Notizie UFO - No 41

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Notizie UFO" (Issue 41), published in March 1993 by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.), serves as an informative circular for its members. It reflects on the past year, encourages renewals for 1993, and highlights the stimulating start to the new ufological year with a European Parliament consideration of a UFO study commission. A somber note is struck by the passing of French ufologist Aimé Michel, a significant figure in the field.

Secretariat (Dalla Segreteria)

The secretariat reports on received materials, including local sighting reports from Corrado GUARISCO, detailed case reports from Antonio CUCCU in Sassari, a comprehensive report from Giorgio PATTERA in Parma, and brief reports from Marco MONTI in Arrone. It also lists numerous collaborators who have contributed material to the archives.

Publications Status (Stato delle Pubblicazioni)

The C.I.S.U. provides an update on its publications, including the "Notiziario Archivio Stampa 1992," the magazine "UFO," and the "Rassegna Casistica." Delays are noted for the latter, with apologies offered to subscribers.

Small Ads (Piccoli Annunci)

A videocassette presented by Giorgio RUSSOLILLO at a ufology conference is made available by the Centro Napoletano di Ricerche Solaris.

UFO/IFO Confrontation Italy/France: A New Monograph

This section announces the release of a new monograph by Marcel DELAVAL and Jean BOURDON, titled "CONFRONTO UFO/IFO DEI CASI ITALIANI E FRANCESI DEL 1977." This third monograph compares Italian (217 cases) and French (409 cases) UFO/IFO sightings from 1977, offering a 15-year review of their research methods. The monograph is available for purchase, along with previous volumes on the 1977 cases.

Thanks (Ringraziamenti)

The secretariat expresses gratitude to its Turin-based members and collaborators for their dedicated work in managing publications, dispatching materials, and organizing the archives. Special mention is made of the significant effort required in January due to maintenance work at the C.I.S.U. headquarters.

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

Further Clarifications (Altre Precisazioni)

In response to member inquiries, the C.I.S.U. Council explains its decision not to engage in public debate with certain publications that have made denigrating remarks about the Center. The Council cites the limited circulation of the publications in question and a desire to avoid fueling baseless polemics. The case of Pier Luigi Sani is contrasted, where the C.I.S.U. felt it necessary to issue a clarification due to his honorary membership and the widespread dissemination of his article.

Activities (Attività)

Italian Case Archive (Archivio Casistica Italiana)

Massimo NEBBIA has been working on archiving and cataloging Italian UFO cases and related documentation. This involves revising and computerizing data from previous years, making detailed catalogs available for members to request photocopies of case documents from the C.I.S.U. Ufological Database.

Case Catalogs (Cataloghi di Casistica)

Arcangelo "Lello” CASSANO has completed the third volume of the regional catalog of UFO sightings in Puglia. Paolo FIORINO has finalized an updated version of the list of 620 Italian close encounter cases for "Progetto Italia 3," which has been computerized by Umberto CORDIER.

Italian Bibliography (Bibliografia Italiana)

Marcello PUPILLI is updating the ufological bibliography of Italy for a new edition of the "Documenti UFO" catalog. The number of books with ufological references has significantly increased, and the classification is being revised. The C.I.S.U. is seeking volunteers with IBM-compatible personal computers to assist with data entry.

Information (Informazioni)

December Sightings (Avvistamenti in Dicembre)

This section details several UFO sightings reported in December 1992 across Italy:

• December 7: A motorist near Erice and Trapani observed a luminous object that transformed into a disk with a bright ring, moving erratically before disappearing.
• Mid-December: A mini-flap in Govone (CN) included a child's observation of a light, a woman hearing a whisper and seeing a light, and a ring-shaped trace found in a courtyard. Other observations in the area are also noted, with a possibility that Venus was responsible for some sightings.
• December 12: Dozens of calls were received by Carabinieri in Acerra and Pomigliano (NA) regarding a UFO, with a detailed account from a student describing a large, spheroid object with multi-colored lights moving parallel to her car.
• December 14: An artisan in Sassari observed a commercial airplane followed by two white lights with luminous trails.
• Late December (before the 20th): Two hunters near Persano (SA) observed a falling star that appeared to transform into a disk with luminous rings, moving at supersonic speed.
• Pre-Christmas (date unspecified): Intermittent colored lights were observed in the night sky over Boccioleto (VC).
• December 26: Dozens of luminous disks were sighted over Torre Annunziata and Torre del Greco (NA), with witnesses including Carabinieri and Police. These were later attributed to the lights of a circus.
• December 30: A phosphorescent silver object was observed hovering over Toppo di Travesio (PN) before ascending rapidly.
• Late December (around 8 PM): A driver near Stroppiana (VC) and Villanova Monferrato (AL) reported being followed by a circular light that eventually sped away.

The Last Flap (L'Ultimo Flap)

On January 18-19, 1993, a luminous and sonic aerial phenomenon (a flap) was observed across a large part of Italy, from the Venetian region to Abruzzo. Thousands of people witnessed the sky light up, and some heard booms. The phenomenon was reported in numerous provinces and even from Istria, Slovenia, Croatia, and potentially Bohemia. Witnesses described a vivid glow and a luminous ball with a tail that traversed the sky and exploded. Some areas reported electrical effects, such as streetlights going out and temporary radar blackouts. While the Air Force and civilian control towers reported no radar detections, instrumental confirmations came from the Asiago Astrophysical Observatory and the FISBAT-CNR meteor radar. Initial interpretations varied widely, from military missiles to atmospheric re-entry, with ufologists being among the first to suggest the latter. The incident also coincided with a house fire in Cossinovich, Istria, which was initially linked to celestial bodies but later attributed to a faulty wood stove.

UFOs, the CEE, and Tullio Regge

This section discusses the CEE's (European Economic Community) initiative to study extraterrestrials, with physicist Tullio Regge tasked with investigating. The news, initially reported by Ugo Zatterin and later by Tullio Regge himself in "La Stampa," caused a stir. Regge, a known skeptic, contacted military aeronautics departments in various European countries. He received limited information from Italy and encountered military secrecy from Spain and bureaucratic objections from Germany. He learned of France's SEPRA (Service d'Analyse des Phénomènes de Rentree Atmospherique) and intends to propose a European role for SEPRA to the European Parliament. Regge has been inundated with media attention and criticism from some British parliamentarians.

UFOs, the CEE, and Tullio Regge (Continued)

The C.I.S.U. has actively engaged with Professor Regge to clarify the term "ufologist," distinguishing between serious researchers and sensationalists. They provided him with publications, and Regge, when asked by RAI for visual material, suggested contacting those who have been studying the problem for years, indirectly recommending the C.I.S.U. The C.I.S.U.'s activities and data were featured at the end of Regge's interview on RAITRE.

Radio-TV Listening Center (Centro di Ascolto Radio-TV)

A list of national television programs that discussed UFOs during the last quarter of 1992 is provided, with asterisks indicating programs available in the C.I.S.U. video archive. The list includes segments on "TG4," "I fatti vostri," and "Ore 12," featuring various contactees and ufologists. Additionally, a list of ufologically inspired films and telefilms aired during the same period is included.

On Sale (In Edicola)

The "L'ignoto" encyclopedia series has been re-released. The publisher Hobby & Work has also launched "I libri dell'ignoto," a collection of 50 volumes on mysterious topics, including ufology. A new occult magazine, "L'iniziato," is also noted.

Cinema and Videotheque (Cinema e Videoteca)

The Italian dubbed version of the video "Intrusi - sono tra noi" (Intruders - They Are Among Us), a TV series about UFO abductions, is available for rent. Director Mario GARIAZZO is planning a new Italian ufological film titled "La congiura del silenzio" (The Conspiracy of Silence), which aims to expose a superpower plot to hide the truth about alien invasion. Gariazzo, a former ufologist, has a history of producing films related to UFOs and the paranormal.

Abroad (Estero)

Aimé Michel Dies (E' MORTO AIME' MICHEL)

Aimé Michel, a French scholar and writer, passed away on December 28, 1992, at the age of 73. He is renowned for his theory of "ortotenia" and for his scientific approach to ufology. Michel's work, including his book "Mystérieux Objets Célestes," is highlighted. The C.I.S.U. offers dossiers of Michel's articles and letters, as well as articles on related topics.

Manhattan Transfer

This section discusses the "case of the century" involving the alleged abduction of a woman named Linda in Manhattan on November 30, 1989. The account involves security agents who witnessed the event and later provided details to ufologist Budd Hopkins. The case is described as complex, with multiple alleged abductions, implants, and investigations. Doubts and controversies surrounding the case are mentioned, including its similarity to a science fiction book and a reported million-dollar book contract.

Ufological Stamps (Francobolli Ufologici)

The Maldives have issued a series of 16 stamps dedicated to "great mysteries of the universe," including UFO appearances.

SDE Dossiers

The C.I.S.U. is forming dossiers on specific UFO-related topics, including contactees, alleged crash sites (Roswell), Belgian UFO waves, abductions, and the Ummo affair. A special dossier on the Belgian UFO wave of 1989-1991 is available.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on reporting and analyzing UFO sightings and related phenomena within Italy, often contrasting official explanations with ufological interpretations. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific study of ufology, the importance of accurate documentation, and the role of the C.I.S.U. as a central hub for research and information dissemination. The publication also addresses controversies within the ufological community and media coverage of UFOs, advocating for a rational and evidence-based approach. The passing of Aimé Michel is treated with respect, highlighting his foundational contributions to the field. The C.I.S.U. maintains a critical stance towards sensationalism and misinformation, aiming to provide reliable information to its members and the broader public interested in the UFO phenomenon.