En Direct - No 05 - mai 1989

Magazine Overview

"EN DIRECT" is issue number 5, published in May 1989, by Ovni-présence. The magazine focuses on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related research.

The 3rd European UFO Encounters in Lyon

The issue extensively covers the 3rd European UFO Encounters held in Lyon, France, from April 29 to May 1, 1989. The event aimed to promote serious research into UFOs and gathered about a hundred scientists and ufologists from ten countries. The encounters were not open to the general public but included a special public diaporama on Sunday, April 30th. Key speakers included American ufologist William Moore, who discussed his investigation into the alleged 'Majestic 12' secret government organization and its study of UFO crashes. Jean-Claude Ribes, director of the Lyon Astronomical Observatory, and Jean-Bruno Renard, a sociologist from the University of Montpellier, also participated.

Key Discussions and Themes

Discussions at the conference highlighted a shift in ufology towards a more scientific and less passionate approach. Jean-Claude Ribes emphasized the importance of scientific rigor, noting that many phenomena initially perceived as UFOs have rational explanations, such as atmospheric phenomena or misidentified aircraft. He also touched upon the vastness of the universe and the statistical probability of extraterrestrial life, while remaining skeptical about direct encounters.

William Moore presented his findings on the alleged 1947 UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico, suggesting that a secret government organization, 'Majestic 12,' studied the debris and recovered four humanoid bodies. He claimed to have obtained a report detailing these events.

The magazine also noted the evolution of public perception, moving away from the 'War of the Worlds' type of panic towards a more accepting stance regarding the possibility of extraterrestrial life, partly influenced by science fiction.

Media and Press Mentions

"EN DIRECT" includes a section on media coverage, mentioning a LINK/Ovni-présence poll relayed by Swiss agencies and press. It also references a TV segment on TF1 about François Bourbeau's statements in Lyon and notes upcoming press articles related to the Lyon encounters. A review of specialized press highlights articles from "OMNI," "UFO Brigantia," and "Italian UFO Reporter," discussing topics like 'cover-ups' and specific UFO sightings.

Cinema and Television

The issue briefly lists recent films with UFO or extraterrestrial themes, including "I Married a Monster from Outer Space," "Millennium," "Critters II," and "The War of the Worlds: The Resurrection." It also mentions UFO-related advertisements on television, such as for LU biscuits and V33. Several TV shows featuring science fiction or extraterrestrial elements are also noted, including "L'Age de Crystal," "Le grand rêve," and "Doctor Who."

Specific UFO Sightings and Incidents

A notable incident reported is the alert at the Bogota-Eldorado International Aerodrome on April 1st due to a UFO sighting, where radar detected an object that disappeared suddenly. The magazine also references a report about Dan Gordon's book "Don't look up," which documents over 3000 observations in Virginia, attributing some to the stealth bomber B2 and others to potential similarities with the YB49 aircraft observed in 1947.

Other News and Notes

The magazine also includes a brief mention of the 8th "Conférence 89" organized by YUFOS in Yorkshire, UK. It touches upon the general decline in media attention to UFOs, attributing it to the lack of major, sensational cases and prominent figures, rather than a decrease in phenomena. The issue concludes with contact information for "EN DIRECT" and its publisher, Ovni-présence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are ufology, scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, and the shift towards a more rational and evidence-based approach. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous scientific inquiry into UFOs, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and critically evaluating claims while remaining open to the possibility of extraterrestrial life. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientific evidence and speculation, and on the importance of methodology in research.