Notizie UFO - No 43

Magazine Overview

This document is the December 1993 issue, number 43, of "Notizie UFO," an informative circular from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU). It is published by CISU, with contact information provided for their office in Turin, Italy. The issue covers the period leading up to December 1993 and looks forward to 1994.

Editorial Content

The editorial notes a brief pause in UFO sightings during August but a continuation of the "wave" in the autumn months, albeit with less sensational cases compared to June and July. This issue is largely dedicated to summarizing the cases collected by CISU, with detailed investigations to be featured in upcoming issues of their main publication, "UFO." Starting in 1994, "UFO" will include "Rassegna casistica" and other topical sections, aiming to improve the magazine's quality. "Notizie UFO" itself will become more of a technical organ exclusively for CISU members.

CISU is also working on initiatives to improve member access to its central archives, including audio, video, software, and photographic materials. The editorial board and secretariat extend wishes for a happy 1994 to all members.

From the Secretariat

Material Received The "ondata" (wave) of sightings in 1993 resulted in a large volume of investigations. The secretariat lists numerous reports received up to December, apologizing for any omissions due to the sheer amount of material. These reports include detailed investigation summaries, interviews with witnesses, photographic evidence, and video recordings from various locations across Italy:

• Maurizio Anselmo (Rome): Detailed investigation report on an IR-3 case in Rivisondoli (AQ) with photos and video.
• Marco Bianchini (Siena): Interview with a witness of a local night-time light case from the mid-1980s.
• Antonio Blanco & Antonio Rampulla (Catania): Investigations into various cases in Sicily, including a close encounter and a film.
• Renzo Cabassi (Bologna): Interview with a Fire Brigade commander about a helicopter-humanoid encounter in Pescara.
• Arcangelo Cassano (Bari): Testimony from a military radar operator about a radar-visual case in Puglia, and investigations into a circular object with a trail and a sighting of lights chasing each other.
• Daniella Cepparulo & Sergio Ravelli (Cremona): Interviews with witnesses of a night-time light case in Soresina.
• Fabrizio Cerquetti (Macerata): Interview with a witness who initially contacted the secretariat about a night-time light in Fiuminata.
• Antonio Cuccu (Sassari): Continues to produce reports on numerous Sardinian cases, both ancient and recent.
• Roberto Dri (Udine): Report on a "noisy" night-time light sighting.
• Angelo Ferlicca & Claudio Zacchia (Viterbo/Rome): Reports on an IR-3 case in Pettorano sul Gizio (AQ).
• Paolo Fiorino (Turin): Extensive report on an investigation in Lirio.
• Roberto Giannoni (Genoa): Investigation into a night-time light case in Sant'Ambrogio di Zoagli (GE).
• Corrado Guarisco (Como): Two brief reports on local cases from 1975 and 1990.
• Matteo Leone (Turin): Testimony from a notable figure in "magical Turin" about a close encounter in the 1970s.
• Siro Menicucci (Florence): Report on a sighting in Fermignano (FI).
• Giorgio Pattera (Parma): Testimony from a woman who observed (and photographed!) a "flying humanoid" in Parma.
• Roberto Romagnoli (Bologna): Report on investigations into photos of a humanoid.
• Giorgio Russolillo (Naples): Reports on investigations and CNR Solaris data, including an interview on the IR-3 case in Sturno and a close encounter in 1937, plus a photographic case in Battipaglia.
• Sveva Stallone (Milan) & Maurizio Verga (Como): Reports on investigations in Lirio (PV).
• Giuseppe Stilo (Florence): Interviewed witnesses about sightings in S. Antioco, Alghero, Bortigiadas, Sassari, Palau, and other cases from 1968-1987.

Service Audio

CISU has completed the cataloging of its audio material and appeals to members for lists of sound recordings they possess. They are interested in any audio material, Italian or foreign, including UFO sounds, witness interviews, radio/TV programs, and conference recordings. Details needed include content, duration, date, time, location, and broadcast information. Collaborators will receive a copy of the catalog, and a future service will allow members to obtain copies of the material.

Recordings of the last four national ufology conventions are available for purchase: 4th Convention (1990), 5th Convention (1991), "La casistica ufologica" (1992), and "L'indagine ufologica" (1993).

Diapo UFO

A new service has been launched to make photographic material accessible. CISU will prepare curated slide series with descriptions. An initial series of 20 photos (10 Italian, 10 foreign) is available. The first collection, "Il fenomeno UFO - L'evidenza fotografica," was created by Corrado Guarisco and Maurizio Verga and is available for purchase.

Software Archive

An initial list of software (MS-DOS and Windows) available to members has been compiled by Maurizio Verga. This includes Italian case catalogs and texts from CISU publications.

Notizie C.I.S.U.

Board Meeting

The CISU Board met in Milan on October 17th. They discussed the association's financial situation and decided to incorporate "Rassegna casistica" into the "UFO" magazine starting in 1994. This will lead to a decrease in fees for collaborators and supporters, while the magazine price will increase. The computerization of secretariat activities was presented, and preparations for the 7th National Ufology Convention in Bologna were discussed. Maurizio Verga also presented his outreach initiatives.

Assembly

The annual General Assembly was held in Bologna on November 28th, approving the 1992 budget and electing the 1993-94 Board: Roberto Farabone (President), Gian Paolo Grassino (Secretary), and Renzo Cabassi, Arcangelo Cassano, Angelo Ferlicca, Paolo Fiorino, and Paolo Toselli (Board Members).

For the 1994 membership campaign, a new "benemerito" (benefactor) category (£150,000) was introduced, offering all publications. Supporter memberships will no longer include the "Notiziario Archivio Stampa." From 1994, non-members will only be able to purchase the "UFO" magazine and monographs. Discussions also covered the editorial line of the "UFO" magazine and relations with public and military entities.

Activities

• #### Case Catalogs
• Antonio Cuccu (Sassari): Updated regional catalog of Sardinian cases to 336.
• Stefano Innocenti (Rome): Updated regional catalog for Lazio to 780 cases, and for Abruzzo/Molise to 390 cases. He has also cataloged 172 Italian close encounter cases with physical effects.
• Giorgio Russolillo: Updated catalog of Campanian cases (1988-1990).
• Gian Pietro Donati (Novara): Updated provincial catalog.
• Massimo Valloscuo (Terni): Completed cataloging of Italian cases from the "Notiziario UFO" archives from 1966-1971.

UFO Cartoons

Giorgio Giorgi, an artist for the "UFO" magazine, has created a series of twelve postcards for members, inspired by ufological themes. These are available individually or as a collection, with autographed collections offered as a bonus for "benemerito" members in 1994.

Publications Status

All subscribers should have received issue #13 of the "UFO" magazine, which includes articles on the "flying humanoids" wave, UFO cases cataloged by the Italian Air Force, the Travis Walton abduction, and a proposal by Tullio Regge to the European Parliament. The first ten issues of "Notiziario Archivio Stampa 1993" have also been sent to subscribers. However, there is a considerable delay in the "Rassegna casistica," with issues beyond #12 yet to be published.

UFO in Italy: The 1993 Wave

This section provides a summary of UFO sightings reported in Italy during the summer of 1993, focusing on June, July, and August, which constituted the peak of the "ondata." The reports are drawn from newspaper articles and CISU investigations.

June: The Beginning

• June 8th: In Catabbio di Semproniano (GR), two women and a girl observed a light and a shiny rectangular object that fell onto a house roof, causing damage.
• Early June: In San Felice del Benaco (BS), a couple saw a fireball descend and explode near their car.
• June 12th: In Cormano (MI), workers observed three star-like points moving in the sky. In Rivoli (TO), three to four lights were seen meeting and disappearing above clouds.
• June 23rd: In Rome, a woman, her son, and a friend observed white, red, and blue lights in the sky for 15 minutes.
• June 26th: In Fara San Martino (CH), two young people observed two red-haloed lights oscillating in the sky for an hour. In Pozzoleone (VI), a large illuminated balloon was seen descending, causing a small fire.
• June 27th: In Bortigiadas (SS), an automobilist observed two white lights approaching and then separating.
• Late June: In Cologno (MI), a blinding light was seen descending from the sky.

"Flying Humanoids"

Following the UFO case in Grosseto, the "flying humanoid" cases gained media attention in the latter half of June. These occurred within a relatively small area of central Italy.

• June 15th: A Fire Brigade helicopter near Pescara narrowly avoided a collision with a yellow flying object resembling a balloon with two legs.
• June 20th: In Pettorano sul Gizio (AQ), four adults and a child observed a brown sphere with black eyes and lights, which descended into a cornfield and later flew away. This case received significant media coverage.
• August 22nd: In Rivisondoli (AQ), two farmers observed a red humanoid-like object with white legs descending from the sky.

UFO Over the Adriatic?

Reports from Ancona and the surrounding area mentioned strange lights over the Adriatic Sea. However, a military press release suggested these sightings were due to NATO aerial refueling operations for aircraft involved in the Bosnian airspace control.

Mini-Wave in Sicily

Sicily was involved in sightings from early June.

• June 10th: A luminous phenomenon was observed across Sicily, described as "pieces of glass" by some, and as two large, changing-colored spheres with fiery tails by others in Vittoria (RG) and Ragusa.
• June 12th: In Carlentini (SR), two people described a luminous object that split into two parts emitting green light.
• June 19th: In Palermo, four green lights were seen moving and then disappearing.
• June 20th: In Messina, a family and friends observed a red neon-like beam of light, and later a yellow luminous object moving in jerky motions.
• June 24th: In Messina, a boy saw a luminous red globe descend rapidly and hover near a building before flying away.
• June 28th: In Messina, a merchant and his wife filmed a luminous object that appeared to be Venus.
• July 7th: In Vizzini (CT), a forest ranger observed a blue flash that expanded into an umbrella-shaped light on the ground, which then disappeared. This phenomenon was also observed by a colleague.
• July 7th: In Catania, numerous calls reported a round luminous object emitting smoke, but no trace was found upon police arrival. This was later attributed to a balloon.

The Pavese Flap

• July 8th: In Lirio (PV), a farmer observed a humanoid being about 2 meters tall, wearing metallic attire, with luminous red eyes. The being later spoke to the farmer and flew away. The same humanoid was reportedly seen again later.
• July 10th: In Val Schizzola (PV), two farmers saw a shining, spiral-like individual about 2 meters tall.

July: The Wave Continues

• July 3rd: In Lido di Camaiore (LU), a couple observed a luminous tube-like object that exploded.
• July 6th: In Rome, numerous calls reported a green light in the sky coinciding with a U2 concert.
• July 7th: In Marina di Massa (MS), a spherical red-orange light was observed hovering and emitting beams.
• July 7th: In Fenestrelle (TO), a park ranger saw a yellow object hovering and descending, with two individuals visible inside. The object later disappeared. A hot air balloon with two German pilots was found on an alpine pasture.
• July 10th: In Carmignano (FI), about twenty people observed luminous beams illuminating the area, forming a triangle with a central sphere.
• July 11th: In Prato (FI), two girls saw a spiral-like structure with a large sphere on top, which then dissolved.

Other Sections

Manual of Ufological Investigation Methodology (New Edition)

The second edition of the "Manual of Ufological Investigation Methodology," edited by Edoardo Russo, was sent to 1993 CISU subscribers. The manual, first published in 1984, is the primary guide for UFO investigation in Italy. The revised edition includes an introduction to investigation goals, a section on witness interviews, and guidance on writing reports. It also features a memo for investigators, a list of essential materials, and a schema for identifying conventional objects and phenomena that can be mistaken for UFOs. A definitive version is in progress.

National Convention

The 7th National Ufology Convention, themed "Ufological Investigation," was held in Bologna on November 27th. Presentations covered IR-3 cases, abductions, UFO waves, crashed flying saucers (Roswell), and photographic cases, all examined from an investigative perspective. The convention was attended by about fifty ufologists and enthusiasts.

Local Outreach

This section details the public outreach activities of CISU members in the second half of 1993. These include articles in local newspapers and magazines, interviews on radio and television, participation in conferences and exhibitions, and public lectures on ufology.

• Notable mentions include:
• An article by Pietro Barbato and Giorgio Russolillo in "Contatto News."
• Giuseppe Stilo's interview on the "incompatibility" of UFO waves and Marian apparitions, picked up by several newspapers.
• Appeals to witnesses published by Antonio Rampulla and Antonio Blanco.
• Interviews with Antonio Blanco and Antonino Rampulla on Tele Etna.
• A review of the Travis Walton film "Fire in the Sky" in "Ciao 2001."
• A press release by Paolo Fiorino and Paolo Toselli on "flying humanoid" sightings, reported by AdnKronos and various newspapers.
• A service on UFOs in the magazine "Focus."
• Interviews with Claudio Cavallini on Tele Lomellina and "Provincia pavese."
• An interview with Fulvio Colombo in "Corriere Valsesiano."
• A summary of provincial data in "Il Gazzettino."
• Interviews with Paolo Fiorino and Paolo Toselli regarding sightings in Pavia and Genoa.
• Stefano Innocenti's presentation on "Electromagnetic Effects in Italian Ufological Cases" at a national science conference.
• Paolo Toselli's interview with AdnKronos about alleged "faces" and constructions on Mars.
• Giuseppe Stilo's interviews in "Cronaca di Verona."
• CISU press releases appealing for witnesses.
• Fulvio Colombo's interviews regarding cases in Vercelli.
• Edoardo Russo's press release on a recent flap.
• An article on ufology and CISU in "La Nazione."
• An announcement for the CISU National Ufology Convention in "Il Cittadino di Siena."
• Massimo Valloscuo's interviews about local sightings.
• Conferences by Edoardo Russo and Massimo Valloscuo.
• Giorgio Russolillo's participation in a TV program in Agropoli.
• Antonio Blanco's regular ufology program on Radio Arcobaleno.
• Matteo Leone's ufology program on Radio Flash.
• Fabrizio Dividi's lectures on ufology.
• Gian Paolo Grassino's participation in the TV program "Uno per tutti."
• Renzo Cabassi's press release contesting the association of UFO topics with a political candidate.
• An article by Antonio Rampulla and an interview with Antonio Blanco in "L'articolo" and "Incontri."
• CISU participation in the "Mystéria" exhibition in Milan.
• Sveva Stallone's conference on "Ufology: Historical Notes."
• Giuseppe Stilo's conference on "UFO: The Mystery of Abductions."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the extensive documentation and investigation of UFO sightings, particularly the 1993 summer wave in Italy. The editorial stance is one of rigorous, scientific investigation, emphasizing detailed reporting and analysis of cases. CISU positions itself as a central hub for ufological research in Italy, actively collecting, cataloging, and disseminating information through its publications and archival services. There is a clear focus on providing members with access to this growing body of material and on educating the public through various outreach activities. The magazine also highlights the organizational aspects of CISU, including board meetings, assemblies, and membership updates, underscoring its structured approach to ufology.

This issue of "Notizie UFO" from December 1993 serves as a comprehensive report on unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings and related phenomena primarily occurring in Italy during August, September, and October of that year. It functions as a newsletter for the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), detailing numerous eyewitness accounts, investigations, and media coverage of these events.

August 1993: Sightings and Meteor Events

The August section begins by noting a slowdown in the "wave" of sightings. However, several incidents are detailed: on August 1st, a saleswoman in Castellina Marittima (LI) saw a fast-moving light. On August 7th, a nocturnal light was observed in Sassari. On August 9th, a woman in Cremona witnessed a large, motionless, five-pointed yellow star. On August 14th, a man in Bovolone (VR) saw a large, illuminated orange object. The issue also addresses the Perseid meteor shower, noting the public's disappointment due to a lack of expected activity. However, on August 20th, a bright meteor (magnitude -12) with a reddish trail was observed across northern Italy, generating significant media attention and often being labeled as a UFO. Another bright bolide (magnitude -10) was reported on August 16th, particularly in the Veneto region.

Late August 1993: The Wave Continues

The wave of sightings resumed at the end of August. On August 24th, an automobilist in Fiuminata (MC) observed a large, descending orange light. On August 26th, two young men near Bovolone (VR) reported seeing a very large, oval-shaped object hovering close to the ground. On August 28th, people in Savigliano (CN) noticed a light moving erratically in the clouds for about an hour. In Villanova Monferrato (AL), an ufology enthusiast saw a light moving low to the ground at a speed of 30-40 km/h. On August 30th, in Merate (MI), a luminous orange-violet sphere was seen descending. Towards the end of August, a man and his mother in Elba (LI) observed a silver cigar-shaped object flying regularly.

Photos and Films

This section highlights the increase in photographic and cinematographic evidence of alleged UFOs. It mentions cases from Messina and Cassolnovo, and details six other instances. These include a prank involving a picnic plate, a farmer photographing a spherical object later identified as a colored balloon, and a five-minute video recording of an orange, luminous object in Ora (BZ) that changed shape before disappearing. A geometrist in Ceranesi (GE) photographed a dark object against the dawn sky, and a young man in Genoa filmed a pulsating luminous object. A semicircular object was reported over Bolzaneto (GE), and a strange light was filmed in Terracina (LT).

September 1993: The Wave Continues

September saw continued reports. On September 4th, two lights chasing each other were observed in Scicli (RG). On September 6th, an object with a trail was seen in Borgo a Mozzano (LU). On September 23rd, a couple in Iesi (AN) saw a bluish glow that turned into a sphere. Another couple in Varano di Ancona observed a dazzling blue-green light ascending. On September 10th, hundreds of people in various towns in the Bologna region reported strange lights, initially attributed to a laser from a discotheque. A doctor in Narni Scalo (TR) observed a pulsating red-orange light. A baker in Porto San Giorgio (AP) saw a small luminous sphere changing color. In Parma, a man saw a right-angled, squad-shaped object flying between clouds. On September 19th, nine people in Campagnano (RM) observed an orange luminous point that performed complex maneuvers, followed by other lights. On September 20th, a very fast reddish ball was seen in Vaglie (FI). On September 22nd, a whitish object with a red tail crossed the Itria Valley at low altitude.

The September 29th Flap

A significant atmospheric reentry phenomenon occurred around 6 PM on September 29th, reported across the province of Como and surrounding areas. It was described as a luminous orange sphere fragmenting into smaller parts, causing alarm and being mistaken for a falling aircraft. Amateur astronomers in Sormano (CO) provided detailed testimony. Similar sightings were reported in the province of Bologna, prompting a public appeal for witnesses.

International News and Collaborations

The magazine also touches upon international ufology. It mentions a convention in Lyon, France, organized by SOS-OVNI, featuring speakers on various ufological topics. CISU has also partnered with MUFONET, the computerized UFO network of the Mutual UFO Network in the USA, gaining access to extensive English-language UFO case files and articles. The issue notes regular visits and meetings with foreign colleagues, including Spanish ufologist Javier Sierra and French SEPRA director Jean-Jacques Velasco.

Other Sections

Other sections include "In Videoteca," announcing new UFO-related VHS releases; "Sondaggio," presenting the results of a survey on public beliefs about extraterrestrials and their characteristics; and "Oltre la Terra," detailing CISU's involvement in a documentary series about UFOs. It also includes obituaries for Italian ufologists Gian Luigi Zoccoli and Giuseppe De Falco, and a report on a "missing flap" event in Europe on March 30-31, 1993, which involved thousands of observers in Spain, France, Great Britain, and Ireland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of numerous UFO sightings across Italy, the investigation of these phenomena by CISU and other researchers, and the media's role in covering and sometimes sensationalizing these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and documentation, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of ufological activity and public interest in the subject. There is a clear effort to distinguish between genuine sightings, misidentifications (like meteors or aircraft), and potential hoaxes, while also acknowledging the persistent mystery surrounding many reports.