Notizie UFO - No 37

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Notizie UFO" (News UFO), dated March 1992, is an informative circular from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). It serves as a communication channel for members and interested parties, detailing the organization's activities, research findings, and relevant news within the ufology community.

Year in Review and CISU's Anniversary

The editorial begins by reflecting on 1991 as a relatively quiet year for UFO sightings in Italy, characterized by few sightings and limited news. However, the end of 1991 and the beginning of 1992 saw a noticeable increase in media coverage, including television appearances and the launch of a weekly partwork encyclopedia dedicated to the unknown, with a significant focus on ufology. A major Italian production company also released two VHS tapes on UFOs. The CISU celebrated its sixth anniversary, expressing satisfaction with its work in promoting scientific study, coordinating data collection, and disseminating information both externally and within the ufological community. The organization extended thanks to friends, members, and collaborators for their end-of-year greetings and for renewing their subscriptions.

From the Secretariat: Material Received

This section details recent case investigations and reports submitted to the CISU. Claudio Cavallini of Vigevano submitted a detailed report on a sighting from November 5, 1990, in Tromeilo (PV). Antonio Cuccu of Sassari investigated a case from January 12 or 13, 1986, in Ploaghe (SS), involving a luminous, disc-shaped object emitting a beam of light. Giuseppe Stilo of Florence reported two observations: a fiery spherical object on April 26, 1991, and a luminous globe with a trail on November 11, 1991, near Vaglia and Borgo San Lorenzo (FI). Giorgio Russolillo of Naples provided an extensive update (over 110 pages) on recent cases in the Campania region, compiled with the help of collaborators from Centro Solaris. This update includes sighting reports, testimonies, and investigation findings for 21 cases, which will be detailed in the "Rassegna Casistica" section. The secretariat also acknowledged contributions from numerous collaborators and organizations, including Andrea Bergamaschi, Ezio Bernardini, Renzo Cabassi, Centro Indagine sulle Deposizioni Anomale, Umberto Cordier, Alessandro Cortellazzi, Paolo Fiorino, Vera Küpfer, Bruno Mancusi, Marco Orlandi, Ermenegildo Personè, Marcello Pupilli, Daniele Rubino, Nico Sgarlato, and Maurizio Verga.

Publications Update

This section summarizes the CISU's publications as of the dispatch date of "Notizie UFO." The semimonthly magazine "UFO - RIVISTA DI INFORMAZIONE UFOLOGICA" published two issues in 1991 (No. 9 in January and No. 10 in July). These issues were sent to all subscribers and members. The circular "Notizie UFO" itself published four issues (Nos. 34-37) in 1991, with issue No. 38 planned as a reminder for subscription renewals. The quadrimestral "RASSEGNA CASISTICA" (Case Review) has caught up on its backlog, with issues 10, 11, and 12 from 1991 already sent to members and subscribers. New members in 1991 also received issue No. 9. The "NOTIZIARIO ARCHIVIO STAMPA" (Press Archive Newsletter) has also cleared its backlog, with issues 56-61 from 1991 sent to subscribers and "Sostenitori" (Supporters) members.

From the Press: "Eco della stampa"

The CISU's subscription to the press clipping agency "Eco della stampa" ended in September 1991 after ten months. During this period, approximately 500 articles and news items related to UFOs were collected from Italian newspapers and magazines, averaging 50 clippings per month. Many of these came from local publications that the CISU's network of collaborators could not otherwise access. While a significant portion contained only marginal references to "UFO," numerous local sighting reports were also included. The CISU has renewed its subscription for another 500 clippings, despite the high cost, to ensure comprehensive coverage of Italian media. Members interested in obtaining copies of these clippings can request information from the Secretariat.

CISU News: Member Assembly

The annual general assembly of CISU ordinary members was held on November 24, coinciding with the National Congress in Rome. The 1990 financial statements were approved, and the association's status in 1990 was reviewed. The board of directors met frequently, involving more members to foster a more collegial management style, which was deemed positive. The outgoing board was reconfirmed, with the addition of two new members, Renzo Cabassi and Giorgio Russolillo, bringing the total to seven. Roberto Farabone was reconfirmed as president. Several proposals for organizational and outreach initiatives were put forward, and the board was mandated to implement them.

Correspondent in Switzerland

Bruno Mancusi, based in Switzerland, has been appointed "Correspondent for Switzerland" for the CISU. Although not a formal position, this appointment recognizes his extensive collaboration and close ties with the organization. Mancusi is described as a leading ufologist in Switzerland, editing the magazine "OVNI prèsence," a member of the SOS-OVNI group, and a collaborator with CISU. He independently conducts investigations, collects documentation, maintains a large UFO archive, subscribes to the Swiss "Eco della stampa," writes for specialized magazines, and maintains international correspondence. He frequently interacts with Swiss media and serves as a vital link between Italian and French-speaking ufologists, informing them about Italian ufological activities.

ISTAT Census

The CISU was included in the recent general census conducted by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) in October 1991. This marks the first time an Italian ufological association has been part of national statistics, providing information on its activities, such as collecting UFO sighting reports, coordinating studies on unusual aerial phenomena, and scientific dissemination. The census also recorded the number of volunteer staff at the central and peripheral offices, the types of archives, and the technological resources used.

Activities: The Rome Conference

The "Fifth National UFO Congress" took place in Rome on November 23. The event provided an update on major UFO topics. Gian Paolo Grassino presented the "National Catalog of UFO Sightings 1900-1990." Paolo Toselli summarized recent sightings in Belgium and discussed various hypotheses, supported by graphic reconstructions and footage. Giuseppe Stilo introduced the theme of contemporary legends with ufological connections. Toselli also revisited the topic of abductions, analyzing European cases. Matteo Leone discussed "crop circles," presenting their history and evolution from simple circles to crop figures, with visual aids. Initially intended for professionals, the congress was opened to the public and attracted about a hundred attendees who showed great interest in the presentations and engaged in a valuable debate. The event was noted for fostering serious UFO information and distinguishing itself from sensationalist or folkloric approaches.

National Case Archive

At the fifth National UFO Congress, the CISU presented the first "National Catalog of UFO Sightings in Italy." This comprehensive catalog contains over 8,600 archived cases, representing the culmination of a ten-year regional cataloging project involving numerous researchers. It is described as an unprecedented initiative in Italy due to its scale and geographical, temporal, and typological completeness. The archive includes all reported unusual aerial phenomena, with a portion identified as "unidentified" after analysis. General data from the catalog, including numerical tables and graphs, were distributed at the congress. The data indicates that 1978 was the peak year for UFO sightings (1760 cases), with a significant wave in 1954 (701 cases). Sightings generally increased through the 1970s, peaking in 1978, and then declining in the early 1980s, stabilizing around 100-200 cases per year in recent years. UFO sightings are most numerous in Piedmont, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna, with over 1,000 cases each. Other regions show a proportional distribution, with Liguria and Marche having a higher-than-expected number of reports, possibly due to increased ufological activity.

Case Characteristics

Analysis of the catalog reveals that most sightings occur during evening and night hours. The distribution of sightings throughout the day shows a smaller peak in the early morning (5-7 AM) and a larger peak between 10-11 PM. Contrary to popular belief, UFO sightings are not limited to summer; December also shows a high number of reports (1,200 cases), indicating the phenomenon is not exclusively seasonal. The majority of cases (over 70%) involve "Night Lights" (Luci Notturne), observed as luminous objects at a distance without clear details. "Daytime Objects" (Oggetti Diurni) represent about 10% of sightings. "Close Encounters" (Incontri Ravvicinati) are numerous (1350 cases), suggesting significant potential for detailed analysis. Close encounters are categorized by "strangeness" from 0 to 4. IR-0 involves observation from a distance. IR-1 (21% of cases) includes temporary effects on the environment. IR-2 (18%) involves physical traces on the ground. IR-3 (19%) involves the presence of animated beings. IR-4 (2%) refers to direct contact or abduction. The "National Catalog of UFO Sighting Reports" is slated for publication as a monograph in the "Documenti UFO" series.

Photocat

Maurizio Verga has produced a new version of "Photocat," a computerized catalog of Italian UFO photograph cases. This version lists essential data for 400 cases, including date, time, location, photo type, and photographer. The catalog is supported by a magnetic archive of over 250 digitized UFO photographs, obtained through the collaboration of CISU members who provided their personal archives. Some images are from newspapers and magazines, affecting their quality. Verga is seeking original negatives, slides, or first-generation positives of alleged UFOs for digitization, and has issued a circular with project details and regional extracts.

Other Catalogs

As part of the Regional Catalog Project, Antonio Cuccu has created the first computerized version of the Sardinia UFO case catalog, with 465 reported sightings. Stefano Innocenti has updated and expanded the "CARLA" (Catalogo Avvistamenti Regione Lazio) catalog, which now includes 750 sightings and provides detailed spatial-temporal coordinates, witness information, and case summaries. Innocenti has also updated catalogs for Abruzzo and Molise (380 cases). Other cataloging efforts include a list of 165 Italian cases with apparent electromagnetic effects, and a provisional list of Italian UFO filming cases compiled by Giovanni Ascione.

Computer Newsletter

The first issue of the third volume of the "Computer UFO Newsletter" has been released. This newsletter focuses on the application of computing in ufology and includes articles on the new TRACAT, UFO photo digitization, electronic archiving of press clippings, and UFO software. It can be requested from the Secretariat or directly from Maurizio Verga.

Autumn Dissemination

The fifth National UFO Congress in Rome was a major event in the autumn of 1991, preceded by press releases and a conference for journalists. The CISU presented the SOBEPS book on the Belgian UFO wave and the national UFO sighting catalog. Several newspapers, news agencies (ANSA, AGI, ADN Kronos), and television programs covered these topics extensively. Giuseppe Stilo presented on "Scientific Approach to the UFO Phenomenon" at a conference in Florence. A newspaper in Novara published a feature on UFOs based on CISU's magazine. The CISU's critical statement regarding the TV program "Mixer" was reported by ADN Kronos. Antonio Chiumiento appeared on the "Maurizio Costanzo Show" to discuss the Cecconi case. CISU's presence on Videotel and its voicemail service were highlighted in specialized magazines.

Autumn Sightings

On November 7, between 9:30 PM and 10 PM, numerous residents in the Pinerolo and Villarbasse (TO) area reported seeing three luminous balls in the sky. On November 8, shortly after 6 PM, a luminous globe with a fiery trail was observed flying in a straight line near Braccagni (GR). Intense red glows were seen in the sky over Saint Pierre (AO) and the Alta Valle d'Aosta region on the night of November 8-9, identified as an aurora borealis.

Winter Sightings

A sighting occurred in Foggia on January 10, involving a young woman from Modena, details of which are pending. On January 10, around 9 PM, a couple in Aulla (MS) observed a rhomboidal white light with colored lights around it, appearing to descend towards the mountains. On the evening of January 11, in the Frosinone area, several people reported a "fireball" or two coupled spheres that crashed on the slopes of Mount Rotonaria, leading to a search by authorities. The hypothesis of a "saint's balloon" (a type of hot air balloon) was suggested. On January 14, a similar object reportedly fell in Sora (FR). On January 11, an inhabitant of Veroli (FR) observed a circular object on Monte Pizzuto emitting a bright beam of light. The first UFO "flap" of 1992 occurred on January 17 around 10:30 PM across northeastern Italy, with reports of a fireball followed by a green or blue trail, likely a bolide or meteorite according to astronomers.

"Mixer" and UFOs: The CISU's Position

The CISU issued a statement on December 17, 1991, in response to a "Mixer" program that presented sensational and unverified claims about UFOs, including alleged crashed UFOs and extraterrestrial occupants in the US. The CISU clarified that photos presented as evidence of alien bodies were actually from a display at Montreal's "Pavillon du monde de l'insolite" and were documented by ufologist Christian Page. The program's claims about the Roswell incident were also contested, with the CISU suggesting the cover-up was related to the presence of a B-29 unit equipped with atomic bombs, and the UFO story served as a distraction. The CISU criticized "Mixer" for sensationalizing the UFO topic and for relying on unverified information from foreign documentaries. The statement highlighted the difference between scientific ufology and sensationalist or folkloric approaches, noting that some individuals cited in the program, like Wendelle Stevens, Bill Moore, and Jaime Shandera, are known for promoting unverified claims and are marginalized by serious American ufologists. The CISU maintains a comprehensive dossier on the Roswell case.

New Books

Two new books on ufology were published in late 1991: Roberto Pinotti's "UFO: contatto cosmico" (Cosmic Contact) and Leone Graziani's "Cose dell'altro mondo e di altri mondi: l'umanità di fronte alla realtà degli extraterrestri. Indagini sugli UFO e sui fenomeni insoliti di spiritualità" (Things from another world and other worlds: humanity facing the reality of extraterrestrials. Investigations on UFOs and unusual phenomena of spirituality). Both books are noted for compiling previously published articles and focusing on the phenomenon of contactees, with a spiritual and eschatological interpretation. Graziani is identified as a member of the "giurisdavidici" sect, while Pinotti presents himself as a "scientific" ufologist.

"L'ignoto a fascicoli" (The Unknown in Parts)

A new partwork encyclopedia titled "L'ignoto - Parapsicologia, enigmi, UFO" was launched in early January. It comprises 69 weekly issues, each 20 pages long, covering parapsychology, mysteries, and UFOs. The UFO section includes topics such as landings, electromagnetic effects, waves, humanoids, past UFOs, abductions, and cults. The publication is noted for its popular approach, numerous errors, and imprecisions, but is the first of its kind in Italy in over a decade. The UFO issues are published every third partwork.

Foreign News: The Return of Ummo

Interest in the "Ummo" question has resurfaced in France. The Ummo phenomenon, involving alleged extraterrestrials from the planet Ummo who have sent letters detailing their science and philosophy since 1965, is complex. Three possible interpretations exist: a large-scale hoax by the Spanish ufological community, an experimental disinformation campaign by a secret service, or genuine contact with aliens. Three books published in France explore this topic: a reissue of Antonio Ribera's "El misterio de Ummo," "La conspiration des étoiles" by Martine Castello, Philippe Chambon, and Isabelle Blanc, and Jean-Pierre Petit's "Enquete sur des extra-terrestres qui son déja parmi nous." Petit's book analyzes the scientific knowledge presented in the Ummo letters, concluding they demonstrate a high level of preparation, while also presenting his theories on the universe and magnetohydrodynamics. The release of these books has generated significant interest in France, with popular magazines interviewing the authors. Antonio Ribera and his publisher have initiated legal action against a magazine and the authors of the other two books for alleged unauthorized use of material.

Strieber Leaves Ufology

Whitley Strieber, author of the best-selling book "Communion," has announced his withdrawal from ufology. Strieber, who had been involved in a foundation supporting alleged UFO abductees and published the "Communion Letter" newsletter, reportedly grew disillusioned with the ufological community. He criticized UFO scholars for instrumentalizing abductees and accused some of being "cruel, crazy, and mad."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong commitment to scientific methodology and critical analysis within ufology. The CISU actively debunks sensationalism and misinformation, as demonstrated by its critique of the "Mixer" program and its detailed cataloging efforts. The organization emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, data collection, and the distinction between serious research and folkloric or pseudoscientific claims. There is a clear stance against unverified information and a dedication to providing accurate, evidence-based reporting on UFO phenomena. The recurring themes include the cataloging of sightings, the analysis of case characteristics, media coverage of UFOs, and the ongoing debate about the nature and origin of these phenomena. The CISU positions itself as a proponent of a scientific approach, aiming to foster a more informed understanding of ufology.

Title: NOTIZIE UFO
Issue Date: March 1992
Publisher: CISU (Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of 'Notizie UFO' (UFO News) from March 1992, published by CISU, focuses on the organization's international activities, the study of crop circles, and other Fortean phenomena.

International Recognition and Contributions

The magazine reports on CISU's continued international presence in 1991. Edoardo Russo contributed an introductory chapter on European ufology to John Spencer's book "UFOs - The Definitive Casebook." Paolo Fiorino's article on abductions in Italy was featured on the cover of the BUFORA magazine 'UFO Times.' CISU and its publications were mentioned in various international outlets, including 'Conocer y saber' (Argentina), 'International UFO Reporter' (USA), 'Fortean Times' (UK), 'Phenomena' (France), 'International UFO News Bulletin' (USA), 'UFO Universe' (USA), 'Magonia' (UK), 'UFO Aktuellt' (Sweden), 'Mas Allà' (Spain), and 'Vega-GEPSI' (Belgium).

Giuseppe Stilo and Paolo Toselli were cited by Bill Ellis in an article on UFOs and urban legends in 'Magonia.' Edoardo Russo was interviewed by John Spencer for 'UFO Times.'

Premio Spagnolo al C.I.S.U.

CISU received a surprise commemorative diploma in December from the Centro de Estudios Parapsicologicos in Ontinyent, Spain. This award, given annually for contributions to parascientific knowledge, recognized CISU for making the complex world of ufology known internationally through its publication 'UFO - rivista di informazione ufologica.'

Not Only UFO: Related Publications

This section highlights publications of potential interest to 'Notizie UFO' readers, either due to their indirect connection to UFOs or because they are initiatives by CISU members offering special subscription rates.

Tracce Circolari (Circular Traces)

The Gruppo Italiano di Studio sulle tracce Circolari (G.I.S.C.), a spin-off of CISU focused on crop circles, has published its first newsletter, 'Tracce Circolari.' This 16-page publication features photos of crop formations from summer 1991, an overview of events from the "circle season," information about the group and its magazine, and a section in English for foreign colleagues. The newsletter has been well-received internationally for its quality. A second issue is planned, including theoretical articles on the nature of crop circles.

Leggende Contemporanee (Contemporary Legends)

The third issue of 'Tutte Storie,' a quarterly newsletter from the Centro per la Raccolta delle Voci e Leggende Contemporanee, is available. It covers topics such as urban legends, children's abductions, alien abductions, and "hypno-abductors." The issue costs Lire 4,000 (Lire 3,500 for CISU members), with a four-issue subscription priced at Lire 16,000 (Lire 13,000 for CISU members).

Italia Misteriosa (Mysterious Italy)

Umberto Cordier has published the first volume of a planned series, "Dizionario dell'Italia misteriosa" (Dictionary of Mysterious Italy), with Sugarco editions. This 286-page book, priced at Lire 40,000, is the result of Cordier's extensive work in archiving and cataloging Fortean phenomena in Italy, supported by CISU members. The first volume focuses on mysterious archaeology and unusual findings. Future volumes will cover natural phenomena, mysterious animals, biological anomalies, the paranormal, and miracles.

Società Fortiana E Nuovo Clypeus (Fortean Society and New Clypeus)

The Società Fortiana Italiana (S.F.I.) has been established to coordinate research on Fortean phenomena in Italy and serve as a reference point for scholars and publications. Founded by CISU members interested in unusual events, the S.F.I. aims to facilitate information circulation. Umberto Cordier is the secretary. The S.F.I. will contribute to 'Clypeus,' a historically significant publication that will resume its periodicity in 1992 with the subtitle "Cronache dell'insolito" (Chronicles of the Unusual). The upcoming issue (n. 92) will feature articles on being Fortean, sightings of the "black panther" in Rome, unusual events worldwide, and discussions on Charles Fort's work. Subscriptions for 'Clypeus' cost Lire 15,000 (Lire 12,000 for CISU members).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes CISU's active role in promoting ufological research both domestically and internationally. There is a clear focus on documenting and disseminating information about UFO sightings, abductions, and related anomalous phenomena. The magazine also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, as seen in the coverage of crop circles and Fortean studies, and encourages collaboration among researchers and enthusiasts through various affiliated groups and publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and information sharing within the parascientific community.