AMA - No 08 - 1994 sept

Magazine Overview

This issue of AMA (September 1994, N°8) is the bulletin of CERPA (Centre d'Études et de Recherches sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux), a non-profit association founded in 1989. The magazine covers a range of topics including aerospace phenomena, meteorology, and astronomy, with a focus on UFOs and related mysteries. The cover prominently features 'MYSTERIEUSES VIBRATIONS EN PROVENCE' and the ongoing 'AFFAIRE UMMO: ÇA CONTINUE!'. Other featured articles include 'L'ORTHOTENIE ET SES SÉQUELLES' and 'DÉTECTION : Projet de réseau d'alerte téléphonique'. The issue is priced at 20 F and has an ISSN of 1150-81/5.

Editorial

Bernard Hugues, in the editorial, outlines CERPA's objective for 1994: to strengthen ties with the public and researchers. This includes the establishment of a correspondent network in France and abroad, with ten people already representing the organization. This network is set to be enhanced by a telematics and informatics-assisted detection network, 'Projet RADAT', which will be detailed in future issues. The editorial highlights mysterious vibrations in Provence during the past summer and winter, which have been meticulously investigated by CERPA, with various hypotheses presented in this issue. It also mentions an increasing number of UFO observations and the ongoing, nationally significant case of sheep predations near the Canjuers military camp in Haut-Var. The UMMO affair continues with questionable new developments. Hugues calls for collaboration to strengthen their search for the truth. A note apologizes for the issue's delay due to a printer malfunction.

CERPA Library

A new library service is announced for CERPA members, offering hundreds of French and foreign books and video cassettes on UFOs, parapsychology, astronomy, sciences, religions, esotericism, science fiction, and more. These materials can be consulted on-site or borrowed. The service is primarily for members, but donations of books are welcomed.

Articles

OVNI: Feu à volonté! (UFOs: Fire at Will!)

François Couten, a documentalist-expert, explores the nature of the UFO phenomenon. He argues that UFOs demonstrate mastery over space and time, suggesting that extraterrestrial origins are not the only possibility. Couten traces the history of sightings, from early 20th-century reports of dirigible-like craft to post-WWII 'rocket' sightings in Sweden and unusual aerial phenomena in Scandinavia. He posits that the phenomenon has evolved, shifting from 'secret weapons' to 'extraterrestrials' and 'spaceships'. Couten suggests that the phenomenon may be subtly interacting with and manipulating humanity, and that our limited perception of reality might lead us to dismiss the truly extraordinary as absurd. He concludes that we may be facing a multiplicity of universes and an intrusion of intelligences with capabilities beyond our comprehension, referring to them as 'ULTRA-TERRESTRES'.

Lettre ouverte aux extraterrestres (Open Letter to Extraterrestrials)

Jean-Louis Decanis addresses 'Superior Entities', suggesting they have visited Earth before to guide humanity towards knowledge and peace. He notes the current worsening global situation and the six billion people on Earth. Decanis speculates about the appearance of extraterrestrials, describing them as small humanoids with large heads and telepathic abilities, contrasting with humans' larger size and smaller heads. He points out the advanced technology of extraterrestrials, their silent, lenticular craft, and their potential to alleviate human suffering from war, malnutrition, and disease. He questions whether extraterrestrials are artificial intelligences without hearts, observing military bases, or causing sheep mutilations and abductions. Decanis urges them to intervene concretely, stating that all beings are cosmic brothers.

La Lune était-elle nécessaire à la vie? (Was the Moon Necessary for Life?)

Robert Alessandri discusses the argument that the Moon's presence was crucial for the evolution of life on Earth, a theory proposed by astrophysicists seeking to explain the absence of extraterrestrials. French astronomer Jacques Laskar's work suggests that without the Moon's stabilizing influence, Earth's axial tilt would vary dramatically, leading to extreme climate instability that would hinder the evolution of complex life. Alessandri challenges this by pointing out that other celestial bodies, like Pluto and its moon Charon, have significant satellite-to-planet mass ratios, suggesting large satellites are not as rare as Laskar implies. He also questions the catastrophic impact of axial tilt variations, noting that climate changes may have stimulated evolution rather than hindered it. Alessandri concludes that the fragility of Laskar's reasoning highlights the difficulties astrophysicists face in explaining the absence of extraterrestrials.

Nouvelles données dans l'affaire UMMO (New Data in the UMMO Affair)

This section revisits the UMMO affair, dismissing recent 'confessions' by Jose Luis Jordan Peña as insufficient to end the investigation. It suggests Peña may be a complice rather than the mastermind. The article presents a letter dated April 2, 1993, addressed to Rafael Farriols, which is presented as new evidence. The letter, translated from Spanish, discusses communication delays, the 'ostracism' of a brother named J.M. Pons Rafols, and the need to re-establish relations with Jorge Barrenechea Aberasturi. It also advises Jean-Pierre Petit to moderate his anxiety and mentions a potential meeting. The letter provides a cryptic economic forecast for 'OYAGAA' (Earth), predicting worsening conditions and advising against capital-risk operations before June 1996. A glossary of UMMO terms is included, with a note on the dictionary compiled by Antonio Moya Cerpa.

Dossier UMMO: Traduction (par G. Romeo)

This section contains a translation of a letter from a scientist at the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yuli Platov, addressed to Alain Michel. Platov states that in his 16 years of research into natural and aerospace phenomena at the Academy, he has found no information about special KGB work related to UMMO or other 'contactees'. He dismisses letters received by the Academy concerning 'contacts with extraterrestrials' or 'scientific recommendations' as lacking useful scientific information and being solely the responsibility of their authors. Platov mentions the publication of his research with V.V. Rubtsov in the book 'UFOs and Modern Science' (1991). He offers his assistance for future inquiries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of AMA are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), the ongoing and complex UMMO affair, and the scientific and philosophical implications of these mysteries. The magazine also delves into topics like exobiology and the conditions necessary for life. CERPA's editorial stance, as stated in the issue, is one of neutrality, aiming to research aerospace phenomena without favoring any particular theory or belief system. The emphasis is on gathering information, fostering a network of researchers, and encouraging open inquiry into the unknown.

This issue of AMA, number 8, published in September 1994, is titled "DOSSIER UMMO" and focuses on the UMMO affair, mysterious vibrations in Provence, and critical analyses of UFO sighting theories. It includes a collective letter from Madrid recipients of UMMO documents, questioning their extraterrestrial origin and suggesting alternative explanations.

The UMMO Affair: A Collective Re-evaluation

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a collective letter addressed to Antonio Ribera on October 23, 1988. The signatories, including Rafael Farriols, Barrenechea, and Dominguez, express their conviction that the UMMO letters are not from extraterrestrials but are the product of a clever stratagem, a paranoid delusion, or an intelligent hoax. They acknowledge the exceptional quality and academic rigor of the unpublished documents but state they have been forbidden to publish them. The letter outlines three stages of the UMMO affair: an initial superficial phase associated with a student prank, a second phase where information became more accessible but still vulgarized and error-filled, and a third phase characterized by highly advanced information received recently. The authors emphasize that they have never seriously considered the extraterrestrial hypothesis and have publicly denied possessing such documents to avoid accusations of propaganda.

Mysterious Vibrations in Provence

The magazine investigates mysterious vibrations and deep rumblings felt in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, and Var regions of France during August 1993 and January 1994. Initial theories of telluric origin were dismissed, leading to hypotheses involving military activities. Scientists from the Institute of Geophysics in Strasbourg and the Faculty of Physics in Marseille registered the phenomena, with the latter suggesting an atmospheric explosion. Investigations also considered military hypotheses, including the French MM15 anti-ship missile and the experimental Rafale M01 aircraft. The possibility of American F-14 Tomcat maneuvers was also explored. Industrial sites in the Berre region denied any unusual activities. A witness reported seeing a large, terrestrial cargo plane. The article also touches upon seismic activity in Haute-Provence, noting a recrudescence of tremors in the region.

Critical Analysis of UFO Sighting Theories

This section critically examines historical theories used to explain UFO sightings, particularly the "Orthoteny" and "Harmonic 33" concepts.

Orthoteny

Orthoteny, popularized by Aimé Michel, proposed that UFO sightings formed abnormal alignments. The article notes that Michel's early work was limited by the lack of modern analytical tools. Later, computer simulations by Jacques Vallée demonstrated that most observed alignments could be attributed to chance. While a six-point alignment (BAVIC) initially seemed significant, further analysis revealed it was not as robust as initially believed, with one observation being from a different day and the alignment being approximate. The article concludes that Orthoteny, despite the efforts of some enthusiasts, ultimately collapsed due to statistical and methodological flaws.

Harmonic 33 and Harmonic 695

This theory, proposed by Bruce Cathie, suggested that UFOs followed a grid pattern with 33-mile cells. The article criticizes this theory, suggesting Cathie suffers from paranoia and that his work lacks scientific rigor. It mentions his later theory, Harmonic 695, with larger cells, further reinforcing the critique of his methods. The article implies that these theories are based on flawed statistical analysis and a tendency to see patterns where none exist.

Isosceles Triangles (Isocélie)

Around 1980, the theory of isosceles triangles gained traction, suggesting that UFO observation sites formed such triangles. While initially proposed by Fumoux, a CRNS researcher, Jean-François Gille, conducted simulations that showed a slight excess of isosceles triangles compared to random chance. However, the article argues that this margin was small and that Fumoux's interpretation was overly enthusiastic, possibly due to a biased use of statistics. The article also points out that Fumoux's work was later criticized for statistical inaccuracies and a lack of rigorous methodology.

Statistical Scrutiny of UFO Data

The magazine presents a detailed statistical analysis by Robert Alessandri, critiquing the methods used by Franck Marie in his study of UFO observation points in Provence. Alessandri argues that Marie's claim of "abnormally high percentages" of aligned sites is not supported by proper probability calculations. He demonstrates that Marie's analysis suffered from several flaws, including insufficient simulations, the use of a schematic map of France that distorted dimensions, and the neglect of closely spaced observation points that could naturally form triangles. Alessandri concludes that the observed alignments are consistent with random chance and that Marie's conclusions about non-random distribution are unfounded. He advises Marie to stick to areas where he has expertise and avoid speculative statistical interpretations.

Specific Case Reports

Tronville-en-Barrois Sighting

A detailed account of a sighting in Tronville-en-Barrois on the night of January 2-3, 1994, is presented. Witnesses reported an extraordinarily dense light, followed by flashing lights. They then observed a circular craft with a transparent dome, inside which stood three tall figures. The craft then ascended and disappeared. The family initially hesitated to report the incident for fear of being dismissed as irrational. Marks were found on the ground where the craft had been.

Col de Vence Sighting

On March 5, 1993, at the Col de Vence, four witnesses observed strange lights and a triangular object with luminous points. The object ascended and then disappeared. The event was reported in the press and on radio. A similar observation was reported almost simultaneously in Martigues-Lavera.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena and the theories surrounding them. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet investigative stance, emphasizing the importance of rigorous statistical analysis and scientific methodology. It challenges unsubstantiated claims and encourages a rational approach to understanding unexplained events, particularly in the context of the UMMO affair and the mysterious vibrations. The editorial stance appears to favor debunking sensationalist interpretations and promoting evidence-based conclusions.

AMA N°8, September 1994, is a French ufology magazine published by CERPA. This issue features a detailed report on a UFO sighting in Marseille, alongside articles on scientific advancements, astronomical events, and various ufological news and book reviews.

Observation à Marseille

The lead article details a sighting by Gérard Romeo, a member of CERPA, on the night of July 1-2, 1994, above Marseille. Romeo observed a luminous, comet-like object moving from east to west. He described it as white, emitting its own light, and roughly the size of two 5-franc coins held at arm's length. The object moved at a very high speed without any sound or trail, unlike a meteorite. It had a red light on its right, similar to aircraft position lights. The phenomenon disappeared behind the roofs of the Viton pavilion at the Sainte Marguerite Hospital. The moon, in its last quarter, appeared later in the visual field at 2:45 AM.

Enquêtes: La bête du Verdon

This section discusses the ongoing mystery of the 'Verdon Beast,' responsible for the massacre of over a thousand sheep since the summer of 1992. The article criticizes the slow and bureaucratic response of public authorities and highlights the frustration of shepherds. It questions the nature of this elusive 'super-animal' that can kill sheep quickly without frightening the rest of the flock or consuming its prey, suggesting it kills out of malice rather than necessity. The magazine promises to explore the elements of this case further in the next issue.

Réseau de Correspondants du CERPA

This section provides contact information for CERPA correspondents across France (Nord, Ile-de-France, Loire-Atlantique, Cher, Lorraine, Aube, Ain, Vaucluse, Var, Bouches-du-Rhône) and internationally (Algeria, Argentina). It encourages readers to share their testimonies and information.

Detection: Le Point sur le Projet RADAT

This article details the RADAT project (Réseau Automatique de Détection et d'Alerte Téléphonique), a unique initiative for automatic UFO detection and telephone alerting. The project aims to rapidly transmit alerts to a large number of people using the telephone network. Detectors would be connected via a Minitel device, and in case of an alert, the system would automatically dial the CERPA central computer, which would then contact subscribers in the vicinity of the sighting or along its estimated trajectory. The article explains that detectors can be basic or equipped with additional sensors (luminosity, microwaves, gravity fields). The project, though slow to gain traction, is progressing, with a demonstration planned for October 1995. Robert Alessandri is the project manager.

Nouvelles Scientifiques: La fièvre des supraconducteurs

This section discusses the rapid advancements in superconductor technology. It highlights the discovery of superconductivity at higher temperatures, moving from extremely low temperatures (23 Kelvins) to near ambient temperatures (-23°C and even +7°C). The article mentions the Nobel Prize awarded to Georg Bednorz and Alex Müller for their work. It explores the wide range of applications for superconductors, including lossless electricity transport, more powerful computers, and strong electromagnets used in particle accelerators and magnetic levitation trains. The text also touches upon the potential use of superconductors by 'Ummite' aliens to shield their craft from magnetic fields.

Jupiter et la comète

This article reports on the historic collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter in July 1994. It describes how the comet, discovered in March 1993 and fragmented into multiple pieces, was on a collision course with the giant planet. The impacts, though occurring on Jupiter's unseen side, left observable traces and had consequences that exceeded predictions. The article notes that Jupiter acts as a shield, protecting the inner solar system from cometary impacts, and discusses the implications for the probability of life on Earth. It also touches upon the ongoing debate about whether giant planets like Jupiter are rare or common in the galaxy.

Flashes

This section provides a collection of short news items related to ufology and related topics:

• Giordano Bruno: His complete works are being published.
• San Marino Symposium: The first international symposium on UFOs and anomalous aerial phenomena was held in San Marino in April 1993.
• Jean-Claude Bourret: The ufologist appeared on France 2's 'Matin Bonheur' to discuss his latest book on UFOs, co-authored with J.-J. Velasco of SEPRA.
• Mystères (TF1): An episode featured a report on the November 5, 1990, sighting of triangular luminous forms, with Boris Chourinov refuting the official explanation.
• L'Inconnu Magazine: An article discussed a significant UFO sighting over Petrozavodsk, Russia, on September 20, 1977.
• Independent UFO Network Conference: An international conference on UFOs was held in Sheffield, UK, in August 1993, featuring prominent ufologists.
• 3èmes Journées internationales sur les ovnis: These events were organized by CERPA in Marseille in September 1993.
• Cannes Film Festival: Films like 'Body Snatchers' explored themes of alien invasion and extraterrestrial encounters.
• Bruce Quiquand Books: Two new books by the French researcher on animal mutilations and UFOs were released.
• L'Inconnu Magazine (Issue 200): An article discussed 'Men in Black' phenomena.
• TV Show 'Coucou, c'est nous': Mr. Mocquet presented UFO photos and discussed 'Grays'.
• UMMO Affair: Antonio Ribera stated that the UMMO case is not closed, with letters still being received.
• 'En attendant les extraterrestres' (Planète TV): A report on Gabriel Green and the hypothesis of extraterrestrial influence.

Livres en Vente à la Boutique du CERPA

This section lists books available for purchase from CERPA, including titles on UFOs, extraterrestrials, and related phenomena. Notable books include "Le Secret des ovnis" by Jean-Michel Lesage, "OVNI - Les Vérités cachées de l'enquête officielle" by R. Roussel, and various works by authors like Jacques Vallée, Antonio Ribera, and Boris Chourinov. It also advertises video and audio cassettes, including conference recordings and documentaries on UFOs and enigmatic sites.

Nouveaux Livres

• "Projet Oméga" by Kenneth Ring: This book explores the connection between Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) and UFO abductions, suggesting they are induced dreams by a superior intelligence aiming to guide human spiritual evolution towards a 'point Omega.' The author, a psychology professor, uses statistical analysis and relates the phenomena to the work of Leo Sprinkle and Thierry Pinvidic.
• "Hypothèse extra-terrestre" by Jean-Gabriel Greslé: A pilot and ufologist presents a theoretical defense of the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFO manifestations. The book discusses astronomical considerations, various hypotheses, the wave of abductions in the USA, and a historical overview of UFOs, particularly in the United States.
• "Et si l'homme était seul dans l'univers?" by Marceau Felden: This book, by a physics professor, argues against the widespread belief in extraterrestrial life. Felden proposes the 'anthropocosmic principle,' suggesting that if intelligent life existed elsewhere, it would be evident. He posits that contact between intelligences leads to domination or subjugation. The reviewer criticizes Felden's arguments as unoriginal and poorly defended, particularly his views on the evolution of intelligence and his dismissal of UFO observations as subjective and emotional.
• "Vague D'OVNI sur la Belgique/2" by SOBEPS: This book provides a detailed analysis of the UFO wave in Belgium, examining interesting observations, identifying constants in testimonies, and discussing various hypotheses. It includes contributions from Lucien Clerebaut, Patrick Ferryn, Michel Bougard, Jean Debal, Marck Valckenaers, Professor Meessen, and Leon Brenig, focusing on scientific methodology and data analysis. The reviewer notes SOBEPS's strong stance on the French wave of November 1990.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the extraterrestrial hypothesis. It promotes the work of CERPA and its network of correspondents, encouraging reader participation. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including scientific, psychological, and historical perspectives, while also critically evaluating different theories and publications. There's a clear emphasis on detailed reporting, scientific inquiry, and the dissemination of information within the ufological community. The magazine also engages with broader scientific topics like superconductors and astronomical events, linking them to potential implications for understanding life and the universe.

This issue of AMA (Aérospatiale, Météorologie, Astronomie), published by CERPA in September 1994, is primarily dedicated to ufology, featuring book reviews, research updates, and news from ufological associations.

Book Reviews

OVNI, les vérités cachées de l'enquête officielle by Robert Roussel

Robert Alessandri reviews Robert Roussel's book, which is described as a serious and impartial work. Roussel, a reporter with good access to official circles, previously wrote 'OVNI, la fin du secret' in 1978. His new book, published by Albin Michel for 98 F, delves into how ufology is treated within French military and scientific institutions, with a notable chapter on the Belgian UFO wave. Alessandri praises Roussel's impeccable research and his ability to explain the functioning and objectives of SEPRA better than other publications. Roussel's main informants include military personnel and scientists like Pierre Guérin. However, Alessandri notes that Roussel's excursions into topics like crop circles and the Bermuda Triangle are less successful, relying on repeated television soundbites. Despite these minor deviations, the book is considered valuable for its serious and impartial approach.

ET. Connection by Timothy Good

This section reviews 'ET. Connection,' a book edited by Timothy Good and published by Presses de la Cité for 120 F. The reviewer, Robert Alessandri, expresses gratitude to Jimmy Guieu for initiating the French translation of this English-language work. He notes that the book is a sequel to 'Alien Contact,' which was not translated. Alessandri clarifies that despite a potentially misleading cover, the book was not written by Jimmy Guieu but edited by Timothy Good. Guieu is noted for adding tendentious remarks about French ufology and listing only associations close to him. The book is actually a collective work under Good's direction. The publisher is criticized for omitting a table of contents, though a promotion for Guieu's video collection is included. Alessandri provides the table of contents as an exclusive for CERPA. Despite these reservations, the book is considered a serious work by well-known ufologists, presenting a comprehensive overview of modern ufology, with the hope that similar works will follow.

The table of contents for 'ET. Connection' includes articles by John Spencer, Hal Mackenzie, George Wingfield, Paul Dong, Gheorgina Florin, Richard Haines, Bernard Guénette, Samuel Greco, James Deardoff, Nikolai Lebedev, Linda Moulton Howe, Bob Oechsler, and Jorge Martin, covering a wide range of UFO-related topics from sightings and political definitions to extraterrestrial strategies and bases.

Research and Projects

Premiers résultats du Projet Ouragan

This section details the preliminary results of the 'Projet Ouragan,' a statistical study published in the review 'Lumières dans la nuit' (issue 324), conducted by Joël Mesnard and collaborators. The project aims to study the general evolution of the UFO phenomenon from 1947 to the present, based on a selection of nearly 6000 French and international cases. Key findings include a constant decrease in daytime UFO sightings, with landings and 'ufonauts' also declining after an intense period in the 1950s-60s. Triangular UFOs have only recently appeared, notably during the 1983/84 and 1989/90 waves. The work is praised as an excellent statistical effort that presents findings without subjective interpretations, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. The only criticism is that the meticulous graphics were hand-drawn rather than computer-generated, which may limit future evolution and data exchange. The author expresses hope that Mesnard, who has good relations with IT groups, will leverage computer resources for future phases.

Boris CHOURINOV: Les deux faces de l'ufologie en Russie

This is a review of a 64-page document by Boris Chourinov, presented as indispensable for understanding the history of ufology in Russia. Since the end of censorship, Russia has seen a surge of 'illuminated' stories mixed with serious cases that have received little publicity. Chourinov, president of the UFOS (Ufological Society) in Moscow and a long-time ufologist advocating for scientific study, provides an overview of significant cases investigated in Russia and the former Soviet Union, as well as the history of this little-known ufology and the actions of certain 'ufologists' who discredit it for personal gain. The text was previously published in Spanish in 'Cuadernos de ufologia' and is distributed by CERPA for 35 F plus 5 F postage.

Correspondence and Debates

Courrier: Le groupe Orion nous écrit au sujet du projet RADAT

This section features a response from the Orion group (Beziers) regarding the RADAT project, presented by Robert Alessandri. The Orion group finds the project too complicated and expensive for immediate interest. They express reservations about the sensitivity of magnetic field detectors, noting that while sensitive detectors can pick up significant fields, they might also trigger false alarms from common objects. They also question the feasibility of a computer program to automatically process information from nearby minitels. The Orion group suggests using FAX for communication if all groups possess it and offers to investigate regional sightings reported by CERPA. They are willing to share their investigation reports.

Robert Alessandri responds to the Orion group's concerns. He clarifies that the magnetic field of a point-like object decreases with the CUBE of the distance, not the square. He acknowledges the potential for extreme magnetic fields from UFOs, possibly reaching millions of gauss, but notes that even at a distance, these fields could be detectable. He contrasts this with household appliances, which generate much weaker fields. Alessandri suggests a detection threshold of a few hundredths of a gauss as a compromise, with precautions to avoid false detections. Prototypes of their detector will be tested during the summer. He admits that extreme magnetic fields might not be a frequent characteristic of the phenomenon but considers it the most promising research avenue. He emphasizes that their network will be open to all types of detectors and hopes this will revive interest in detection, especially for complex stations. Regarding FAX, he agrees it would be interesting but notes that immediate detection response would likely involve rushing outside rather than alerting others via phone or FAX. The RADAT concept aims for automatic alerts across a region or even the entire country within minutes. He acknowledges the considerable work required for programming and estimates the network will not be fully functional before 1995, aiming for early in the year. He understands the skepticism but believes recent developments will demonstrate the project's viability. The initial presentation was to gauge interest and gather suggestions, and despite a limited response, they are encouraged to continue. They are not seeking subscriptions but want to assess the number of potential network subscribers.

Thierry Pinvidic: OVNI, Vers une anthropologie d'un mythe contemporain - Éditions Heimdal - trop cher F

Jocelyn Morel, from G.N.E.O.V.N.I., critiques a book reviewed in a previous AMA issue, calling it 'immond' and 'putride,' representing 'counter-ufology.' He argues that proponents of debunking claim UFOs exist but then dismiss most testimonies as explicable phenomena or witness errors. Morel criticizes the tendency to label witnesses as mentally disturbed or to dismiss corroborating evidence from authorities. He questions the effort to discredit the phenomenon, stating that it's not explained but merely observed. He concludes with a somber 'Oui, malheureusement, on constate...' (Yes, unfortunately, we observe...).

CRITICA ERGO SUM by Gérard Romeo

Gérard Romeo addresses criticisms leveled against CERPA, particularly regarding its stance on ufology. He defends CERPA's position as a middle ground, open to both pro- and anti-extraterrestrial hypotheses, which he acknowledges makes them vulnerable to criticism from both sides. He refutes accusations of being agents of disinformation, citing CERPA's early discussion of the F-117A and their disagreement with SOBEPS's explanation of the November 5, 1990, wave as a Russian Proton rocket. Romeo defends CERPA's approach to 'contactee' conferences as presenting the more extreme side of ufology, akin to show organizers, which he considers a valid part of ufology. He laments the difficulty of forming a unified ufological federation due to prejudices and exclusionary attitudes within the community. He concludes by stating he has dedicated too much time to detractors and that such medieval quarrels only benefit organizations like SEPRA.

Activities and Associations

ACTIVITES DE NOTRE CENTRE

This section outlines the activities of CERPA, including work meetings on aerospace, meteorological, and astronomical phenomena, investigations into unidentified aerospace phenomena, astronomy vigils, site visits to scientific observatories and air traffic control centers, conferences, film screenings, and social gatherings. CERPA also organizes an international congress on UFOs every two years and publishes the AMA bulletin. They manage a Minitel server (3615 OVNITEL) for information dissemination and discussion on UFOs. Additionally, CERPA lends books from its library (over 400 titles) and designs/fabricates detection equipment. They also conduct studies on traces and perturbations at observation sites in collaboration with scientific institutions.

SOUTENEZ NOTRE RECHERCHE PAR VOTRE ABONNEMENT

This section details subscription and membership options for AMA and CERPA. A 4-issue subscription to AMA costs 70 F. Membership in CERPA is 230 F, which includes preferential access to events and a one-year subscription to the review. Subscription and membership requests are to be sent to CERPA at the provided address in Marseille.

LA VIE DES ASSOCIATIONS

This section reports on the creation of three new ufological associations, indicating a renewed interest in the phenomenon: OVNI Forum (Pascal Pautrat, Corbeil-essonnes), Association ufologique rochelaise (Dompierre-sur-mer), and OVNI-Futur (Marseille). The latter is noted for its upcoming review 'Les Temps futurs.' CERPA expresses hope that the Marseille association will contribute positively to ufological research. The section also announces the fourth edition of the 'Journées internationales sur les ovnis des pays du Sud,' organized by CERPA, to be held in Marseille from October 6-8, 1995. The event is expected to attract ufologists from around the world.

A contact number (91-60-21-12) is provided for recording testimonies, obtaining information on activities, and accessing a 24-hour answering service called 'ALLO PHENOMENES SPATIAUX.'

Products and Services

UNE SOUCOUPE VOLANTE DANS VOTRE SALON !

This advertisement promotes the 'URANE' flying saucer, a decorative object measuring 25 cm in diameter. It features various light effects, including a projector, flashing lights, rotating lights, and a luminescent lower part. It has telescopic legs and a colored base with a stand to simulate flight. The base also contains a small notepad/agenda with a brief history of ufology. The URANE is delivered in anti-shock packaging with a battery, and an AC adapter is available as an option. The price is 375 F plus 35 F for registered mail within France. International shipping costs are extra. The AC adapter costs 60 F plus 20 F for port.

3615 OVNITEL

This section advertises the OVNITEL service, accessible via Minitel (3615), offering information, testimonies, Q&A, and a message board related to UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious and scientific approach to ufology, encouraging open discussion and data sharing among different groups. It critiques sensationalism and debunking efforts that it deems unscientific or driven by prejudice. CERPA positions itself as a neutral, informative, and unifying organization within the ufological community, actively promoting research and disseminating information through its publications and events. The issue highlights the importance of statistical analysis and the challenges of detection technology, while also showcasing international research and the growth of ufological associations.