AMA - No 05 - 1992 dec

Magazine Overview

Title: AMA
Issue: N° 5
Date: December 1992
Publisher: CERPA (Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux)
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of AMA magazine, dated December 1992, is dedicated to the "1st International UFO Congress of Southern Countries" held in Marseille in October 1991. The magazine provides an overview of the event, its participants, and the topics discussed, alongside other ufological reports and articles.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Bernard Hugues, reflects on the year 1992 and the resumption of the AMA publication after a two-year hiatus. Hugues expresses happiness in being able to restart the magazine and acknowledges the significant effort involved. He highlights CERPA's activities during the break, including the organization of the international UFO congress in Marseille in October 1991 and the release of a CERPA pin. He also mentions the encounter with prominent UFO specialists and the publication of books related to the Belgian UFO wave and the Ummo affair. The year 1992 was also marked by CERPA's participation in a pin and telecard fair and their second international ufology days in September, which led to the acquisition of a computer. Hugues concludes by expressing hope for a similar spirit of fraternity and success in 1993.

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 registered under the Law of 1901, focused on researching astronomical, meteorological, and aerospace phenomena. The editorial responsibility for the texts lies with their authors. The association's headquarters are located in Marseille, with contact details including a postal address, telephone number ("ALLO PHENOMENES SPATIAUX"), and fax number. The administration council includes Bernard Hugues (President), Gerard Romeo (Treasurer), Victor Tondut (Secretary), Dominique Bau (Inquiries), Robert Alessandri (IT), and Gilles Pfauwadel (Parapsychology). The AMA review's Director of Publication is Bernard Hugues, with printing by CERPA and layout by Robert Alessandri. Reproduction of the bulletin is prohibited without authorization.

The cover photo is identified as featuring the main participants of the "International Congress on UFOs from Southern Countries" in October 1991. The individuals are listed, including Louis Estival, Frank Marie, Boris Chourinov, Jacques Maniez, Sofiane Bendamarji, Xavier Colin, George Andrews, Pierre Beak, Dante Minazzoli, Bernard Hugues, Jean-François Gille, and Jean-Samuel Levy. The photograph is credited to Gerard Romeo.

The 1st International UFO Congress in Marseille

This section details the "1st International Congress on UFOs from Southern Countries," which took place in Marseille on October 19th and 20th, 1991. Six countries were represented: France, the United States, the USSR, Italy, Spain, and Algeria. The event was organized by CERPA Marseille. The author notes with surprise that the congress received little to no mention in specialized ufology magazines, suggesting it was largely overlooked within the ufological community in France. Gratitude is extended to the "Giornale dei misteri" (Florence), CUN (Rome), the Transcontinental Press Agency, ufologist Javier Sierra, France Info, M6, FR3 Marseille, and local Marseille newspapers for their coverage.

The venue was a two-star hotel near the Saint-Charles train station, which facilitated the arrival of congress participants. The opening on Friday evening involved an address by the author, accompanied by a reception. The congress officially began the next morning.

Presentations and discussions were led by Jean-François Gille, a former researcher at CNRS and a proponent of "John Lear's declaration." The first speaker was Jean-Samuel Levy, who discussed UFOs and esotericism. Sofiane Bendamarji from Algeria presented observations from his country. Victor Tondut and Bernard Hugues introduced CERPA, its scientific approach, and activities. After lunch, Italian colleagues from the Clarion Institute of Vercelli, including Maurizio Cavallo, presented their work, which included a video on Bolivian petroglyphs depicting spacecraft.

Dante Minazzoli delivered a politically charged presentation addressing the question of why extraterrestrials do not make public contact, linking it to the necessity of changing human relationships. Dr. Roberto Pinotti from CUN Rome and Dr. Corado Malanga discussed current Italian ufology, focusing on testimonies and a new approach to contaminated materials in UFO research.

Boris Chourinov from Moscow presented "concrete UFO cases" from the Soviet Union, including the Petrozavodsk locomotive case from February 1985, and discussed the socio-psychology of extraterrestrials. The day concluded with a round table discussion involving Geneviève Vanquelef and Corado Malanga.

On Sunday morning, Louis Estival, founder of the Cercle d'Etudes et de Recherches des Phénomènes Inexpliqués, demonstrated how UFO phenomena can be provoked rather than passively awaited, noting that the passive approach had yielded no concrete results. Pierre Beak presented a video on observations at the Col de Vence. American George Andrews described the ufological landscape in the USA, mentioning aggressive extraterrestrial entities (short greys) suspected of abductions in the Midwest.

Jean-François Gille shared his views on the presence of ETs in underground bases in New Mexico, USA, and contacts with credible witnesses like Dr. Bennewitz, as well as observations in Dulce. The Magonia association presented the "Licorne" project, a complex but valuable IT database.

Frank Marie gave a presentation on observations related to the November 5, 1990, event, suggesting it was more than a simple reentry of a Soviet Proton rocket. Michel Monnerie, described as a "blasphemer" and a denier, concluded the congress by reiterating his openness to the UFO world and the continuation of his school of thought. The success of the event led to the hope of its recurrence.

Observation Ariégeoise en 1975

This article recounts a personal UFO sighting that occurred in July 1975, when the author was 18 years old. While camping in the Ariege region of France, near Auzat in the Vicdessos valley, the author and a friend were challenged to go to the village of Auzat late at night. On their way, they observed a group of orange lights moving on a mountainside. The lights were positioned in a circle around three objects, which appeared lenticular in shape. The interior of the objects was not visible. The lights flickered, creating an impression of movement. The author felt a sense of privilege witnessing the event, which lasted over three-quarters of an hour. He described the lights suddenly becoming agitated, reminding him of a rekindled ember, and expressed a desire to use a flare to make contact. However, his friend's caution prevailed. The objects then moved slowly to the left, in single file, passing over an EDF transformer before disappearing behind the mountain. The author's friend had a clearer view and described seeing three or four devices moving in single file, with the largest one advancing like a reptile, following the ground's contours. The author's own observation differed slightly, describing a succession of lights that followed the terrain.

Other Articles and Sections

• Observations de par le monde: A section dedicated to UFO sightings from around the world.
• UMMO ou les analogues frauduleux (G. Tarade): An article discussing the Ummo phenomenon and fraudulent analogues.
• Dictionnaire des idées reçues ufologiques (M. Monnerie): A dictionary of common UFO-related misconceptions.
• Aérospatiale : Les voiles solaires (R. Alessandri): An article on aerospace, specifically solar sails.
• Météorologie : Les aurores polaires (B. Hugues): An article on meteorology, focusing on polar auroras.
• Flashes: A section for brief news items.
• La Boutique du CERPA: Information on items available for purchase from CERPA.
• Abonnement, Adhésion: Details on how to subscribe to the magazine and become a member of CERPA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, international ufological conferences, and scientific research into unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting ufology as a serious field of study, encouraging contributions from researchers, and highlighting the activities of CERPA as a central organization in this pursuit. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific approach to ufology, as mentioned by Bernard Hugues and Victor Tondut in their presentation of CERPA. The magazine also seems to cover a range of ufological topics, from personal sightings and historical cases to more theoretical discussions and the debunking of fraudulent claims.

This issue of AMA magazine, dated December 1992, focuses heavily on the Ummo affair and broader UFO phenomena, presenting a critical perspective on rationalist explanations and suggesting potential manipulation within ufology.

The Ummo Affair: Fraudulent Analogues

The issue dedicates significant space to the Ummo affair, discussing two books published in September 1991: Jean-Pierre Petit's "Enquête sur des extra-terrestres qui sont déjà parmi nous" and "La Conspiration des étoiles" by Isabelle Blanc, Martine Castello, and Philippe Chambon. Petit, a research director at CNRS, is presented as suggesting the Ummites are deceptive and incapable of intervening in nuclear war, contradicting claims of contactees. The magazine highlights that the Ummites allegedly left Earth around 1975 due to fear of nuclear war, only for their documents to reappear two years later. Petit's research, based on documents from Fernando Sesma, describes the Ummo society as a totalitarian planetary society where individuals are subordinate to the collective, with a female guru wielding absolute power. The text draws a chilling parallel between the Ummites' alleged eugenics practices, including the extermination of non-conforming mutants, and the Final Solution implemented by the Third Reich, labeling Ummo as akin to Orwell's "1984."

"La Conspiration des étoiles" is also discussed, with its authors corroborating Petit's description of the Ummo society. A particularly disturbing account from Albacete, Spain, involving the marquise de Villaflotte and alleged animal vivisection and experimentation by Ummo envoys, is detailed. The authors suggest that the reality of such events mirrors the science fiction of Jimmy Guieu. The magazine questions the origins of the Ummites, posing whether they are terrestrial or extraterrestrial.

The article "UMMO : OU LA RECUPERATION DU PHENOMENE OVNI !" suggests that French ufologists have been cautious about the Ummo dossier, sensing manipulation. It posits that the Ummo designation might have been a KGB code name. The author reflects on the Cold War era, noting a unanimous agreement between the East and West on a "black-out" regarding UFO phenomena. The article outlines five points regarding UFOs: 1) the phenomenon exists, 2) it is intelligent, 3) it is not of human origin, 4) it interferes with our environment, and 5) there is complicity between the intelligences behind the phenomenon and a subversive terrestrial organization. The two recent books are presented as formal proof of these assertions.

Observations from Around the World

The magazine reports on several UFO sightings and related events. On August 15-16, 1991, a luminous phenomenon was observed above Saint-Firmin (Hautes-Alpes), France, by a couple and a friend who filmed it. The event was reported in the local newspaper "Le Dauphiné libéré," and the gendarmerie conducted an investigation. CERPA, upon being informed, contacted the journalist, who suggested the testimonies were dubious. Another group from Marseille investigated and reported in the review "Lumières dans la nuit." The gendarmerie closed the case, deeming the footage inconclusive. The article questions whether the gendarmes might be aware of the phenomenon's origin (civilian or military experiments) and how the Marseille group obtained the video so easily, contrasting it with the lengthy interrogation of Maurice Masse in the Valensole case. The possibility of a copy being made without authorization is also raised.

On April 4, 1992, an article in "Le Figaro" reported on UFOs illuminating the sky over San José, Costa Rica, for two hours, with numerous testimonies and a power outage recorded.

On April 28, 1992, a round, flashing unidentified flying object was sighted near Sydney, Australia, described as large and reddish with bright red and white lights.

On October 6, 1992, blue LASER tests were observed above the southern districts of Marseille, France. Additionally, on October 6, 7, and 8, a dirigible with advertising for Virgin Megastore was seen in Marseille, leading some observers to mistake it for a flying saucer.

Critiques of Rationalism and UFO Manipulation

An article titled "Jouer à la «vache... vole», c'est pas pour les pigeons" critiques an article in "Science et Vie" from April 1980, which allegedly trivialized ufological interpretations by suggesting that fallen leaves, animal behavior, or misidentification of the moon were interpreted as UFOs. The author dismisses rationalist explanations, such as car headlights reflecting in cows' eyes, as absurd and calls for a more honest approach to seeking truth.

Another section, "LES ANALOGUES FRAUDULEUX," discusses the hypothesis that UFOs might be advanced terrestrial secret weapons. It asserts that while these craft are not manufactured on Earth, a purely terrestrial organization might possess undisclosed propulsion systems, possibly in collaboration with an extraterrestrial race. The article mentions antigravitational engine projects and suggests that occult groups or governments might have received scientific data from extraterrestrial civilizations to create these "fake UFOs." It references Dr. Pagès's claim about an antigravitational engine launched in Brazil by Lucien Fremont and mentions ongoing research in the USSR and USA on advanced propulsion systems.

"LA GRANDE MANIPULATION UFOLOGIQUE" claims that UFO research groups in France and other countries have been infiltrated and co-opted for years. It describes attempts to ridicule and divide researchers. The article points to the "RENCONTRES DE LYON" as an example of blatant manipulation and criticizes an operation by the SCEAU group aimed at collecting ufological archives. The recent publications on the Ummo affair are presented as a signal, suggesting the authors were manipulated into writing these works. The article concludes by noting a resurgence of UFO phenomena in France, particularly in the south, and calls for patience while awaiting further developments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical stance towards rationalism and skepticism regarding UFO phenomena, often framing them as dismissive or manipulative. It champions the existence of genuine UFOs and intelligent, non-human origins, while simultaneously exploring the possibility of terrestrial manipulation and deception within the field of ufology itself. The Ummo affair serves as a central case study, illustrating themes of alleged extraterrestrial deception, totalitarian societal structures, and the potential for profound manipulation of public perception. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unexplained, coupled with a deep suspicion of official narratives and a belief that UFO phenomena are real and significant, albeit complex and potentially subject to cover-ups or misdirection.

This issue of AMA magazine, identified as N.5 and dated December 1992, presents a significant contribution from ufologist Michel Monnerie, titled "MINI-DICTIONNAIRE DES IDEES RECUES UFOLOGIQUES" (Mini-Dictionary of Received Ufological Ideas). The magazine also features an extensive article on "AEROSPATIALE : LES VOILIERS DE L'ESPACE, VAISSEAUX DU FUTUR" (Aerospace: Space Sailboats, Future Vessels).

Mini-Dictionary of Received Ufological Ideas by Michel Monnerie

The article begins by introducing Michel Monnerie, a figure described as a renowned ufologist, considered by some a 'debunker' and by others a 'black sheep' of the field. He is noted for his critical approach and for leading the psycho-sociological school of ufology. Monnerie's communication was received in October 1991 during the first international UFO Congress in Marseille.

The author reflects on the period from 1969 to 1980 as the most exciting years of ufology, characterized by numerous sympathizers, prosperous magazines, frequent meetings, and widespread media attention. However, the author notes that during this time, more foolishness was spoken and heard than by any other human in a normal life.

As this excitement cools, the author has compiled a historical testimony of the typical gratuitous affirmations that formed the basis of their beliefs and actions. In the style of Gustave Flaubert, the "Mini-Dictionary of Received Ufological Ideas" is presented.

The dictionary itself is a series of entries, each defining a term or concept related to ufology and offering a brief, often critical or debunking, commentary. Examples include:

• ADAMSKI: Assure he was just a hoaxer. But one must still look closer. Cite the troubling facts.
• AGRICULTEURS (Farmers): Know the countryside too well to be victims of confusion.
• ANIMAUX (Animals): React to UFO sightings. Talk about instinct; don't they predict earthquakes? And carrier pigeons.
• ANTHROPOCENTRISME (Anthropocentrism): Believing we are alone in the Universe.
• ARCHIVES: How many ignored cases lie dusty in archives. No one bothers to explore this treasure. Cite a case.
• ARGON: Faults release argon; what is this gas for?
• ARTICLE: Too many in magazines. Prefer a good investigation. By the way, have you read mine?
• ASSOCIATION: It's a fad, every high school has one. Describe the one you want to found.
• ASTRONAUTES (Astronauts): Also say cosmonauts and spationauts. They weren't allowed to say everything they saw. Cite the Father Christmas anecdote.
• ASTRONOME AMATEUR (Amateur Astronomer): Quality of a witness with a telescope, which validates their observation. Knows the sky.
• BANTOUS (Bantu people): Not contaminated by Western culture. Never heard of flying saucers, their observations are proof. Can also cite Papuans or Eskimos (Eskimos is more chic).
• BASES: They are monitored. That's where most are seen.
• BASES D'OVNI (UFO Bases): Can exist in deserts, under the sea, behind the Moon.
• BERGERS (Shepherds): Know all the stars better than astronomers.
• BIBLE: First report of an extraterrestrial intervention.
• CARTE D'ENQUETEUR (Investigator's Card): Distributed like flyers. A deaf-mute had one! Express indignation.
• CATALOGUE: All should be gathered. Too many books are just case catalogues.
• CECRU: It's cooked! Laugh.
• CLASSIQUES (Classics): "They" won't be able to reduce all the classics.
• CONDON (Report): Written to cover up the truth. Rant, ridicule it, cite the choice of cases, end with: "I should still read it."
• CONFERENCES: Allow public awareness. Learn nothing.
• CONTACTES (Contactees): Charlatans who sell their books. The real ones stay silent.
• DETECTEURS (Detectors): Always say you built (or improved) yours. There should be one per police station.
• ENQUETEURS (Investigators): They should be trained. Few are excellent.
• ESPIONNAGE (Espionage): All groups spy on each other; they'd be better off studying UFOs. Main activity of many groups.
• EXPLICATIONS (Explanations): Official ones are a mockery. Cite Mantell: Venus brought in as an explanation wasn't visible! Laugh and express indignation.
• FAILLES (Faults): There are faults everywhere. "They" observe the most important ones. (See earthquakes.)
• FICHIER (File): Every ufologist has one... Such useless work, they all have the same cases.
• GALILEE: Martyr of truth. Cite G. Bruno, E. Dolet, rail against the mandarins of the establishment.
• GEPAN: Let them work in peace. Imply you are informed of what's happening.
• GOUVERNEMENTS (Governments): They know.
• HELICOPTERES (Helicopters): Don't fly at night. Cannot be confused with UFOs, they make too much noise.
• H.E.T. (Hypothetical Extraterrestrial): It remains the most probable, but one must keep an open mind.
• INCAS: Confuse them with Aztecs and Mayas, get confused. Where did their immense knowledge come from? Cite the fabulous Venusian calendar, the Palenque stone, Nazca.
• INTOLERANCE: Vice of those who refuse UFOs. Rail against it.
• JOURNALISTES (Journalists): Do us more harm than good. There are good and bad ones.
• JOURNAUX (Newspapers): Old newspapers must be explored; ignored cases abound.
• LAVANDE (Lavender): Doesn't grow back in Valensole; argue about the number of years.
• LIVRE (Book): Too many, I don't buy any more.
• LUNE (Moon): Everyone knows how to recognize it. We haven't been told everything about it.
• LUTINS (Gnomes/Elves): Extraterrestrials naively described by our ancestors.
• MILITAIRES (Military): They are forbidden to speak. Cite the "IANAP" (I Am Not A Pilot).
• MORT (Death): Always mysterious for a ufologist, cite Jessup. Laugh at official explanations like "sudden cancer."
• MOTEURS (Engines): Mysteriously stop working when a UFO passes. Yet planes don't fall.
• MYTHE (Myth): Indifferently call them legends. There's something true at the base. Cite Magonia.
• NASA: Does not publish embarrassing inexplicable photos.
• ORDINATEUR (Computer): All cases should be put in it; the truth might emerge. Say: see what Poher did.
• PARAPSYCHOLOGIE (Parapsychology): Cannot be dismissed, but let's be ufologists first. Argue. Conclude peremptorily: "A very advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
• PETITS POINTS (Small Dots): Assert they should be ignored... or the opposite.
• PHOTOS: None are certain. Ah, if only the witness had taken a photo!
• PLANETES (Planets): Even if one in ten thousand harbors life, that's millions of civilizations. Cite the Green-Bank equation.
• RADAR: Sometimes records UFOs.
• RADIO: Stops when a UFO passes.
• REUNION (Meeting): Not often enough. Too often. Useful for exchanging ideas. Nothing ever comes of it.
• REVUES (Magazines): Too many. A good one should be created.
• SOURCES: Too many authors don't cite theirs.
• SOURCES (continued): Often based on faults. Religious apparitions are observed there. Make the connection.
• STATISTIQUES (Statistics): You can make them say anything. Like swimsuits show too much and hide the essential.
• SURVEILLANCE (NIGHT WATCHES): Should be multiplied. Alas, I don't have the time.
• TELEVISION: Presents no objective reporting due to censorship.
• TEMOIN (Witness): Worthy of belief.
• TEMOIN QUALIFIE (Qualified Witness): Aviator, engineer, technician, gendarme... in short, anyone with a qualification.
• TERRAIN (Fieldwork): Ufologists don't do enough of it.
• TOLE (ET BOULONS) (Sheet Metal and Bolts): Say: "nuts and bolts." Back in fashion these days!
• TOMBAUGH: Illustrious astronomer for daring to recount his observation. Cite him... He also discovered a planet, misnaming it.
• TREMBLEMENTS DE TERRE (Earthquakes): Strange lights are always seen before (during, after). (Often).
• VENUS: Can play tricks. Cannot explain everything.
• VUE (Sight): The witness always has excellent sight.
• X (THEM): Very chic way to designate those responsible for the phenomenon without taking risks.
• Y: Designates the witness who wants to remain anonymous but whose name appeared in all the newspapers. Say the name openly but don't write it.
• Z (Location): Place of observation, avoids counter-investigations. Do everything to find it out (see espionage).

Aerospace: Space Sailboats, Future Vessels

This section explores the concept of solar sails as a future propulsion system for spacecraft. The article explains that in the near future, our solar system might be traversed by a new type of vessel: solar sailboats. Unlike traditional sails, these will not be propelled by wind but by sunlight.

The principle behind solar sails is the 'radiation pressure' exerted by photons. Although photons are massless, they carry kinetic energy and exert a small push when they strike a surface. This push, though minute, can be significant in the vacuum of space. The pressure is maximized when the surface is highly reflective, like a mirror.

At Earth's surface, the radiation pressure from sunlight is about one milligram per square meter, insufficient for launching from Earth. However, in space, this force becomes very effective. A solar sail is essentially a very large, very light mirror, typically made of a thin aluminized plastic film, stretched by spars. By orienting the sail, spacecraft can maneuver in any direction, using the Sun's light for propulsion and enabling travel throughout the solar system on spiral trajectories with free energy.

Various sail designs are envisioned, from simple kite-like structures with secondary sails for maneuverability to more complex "heliogyros" with ribbon-like sails resembling helicopter blades, kept taut by centrifugal force. These designs aim to be compact for launch and deployable in space.

The concept of solar sails was first imagined by Soviet pioneers Tsiolkovski and Tsander nearly a century ago, but practical implementation has been slow, mainly due to the difficulty of compactly folding and deploying large sails in space. The article notes NASA's struggles with deploying even small satellite antennas as an example of this challenge.

Past projects, like NASA's proposed probe to meet Halley's Comet in 1986, were deemed too premature and costly. While other probes successfully observed the comet, the solar sail concept offered the possibility of accompanying it. The article mentions that the Soviet Union is set to launch the first experimental solar sail to weakly illuminate Arctic regions.

Solar sails are expected to become more significant with the development of a space industry, with future sails potentially being constructed in space from materials like aluminum or pure sodium, enhancing their performance. Applications include cost-effective transport of materials within the solar system and 'terraforming' planets by reflecting sunlight to warm them or acting as screens to cool them (e.g., Venus).

Even interstellar travel is considered, where sails could be propelled by sunlight to accelerate and then decelerated by the destination star. However, this would result in journeys lasting millennia. An alternative proposed by physicist Robert Forward involves using a giant laser in our solar system to propel and decelerate interstellar vessels. Forward's work, including the science fiction novel "Le Vol de la Libellule" (The Dragonfly's Flight), describes realistic interstellar voyages, such as a 40-year journey to Barnard's Star, suggesting that micro-waves might be more suitable than light for such long distances.

The article concludes that solar sails offer exciting prospects for the near future, even if interstellar travel via this method seems utopian. It highlights that such voyages can be imagined using known science, without resorting to unknown techniques.

Bibliography

The issue includes a bibliography listing two key works:

• Louis Friedman: "Voiliers de l'espace" (Space Sailboats), published by l'Etincelle. Friedman is described as a world specialist and promoter of solar sails, and his book is considered an essential reference.
• Robert Forward: "Le Vol de la Libellule" (The Dragonfly's Flight), published by Robert Laffont. Forward is a renowned physicist specializing in future technologies, who uses science fiction to present original ideas. His book describes a realistic interstellar colonization voyage to Barnard's Star using a solar sail-propelled vessel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be critical yet open-minded regarding ufology, as evidenced by the inclusion of Michel Monnerie's debunking dictionary. The editorial team seems to encourage rigorous investigation and a rational approach to UFO phenomena. Simultaneously, the magazine actively explores forward-thinking scientific concepts like solar sails, showcasing an interest in future technological advancements and space exploration. The publication aims to inform readers about both the mysteries of the unexplained and the potential of human ingenuity.

This issue of AMA, number 5, dated December 1992, is published by CERPA and is in French. The cover features a photograph of atmospheric lights with the headline 'METEOROLOGIE', suggesting a focus on meteorological phenomena.

Article: METEOROLOGIE

The article on page 29, titled 'METEOROLOGIE', addresses a mysterious luminous phenomenon captured in a NASA photograph. While UFO enthusiasts might interpret it as an extraterrestrial craft crashing, the article explains it as polar auroras. The luminous ball is identified as the sun, and the lights are attributed to the interaction of solar particles with the Earth's atmosphere at the poles. The text clarifies that these auroras are caused by the Earth's magnetic field trapping solar wind particles in the Van Allen belts, which then excite oxygen and nitrogen atoms at the magnetic poles, emitting light in red, green, and violet wavelengths. These auroras are most beautiful during solar flares when the sun ejects more particles. The article concludes that these phenomena are not observable in most regions and therefore should not be confused with unidentified phenomena.

Flashes

Pages 31-32 present a 'Flashes' section, a compilation of recent news and events related to ufology and related topics:

• The review 'Nouvel Age New-Age news' featured CERPA and its first international congress on UFOs from Southern countries.
• The bulletin 'Nonsiamosoli' from January 1992, published by the Fraternité du contacté Eugène Siragusa, was received, described as a mix of Christianity and extraterrestrials, featuring photos of Giorgio Bongiovanni.
• 'L'Evénement du jeudi' in January discussed sects, including Aumistes, Nouvelle Acropole, IVI, Kinergistes, and the Raëlian Movement.
• In early April, science-fiction author Isaac Asimov passed away in the United States; he had recently published a comic book on UFOs for children.
• On April 25, an international conference was held at the Manchester Center in Great Britain, organized by the Independent UFO Network, with participants like Jacques Vallée, Jenny Randles, and George D. Fawcette.
• The April issue of 'Ciel et Espace' dedicated several pages to astronomers discussing UFOs, with various viewpoints represented by J.-P. Defait, J.-C- Ribes, J.-J. Velasco, and Evry Schatzman.
• On Tuesday, April 28, the film 'E.T.' was broadcast on Antenne 2, followed by a debate on whether humanity is alone in the universe. Guests included Mr Broenig (SOBEPS), Jean Heidman (Meudon Observatory), Michel Figuet (ufologist), Pierre Lagrange (sociologist), Jean-Jacques Velasco (SEPRA), and Jean-Claude Ribes (Lyon Observatory). CERPA offered UFO pins to the guests.
• On Sunday, May 10, 'Le Méridional' published an article presenting Jean Sider's book 'Ultra top-secret: ces OVNI qui font peur'.
• On May 12, contactee Jean Miguères appeared on the show 'Ciel mon mardi'.
• In May, Jacques Vallée's third book, 'Révélations', was released, discussing cases like Cergy, Ummo, and Roswell, and suggesting that Frank Fontaine might have been manipulated by a military organization.
• The SEPRA (Service d'expertise des phénomènes de rentrées atmosphériques), part of CNES in Toulouse, released a new brochure about its work on unidentified aerial phenomena (PANI).
• 1992 was marked by the death of Jean Miguères on July 28 in Lyon, described as a 'cobaye des extraterrestres' and a well-known contactee.
• The July issue of 'Minute' featured an advertisement for books and a video cassette by Jimmy Guieu.
• The second international UFO days were held in Marseille from September 25-27, organized by CERPA, with representation from eight countries.
• An article in 'Science et Vie' in October announced the inauguration of the Mega-SETI program on October 12 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico.
• On Monday, October 12, the TF1 program 'Mystères' covered the Trans-en-Provence affair, with guests including J.-J. Velasco, Michel Bounias, Renato Nicolaï, and Perry Petrakis. The investigation of the case by SEPRA was presented, with Michel Bounias proposing a meteorological hypothesis.
• A 'last minute' announcement reported the death of Aimé Michel, a pioneer of ufology, on December 27, 1992, in the Alpes de Haute-Provence.

La Boutique du CERPA

Pages 33-34 detail items available for purchase from CERPA:

• Books: A list of books is provided, including works by Jacques Vallée ('Autres Dimensions', 'Confrontations', 'Révélations'), Michel Monnerie ('Le Naufrage des Extraterrestres'), Jean-Michel Lesage ('La Manipulation Occulte'), Bertrand Meheust ('Science-Fiction et Soucoupes Volantes'), Whitley Strieber ('Transformation'), Jean-Pierre Petit ('Enquête sur les OVNI'), Jean Sider ('Ultra Top-Secret'), Elvire Murru-Paput ('Mon Ami l'Extra-Terrestre'), Jimmy Guieu ('L'Ordre Vert'), Dante Minazzoli ('Perche gli Extraterrestri non Predono Contatto Pubblicamente?'), and Jean Miguères ('J'ai été le Cobaye des Extra-Terrestres', 'Le Cobaye des Extra-Terrestres face aux Scientifiques', '1996 La Révélation'). Prices range from 27 F to 180 F.
• Other Items: Keychains (ET), ET film keychains, UFO pins with answering machine, pins from the second UFO days (N.-D. de la Garde), VHS video cassettes of contactee conferences (3 hours), and audio cassettes.
• Video Cassettes: Two VHS video cassettes are advertised: 'Le CERPA Enquête' (60 minutes, color, covering cases in Southern France like St Etienne les Orgues, Vence, Valensole) for 150 F, and 'Conférence des Contactés' (3 hours, featuring J. Miguères, M. Terrusse, J.-L. Griffol, J.-S. Levy, and the Galacteus group) for 150 F. Additionally, 'Sites Enigmatiques: Le Col de Vence' (24 minutes, covering Roman presence, UFOs, plane crashes) and 'Sites Enigmatiques: Saint Barnabé' (24 minutes, featuring monoliths, testimonies, and UFO traces) are available for 170 F each.
• Shipping: Shipping costs are 15 F for pins, and prices for books and videos include postage.

Notre Recherche Coute Tres Cher !

Page 35 is a call for support, stating 'Our research costs very dear!' and mentioning 1000 F for field analyses. It encourages subscriptions and membership in CERPA. A subscription for 4 issues costs 70 F. Membership costs 230 F and includes entry to all CERPA-organized events and a one-year subscription to the review. Membership applications should be sent to CERPA - B.P. 114 - 13363 - MARSEILLE CEDEX 10.

Allo Phénomènes Spatiaux

Page 36 contains an advertisement for 'ALLO PHENOMENES SPATIAUX' with the phone number 91.60.21.12 and a 24/7 answering machine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the distinction between meteorological phenomena and UFO sightings, the reporting of recent events and personalities in the ufology community, and the promotion of CERPA's activities, publications, and merchandise. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, aiming to debunk misinterpretations of natural phenomena as UFOs while still engaging with the broader field of ufology and the experiences of contactees. The magazine also actively seeks financial support from its readers to continue its research.