Notizie UFO - No 35

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Notizie UFO" (Issue 35), dated August 1991, is a circular informative bulletin from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). It features updates on investigations, news from Italy and abroad, and organizational activities of the CISU. The publication aims to provide rapid and complete information, with an increased focus on current events and detailed reporting.

From the Secretariat (Dalla Segreteria)

Material Received

The secretariat has received numerous detailed investigation reports. Arcangelo Cassano (Bari) investigated two cases of nighttime lights in Manfredonia (FG) from 1979 and 1989. Paolo Fiorino (Torino) has completed dossiers on cases investigated with other CISU associates, including a third-type encounter in Istrana (TV) from 1973, ground traces in Ferrere (AT) from 1990, and the 'Zanfretta case' chronology. Alessandro Cortellazzi (Trento) reported on a rare alleged 'abduction' case near Udine (1989), limited to sensations rather than concrete facts. Antonio Cuccu (Sassari) updated the regional catalog with light sightings in Calangianus (1950), Sassari (1977), Pozzomaggiore (1990), Bonovra (1989), Pozzomaggiore (1952), and a double-plate shaped object in Sassari (1947-48). Umberto Telarico (Acerra - NA) submitted reports on a daytime object sighting in Tufo (AV) (1991) and a luminous body with possible electromagnetic interference in Acerra (1990). Claudio Cavallini (Vigevano - PV) provided a detailed report on a ground trace case without a UFO sighting in Tromello (PV) (1989), involving a mysterious hole in the ground.

New Copy Cost for the Archive

Effective July 1, 1991, the cost for archive material has increased from 100 to 150 Lire per page. This covers photocopying and shipping expenses and is also used to credit material sent to the archives, in line with the Ufological Database's operating procedures. The increase is attributed to rising postal tariffs.

New Addresses and Phone Numbers

New addresses are listed for members Alberto Lazzaro (Fidenza, Italy) and Bruno Mancusi (Payerne, Switzerland). Antonio Cuccu and Roberto Farabone have updated their phone numbers.

Delayed Shipments

Shipments were suspended from the last decade of July through August due to summer holidays, resuming in early September. Additionally, 25 envelopes containing issue 34 of Notizie UFO were destroyed by the Turin postal service, and recipients are asked to report if they did not receive their copy.

Notizie C.I.S.U.

Directive Council Meeting

The CISU Directive Council met in Milan on June 15. Key decisions included the approval of four new ordinary members, examination of the 1990 financial statement draft, and various economic resolutions (promotional campaign for back issues, cost increase for archive copies, book purchases). The council also approved behavioral guidelines for interactions with mass media and discussed the center's stance on false or unsubstantiated declarations about ufology by non-members. Terms for the Fifth National Ufology Convention were finalized, and a commission for the evaluation of investigations was established.

Evaluation of Investigations

The newly formed Commission for the Evaluation of Investigations will analyze reports submitted to CISU, verifying completeness, adherence to the 'Methodology Manual,' and the possibility of identifying the phenomenon. Commission members will receive integral copies of all received reports, and their comments will be sent to the inquirer. The commission members are Alessandro Cortellazzi, Edoardo Russo, and Paolo Toselli.

Publications

Issue 10 (July 1991) of "UFO - Rivista di informazione ufologica" has been sent to subscribers and members. It features a report on laser effect IFOs, a preview of a monograph on the physiological effects of UFOs, an investigation into a third-type encounter in Sardinia, an update on the VECA-90 group's work on English crop circles, and an examination of how the American press covers ufology.

Physiological Effects of UFOs

A new monograph titled "EFFETTI FISIOLOGICI DEGLI UFO - L'IPOTESI ELETTROMAGNETICA" (88 pages, 16,000 Lire, 13,000 Lire for CISU members) by Umberto Telarico has been released. It details the various physiological effects attributed to UFO phenomena, explaining how electromagnetic radiation might produce them. The monograph also covers electromagnetic fields and their influence on the human body. A summary of the arguments, hypotheses, and conclusions is featured in issue 10 of UFO magazine.

Press Archive Newsletter

Issues 56 and 57 of the Notiziario Archivio Stampa have been sent to subscribers and supporting members. Issues 58 and 59 are in preparation, aiming to catch up on delays thanks to the subscription with the Eco della Stampa agency, which provides a wider selection of news, though some markings may affect legibility.

Activity (Attività)

The Press Archive

The Press Archive continues its work of managing ufological articles from the press. It contains tens of thousands of clippings documenting sightings, comments, and positions on ufology in Italy over 45 years. The articles are pasted onto A4 sheets and organized chronologically in ring binders. The dossiering process is ongoing, with recent efforts focusing on the 'Operation Origini' clippings and the 'boom' years of 1977-1978. The 1980s and some earlier years are being organized with the help of members.

Information (Informazioni)

Spring Sightings (Avvistamenti di Primavera)

Several families in Tufo (AV) observed a large, black, car-sized object with two side wings hovering silently for about ten minutes on April 2nd, estimated to be below 1000 meters. A loud 'jet-like' noise was reported. The case was investigated by Umberto Telarico. In Castrocaro (FO), a young driver crashed his car after being blinded by a strong white light on April 27th. Renzo Cabassi investigated this case. On April 9th, two fiancés in Châtillon (AO) observed luminous bodies exchanging signals for over half an hour, with one appearing bell-shaped through binoculars. Paolo Toselli investigated this case, determining the lights were astronomical. Two Swiss individuals observed a luminous spherical object, appearing triangular through binoculars, near Ligornetto for over an hour and a half on June 8th. Massimo Cantoni collected this testimony. A more unusual sighting occurred in Popoli (PE) on May 30th, where a blue trail descended from the sky, stopped with a popping sound, revealing a luminous yellow object that hovered before rapidly ascending, leaving a red trail.

Summer Sightings (Avvistamenti Estivi)

A 'case with traces' occurred in Pofi (FR) on July 1st, involving a fireball that split into two parts, one dissolving and the other falling to the ground with a hiss, leaving a burned area and ash. Carabinieri cordoned off the area. On July 22nd, numerous people in Lesina (FG) observed three luminous masses over the lagoon, with one illuminating the water. These sightings are attributed to laser effect lights. On July 27th, a family in Rosciano (PE) observed three, then two more, luminous beams that chased each other before forming a rotating 'flying saucer.' On July 31st, three luminous spheres were seen rotating in the sky near Acri (CS). Similar sightings occurred in Schio (VI) and Valdera (PI) in early August. On August 14th, a family in Gardigiano di Scorzè (VE) reported a strange light in the sky accompanied by a whistling sound.

Books (Libri)

Two difficult-to-find books have been published: "IL SEGRETO DEGLI UFO" by 'Max Tinnice,' a superficial review of clypeology and space archaeology, and "CERCHI MAGICI CELESTI" by Serse Campana and Giuseppe Lombardi, which attempts to link UFOs, crop circles, and various mysteries. CISU's library has acquired copies of both.

Other Media (Altri Media)

The first Italian ufological film in many years, "BLUE TORNADO," produced by Antonio Bido, is scheduled for release. Additionally, a promotional campaign offers a free inflatable 'flying saucer' with AGFA photographic film purchases.

The Disappearance of Stelio Asso

Ufologist Stelio Asso passed away in La Spezia at the age of 70. He was a founder of the 'Gruppo Osservazioni e Ricerche UFO' (GORU) and contributed to "Giornale dei Misteri" and the "UFO in Italia" series. GORU focused on systematic skywatching and 'experimental ufology.' Asso's passing marks the second loss of a prominent figure in Italian ufology from the 1970s.

Abroad (Estero)

Great Britain: Aerial Encounter

On April 21st, the Alitalia flight AZ 284 crew observed a missile-shaped object, about three meters long and light brown, crossing their path at a higher altitude. The object was detected by onboard radar. The British Ministry of Defence described it as a 'flying object,' while the aviation industry called it a 'total mystery.' The sighting occurred near a military artillery range.

USA - The 5 Avengers Found?

On May 18th, newspapers reported the discovery of five TBM Avenger aircraft wreckage off the coast of Fort Lauderdale (Florida) by a submarine recovery company, claiming they were the lost 'Flight 19' from 1945. However, this identification was later retracted by the discoverers, who were misled by photographic markings. The U.S. Navy's theory of the aircraft running out of fuel and crashing due to navigational errors is supported by the recovery of a Grumman Avenger torpedo boat in 1987. David Kusche's book "The Disappearance of Flight 19" is cited as documenting the sensationalist distortions surrounding the case.

English Circles of 1991

The first crop circle of the season appeared in Buckinghamshire on May 28th. The number of pictograms has decreased, with a significant percentage attributed to hoaxers. 'Insectograms' are a new form. Meteorologists conducted a two-week observation campaign, and further details will be published soon.

Circles Also in Germany?

A complex 'pictogram' similar to those found in England was reported near Grassdorf, Germany. However, four university students confessed to creating the traces as a prank. Other similar findings in Hesse and Saxony were also attributed to hoaxes, with perpetrators being caught and fined.

Seen from the Shuttle

All five American astronauts aboard the space shuttle Atlantis observed, photographed, and filmed an object about a meter long, shaped like a car fender, near the Tdrs satellite during its orbital insertion on August 2nd. The object hovered near the shuttle before disappearing. NASA analysts suggested it might be a tool or debris from the shuttle. This incident was reported by ANSA and Italian newspapers. A subsequent analysis by NASA concluded the object was a piece of ice released from one of the shuttle's engines.

The Lyon Encounter

The fifth "European UFO Phenomenon Encounter" was held in Lyon on May 18-20. The event featured presentations on the current state of ufology in the Soviet Union and China, with speakers Boris Shurinov and Shi Bo. The Belgian UFO wave was a prominent topic, with reports from Franck Boitte and Jacques Scornaux. English crop circles were also discussed, with presentations by Eric Mailot, Raoul Robe', Gilles Durand, and Thierry Pinvidic. Paolo Toselli presented on abductions in Europe. The event included debates, projections, and informal discussions.

New Books Available

CISU's Library Service has acquired several English-language books: Ed Conroy's "Report on Communion," Ed and Francis Walters' "The Gulf Breeze Sightings," and Kevin Randle and Don Schmitt's "UFO Crash at Roswell." The collected documents of the "Project Blue Book" are also available again.

National Ufology Convention in Rome

The "5th National Ufology Convention" will be held in Rome on Saturday, November 23, 1991, at Hotel Casa Kolbe. The convention aims to provide an opportunity for members to meet and to present ongoing studies on ufology in Italy and abroad. Topics include English crop circles, UFOs and contemporary legends, Italian photographic cases, physiological effects of close encounters, and the connection between UFOs and stealth aircraft. The convention is open to all scholars and enthusiasts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes detailed investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, both domestically and internationally. There is a strong focus on the work of the CISU and its members in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information. The publication also addresses the challenges of hoaxes and the need for scientific rigor in ufological research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging participation and the sharing of knowledge within the ufological community, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach.