Rassegna Casistica - No 12 - 1991 12

Magazine Overview

This issue, N. 12, of "Rassegna Casistica" from December 1991, published by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), marks the end of the year with a focus on in-depth investigations of UFO reports. The editorial highlights a new approach emphasizing the thorough examination of investigation reports, a concept introduced in the magazine's first issue. To facilitate this, CISU has established a 'Commission for the evaluation of investigations' tasked with analyzing submitted reports for completeness, adherence to methodology, and the possibility of identifying the observed phenomenon.

This issue presents several case studies for the new commission to discuss, inviting reader feedback to foster a constructive debate.

Investigations

"ANCORA UNA LUCE MISTERIOSA SU MANFREDONIA" (Still a Mysterious Light Over Manfredonia)

This report details a sighting from the summer of 1979 near Manfredonia (FG). Witness Angelo G., while talking with his sister Cinzia and a friend Luisa, observed a luminous white object moving across the sky at an estimated altitude of 25 meters. The object, coming from the sea, headed towards the Gargano mountains without emitting noise. Despite its brightness, it did not reflect light on the surrounding buildings. The witness also noted two or more brilliant red and blue lights below the main object. The movement was described as rectilinear, with an estimated speed of 50-60 km/h. Angelo G.'s parents also confirmed seeing the object. The object disappeared from view within minutes, leading to speculation about its speed or the witness's ability to track it.

Investigator Arcangelo Cassano notes that the case presents 'classic' UFO sighting characteristics. He considers the multiple witnesses' accounts to lend credibility to the event, deeming a fabrication unlikely. Cassano raises two doubts: the estimated size of the object (described as 'large, apparently, 'as big as the full moon'') in relation to its estimated altitude and a suggested diameter of 'two-three meters,' and the object's rapid disappearance. He suggests that the witness might have had enough time to observe the object longer, given the visibility from his house, unless the object accelerated significantly.

"TROMELLO: TRENT'ANNI DOPO UN ALTRO <<BUCO>> MISTERIOSO" (Tromello: Thirty Years Later, Another Mysterious 'Hole')

This case, dated August 1989, involves a mysterious hole discovered in a rice field near Tromello (PV). The witness, Tino C., found a perfectly round hole, about 15-22 cm in diameter, with smooth sides. A stick inserted into the hole sank completely, suggesting a depth of at least two to three meters. The discovery was reported in a local newspaper. Subsequent investigations by a friend, using iron rods, indicated a depth of 12-13 meters before the effort was abandoned.

Investigator Claudio Cavallini describes Tino C. as a reliable, sixty-year-old farmer who seemed genuinely concerned about the phenomenon and cooperative with investigations. Cavallini rules out Tino C. as the source of the hole, citing his primary concern being the loss of rice crops. The timing of the discovery, after the rice harvest, further supports the idea that it was not a hoax for publicity. Cavallini concludes that the witness acted in good faith.

"FERRERE, GHERBA (AT) – IR-2" (90AT01)

This report from July 1990 describes a sighting observed by two witnesses, A.B. and G.V., unaware of each other. The phenomenon occurred around 11 PM in Ferrere, a rural area in the province of Asti. A.B. observed a luminous object described as having 'four circular lights' that would expand and contract without extinguishing. The lights were white, though sometimes perceived as slightly reddish, and did not illuminate the ground below. The object moved at an estimated altitude of 50-70 meters and a distance of about 200 meters. The observation lasted about fifteen minutes. No sound was perceived. The witness's family confirmed seeing 'something.'

Investigator Paolo Fiorino analyzes the case, suggesting that the lights observed by A.B. are consistent with the use of powerful outdoor spotlights, such as those used in circuses, discotheques, or public events. He notes that such lights can create spectacular effects, including beams that intersect and move in patterns. Fiorino points out that over sixty similar cases have been documented in Italy since 1985, often linked to stage lighting technology. He specifically mentions that during a local festival in Settime (AT), near Ferrere, four rotating spotlights from a mobile disco were in operation, visible from several kilometers away. The description of the lights, their movement, and duration align with this explanation.

"LE TRACCE" (The Traces)

This section discusses potential 'traces' found in the Ferrere case. The association between the UFO sighting and these traces is indirect, as no object was seen descending. The traces were discovered the morning after the sighting by the witness's son. The investigation team was unable to conduct an immediate on-site inspection, and a later visit was complicated by misidentification of the location and the possibility that the traces were due to a bonfire. The report details two main circular traces, with a surrounding area where grass was 'scorched' or drier. The traces were about three meters apart. Some witnesses described the ground as 'oily' or covered in 'black powder.'

Fiorino discusses several hypotheses for the traces:

1. Hoax: Ruled out due to the witnesses' credibility and lack of motive.
2. Motocross/Tractor: Dismissed by witnesses and the landowner, though a journalist's report is mentioned as suggesting this.
3. Motorcycle/Tractor Conversion: The landowner suggested this, but the circular nature and the vegetation anomaly (lack of growth within the corona) do not fully align with typical conversion marks.
4. 'Fairy Rings' or 'Witches' Circles': This is the favored hypothesis. The characteristics described (circular patterns, drier grass within a corona, and the presence of fungi) are consistent with natural phenomena like 'fairy rings' caused by certain types of fungi, such as *Psalliota campestris*. The report notes that these fungi grow in circles and can affect vegetation growth. The 'oily' or 'black powder' residue might be related to spores. The investigators propose a follow-up study a year later to observe any further development of this mycological phenomenon.

"UFO O... BOLLE DI GAS SUL LAGO DI LESINA?" (UFO or... Gas Bubbles Over Lesina Lake?)

This report, dated July 1991, covers an event near Lesina (FG) that gained significant media attention. Witness Roberto B., driving near the lake, observed a bright orange light stationary over the isthmus separating the lake from the sea. He stopped his car, as did other motorists, to observe. The light was described as a large, stationary globe, clearly distinct from a sea reflection. Shortly after, a second, smaller light with a bluish-green trail appeared from the northeast and circled the first. This second light then moved away. The witness's attention was then drawn to a third light, visible just below the lake's surface, the origin of which was uncertain (either a reflection or another object emerging from the water). The entire phenomenon lasted approximately twenty minutes. The witnesses had to leave before seeing how the lights disappeared.

Subsequent inquiries confirmed that other people on the coast that evening also saw lights. Additional testimonies from Roberto B.'s watchmaker and the director of the Breeders Association corroborated the sighting, with similar observations made from Foggia, directed towards the Gargano mountains. These witnesses estimated the time between 9:40 PM and 9:50 PM. Two traffic policemen also reported seeing a luminous globe with blurred red-orange edges, initially mistaken for a rocket.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes a rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFO investigations. The editorial stance promotes critical analysis, caution against jumping to conclusions, and a distinction between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes. The recurring theme is the importance of detailed methodology and thorough analysis, as exemplified by the establishment of the new evaluation commission. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious research and discussion within the ufological community, while also acknowledging the potential for prosaic explanations for many reported sightings, such as atmospheric phenomena or terrestrial technology.

This document, issue 11 of the magazine "UFO", details a series of sightings of a luminous globe over Lago di Lesina, Italy, primarily on Sunday, July 27th. The cover headline highlights "UFO, avvistamenti a ripetizione" (UFO, repeated sightings), referencing articles from "La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno". The investigation is presented as a report by Arcangelo Cassano from Bari, dated October 2, 1991.

Witness Testimonies The report begins with accounts from several witnesses. Sebastiano F. reported seeing a strange, slow-moving luminous sphere over the lake that ascended, stopped, and descended three times before disappearing. He estimated the time to be around 8:45 PM to 9:00 PM, with the sun setting or having just set.

Paolo B., traveling with his wife, observed a very large, intensely yellow globe with an orange exterior, moving erratically. He noted that when the object descended, it left a small trail of the same color. Paolo B. also mentioned that his father, a farmer, had reported similar phenomena in the latter half of July, attributing them to local fires.

Another witness, Roberto B., reported seeing a green luminous point descend rapidly from the sky, skim the water's surface, and then ascend. He also mentioned seeing a second, smaller globe that rotated around the first before returning in the direction it came from.

Investigator's Analysis by Arcangelo Cassano Arcangelo Cassano begins his analysis by noting that the Lago di Lesina phenomenon might not be a typical "flying saucer" case. He states that statistical data suggests nearly 90% of reported UFO cases can be explained by conventional causes.

Cassano examines two primary hypotheses: a genuine UFO sighting or a misinterpretation of a natural phenomenon.

Evaluating the UFO Hypothesis Cassano finds several points that make the UFO hypothesis less likely: * Lack of initial observation: None of the witnesses saw the globe arrive from a distance; they only noticed it when it was already over the lake. Cassano suggests a large object descending from the sky should have attracted attention earlier. * Second globe: Only Roberto B. reported seeing a second, smaller globe interacting with the first. This detail is not corroborated by other witnesses. * Departure: No one saw the globe "take off." While some UFOs disappear suddenly, typically they are seen moving away at high speeds or ascending rapidly. The witnesses stated that after the third descent, the globe was no longer seen ascending. * Repetitive nature: The phenomenon was reportedly seen multiple times over about fifteen days. Cassano notes that UFO sightings are rarely repeated over such extended periods. * Lights seen in Foggia: The lights reported by the director of the Foggia Breeders Association and a watchmaker, along with their families, on the evening of July 27th, behaved differently and occurred at a different time (around 9:40 PM to 9:50 PM) than the Lago di Lesina sightings. This suggests a separate event.

Natural Phenomenon Hypothesis Cassano then explores the possibility of a natural explanation, consulting officials from the Meteorological Office of Bari-Palese Airport and the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Bari.

• Characteristics of Lago di Lesina:
• The lake is not deep, averaging only three to four meters.
• Its stagnant water, with limited contact with the sea, is prone to the decomposition of organic matter.
• The presence of gas pockets, particularly hydrogen sulfide, is noted, which can rise to the surface and cause a characteristic sulfurous odor.

Proposed Natural Explanations:
1. Biogas Formation: The warm, stagnant waters could have accelerated the decomposition of organisms, leading to the development of biogas. This gas rising to the surface could have formed the luminous globe.
2. Solar Refraction: The luminosity of the globe could have been caused by the refraction of sunlight, particularly given its orange color, similar to a sunset. The variation in color (yellow center, orange edges) might be due to differences in gas density.
3. Gas Bubble Dynamics: The luminous trail observed by Paolo B. during the globe's descent could be attributed to a gas leak from the bubble, which ignited upon contact with air. The phenomenon might have ended when the biogas supply was exhausted.
4. Atmospheric Layers: The globe's movements (ascending and descending) could be explained by layers of warm air near the lake's surface causing it to rise, and colder upper layers causing it to descend.

Challenges to the Natural Explanation:
Cassano acknowledges that the reported large dimensions of the globe are difficult to reconcile with typical natural phenomena. However, his scientific contacts suggested that such manifestations could, under particular conditions, achieve significant size.

Conclusion Despite the uncertainties, Cassano concludes that all credible witnesses saw something real and objective on July 27th. While acknowledging the possibility of UFOs, he states that, based on the evidence and hypotheses, he is more inclined to attribute the causes of the phenomenon to natural factors rather than "flying saucer" appearances.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The issue focuses on a specific sighting and provides a detailed analysis, weighing witness testimony against scientific explanations. The editorial stance, as presented by Cassano, leans towards skepticism regarding conventional UFO explanations, favoring natural phenomena when evidence supports it. The magazine appears to present detailed case studies and investigative reports within the field of ufology, critically examining each event.