russo, and Maurizio Verga, with Roberto Farabone indicated as the preferred candidate for president. The 1988 program, focused on case-related activities, was presented. The minutes of the assembly will be sent to all ordinary members.

Regional Coordination

• Lombardy: The first 'Lombardy UFOlogy Meeting' was held in Sesto San Giovanni (MI) on April 17, organized by Angelo Ferlicca and Maurizio Verga, to explore regional coordination. Due to postal strikes, attendance was low, but many positive responses were received. Maurizio Verga is currently coordinating the region, as Ferlicca has moved to Viterbo.
• Campania: Giorgio Russolillo (Naples) has accepted the role of Regional Coordinator for Campania.

Study Commissions

• Hypnosis: A study commission on the use of hypnosis in ufology is being considered, initiated by Renzo Cabassi (Bologna) and Paolo Toselli (Alessandria). Contacts with medical professionals and bibliographical research are underway.
• Physical Effects: A study group on UFO cases with physical effects (electromagnetic phenomena on vehicles, radio, TV, and witnesses) is being formed, thanks to Stefano Innocenti (Rome) and Gian Paolo Grassino (Torino). Research is ongoing, and collaboration is sought.

Activities

Regional Catalogs

Three preliminary regional UFO case catalogs have been completed:

• Lombardy (578 cases) by Maurizio Verga (Cermenate, CO).
• Lazio (608 cases) computerized by Stefano Innocenti (Rome).
• Campania (508 cases) computerized by Giorgio Russolillo and 'CNR Solaris' (Naples).

The Secretariat (Riccardo De Flora and Edoardo Russo) has compiled data for Marche, Abruzzo, Molise, and Basilicata. This marks the first time that lists for all 20 Italian regions are available, a key objective of the 'Regional Catalogs Project'. The next steps involve revision, completion, and updating of central and regional archives.

Ongoing Projects

• 'Operazione Origini': This project is intensifying its library research on Italian newspaper articles from 1946-1954. Antonio Rampa (Catania) has extracted over 90 clippings from 'La Sicilia' for 1952 and 1954. Giuseppe Stilo (Florence) is coordinating the operation, and new collaboration offers have been received.
• Translations and Text Entry: Several collaborators are providing typed translations for the magazine and monographs.
• Telematics Networks: Two new UFO BBS systems have been installed: 'AL-BBS' in Varese and 'PRISMA-BBS' in Cremona.
• Magazine Distribution: The local distribution network for 'UFO' magazine is expanding, with new distributors in Novi Ligure, Novarese, Umbria, Rome, and Naples. Alberto Lazzaro is organizing the distribution of issue No. 4 and subsequent issues to local distributors.

Local Dissemination

Conferences

• Alessandro Cortellazzi (Trento) gave a successful conference-debate at the Lyons Club Alto Tagliamento in Rivolto (UD) on May 13.
• Gian Paolo Grassino (Torino) presented on 'The contribution of scientific methodologies to ufology' at the 'Enigma Terra: encounter with ufology' event in Milan on June 10-11, 1988.

Radio and Periodical Interviews

• An article by Maurizio Verga was published in 'Bergamo In' (November 1987).
• Giampiero Donati (Novara) had a service on local sightings published in 'Novara Oggi' (March).
• Interviews and TV programs on UFOs were conducted by Arcangelo Cassano (Bari) on 'Tele Barletta' (March 24), Giorgio Russolillo (Naples) on 'Gazzettino Campano' (March 28), and Luigi Sorgno (Torino) on 'Radio Centro 95' (April 18).

CISU on Television

• The RAI 2 program 'Mezzogiorno e...' featured UFOs and extraterrestrials on April 7, with Antonio Chiumiento as an expert. The program's success led to a follow-up debate on April 22, involving several CISU members, including Fulvio Colombo, Roberto Farabone, Angelo Ferlicca, Massimo Greco, and Paolo Toselli. The participants were divided into believers and non-believers, fostering a deeper discussion.
• A television appearance on TELE MONTE CARLO on June 1 featured Flavio Gottardi, Sandro Scucchi, and Claudio Zacchia discussing UFOs. Zacchia effectively countered unfounded claims made by other participants.

Library Service

The Library Service has received positive feedback. Contributions have been made by Fulvio Colombo (Torino), Marcello Pupilli (Falconara), and Antonio Rampa (Catania). Copies of the book 'UFO: carnefici dell'uomo' by 'Petrus' (550 pages, L. 20,000) are available. Books by Renato Vesco ('Intercettatei senza sparare', 'I velivoli del mistero', 'Operazione plenilunio') can be obtained for L. 22,000 each. A limited number of copies of Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos' 'OVNI: el fenomeno aterrizaje' (382 pages, L. 25,000) are also available. The service is reserved for CISU members and collaborators.

Telefax Ufologici

CISU is exploring the use of telefax (facsimile) for communication. Several members have this equipment, allowing for 'photocopies' to be sent by phone. The initiative aims to create a network for this purpose. Stefano Innocenti and Fabrizio Arcese (Rome) used telefax to send information about ufology and CISU to newspapers and agencies, resulting in journalistic contacts and an ADN-Kronos service.

Information

Sightings of Recent Months

• January 23: Near Biandrate (NO), a dark circular object with six white and red lights was observed by a couple. The engine noise was heard, and the object moved away.
• January 23: In Crevoladossola (NO), a yellow light was seen descending behind a mountain.
• Late January/Early February: Several areas in Trentino reported sightings of strange lights, described as green beams with reddish hues, and luminous triangles with flashing white-red lights that would 'explode' and disappear. These were officially confirmed as signaling flares used in military exercises.
• February 9: In Cormons (GO), an employee observed a fast-moving white luminous ball with a red outline, which detached a smaller object moving in a different direction.
• February 16: Two letters to 'Stampa Sera' reported sightings near Turin, including an oblong, luminous object described as at least four meters high, which turned red and then took off. A luminous object was also seen over Collegno.
• March 10: Two young airmen at the DECIMOMANNU military base (CA) observed a triangular luminous object hovering a few meters above the fence.
• March 23: In Castelfidardo (AN), a family filmed a circular light emitting red pulses, which appeared and disappeared. The footage lasted about ten minutes.
• April 24: In Castelrotto (BZ), a postal employee and French tourists observed a strong light projected onto Mount Corno del Renon.

Detailed reports of these sightings will be published in 'Rassegna Casistica'.

UFOs on RAI

RAI has shown renewed interest in UFOs. The 'Alla ricerca dell'Arca' program (RAIUNO) discussed ufology, featuring an interview with Paolo Pietroni of '7'. The program also covered the case of Fortunato Zanfretta, with guests including Zanfretta, Rino Di Stefano, and Rolando Marchesan. A poll on 'Uno Mattina' on March 9 indicated that believers and non-believers in UFO existence were almost equal.

'Intruders'

The Italian translation of Budd Hopkins' book 'Intruders' has been released by Armenia, titled 'INTRUSI' (220 pages, L. 22,500), translated by Franco Ossola. A detailed review will appear in the special issue of 'UFO Rivista'. The book includes CISU's contact information for potential witnesses.

Books to Avoid

• 'ANNI LUCE - Esperienze e i contatti extarterrestri di Eduard Meier' by Gary Kinder (Armenia, 1987) is described as a fictionalized account, similar to the George Adamski phenomenon of the 1950s.
• 'AURA Guida all'armonia dello spirito e della mente' by Alberto Cesare Ambesi and Manuela Pompas (Edizioni del Maestro, 1987) is criticized for padding the volume with outdated information and is deemed unusable.

Photos of the 'Martian'

The 'Corriere della Sera' newspaper published photos of a supposed 'alien' on its cover and in its supplement 'Sette' on March 5. The article described an encounter with a university lecturer from Pavia who allegedly took the photos in the summer of 1986. The images showed a man in a tight suit and helmet. The explanation provided was that the professor was conducting experiments on 'optical perception in dogs'. The article is criticized for lacking the witness's name and providing a dubious explanation, suggesting it may be a publicity stunt linked to the book 'Communion', published by Rizzoli, which also publishes 'Corriere della Sera'. The article laments the media's tendency to sensationalize UFO topics.

Outside

The Clamorous Case of Gulf Breeze

This section discusses the spectacular series of sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida. A local businessman provided Polaroid photos taken on November 4, 1987, of a flying saucer. He also reportedly photographed and filmed objects and encountered alleged extraterrestrials who attempted to abduct him with a paralyzing blue ray. The 'Mutual UFO Network' (MUFON) has endorsed the photos' authenticity. However, investigations by members of the 'J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies' (CUFOS) have raised suspicions about the case, citing photographic details, inconsistencies in the witness's accounts, his local reputation, and attempts to sell a book. MUFON has reportedly censored critical interventions, causing a rift within American ufological associations.

Bowen and Lorenzen Departed

Two prominent figures in ufology have passed away: Charles Bowen, editor of 'Flying Saucer Review', and Coral Lorenzen, founder and director of the 'Aereal Phenomena Research Organization' (APRO).

CISU Abroad

CISU has received recognition internationally. A report on the Turin Congress by Bertrand Meheust was published in the French magazine 'OVNI Presence'. Two articles from CISU's magazine were published in the Belgian publication 'Inforespace'. Edoardo Russo was appointed director for Northern Italy of the 'Mutual UFO Network' (MUFON), and his presentation on the Italian UFO situation in 1987 was included in the proceedings of the second UFO congress in Lyon.

'Glasnost' Ufologica?

Glasnost in Russia appears to extend to ufology. The Estonian UFO group has been recognized by the local government as a 'Commission for the collection and analysis of anomalous environmental phenomena'. The first Russian book on UFOs, written by Vladimir Gakov and printed in 200,000 copies, has been published.

UFO/IFO: A New Monograph

A new monograph in the 'Documenti UFO' series, 'UFO/IFO: IL PUNTO SULLA SITUAZIONE' by Claude Mauge, is available. This work, along with previous monographs, forms a fundamental text on 'new French currents' in ufology. It is 70 pages long and costs L. 7,000 for CISU members and collaborators (L. 10,000 for others).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects CISU's commitment to rigorous investigation, archival research, and the dissemination of UFO-related information. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible case data and sensationalism, as seen in the critique of media coverage and the discussion of the Gulf Breeze case. The organization actively promotes collaboration among its members and seeks to build a comprehensive understanding of the UFO phenomenon through various projects and publications. The editorial stance is one of serious, scientific inquiry within the field of ufology, while acknowledging the importance of public awareness and education.