En Direct - No 08 - aout 1989

Magazine Overview

"EN DIRECT" N° 8, published in August 1989, is presented as the "only French ufological monthly." The editorial team notes an increased level of activity in the field, with more articles in the press, investigations, and television emissions, compelling them to maintain publication despite a reduced team. They encourage readers to share their observations and send postcards.

L'association en vrac (The association in brief)

This section provides updates on the association's activities. The statutes for changing the association's name are ready, with the change from AESV to "SOS-OVNI" expected after the summer. The publication "Ovni-Présence" is anticipated to be available soon. The association welcomes M. Eric Torchio from Geneva. An article from "Paris Match" has been published, and the association's contact information is now linked to SOS-OVNI.

A noter (Notes)

This section highlights recent media coverage and events related to ufology.

• Futurs (Bogdanoff Brothers' Show): The show featured revelations about a bluish light observed by the Apollo 11 crew on the moon and a sequence showing strange traces in a wheat field in France, investigated by CNES. The Bogdanoffs are reportedly collecting information for future episodes.
• Canal+ Broadcasts: On July 21st, Canal+ aired two reports relevant to ufology. One focused on Jean-Claude Ladrat's journey, and the other, more lighthearted, discussed the Tau-Ceti group, whose members reportedly see "little grey men" everywhere.
• Futurs Report on SEPRA: The August 1st episode of Futurs featured a report on the functioning of SEPRA and promised a return to the Trans-en-Provence case, suggesting Jean-Pierre Petit's involvement.
• Linda Moulton Howe Report: The British magazine "Quest" is commercializing a report by US journalist Linda Moulton Howe on cattle mutilations in the United States.
• OMNI Magazine: The July 1989 issue of OMNI covered the Hessdalen (Norway) phenomena from 1981-1986, noting the ongoing debate about their natural or artificial origin. Another study in OMNI explored psychiatrists' views on the impact of a modern "War of the Worlds" broadcast, predicting a crisis of authority, ethnocentrism, and financial chaos.
• Pastor Barry H. Downing's Study: A study by Pastor Downing on co-religionists' thoughts on UFOs revealed a range of opinions, from acceptance of intelligent life elsewhere to viewing extraterrestrials as biblical angels.

Du côté du cinéma (From the cinema side)

This subsection lists recent video releases with UFO or extraterrestrial themes:

• "Le vol du Navigator" (The Navigator: A Time Travel Adventure)
• "Dr Alien"
• "Destruction" (the third episode of "War of the Worlds")

...et de la TV (...and from TV)

A brief, cryptic note about a "strange screen" with a flat encephalogram and slowed-down cardiogram, suggesting further coverage would follow.

Les ovnis dans tout ça ? (What about UFOs?)

This section discusses recent observations and media attention:

• Paris Match Article: An article in Paris Match, despite its large readership, generated a relatively calm response. A recurring observation in the Ariège region involved a bright point, likely Venus (magnitude -3.7), seen between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM.
• Paris Region Phenomenon: A more serious sighting in the Paris region involved two spheres flying in formation, passing vertically over the witness on a north-south trajectory.
• Velensole Trace: Information was received about an oval trace in a lavender field in Velensole, approximately twenty meters long, caused by the drying of the plants. An investigation is ongoing.
• Marcilly Traces: Further information on the traces found near Marcilly suggests they might be lightning-related, according to SEPRA's Jean-Jacques Velasco. However, questions remain about why the wheat ears were not burned and if they were previously affected by heavy rain.
• Italian Press Cuttings: Italian friends sent press clippings about recent observations in the Soviet Union, which will be covered in the next issue.

Revue de la presse spécialisée (Review of the specialized press)

A list of specialized ufology magazines and their recent issues is provided, with addresses available upon request from the editorial office. Publications mentioned include "Quest International," "Twenty Twenty Vision," "Magonia," "Science et pseudo science," "Il Giornale dei Misteri," "Gabbiola," "L'Aurora," "International Ufo Reporter," "Aust. Internat. UFO Flying Saucer Research," "La revue de parapsychologie," "Les cahiers rationalistes," "UFO Contact," "Boletin CEFAI," and "Lumières dans la nuit."

An article from "Magonia" by Grassino and Russo is highlighted for its discussion of divergences between American and European ufologies. The rationalist magazine "Les Cahiers" is described as indigestible. "Quest" is noted for an article questioning the origin of a phenomenon observed by a Tristar commander over Sardinia.

"EN DIRECT" is a supplement to "Ovni-Présence," edited by Perry PETRAKIS. The association is AESV, with a postal box in Aix-en-Provence. Reproduction is strictly forbidden.

L'extra-terrestre moyen : 1,13 m, 24 kilos, des yeux jaunes (The average extraterrestrial: 1.13 m, 24 kilos, yellow eyes)

This article, sourced from "O.V.N.I." (May 7, 1989), reports on the "Third European Encounters on UFOs" held in Lyon. Canadian journalist François Bourbeau presented a profile of an "average extraterrestrial" likely to be encountered in Quebec, described as measuring 1.13 meters, weighing approximately 24 kilos, with a greyish-mouse color, yellow eyes, and a cat-like pupil. He would be dressed in black and carry a paralyzing crayon. Bourbeau based this description on a decade of observations and hundreds of testimonies from Quebec, even having a life-size model created.

Quatre humanoïdes dans une capsule (Four humanoids in a capsule)

William Moore, an American researcher, discussed the 1947 UFO crash near Roswell, New Mexico. He claims a confidential government report indicates the discovery of four humanoid bodies, with the event subsequently covered up for national security reasons.

Scientific Explanations for Aerial Phenomena

Patrick Chassagneux, an engineer from the national meteorological service, explained natural phenomena that can be mistaken for UFOs. He discussed the formation of Bishop's rings, caused by light diffraction through dust particles rather than water droplets, particularly during volcanic eruptions. He emphasized that the public often seeks extraordinary explanations for natural optical phenomena.

Jean-Claude Ribes, director of the Lyon astronomical observatory, recalled a past era of sterile opposition between "believers" and "rationalists." He noted that the climate surrounding the topic has become less passionate.

L'extra-terrestre risque d'être rencontré (The extraterrestrial risks being encountered)

This article, from "HAUTE MARNE LIBEREE" (May 7, 1989), reiterates the description of the average extraterrestrial presented by François Bourbeau at the Lyon UFO conference. It also mentions the Roswell crash and William Moore's claims about the discovery of four humanoid bodies. The article touches upon other alleged sightings in Vendée and Quebec that contributed to Bourbeau's composite description.

N'est pas extra terrestre qui veut... (Not just anyone can be an extraterrestrial...)

This article from "REPUBLICAIN LORRAIN" (May 4, 1989) also reports on the Lyon UFO conference and François Bourbeau's description of the average extraterrestrial. It repeats the details about height, weight, color, eyes, and attire. The article also references William Moore's claims about the Roswell crash and the discovery of four humanoid bodies, and the subsequent government cover-up. It includes Patrick Chassagneux's explanations of natural optical phenomena and Jean-Claude Ribes' comments on the shift in public discourse regarding UFOs.

270000 SUISSES ONT VU DES OVNIS! (270,000 SWISS HAVE SEEN UFOS!)

This article from "LA FEMME D'AUJOURD'HUI" (July 12, 1989) corrects a previous statement that "one never sees UFOs." It cites Bruno Mancusi from "Ovni-Présence" who states that approximately 270,000 Swiss people have witnessed UFOs, based on a survey by the Link Institute. The article promotes "Ovni-Présence" as a source for detailed information on UFOs, noting its critical yet unbiased approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and the media's portrayal of these phenomena. There's a clear effort to balance sensational claims with scientific explanations and rational analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives while encouraging critical thinking and reader participation. The publication also serves as a platform for reviewing other ufological literature and media coverage, indicating a desire to keep readers informed about the broader ufological landscape.