En Direct - No 24 - decembre 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: EN DIRECT
Issue: N° 24
Date: December 1990
Publisher: Fonds BORIE / LE GROUPE
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "En Direct" marks the final edition of its current format, announcing a transition to a new publication called "Phénomèna." The editorial expresses gratitude for the testimonies of friendship and explains the association's goal: to inform and foster a collaborative work dynamic among its members. The editors express their ambition to go further with this new dynamic, hoping readers will share their satisfaction with this progression. They emphasize the continued need for support and remind contributors to submit texts for the upcoming "Phénomèna" issue promptly. The editorial concludes by wishing readers happy holidays and announcing a return in January.

Association News

The association has made decisions regarding the upcoming European Meetings in Lyon. Participants are expected from Canada, the Soviet Union, Norway, Australia, China, and Romania.

Media and Advertising Analysis

UFO-Inspired Advertisements: The magazine notes an increasing trend of advertisements drawing inspiration from UFO phenomena. Two recent examples are highlighted: one featuring a treble clef in a Spielberg-esque style following a car, and another with a flying saucer lifting off from a fond oceanic background, advertising DSM products.

Science et Vie Article: An article by Thierry Pinvidic and the VECA collective, published in "Science et Vie" (November 1990), is discussed. While it offers some clarity, the magazine suggests the article was significantly rewritten to align with the journal's ideology. The article's hypothesis of a hoax is considered almost as extraordinary as explanations involving vortices or extraterrestrials (E.T.).

Dechavanne's Program: The issue critiques a segment on Dechavanne's program (November 13th) that was expected to reveal historical truths about the former GEPAN. However, the inclusion of Claude Vorilhon (described as a fraud) and Crolard, along with the exclusion of Lucien Clerbaut of SOBEPS and witnesses from the November 5th event, led to disappointment, suggesting the program was ultimately unproductive.

Alain Deion's Statements: The magazine references comments made by Alain Deion on "7 sur 7" (November 11th), who stated that people should believe in UFOs and that Americans had recovered alien bodies. This is contrasted with statements from M. Pelat, Director General of CNES, who did not rule out the possibility of something other than conventional aircraft being involved in UFO sightings.

UFO Case Reviews and Reports

Humanoids in 1947: The issue briefly mentions humanoid sightings in 1947, attributing the rumors to Jimmy Guieu.

Public Opinion Poll: A poll conducted during emissions revealed that while 2% of those surveyed believed a UFO sighting was the most significant event of the week, over 93% of viewers (a record number) interviewed by Dechavanne thought governments were hiding the truth.

References Magazine: The quarterly postal magazine "Références" (n° 31, Winter 1990) is noted for its advertising campaign related to E.T.

Horoscope Magazine: The December 1990 issue of "Horoscope" reportedly features a UFO case from 1972.

Ravensberger Game: Ravensberger is advertising a board game called "L'Histoire du Monde," where E.T.s are depicted playing in their saucers in front of a window with children playing.

JVC Advertisement: An advertisement in the Paris metro for JVC features a "little blue man."

Sciences et Nature Article: The November 1990 issue of "Sciences et Nature" includes an article about Jean-Pierre Fetit.

Tribute to Randers: A brief, sad note mentions the passing of Randers, the dog belonging to Michel Figuet, a sympathetic and affectionate companion for ten years.

OMNI Magazine's 'UFO' Page: The "UFO" page in OMNI (November 1990) focuses on the upcoming book by Richard Haines, an American researcher and psychologist at the Institute for Advanced Computer Sciences in Moffet Field, California. Haines's book will cover hundreds of observations made by pilots, examining various categories of sightings through their eyes.

Haines's Research: Haines's work aims to demonstrate that certain aerodynamic phenomena observed are beyond the capabilities of current traditional technology. His book will be divided into chapters detailing specific trajectories of these observations, such as wing-tip movements, evasive maneuvers in front of aircraft, and objects that appear and disappear.

The November 5th Event: The issue dedicates significant attention to the November 5th event, where thousands across France, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy witnessed a phenomenon often described as a triangle or diamond shape. Key characteristics included a bright angle, a light beam, and trails resembling afterburners. The slow, steady movement and direction (generally west to east or southwest to northeast) were noted. The widespread media attention is attributed to the large number of witnesses and its similarity to Belgian UFO cases.

SOS OVNI: The SOS OVNI network is functioning actively, receiving numerous testimonies and participating in media interviews, including with the BBC. They are sharing the burden of these testimonies with others.

Proton Rocket Explanation: The SEPRA announced that the phenomenon was caused by the reentry of the third stage of the Soviet Proton rocket (500 kg), launched on October 3rd to place the Gorizont 21 satellite into orbit. The magazine expresses skepticism, questioning why Soviet authorities took four days to confirm the reentry and identify the phenomenon, and why this explanation does not account for the consistent descriptions of a low, triangular object with beams moving regularly.

November 6th Observation: An observation on November 6th at 21:58 described a luminous ball ascending westward. Air traffic control had reported three Air Inter crews sighting the phenomenon. The case is tentatively explained by laser tests conducted by the Landes Test Center in Biscarosse, using mirrors for experimentation.

November 12th Chinese Pilot Sighting: A Chinese pilot reported an unusual object on November 12th, flying at over 5000 meters between Dalian and Pekin. The object was described as black and shiny, resembling an umbrella, and flew alongside the aircraft before ascending and disappearing.

Belgian UFOs: There are indications that Belgian UFO observations are resuming, with new elements such as photos and films emerging. The magazine promises to revisit these cases in "Phénomèna."

Southeastern France Sightings: Several sightings, including triangles, have been reported in southeastern France in early December, which will also be covered in "Phénomèna."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official explanations for UFO phenomena, highlighting discrepancies between witness accounts and proposed solutions, such as the Proton rocket reentry. There is a critical stance towards media portrayals of UFOs, particularly television programs that fail to deliver on promised revelations or include controversial figures. The publication emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and the need for further investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena, suggesting that some observed events involve aerodynamic capabilities beyond current human technology. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and aiming to provide a platform for detailed reporting and analysis of UFO cases and related societal reactions.