UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica - No 42

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO
Issue: N. 42
Date: December 2016
Publisher: Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (C.I.S.U.)
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
ISSN: 1594-039X
Price: € 6.00

Cover Story: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind in Sicily: Our Investigations"

The cover of this issue prominently features the headline "INCONTRI RAVVICINATI DEL TERZO TIPO IN SICILIA: LE NOSTRE INDAGINI" (Close Encounters of the Third Kind in Sicily: Our Investigations). The cover art depicts a stylized UFO hovering over a silhouetted landscape, with inset images of Jacques Vallée, a sketch of a UFO, and a portrait of David Bowie.

Contents Overview

This issue of UFO Rivista di Informazione Ufologica delves into various aspects of ufology, including recent investigations, historical case analyses, and the state of ufological research and publications.

Key Articles and Features:

GEIPAN: A Change at the Top

The article discusses the change in leadership at GEIPAN, the French UFO study group under CNES. Xavier Passot, who led the group for five years, was replaced by Jean-Paul Aguttes. Passot reflects on his tenure, stating that while many cases remain unidentified, he found no definitive proof of extraterrestrial craft. He also critiques a 2010 supervisory committee document that leaned heavily on the COMETA group's conclusions without sufficient critical analysis. Passot mentions ongoing international collaborations, particularly with Chile's CEFAA, but notes the difficulty in establishing protocols with foreign military entities. He also touches upon drone sightings over French nuclear power plants in 2014, describing one incident at Golfech as "interesting." A book by Passot, "Capire i fenomeni UFO" (Understanding UFO Phenomena), is announced for early 2017.

The Italian Air Force and UFOs

This section features an interview with General Massimo Berti, then head of the Security General Department of the Italian Air Force. Berti explains that the Air Force collects UFO sighting reports primarily from citizens, with a focus on flight safety. He clarifies that while the Air Force investigates potential threats, explanations involving extraterrestrial visits are outside their specific competence. The article also presents the Air Force's collected UFO cases for 2014 and 2015, noting a very low number (eight in 2014, two in 2015) and that all reports came from private citizens, suggesting a lack of reporting from military personnel.

"Lumières dans la nuit" Closes Down

The article announces the closure of the historic French ufology magazine "Lumières dans la nuit" (Lights in the Night) in September 2016, after a long period of crisis. Founded in 1958, the magazine evolved from a general mystery publication to a dedicated ufology journal. It played a significant role in French ufology, particularly in the 1960s and 70s. However, a shift in editorial direction in the late 1980s towards a "socio-psychological" explanation for UFO phenomena led to a decline in readership. The magazine was sold multiple times, with the final owners, Sylvie and Laurent Boulanger, being unable to sustain it.

1,700 UFOs of the Blue Book: A New Study

This article highlights a new study by ufologist Brad Sparks, who has compiled a catalog of 1,700 unexplained cases from the US Air Force's Project Blue Book. While the official figures stated 701 "unidentified" cases out of 12,618 total reports, Sparks and other ufologists like Hynek, McDonald, and Vallée estimated the number of unexplained cases to be much higher. Sparks' work, based on the declassified Blue Book archives, suggests that at least 14.3% of the cases remain truly mysterious.

The Blue Book Arrives on TV

In anticipation of the 70th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's famous sighting in 2017, History Channel is producing a new series titled "Blue Book." The series will explore the origins of UFO investigations, referencing the US Air Force's Project Blue Book. The article also mentions the upcoming TV series "Project U.F.O.," based on the NBC show from the late 1970s, which will cover the early years of UFO investigations.

First Book on "Flying Saucers" Translated into Italian

Donald Keyhoe's seminal 1950 book, "Flying Saucers Are Real," has been translated into Italian after 66 years. The book, which asserted the existence of flying saucers, was a foundational text in ufology. This translation is by Providence Press, a new publishing house.

A New Investigation into the IR-3 of Casale Monferrato

This detailed article reconstructs a historical UFO sighting that occurred on April 16, 1974, in Casale Monferrato, Italy. The investigation, led by Matteo Leone and Paolo Fiorino, re-examines the case involving a couple, Mauro B. and Carla F. The witnesses reported a luminous, silent object that hovered, descended, and appeared to be a transparent dome with a rotating base and colored lights. The article includes contemporary reports, witness testimonies, and analyses, concluding that the case remains a genuine UFO sighting with no satisfactory explanation.

CISU Internet Resources

The magazine provides information on the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici's (CISU) online presence, including their main website (cisu.org) for information and study projects, ufo.it for extensive UFO case files, and wikiufo.org/forumita for discussions. It also mentions the UFOITALIA mailing list and the UPIAR online bookstore.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a continued commitment to rigorous investigation and analysis within ufology. The editorial stance appears to favor scientific inquiry and critical examination of evidence, as seen in the GEIPAN review and the detailed case studies. There is a clear interest in historical UFO research, government documentation (like the Blue Book), and the evolution of ufological thought. The magazine also serves as a platform for disseminating information about CISU's activities and resources, promoting a community-driven approach to understanding UFO phenomena.

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated December 2016 (Issue 42), focuses on detailed investigations into two significant aerial phenomena encounters. The primary focus is on a 1974 sighting in Casale Monferrato, Italy, and a 2015 encounter near Albany, New York, USA. The magazine also delves into the psychological aspects of witness testimony and the nature of memory.

Casale Monferrato Sighting (1974)

The article "Ritorno a Casale" by Paolo Fiorino revisits a close encounter that occurred on the evening of April 12, 1974. The main witnesses, Carla and Mauro, recount their experience of observing a luminous sphere that appeared to be hovering and immobile in the sky near their home. Mauro, initially attracted by the object, describes it as a disc-shaped craft with a dome, approximately 8-10 meters in diameter, and about 150 meters high. He noted a strong yellow light from the interior, revealing a transparent section (glass or hard plastic) through which three figures wearing grey helmets, similar to those of divers, could be seen. These figures appeared to be seated and observing a nearby construction site (TORNO). The object then descended to about ten meters above ground level, slightly inclined. No engine noise was heard, only a slight air displacement.

Carla initially noticed three 'legs' descending from the object in a cross shape. She later retreated into the house due to fear, while Mauro remained observing. As the object began to rotate and emit a loud humming sound, three to four-meter-long flames emerged from its underside, accompanied by a loud boom that scattered stones and bent garden plants. The object then rapidly departed towards the Po River, described as a luminous ball, disappearing in about 3-4 seconds.

Subsequent to the event, the witnesses experienced significant public attention, including interviews with journalists and ufologists. Mauro's memorial, discovered later, provides a detailed account, though it errs on the date of the sighting. The article highlights the 'flashbulb memory' phenomenon, suggesting that the vividness of the witnesses' recollections is due to the significant emotional impact of the event. Despite the passage of over 40 years, Carla and Mauro retained clear memories, though they were reluctant to discuss the event publicly due to potential ridicule. The article also notes the presence of unusual marks on Mauro's car windshield, described as scratches or indentations, possibly caused by incandescent scoriae from the object. Investigations by the SIOS Aeronautica and other sources are mentioned, with some initial reports downplaying the car's damage.

Albany, NY Glider Encounter (2015)

The article "Stati Uniti: strani oggetti si accostano ad un aliante" by Richard F. Haines details a 2015 encounter involving a Grob 103 Twin Astir glider piloted by R.P. with passenger P.C. near Albany, New York. On August 9, 2015, while flying at an altitude of approximately 1067 meters, the glider crew observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP). The UAP was first spotted by P.C. and then by R.P., who estimated its size to be comparable to the glider. The object reportedly approached the glider, flew alongside it, and then departed. The encounter occurred in clear weather conditions over a landscape of low hills and forests. The article includes diagrams illustrating the glider's flight path and the estimated position of the UAP relative to the aircraft.

Environmental Interactions and Witness Psychology

The magazine explores the environmental interactions during the Casale Monferrato sighting, noting the displacement of air and the bending of trees. It also touches upon the psychological aspects of witness testimony, introducing the concept of 'flashbulb memory' as described by psychologists Roger Brown and James Kulik. This phenomenon explains the remarkably detailed and enduring memories of significant events. The article emphasizes that for Carla and Mauro, the experience, while astonishing, did not fundamentally alter their existential outlook but remained a profound, unexplained event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the importance of detailed witness testimony and thorough investigation in understanding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial events, presenting evidence and witness accounts without immediate dismissal. The magazine highlights the challenges in obtaining clear explanations for such events and acknowledges the psychological impact on those who experience them. The recurring theme is the pursuit of understanding the nature of these phenomena, whether terrestrial or otherwise, and the enduring mystery they present. The magazine aims to provide a platform for detailed case studies and reflections on the broader implications of UFO sightings.

This issue of "UFO E AEREI" (UFOs and Aircraft), dated December 2016, delves into the complex world of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and their scientific investigation. The magazine features a detailed account of a close encounter, explores various research methodologies, and discusses the inherent challenges in the field.

The Albany Encounter: A Close Call

The central narrative of this issue revolves around a startling encounter experienced by a glider pilot and his passenger in August 2015 near Albany, New York. The pilot, R.P., a seasoned aviator with over 200 flight hours, and his passenger, P.C., a student of aircraft maintenance, reported observing an object exhibiting extraordinary characteristics. Initially, the object was seen to the right of the glider, moving in a southerly direction. The pilot estimated its speed at around 140 mph (225 km/h) and its altitude between 1900 and 2500 feet below them.

The object's appearance was marked by intermittent, intense flashes of light, described as "rainbow-like" or prismatic, emanating from its upper surface. The pilot initially mistook these for reflections from a car, but the absence of any road quickly dispelled this notion. As the glider's terrain changed, the UAP appeared to gain altitude.

A dramatic turn of events occurred when the UAP, after reaching a point south of Windham High Peak, rapidly turned and accelerated towards the glider. The pilot estimated this maneuver to have been completed in approximately 10 seconds, implying a speed of 1260 mph (2028 km/h), or a still-impressive 420 mph (676 km/h) if the maneuver took thirty seconds. The UAP then maintained a constant distance of about 45 meters (approximately 25-30 yards) from the glider's wing, moving from the right to the left side and then positioning itself directly in front of the aircraft.

During this close proximity, the passenger observed two more identical objects hovering above and to the left, resembling the brim of a hat. One of these objects had a slight reddish hue, possibly a reflection from a cloud. The passenger estimated the distance to the lower object to be around 300 meters, with both objects appearing to have significant angular size.

Following the encounter, the pilot contacted other gliders via radio but received no corroborating sightings. He also reported the incident to the New York State Police and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An FAA official, Mike Baringer, investigated but found no relevant NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen).

Object Characteristics and Witness Descriptions

Detailed descriptions of the UAP were provided by both witnesses. The pilot's drawing (Figure 7) depicted a sequence of the UAP's movements relative to the glider. The passenger's drawing (Figure 9) offered a more detailed view of the object's structure. The UAP was described as having a black, hemispherical lower section, about a foot (30.5 cm) high, and a reflective upper surface, approximately 60-90 cm in diameter. A vertical tube, about 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m) long, extended from the center of the main body. This tube was described as tapering from 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) at the top to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the bottom, with three small, white, fin-like structures attached. The upper part of the object was highly reflective, resembling a prism.

Notably, no engine noise was heard, only the normal airflow. The object showed no visible control surfaces or means of propulsion, and its behavior suggested it was not designed for aerodynamic efficiency. The witnesses described the object's movements as rapid and unexpected, with the ability to stop suddenly and change position with ease.

Research Strategies and Data Analysis

Beyond the specific sighting, the magazine features extensive discussions on the methodology and challenges of UFO research. Jacques Vallée, a prominent researcher, highlights the historical efforts in cataloging UAP sightings, from early projects like the Blue Book to more modern computer databases. He emphasizes the need for a radical, systematic approach to data analysis, involving the creation of comprehensive databases and the development of standardized classification systems.

Vallée points out the difficulties in integrating data from various sources due to differing methodologies and the risk of data loss over time. He also touches upon the complexity of the phenomenon, suggesting it defies simple rational descriptions and may involve factors beyond conventional physics.

Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos offers a counterpoint, questioning the very nature of UFO phenomena and suggesting that many sightings might be misinterpretations or products of psychological factors rather than genuine external anomalies. He advocates for a more selective approach, focusing on a curated set of the most anomalous and well-documented cases, and involving scientists from diverse fields to analyze them. Ballester Olmos also critiques the tendency within ufology to start with the assumption of extraterrestrial visitation rather than rigorously testing hypotheses.

Both researchers agree on the importance of rigorous data collection and analysis, but differ on the scope and methodology. Vallée stresses the need for a comprehensive, global approach, while Ballester Olmos favors a more focused, selective strategy to identify truly anomalous events.

The Role of UAVs and Other Explanations

The article also briefly considers the possibility of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as an explanation for some sightings. It mentions the FAA's efforts to establish test sites for drones and the ongoing development of UAV technology. However, the described characteristics of the UAP in the Albany encounter, particularly its speed and maneuverability, make it unlikely to be a conventional drone.

Other potential explanations, such as weather phenomena, conventional aircraft, or even psychological factors, are implicitly or explicitly discussed as part of the broader challenge of identifying the true nature of UAP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of UAP, the ongoing quest for scientific understanding, and the critical importance of rigorous data collection and analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded scientific inquiry, acknowledging the complexity of the phenomenon while emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of evidence and methodologies. The magazine promotes the idea that a systematic, collaborative approach, involving both experienced researchers and scientists from various disciplines, is essential for advancing the study of UAP. The challenges posed by subjective witness testimony and the potential for misinterpretation are highlighted, underscoring the need for robust, verifiable data.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated December 2016 (Issue 42), focuses on a variety of ufological topics, including a statistical analysis of UFO sightings in America and Europe, a deep dive into David Bowie's connection with UFO themes, and reports on specific sightings and encounters.

Forum: A New Project for the Study of 'Waves'

The "FORUM" section introduces a new initiative, "The UFO Waves Review Project," spearheaded by ufologist Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos. This project aims to re-evaluate the phenomenon of UFO 'waves' – periods of increased sightings – by analyzing existing literature and data. The project is coordinated by physicist Julio Plaza del Olmo and invites participation from volunteers. The bibliography for the project is divided into five areas: pre-1947 waves, contemporary waves, general UFO wave research, discussions on wave phenomena, and theories on their causes. The ultimate goal is to publish a comprehensive essay on the state of knowledge regarding UFO waves. The article also references previous related work, including a 2005 CISU conference on 'Waves, Flaps, Sporadic Cases' and an international bibliography on UFO waves compiled for GEIPAN.

American Cases of 2013

This section, authored by Roger Marsh, presents a selection of the most interesting 'unidentified' sightings from 2013, analyzed by the Science Review Board of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). The article details several cases:

• November 19, 2013 (Valdosta, Georgia): Two experienced technicians reported a large, silent, triangular object moving slowly, accompanied by a smaller drone. The object had no visible anti-collision lights and appeared to have a heat-haze-like effect.
• December 24, 2013 (Boise, Idaho): Three groups of witnesses observed bright red lights in the sky. One object emitted a second, weaker light that moved erratically. Military bases in the area confirmed no scheduled flights.
• September 26-28, 2013 (Venice, Florida): Over three consecutive evenings, witnesses observed a transparent, boomerang-shaped craft that distorted the stars around its edges. Its movement was compared to the 'shimmering object' from the film 'Predator'. The object was estimated to be at a low altitude.
• August 20, 2013 (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada): Three cars stopped on a highway to observe a large, luminous sphere, approximately 9 meters in diameter, moving slowly across the sky. The object illuminated the trees as it passed. A witness attempting to photograph it experienced camera malfunctions.
• April 13, 2013 (Picayune, Mississippi): A Cessna 172 pilot observed a small, metallic oval object with a dorsal fin-like structure hovering briefly before moving south. The object was described as having a rugby ball-like shape.
• June 15, 2013 (Bellingham, Washington): A couple observed a rectangular object with shifting colors (from bright red to dull gray) performing precise, low-altitude maneuvers. The object was estimated to be the size of a large SUV.
• January 12, 2013 (West Melbourne, Florida): Witnesses saw three bright lights in a row that formed a pyramid shape after a maneuver. The object then accelerated rapidly and disappeared.
• October 6, 2013 (Steamboat Springs, Colorado): A father and daughter observed two white lights, one of which moved erratically. The larger light grew, turned red, and was followed by a short, brilliant green strip that appeared rectangular as it passed over their car. The object was large and moved slowly.

2012-2015: Fewer Cases

This article by Edoardo Russo analyzes the trend of UFO sightings in Italy and Europe. Data compiled by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU) and other European ufological organizations show a significant decline in reported sightings between 2012 and 2015. The total number of sightings across nine European nations decreased by 17% in 2013, 15% in 2014, and 25% in 2015, resulting in a cumulative drop of 47%. While some countries experienced sporadic increases, the overall trend is a consistent decrease across the continent. The article notes that the reasons for this decline are not yet understood but highlights the CISU's initiative in compiling this comparative European data for the first time.

David Bowie: The Alien Who Fell to Earth

This extensive article by Marco Orlandi explores the lifelong fascination David Bowie had with UFOs, aliens, and space. It details how these themes permeated his music and personal life:

• Early Influences: Bowie, born David Robert Jones, was an avid reader with interests spanning science fiction, philosophy, and esoteric disciplines. His early work, particularly the song 'Space Oddity' (1969), released around the time of the Apollo 11 moon landing, directly references space and the isolation of Major Tom, an astronaut who becomes lost in space.
• Major Tom's Return: The character of Major Tom reappears in 'Ashes to Ashes' (1980), where he is depicted as a drug-addicted figure, reflecting Bowie's own struggles in the 1970s. The character's final appearance is in the video for 'Blackstar' (2016), suggesting a cyclical journey ending with Bowie's death.
• UFO Interest: As a young man, Bowie was reportedly involved in producing an ufological newsletter and claimed to have seen UFOs multiple times. He allegedly told an interviewer in 1975 that he saw UFOs six or seven times a night for a year, with precise timings for their appearances and movements.
• Ziggy Stardust: Bowie's alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, introduced in the early 1970s, was an alien rock star who came to Earth to save a generation. The concept album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' (1972) features songs like 'Starman,' which narrates the arrival of an extraterrestrial savior.
• The Spiders from Mars: The name of Bowie's band is linked to a UFO sighting in Florence, Italy, on October 27, 1954, during a football match. The event, which involved flying saucers and the appearance of 'angel hair,' reportedly inspired Bowie.
• Detroit UFO Crash (1974): Bowie's ex-wife, Angie Barnett, recounts an alleged UFO crash near Detroit in 1974. She claims that news of the crash was quickly suppressed, suggesting a government cover-up. Bowie reportedly discussed this event with fans during a concert.
• 'The Man Who Fell to Earth': Bowie's performance as Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien seeking to save his home planet, in Nicolas Roeg's 1976 film, is considered a seminal role that perfectly captured his persona. The film's themes of alienation and the search for home resonated with Bowie's own artistic explorations.
• Later Works: Bowie continued to incorporate themes of space and aliens in later albums, such as 'I Took a Trip on a Gemini Spaceship' from 'Heathen' (2002) and 'Born in a UFO' from 'The Next Day' (2013).
• 'Lazarus' Musical: Bowie was involved in the musical 'Lazarus,' based on 'The Man Who Fell to Earth,' shortly before his death, further cementing his connection to extraterrestrial themes.

Encounters of the Third Kind in Eastern Sicily

This section presents three detailed investigations by Salvatore Foresta and Antonio Rampulla of the CISU into humanoid sightings in Eastern Sicily:

• A 'Gray' in the Bedroom (April 11, 2013, Catania): A young woman reported waking up to find a small, humanoid entity with large black eyes and a disproportionately large head near her mother's bed. Her mother appeared 'hypnotized' and suspended. The entity had irregular greenish spots on its arms. The witness hid in the bathroom, terrified. She later reported experiencing other phenomena, including a 'blue diffused light' and a sensation of 'terror' upon waking.
• The Strange Entity of the Stormy Night (April 18, 2011, Augusta, Sicily): A woman reported seeing a very tall entity (around two meters) with glowing yellow eyes enter her bedroom during a thunderstorm. The entity had a long, narrow head, a round belly, and long arms. It looked at her intently before disappearing. The witness felt a sense of tranquility despite the event. She also heard the front door slam shut.
• UFO Sighting in Misterbianco (September 1993): The same witness from the Catania case also reported seeing a metallic, plate-shaped object stop in the sky near her grandmother's house. The object then moved horizontally at high speed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science fiction, music, and reported UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and data analysis, as evidenced by the CISU's methodological protocols and the statistical approach to analyzing sighting trends. There is a clear interest in the cultural impact of UFOs, exemplified by the extensive coverage of David Bowie's engagement with the subject. The magazine also dedicates space to detailed case studies of alleged encounters, including those involving humanoid entities, suggesting a broad scope within the field of ufology.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated December 2016 (Issue 42), is primarily dedicated to "PERSONAGGI" (Personalities), focusing on three historical figures in ufology and their distinct approaches to the subject. The magazine also covers recent UFO events, research initiatives, and publications.

Key Articles and Features

Albert Bender: The "Father" of the MIB

This section details the life and work of Albert K. Bender, who is credited with originating the myth of the Men in Black (MIB). Bender, born in 1921, developed an early interest in the occult and UFOs. In 1952, he founded the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB), which aimed to be a transnational ufological association. His association grew, attracting members internationally. The article highlights Bender's claim of being intimidated by "three government men" in 1953, who allegedly warned him not to speak about UFOs. This event led to the closure of the IFSB and the publication of his book, "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers," which popularized the MIB concept. The article traces the evolution of the MIB myth, from Bender's initial accounts to its later interpretations by figures like John A. Keel and its portrayal in popular culture, such as the "Men in Black" films.

James Trevor Constable: The Invisible Threat

James Trevor Constable (1925-2016) is presented as a ufologist whose ideas were original and contributed to the history of ufology. Originally from New Zealand, he worked in telecommunications and wrote extensively on military history. Constable was influenced by occultist Meade Layne and contactee George W. Van Tassel, particularly by the entity "Ashtar." He believed that many extraterrestrial entities were satanic and that the US arsenal was crucial for defense against "astral" beings. Constable was also influenced by Wilhelm Reich's theories on "orgone" energy and his research into UFOs. He, along with collaborator James Woods, used infrared film to photograph and film "ultradynamic life forms" or "critters" that he believed were invisible and harmful. His first book, "They Live in the Sky," published in 1958, featured images of these "critters." The article notes that Constable's views were considered radical and that he saw UFO phenomena as fundamentally dangerous.

Jean Plantier: The Fanta-Physics of Saucers

Jean Plantier (1925-2016), a lieutenant colonel pilot in the French Air Force, is described as the least known of the three featured personalities but an example of an original approach to UFOs. Plantier became interested in UFOs in 1951 after hearing accounts from colleagues about a luminous, silent disk with incredible acceleration capabilities. He developed a "fanta-physical" model to explain how flying saucers could achieve such performance, proposing that they used energy from cosmic rays to modulate atomic forces. This theory was presented in an article in the official French Air Force magazine. Plantier also linked UFOs to the phenomenon of "angel hair," suggesting it was a result of air ionization. His work influenced other ufologists, including Aimé Michel and Renato Vesco. His 1955 book, "La propulsion des soucoupes volantes par action directe sur l'atome," elaborated on his theories.

UFO Incidents and Sightings

Ragusa, Italy (September 16, 2007): An elderly woman reported observing a luminous, oblique "ball of light" for nearly two hours. The object descended, hovered, and emitted intermittent, dazzling flashes. The woman described seeing a dark, humanoid figure with a rectangular head inside the object. The investigation, led by Salvatore Foresta, suggested the possibility of misinterpreting the planet Venus, which was visible at that time and had exceptional brightness.

A Woman's Experience (April 18, 2011): A witness reported seeing a figure in her home at night, accompanied by large water drops. Investigators initially considered the possibility of a burglar but found no signs of forced entry. They also noted the unusual silence of the family dog. The investigators, Foresta and Rampulla, leaned towards an explanation involving a hypnopompic hallucination, suggesting the witness may have experienced a vivid dream-like state between sleep and wakefulness.

Other Features

"Misteriosi Fenomeni a Messina - Terzo Volume": This section announces the third volume of Pietro Torre's work on UFO phenomena in the province of Messina, covering cases from 2000 to 2014. Torre is noted for his systematic approach to UFO research and his willingness to re-examine and update previous findings.

"Documenti UFO - Le Monografie del CISU": This section presents two publications from CISU: the "Bibliocafico Iconografico 2015," a catalog of Italian UFO and parapsychological bibliography, and "UFO: Percezioni, Credenze, Stereotipi," a study on the psychological and social aspects of the UFO phenomenon.

"Le giornate storiografiche": This article reports on the 31st annual CISU conference held in Bologna on November 5, 2016. The conference focused on the methodology of studying UFO history, with presentations on topics such as the "Operation Origins" project, research tools for ufological history via the web, the influence of George Williamson on Italian contactism, the "Friendship" network, and the connection between radical right-wing groups and ufology. A new monograph, "Gli UFO Nazisti - La storia e la mitologia," by Giuseppe Stilo and Maurizio Verga, was also presented.

"UFO in Campania": The release of the second issue of this periodical, a CISU coordination publication for Campania, is announced. It provides updates on UFO events, discussions, and recent case analyses in the region.

"La Rivista del CICAP Intervista Russo": This piece highlights an interview with Edoardo Russo, secretary of CISU, published by CICAP. The interview discusses the current state of Italian ufology and the work of CISU, emphasizing the importance of seriousness and rationality in gaining credibility, even from skeptical environments.

"Il CISU su Twitter": An announcement about the CISU's Twitter account, managed by Giuseppe Stilo, for real-time updates on UFO news and events in Italy and worldwide.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, rational, and scientific approach to ufology. It emphasizes the importance of historical research, critical analysis of evidence, and the debunking of hoaxes and pseudoscience. The profiles of Bender, Constable, and Plantier, while acknowledging their historical significance, also highlight the more speculative and sometimes controversial aspects of their work, contrasting them with the magazine's preferred methodology. The CISU's activities, as detailed throughout the issue, reflect a commitment to rigorous investigation and the dissemination of reliable information within the field of ufology. The publication also showcases the ongoing efforts to document and understand the history of UFO phenomena in Italy and globally.

Title: NOTIZIE CISU
Issue Date: December 2016

This issue of "Notizie CISU" prominently features the launch of "Cielo Insolito," a new digital magazine dedicated to ufological historiography. The magazine, co-founded by Giuseppe Stilo and Maurizio Verga, is distributed quarterly and free of charge. It aims to address the need for a structured approach to the history of ufology, moving beyond a simple chronological listing of events to explore the underlying ideas, cultural influences, and personalities that shaped the field.

Cielo Insolito: A New Era in Ufological Historiography

"Cielo Insolito" is presented as an initiative to consolidate the study of UFO history. Giuseppe Stilo and Maurizio Verga, the driving forces behind the magazine, observed that many individuals interested in UFOs lacked a proper understanding of the historical context of the phenomenon. The magazine seeks to bridge this gap by providing a rigorous and specialized approach to ufological research.

Content and Scope

The magazine's ambition is to engage with specialists worldwide, hence the increasing inclusion of English-language articles, alongside Italian content with English abstracts. The editors believe that breaking down language barriers is crucial for the circulation of information and ideas in ufology. The scope of "Cielo Insolito" is broad, covering a vast temporal range. Stilo and Verga suggest that the traditional demarcation of UFO history around 1947 might be less significant than previously assumed. They argue that many pre-1947 sightings are difficult to distinguish from later ones, and that the ideas associated with the "flying saucer" era have roots in pre-existing cultural currents.

"Cielo Insolito" aims to go beyond merely discussing "old cases." It seeks to understand the ideas, impulses, influences, and personalities that underpinned the reasoning that eventually led to contemporary ufology. The magazine's focus is on the historical and cultural dimensions of the phenomenon.

Editorial Focus and Timeframe

Giuseppe Stilo, as the coordinator of the "Operazione Origini" project for nearly thirty years, brings an emphasis on Italian events from 1946-1954. Maurizio Verga, on the other hand, focuses on the complex psychological and social dynamics that fueled the explosion of the flying saucer phenomenon in the United States and globally in 1947. While these are primary interests, the magazine is open to excursions into earlier periods and has also featured material from closed-door symposia and the "Giornate di storiografia ufologica" (Ufological Historiography Days) held in Turin.

The magazine generally covers events up to the late 1970s and no earlier than the 17th century. This timeframe is chosen to avoid issues related to the living memory of witnesses, the potential lack of sufficient time for source stratification, and the direct involvement of authors in recent events, which could compromise objectivity.

"Cielo Insolito" Issues and Contributions

As of December 2016, three issues of "Cielo Insolito" had been published, with the fourth anticipated for the summer of 2017. The magazine encourages readers to contribute their own research and insights.

CISU Website Renewal

This issue also announces the renewal of the official CISU website, launched on September 13, 2016. The revamped site, a result of Giuseppe Stilo's work with technical support from Enrico Zimuel and collaboration from Andrea Bovo, features a simpler and more functional structure. It provides quick access to a wide range of CISU documents, information on its activities, and publications. The content from the now-deactivated website www.ufodatanet.org has been integrated. The new site is designed to be an agile, up-to-date, and scientifically oriented resource for those wishing to stay informed, approach the rational study of ufology, connect with CISU researchers, or report sightings.

CISU Publications and Catalog

The magazine highlights several books published by CISU and available through their online bookstore:

• "Strane Luci nella Storia d'Italia" by Pietro Torre: A comprehensive catalog of unusual aerial phenomena, apparitions, and prodigies in Italy from antiquity to 1899. It is the second edition of a work based on nearly thirty years of research within the CISU's PreUfocat project, covering over 2,700 years and 2,000 cases.
• "Scrutate i cieli!" by Giuseppe Stilo: A monumental work documenting the first major global wave of UFO sightings in 1950 with in-depth historiographical analysis. It details nearly 300 Italian sightings and over 1,200 related news articles.
• "L'alba di una nuova era" by Giuseppe Stilo: This book focuses on the 1946 "phantom rocket" cases that spread across Europe and Italy, preceding the "flying saucer" era.
• "Ultimatum alla Terra" by Giuseppe Stilo: Dedicated to the 1952 UFO sightings, this volume examines 1800 news items and articles, detailing Italian and international cases, including early close encounters and UFO photographs.
• "Il quinto cavaliere dell'Apocalisse" (Volumes 1 & 2) by Giuseppe Stilo: This two-volume work reconstructs the massive UFO wave of autumn 1954 in Italy, which saw over 1000 sightings and the increasing public awareness of UFOs, described as the arrival of a "Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse."

Special offers for CISU members are available for these publications.

Philatelic Collectibles

The issue also mentions a special philatelic folder titled "150 ANNI DI UFO IN ITALIA" (150 Years of UFOs in Italy). This folder contains four postcards, two of which are dedicated to the "150 years of UFO in Italy" convention, printed in a limited and numbered edition of 300 copies. It also includes a black-and-white illustration by Giorgio Giorgi and a reprint of a postcard from a 1965 convention organized in Turin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the importance of historical research in ufology, the methodology for analyzing UFO cases, the cultural context of UFO sightings, and the dissemination of research through publications like "Cielo Insolito" and the CISU website. The editorial stance emphasizes a rational, evidence-based, and historiographically sound approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon, moving beyond sensationalism to a deeper analysis of its historical development and societal impact. There is a clear commitment to international collaboration and the accessibility of research findings.