AMA - No 03 - 1990 aout

Magazine Overview

This issue of AMA (Aerospatial, Meteorologie, Astronomie), bulletin of the Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux (CERPA), is dated August 1990, issue number 03, volume 3. The cover prominently features the headline "UN UFOLOGUE SOVIETIQUE A MARSEILLE" (A Soviet Ufologist in Marseille), highlighting the main content of the magazine. The price is listed as 15 FF, and the ISSN is 1150-8175.

Editorial Note

Page 2 contains an apology to readers for the delay in publication, attributing it to the increased workload caused by numerous testimonies and two major conferences organized by CERPA in Marseille.

CERPA Information

Page 3 provides details about CERPA, stating it was founded in October 1989 by Bernard Hugues, Gerard Romeo, and Patrick Teboul. It is a non-profit association (Loi 1901) focused on researching astronomical, meteorological, and aerospace phenomena. The texts published are the responsibility of their authors. The association's headquarters are in Marseille, with a contact phone number for "Allo Phénomènes Spatiaux." Bernard Hugues is listed as the Director of Publication. The administrative council includes Bernard Hugues (President), Gerard Romeo (Treasurer), Jean-Pierre Gendreau (Secretary), and Michel Seyer (Investigations). The printing is handled by CERPA, and legal deposit is done upon publication. Reproduction is prohibited without authorization.

The cover description specifies that the image shows the Soviet ufologist Boris Chourinov (center) conversing with CERPA and Dante Minazzoli in November 1990 in Marseille.

Exclusive in France: Visit of a Soviet Ufologist to Marseille

Pages 4-6 detail the visit of Soviet ufologist M. Chourinov to Marseille on November 8 and 9, 1990. Chourinov described the evolving ufological landscape in Russia, noting a shift from the era of Dr. Zigel. He mentioned that many Russian ufologists are convinced of the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET), but like their French counterparts, they face internal disputes. Prominent names mentioned include Mrs. Ajaja, Kousovkine, and Rubstov, with Rubstov having recently participated in a congress in Brussels.

Chourinov noted that the USSR is opening up to the subject of aerospace phenomena, citing "Glasnost." He highlighted significant cases such as the landing at Voronej, the case of Vladikovtal, and the "famous night of Moscow." He stated that UFOs are a current topic in Russia, with conferences drawing up to a thousand people, a stark contrast to France. Chourinov is presented as the leading ufologist in the USSR, an "éminence grise" who is effective though less public than others.

His research relies on personal document collections, including military archives, which sometimes challenge established beliefs. He provided details on several cases:

• The UMMO case: Chourinov believes this was a disinformation campaign orchestrated by a government agency. He confirmed that the Ummites' letters, primarily sent to scientists, are in his possession in Moscow.
• Martine Castellot's article in Figaro Madame: Chourinov found the article "Les extraterrestres envahissent l'URSS" to be a poor summary of Russian ufology, deeming the author incompetent on the subject during her visit to the USSR with Jacques Vallee in 1989.
• A mistake in "Lumières dans la Nuit" magazine: The magazine mistakenly depicted ufologist Jacques Vallee under a portrait of Gorbachev, surrounded by journalists and Soviet ufologists, at the Novosti agency in Moscow, not the Academy of Sciences.
• Voronej case payment: There is information suggesting that children were paid to recount the Voronej story, as published in issue 299 of "Lumières dans la Nuit."
• VARTA river metal tube: Chourinov commented on the discovery of a silver metal tube in the VARTA river in 1975. Analysis by three major Soviet research institutes concluded it was a perfect fusion of rare elements (Lentane, Vilnium, Cesium) achievable only in zero gravity. He clarified that this tube had nothing to do with radioactive components.

A significant part of the encounter involved a discussion with Dante Minazzoli, a researcher and convinced Marxist. Both shared the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs but differed in their approach: Chourinov advocated for a scientific method, questioning everything, while Minazzoli believed in extraterrestrial visitation and the necessity of societal change to prepare for contact.

At the end of the meeting, CERPA provided Chourinov with books, magazines, and video cassettes to familiarize him with French ufological research. He was described as an elegant, intelligent, and well-informed individual.

"Why Don't Extraterrestrials Make Public Contact?" by Dante Minazzoli

Pages 7-10 feature an article by Dante Minazzoli, presenting a Marxist approach to the UFO problem, originally in Italian. Minazzoli argues that while many UFO literature works exist, some are more rigorous, employing scientific methods and serious investigations. He focuses on the "UFO dossier" and the irrefutability of the phenomenon, attributing denial to "sincere ignorance" or deliberate obfuscation by those in power.

Minazzoli's work selects cases that support the extraterrestrial hypothesis. He addresses ufologists concerned about the phenomenon, questioning why, if it is authentic, extraterrestrials haven't made public contact. He suggests that many parapsychological hypotheses have led research down a dead end.

He posits that those who maintain the extraterrestrial theory have made correct observations but haven't fully connected the UFO phenomenon to the broader context of human society, its social and political structures, technological advancements, and spiritual lag. He criticizes the "aberrant and explosive" contradictions within humanity.

Minazzoli frames his analysis within a Marxist perspective, examining the UFO dossier and its impact on governments, the public, scientists, and religious institutions. He sees technological progress, particularly in spaceflight, as intrinsically linked to the UFO phenomenon's modern phase. He also notes how advancements in astronomy, astrophysics, and molecular biology have revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos and the potential for ancient extraterrestrial life.

He believes the UFO phenomenon represents a conjunction of factors that inevitably lead to the conviction of its existence and nature, echoing Jean Cocteau's quote: "The most surprising thing is not that they exist; it is that they don't exist which would be surprising."

Minazzoli emphasizes the need for a global vision of the phenomenon throughout history to understand its current manifestations. He aims to reorient the debate by focusing on the intelligences controlling UFOs and their potential past influence on Earth. His approach is grounded in the philosophical concept of the material unity of existence and dialectical materialism.

He highlights the importance of considering the "contactees" and their messages, acknowledging the variability in their credibility and honesty. The core task, he suggests, is to find the credible nucleus within the mystical envelope.

Minazzoli believes that understanding the UFO phenomenon depends heavily on philosophical and political conceptions and on comprehending the current state and future trajectory of our world.

He acknowledges that his ideas are work perspectives and apologizes if they appear too affirmative. His goal is to redirect the investigation of this enigma, separating genuine explanations from speculative ones. As a lifelong Marxist revolutionary, he addresses fellow Marxists, believing their specific training should facilitate understanding the social and political contradictions of our time and the potential role of UFOs within this context.

He suggests that this approach could revitalize Marxist theory and its dialectical materialism, which he feels has become sclerotic.

Minazzoli reflects on the value of his work, questioning if such an analysis is useful to ufologists detached from politics or Marxists who dismiss ufology as science fiction. He was ultimately motivated by authors who began addressing the core issue: the "official mutism" which he attributes to political and social reasons, and which he sees as the central reason for the non-contact of UFOs with humanity.

His book aims to study the social and political nature of the UFO problem.

A biographical note states that Dante Minazzoli was born in Argentina on October 12, 1918. A revolutionary Marxist militant since his youth, he has authored historical and political works. As a political refugee in France, he dedicated recent years to writing his first ufological work, "POURQUOI LES EXTRA-TERRESTRES NE PRENNENT-ILS PAS CONTACT PUBLIQUEMENT?" He interprets the UFO phenomenon through Marxist philosophy and dialectical materialism, defending the extraterrestrial hypothesis. He asserts that understanding the UFO enigma requires dissecting the contradictory nature of the world, highlighting the gap between humanity's scientific and technological advancement and its social and spiritual lag.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are Soviet ufology, the extraterrestrial hypothesis, and a Marxist analysis of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance, as presented through the articles, favors a scientific and critical approach to ufology, while also exploring philosophical and political dimensions. There is a clear emphasis on the need to understand the UFO phenomenon within its broader societal context, moving beyond mere case collection to deeper analysis of its implications. The magazine also highlights the opening up of Soviet society to discussing previously taboo subjects like UFOs.

This issue of OVNI PRESENCE, published by Editrice Nuovi Autori, features a cover story titled "PERCHÉ GLI EXTRATERRESTRI NON PRENDONO CONTATTO PUBBLICAMENTE?" (Why don't extraterrestrials make public contact?), exploring the phenomenon from a Marxist perspective. The magazine includes articles on UFO sightings in Belgium, scientific theories about extraterrestrial civilizations, and the nature of nocturnal luminous clouds.

Article: Conclusions on Extraterrestrial Civilizations

The author deduces several conclusions regarding extraterrestrial civilizations:
1. They might consider Earth a potential danger.
2. They could be quarantining our planet, leading to systematic surveillance of our evolution.
3. They might prevent humanity from exploring the stars with inhabited spacecraft until spiritual maturity is achieved.

MINAZZOLI hypothesizes that these civilizations operate in our vicinity to prepare for a "cosmic contact" with humanity through a galactic pact, guiding Earth towards superior intergalactic cohabitation laws. However, this objective is hindered by terrestrial powers defending class or caste privileges. A strategic theory is proposed: how to disarm a "cultivated savage" armed with nuclear bombs, computers, and spacecraft, who aims to expand its own "civilization" across the galaxy.

The article "POURQUOI LES EXTRATERRESTRES NE PRENNENT-ILS PAS CONTACT PUBLIQUEMENT?" (Why don't extraterrestrials make public contact?) offers suggestions and hypotheses linked to philosophical knowledge and explores alternatives for human destiny and that of other civilizations in the cosmos.

Reader Letters

A section dedicated to reader contributions allows for free expression. One reader, BOURBON Daniel, shares a letter reflecting on the nature of time, inspired by Marcel Proust and H.G. Wells. He suggests that the OVNI phenomenon might not necessarily imply extraterrestrials but could be related to humanity's future mastery of time. He posits that unexplained cases, investigated by CERPA, could be the work of our distant descendants, proving humanity's survival and its eventual mastery of the fourth dimension (time). He also requests that the magazine include a touch of poetry.

Another comment, attributed to an anonymous source, likens the ufological world to the "ruthless universe of Dallas" rather than the "garden of the Hesperides."

Open Letter to Ufologists: Ufology, Science of Tomorrow?

This article discusses the current state of ufology, noting its disparate nature and the scientific community's tendency to remain a closed temple to the uninitiated. It suggests that epistemology, the study of how science is done, is crucial for ufology. The author proposes that ufology could become the "science of sciences" by bringing together all scientific disciplines to investigate the unknown UFO phenomenon. The article questions who drives scientific change and emphasizes that honest research, regardless of the field, has a scientific character, urging scientists to engage with UFO phenomena and ufology.

It acknowledges that ufologists are often not taken seriously, partly due to internal polemics and the phenomenon's inherent resistance to proof. The author believes that scientists will listen to ufologists when they work collaboratively, presenting sufficient scientific arguments. Some Parisian ufologists are said to have enough evidence and are awaiting the opportune moment. The piece calls for unity among ufologists, even those considered "old school," to achieve the common goal of understanding the phenomenon.

Meteorology: Nocturnal Luminous Clouds

This section describes nocturnal luminous clouds as extremely rare phenomena, unlikely to be mistaken for UFOs. It notes that while none have been observed in France to date, they might appear in future summers. The first recorded observation was by JESSE in 1890 during twilight. These clouds are visible due to their high altitude, which allows them to be illuminated by sunlight long after sunset. They can appear as undulating, bluish-white or yellowish-red Cirrus-like formations. With altitudes around 75 to 90 km, their rapid movement can exceed 200 m/s. These are classified as stratospheric clouds.

UFOs in Belgium

This article details two reports from the journal PARIS MATCH concerning UFO sightings in Belgium. The first, from November 1989, describes numerous gendarmerie reports of UFOs, including a strange, dark, triangular object observed silently at low speed by thirty groups of witnesses over 800 km2.

The second report, from March 31, 1990, recounts an incident where an OVNI was tracked by ground radar and pursued by two Belgian F-16 fighter jets. The object displayed extraordinary acceleration, increasing its speed from 280 km/h to 1800 km/h and dropping from 3000m to 1700m in a single second, a maneuver that would be fatal to a human due to the extreme G-force. The object then evaded radar by diving below 200m, repeating this evasive pattern multiple times over 75 minutes without producing a sonic boom or breaking windows.

Interview with Professor Jean-Pierre Petit

An interview with Professor Jean-Pierre Petit, a physicist specializing in plasma physics and cosmology, discusses his book "ENQUETE SUR LES OVNI." Petit explains why he doesn't rule out the possibility that UFOs are piloted by extraterrestrial beings. He notes that witness photographs of UFOs often don't match their visual observations, suggesting that infrared radiation emitted by UFOs might interfere with photographic film. He proposes using infrared film for future photography. Petit explains the absence of a sonic boom by suggesting the object might use electromagnetic forces to aspirate air, thus avoiding a shockwave. His computer and laboratory studies indicate that objects capable of such flight would likely be spherical or cylindrical, resembling a "flying saucer." He concludes that the Belgian incident's acceleration, trajectory, and intelligent behavior rule out natural phenomena like meteorites, strongly suggesting a piloted craft from another world.

Soviet Physicist Sakharov's Theory

Sakharov proposed the existence of two universes: a primary universe and an anti-universe. He suggested that travel between them could drastically shorten distances, making interstellar journeys feasible. This theory could explain UFO waves, as craft might utilize the shortest temporal path to reach Earth and depart before a hyperspatial opening closes.

Observation at Greasque

In late August 1990, CERPA issued a call for witnesses, receiving several compelling messages. The article mentions an observation on July 5, 1990, around 11 PM, of an immense light in the sky, resembling a large nocturnal luminous cloud. Drawings of this phenomenon, made by witnesses Nicole and Jacqueline, are included, detailing pulsating phases, colors like orange, blue-grey, and descriptions of the cloud's structure and altitude.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena from scientific, philosophical, and even Marxist perspectives. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, collaboration among researchers, and the potential for ufology to become a recognized scientific field. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet critical, seeking evidence-based explanations while acknowledging the profound mysteries surrounding UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact. There's a recurring theme of humanity's readiness for contact and its place in the cosmos.

This document is issue number 21 of a bulletin published by CERPA, an organization dedicated to the study of aerospace, meteorological, and astronomical phenomena, with a focus on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).

UAP Sighting in Greáque

The issue details an observation made in Greáque, located about 35 km northeast of Marseille in the Bouches-du-Rhône region of France. On the evening of the observation, witnesses Nicole and Jacqueline reported seeing an extended, cloud-like object above them. The object's color pulsed from a dark orange, described as similar to "pulsations," with the fluctuations concentrated in the center and not extending to the edges. The witnesses noted that the object seemed to move to the right. The contour of the cloud remained a constant grey-blue. Gradually, the orange color diminished until only the blueish perimeter remained intact. The phenomenon lasted for over 15 minutes and appeared immobile to the observers. The orange color was described as a base orange, Pantone 502. The cloud's immense size covered the plain in a triangle formed by the towns of Fuveau, Gréasque, and Trets, extending towards Mont Olympe. This dimension was estimated to be approximately 14 km by 5 km, leading the observers to question if it was a meteorological anomaly. Air traffic control in Aix-en-Provence had no information to provide, stating that nothing abnormal had been reported that evening, which would have been the case if it were a storm in the cloud layer. The report also notes the time difference between sunset and the observation to explain a luminous nocturnal cloud. Atmospheric conditions included clouds at 3000m altitude, cumulus clouds, wind at 20-25 knots at 1200m, sunset at 19:22, and a dark, moonless night.

Jacqueline's account, while largely consistent, differed slightly on the general shape of the cloud, describing it as more "rounded" and larger, as depicted in her drawing.

Hypothesis of Industrial Pollution

An alternative hypothesis for the phenomenon is industrial pollution, given the location's proximity to an industrial zone and the Gardanne coal mine. The CERPA contacted the regional industry and research directorate in Aix-les-Milles, which reported no significant industrial pollution at that time. Investigations with AIRMARAIX in Marseille, an organization monitoring air quality, also found no significant pollution, with lower levels of black smoke and total hydrocarbons reported during that period. However, an anonymous informant claimed that a chlorine leak had occurred about fifteen days prior to the Greáque observation. This leak was reportedly from the SOLMER company near Etang de Berre, forming a visible red cloud that was transported by a southwest wind. AIRMARAIX had no knowledge of such an event, suggesting that a study of meteorological conditions and chlorine clouds might be necessary.

Book Reviews and Publications

The bulletin features reviews of several books related to science fiction and ufology. These include Jimmy Guieu's "Fin avril," Jean-Pierre Petit's "Enquête sur les OVNI," an article from "Femme Actuelle" titled "Les énigmes de l'Humanité," and Dante Minazzoli's "Pourquoi les Extraterrestres ne prennent-ils pas contact publiquement?" (published in Italian).

Conferences and Events

Several ufological events are mentioned: an International Ufological Congress in Sheffield, UK, organized by the Ufo Yorkshire Group; a conference by Jean-Pierre Petit at the Ministry of Research and Technology in Paris on "OVNI, scientific problem or rumor phenomenon?"; and a visit from Jean Migueres to CERPA in Marseille. The bulletin also announces a forthcoming international and inter-Mediterranean ufology congress to be held in Marseille on October 19-20, 1991.

CERPA Activities and Membership

The bulletin highlights CERPA's participation in the 66th International Fair of Marseille in September-October 1990, where they were represented by M. Romeo, Mme, and M. Hugues. Their presence was facilitated by Mme Gesseline of the bookstore "L'Etoile du Mage." The event allowed CERPA to promote their center, make contacts, and gather testimonies. A notable debate took place between Jean Migueres and Marcel Farina, representing the Raëlien movement. The bulletin lists CERPA's activities, including work meetings on aerospace phenomena, investigations of UAP testimonies, astronomy vigils, site visits, scientific organization visits, film screenings, social gatherings, participation in scientific congresses, and the preparation and distribution of the A.M.A. bulletin. They also offer a library of over 200 titles. The bulletin emphasizes that "CERPA is first and foremost about friendship."

Support and Subscriptions

CERPA seeks support through subscriptions, with a price of 70FF. They also invite individuals to become members or correspondents. The bulletin thanks contributors Armand Ruiz, Henri Ballestriero, and Frédérique Tordjman, as well as "L'Etoile du Mage" bookstore for distributing the bulletin.

Latest News

A "latest minute" announcement states that CERPA will organize an International and Inter-Mediterranean Congress of Ufology in Marseille on October 19-20, 1991.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UAP sightings, potential explanations (including industrial pollution), the promotion of ufological literature and events, and the activities of the CERPA organization. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, seeking to understand UAP phenomena through witness testimony, scientific inquiry, and the sharing of information. The bulletin aims to foster a community of interest in ufology, emphasizing collaboration and friendship.