Rassegna Casistica - No 01 - 1988 07

Magazine Overview

Title: RASSEGNA CASISTICA
Issue: N. 1
Date: LUGLIO 1988
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

This issue of "Rassegna Casistica" marks the debut of a new publication from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), aiming to disseminate information from the center's archives. The publication intends to go beyond brief news items and provide detailed case studies and analyses, drawing primarily from investigator reports and direct witness testimonies.

Editorial Introduction

The editorial explains that "Rassegna Casistica" was created to make the CISU's collected information accessible. It notes that while brief sightings are covered in "Notizie UFO" and more detailed cases in "Rivista di informazione ufologica," this new publication will offer a more comprehensive approach. The goal is to present collected data and their analysis, particularly from investigation reports, and to encourage collaborators to participate in investigations and report writing. The publication aims to foster a space for non-trivial information exchange and creation, contributing to the qualitative growth of organized research.

• The publication will feature several sections:
• INDAGINI (Investigations): Detailed reports of investigations received by the Center, including a "Reconstruction of the sighting" based on the "Manual of investigation methodology."
• TESTIMONIANZE (Testimonies): Direct accounts from witnesses.
• CASISTICA ESTERA (Foreign Cases): The most interesting or significant international cases.
• STUDI ED ANALISI (Studies and Analyses): Articles on issues related to UFO cases.
• LETTERE E COMMENTI (Letters and Comments): A section for reader feedback, starting from the next issue.
• CASI LIMITE (Borderline Cases): Occasionally, events that are not strictly ufological but are related.

The editorial acknowledges that while this might seem like planning an encyclopedia, the available space will be limited, and the focus will be on truly valid cases.

Investigations (INDAGINI)

Case 60B003: UN ALTRO IR - 3 A BOLOGNA NEGLI ANNI '60

• Date: May 15, 1960
• Time: 22:30
• Location: San Lazzaro di Savena (Bologna), Italy
• Investigator: Renzo Cabassi (Bologna)

This case involves a witness, A.L., who was in a remote quarry area known for its gypsum caves. While in his parked car, A.L. experienced a jolt and a sensation described as an electric shock. He then observed a luminous, multicolored object resting on the ground, approximately the size of a vehicle. A human-like figure emerged from the object and ascended vertically. The object then changed shape from spherical to a flattened oval before disappearing. A.L. reported an intense thirst for 48 hours following the event. Subsequent investigation of the site revealed no trace of the object or figure.

Case 84BG01: "SCORIE" DAL CIELO? ("Scories" from the Sky?)

• Date: July 1984
• Time: 23:00
• Location: Calolziocorte (BG), Italy
• Investigator: Luca Rota (Caloziocorte)

A credible witness, a man in his seventies, reported observing a spherical object of intense brightness, described as many times larger than the sun, moving at fantastic speed at a low altitude (100-200 meters). The object was preceded by a strange wind and a yellow glow. After the object disappeared, strange, ash-like filaments began to fall from the sky. These filaments, when in contact with grass, caused it to turn pale. Unfortunately, no samples of this material were collected.

Case 88N001: BIANDRATE (NO)

• Date: January 23, 1988
• Time: 00:15
• Location: Biandrate (NO), Italy
• Investigator: Giampiero Donati (Romentino, NO)

Two university students, Chiara M. and Gabriele P., reported seeing lights appear above their car while driving. They stopped and heard a humming sound. They observed a black, triangular object with a circular protrusion in the center, moving at high speed. The object emitted bright flashes, described as similar to magnesium flares. The witness's father also reported hearing a similar noise around the same time. The investigation suggests the object was not a conventional aircraft.

Testimonies (TESTIMONIANZE)

Case 87CT01: Catania

• Date: November 11, 1987
• Time: 18:30
• Location: Catania, Italy
• Investigator: Antoni Rampulla (Catania)

Multiple witnesses in Catania reported seeing four powerful light beams rotating in the sky. Initially, authorities suggested they were laser beams from the Sigonella military base. However, subsequent police investigations identified the lights as powerful photoelectric lamps used in the "Medrano" circus, which was inaugurating its show in the city that evening. The report notes the similarity to light phenomena observed in Milan in 1986.

Case 78SV18: SAVONA

• Date: March 21, 1978
• Time: 18:25
• Location: Savona, Italy
• Source: Umberto Cordier (Savona)

A witness observed a bright, red, intensely scintillating luminous object during sunset. The object appeared stationary or moving slowly downwards. It was located at a significant elevation and its light could not have originated from terrestrial sources. The witness initially considered industrial emissions but ruled it out. The object maintained its position as the witness drove along the coast and then disappeared. The witness suggested it might have been a signal flare, but the intense red color and scintillation were unusual.

Case 79RM06: Roma

• Date: July 10, 1979
• Time: 20:54
• Location: Ostia (Rome), Italy
• Source: Ermenegildo Persone' (Rome)

While on vacation, a witness observed a luminous object in the sky. Using binoculars, they noted its cigar shape, estimated dimensions of 60 meters long and 10 meters high, and a constant speed from East to West. The object was described as a bright orange neon tube. The witness's mother and a friend also saw the object. They initially considered it might be a fragment of the Skylab, but later ruled out an airplane due to its distinct characteristics and lack of engine noise. No logical explanation was found.

Case 87NA04: NAPOLI

• Date: October 12, 1987
• Time: 18:20
• Location: Napoli, Italy
• Source: Giorgio Russolillo (Napoli)

Two witnesses, driving in Naples during rapidly deteriorating weather, observed a black, triangular object with a delta wing shape emerging from the clouds. The object moved at extremely high speed, accompanied by intense, blinding flashes. It moved in a direction from West to East, covering a large distance in seconds without any audible sound. The witnesses noted the absence of any navigation lights. A strong thunderstorm followed the sighting. Investigations with the local airport and air traffic control revealed no unidentified radar tracks or aircraft activity at the time.

Studies and Analysis (STUDI E ANALISI)

CAMPOCATINO: SCOMODIAMO L'ELETTROMAGNETISMO (Campocatino: Let's Disturb Electromagnetism)

• Author: Stefano Innocenti (Rome)

This section analyzes the Campocatino event, which occurred on the night of January 1-2, 1979, in a hotel in Campocatino, Frosinone. The event involved widespread electrical disturbances: lights went out and on, radios activated and deactivated, telephones rang and cut off, and the alarm bell rang. The author explores two main hypotheses: EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) and electromagnetic waves.

• EMP Hypothesis: This is quickly dismissed as it would have rendered solid-state electronics irreparable, which was not the case.

• Electromagnetic Waves Hypothesis: This is considered more plausible. The author discusses the possibility of a strong electromagnetic field generated by a UFO inducing currents in the hotel's electrical systems. This could explain the lights turning on and off, phones ringing, and radios activating. The fact that the radio was battery-powered is noted as significant. The theory suggests that if a UFO absorbs energy, it could cause voltage drops and current fluctuations in the electrical grid, potentially leading to blackouts in smaller power stations. The author also touches upon the possibility of physiological effects on people and animals, noting that while humans reported no ill effects, some dogs appeared lethargic. The author questions the precise nature of the electromagnetic field and its potential effects, considering it might be related to military technology but acknowledging the current limitations in such capabilities.

Foreign Cases (CASISTICA ESTERA)

AUTO ATTACCATA DA UN UFO IN AUSTRALIA? (Car Attacked by a UFO in Australia?)

• Author: Mark Moravec

This report details an incident involving the Knowles family in Australia on January 21st. Their car was reportedly stopped by a UFO, described as a "gigantic egg in an egg cup." The object allegedly left physical traces and caused strange phenomena. Other witnesses corroborated aspects of the event, including a truck driver who saw a bright white light hovering above his vehicle.

Further details emerge from preliminary reports by "UFO Research (South Australia)" and press sources. The Knowles family was traveling from Perth to Melbourne when their car was approached by an object that appeared to be a vehicle's headlight. The object, described as an "astronave" (spaceship), grew larger and more luminous. It reappeared in front of their car, forcing Sean Knowles to perform a "U" turn. The object then reappeared, and they had to swerve to avoid it, nearly colliding with another vehicle. Following this, the car's rear tire burst, and Mrs. Knowles felt a "spongy substance" on the car's roof, which caused a sensation of heat on her hand. A "black-grey mist" entered the car, and the voices of the occupants became higher-pitched and seemed to slow down. They considered the possibility that the object had landed on the car's roof, though they could not see any protrusions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Rassegna Casistica" revolve around detailed UFO sightings, investigations into anomalous aerial phenomena, and the analysis of potential electromagnetic effects associated with these events. The editorial stance is one of encouraging rigorous investigation, data collection, and collaborative analysis within the ufological community. The publication prioritizes direct witness accounts and the systematic study of cases, aiming to move beyond mere anecdotal reporting towards a more structured understanding of UFO phenomena. The inclusion of both Italian and international cases highlights a global perspective on UFO research.

This issue of ACUFOS REPORT DIGEST, dated January 1988 (Issue 29), focuses on UFO sightings and related investigations, with a particular emphasis on media coverage and witness testimonies. The magazine includes detailed accounts of two prominent cases and a system for classifying UFO phenomena.

Case Study: The Family Encounter

The first major report details an incident involving a family who experienced a close encounter with an unidentified object. The account, translated by Fabrizio Dividi from 'Acufos Report Digest' n.29, describes a silent, hovering object that emitted a humming sound. The family's car experienced malfunctions, and they reported that the object seemed to lift the car off the ground. The family's dogs became agitated, and an odor described as 'rotting corpses' was noted. After the object departed, the family found their car's tire had exploded, and they discovered four small notches on the car's roof, possibly from when two suitcases tied to the roof disappeared at high speed. A sample of a 'sooty black' substance found on and inside the car was collected by forensic agents and was later reported by 'Channel 7' experts to be primarily iron oxide, consistent with brake pad wear. The 'perfect cut' on the tire was attributed to driving on the rim with a deflated tire. Investigators from UFOR(SA) noted that the physical evidence was not as strong as media reports suggested and urged caution pending technical reports, concluding that the family members appeared to be grounded individuals dealing with a traumatic episode, with minimal indication of a hoax. The event remained open to interpretation, with investigations ongoing.

Case Study: The 'Pink Medusa' Over London

The second featured article, 'LA "MEDUSA ROSA" SU LONDRA' by Jenny Randles, recounts the widely reported sighting of a luminous pink object over London on January 2nd. Zena Sfeir, a 16-year-old, reported the phenomenon, leading to eight police officers observing a stationary light in the sky over Kensington for about half an hour. The incident garnered significant national media attention, with headlines like 'Salve UFO! Poliziotti spiano una medusa in cielo' in the 'Daily Mirror'. The article notes that while police initially laughed, they were stunned into seriousness when they realized the encounter was 'real'. The serious press also covered the story, with the BBC interviewing Zena. Editorials debated the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and even 'The Indipendent', a newspaper for the 'ruling class', took the sighting seriously, with a headline about a 'flying saucer patrol' sparking a UFO debate.

The article then delves into the controversy surrounding the sighting. 'Dr.' Richard Lawrence of the 'Aetherius Society' dismissed the possibility of it being the planet Jupiter, as suggested by astronomer Patrick Moore, and implied a cover-up due to the police's refusal to cooperate with his group. However, investigator Mike Wootten, from the 'British UFO research Association', who was present at the scene, clarified the situation. He pointed out that Zena had no prior experience with telescopes, had only taken it out of the box for the second time, and the telescope lens was distorted, making any point of light appear as a smear. Zena admitted she had pointed the telescope towards Jupiter and that the 'UFO' was in the same position the following night. A quick check of astronomical positions confirmed it was Jupiter. The author notes that despite this explanation, Zena had the opportunity to share her story with radio listeners and local broadcasters, and millions of newspaper readers and television viewers still consider it a genuine UFO sighting.

Letters and Comments

This section invites readers to submit comments and observations on cases reported in 'Rassegna Casistica', encouraging a constructive debate on methodologies and conclusions. Correspondence is to be directed to the editorial coordinator, Alessandro Cortellazzi, in Trento, Italy.

Typological Classification System

A detailed table, 'TABELLA "A" - CODICI TIPOLOGICI', is presented, outlining a system for classifying UFO cases. This system uses codes to categorize phenomena such as luminous lights in the sky (LN), daytime objects (DD), and close encounters (IR). Close encounters are further subdivided based on effects (temporary, durable, entities, contact/abduction). The system also includes suffixes for specific details like photographic or radar evidence, and 'borderline cases' without a visual UFO sighting but with associated effects or entities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the significant role of media in shaping public perception of UFO phenomena, often sensationalizing events while sometimes distorting or oversimplifying the facts. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical and investigative approach, as evidenced by the detailed debunking of the 'pink jellyfish' sighting and the cautious assessment of the family's encounter. The inclusion of a classification system suggests a desire for systematic analysis within the field of ufology. The magazine aims to foster debate and provide a platform for detailed case studies and commentary, while acknowledging the challenges in definitively explaining many reported phenomena.