Notizie UFO - No 25

Magazine Overview

Title: NOTIZIE UFO
Issue: 25
Volume: 1988
Date: December 1988
Publisher: CENTRO ITALIANO STUDI UFOLOGICI (CISU)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of "Notizie UFO" marks the conclusion of 1988 and the expiration of all subscriptions and memberships to the CISU. Subscribers to "Notiziario Archivio Stampa" will receive issue n°44, while all members and subscribers will separately receive issue n°6 of "UFO - Rivista di informazione ufologica" and the two missing installments of "Rassegna Casistica". The editorial thanks everyone for their support throughout the year and encourages renewals for the "Campagna adesioni 1989" (Membership Campaign 1989) using the enclosed form. The editorial also extends holiday greetings and wishes for a happy 1989.

Dalla Segreteria (From the Secretariat)

Materiale Ricevuto (Material Received)

The Secretariat reports on materials recently sent to the Central Archives, available to CISU members:

• Giorgio RUSSOLILLO (Naples): A 5-page report on a close encounter of the second kind at Roccagloriosa (SA) on 21/10/88.
• Corrado GUARISCO (Fenegro, CO): A report on a close encounter of the third kind at Lomagna (CO) on 11/7/88 (4 pages) and other brief local sighting reports.
• Giampiero DONATI (Novara): Investigation reports on two sightings on the evening of August 3rd at Crevoladossola (NO) (18 pages), a sighting on 14/8/68 at Domodossola (NO) (8 pages), and two from 1974 at Novara (7 pages).
• Antonio CUCCU (Sassari): Various reports on Sardinian sightings, categorized as 'Night Lights', including those at San Gavino Monreale (CA) on July 24th (17 pages) and August 16th (5 pages), Sassari on August 20th (6 pages), Florinas (SS) on September 24th (7 pages), and an IR-2 at Escalaplano (NU) in September 1978 (5 pages).
• Roberto BALBI (Genoa): A report on a daytime object sighting at Pieve di Teco (IM) in 1923 (3 pages), and a detailed report on his recent survey of Torriglia (GE) to investigate recent repetitive sightings.
• Alessandro CORTELLAZZI (Trento): Provided copies of dossiers on cases he has collected or followed in the past year, including sightings at Tramonti di Sopra (PN) between December 25-28, 1987 (10 pages); Folgaria (TN) on 31/1/88 (17 pages); and Sover (TN) (6 pages); Castelrotto (BZ) on 24/4/88, and other reports from journalistic sources.

The Secretariat expresses warm thanks to all collaborators who send local clippings and information. Special mention is made of those who sent material following the numerous reports about the fireball of August 17th, including Roberto BALBI, Lorenzo BARTOLI, Ettore BERTOTTO, Mario BONSIGNORI, Renzo CABASSI, Fabrizio CERQUETTI, Fulvio COLOMBO, Umberto CORDIER, Marcello CRINO', Vittorio CROSA, Marcel DELAVAL, Federico DELLA CORTE, Massimo FERRANTE, Giorgio FERRARI, Paolo FIORI-NO, Fabio FRANCHINI, Edio GADA-BARENCO, Gianluca GIANFALDONI, Aldo GIANNETTI, Giorgio IPPOLITO, Vera KUPFER, Alberto LAZZARO, Bruno MANCUSI, Giorgio PATTERA, Ermenegildo PERSONE', Alessandro RIZZO, Pasquale RUSSO, Giorgio RUSSOLILLO, Michele SISTI, Francesco SORTINO, Umberto TELARICO, Paolo TOSELLI, Massimo VALLOSCURO, and particularly Arcangelo CASSANO, Alessandro CORTELLAZZI, Giuseppe STILO, and Maurizio VERGA.

CISU Services

At the December 4th meeting, the CISU Directorate decided that starting in 1989, Center services will be reserved exclusively for registered members (Soci and Collaboratori). "Services" include all activities not strictly related to research or publication managed by the CISU, such as:

• Foreign Documentation Service: Selection of specialized foreign magazines.
• Library Service: For purchases of ufological books (Italian and foreign).
• Video-service: Purchase of ufological videocassettes.
• Ufological Database: Photocopies of archival material (investigations, clippings, etc.).

This decision aims to clarify the role of a CISU member and align the Center with new fiscal regulations, preventing it from being considered a commercial entity. As a non-profit association, CISU can only provide goods and services to its members and sell its publications (the "UFO" magazine, "Notizie UFO", "Rassegna Casistica", "Documenti UFO", and "Notiziario Archivio Stampa") to external parties.

The CISU emphasizes that this decision does not signify a closure to external collaboration. Relationships with other associations and individual researchers who maintain regular contact and material exchange with CISU will continue. The goal is to normalize the Center's fiscal position and encourage more reasons for membership and collaboration.

Attività (Activities)

Nuovi Progetti di Studio (New Study Projects)

Two new study projects were announced:

• CATALOGO DEI "PRE-UFO" (Catalog of "Pre-UFOs"): Umberto CORDIER (Savona) has begun archiving and systematically cataloging sightings of "pre-UFO" phenomena – unusual aerial phenomena similar to UFOs but occurring in past centuries in Italy, prior to 1900. The Secretariat is extracting this casuistry from the Archives and Library, and interested parties are invited to contact Umberto Cordier directly.
• GLI UFO NELLA PUBBLICITA' (UFOs in Advertising): Paolo TOSELLI (Alessandria) is interested in the use of ufological imagery and concepts in commercial advertising. An archive and computerized catalog of Italian and foreign ufological advertisements collected so far are being established. Interested individuals can write to Paolo Toselli.

Lavori in Corso (Work in Progress)

Updates on ongoing projects:

• OPERAZIONE ORIGINI (Operation Origins): Giuseppe STILO (Florence) is controlling and photocopying ufological news from newspapers between 1946-1954. He has sent 7 clippings from "La Nazione" from 1947 and 54 from 1952.
• CATALOGHI REGIONALI (Regional Catalogs): Giampiero DONATI (Novara) has updated the Novara provincial catalog (53 cases). Bruno MANCUSI (Payerne, Switzerland) has provided a copy of the "ROOS" ("Registre des Observations d'Ovnis en Svisse"), which lists 786 Swiss sightings.
• SCIENCE.CAT: Paolo TOSELLI (Alessandria) has completed the second edition of "SCIENCE.CAT", an annotated bibliography of over 260 articles on UFOs or potentially relevant to ufological study, published in scientific journals and books and collected in the CISU Scientific Archive.

Divulgazione Locale (Local Dissemination)

Recent interviews by CISU members with local newspapers are highlighted:

• Gian Paolo GRASSINO and Edoardo RUSSO (Turin) on "Stampa Sera" (November 7th).
• Giuseppe STILO (Florence) on "La Nazione" (November 14th).
• Edoardo RUSSO on the weekly "Tribuna Weekend" (November 18th).
• Arcangelo CASSANO (Bari) with two installments in the local weekly "Business Tribuna" (November 1st and 8th).

A letter appealing for witnesses to the luminous phenomenon of August 17th appeared in "Il Giornale d'Italia" (October 11th) and "Il Giornale di Napoli" (December 11th).

The Secretariat has also sent a booklet titled "UFO E UFOLOGIA" (UFO and Ufology) to local CISU representatives. This 11-page booklet provides a brief introduction to CISU, historical and illustrative notes on ufology, and a summary of the previous year's DOXA investigation. It is intended as a presentation tool for journalists and others involved in ufological activities.

Informazioni (Information)

Avvistamenti Recenti (Recent Sightings)

Summaries of recent sightings, including autumn reports:

• Florence: Orange or violet lights reported to "La Nazione" in late June and early July.
• Gioia del Colle (BA): On July 3rd around 10:40 PM, numerous people observed rapid evolutions of a light, pursued by a military aircraft.
• Lomagna (CO): Around 1:40 AM on July 11th, a night watchman saw a creature approximately three meters tall emerge from bushes and cross the road into the woods. Car headlights illuminated only part of its body, which appeared reflective and had a rectangular protrusion on its torso.
• San Gavino Monreale (CA): On July 24th around 8:40 PM, a woman saw a formation of about twenty luminous red objects with two yellow fins. These objects then separated, changed shape into small fiery parachutes, realigned, and moved away with a buzzing sound. The woman's son and his wife also observed a red sphere rotating and moving across the sky for about ten minutes.
• Gioia del Colle (BA): A pulsating light moving in the sky was repeatedly observed towards the end of July.
• Santa Sofia (FO): On August 19th, some farmers saw a luminous globe descend towards the ground and land in a field, emitting flames. Burned grass was found in a radius of 6-7 meters.
• Genoa: On August 30th, two traffic police officers observed a luminous object for about half an hour, changing shape and color multiple times.
• Buia (UD): On the evening of September 3rd, several people observed a reddish 'star' shining intermittently for many hours.
• Scandicci and Signa (FI): Similar phenomena were observed on the evening of October 8th. These were identified as the planet Mars, whose extraordinary luminosity generated numerous reports across Italy during the summer and autumn.
• Trieste: On September 18th, a prayer group observed a light shaped like a "host" that turned into a "cross" between 5:15 PM and 6:20 PM.
• Florinas (SS): On the evening of September 24th, three hikers camping nearby heard a buzzing sound and saw a light pass overhead twice (between 9:30 PM and 10 PM).
• Roccagloriosa (SA): On October 19th at 6 AM, a yellow-orange object emitting a sharp hiss was seen passing with an undulating motion over rooftops.
• Roccagloriosa (SA): Around 11 PM on October 21st, a farmer heard a buzzing sound and saw a luminous mass moving above trees, igniting their leaves. Dogs barked furiously. Leaves, branches, and the trunk of some plants were scorched, and a pentagonal track with sides measuring approximately 3 meters was found in the area.

Lo C.S.I.C.O.P. in Italia (CSICOP in Italy)

The article introduces CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal), a US-based committee dedicated to combating parapsychology and the paranormal with a highly rationalistic and skeptical approach. CSICOP also opposes ufology, particularly through the work of skeptic Philip Klass. The news prompting this article is the attempt by science communicator Piero ANGELA to establish a similar association in Italy to counter astrologers, psychics, and occult practitioners in the media. A founding meeting was held in Turin on October 9th. CISU representatives attended to assess the committee's stance on ufology and prevent the formation of an "anti-UFO" group. Fortunately, the attendees were not interested in UFOs or impartial skepticism; they were convinced of the non-existence of paranormal phenomena and intended only to respond to media appearances of healers, astrologers, parapsychologists, and occultists.

The nascent C.I.C.A.P. (Committee for the Investigation and Control of Claims on the Paranormal) does not appear to pose a threat to ufology at present. The CISU hopes that through minimal communication channels, future friction can be avoided.

UFO in TV: L'Informazione Scarsa (UFO on TV: Scarce Information)

In recent months, UFOs have appeared on television in three programs: RAIDUE, RAITRE, and TELEMONTECARLO. However, the coverage, particularly on RAI, has been characterized by failure and a consistently superficial or erroneous presentation of ufological themes, demonstrating the inherent difficulty in bringing serious ufology to television.

• "INCREDIBILE" (RAIDUE): This series on the unusual, hosted by Maria Rosaria Omaggio and Lorenzo Ostuni, featured a UFO-themed episode on October 17th (recorded in June). The program, structured as a roundtable discussion, was extremely superficial and boring, characterized by the host's incompetence and focus on sensationalism rather than serious ufology. Expert contributions were overshadowed by Omaggio's inappropriate interventions, science fiction film clips, and cartoons. The "ufologists" present offered stale discourse and failed to elevate the program. The episode was poorly received by national newspapers, which criticized and ridiculed the UFO topic.

• "FILÒ" (RAITRE): The first episode of this program, broadcast on November 4th, dedicated a significant portion to ufological themes, focusing on alien contact and featuring contactee Eugenio Siragusa. The program was criticized for its sensationalism, with Siragusa making unverified claims and predictions. The involvement of interviewer Fiore De Rienzo and "expert" Roberto Doz, who promoted discredited theories, further damaged the program's credibility. The episode, lasting over two hours, was deemed a squalid spectacle that harmed ufological dissemination. Many CISU associates expressed indignation at the lack of serious ufologists to counter the misinformation.

The CISU had been contacted by the program's curators, who initially expressed interest in a scientific approach. However, they ultimately prioritized sensationalism and spectacle over scientific research. Consequently, the CISU decided not to participate or collaborate with the broadcast, as they had previously refused to participate in ODEON TV's "Villaggio Party". The CISU maintains that participation in such programs is acceptable only if their scientific approach can be clearly distinguished from cultist elements.

• TELEMONTECARLO: A brief program on UFOs was broadcast on December 7th as part of the "SEGRETI E MISTERI" (Secrets and Mysteries) series. This 30-minute documentary presented aspects of American ufology, including abduction and government cover-ups, through a "pro and con" format, alternating between believers (Hopkins, Strieber, Kinder) and skeptics (Klass). Despite simplifications, the program offered synthetic and impartial information, avoiding sensationalism.

The article notes that the RAI programs "INCREDIBILE" and "FILÒ" were poorly received by critics and subsequently suspended by RAI due to low viewership ratings ("Auditel").

Il Congresso di Bruxelles (The Brussels Congress)

The "First European Congress on Anomalous Aerial Phenomena" was held in Brussels from November 11th to 13th, organized by Thierry PINVIDIC and Jacques SCORNAUX, and hosted by the Belgian association SOBEPS. The congress aimed to differentiate itself from other international events by being exclusively for invited professionals, focusing on in-depth discussion and fostering greater collaboration among European researchers.

Over 40 researchers from across Europe attended, including prominent figures from France, Belgium, the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as the USA (Jacques VALLÉE, Walt ANDRUS, Richard HAINES) and the Soviet Union (Vladimir RUBTSOV).

Presentations covered physical and psycho-social aspects of UFO phenomena. Notable contributions included studies by Pierre LAGRANGE on the origins of ufology, Denys BREYSSE's project on computerizing close encounter data, Hilary EVANS' critique of American ufology, and Walt ANDRUS' presentation on the Gulf Breeze photographic case.

Congress proceedings are available as a 190-page volume (in English) from SOBEPS for 800 Belgian Francs. CISU members can purchase it through the Secretariat for L. 30,000.

Italian participation included Alessandro CORTELLAZZI, Gian Paolo GRASSINO, Edoardo RUSSO, Paolo TOSELLI, and Maurizio VERGA, who presented three reports. GRASSINO and RUSSO discussed contemporary ufology and the differences between European and American approaches. TOSELLI addressed the scarcity of abduction cases in Europe. VERGA summarized the history of computerization in ufology and the Italian situation.

Italian presentation texts are available in a special issue of the "Italian UFO Reporter" (21 pages, L. 3,000).

Gulf Breeze: La Saga Continua (Gulf Breeze: The Saga Continues)

This section revisits the controversial Gulf Breeze photographic case, previously mentioned in Notizie UFO n°23. The case involves a certain "Ed" who, between November 1987 and May 1988, took approximately 40 photographs and a film of a structured luminous object with a dome and windows, observed during numerous nocturnal sightings. The case is described as the most sensational and controversial since George Adamski, sparking significant interest and debate in the US, involving prominent ufologists.

At the Brussels Congress, attendees viewed many of the Gulf Breeze photos and heard a detailed account from Walt ANDRUS, director of MUFON, who participated in the investigation. The article expresses skepticism about the photos, noting that the same person consistently sees and photographs the same type of object. Despite extensive efforts by investigators, including stakeouts and a radio alert network, the witness managed to capture spectacular photos, even using stereoscopic cameras sealed by investigators. The sightings abruptly ended after a May experience involving a "temporal void" during hypnosis, suggesting a possible abduction.

The case is characterized by reports of paralyzing light beams, formations of three objects photographed in sequence, luminous effects indicating rapid movement, notable apparent dimensions and distances, and at least two other anonymous witnesses who allegedly photographed the same object.

The article contrasts interpretations of the Gulf Breeze case with other aspects of American ufology, such as abduction and government cover-ups, presenting a dichotomy: either extraordinary extraordinary craft are genuinely flying and being photographed, or the entire event is a colossal hoax orchestrated by the photographer.

American ufologists are divided, with intense polemics and rifts. While the MUFON defends the case's authenticity, the "J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies" has retracted its criticisms. The "Mutual UFO Network" has seen internal repercussions, including the expulsion of an investigator (Robert BOYD), censorship of critical articles (particularly those by physicist Willy SMITH), and resignations of prominent ufologists (like Raymond FOWLER).

The article acknowledges the difficulty in condensing this complex issue but promises further details in CISU publications. Three special fascicles dedicated to the Gulf Breeze case are available:

• "GULF BREEZE: LA CRONACA" (The Chronicle): Collects pro and con articles published in American magazines from May to October 1988 (40 pp., L. 5,000).
• "GULF BREEZE: L'ANALISI" (The Analysis): Features a study of the photos by Bruce MACCABEE, presented at the MUFON Congress (90 pp., L. 10,000).
• "GULF BREEZE: LA CRITICA" (The Critique): Contains unpublished articles by Willy SMITH arguing for a hoax (40 pp., L. 5,000).

Il C.I.S.U. all'Estero (CISU Abroad)

In recent months, CISU has received increased international recognition and intensified collaboration with foreign entities.

• Brussels Congress: In addition to participating in the Brussels Congress, Edoardo RUSSO was appointed Italian Representative for MUFON by Walt ANDRUS, director of the largest American ufological organization.
• ICUR Membership: CISU was invited to join the "International Committee on UFO Research" (ICUR) as the Italian representative to this federation of national ufological organizations. ICUR aims to promote collaboration and information exchange among members and establish common methodological standards for scientific UFO research. CISU's Directorate accepted this invitation, and Italy will be represented by CISU from January 1, 1989.
• International Who's Who Directory in Ufology: CISU's significant role in Italian and international ufology is further recognized by its representation in Robert BOYD's "International Who's Who Directory in Ufology". Out of 284 ufologists from 30 countries listed, 18 are Italian, with 16 being CISU members. The volume (260 pages) is available from the CISU Secretariat for L. 20,000.

Servizio Librario Estero (Foreign Library Service)

This section lists foreign books available through CISU for its members:

• Aimé MICHEL, "Mysterieux Objects Célestes" (1977, 368 pp.): L. 35,000
• Jacques VALLÉE, "Chroniques des apparitions extraterrestres (Passaporte pour Magonia)" (1972, 446 pp.): L. 35,000
• Proceedings of the Lyon Congress (April 1988, 85 pp.): L. 20,000
• J. RANDLES, "Sky Crash - The Cosmic Conspiracy" (1985, 385 pp.): L. 12,000
• J. RANDLES, "The UFO Conspiracy The First Forty Years" (1987, 224 pp.): L. 16,500
• T. GOOD, "Above Top Secret The World-wide UFO Coverup" (1987, 590 pp.): L. 55,000

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong emphasis on rigorous research and scientific methodology within ufology, as evidenced by the CISU's activities and its stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The magazine critically analyzes media coverage of UFOs, highlighting instances of superficiality and misinformation. The CISU actively engages in international collaboration and aims to establish standardized research practices. The controversial Gulf Breeze case serves as a focal point for discussing the challenges of evidence evaluation and the divisions within the ufological community. The editorial stance consistently promotes a scientific, evidence-based approach to understanding UFO phenomena, differentiating itself from contactee narratives and speculative theories.