Notizie UFO - No 46

Magazine Overview

Title: NOTIZIE UFO
Issue: 46
Date: October 1994
Publisher: CENTRO ITALIANO STUDI UFOLOGICI (CISU)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of "Notizie UFO" (UFO News), published by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), provides a comprehensive overview of ufological activities and news in Italy during the period of June to September 1994. The editorial highlights the renewed interest in ufology from mass media, exemplified by the TV series "X-Files," and notes a significant increase in sightings during the summer, many of which are described as noteworthy and deviating from typical nocturnal lights, including 'flying humanoids.' The magazine also emphasizes the internal vitality of the organization, with numerous local investigations and ongoing studies.

DALLA SEGRETERIA (From the Secretariat)

Material Received:
Between June and September, the CISU Archives received 1244 pages of investigation reports, clippings, and other materials. The magazine thanks numerous subscribers and friends for their contributions. A list of these individuals is provided, indicating their respective locations within Italy.

Board of Directors Meeting:
A meeting of the CISU Board of Directors was held in Bologna on June 26th. Attendees included board members and other associates. Various pending issues were discussed, including the Center's publications (magazine, monographs, books) and the modalities for organizing the annual convention. The minutes of the meeting were sent to all ordinary members.

The Magazine in Feltrinelli Bookstores:
Thanks to negotiations by Renzo Cabassi, the magazine "UFO" is now distributed in the Librerie Feltrinelli chain, present in most regional capitals and known for offering technical magazines. This expands the magazine's reach, with an additional twenty points of sale expected to be added in November, including cities where "UFO" was not previously available. This is presented as a step towards improving the dissemination of serious ufological content in Italy, where the magazine has been the sole specialized national publication for nine years.

I LIBRI DELL'IGNOTO (Books of the Unknown)

An agreement has been reached with the Milanese publisher Hobby & Work for the acquisition of their "L'ignoto" encyclopedia and "Libri dell'ignoto" series. Recognizing the difficulty many members have in finding these UFO-related publications, the UPIAR Cooperative has secured a direct purchase from the publisher. The CISU's Libreria del CISU will make these books available to members. Four titles are currently available: "Contattati dagli UFO" (1993) and "Storia del fenomeno UFO" (1993) by Salvador Freixedo, and "Sequestrati dagli UFO" (1994) by Manuel Carballal, and "UFO: una minaccia all'umanità?" (1994) by Salvador Freixedo. The first two were reviewed in "Notizie UFO" n. 42, and the latter two are reviewed in this issue. Additionally, the CISU has acquired copies of two collected volumes of the "L'ignoto" encyclopedia, comprising 23 weekly installments on UFOs, totaling 460 pages, available in color and richly illustrated. These are offered at a reduced price.

ATTIVITÀ (Activities)

INDAGINI RICEVUTE (Investigations Received):
This section lists investigation reports received by the Secretariat from June to September '94, focusing on cases not already covered in the 'Informazioni' section.

• Gianni Antidormi (AQ): Contributed six investigation reports on cases in Abruzzo. These include sightings of a horizontal light segment, a luminous orange sphere, and cases from the 1978 wave, such as stopped clocks and a landing event near Avezzano.
• Marco Bianchini (SI): Interviewed an employee who observed a large flying parallelepiped with two towers, which later took on a cigar shape.
• Antonio Blanco (CT): Submitted a 34-page report on a 'flying humanoid' sighting in Siracusa in March 1994, and a 66-page report on a similar case from November 1993.
• Paolo Fiorino (TO): Submitted a 151-page report on a spectacular close encounter in Badalucco (IM) involving electromagnetic effects, described as a prime example of investigation techniques.
• Marco Orlandi (BO): Investigated two famous cases for the AIRCAT Project: a UFO sighting in Treviso in 1979 and a triangular object pursuit over Piacenza in 1966.
• Giorgio Pattera (PR): Completed a technical report on chemical-physical and biological analyses of asphalt samples from Cicciano (NA), related to alleged UFO traces from 1990.
• Edoardo Russo (TO): Interviewed a witness of a low-altitude sighting in Cantoira (TO) in the 1970s involving a silvery, cigar-shaped object. Russo also investigated a hoax involving a 'flying saucer' in Turin from the 1950s and a case of a farmer seeing a bright light in Chiomonte (TO) in the 1970s.
• Giuseppe Stilo (FI): Compiled a report on a subject with repeated paranormal experiences and a UFO sighting in Umbria in 1972.

ARCHIVI E CATALOGHI REGIONALI (Regional Archives and Catalogs):

• Gian Pietro Donati (NO): Provided an updated provincial catalog of sightings for Novara (127 cases).
• Stefano Innocenti (RM): Submitted magnetic media for the latest editions of regional catalogs for Lazio (802 cases) and Abruzzo/Molise (382 cases), as well as a catalog of Italian cases with physical effects (169 cases).
• Gianni Antidormi (AQ): Accepted the role of curator for the Regional Catalog of Abruzzo and Molise and is establishing a regional archive.
• Arcangelo Cassano (BA): Produced an updated regional catalog for Puglia and Basilicata (195 cases).

UFO IN TV E VIDEO-RIPRESE (UFO on TV and Video Recordings)

This section details the ongoing project to catalog UFO-related content on Italian television and video. A preliminary version of the "Catalogo Video-ufologico italiano" has been created by Edoardo Russo, listing 543 entries, including national and local TV programs, UFO films, documentaries, and commercial video cassettes. The catalog is more complete for national TV programs from 1984 onwards and commercial videos, but less so for local programs and earlier national broadcasts. The project seeks contributions of recordings and information.

UFO E MUSICA (UFO and Music)

A new project initiated by Riccardo De Flora aims to catalog and archive systematic information on UFO-related themes in music, including songs, album covers, and music groups with UFO-related names. The project also aims to collect audio recordings of this material for the Central Archive. The scope is international.

DIVULGAZIONE LOCALE (Local Dissemination)

This section summarizes the local dissemination activities of CISU representatives across Italy from June to September 1994.

• Antonio Blanco and Antonio Rampulla (CT): Published an article in the magazine "Sotto il vulcano."
• Paolo Fiorino (TO): His investigation into the 'Caso Rizzi' was featured in the magazine "Cronaca vera."
• Claudio Cavallini (PV): Was interviewed by "Informatore Vigevanese" about local UFO cases.
• Antonio Cuccu (SS): Was interviewed by "La Nuova Sardegna" about UFO sightings in Sardinia.
• Maurizio Verga (CO): Held a conference on "UFO: the presence of a phenomenon."
• Sveva Stallone (MI): Managed the CISU stand at the "Mystéria" event.
• Gian Paolo Grassino, Matteo Leone, and Luigi Ferri (TO): Participated in a UFO debate on local television.
• Massimo Valloscuro (TR): Was interviewed by "La Nazione" about CISU activities and a local sighting.
• Marco Bianchini (SI): Gave an interview to "La Nazione" about CISU.
• Giuseppe Stilo (FI): Provided an interview to "La Nazione" appealing for witnesses.
• Paolo Toselli (AL): Was featured in an interview in "La Stampa."
• Antonio Blanco (CT): Has a regular column on ufology in "Sotto il vulcano."
• Corrado Guaireco and Maurizio Verga (CO): Contributed to a service on UFO sightings in Como.
• Gian Pietro Donati (NO) and Maurizio Verga (CO): Their work was featured in the local magazine "Broletto."
• Various CISU members: Their activities and contact details were mentioned in several regional newspapers, including "Il Centro," "L'indipendente," and "L'Arena."
• Antonio Cuccu (SS): Summarized data from the Sardinian regional catalog in "La Nuova Sardegna."
• Massimo Valloscuro (TR): Was the subject of an article in "Il Messaggero."
• Antonio Chiumiento (PN): Was interviewed about local UFO cases by "Il Messaggero Veneto."
• Marco Bianchini (SI): Was interviewed on local television.
• Edoardo Russo (TO): Held a conference with slides.
• CISU: Participated in a horror and science fiction fair with a photographic exhibition and a stand.

CHI FA COSA (Who Does What)

This section continues to report on the activities and projects of CISU members, encouraging information exchange and recognizing their work.

• Gianni Antidormi (AQ): Has become a key figure in his local area, actively conducting investigations and archival research, uncovering numerous previously unknown sightings from the Adriatic flap. He is also working to establish a regional section for Abruzzo.
• Antonio Blanco (CT): Is investigating the potential role of epilepsy in some UFO cases.
• Renzo Cabassi (BO): Is actively investigating sightings along the Adriatic coast, focusing on cases in Ancona, Pesaro, and the February incident in Molise, as well as the Abruzzo flap. He has also completed a census of study projects and catalogs by members and collaborated on the Italian translation of Richard Haines' book on the Valentich case.
• Stefano Innocenti (RM), Edoardo Russo (TO), Paolo Toselli (AL), and Maurizio Verga (CO): Have procured a significant amount of English-language ufological texts from BBS and telematics databases in the US, covering topics from NASA debates to the Roswell case.
• Roberto Raffaelli (FO): Is working on monographs about classic pilot UFO sightings, analyzed from an aeronautical perspective.
• Paolo Toselli (AL): Has published a book on contemporary legends, "La fantastica invasione delle vipere volanti e altre leggende metropolitane dell'Italia d'oggi," which has become a bestseller. He also continues to update the Center's radio-TV listening data and has written articles for "L'astronomia."
• Giuseppe Verdi (RG): Has meticulously indexed 1570 press clippings from "Notiziario Archivio Stampa" (1981-1993) and 508 clippings from the "Operazione Origini" (1946-1953).

INFORMAZIONI (Information)

CENTRO DI ASCOLTO RADIO-TV (Radio-TV Listening Center):
This section lists national television programs that discussed UFOs from June to September 1994, based on data collected by Paolo Toselli. It includes specific dates, channels, program titles, and guests, with an asterisk indicating if the program is available in the CISU Video Archive.

It also lists films and telefilms with ufological themes that aired during the same period, including episodes of "X-Files," "Cocoon," and "La guerra dei mondi."

IN EDICOLA E LIBRERIA (On Newsstands and in Bookstores):

Three new UFO books published in Italy are highlighted:

• "Sequestrati dagli UFO" by Manuel Carballal (Hobby & Work, 1994): Praised as the best of the Spanish "Espacio y tiempo" series, it offers a comprehensive and objective synthesis of abduction phenomena by a leading Iberian ufologist. Its availability is noted as potentially difficult in some cities.
• "UFO: una minaccia all'umanità?" by Salvador Freixedo (Hobby & Work, 1994): Described as a lower-level work by the author, it is the third title from the former theologian.
• "Il mistero dei cerchi nel grano - Gli extraterrestri sono tornati" by Michael Hesemann (Mediterranee, 1994): This book by a German writer and journalist explores crop circles as messages from extraterrestrials, though it is considered only partially ufological.

The magazine "Neural" is also mentioned as having a regular ufological column curated by Maurizio Verga.

STATISTICHE 1993 (1993 Statistics):

The year 1993 was noted for a high number of UFO sightings in Italy, particularly in the summer. CISU collected 288 cases, reducing to 159 when excluding non-ufological reports and unifying flap events. This is compared to the previous year's 160 cases. The distribution of sightings is heavily skewed towards the second half of the year, with a significant number in autumn. Geographically, sightings are spread across most of Italy, with higher concentrations in more populous regions. The time of day for sightings is predominantly in the evening, with most reports involving lights. Close encounters constitute 13% of cases, with a small percentage involving effects or humanoid entities. Photographic and film cases are also noted.

1993: I DATI DEGLI ALTRI (1993: Data from Others):

CISU compares its data with other Italian organizations: the Italian Air Force (Stato Maggiore dell'Aeronautica Militare), the Centro Ufologico Nazionale (CUN), and the Sezione Ufologica Fiorentina (SUF). The Air Force officially collected only 8 cases in 1993. The CUN reported 30 cases, with 25 classified as UFOs, which is surprisingly low compared to global statistics and contradicts the findings of other centers. The SUF's data (256 cases) is closer to CISU's, with SUF having also cataloged reports previously published in "Notizie UFO."

X-FILES

The premiere of the US television series "X-Files" on Canale 5 is discussed. The series, which deals with unexplained crimes attributed to paranormal causes within the FBI archives, is noted as being only partially ufological. Out of twelve episodes, four are centered on UFO-related themes, with ufological references appearing in others. The protagonists are Agent Fox Mulder, driven by personal reasons (his sister's abduction), and the rationalist agent Dana Scully, who is assigned to monitor him. The article describes plot elements from various episodes, including missing time, secret bases, alien technology, UFO abductions, and a crashed UFO. Mulder is portrayed as an outsider, with secret services and his superiors aware of alien presences but attempting to mislead him while keeping him in his investigative role for control purposes. The series' initial run averaged 3 million viewers, and a second season is in production. Canale 5 is also rebroadcasting the first season.

AVVISTAMENTI UFO IN ITALIA (UFO Sightings in Italy)

This section provides a brief update on UFO sightings reported in Italy during recent months, without extensive commentary.

• January 19: Numerous luminous green-blue spheres were observed in Sassari.
• Late February: Two lights, described as chasing helicopters, were seen near Pescina (AQ).
• April 16 (approx.): A large, disc-shaped object was observed hovering in a field near Pozzuolo di Secchia (PS).
• June 4: Two similar lights were seen in the sky in Cusano Milanino (MI).
• June 6: A spherical, silver object was observed hovering and oscillating for over an hour in Cormano (MI).
• June 12: A very bright, luminous object appeared and disappeared three times in Cisanello, Pisa.
• June 16-17: A strange flying object was reportedly photographed in Sovigliana, Empoli (FI).
• Starting June 18: Tourists observed a luminous spherical object with intermittent light near Bagni di Lucca.
• June 19: Two people in Momigno (PT) reported seeing a "parachute" descending into a forest.
• Around June 19: Luminous objects were seen zigzagging in the sky in Platamona di Sorso (SS).
• Starting June 20: A flat light with two blue lights and strange flames was observed for an extended period in Parma.
• June 23: A luminous object was seen in the sky in Casalbordino (CH).
• June 25: Strange disc-shaped spots were reported in Poggi Bonsi (SI).
• June 30: An intense, variable white and blue light was observed in Tricase (LE).

LUGLIO: ARRIVANO GLI UFO BELGI? (July: Are the Belgian UFOs Arriving?):

• July 1: Two women in Meldola (FO) observed a silver, bomb-like object flying swiftly and silently.
• July 7: A very luminous object with a tail crossed the sky in San Quirino (PN), then returned.
• July 12: An object described as a large black ball or a yellow-orange delta-wing shape was seen ascending rapidly in Ortonovo (SP).
• July 13: A girl in Passignano (AQ) reported seeing a "parachute" descending into a forest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Notizie UFO" revolve around the active state of ufology in Italy, characterized by a high volume of reported sightings, detailed investigations, and extensive archival work. The magazine emphasizes the importance of citizen contributions and the dissemination of information through various channels, including its own publication, books, and media appearances. There is a clear stance of promoting serious, evidence-based ufological research, contrasting it with sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The publication also highlights the growing public and media interest in UFO phenomena, partly fueled by popular culture like "X-Files." The editorial stance is one of diligent cataloging, in-depth analysis, and open communication with its readership and the broader community.

Title: NOTIZIE UFO
Issue Date: October 1994
Publisher: UFO
Country: Italy
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Notizie UFO' provides a comprehensive overview of UFO sightings and related discussions from July, August, September, and early October 1994, primarily focusing on reports from Italy. It also includes international news, a detailed editorial, and sections on publications and media.

UFO Sightings and Incidents (July-September 1994)

The magazine meticulously documents numerous reported UFO sightings across various regions of Italy:

• July 1994:
• Campiglia d'Orcia (SI): A luminous disc with strong, annoying light was observed.
• Avezzano (AQ): Two professionals reported being flown over by a 10x10 meter square UFO, 3 meters high, emitting a sound and causing air displacement.
• Corlo di Arsiè (BL): Three burnt grass circles in a triangle were found, later revealed to be a publicity stunt.
• Piedilùco (PG): A moving light was observed during a boat parade, exhibiting horizontal movement and hovering.
• Bergamo: Various reports of luminous objects performing circular trajectories were received.
• Brusuglio (MI): Two boys saw a luminous yellow object that appeared to chase an airplane.
• Crucoli Torretta (CZ): A couple observed a rapid passage of a luminous yellow ellipsoid object moving upwards.

• August 1994 (Mini-Wave in Abruzzo):
• Bussi (PE): An employee and his family witnessed a spherical, luminous, silent object that caused a loss of time perception.
• Caramanico (PE): A family observed a luminous cloud that moved intermittently.
• Popoli (PE): Several people observed a luminescent whitish cloud-like object moving rhythmically in circular patterns.
• Valletta Valsecchi (MN): An employee saw an oblong, cigar-shaped object with an orange tip moving intermittently.
• Roccaraso and Rivisondoli (AQ): Two couples reported a large cross-shaped object with lights passing overhead at low altitude.
• Pescina (AQ): Multiple individuals observed a square object with flashing lights.
• Roverbella (MN): A family observed a dark cross-shaped object covering the moon.
• Mantova: A young employee saw a dazzling, multicolored object flying very low.
• Mantova (August 17): A woman reported hearing noises and seeing red, white, blue, and green lights in a field.
• Genova Province: A dark semi-spherical object was observed moving over Arenzano and Valpolcevera, with one student reportedly photographing it.
• Pordenone and Friuli: A light, initially appearing as an airplane, transformed into a flaming cigar-shaped object, flying silently and then dividing into fiery tongues.
• Cagliari: A woman saw a small luminous disc approaching, followed by a second one, both with undulating movements.
• Trieste: A luminous object with intermittent lights was reported in the Burlo area.
• Pescina (AQ): Two employees observed two red, pulsating lights moving horizontally.
• Rocchetta Sant'Antonio (FG): A farmer reported seeing an armadillo-like being emitting violet light, and later a similar oval-shaped object with an antenna flying silently overhead.
• Bedizzole di Lonato (BS): A young man and another driver observed a large luminous object with bright lights seemingly pointing beams towards the ground.
• Perugia: Two Japanese students observed about twenty dimly luminous spheres changing position rapidly.

• September 1994:
• Sant'Agata Militello (ME): Young people observed a bright, multicolored, intermittent light cone that disappeared, leaving behind large, strange, aligned footprints on the beach.
• Montebelluna (TV): Two women heard a loud noise and saw a large black missile-shaped object flying overhead, leaving a bluish trail.
• Cecina Mare (LI): University students observed a dozen silver luminous dots moving in formation, creating geometric patterns.
• Adriatic Sea (near Treviso): A merchant ship's radar detected an object in flight that suddenly disappeared.
• Azzano and Vailate (BG): A family observed a strange yellow circular light with a halo of lights, which they filmed.
• Levate (BG): Numerous people observed a rotating yellow halo of lights, with one light detaching and descending.

• October 1994:
• Bari: Two individuals saw five or six circular objects with gray glow, changing formation and moving harmoniously.
• Chieri (TO): A woman heard noises and saw red, white, blue, and green lights in a field.
• Rocchetta Sant'Antonio (FG): A farmer reported seeing an armadillo-like being emitting violet light, and later a similar oval-shaped object with an antenna flying silently overhead.
• Bedizzole di Lonato (BS): A young man and another driver observed a large luminous object with bright lights seemingly pointing beams towards the ground.
• Perugia: Two Japanese students observed about twenty dimly luminous spheres changing position rapidly.

Editorial: UFO Phenomenon, Myth, or Just Polemics?

Edoardo Russo addresses a critical editorial from Roberto Pinotti's 'Filo diretto' concerning the CISU's stance on UFOs. Russo clarifies that the CISU distinguishes between the UFO phenomenon (observable, sometimes explainable objects) and the UFO myth (cultural interpretations). He argues that witnesses are sincere and observe real objects, and that the CISU's approach is not reductionist, unlike attempts to explain UFOs solely as internal psychological phenomena. Russo defends the CISU's participation in a Raitre television debate, where he presented the phenomenon-myth distinction, contrasting it with what he perceived as Pinotti's polemical and self-celebratory stance. He also refutes the idea that the CISU promotes UFOs as mere urban legends, citing a statement by Paolo Toselli that distinguishes UFO sightings from legends based on the presence of verifiable witnesses.

International News

• Russia: Ufologist Vladimir Azhazha presented to the Duma's ecology committee, claiming that 5% of missing persons in Russia are abducted by UFOs for human sperm, contributing to the country's demographic crisis and posing a national security threat. This was presented in the context of xenophobic tendencies.
• USA: The US Air Force announced that the 1947 Roswell incident likely involved a secret high-altitude balloon for espionage against the Soviet Union, part of Project Mogul. This announcement has sparked debate among US ufologists.

Publications Received

The magazine lists numerous foreign UFO publications received between June and September 1994, including titles from Russia, the USA, Spain, France, Mexico, Australia, Canada, Germany, and Great Britain. It highlights articles on topics such as the Ummo phenomenon, KGB involvement, the Michalak case, abduction ethics, and the history of ufology.

Books in the Library

A list of recently acquired books in foreign languages is provided for CISU members. Titles cover a range of UFO-related topics, including symposium proceedings, encyclopedic dictionaries of sightings, UFO statistics, abduction cases, the subculture of flying saucers, and analyses of UFOs in relation to psychology and mythology. Notable books include works by Walter Andrus & Irena Scott, Jerome Clark, Paul Ferrughelli, Raymond E. Fowler, John A. Keel, Gregory L. Little, Illobrand von Ludwiger, John E. Mack, Linda Moulton Howe, Curtis Peebles, Kevin Randle & Donald Schmitt.

Media and Products

• Videocassettes: Several UFO-themed film and television series videocassettes are available for rental, including 'Close Encounters' (official translation of 'Official Denial'), 'UFO - Red Alert', 'UFO - Destroy SHADO', and 'UFO - Destroy Luna Base'.
• Ufological Videogame: A new English-language PC game, 'UFO: Enemy Unknown', is noted for its comprehensive simulation of UFO folklore, including abductions, mutilations, implants, and alien technology. It is described as a complex strategy game with both combat and economic elements, though some suggest it could be a psychological warfare tool.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the ongoing debates and polemics within the ufological community (particularly between CISU and CUN), and the exploration of UFOs from both a scientific and cultural perspective. The editorial stance, as represented by Edoardo Russo, emphasizes a rigorous distinction between observable phenomena and subjective interpretations or myths, advocating for a serious and evidence-based approach to studying UFOs while respecting the sincerity of witnesses. The magazine also highlights the international nature of UFO research and reporting.