Notizie UFO - No 31

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Notizie UFO," number 31, is an informative circular from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.) dated July 1990. It aims to catch up on publications delayed by the release of the book "UFO in Italia." The magazine introduces a new experimental section called "UFO notes" for commentary and analysis, intended to offer a more flexible editorial space.

From the Secretariat (Dalla Segreteria)

The "Dalla Segreteria" section details investigation reports received by the CISU in May and June. These include:

• Claudio Cavallini (Vigevano - PV): An 84-page report on a case of nocturnal lights observed in Zeme (PV) on October 8, 1988.
• Giampiero Donati (Novara): Updates on two cases of nocturnal lights near Crevoladossola (September 1987) and Agognate (May 1990), along with a 49-page report on a psychic contact case investigated in Arona.
• Fabio Gariani and Sveva Stallone (Milan): A 18-page report on a daytime object described as 'cloud-shaped' observed in Biassono (MI) in July 1989.
• Ezio Bernardini (Rome): Two reports concerning a bolide observed in Rome on April 21.
• Umberto Telarico (Naples): An initial report on a mysterious trace case in Luogosano (AV) from December 1989.

The secretariat also acknowledges the numerous collaborators who send in UFO-related material and information from their areas, listing many individuals by name.

Video Service

Due to technical issues affecting the quality of reproductions, the video service for UFO material is temporarily suspended. An update will be provided when it resumes.

Changes of Address (Cambi di Indirizzo)

New contact addresses are provided for several CISU members, including Paolo Fiorino, Alberto Lazzaro, Massimo Nebbia, Giorgio Pattera, Giorgio Russolillo, Franco Sortino, and Antonio Cuccu (whose correspondence can now be directed to C.I.S.U.-Sardegna).

Postal Delays (Ritardi Postali)

Complaints about delayed or missing publications due to postal service issues continue. The CISU plans to dispatch orders for material received in July and August only after the summer holidays to mitigate these problems.

CISU Directives (Notizie C.I.S.U.)

A meeting of the CISU Directive Council was held in Milan on May 27. Key discussions included:

• The status of the 1990 membership campaign and the center's budget for 1989 and 1990, showing continuous improvement thanks to "Sostenitore" members.
• The situation of the "UFO" magazine, addressing the delay of issue no. 8 but noting improvements in graphic design, increased print runs, and postal distribution.
• The sales of the book "UFO in Italia" are covering production costs, supported by authors and a "Book Fund" established by members.
• New Ordinary Members were approved, and ongoing projects like the Videotel service, upcoming monographs, and work projects were discussed.
• The organization of the "Fourth Annual Ufology Conference" in Bologna for October was also discussed.

Complimentary Magazines (Riviste in Omaggio)

Starting with issue no. 8, "UFO - Rivista di informazione ufologica" has increased its print run and is being sent via postal mail (in cellophane) to over 600 potentially interested addresses, including mass media, national and local media outlets, RAI regional offices, news agencies, airports, military and civilian radar stations, meteorological and astronomical observatories, scientists, researchers, and university departments.

The goals of this initiative are to present a serious, professional, and scientific image of ufology, countering the often stereotypical and discrediting portrayals in the media. It also aims to provide a reference point for UFO testimonies and information, and to generally improve the image and collaborations for the CISU.

Initial feedback indicates success, with responses, thanks, requests, and offers of collaboration being received.

Press Archive Newsletter: USSR Special (Notiziario Archivio Stampa: Speciale U.R.S.S.)

Issue no. 49 of the "Notiziario Archivio Stampa" has been released, focusing entirely on the wave of news and comments published in Italian newspapers following the announcement of a UFO landing in Voronezh in October. This special issue includes numerous articles from Italian newspapers, totaling 40 pages. It is available to subscribers and supporters, and can be requested by others for 8,000 Lire (6,000 Lire for CISU members).

Activities (Attività)

Videotel

The CISU's Videotel pages, managed by Stefano Innocenti, are highlighted as an effective tool for dissemination. Thousands of people have connected, requested information, purchased publications, or provided sighting data. The service also facilitates correspondence between members and provides updates on sightings. Interconnection with the French Minitel network is also mentioned. The Videotel number for UFO pages is *57514#.

Dissemination (Divulgazione)

Notable dissemination efforts include a three-part interview with Stefano Innocenti in "Il Messaggero," collaboration on a RAI program, and interviews by Antonio Cuccu and Angelo Ferlicca in regional newspapers. Corrado Bartolini of the Bologna Observatory is also mentioned for promoting CISU during his lectures on exobiology.

Documentation Dossiers (Dossier di Documentazione)

The CISU's Central Archives maintain various dossiers on specific UFO-related topics. These include "UFO and astronauts," "Electromagnetic effects," "Investigation methodology," "Ufological ethics," "Dossier Italia," "Hypotheses and theories," "MIB (Men in Black)," and "UFO bibliographies." New dossiers have been created for recent events like missile launch flaps, the Meier case, the USSR, ISPES, and urban legends. An index for these dossiers is planned.

Magazine Distribution (Distribuzione Rivista)

The distribution of the "UFO" magazine continues across Italy through the efforts of dedicated associates and new volunteers, who are thanked by name. The network of distributors has expanded to various regions.

Two April Fools' Jokes (Due Pesci D'Aprile)

Two incidents are presented as potential "April Fools'" pranks:

• Anagni (FR): A large circular scorched mark was reported, attributed to a UFO landing. Local newspapers covered it extensively until the perpetrator confessed it was a hoax during a TV broadcast. CISU's Claudio Zacchia had already conducted investigations, including photo and sample collection.
• Mernimione (near Naples): A French newspaper reported a couple observing two "angels descended from the sky" who left behind two 1-meter diameter circles where grass was flattened and small yellow flowers bloomed. No local newspapers reported this, and given the date, it is suspected to be a hoax.

April: The Flap (Aprile: Il Flap)

April 1990 was characterized by a near-national flap of sightings, particularly on Saturday, April 21, around 8:30 PM. Thousands of people observed a fast-moving luminous object in the sky, followed by a long trail, often described as green. Most reports came from Rome and Lazio, but CISU collected testimonies from across central Italy, as well as Liguria, Puglia, and Sardinia. The descriptions align with those of a bolide, similar to previous events in 1988 and 1983. While CISU and astronomers identified it as a bolide, other ufologists and contactees incorrectly attributed it to UFOs.

IR-3 in Pesaro (IR-3 a Pesaro)

Around 1 AM on May 1, near Pesaro, a 50-year-old witness anonymously reported seeing a flying object land and an entity emerge. The entity spoke to the witness for several minutes before re-entering the object and departing. The witness contacted a local newspaper, but no traces were found. Almerindo Duranti is investigating the case for CISU.

International Panorama

France: A Circle in the Corn (Francia: Un Cerchio nel Mais)

On the night of July 5-6, a perfectly circular trace, 20 meters in diameter and 2.5 meters deep, appeared in a cornfield in Bernay (Eure). Gendarmes estimated about 33 cubic meters of earth vanished. Local residents reported a "bang" and a slight tremor. Initially, hypotheses included meteorite impact, satellite crash, or a bomb. However, subsequent investigation by S.E.P.R.A., C.N.R.S., and the Natural History Museum revealed the trace was caused by the explosion of a mine buried since World War II.

Spain: Opinion Poll (Spagna: Sondaggio di Opinione)

A February opinion poll conducted by Opina in Spain found that 66% of respondents believed in extraterrestrial life, and 57% believed in UFOs. Reasons cited for governments not acknowledging UFOs included "they don't exist" (24%), "no proof" (32%), and "hiding proof" (32%). Men were more likely than women, and young people more than older people, to believe in extraterrestrials.

France: GEPA.N. Returns (Francia: Ritorna il G.E.PA.N.)

The S.E.P.R.A. (formerly GEPAN), a French national space studies center, has shown renewed activity. Jean-Jacques Velasco, the service director, participated in radio and TV programs discussing UFOs. The S.E.P.R.A. is investigating the Bernay case and is hoped to become a proactive scientific study entity like the former GEPAN.

Hungary: Congress on Ball Lightning (Ungheria: Congresso sui Fulmini Globulari)

A congress on ball lightning was held in Budapest from June 26-29, organized by the Central Research Institute of Physics and Waseda University. Topics included sighting evaluation, properties of ball lightning, and theoretical models. Notably, a round table discussion on UFOs was held on the sidelines, with participation from ufologists Hilary Evans (England) and Dennis Stacy (USA).

France: New UFO Books (Francia: Nuovi Libri sugli UFO)

France is experiencing a surge in UFO-related book publications. This includes the French edition of Jacques Vallee's "Autres dimensions," Jean Sider's "Ces OVNIs qui font peur" (covering official documents, animal mutilations, UFO abductions, and American UFO folklore), and Jean-Pierre Petit's "Enquete sur les OVNI" (focusing on his research into magnetohydrodynamic propulsion).

Jimmy Guieu's latest novel, "E.B.E. - Alerte rouge," is also mentioned, drawing on American UFO folklore, secret EBE agreements with governments, and suggesting aliens are spreading AIDS.

National Conference in Bologna (Convegno Nazionale a Bologna)

The "4th National Ufology Conference" will be held in Bologna on Saturday, October 13, 1990, at the Hotel Milano, starting at 3 PM. The theme is "Ufology of the 1980s: Balance and Prospects," featuring panoramic reports on ufology developments in the US, France, and Italy during the past decade, followed by a round table discussion. The conference is open to all CISU members and non-members are invited to register in advance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a commitment to rigorous investigation and dissemination of UFO information, emphasizing scientific analysis over sensationalism. There's a clear stance against discrediting ufology and a focus on providing accurate, documented reports. The CISU actively engages with media, government bodies, and the public to promote a more informed understanding of the UFO phenomenon. The recurring theme is the ongoing, often complex, nature of UFO research, highlighting both the challenges (e.g., postal delays, media skepticism) and the progress being made through dedicated research and collaboration.