Mysterieux Objets Celestes - No 04 - Juillet-Aout 1997

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Mystérieux Objets Célestes' (Mysterious Celestial Objects), published by the GROUPEMENT MARNAIS DE LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT (Marnais Group for Lights in the Night), is dated July-August 1997, identified as Bulletin N°4 of Volume 97. The cover prominently features an image inspired by Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and highlights the group's activities and the magazine's focus on UFO phenomena.

Content Summary

Information de Dernière Minute (Last Minute Information)

The 'Information de Dernière Minute' section announces the Marnais Group's participation in the 'Grande Journée des Ovnis' (Great UFO Day) at the Châlons en Champagne fair on Monday, September 8, 1997. The event will include an exhibition and a conference, with Joël Mesnard serving as the guest of honor. The group promises an unprecedented surprise and aims to provide inédit (unpublished/new) information.

Affaire Trans-en-Provence, Var, 08 Janvier 1981 (The Trans-en-Provence Case, Var, January 8, 1981)

This is the main investigative article of the issue, detailing the well-known Trans-en-Provence UFO landing case. The report recounts the testimony of Renato Nicolaï, an Italian man living in France, who, on January 8, 1981, at 5 PM, witnessed a metallic object, described as two upside-down bowls, descend and land in his field near his home in Trans-en-Provence. Nicolaï initially thought it might be a military aircraft from the nearby Canjuers camp. The object, approximately 1.80 meters high and 2.50 meters in diameter, landed on small 'feet' without making engine noise, but emitted a whistling sound and lifted dust upon its departure. It hovered for less than a minute before taking off.

Nicolaï reported the incident to the Draguignan gendarmerie the following day, January 9, 1981. The gendarmes confirmed the presence of landing traces: two nearly complete circles, one 2.20 meters and the other 2.40 meters in diameter, with a 10 cm wide skid mark indicating the object had impacted a terrace wall before settling on the ground. The article notes that the investigation was thorough, involving detailed interviews and the collection of plant samples and soil from the site.

Scientific Analysis and GEPAN Involvement

The article highlights the involvement of GEPAN (Groupe d'études des phénomènes aérospatiaux non identifiés), a French official body for investigating UFOs, which was notified on January 12, 1981. Although GEPAN did not intervene immediately, they requested that the collected samples be sent to various laboratories for analysis. The initial analyses revealed that a heavy object had been present, causing thermal effects on the soil (up to 600 degrees Celsius) and depositing external materials, primarily iron and phosphates, along with combustion residues.

Further analysis of the plant samples was entrusted to Professor Michel Bounias, an internationally renowned biochemist. Bounias's work focused on the biochemical properties of the plants, including photosynthetic pigments and glucides. His findings indicated biochemical trauma in the leaves, with characteristics of advanced senescence (aging) despite the leaves being from young plants. This phenomenon was observed to diminish with increasing distance from the impact point. The article emphasizes that these findings are difficult to explain rationally and that GEPAN, after considering potential conventional explanations like helicopters or balloons, could not provide a definitive answer.

Paris Match Article

A section references a 'Paris Match' document from February 13, 1997, which also covered the Trans-en-Provence case, noting that an investigation into Renato Nicolaï's psychology and personality led specialists to take his testimony seriously. The article mentions that analyses conducted by Cnes and universities in Toulouse, Metz, and Pau did not yield a rational explanation.

Other Articles Mentioned in the Table of Contents

• The table of contents for Bulletin N°4 also lists other articles, including:
• 'Le Visage de Mars' (The Face of Mars)
• 'La Preuve par l'Image' (Proof by Image)
• 'Dernière Minute' (Last Minute - likely referring to the event announcement)
• 'Alerte aux Géocroiseurs' (Alert to Geocruisers)
• 'Le Guide des OVNI: 3° Partie' (The UFO Guide: Part 3)
• 'Observations Récentes' (Recent Observations)
• 'Dernier Livre de Richard D. Nolane' (Latest Book by Richard D. Nolane)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine, as indicated by its title and the featured article, is dedicated to the investigation and reporting of mysterious aerial phenomena and UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting witness testimonies alongside scientific analysis and official investigations (like those by GEPAN). The focus on the Trans-en-Provence case, with its detailed account of physical evidence and biochemical analysis, underscores a commitment to exploring the unexplained with a degree of rigor. The inclusion of other articles on topics like Mars, image evidence, and recent observations suggests a broad coverage of the UFO field. The magazine's founders and honorary president are listed, indicating a structured organization behind the publication.

This issue of SCIENCE et VIE JUNIOR, presented as a "DOSSIER HORS SERIE" (Special Dossier), focuses on a variety of intriguing and potentially alarming topics related to space, unexplained phenomena, and extraterrestrial encounters. The content spans from geological curiosities on Mars to the threat of asteroids and the nature of UFOs and aliens.

Le Visage des Vents (The Face of the Winds)

This section introduces the 'Face on Mars', a geological formation in the Cydonia region of Mars that, due to erosion, resembles a human face. The article notes that this formation, along with nearby pyramid-shaped rocks, has fueled speculation about extraterrestrial intelligence.

La Preuve par l'Image (Proof by Image)

This multi-page section examines photographic and video evidence related to UFOs and other aerial phenomena. It includes:

• Page 8: A striking image of multiple disk-shaped objects, identified as lenticular clouds with a metallic grey hue, often mistaken for UFOs. The text notes this phenomenon is rare.
• Page 9: Details the UFOs observed by the space shuttle Discovery (STS 48) on September 15, 1991, above Western Australia. The footage shows mysterious bright objects moving and changing direction rapidly. Professor Jack Kasher of the University of Nebraska, who studied the sequences, reported that NASA identified them as ice crystals, a conclusion he disputes due to their impossible maneuverability. Kasher's calculations suggest one object accelerated from 0 to over 4,000 km/h in one second.

Chalons Automobiles Advertisement

Pages 4 and 5 contain advertisements for Chalons Automobiles, a Nissan dealership, featuring models like the Primera, Almera, and Micra, along with contact information and service details.

Dernière Minute (Last Minute)

This short piece, sourced from "LE FIGARO" on April 4, 1997, reports on information provided by Monsieur and Madame Prudhomme of the "Groupement Marnaise de Lumieres dans la Nuit" (Marnais Group for Lights in the Night). It discusses the NASA GALILEO probe's findings around Jupiter, specifically the identification of four types of organic molecules on two of its ice-covered moons, Ganymede and Callisto. Three of these molecules contain carbon and sulfur, while the fourth, a carbon-nitrogen compound with a triple bond, is rare and could be a basis for complex organic substances. The presence of these molecules near Jupiter suggests that structures similar to those composing life might be abundant in our solar system and beyond.

Alerte aux Géocroiseurs (Alert to Earth-Crossers)

This section, featuring artwork and a brief text by Benoit Garrigues, highlights the potential threat posed by near-Earth objects (asteroids). It states that thousands of these celestial rocks orbit Earth at high speeds (100,000 km/h) and could potentially cause mass extinctions, similar to the one that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Impact Events and Meteorites

• Page 12: This page presents images and descriptions of significant impact events:
• The forests of Tunguska, Russia, after a massive celestial object impact in 1908, which caused destruction and a shockwave affecting areas up to 100 km away.
• A 30-ton meteorite fragment found in Greenland by explorer Robert Peary.
• Page 13: Discusses methods for deflecting an asteroid (géocroiseur):
• Using a nuclear bomb on a space probe to vaporize its surface and create thrust.
• Landing a probe with a rocket engine on the asteroid.
• Deploying a large solar sail pushed by solar wind. It also features images of the Hoba meteorite in Namibia (60 tons, the largest ever found) and the damage caused by a 12 kg meteorite impact on Michelle Knapp's car in New York in 1992.

A Un Autre Monde Advertisement

Page 9 contains an advertisement for "A UN AUTRE MONDE" (To Another World), a boutique in Chalons en Champagne offering costume jewelry, fantasy items, and spiritual books.

Le Guide des Ovni (The UFO Guide) - Part 3

This section provides a catalog of UFO-related phenomena and beings:

• G (Grays): Described as the most common extraterrestrials encountered on Earth, these humanoids are typically 60 to 150 cm tall, with black, bulbous eyes, small noses, and tiny mouths.
• Gulf Breeze: Details a series of UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida, between November 1987 and May 1988. Witnesses Ed and Frances Walters claimed extraterrestrials attempted to abduct them using a blue ray, and Ed Walters documented several sightings, which were examined by scientists and found to be un-doctored.
• H (Hommes en Noir / Men in Black - MIBs): These are described as individuals in black suits who travel in sleek black cars or helicopters. They reportedly threaten witnesses of UFOs, compelling them to remain silent. Their identity and affiliation (whether government agents or extraterrestrials) are unknown.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unknown, particularly in space, and the potential threats and mysteries it holds. The magazine adopts an investigative stance, presenting evidence, scientific analysis, and witness accounts related to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and celestial hazards like asteroids. There's a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, from geological anomalies on other planets to unexplained aerial sightings and the possibility of life beyond Earth. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing and engaging young readers with complex scientific and speculative topics in an accessible manner, encouraging curiosity about the universe and its mysteries.

Title: INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER
Issue: N°342
Publisher: CUFON
Language: French
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the "INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER," a bi-monthly journal from CUFON, focuses on UFO observations and recent information. It features the Hynek UFO classification system and several recent sighting reports from France.

Hynek UFO Classification System

The magazine details the "Système de Déclassification" (Declassification System) invented by Dr. J. Allen Hynek to define different types of UFO sightings. The categories are:

• Echo radar: A UFO detected by radar and simultaneously observed visually.
• Lumière nocturne (Night Light): Strange lights seen at night, excluding possibilities like aircraft, stars, or meteors.
• Ovnis visibles à la lumière du jour (Daylight UFOs): These can have cigar, egg, or oval shapes.

Further classifications describe encounter types:

• Rencontre du premier type (First Type Encounter): Observation of a UFO in close proximity to the witness (around two hundred meters).
• Rencontre du deuxième type (Second Type Encounter): Observation of a UFO that leaves traces on the ground, causes burns, paralyzes humans, frightens animals, or interferes with vehicles, televisions, or radios.
• Rencontre du troisième type (Third Type Encounter): A first or second type encounter with visible occupants inside the UFO.
• Rencontre du quatrième type (Fourth Type Encounter): Cases of abductions.
• Rencontre du cinquième type (Fifth Type Encounter): Communication established between a person and an extraterrestrial.

The issue also mentions the book "ILS SONT DEJA LA!" by Michel Lafon as a source.

Recent Observations

The magazine reports on several recent UFO sightings:

• December 5, 1996, Bourg-en-Bresse (Ain): An article from "Le Progrès" is cited, describing a silent black mass observed above Belleville-sur-Saône, followed by the sighting of a triangular, grey craft with a yellow semi-spherical light in Bourg-en-Bresse. The object reportedly turned right, headed towards the church of Brou, immobilized, straightened vertically, and then moved away towards Nantua. The gendarmerie reportedly collected no testimony regarding this incident.

• January 24 or 29, 1997, near Dourdan (Essonne): Sandrine Dauguet reported seeing several dark objects in the sky between 9 PM and 10 PM near Rochefort-en-Yvelines. These objects had white spotlights directed towards the ground and small green or blue lights. She was sure she saw at least two simultaneously. The objects seemed to maneuver without a preferred direction of travel, leading her to speculate they might be experimental craft, a possibility deemed unlikely.

• February 26, 1997, region of Compiègne: Jocelyn Morel of GNEOVNI reported an observation made at 11:03 PM, approximately 500 meters north of the Rémy service area. M. Benoit F., driving on the A1 motorway towards Lille, saw two white spheres passing about fifteen degrees above the horizon from east to west. Initially appearing one behind the other, they were described as non-dazzling white (estimated at 4500°K) and without a halo. The apparent diameter of the pair was estimated at 1 cm at arm's length, with the space between them slightly less than the diameter of each. The observation lasted between 1.5 and 2 seconds. The witness noted intermittent, 'choppy' vision of the phenomenon, with no trees present to explain this effect.

Book and Magazine Promotion

The issue promotes the book "1947: LES 'SOUCOUPES VOLANTES' ARRIVENT" by Richard Nolane, author of "Extraterrestres: la vérité sur ROSWELL." Information is provided on how to purchase the book from "A UN AUTRE MONDE" bookstore in Chalons-en-Champagne. Additionally, there is a call to action to read "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT," described as covering all ufological news in France and worldwide, with subscription details provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, providing classifications, reporting on sightings, and promoting related literature and publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and dissemination of UFO-related information, encouraging readers to stay informed through dedicated journals and books. The inclusion of the Hynek system suggests an alignment with established ufological frameworks.