Notizie UFO - No 54

Magazine Overview

This document is the March 1997 issue (number 54) of "Notizie UFO," a newsletter from the Italian Center for Ufological Studies (CISU). It serves as an informative circular for its members, covering a range of ufology-related topics, including recent sightings, research activities, publications, and organizational news.

Editorial and Membership Information

The issue begins by wishing members a happy new year and thanking them for their support. It notes that this is the last issue sent to members who have not yet renewed their 1997 membership. A supplementary form is included with the issue, detailing recent publications and subscription options. The "Campagna adesioni '97" (Membership Campaign '97) insert, previously included with the "UFO" magazine, lists available publications and materials. Renewing membership is simplified by direct payment to a postal account. The newsletter also extends a warm welcome to new members.

From the Secretariat (Dalla Segreteria)

Material Received

Between November 1996 and January 1997, the CISU archives received 1530 pages of investigation reports, clippings, and other materials. The secretariat thanks numerous members and friends for their contributions. Due to space limitations, the detailed list of received reports will be published in the next issue.

Board Meeting (Consiglio Direttivo)

A CISU board meeting was held in Milan on January 19th. Attendees included board members Edoardo Russo, Paolo Toselli, Maurizio Verga, and Giuseppe Verdi, along with members Renzo Cabassi, Claudio Cavallini, Giancarlo D'Alessandro, Roberto Farabone, Corrado Guarisco, and Sveva Stallone. Meeting dates were set, organizational proposals were discussed, and a draft questionnaire by Toselli on witness testimonies was examined.

Activities (Attività)

New Projects (Nuovi Progetti)

Several new cataloging and study projects have been initiated:

• FILMCAT: Giovanni Ascione has been cataloging Italian UFO film cases for over a year, attempting to retrieve copies for the archive.
• UFO e diritto: Francesco Antoniazzi is analyzing legal aspects of UFO cases, including witness testimonies, investigations, ufologist activities, and administrative regulations, while also collecting Italian legal cases involving UFOs.
• Ufofilia: Giancarlo D'Alessandro has created a 54-page color catalog titled "La ufofilia - una proposta di classificazione," categorizing stamps with UFO themes.
• Italian Cases with Military/Police Involvement: Paolo Fiorino is coordinating a project to collect and review Italian cases involving military or police forces, including direct observations and subsequent investigations.
• DELTACAT: Roberto Raffaelli has formalized his work collecting and cataloging Italian cases of triangular or polygonal UFOs, maintaining an international archive of such cases.

Bibliography (Bibliografia)

The updated Italian ufological bibliography, "BIBLIOCAT," edited by Marcello Pupilli, has been released eight years after its first edition. The new edition is significantly expanded, featuring 204 pages (up from 68), cataloging 1,500 books (with over 2,000 entries), and providing more detailed information for each entry. The project involved extensive cataloging, computerization, and revision, with significant contributions from Pupilli and Umberto Cordier. The cost is 36,000 lire for non-members and 30,000 lire for members. Annual updates are planned.

International Anthology (Antologia Internazionale)

The twelfth monograph in the "Documenti UFO" series is "Antologia '94 - Annuario ufologico internazionale." It features translated and condensed articles from international ufological magazines published in 1994, selected by Edoardo Russo and eighteen by Giuseppe Verdi.

Local Outreach (Divulgazione Locale)

This section summarizes the local outreach activities of CISU representatives across Italy:

• Tuscany: Massimiliano Grandi coordinated CISU's participation in a television series on Tele Etruria.
• Campania: Giovanni Ascione and Giorgio Russolillo were interviewed by "Corriere di Caserta."
• Piedmont: Paolo Toselli gave presentations on his book "FBI Dossier UFO" in Alessandria and Borgo-manero, and was featured in various publications and a round table discussion on "X-Files."
• Sardinia: A special on CISU's activities was broadcast by 5 Stelle, featuring Antonio Cuccu.
• Puglia: "Quotidiano di Brindisi" dedicated a page to CISU's activities in Puglia, interviewing Lello Cassano.
• Campania: Giorgio Russolillo presented a conference on "The Reality of the UFO Phenomenon."
• Sicily: Antonio Blanco gave a conference in Catania and was interviewed by Radio Rete Centrale.
• National Media: Several local CISU representatives were interviewed by newspapers and radio stations nationwide regarding UFO phenomena, including Gian Pietro Donati, Angelo Ferlicca, Massimo Valloscuro, Simone Grandicelli, and Antonio Cuccu.
• Naples: Daniele Maffettone, Giorgio Russolillo, and Paolo Toselli participated in a night-time UFO broadcast on Radio Marte Stereo.
• Sardinia: Antonio Cuccu featured a report on CISU in "L'Unione Sarda."
• Puglia: Lello Cassano was interviewed by "Quotidiano di Brindisi" and "Quotidiano di Lecce."
• Emilia-Romagna: Renzo Cabassi gave a conference in Modena titled "Four steps among UFOs."
• Turin: The weekly "011 Market" and the magazine "Donna moderna" featured interviews with Paolo Toselli.
• Tuscany: Paolo Toselli gave a well-attended conference in Arezzo on "The UFO Phenomenon between Myth and Science."
• Tuscany: Marco Bianchini published an article on local UFO cases in "Corriere di Siena."
• Lombardy: An interview with Claudio Cavallini appeared in "La Provincia Pavese."

CISU Books (Libri del CISU)

• "Prigionieri di un UFO": A new edition of John Fuller's book on the Hill abduction case, updated by Edoardo Russo and Paolo Toselli, is available for 25,000 lire (22,000 for members).
• "Gli UFO: cinquant'anni di ufologia tra fantasia e realtà": An anthology of articles from the "UFO" magazine, edited by Gian Paolo Grassino and Edoardo Russo, will be released in April. It will be 320 pages long and cost 27,000 lire (24,000 for members).
• "FBI: dossier UFO - I veri X-Files": Paolo Toselli's book is still available for 25,000 lire (22,000 for members).
• "A colazione con gli UFO": Massimo Valloscuro's book, exploring UFO topics and personal accounts, is priced at 32,000 lire (26,000 for members).

100 UFOTEL in Two Years

In late November 1996, UFOTEL, CISU's weekly UFO news service, reached its 100th broadcast and celebrated its second anniversary. The service, which began on November 28, 1994, provides free UFO news from around the world to hundreds of callers weekly.

CISU and the Internet

CISU is increasingly utilizing the internet as a global showcase and information source. The "UFO ONLINE" mega-site, curated by Maurizio Verga, is highly visited and receives positive feedback. The official CISU website, "CISU-ON-LINE," managed by Edoardo Russo, is also frequently mentioned in various publications. The organization has also registered the domain "ufo.it" and established a central email address ([email protected]) for message distribution.

UFOITALIA

The "UFOITALIA" mailing list has gained significant success, serving as a free forum for participants to share news and comments. It has over 200 subscribers, including many CISU members and collaborators. The volume of messages exchanged has been substantial.

Recent Sightings (Avvistamenti Recenti)

This section provides brief updates on recent UFO sightings without extensive commentary:

• November 1996:
• A case in Isolaverde di Sottomarina (VE) involving a large light and humanoid figures.
• A reported luminous circle in Galugnano (Lecce) that turned out to be boys playing.
• Lights observed over the Plan de Corones (BZ) moving unnaturally.
• Lights seen near the Tavazzano (Lodi) power plant, described as zig-zagging.
• November 1996:
• A sighting in Rome (RM) where a librarian photographed a luminous object.
• A family in Genzano di Roma (RM) filmed a drop-shaped light with a reddish trail.
• Reports from Pordenone of a strange light performing unusual maneuvers.
• A flaming object with a trail reported over the Sibillini mountains near Ascoli Piceno (AP).
• December 1996:
• A large luminous circle reported in Parma (PR) was identified as a laser light show.
• Lights observed in formation in Sesto San Giovanni and Bresso (MI).
• A point of light performing evolutions in the sky over Montichiari (BS).
• January 1997 (Epiphany Flap):
• Multiple sightings across Italy, including at Fiumicino Airport (Rome), involving luminous objects and potential electromagnetic effects.
• Reports from various regions like Lazio, Marche, Emilia, Umbria, Romagna, Lombardy, Trentino, and Puglia.
• Continued reports from Sardinia, Tuscany, and Abruzzo.
• A sighting in Villamassargia (CA) of a large circular object with lights directed downwards.
• A semi-circular luminous object observed near Albacina (Ancona).
• A luminous cone with rotating lights seen in Prignano (SA).
• An oval object of gray color reported in Piacenza.
• Two white rotating globes filmed departing from Fiumicino (Rome).
• Sightings in the Marche region involving strange lights.

Seismic and Radar Detections, Parliamentary Inquiry (Rilevamenti Sismici e Radar, Interrogazione Parlamentare)

Following the lack of radar confirmation for the Epiphany sightings, Green party parliamentarians submitted a query to the defense and interior ministers regarding military radar detection. CISU, with the help of astronomers, recovered seismic detection data that indicated a double boom, likely from the observed bolide. The Italian Air Force and ENAV (National Civil Aviation Assistance Agency) formally denied any military radar detection of the phenomenon. CISU awaits concrete data from those who claim otherwise.

Other Recent Sightings (Altri Avvistamenti Recenti)

• A green light was observed over Abbadia di Fiastra (MC).
• A luminous object with flashing lights was filmed over Vallonica di Treio (MC).
• A couple in Sant'Elpidio a Mare (AP) reported a hovering light.

UFO Notes: CISU and Other Ufological Publications

This section critically reviews the current landscape of ufological publications in Italy. The author notes an increase in books and periodicals but a perceived decline in quality and an increase in sensationalism and misinformation, particularly concerning conspiracy theories and commercial ufology. The article contrasts these with CISU's approach, emphasizing serious research, documentation, and a commitment to providing accurate information. It critiques publications like "Notiziario UFO" and "Dossier Alieni" for their commercial and sensationalist focus, and "Oltre la Conoscenza" for its pseudo-ufological ideology. "I Misteri" and "UFO News Magazine" are seen as having a broader scope but varying levels of quality. The article highlights CISU's commitment to rigorous, documented information, contrasting it with sensationalist or third-hand reports. It also discusses CISU's cautious approach to collaborating with commercial publications, aiming to counter disinformation.

In the Bookstores (In Libreria)

• "Alieni in Italia - 50 anni di incontri ravvicinati" by Moreno Tambellini (Mediterranee, 30,000 lire).
• "Incontri ravvicinati tra umani e extraterrestri" by Richard Boylan (Futura, 25,000 lire).
• "Il caso Roswell - Gli extraterrestri sono già qui?" by Gildas Bourdais (Mediterranee, 25,000 lire).

On the Newsstands: New Magazine and Encyclopedias (In Edicola: Nuova Rivista e Due Enciclopedie)

• "UFO Contact": A new monthly ufological magazine, edited by Maurizio Asaro, is available for 7,000 lire.
• "UFO: Dossier X": An encyclopedia published by Fabbri, curated by Maurizio Baiata and Roberto Pinotti, consists of 50 installments with accompanying video cassettes, costing 16,900 lire per installment (total 656,000 lire).
• "The X Factor": De Agostini's encyclopedia, similar to "UFO: Dossier X" but also covering paranormal phenomena and government conspiracies, is released bi-weekly for 5,900 lire per installment.

Comics and Cartoons (Fumetti e Comiche)

• The February-March issue of "Paper Fantasy" features a story inspired by abductions and reprints a classic UFO-themed Donald Duck comic.
• The magazine "Essere - La voce della New Age" featured UFOs on its February cover, with an article by astrologer Luisa De Giuli predicting an imminent contact with "space brothers."

Legal Battles Between Ufological Magazines (Battaglie Legali Tra Riviste Ufologiche)

The article mentions a legal dispute where the Centro Ufologico Nazionale and the publisher of "Notiziario UFO" sought to block the release of "UFO News Magazine," alleging unfair competition and trademark infringement. The judge ruled against them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently emphasizes rigorous research, factual reporting, and the importance of documented evidence in ufology. It criticizes sensationalism, commercialization, and unsubstantiated claims within the field. The editorial stance is one of serious, academic inquiry, aiming to provide accurate information and counter disinformation, even when collaborating with publications that may not share the same strict standards. The role of the internet as a communication tool and information source for CISU is also a recurring theme.

This issue of NOTIZIE UFO, dated March 1997 (Issue 11), is a publication from Italy focused on ufology. It addresses various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including media coverage, reported sightings, alleged encounters, and research into these events. The magazine aims to provide information and analysis on UFO-related topics.

Editorial Stance and Initial Controversy

The issue opens with a discussion on journalistic ethics and the use of the term "UFO." It criticizes the notion that any single entity can claim exclusive rights to the term, emphasizing the principle of pluralism in information dissemination. This point is illustrated by communications from Marco Iafrate (director of Edizioni Cioè), lawyer Nicola Rocchetti, and Stefano Innocenti, who argue that competition should be based on content, not on the name of a publication.

Television Program Listings

A significant section is dedicated to the "CENTRO DI ASCOLTO RADIO-TV" (Radio-TV Listening Center), providing a detailed list of national television programs that featured UFO-related content during November-December 1996 and January 1997. Compiled by Paolo Toselli, this list includes program titles, broadcast dates, channels, and brief descriptions of the UFO topics covered, such as alien abductions, alleged encounters, and UFO sightings. The CISU Video Archive is noted for possessing recordings of some of these programs.

International UFO Incidents

The "ESTERO" (Abroad) section reports on several significant UFO-related incidents:

• UFO, Aerial Booms, and Near Misses: This section details a series of events where UFOs were associated with aerial incidents. Following the TWA 800 disaster, witnesses and pilots reported seeing elongated objects with smoke trails. A notable incident occurred on November 16th when two aircraft at Kennedy Airport observed a dark object with green lights crossing their path, which was also detected by radar. Another event on November 18th involved a reported explosion and a plane crash near Annecy, France, leading to a search operation. On November 26th, near Ales, France, witnesses reported fiery fragments falling from the sky and a loud explosion, attributed to a mine. An explosion of an aerial object over the sea off the coast of Wales on November 23rd was also reported, with radar detection. On December 12th, a Boeing 747 pilot reported a luminous greenish object overtaking his aircraft near Long Island.
• Alien Abduction Insurance Scam: The magazine details a story about a supposed alien abduction that was allegedly used to promote an insurance policy against alien abductions. Joseph Carpenter, a UFO enthusiast, claimed to have been abducted and sought compensation. However, the story was later revealed to be a hoax orchestrated by the insurance company to publicize their new policy. The name "Klaatu" used by the fake witness was noted as being from the science fiction film "The Day the Earth Stood Still."
• UFOs in Canada and the USA: Chris Rutkowski reported over 200 UFO cases in Canada for 1996. A bright green object with a trail was observed over several US states on January 22nd, identified as the reentry of a Delta II rocket. An oval object was filmed hovering over Seoul, South Korea, on January 21st.

New Books and UFO Research

Several new books and publications related to ufology are highlighted:

• New Books on Roswell: "La storia di Roswell" by Pierre Lagrange is mentioned as the first in a series on the Roswell incident. In the US, Philip Corso's "Il giorno dopo Roswell" is announced.
• Books by CISU Members: Umberto Cordier's "Guida ai luoghi misteriosi d'Italia" and Paolo Toselli's "Di bocca in bocca" are featured. Antonio Lo Campo's book "Il ritorno sulla luna - L'Apollo 14 e i suoi protagonisti" is also available through the CISU Book Service.
• UFOs and Aliens in Israel: The issue reports on a "world UFO conference" in Israel, where a supposed tiny alien was found. However, subsequent analysis by BUFORA concluded the material was terrestrial, similar to a frog or lizard embryo. The event was largely debunked, with some suggesting it was a cow dung sample.

Notable Figures and Cases

• Passings in the UFO Community: The magazine notes the deaths of Mimi Hynek, widow of ufologist Joseph Allen Hynek, and astrophysicist Carl Sagan, who became a prominent critic of UFO research later in his career. Clyde Tombaugh, discoverer of Pluto, who also reported a UFO sighting, is also mentioned.
• The Mysterious Companion of Comet Hale-Bopp: An object photographed near Comet Hale-Bopp, initially speculated to be a Saturn-shaped spacecraft, was later identified as a star distorted by diffraction effects.
• The UMMO Phenomenon: The issue discusses the UMMO phenomenon, referencing theories by Jean Pierre Petit and documents allegedly obtained from UMMO extraterrestrials. The CISU archives contain extensive documentation on this case.
• The Caponi Case: The magazine analyzes the Caponi case, where a ceramic puppet was presented as an alien. It criticizes a magazine article for omitting negative findings from the investigation and for not mentioning Caponi's confession to building the puppet himself. The article suggests a "conspiracy of silence" or "conspiracy of noise" surrounding the case.

Other Sections

• Pilot Sightings: Reports of UFO sightings by pilots in Australia, California, Japan, and Ecuador are mentioned.
• Insurance for Alien Abduction: The story of Joseph Carpenter and the alien abduction insurance policy is revisited, with details on how it was exposed as a hoax.
• Book Reviews and Library Additions: New books available through the CISU library are listed, including works by Jerome Clark, Kevin D. Randle, Donald R. Schmitt, Nick Pope, and Derek Sheffield.
• Questions and Answers: A section addresses reader queries, including one about Jean Pierre Petit's theories on UMMO flying discs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the media's role in reporting UFO phenomena, the investigation of alleged sightings and incidents, the debunking of hoaxes, and the ongoing research efforts by ufologists and organizations like CISU. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis, aiming to present factual information and expose misinformation while acknowledging the complexity and ongoing nature of UFO research. The magazine emphasizes the importance of documented evidence and scientific scrutiny, as seen in its analysis of the Caponi case and the Israeli alien incident.