Rassegna Casistica - No 03 - 1988 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of "RASSEGNA CASISTICA", identified as Number 3 from December 1988, marks the conclusion of the publication's experimental year. The editorial team expresses satisfaction with the initiative's progress, deeming it relatively positive, though premature to formalize. They aim for improvement and the creation of a new discussion space, emphasizing the contribution of their readers. The issue is coordinated by Alessandro Cortellazzi and published by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU) from Torino, Italy.

Investigations (INDAGINI)

The issue features several detailed investigative reports on UFO sightings:

Parma, July 25, 1987

Two witnesses, Emma T. and Adriana C., independently reported observing a luminous object in the sky over Parma around 10:30 PM. Emma described a red-flame colored, elliptical light with an aureola, similar in size to the full moon, which disappeared within five seconds. Adriana described a luminous formation, similar to a star-like light, forming slowly and appearing as an irregular ellipse with a circular corona, which then faded out. Both witnesses were seated on their balconies due to the warm evening.

Domodossola, August 2, 1987

Investigated by Paolo Fiorino and Giampiero Donati, this case involves a witness, M.M., who observed a "large luminous thing," described as "rather long" and resembling a "chandelier," moving slowly from southeast to northwest. The object, estimated to be at an altitude of 350-400 meters, approached to within 150-200 meters of the witness's observation point, about 80-100 meters above the rooftops. M.M. reported seeing a "white cloud" surrounding the object and perceived "three people" inside, described as tall and wearing tight trousers and a jacket, with hats similar to those of the Bersaglieri (Italian infantry). The witness felt they were being watched and smiled at. The object then rotated, appearing like a "rolling ball," before disappearing behind the mountains. M.M. also reported a sensation of "wind" or "purified air." The apparent diameter of the object was estimated to be three to four meters. The entire observation lasted approximately half an hour, during which the witness experienced temporal disorientation. The witness, an eighty-three-year-old widow, is described as having some physical and cognitive slowing due to age, and also has vision problems. Her home is filled with religious imagery, and she has had contact with groups associated with Medjugorje. The investigator notes a possible symbiotic interpretation of the phenomenon influenced by her beliefs and those of a contact named "Paolo," who is interested in ufology from a mystical-esoteric-religious perspective. Paolo suggested the UFOs could represent angelic or demonic entities, extraterrestrials, or reincarnated "yesterday's terrestrials." The investigator suggests this case might be a third-level transposition (projective elaboration) as theorized by Paolo Toselli.

Borgo a Mozzano (LU), August 5, 1987

Investigated by Moreno Tambellini, Maurizio Rossi, and Rossano Giannini, this incident involved four people and two children who observed a large, luminous globe of light about 100 meters away. The object, described as spherical with an intense yellow-orange color, illuminated a wide area. It appeared to be resting on something, though not visible, and was accompanied by an unnatural silence. The object then emitted a rectangular light that moved laterally towards a nearby woods. The witnesses, initially in disbelief, later experienced physical discomfort, including headaches, and one witness, Mirella M., had recurring nightmares about luminous globes. A collateral report from a man in Borgo a Mozzano described a sudden blue glow and a luminous sphere with a tail rising from the Serchio river towards the Pizzorne area. A subsequent inspection of the area revealed an oval imprint approximately 24 square meters, suggesting the action of significant pressure or heat.

Florence, August 20, 1988

Investigated by Giuseppe Stilo, this sighting involved friends dining in a garden. Around 11:30 PM, they observed an "almost ovoid" light high in the sky, reflecting on the clouds. The silent object was described as white or whitish and moved in circular patterns. Patrizia P. was particularly affected. After about 45 minutes, the object moved and was no longer visible from the garden. The witnesses contacted the Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory and the newspaper "La Città." A journalist and photographer arrived, and the object was reportedly observed from a car. Later, the object appeared more flattened, smaller, and at a higher altitude, performing wider circular movements. The journalist reportedly took three photos. The object was described as comparable to "three times the full moon" in size and disappeared around 2:30 AM after about three hours.

Florence-Lucca Highway, August 15, 1988

Investigated by the same team as the Florence sighting, this incident occurred around 10:00 PM. A family traveling on the highway noticed a luminous "ball" about two hundred meters high. Initially mistaken for a balloon, the object was observed to ascend slowly like a balloon released by a child. They stopped at a service area to observe it better. The object was described as a "medusa upside down, all lit up, with the light directed upwards." It then ascended very rapidly, becoming a star-like point before disappearing to the right.

Alessandria, September 5, 1987

Investigated by Raffaele Di Gennaro, two young witnesses (16 and 12 years old) reported seeing a round, unidentified object with four non-flashing circular lights at medium distance. The object moved slowly at low altitude for about two minutes, causing the witnesses to feel agitated. The meteorological conditions were good, with a clear sky.

Chivasso (TO), January 23, 1988

A witness observed a very bright, silver, spherical object above a hill on a clear morning. The object alternated between spherical and elongated (dish-like) shapes and was joined by two smaller lights of the same color. All lights elongated and then contracted before disappearing just before sunrise.

Verona, August 16, 1987

A witness reported seeing a formation of five to seven "flying objects" described as "point-like" with weak luminosity, similar to "Lubbock Lights." They moved rapidly from east to west at high altitude, possibly outside the atmosphere. The direction, altitude, and speed were stable. The witness also noted a lightning strike around the same time, questioning if it was related.

Studies and Analysis (STUDI E ANALISI)

UFO and EMP: A Cause for EM Effects?

This section, authored by Stefano Innocenti, explores the connection between UFOs and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects. Inspired by the film "The Day After," which depicted the effects of nuclear bombs, the article explains that EMPs are generated by the interaction of gamma rays with the atmosphere during a nuclear explosion. These EMPs can induce intense currents, capable of destroying electronic devices. The intensity of the induced pulse is proportional to the bomb's destructive force and the altitude of the explosion. High-altitude explosions can affect thousands of square kilometers, potentially disabling all unprotected electronic devices in large areas, such as the entire United States. The article cites a 1962 US hydrogen bomb test over the Pacific Ocean, which caused power outages and electronic failures up to 1500 kilometers away. The author concludes that EMPs are unlikely to be directly related to the electromagnetic effects often reported during UFO sightings, as UFOs are typically observed close to witnesses, not at the high altitudes associated with nuclear EMP generation.

Letters and Comments (LETTERE E COMMENTI)

This section invites readers to submit comments, observations, or opinions on the methodologies and conclusions presented in the magazine. Correspondence should be addressed to the Editorial Coordination: Alessandro Cortellazzi, via Taramelli 14, 38100 Trento.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the detailed reporting and investigation of UFO sightings across Italy, emphasizing witness testimony and the meticulous documentation of each case. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and aiming to foster a deeper understanding of UFO phenomena. The inclusion of the "Studies and Analysis" section, particularly the article on EMP effects, suggests an effort to explore scientific explanations and potential connections to observed phenomena, while also critically evaluating their applicability. The publication maintains a focus on empirical observation and detailed reporting, balanced with an acknowledgment of the psychological and perceptual aspects of witness accounts.

This issue of "RASSEGNA CASISTICA" features a section titled "CASISTICA ESTERA" (Foreign Case Files), with a prominent article titled "UFO SOPRA MADRID?" (UFO Over Madrid?) by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, translated by Matteo Leone. The issue date is September 1988, and it is identified as issue number 3.

UFO Sighting Over Madrid: A Case of Misinterpretation

The article details a reported UFO sighting that occurred on the evening of Saturday, April 23, 1988, near Pinto and Madrid, Spain. Numerous residents of Pinto observed a pink-hued cloud with bright white, stationary points of light. Additionally, three other points were seen orbiting the main cloud at high speed in a counter-clockwise direction. The phenomenon was visible for about thirty minutes, and the objects were reportedly seen until dawn. The event was reported in the Spanish newspaper "DIARIO 16" on April 24, 1988, and also in the Madrid newspaper "YA".

The case gained international attention, particularly in France, where French press reports on April 25 provided more details. This was attributed to the presence of journalists from the French press agency (AFP) among the witnesses. French reports mentioned an "apparent diameter of about one hundred meters" for the pink cloud and noted that many Madrilenians stopped their cars to observe, causing a significant traffic jam.

However, the author, Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, investigates the reality behind the events. He reveals that on the evening of April 23, a charity concert called "ESPANA POR AFRICA" was held at the "palarock" in the Casa del Campo, Madrid. This event was organized by the association MUNDO VIVO to raise funds for Africa. To enhance the event, four powerful 1000W searchlights were used. These projectors, capable of multi-colored beams, were directed into the sky and illuminated the clouds. The beams frequently intersected and converged, creating the impression of rapidly moving luminous circles, which were visible from a considerable distance.

Olmos concludes that this light show, lasting approximately two hours, was the direct cause of the observations reported in the press. He makes two key points: firstly, that the witnesses accurately described the objective aspects of the phenomenon without significant distortion; and secondly, that the lack of a well-organized ufological structure in Madrid led to inadequate informational responses, depriving the public of a simple explanation. Consequently, many who read the reports would mistakenly believe they had witnessed a UFO on April 24, 1988.

Electromagnetic Phenomena and EMP

The first part of the magazine issue delves into the theoretical aspects of electromagnetic phenomena, particularly in relation to UFOs. The author discusses the potential effects of electromagnetic fields and EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) on vehicles and electrical systems. It is suggested that phenomena attributed to X-rays or gamma rays are unlikely to be the cause of vehicle malfunctions, especially given the altitude at which UFOs are often reported.

The article posits that if a UFO emits a pulsating or continuous electromagnetic field, it could interact with overhead power lines, inducing extremely high currents that could overload and trigger alarms at electrical substations, leading to power outages. However, the author dismisses the EMP explanation for widespread blackouts because it would likely result in significant radioactive contamination, which would be noticed. Instead, the observed effects, such as radio interference in battery-powered receivers, point towards a radio frequency electromagnetic field, similar to what causes electrical substations to go into alarm.

A significant challenge highlighted is the difficulty in measuring radio frequency emissions or the strength of electromagnetic fields during such events. The very fields being studied would interfere with and falsify the readings of sensitive modern instruments, or even render them inoperable. The author suggests that a return to older, valve-based instruments might be necessary, as they are considered more resistant to these fields and less likely to be destroyed by EMP.

Based on these considerations, the author decides to set aside the study of EMP for explaining vehicle stoppages, focusing instead on less dangerous electromagnetic wave emissions that might still produce observable effects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "RASSEGNA CASISTICA" appears to focus on debunking sensationalized UFO reports by providing rational explanations based on scientific principles and observable phenomena. The "CASISTICA ESTERA" section, exemplified by the Madrid UFO case, demonstrates a critical approach to eyewitness accounts, emphasizing the role of misinterpretation and environmental factors (like concert searchlights) in creating apparent anomalies. The magazine also explores the scientific underpinnings of phenomena like electromagnetic fields and EMP, examining their potential effects and the challenges in their measurement. The editorial stance seems to favor rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions over sensationalism, aiming to educate readers about the complexities of UFO phenomena and related scientific concepts.