En Direct - No 18 - juin 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: EN DIRECT
Issue: 18
Date: June 1990

This issue of "En Direct" magazine, published in French, delves into the ongoing discussions and investigations surrounding UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on the 4th European Encounters on UFOs held in Lyon. The magazine adopts a critical and scientific stance, differentiating between the study of UFOs and the belief in extraterrestrials.

Editorial and Main Themes

The editorial piece, "Chers Amis," addresses the current media landscape dominated by discussions on "conspiracy of silence" by figures like Jimmy Guieu and Jean-Pierre Petit. The author expresses skepticism about the pervasive nature of these claims, suggesting that the very concept of a conspiracy implies secrecy. The article questions the motives and impact of spreading alarmist, unverified information, citing a psychiatric diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia in a case where someone claimed to have knowledge of secret underground bases.

The central theme of the issue revolves around the Lyon conference, where researchers aimed to study UFOs objectively. A significant point of discussion was the distinction between UFOs and extraterrestrials, with the conference concluding that while UFOs exist and warrant scientific investigation, the existence of extraterrestrials remains unproven and largely speculative.

Key Articles and Reports

Lyon Encounters: UFOs Exist, but No Extraterrestrials
Several articles cover the 4th European Encounters on UFOs in Lyon, organized by the Association d'étude sur les soucoupes volantes. Participants, including scientists, sociologists, and psychologists, aimed for an objective study of unidentified aerospace phenomena. A key takeaway was the assertion that UFOs are real, but extraterrestrial explanations are not scientifically supported. Perry Petrakis, president of the association, emphasized their critical approach, stating that they do not automatically endorse all testimonies but seek to explain phenomena, distinguishing between natural occurrences and truly mysterious cases.

The Crop Circle Mystery: A Scientific Hypothesis
Professor Georges Terence Meaden, a British physicist specializing in storms and tornadoes, presented a theory explaining the crop circles found in southern England. He proposed that these perfectly circular traces are caused by the collapse of unique micro-tornados, or "descending vortices," which emit luminous rays and a powerful humming sound. This hypothesis aims to demystify the phenomenon, which had previously been attributed by some to extraterrestrial activity.

The Case of Trans-en-Provence
Michel Bounias, Director of Research at INRA, presented findings from his investigation into a 1981 case in Trans-en-Provence, France. A witness claimed to have seen a UFO land, and subsequent scientific analysis revealed premature and inexplicable aging of plants in the area. Bounias concluded that a real phenomenon occurred, which could not be attributed to imagination.

UFOs and Media
The issue notes various media appearances and publications related to UFOs. Jean-Pierre Petit's book "Enquête sur les ovnis" was released, and Jimmy Guieu was featured on a television program discussing the alleged dissemination of AIDS by "little grey" aliens. The magazine also reviews other UFO-related publications and films.

• Report on UFO Sightings
• Several recent UFO sightings are detailed:
• An object described as "as big as a plane" was observed near Pontcharra (Isère) on April 30, 1990, with strong red and green lights and powerful white flashes.
• A triangular object with distinct lights was seen near Sivry-Courtry (Seine et Marne) on May 4, 1990, moving at high speed.
• An oval, orange-colored object was observed by an automobilist near Pennes-Mirabeau (Bouches-du-Rhône) on May 5, 1990.
• A large, cigar-shaped object with rounded ends and "paws" was reported in Paris on May 3, 1990, accompanied by a pulsating white light and a whistling sound.

"The Creux de la Vague" (The Lull in the Wave)
This section discusses the current state of UFO interest, noting a decline in public attention and a lack of new, compelling evidence like photographic or cinematic proof. It highlights the distinction between sincere testimonies and hoaxes, with most observed phenomena having rational explanations. However, a small percentage remains unexplained, continuing to fuel interest.

Specialized Press Review
A list of specialized UFO publications is provided, including "Cenap Report," "Quest International," "Fusion," "Australian UFO Bulletin," "Mufon UFO Journal," "Ufos and Space Science," and "Ufo Brigantia."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific, objective, and critical approach to UFO phenomena. It distinguishes between the study of unidentified aerial objects and speculative theories about extraterrestrials, often expressing skepticism towards the latter. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging evidence-based investigation rather than blind belief. There's a recurring emphasis on debunking sensationalism and distinguishing between verifiable facts and imaginative speculation. The magazine appears to align with a perspective that UFOs are a genuine phenomenon worthy of scientific scrutiny, but the extraterrestrial hypothesis is not yet proven.

This issue of "LA FRANCE" (dated 30-04-90, issue 1008, published by LE PARISIEN) focuses on the topic of UFOs, with the cover headline "Ovnis: même les ufologues n'y croient plus" (UFOs: even ufologists don't believe anymore). The central theme is the shift within the ufology community towards a more scientific and objective approach, moving away from pure belief.

Ufologists Seek Scientific Ground

The lead article highlights a European UFO conference held in Lyon, where approximately one hundred ufologists and researchers gathered. Perry Petrakis, president of S.O.S. ovnis, emphasizes the desire for objectivity, stating that "If one believes, there is no longer any reason to search." The conference aimed to lay objective foundations for what they now consider a science. This shift is illustrated by the inclusion of a psychiatrist to discuss a "contactee" case and a meteorologist presenting a scientific explanation for the crop circles in southern England. Dr. Terence Meaden, a British meteorologist, proposed that these phenomena are caused by atmospheric electromagnetic whirlwinds and sea breezes, suggesting it might signal the end of the "little green men" era.

Despite this move towards scientific rigor, some baffling cases remain, such as the "third kind" encounter in Trans-en-Provence, France, in 1981. A witness reported an egg-shaped craft with three legs landing, leaving photographic evidence for the gendarmes. Biochemist and biophysicist Michel Bounias confirmed that "Something indeed happened..." during a silent session at the conference.

Bécassine: Extraterrestrials are Misogynistic?

This section presents statistical data compiled by a database nicknamed "Bécassine," managed by ufologist Denys Breysse. The data suggests that extraterrestrials tend to visit in waves, with France being a frequent destination in 1954. Sightings predominantly occur in August and October, mostly in the evening. Witnesses are often solitary (60%) and predominantly male (70%), leading to the humorous conclusion that they might be misogynistic. The average age of witnesses is 27.8 years. Most sightings involve a single craft (90.3%), typically disc or sphere-shaped. Approximately 43.4% of encounters involve a single, small being (around one meter tall). ETs are described as rarely leaving their craft (only one out of three times), and 35.4% of them communicate with humans. A small percentage (0.9%) report sexual encounters.

European UFO Encounters in Lyon

This article details the "40th European Encounters" event in Lyon, organized by the Association for the Study of Flying Saucers. The goal is the scientific and objective study of unidentified aerospace phenomena. Perry Petrakis, the association's president, argues that those who prioritize the extraterrestrial hypothesis without objective proof lack credibility. The conference attracted about a hundred researchers, including physicists, sociologists, psychologists, and meteorologists.

A key highlight was the presentation by a British physicist on a serious working hypothesis to explain the large circular crop marks found annually in southern England. The article notes that while some enthusiasts have co-opted the crop circle phenomenon to support their extraterrestrial beliefs, Professor George Terence Meaden's hypothesis offers a more scientific explanation.

Another significant presentation was by Professor Michel Bounias from the University of Avignon, who shared findings from his nine-year investigation into the Trans-en-Provence case. In 1981, a witness claimed a UFO nearly landed near his home. The Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) commissioned Bounias to investigate, leading to a report on premature and inexplicable plant aging. The association also presented an initial assessment of its new Minitel service (3615 SOSOVNI). Founded in 1974, the association has about thirty members across France and publishes the journal "OVNI-Présence."

UFOs Prefer Belgium

This piece discusses recent UFO sightings, particularly in Belgium, and the subsequent European UFO conference in Lyon. It notes that since November 29, 1989, seven hundred people in Belgium have reported witnessing unexplained aerial phenomena, prompting the Belgian air force to investigate. A Belgian amateur even filmed a triangular formation of three luminous points.

In France, the gendarmerie has recorded 1,713 reports of strange aerial appearances since 1974, with about a hundred testimonies sent annually to S.E.P.R.A. (the official agency for studying atmospheric phenomena). While observations decreased in the early 1980s, they have increased since 1985. Specialists emphasize that truly inexplicable cases remain few.

The "Grey Thing Fallen from the Sky" Dried the Grass

This article focuses on the Trans-en-Provence case, with a biophysicist from Lyon stating that a UFO landing is plausible. The case involves Renato Nicolai, a mason who, on January 9, 1981, witnessed a flat, circular, grey object land in his garden. The object, about 2.50 meters wide and 2 meters high, departed at high speed with a whistling sound. Upon investigation with gendarmes, traces were found on the ground. Scientific analysis of plant samples from the site revealed significant alterations in chlorophyll pigments and a probable disruption of the plants' ability to use glucose, suggesting a powerful electromagnetic phenomenon. Professor Bounias concluded that the event is compatible with an electromagnetic phenomenon and that the ground showed signs of extreme pressure.

Scientists are Puzzled

This section reports on the scientific community's engagement with UFO phenomena. It notes that scientists who speak publicly about UFOs often do so in a personal capacity, distancing their institutions. While not denying the existence of UFOs, they often question their materiality. The article mentions Jean-Pierre Petit's work reconciling physics with observed UFO movements and Terence Meaden's theory of "plasmatic vortices" as the origin of crop circles.

The "Third Type" Colloquium

This article covers the "Colloque du troisième type" (Third Type Colloquium) held in Villeurbanne, focusing on physical traces of UFOs and recent waves of sightings. The event, organized by S.O.S.-O.V.N.I., featured international scientists like Georges Meaden (physicist), Professor Michel Bounias (biochemist), and writer Hilary Evans. The colloquium was not open to the general public, with a focus on scientific presentations rather than witness testimonies.

UFOs Keep Running

This piece recounts several UFO sighting incidents:

• September 1985, Grenoble: A couple observed an object for four hours that changed shape and emitted flames.
• Summer 1986: Jean-Jacques Velasco of CNES cited three inexplicable cases, including the Trans-en-Provence landing, a similar case involving a biology researcher, and a truck driver's encounter with a "luminous cigar."
• March 1989, Vaucluse: A collaborator of "Dauphine Libere" witnessed a white ball in the sky.
• Summer 1989: Over 300 crop circles were reported in England, appearing overnight and characterized by flattened wheat stalks arranged in circular patterns, suggesting intense rotating forces.
• November 1989: Several people in Grenoble reported seeing a large white ball in the sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the shift in ufology towards empirical evidence, and the presentation of specific cases and statistical data. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious scientific inquiry, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena while seeking rational explanations and moving away from purely anecdotal or belief-driven accounts. There's an emphasis on the work of scientists like Meaden and Bounias, who are attempting to bridge the gap between observed anomalies and established scientific principles. The magazine highlights the ongoing efforts of organizations like S.O.S. ovnis to collect and analyze data systematically.