Near Sturno, ITL being encounter — August 31, 1977

During the night of August 30–31, 1977, two young men traveling between Sturno and Frigento, Italy, reportedly noticed unusual lights near an abandoned quarry. They described a tall figure in a metallic-looking suit, with a helmet and orange lights where eyes would normally be. They returned to the village and brought additional people back in stages, producing a total of seven reported observers. Accounts describe repeated movements of the figure, intermittent sounds, a larger luminous object on the slope, and a final bright flash. Subsequent reports mention depressions and disturbed vegetation. Two participants were later questioned under hypnosis; repeating a story under hypnosis is not independent confirmation. Later Italian histories report that Alberto Forgione, Sturno's mayor, said on RAI television that he had helped arrange a prank. Some authors questioned that explanation, but it is a material part of the case's history and should not be omitted from a presentation of the original claims. The plate is a reconstruction of what was alleged, not evidence that the quarry contained an extraterrestrial visitor.