En Direct - No 19 - juillet 1990

Magazine Overview

"En Direct" N° 19, July 1990, is a French ufological magazine that covers various aspects of the phenomenon, including investigations, media coverage, and historical cases. The issue features a mix of news, reports, and analyses, with a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry and debunking sensationalism while acknowledging the persistent mysteries.

Association News

The editorial begins by noting the rapid passage of time and the busy schedule of "En Direct," mentioning their work on "Les Rencontres," "En Direct," "minitel," and "Ovni-Présence," as well as a survey in Switzerland. The primary goal is to help readers navigate the "ufological jungle."

L'association en vrac

• Several updates are provided regarding the association's activities:
• Renaud participated in a broadcast on Radio France Bretagne-Ouest on June 11th, featuring GEPSI, SOS OVNI, and the minitel server.
• The association's conference program is progressing well, and they are seeking individuals willing to present slide shows and debates in their local areas to provide financial support. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the association for logistical assistance.
• On June 23rd, Renaud filmed a segment for SOS OVNI with the GIGA team for the program "les après-midi sur Antenne 2."
• A significant announcement is the renaming of the association from AESV to SOS OVNI, effective June 18th. This change aims to harmonize activities and simplify the denomination. SOS OVNI will now pilot the "SOS OVNI" observation network (telephone line), the "SOS OVNI" minitel service, and participate in the "Ovni-Présence" review. Administrative changes will be minimal, with payments and correspondence eventually directed to SOS OVNI at a P.O. Box in Aix.

Du côté de la TV

The book by Jean-Pierre Petit (featured in "En Direct" N° 18) was presented on the program "Matin Bonheur" (Antenne 2) on June 7th by journalist Ronald Mary.

Television Programs

Two television programs are in preparation: one on SOS OVNI for the magazine "Giga" (Antenne 2), and another for "Grands reportages" (TF1) on Friday evenings. Viewers are advised to watch for these and to check the "36.15 SOS OVNI" service for dates and times.

Film Reviews

• Canal Plus will broadcast the film "M.A.L. (Monstre Aquatique en Liberté ou, en anglais Deep Star Six)" on June 24th at 8:35 PM. It is described as an Alien-like film set in the depths of the sea, similar to "Abyss" (Canal Plus, July 20th at 11:00 PM).

A noter

• This section provides various notes and brief reports:
• The latest issue of "Actuel" magazine features a six-page report on the wave of sightings in Belgium, investigated by Patrice Van Eersel with Jean-Pierre Petit. The report is described as hastily done and full of errors.
• Two television programs are being prepared: one on SOS OVNI for "Giga" (Antenne 2) and another for "Grands reportages" (TF1).
• A study by Jean Bourdon and Marcel Delaval from CUFOC (Italy) is mentioned, titled "Comparison OVNI/OVI: A Descriptive Study of the Year 1977 in France."
• The "ovni" page in "OMNI" (June 1990) revisits the alleged 1947 crash near Roswell, New Mexico. A new investigation by Donald R. Schmitt and Kevin D. Randle from the Center for Ufo Studies is underway, focusing on witness interviews and the analysis of unknown materials found over a kilometer-wide area. The report questions why the property owner was detained and escorted by military police.
• A "Clip" from the American magazine "Orbiter" is shared, discussing issues related to the MJ12 affair and the quality of photocopies used for documents like the Eisenhower briefing. It suggests that copies from Moore and Shandera share characteristics with Tim Good's copy, implying a common source.

The UFOs in all this?

• Hautmont (Nord): On May 2nd, a resident observed a silent, luminous object moving slowly around 9:30 PM. It appeared as a large white light, with three bright white lights forming a triangle with a red light in the center. Two photos were taken but yielded no results.
• Noisy-le-Grand (Seine-St-Denis): A 13-year-old reported seeing an unusual object on June 17th around 10:30 PM. The dark object, with a distinct oval shape and wing-like appendages, moved slowly before disappearing.

SOS-OVNI and the USSR

SOS-OVNI is presented as being at the forefront of information, sharing fresh news from the USSR.

#### The barriers of secrecy are crumbling

UFOs are increasingly appearing over central Soviet Union, breaking through military silence. An officer contacted "Rabochaya Tribuna" to report frequent UFO sightings along the Yaroslav highway (kilometer 47). The article's author, residing in Yaroslav, notes that these phenomena began on March 12th and continued at the time of writing. Hundreds of people have witnessed these events, sometimes with binoculars. A television crew even visited on May 1st but found nothing.

Major V. Strynetsky described the objects as initially appearing as "balls and discs" that transformed into three distinct types. The first resembled a pineapple about 6 meters long with very characteristic scales. The second was like a large milk carton, and the third was a bowl-shaped object about 12-15 meters in diameter with a pink dome and two dark portholes. The military officer noted the intense luminosity and the objects' ability to move very quickly, stop abruptly, and change direction. He felt the movement was linked to the lights and that the objects were "living."

Strynetsky was certain they were not aircraft, as he had seen both simultaneously.

• Other military testimonies are summarized:
• A special radar unit near Pereslavl-Zalessky reported an order to scramble a colonel to identify a flying object at 2000 meters altitude on March 21st at 9:40 PM. At 10:05 PM, the pilot observed an object with two powerful flashing white lights that changed speed and altitude within a 1000-meter range. The object did not respond to IFF.
• Between 8:00 PM and midnight on March 21st, objects were observed in the regions of Pereslavl-Zalessky, Novoselye, Zagorsk, Jakovlevo, Ploshevo, Dubki, Kablukovo, Flyazino, and Kirzhatch. Some radars detected them, while others did not.

• A detailed timeline from a watch post near Pereslavl-Zalessky is provided:
• 9:19 PM: A red-lighted object appeared at 40 km, moving at a bearing of 260°-270°, with a speed greater than an airplane, followed by a similar object with white lights.
• 9:35 PM: The red-lighted object disappeared at bearing 220.
• 9:40 PM: The white-lighted object moved between 250° and 270°, at a distance of 40-100 km.
• 9:50 PM: The "white" object reappeared, stationary at 270°.
• 9:55 PM: It disappeared again at 40 km, bearing 240°.
• 9:57 PM: It reappeared at the same location.
• 9:59 PM: The object was observed from an airplane in the 250° direction, moving towards 330° at a distance of 30-50 km. It then turned towards the airplane at high speed, disappearing at 20 km and reappearing behind and above the aircraft.
• 10:01 PM: The object was stationary at 100 km in the 190-200° direction.
• 10:03 PM: Observed from a fighter jet in the 240° direction, it disappeared when the jet approached.
• 10:05 PM: The object reappeared in the 190-200° direction, remained stationary for several minutes, and then disappeared permanently.

This is considered the most reliable and detailed report available from Soviet ufology, complemented by about a hundred visual testimonies from anti-aircraft units around Moscow.

Sergeant N. Fedorovich reported seeing two close, intensely flashing lights that penetrated clouds after about 20 seconds, with the object then moving rapidly and silently.

Captain V. Birin described the object as saucer-shaped with two powerful lights on the edges, about 100-200 meters in diameter. It had a faint luminosity between the lights, resembling portholes. A red luminosity was visible in its wake as it moved towards Moscow.

Captain V. Inchenko could not distinguish the object's shape but saw two regularly flashing lights, like camera flashes. The object approached the base in an "undulating" manner.

Captain N. Filatov stated the object likely rotated horizontally, causing the lights to periodically converge. The lights' size and intensity were greater than those of patrol aircraft, and they flashed every 2-3 seconds. The object was near Zagorsk with an undulating trajectory.

Captain I. Lapin reported an object disappearing for about 5 minutes around 10:00 PM, then reappearing with intense luminosity, followed by two fighters with red signal lights. The object headed towards Moscow, leaving a faint reddish glow.

General-Colonel I. Malsev summarized the situation: the object was a disc 100-200 meters in diameter with two flashing lights. The lights were aligned parallel to the horizon when moving horizontally and vertically when climbing. The object rotated on its axis and moved "undulatorily." Its altitude was estimated between 1000 and 7000 meters and was observed by onboard and ground radars.

This admission by high-level military specialists is seen as a victory for ufologists, refuting atmospheric explanations and demonstrating intelligent behavior. The author questions the extent to which "intelligent logic" influences official scientific thinking.

Revue de la presse spécialisée

• A comprehensive list of ufological and related publications from various countries is provided, including:
• Gabbiola (Italy), Mufon UFO Journal (USA), The Journal of Meteorology (GB), Dornier Post (Germany), Bulletin d'Information Ufologique (URSS), Fenómenos Anómalos (Spain), Bull. Liaison pour l'Et. des Sectes (France), Aust. Inter. UFO Flying Saucer Research (Australia), Les Cahiers rationalistes (France), Schweizerisches Bull. für Parapsy. (Switzerland), Du ciel à la Terre (Switzerland), Science et pseudo-sciences (France), Strange Magazine (USA), Magonia (GB), International UFO Reporter (USA), Orbiter (USA), International UFO Scientist (Italy), Nonsiamosoli (Italy), Ruh ve Madde (Turkey), Giornale dei Misteri (Italy).

American Discoveries

American publications are noted for their coverage of discoveries such as a crop circle in Gulf Breeze (Mufon UFO Journal N° 264) and a debate on the MJ12 affair. The Journal of Meteorology (N° 148) is highlighted for its extensive coverage of ball lightning, possibly featuring the first color images of the phenomenon.

Soviet Bulletins

Recent Soviet bulletins are mentioned, including reports from a colloquium in Tomsk and coverage from "Flying Saucer Review," "Rassegna Casistica," and "International Ufo Reporter."

Other Publications

"Bulles" features a second part on "L'Orient dévoyé," sects in the East, and legal files. "Du ciel à la Terre" N° 37 is noted as the last issue, as Eugenio Siragusa will no longer disseminate his messages.

SCIENCE-DICTION: Souvenirs d'une panique

This section focuses on the cultural impact of science fiction and media, specifically Orson Welles' infamous 1938 radio broadcast of "The War of the Worlds."

Orson Welles had terrorized America in 1938

The article discusses the availability of the original recording of Welles' broadcast on CD. It recounts how the adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel caused a widespread panic, with many Americans believing they were being invaded by Martians. The broadcast, presented as a simulated news report interrupting a music program, detailed a Martian invasion of New Jersey with "hideous octopuses" on "gigantic metallic tripods."

The panic led to people fleeing their homes, overwhelming transportation hubs, and seeking weapons. While the article notes that there were no actual deaths or suicides directly attributed to the broadcast, the fear was palpable.

The Power of Radio

The article explains that the effectiveness of the broadcast lay in radio's ability to allow listeners to visualize their own fears. The introduction clearly stated it was a theatrical adaptation, but the realistic presentation, including news flashes about explosions on Mars and seismic tremors, created a convincing illusion.

Explanations for the Panic

• Several factors are cited for the widespread panic:
• Geopolitical context: The looming threat of war in Europe, the recent Munich Agreement, and the occupation of Czechoslovakia created a climate of anxiety, making a fantasy invasion seem plausible.
• Catching listeners mid-broadcast: Many listeners tuned in late and missed the initial disclaimer, believing the invasion reports were real news.

Remakes and Social Commentary

The article notes that radio remakes of Welles' broadcast have caused similar panics in other countries, citing an incident in Quito, Ecuador, where a radio station was set on fire. A 1988 remake in Portugal caused people to flee Lisbon.

The article also delves into the social commentary within H.G. Wells' original novel, suggesting it was a satire on imperialism. The Martian invasion, with its advanced weaponry, mirrored the brutal conquests carried out by colonial powers like the British. Welles' adaptation, by bringing this narrative to life with powerful realism, resonated with the anxieties of Americans in 1938, shortly before the outbreak of World War II.

UFO / Un convegno a Lione spiega scientificamente tante osci

This article, from "il Resto del Carlino" (Italy), discusses a UFO conference in Lyon that aimed to scientifically explain various phenomena.

Light balls? Banali meteorites. Mysterious circles in the countryside? Only magnetic phenomena.

The article begins by stating that Belgian military jets pursued a UFO but it escaped. It contrasts the American approach of denying UFOs with the European tendency to maintain a margin of doubt.

The international conference in Lyon, organized by an association dedicated to the scientific and objective observation of unidentified aerospace phenomena, concluded that there is insufficient evidence to believe in UFOs, but also no proof that they are mere fantasies. Perry Petrakis, the association's president, emphasized the need for objectivity and dismissed sensationalist claims.

Scientific Explanations

• Light balls: British physicist Georges Terence Meaden, an expert on hurricanes and tornadoes, explained that the "mysterious circles" observed in the English countryside are not paranormal. They are caused by micro-tornados and descending air vortices that become electromagnetically charged upon hitting the ground, creating circles about thirty meters in diameter. He noted that incompetent individuals have joined the study of these phenomena.
• Meteorites: Hilary Evans, a consultant for UFO research in England, explained that "light balls" seen by witnesses are simply meteorites that heat up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere.

Despite these explanations, the "UFO skeptics" in Lyon plan to reconvene in a year, hoping for a definitive identification of a "little green man." Members of the Aix-en-Provence association, including researchers from Cnrs and the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, do not entirely dismiss the possibility of extraterrestrial encounters. Their journal, "Ovni-Presence," will publish the conference proceedings, and an "alarm telephone line" will be established to collect and filter testimonies.

UFO / The Mysterious Case of a Flying Saucer

This section, seemingly from a different publication (possibly Italian, given the language and format), details a specific UFO incident.

• Trans-en-Provence, January 8, 1981: A telex from the gendarmerie of Draguignan to the Tolone brigade describes an alleged UFO landing. Renato Nicolai, a witness, reported hearing a faint whistling sound and seeing a non-identified object descend vertically to about one meter above the ground. The object then took off rapidly, lasting about one minute. The telex was circulated to various authorities, including the Cnes.

Professor Michel Bounias, who has studied the Trans-en-Provence case for nearly 10 years, is quoted. Bounias, a scientist not prone to believing in UFOs, reportedly discovered results that would be published in the "Journal of Scientific Exploration." The article questions what exactly happened and what Bounias discovered.

Bounias describes the object as a disc about 3 meters in diameter, gray, with a metallic appearance, and several portholes. It landed about 50 meters from Nicolai. After taking off, it left a circular trace in the ground. Bounias states that the object's landing and takeoff were silent and that the ground was slightly warm. He dismisses the idea that Nicolai could have hallucinated, given his background and the nature of the event. The article mentions that the ground samples taken from the trace were sent for analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and rational approach to ufology, aiming to separate fact from fiction and sensationalism. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the editorial stance favors rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions. There's a clear effort to debunk common misconceptions and provide credible explanations for sightings, as seen in the coverage of the Lyon conference. However, the magazine also maintains an open mind, particularly regarding military reports from the Soviet Union, suggesting that some phenomena remain genuinely puzzling. The inclusion of historical cases like Roswell and the Orson Welles broadcast highlights the enduring fascination with the unknown and the impact of media on public perception. The association's rebranding to SOS OVNI signifies a move towards a more unified and professional approach to the field.

This issue of "Medicina & Scienza" from "Corriere della Sera," dated Sunday, May 6, 1990, delves into the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), with a particular focus on recent sightings in Belgium and France.

Cover Story: "GNO A LIONE SPIEGA SCIENTIFICAMENTE TANTE OSCURE APPARIZIONI LUFF VENUTO DAL CIELO"

The cover headline suggests a scientific explanation for numerous mysterious apparitions, hinting at objects "coming from the sky." The accompanying image likely depicts a UFO.

Article: "UFO / IL MISTERIOSO CASO DI DRAGUIGNAN - Un disco volante in giardino"

This article details the case of Renato Nicolai in Trans-en-Provence, France, on January 8, 1981. Nicolai, an Italian artisan, reported a disc-shaped object, approximately three meters in diameter and 1.5 meters high, with a metallic grey color, descending vertically to about one meter from the ground. The object remained stationary for a minute before ascending rapidly and silently, leaving a circular trace. The incident was reported to the gendarmerie and subsequently investigated by Professor Michel Bounias, a biochemist and consultant for the French National Centre for Space Studies (Cnes). Bounias, a scientist with a grounded approach, spent nearly ten years investigating the Trans-en-Provence affair. He collected soil and plant samples from the landing site, finding significant biological modifications in the plants, which decreased with distance from the trace and diminished over time. These modifications, described as a reversal of normal biological processes (e.g., inverted relationship between chlorophyll and glucose/amino acids), suggested an unknown source of energy, possibly electromagnetic or gravitational. Bounias emphasized that he does not deal with UFO theories but focuses on factual evidence, concluding that "something" landed, causing biological anomalies, without speculating on its origin (human or otherwise).

The article also mentions that the news of this incident attracted scientists from Russia (specializing in nuclear warheads), Japan (atomic energy for submarines), and the United States.

Article: "Ora lo scienziato dice: «Portateci E.T. in carne ed ossa»"

This piece discusses a UFO conference in Lyon, France, where skepticism towards UFO claims is evident. Maurizio Cavallo, president of the Clarion Center of Vercelli, claims to be the only one at the conference who has been abducted by extraterrestrials and can photograph them, but he feels his testimony is not being heard. Perry Petrakis, president of the Association for the Study of Flying Saucers, expresses a desire for objective evidence, stating, "Do you have a Martian in flesh and blood or of another composition to throw on the presidential table?" The article highlights the emergence of "ufo-skeptics" who demand proof and approach UFO phenomena with scientific rigor, akin to Saint Thomas.

Michel Figuet, a UFO investigator, is skeptical, demanding concrete evidence and dismissing blurry photos. Hilary Evans of the Society for Psychical Research states that extraterrestrials do not visit Earth. The article notes that Professor Evans suggested that "balls of fire" mistaken for extraterrestrial craft are often meteorites.

Bertrand Méheust, a philosopher and ethnologist at CNRS, suggests that UFO appearances are linked to human activity and the "irrationality of Western society," viewing them as a modern folklore originating from the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting. He believes that imagination plays a role but that not everything can be dismissed as such, introducing the concept of "subjective incarnation of beliefs."

Professor Michel Bounias is also featured, presenting his findings from the January 1981 incident in Trans-en-Provence. He reiterates that his research demonstrated that "something mysterious landed" and caused biological changes, but he does not claim it was extraterrestrial. He expresses frustration that ufologists are struggling to accept his factual findings.

George Terence Meaden, a meteorologist, proposes that large crop circles, observed for ten years in Britain, are caused by meteorological phenomena like electrical fields and vortices, excluding extraterrestrial hypotheses. However, his findings are met with resistance from ufologists.

Article: "Una probabile meteora"

This section reports on a sighting by Professor Filiberto Vignini in Civitanova Marche, Italy, on August 26, 1980. Vignini observed a luminous, oval-shaped object, followed by smaller objects, moving at high speed towards the sea. He estimated the speed to be between 1000 and 1500 m/sec and the altitude around 2000 meters. He described the light as whitish and almost silvery, with bluish glints. Vignini initially considered the object to be a meteorite or bolide but later communicated his experience, explaining the delay by his initial belief it was a natural phenomenon. The SUF (Centro Studi Ufologici) comments that the meteoric hypothesis seems plausible, noting similar sightings of fast-moving, round lights in the Pescara area on the same evening.

Article: "Segnalazioni in breve"

This section summarizes several brief UFO sighting reports:

• Parma, Italy (October 6, 1989): A woman observed a large, immobile, "tire-shaped" luminous object hovering above a building.
• Near Olmedo, Sardinia, Italy (October 28, 1989): Two young men reported seeing a succession of luminous flashes at low altitude while driving.

Article: "Il Quarto Incontro Ufologico Europeo di Lione"

This announces the fourth "European Meeting on UFOs" to be held in Lyon, France, from April 28-30, 1990. Organized by the Association d'Etude des Soucoupes Volantes (A.E.S.V.), the congress aims to bring together ufologists, media, the public, and scientists to discuss unidentified aerial phenomena. It mentions past contributors and provides contact information for registration and obtaining congress proceedings.

Article: "Resoconti di conferenze"

This section summarizes reports from UFO conferences:

• Frankfurt, Germany (October 26-29): A large conference with over 2000 participants, including eight Soviet ufologists and journalists, discussed the Voronezh case and other UFO sightings. Topics included "UFO crash in South Africa 1989," "Starpeace versus Star Wars," and "abductions of children."
• Arezzo, Italy (December 2, 1989): Giuseppe Stilo spoke on the "scientific approach to the UFO phenomenon."

Article: "RIVISTE UFOLOGICHE RICEVUTE"

This section lists and briefly describes received UFO magazines:

• CUADERNOS DE UFOLOGIA (No. 6, 2nd Edition, Sept. 1989): Features articles on the history of social interest in UFOs in Spain, definitions of UFOs, occupant reports from Argentina, and a dossier on the "new wave" of critical ufology.
• NOTIZIE UFO (CISU Circular, Oct. 1989): Contains news on UFO activities and sightings in Italy and worldwide.
• GAU NEWSLETTER (Jan-June 1989): Includes information on UFOs and related topics.
• UFO EXPRESS (Oct. 1989): A news clipping service with 19 articles on ufology and related subjects from US, Swiss, and Italian press.

Article: "DISCO ABBATTUTO IN SUDAFRICA?"

This reports on a sensational claim that a "non-terrestrial" flying disc was shot down in South Africa on May 7, 1989. According to a version reported by the British group "Quest International," a South African Navy frigate detected a flying object, which was then intercepted and hit by two Mirage fighter jets. The object allegedly crashed in the Kalahari Desert, and military personnel reportedly recovered a disc-shaped object and encountered two aggressive humanoid beings. The story claims American military personnel from Wright Patterson Air Force Base were involved in the recovery and study of the disc. The article notes that this announcement was denied by South African authorities and met with skepticism.

Article: "LIONE: ANNUNCIATO IL CONGRESSO PER IL 1990"

This announces the fourth "European Meeting on UFOs" in Lyon, France, from April 28-30, 1990, organized by A.E.S.V., a prominent French ufological organization.

Article: "COLLEGHI ESTERI IN VISITA"

This section details visits from foreign ufologists to the CISU (Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici) in Italy. Hilary Evans, a British writer and ufologist, visited in October, giving a conference and consulting CISU's archives. Alejandro Chionetti, an Argentinian ufologist known for investigating over 200 sightings in Argentina, also visited in November, sharing information and opinions on ufology in the US and Argentina.

Article: "PANORAMA INTERNAZIONALE - FRANCIA: S.O.S. OVNI"

Following a television appearance by Renaud Marhic on the program "Ciel, mon mardi," the A.E.S.V.'s "S.O.S.-OVNI" telephone hotline received approximately 4,000 calls in five days. The A.E.S.V. has also decided to rename itself "S.O.S. OVNI."

Article: "La Force Aérienne belge parle... OVNI en Belgique : enfin des preuves? S'agit-il des avions « furtifs » F.-117?"

This article reports on a significant development in Belgium: the Belgian Air Force's official report confirming the reality of UFO overflights in the country. The report details the events of March 30-31, 1989, when multiple unidentified objects were observed by gendarmes and tracked by radar. Two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the objects, which exhibited extraordinary speed and maneuverability, changing direction and altitude rapidly. The report explicitly rules out conventional aircraft, ULM, AWACS, B2, F-117 stealth aircraft, weather balloons, laser projections, holograms, or temperature inversions. The objects were described as material and their origin unknown. The article questions whether these could be "objects from elsewhere."

The report mentions radar contacts at Glons and Zemmorzake, with speeds ranging from 50 km/h to over 1100 km/h, and altitudes varying significantly. The F-16 pilots reported brief radar contacts and noted that the luminous points they observed seemed to react to the aircraft's presence. The article highlights the incredible accelerations observed, with speeds jumping from 280 km/h to nearly 2000 km/h in seconds, a feat impossible for conventional aircraft.

It addresses the possibility that the UFOs were F-117 stealth aircraft, a theory suggested by the magazine "Sciences et Vie." However, the Belgian Air Force report refutes this, stating that F-117s were excluded from the airspace at the time. The article points out discrepancies, such as the F-117's supposed undetectability by radar versus the clear radar contacts, and the F-117's speed limitations compared to the observed speeds. It also notes that the F-117 cannot hover, a characteristic observed in some Belgian UFO sightings.

Michel Bougard, president of SOBEPS, emphasizes that key characteristics like immobility, sudden accelerations, and reactions to aircraft are often overlooked when trying to identify UFOs with known technology. He also mentions reports of red balls being released by some UFOs.

Article: "Les «Centres d'Animation Jeune» attendent plus de 70.000 particip"

This article, seemingly unrelated to UFOs, discusses youth animation centers in the Pas-de-Calais region of France, which are expecting over 70,000 participants for their "On va se bouger !" (Let's get moving!) campaign during the holidays. It highlights the variety of activities offered, from sports to cultural pursuits, and the efforts to combat delinquency by providing constructive engagement for young people.

Article: "Un appel aux témoins"

This section appeals for witnesses to recent UFO sightings in Belgium, particularly in Hainaut, Liège, and Luxembourg provinces. The SOBEPS (Société belge d'étude des phénomènes spatiaux) has collected over a thousand reports but believes this is only a fraction of the actual occurrences. They are seeking help to conduct more objective measurements and scientific investigations, as their project is currently stalled due to a lack of funding. The article mentions specific sightings of triangular structures and complex, dark objects without lights or antennas. SOBEPS invites anyone with information to contact them by phone or mail, and also encourages contributions to their scientific investigation. Membership in SOBEPS includes a subscription to their magazine, "Inforespace."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a scientific and evidence-based approach to UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial events and the importance of witness testimony, the editorial stance emphasizes rigorous investigation, data analysis, and the exclusion of conventional explanations. There is a clear distinction made between belief in UFOs and the scientific pursuit of understanding them. The articles highlight the challenges faced by researchers in obtaining objective evidence and the skepticism encountered within the scientific community. The magazine also touches upon the cultural aspects of UFOs, viewing them as a modern form of folklore. The Belgian Air Force's official report is presented as a significant step towards validating the reality of these phenomena, even if their origin remains unknown.