Anomalies - No 01 - October 1996

Magazine Overview

Anomalies n° 1, a quarterly publication from L'Observatoire des Parasciences, launched in October 1996. Co-edited with the Société Helvétique d'Etudes Arnoldiennes (SHEA), it is dedicated to parasciences including UFOs, the paranormal, mysterious animals, and fantastic archaeology. The issue is priced at 35 FF and features Kenneth Arnold, the first observer of unidentified flying objects, on its cover, with the headline "He was the very first observer...". The magazine aims to provide a new perspective on paranormal subjects, moving beyond simple acceptance or rejection.

Editorial Stance

The editorial, titled "Observer les parasciences ?" (Observing the paranormal sciences?), highlights the omnipresence of paranormal phenomena in daily life, often amplified and distorted by modern communication systems. It criticizes the common treatment of these subjects as either popular credulity or scientific incredulity, proposing a new approach. Anomalies intends to place parasciences within their historical and social context, analyze significant controversies, and explore the fundamental questions surrounding paranormal phenomena, such as the testimony and the application of scientific tools to problematic subjects. The goal is to understand these phenomena for what they are, not just for the stakes they represent.

Key Articles and Features

"Il fut le tout premier observateur... Kenneth Arnold, USA, 1947"

This piece on the cover revisits the seminal event of June 24, 1947, when Kenneth Arnold, piloting his personal aircraft, observed nine discs flying in formation. His description of their trajectory as similar to "saucers ricocheting on water" inadvertently launched the field of ufology and sparked a major controversy.

"CROIRE OU NE PAS CROIRE AUX UMMITES ?"

This article by Jean-Pierre Petit, an astrophysicist and research director, explores the phenomenon of "Ummite" aliens. Petit, who has received strange communications purportedly from extraterrestrials, continues his investigations into their social organization, habitat, and psychology, presenting it as a "troubling dossier."

"L'extraterrestre de Roswell a-t-il été contaminé par la bactérie martienne ?"

Written by Pierre Lagrange, this piece contrasts the media's reaction to the Roswell alien (ET) and the discovery of a Martian bacterium. Lagrange notes that while both were uncertain, the ET received intense scrutiny, while the bacterium was met with enthusiasm. He suggests this difference stems from the implications: the ET challenges our understanding of history, while the bacterium fits within existing scientific frameworks. The article posits that the ET divides people, whereas the bacterium unites them.

"Crash de Roswell, le rapport du Congrès américain"

This investigative report by Pierre Lagrange details the US Congress's involvement in the Roswell incident. Following a request from Senator Steve Schiff, the General Accounting Office (GAO) investigated the handling of the Roswell case by the US Air Force. The GAO's report, much shorter than the USAF's, noted the disappearance of numerous military archives from the period, though it did not directly link this to Roswell. The article highlights the ongoing debate and the military's evolving explanations, from denying any unusual event to attributing it to a secret balloon project (Project Mogul).

"John E. Mack: L'affaire des enlèvements"

This section introduces the work of Dr. John E. Mack, a Harvard professor of psychiatry, who has collected testimonies from six million Americans claiming to have been abducted by extraterrestrials. Mack has gathered nearly a hundred testimonies under hypnosis and declares that these are not "fantasmagorical tales but real accounts."

"ID4 : Independence Day"

A review of the film "Independence Day," which depicts an alien invasion of Earth. The article notes how the film, set on the US national holiday, presents a scenario where Americans serve hamburgers to the invading extraterrestrials. It critiques the film's portrayal of the military and the secret Zone 51, contrasting it with the views of Glenn Campbell, who directs the Area 51 Research Center and believes the film misrepresents the base's activities, focusing more on illegal land seizures and environmental damage by the military.

"Soucoupes arlésiennes?"

This report describes an exhibition in Arles curated by Joachim Schmid, focusing on images of UFOs and extraterrestrials. Schmid, a specialist in images rather than UFOs themselves, presents a collection of photographs, some of which are his own creations, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The exhibition aims to make viewers question the images they see.

Interview with Ray Bradbury

In an interview, Ray Bradbury, author of "Fahrenheit 451," discusses the impact of television, the future of science fiction, and his views on the Roswell incident. He expresses concern about the pervasive influence of television in American life, noting how it has made reality stranger than fiction. Bradbury believes that science fiction is crucial for generating new ideas and that dreams are the foundation of innovation. He dismisses the Roswell incident as a "fabulous lie" and a "lie, but a lie all the same," citing Allen Hynek's skepticism.

"Le syndrome «carte sauvage»"

This article explores the 1976 English science fiction novel "Wild Card" (La Carte sauvage) by Raymond Hawkey and Roger Bingham. It suggests that the novel's plot, involving a staged alien crash to manipulate public opinion and unite the nation against a perceived extraterrestrial threat, bears striking resemblances to the Roswell incident, proposing it as a potential framework for understanding the event.

"agenda - congrès - kiosque : Les magazines magiques"

This section reviews "Spécial Mystères" magazines from Limousin Magazine, highlighting their in-depth coverage of various paranormal and mystery topics, including UFOs, ghosts, monsters, esotericism, and parapsychology. The review praises the magazines for their serious approach and ability to connect local interest with global phenomena.

"Rubriques"

This section provides a table of contents, listing various articles and features, including a poll on government secrecy regarding UFOs, a piece on the Roswell extraterrestrial and Martian bacteria, an agenda of events, a comic strip about an alien contactee named Bert, a review of the film "Independence Day," an exhibition on UFOs in Arles, media reviews (Science & Vie, Penthouse), and impressions on various books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Anomalies are UFO sightings, extraterrestrial encounters, government cover-ups, and the broader field of paranormal research. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, advocating for a nuanced understanding of these phenomena by examining their historical, social, and cultural contexts, rather than resorting to simplistic acceptance or dismissal. The magazine aims to foster a more informed and analytical approach to the study of the unexplained.

Anomalies, Issue 1, October 1996, is a French-language magazine focused on unexplained phenomena, ufology, and cryptozoology. This issue features a prominent article by Michel Meurger titled "L'altérité sous le scalpel" (Otherness under the scalpel), which explores the connections between science fiction and UFOs, particularly the Roswell incident. The magazine also includes an analysis of the US Air Force's early investigations into flying saucers and a section on cryptozoology, examining the scientific and cultural debates surrounding mysterious creatures.

"L'altérité sous le scalpel" by Michel Meurger

This lead article by Michel Meurger posits that the Roswell incident and the concept of extraterrestrial beings are deeply intertwined with science fiction. Meurger suggests that the 'alien' archetype is not entirely novel but has evolved from earlier fictional tropes, particularly those from the inter-war period. He draws parallels between the Roswell case and fictional narratives, implying that the public's perception of aliens has been shaped by these stories. The article also touches upon the idea that the 'otherness' of aliens, as depicted in fiction and alleged encounters, is often subjected to scientific scrutiny, akin to dissection ('under the scalpel'). Meurger highlights how science fiction has amplified the concept of alien 'otherness,' influencing millions of minds.

The Roswell Incident: Myth and Reality

The magazine discusses the Roswell incident from multiple angles. It references a novel by Raymond Hawkey and Roger Bingham that presents the crash from the perspective of the alien's assassin, suggesting a reversal of typical narrative structures. The article explores the 'conspiracy' aspect, linking it to the CIA and FBI, and the idea of a 'state secret.' A key point is the theory that the crash might have been a Mogul-type balloon, and the subsequent secrecy by the US Air Force due to the project's classified nature, which fueled ufological interpretations. The issue also mentions a Polygram Video cassette titled "Roswell, le mystère," a science fiction film about the incident, which is described as a condensation of the Roswell myth. The article questions the profit motive behind such productions and draws a parallel to Nazi propaganda, suggesting that manipulated narratives can create modern myths, termed the 'wild card syndrome.'

The Cold War and Roswell

The timing of the Roswell incident during the first Cold War is noted, and its potential resurgence is linked to the current geopolitical climate – the collapse of the USSR, the rise of nationalism, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. This atmosphere of 'acute paranoia' is seen as creating fertile ground for the re-emergence of the Roswell affair, especially with the release of films purporting to show recovered alien bodies.

U.S. Air Force Investigations into Flying Saucers

This section delves into the early official investigations by the U.S. military into sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). It begins with the Kenneth Arnold sighting in June 1947 and the subsequent public interest. The article details how the Army Air Forces (AAF), later the U.S. Air Force, began to analyze reports. It highlights the initial confusion and the various explanations offered by scientists and psychologists, such as optical illusions or mass psychoses. The military's involvement is traced through internal documents and projects like 'Sign' (later 'Saucer' and 'Grudge'). The article reveals that military experts, including Lieutenant General Nathan F. Twining, acknowledged the reality of the objects, considering them 'material objects' and not hallucinations. However, they grappled with their origin, exploring hypotheses of secret American projects, Soviet technology, or even extraterrestrial origins. The secrecy surrounding projects like 'Mogul' is shown to have contributed to the mystery. The article notes the internal debates within the military and between different agencies like the FBI and the Air Force regarding the nature and origin of these phenomena. It also points out that while public statements aimed to reassure the public, internal documents reveal ongoing concern and a willingness to consider even extraterrestrial hypotheses, though definitive proof remained elusive.

Cryptozoology: The Study of Hidden Animals

This extensive section, authored by Pierre Lagrange, explores the field of cryptozoology, which investigates creatures reported in folklore and eyewitness accounts but not yet recognized by mainstream zoology. The article discusses famous cases such as the Loch Ness Monster, the Yeti, and giant sea creatures like the Kraken. It examines the debate between cryptozoologists, who believe in the possibility of undiscovered species, and skeptics, who attribute sightings to misidentification, folklore, or hoaxes. The article highlights how popular legends and scientific discovery can intertwine, using the example of the Kraken, which was eventually linked to the giant squid. It also critiques a book by Eric Joly and Pierre Affre, 'Les Monstres sont vivants,' for its perceived lack of rigor in distinguishing between folklore and scientific evidence, and for its simplistic dichotomy of accepting or rejecting the existence of these creatures. The section emphasizes that while new species are discovered, they are rarely preceded by the extensive legendary build-up associated with cryptozoological subjects. The article concludes by noting that both the public and military personnel often engage in similar myth-making processes when confronted with the unknown.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official narratives and explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with popular culture, science fiction, and government secrecy. There's a recurring theme of challenging established scientific or military explanations, suggesting that the 'truth' is often more complex or deliberately obscured. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical examination of evidence and a willingness to consider unconventional hypotheses, while also acknowledging the role of cultural influences and psychological factors in shaping beliefs about the unexplained. The magazine encourages readers to think critically about the information presented and to question the boundaries between myth, science, and reality.

This issue of Anomalies magazine, dated October 1996, features a cover story titled "Affaires non classées « Révélations » teintées de paranoïa sur les tribulations de Fox Mulder et Dana Scully" by Bob Woodstein. The magazine delves into the world of the popular TV series 'The X-Files,' exploring its themes of paranormal investigations, government secrecy, and the dynamic between its two protagonists, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.

The 'X-Files' Phenomenon: An Insider's Perspective

The main article presents an interview with an anonymous source within the FBI, referred to as an "ombre" (shadow) with a deep voice. This source claims to be involved in analyzing "unsolved cases" for the National Security Agency (NSA). The source expresses a cautious and somewhat critical view of Mulder and Scully, particularly Mulder, suggesting that their investigations often involve fabricated cases or are easily manipulated. The source contrasts the FBI's approach to UFOs with the more reliable surveillance methods of the NSA, which would detect any extraterrestrial incursions before they reached the public's attention. The interview reveals that the FBI's involvement in UFO matters began after John Edgar Hoover realized the military was withholding information about flying saucers, leading to the creation of the "unsolved cases" bureau. The source also touches upon the Roswell incident, suggesting a government effort to discredit the event with a silicone ET, and mentions the role of TV personality Jacques Pradel in this alleged cover-up.

The source explains that Mulder is easier to manage than Scully, as he can be diverted by fake leads, while Scully's more analytical nature might pose a greater challenge if she were fully aware of what the source knows. The article highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between fiction and reality when discussing these phenomena, and the source warns against trusting easily, echoing the 'X-Files' mantra: "Trust no one! The truth is out there."

Book Reviews and Features

Beyond the main 'X-Files' feature, the magazine includes several book reviews and short articles on related topics:

Fortean Studies Vol. 2

This review praises 'Fortean Studies,' edited by Steve Moore, for its rigorous approach to paranormal research. It highlights articles on the coelacanth, the legend of Magonia, and the controversial theories of Nazi archaeologists Otto Siegfried and Hermann Wirth. The review notes the publication's connection to 'Fortean Times,' a long-running magazine.

Enquête sur un mystère : les OVNI by Sandrine Chartier

This review describes Sandrine Chartier's book as a good introduction for beginners to the UFO phenomenon. The reviewer, who is mentioned within the book, finds it to be a well-summarized and factually correct overview of ufology, suitable for those new to the subject.

Les mythologies meurent-elles à la fleur de l'âge? by Gildas Bourdais

The reviewer expresses disagreement with Gildas Bourdais's thesis but acknowledges the book's novelty in UFO literature. The book is praised for its clarity, documentation, and consideration of skeptical viewpoints. Bourdais attempts to connect UFO phenomena with religious and mythological themes, drawing parallels with Vedic concepts of celestial beings. The reviewer finds Bourdais's arguments to be intellectually rigorous but ultimately unconvincing, particularly his attempts to link UFOs with ancient myths and his critique of the historical understanding of UFOs.

Les Grecs ont-ils cru aux ovnis?

This section discusses historian Paul Veyne's participation in a TV program about the Roswell incident. It raises questions about whether expertise in ufology is necessary to discuss the topic and whether UFOs fall under the purview of physics or sociology. The text notes the historical difficulty of physicists convincing others of their expertise in this area and the increasing role of sociologists.

Les sectes en Suisse by Jean-François Mayer

This review covers Jean-François Mayer's extensive work on new spiritual movements in Switzerland. It highlights his analysis of various groups, including spiritism, Eastern religions, and UFO contactees, noting the specific mention of groups like Eduard Meier and Raël. The review points out the lack of a comprehensive history of ufology in Switzerland and mentions the inclusion of topics like spiritualism and the Dr. Luc Jouret case.

Camille Flammarion by Philippe de La Cotardière and Patrick Fuentes

This review of a biography of Camille Flammarion notes his transition from astronomer to spiritist. It quotes a definition of "Science" that encompasses more than just astronomy, appealing to those interested in UFOs and other Fortean phenomena.

La redistribution du Grand Partage by Bruno Latour

This review discusses Bruno Latour's work on how to equitably distribute scientific knowledge. Latour argues that the perception of irrationality often stems from a limited, internal scientific viewpoint. He suggests that by examining cases of seemingly irrational reasoning within science itself, the distinction between rational and irrational can be blurred, challenging conventional notions of scientific discourse.

Secrets "bouleversifiants"

This section reviews Jean Sider's works, including "Ovnis: dossiers secrets" and "Contacts supra-terrestres." The reviewer acknowledges Sider's dedication but criticizes his theories as surprising and potentially xenophobic. Sider's arguments about the Roswell incident, the Cold War as a cover-up, and alien abductions are presented as controversial. The reviewer finds Sider's intellectual approach to be totalizing and his interpretations of historical events and phenomena to be flawed.

Reissues

This section highlights the reissue of Charles Richet's works, "Notre sixième sens" and "Traité de métapsychique," noting Richet's pioneering role in parapsychology in France. It also mentions the reissue of the fourth volume of Carl Gustav Jung's correspondence, which includes his interest in UFOs and his exchanges with ufologist Donald Keyhoe.

Secrets d'espions

This review of Alain Dewerpe's "Espion, anthropologie historique du secret d'Etat contemporain" suggests that while the book doesn't directly address UFOs, its analysis of state secrets provides a framework for understanding the mythology of UFO secrecy. The review notes the connection between state secrets and occult or paranormal domains, citing Jacques Bergier as an example.

Une invasion de fanzines

This short piece introduces "Saucer Smear," a bulletin by James Moseley, described as a veteran of ufology who reports on the gossip and controversies within the field with corrosive humor. It mentions Moseley's early reporting on the Project Mogul incident, which was later linked to the Roswell crash.

Opération Saros

This article describes "Opération Saros," an initiative by the CNEGU (Comité Nord-Est des Groupes Ufologiques) to re-examine UFO sightings from 1976 to verify if they were caused by the moon. The project successfully identified 10 out of 12 cases as lunar phenomena, demonstrating a methodical approach to UFO investigation.

URANE 2

A brief advertisement for a product called URANE, described as a reduced-scale model, decorative object, or ambiance lamp, evoking dreams of an extraterrestrial universe.

Ovni-Présence Back Issues

A promotional section encourages readers to complete their collection of "Ovni-Présence" magazine, listing the contents of various back issues from number 30 to 54, covering a wide range of UFO-related topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of popular culture (specifically 'The X-Files'), government secrecy, and the ongoing debate about the reality of UFOs and paranormal phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various perspectives from insider accounts to academic reviews, while acknowledging the controversial nature of the subjects discussed. There's a clear interest in exploring the 'truth' behind alleged cover-ups and the psychological and sociological aspects of belief in the unexplained. The magazine also engages with the broader Fortean and esoteric literature, providing a platform for diverse voices within these fields.