Notizie UFO - No 38

Magazine Overview

Title: NOTIZIE UFO
Issue: 38
Date: September 1992
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of Notizie UFO, the 100th official publication by C.I.S.U. since its founding in December 1985, serves as an informative circular. It details the organization's activities, publications, and recent developments in ufology, both within Italy and internationally.

Cento Pubblicazioni!

The editorial highlights the milestone of reaching 100 publications, encompassing four periodicals (Notizie UFO, Notiziario archivio stampa, Rassegna casistica) and the 'Documenti UFO' monograph series. Including specialized publications, those for members only, and international newsletters, the total number of publications exceeds 250, with nearly 10,000 pages. This achievement is seen as a testament to the high level of UFO information circulation and the vitality of C.I.S.U.'s members and collaborators.

Dalla Segreteria (From the Secretariat)

Servizio Librario (Library Service): C.I.S.U. regularly acquires UFO books, both new and used, for its members. While they announce available titles, they cannot currently search for specific missing books but offer their pages for members to post purchase or exchange requests.

In Breve (In Brief): New telephone numbers are provided for local representatives Alberto LAZZARO and Paolo TOSELLI. An updated list of local C.I.S.U. representatives' contact details is available upon request.

Telematica (Telematics): A new telephone line for the BBS is available through the Turin-based INFOTEL, which features a section dedicated to ufology curated by C.I.S.U. Two numbers are provided for modem access.

Notizie C.I.S.U. (C.I.S.U. News)

Consiglio Direttivo (Board Meeting): A meeting of the C.I.S.U. board was held in Bologna on February 29th, attended by all board members and several ordinary members. Key topics included the status of C.I.S.U. publications, proposals for reorganizing them into a different format under a single title, and a report from the investigation commission on recent case submissions.

Attività (Activities)

Divulgazione '92 (Dissemination '92): The first few months of the year saw C.I.S.U. representatives featured in three local newspaper interviews: Giorgio RUSSOLILLO in Il Giornale di Napoli, Alessandro CORTELLAZZI in Alto Adige, and Antonio CUCCU in La Nuova Sardegna. C.I.S.U. also issued a summary of UFO sightings in Italy for 1991, which was picked up by national news agencies like Ansa and ADN Kronos, leading to further media coverage. The issue mentions interviews with Antonio CHIUMIENTO and features in Stampa Sera and Cronaca Vera. C.I.S.U. also responded to a press release about the "Mixer" program concerning UFO video cassettes, distributing it via fax to relevant newspapers. Giuseppe STILO promoted C.I.S.U. and its publications through newspaper announcements and a TV interview.

Il Giornale dei Misteri: This magazine features reviews of C.I.S.U. publications and summaries of investigations by C.I.S.U. members. It also hosts a monthly 'Foreign Ufological Newsletter' section curated by C.I.S.U.'s Foreign Documentation Service, providing an international overview of UFO news.

Angelo FERLICCA reported on a sighting in Montefiascone, leading to a press release and interviews. He also organized a presentation of a catalog of UFO sightings in the Viterbo province.

The C.I.S.U. Turin branch held two public events: an exhibition of UFO-inspired drawings and paintings with a conference by Gian Paolo GRASSINO, and a conference by Gianni FAVERO on 'Ufology in the former Soviet Union'.

Il Giornale di Bergamo published an interview with Maurizio VERGA about local sightings and C.I.S.U.'s activities. Massimo VALLOSCURO appealed for UFO sightings in Umbria. Lello CASSANO clarified a previous article linking UFOs with Marian apparitions.

Centro di Ascolto Radio-TV (Radio-TV Listening Center): C.I.S.U. has established a voluntary center to monitor UFO-related content on national radio and television, aiming to record and review programs. This initiative is supported by members with videorecorders. The issue lists UFO-related TV programs from October 1991 to January 1992, including appearances by various contactees and ufologists.

Informazioni (Information)

Avvistamenti di Primavera (Spring Sightings): This section details several UFO sightings reported in Italy during the spring of 1992:

• January 31: A luminous object observed in Borgo a Buggiano (PT) that remained stationary and changed color.
• February 7: A spherical red light with surrounding lights seen in Gauro, Montecorvino Rovella (SA), described as an "extraterrestrial object" by an observatory director.
• February 15: A luminous inverted "A" shape seen in Empoli (FI) that ascended rapidly.
• February 14: A silver object with an orange halo observed in Senigallia (AN).
• February 14: An elliptical luminous object seen in Corinaldo (AN).
• February 14: Two red lights with a whistling sound observed near Ancona, causing a car engine to stop.
• February 27: A bright white luminous spot seen in Montefiascone (VT), later revealed to be caused by a powerful projector.
• April 2: A luminous wing-shaped object observed descending in Varzi (PV).
• April 16: Two photographs of a daytime flying saucer taken in Sanremo (IM), later admitted to be a hoax.
• April 9: Two photos of an oval, metallic object taken in Battipaglia (SA), which ascended vertically.

Un Film su Zanfretta? (A Film about Zanfretta?): Reports suggest that Fortunato Zanfretta, known for his UFO abduction claims, was in negotiations for a film based on his experiences. The project, involving Italian and American filmmakers, was reportedly in development but may have stalled.

Estero (Abroad)

Nuovi Libri di Vallée (New Books by Vallée): The section highlights recent publications by astronomer and computer scientist Jacques Vallée. These include "Dimensions" (1988), "Confrontations" (1990), "Revelations: Alien Contact and Human Deception" (1991), and "UFO Chronicles of the Soviet Union: A Cosmic Samizdat" (1992). Vallée's work explores UFO phenomena, often suggesting disinformation or psychological warfare as explanations, and examines the social effects of UFO beliefs and contactees. His latest book, "Forbidden Science" (1992), is his personal UFO diary from 1957-1969.

Convegno Nazionale C.I.S.U. (National C.I.S.U. Conference)

C.I.S.U. announces its "VI National Conference of Ufology" dedicated to "UFO case studies: sightings, investigations, and analysis." The conference will be held in Bologna on Saturday, November 28, 1992, focusing on case studies, investigative methods, and data analysis. The event is open to all interested individuals.

Videocassette UFO (UFO Videocassettes)

This section reviews the first Italian-market UFO videocassette series launched by RCA Columbia Tristar Home Video, consisting of "UFO: Le Prove" (UFO: The Proof) and "UFO: Segreto di Stato" (UFO: State Secret). The reviewer criticizes the sensationalistic presentation and lack of critical analysis, deeming them more aligned with 'new age' trends than serious ufological inquiry. The content is described as relying on sensational claims and questionable footage, including alleged alien creature photos and footage from the "Mixer" program. The review notes that the Centro Ufologico Nazionale and its representative, Roberto Pinotti, provided certification for the data, which the reviewer finds questionable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects C.I.S.U.'s commitment to disseminating information about UFO phenomena through various media, including its own publications, media appearances, and public events. There is a clear emphasis on documenting sightings, analyzing cases, and critically evaluating information, particularly in the face of sensationalism and potential disinformation. The organization actively engages with media outlets and encourages member participation in its activities. The review of the videocassettes highlights a critical stance against unverified claims and sensationalism, advocating for a more rigorous and analytical approach to ufology.