Mysterieux Objets Celestes - No 05 - Septembre-Octobre 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: Mystérieux Objets Célestes
Issue Date: September-October 1997
Publisher: GROUPEMENT MARNAIS DE LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Type: Bulletin, Association Publication

This issue of "Mystérieux Objets Célestes" is the 5th bulletin from the "GROUPEMENT MARNAIS DE LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT", a non-profit association founded in April 1996 by Gilbert Schildknecht and Alain Blanchard. The publication is directed by Gilbert Schildknecht and edited by Alain Blanchard. The association's headquarters are located in Châlons en Champagne, France.

Cover Story: Les Kidnappeurs de l'Espace

The cover features an illustration depicting an alien figure interacting with two humans, accompanied by the headline "LES KIDNAPPEURS DE L'ESPACE" (The Space Kidnappers). This image is the cover of the book "SPOOKVILLE N°4" by Christopher Pike, translated from American by Jean-Baptiste Médina, with the original title "Aliens in the sky". The quote "Ils n'avaient vraiment rien d'humain" (They really had nothing human) is prominently displayed.

Articles and Features

Aire 51, Et Ses Secrets (Area 51, and Its Secrets)

This section details Area 51, a military base located in Nellis, Nevada, USA. Construction began in 1955. The area, spanning approximately 10,000 km², is used by the US government to test its most sophisticated prototypes. Some believe that advanced technology, possibly derived from crashed flying saucers like the one from Roswell in 1947, is developed there. The involved authorities include the Defense Department, the CIA, and the USAF.

The article includes a satellite image of Area 51 and mentions its appearance in the TV series "The X-Files" (Aux frontières du réel), where agents Mulder and Scully visited.

OVNI, Soit Qui Mal Y Pense (UFO, He Who Thinks Ill of It)

This article reflects on the current popularity of UFO and alien-related topics, citing recent films like "Independence Day", "Starship Troopers", and "Men in Black", as well as the enduring fascination with the Roswell incident and "The X-Files". It notes that UFOs have been a frequent subject in popular culture since the 1950s, particularly in science fiction cinema.

The author proposes a look back at the special effects used in films about UFOs and extraterrestrials, starting with the first report of unidentified flying objects described as "flying saucers" in 1947. This event significantly changed humanity's perspective on the stars, leading to a fruitful period for 1950s science fiction cinema.

Film Reviews:

• LE JOUR OU LA TERRE S'ARRETA (The Day the Earth Stood Still) - 1951 Directed by Robert Wise, this film tells the story of Klaatu and his robot Gort, who arrive from another galaxy in a spaceship to establish lasting peace among humans. The film is described as a beautiful story with a flying saucer landing in Washington, a masterpiece of science fiction.

• LE METEORE DE LA NUIT (The Meteor of the Night) - 1953 Directed by Jack Arnold, the story follows a young astronomer and his fiancée who witness a fireball falling from the sky in the desert. They soon realize it is the landing of a spaceship. This is another extraterrestrial story and a new masterpiece.

• LA GUERRE DES MONDES (The War of the Worlds) - 1954 Directed by Byron Haskin, this film depicts the invasion of Martians across the entire world. It is hailed as the most beautiful film of the century.

Other Sections:

• COUVERTURE DU LIVRE DE JAQUES LOB ET ROBERT GIGI "Le dossier des soucoupes volantes" (Cover of the book by Jaques Lob and Robert Gigi "The Flying Saucer File") - Page 14.
• AFFAIRE CANADIENNE, 02 JUILLET 1950 (Canadian Affair, July 2, 1950) - Pages 15-16.
• AOUT 1953, MEXIQUE (August 1953, Mexico) - Pages 17.
• LE NOUVEAU LIVRE DE GILDAS BOURDAIS (The New Book by Gildas Bourdais) - Page 18.
• COL DE VENCE, PIERRE ET LES LUMIERES (Col de Vence, Pierre and the Lights) - Page 19.
• MYTHES ET LEGENDES. La science n'explique pas tout. (Myths and Legends. Science doesn't explain everything.) - Page 20.
• LE GUIDE DES OVNIS, 4° PARTIE (The UFO Guide, Part 4) - Pages 21-23.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial encounters, and their portrayal in popular culture, particularly science fiction films. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting information and historical cases without necessarily endorsing every detail. The publication aims to inform readers about UFO sightings, alleged alien interactions, and related mysteries, drawing from both real-world reports and fictional representations.

This issue, titled 'LE DOSSIER DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES' (The Flying Saucer Dossier), focuses on the representation of UFOs and extraterrestrials in cinema and television. It covers a range of films and series, from classic science fiction to more contemporary productions, exploring how filmmakers have depicted alien encounters, invasions, and conspiracies.

Cinematic and Television Explorations of UFOs

The issue begins by highlighting how filmmakers' imaginations have been prolific in depicting UFO-related themes, referencing Canadian productions, Japanese space operas like 'Battle in Outer Space', Steven Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', Joe Dante's 'Explorers', and 'Survivors of the Infinite'.

Classic Films and Early Depictions

It delves into 'The Day the Earth Stood Still' (1951) and 'Invasion of the Flying Saucers' (1954) by Fred F. Sears, noting the latter's depiction of flying saucers attacking. The issue also mentions the 1978 TV series 'The Invaders', which recounted the abduction of a farmer by extraterrestrials, coinciding with a period of increased abduction testimonies in the USA.

Mid-to-Late 20th Century Productions

In 1992, Dan Curtiss's telefilm 'Les visiteurs de l'au delà' (The Visitors from Beyond) or 'Les envoutées de l'espace' (The Space Enchanted) is discussed, focusing on women experiencing abductions by extraterrestrials. The same year, Jeremy Kagan's telefilm 'Roswell, the mystery', starring Martin Sheen, is presented as a reasonable portrayal of the Roswell crash affair.

1990s Science Fiction

The issue then moves to 1995, discussing Richard Pépin's 'SILENCERS', which is described as a partial history of 'Men In Blacks' (Men in Black), focusing on action with elements of alien invasion and elimination of witnesses. It notes the film's fast pace, shootouts, and a cryogenic truck chase, with a brief romance between a cop and a journalist.

Also in 1995, Stuart Orme's 'Les maîtres du monde' (The Puppet Masters), starring Donald Sutherland, is reviewed as a less convincing story. Based on Robert A. Heinlein's work, it depicts scientists investigating an alien invasion where extraterrestrials control humans like leeches. The film is noted for its '50s feel and fast-paced editing.

Late 1990s Blockbusters

1996 is marked as the year of UFOs, starting with Roland Emmerich's 'Independence Day', which features impressive UFOs but focuses on planetary destruction. The issue humorously notes that humanity is capable of destroying itself. A real-life scale model of a supposed Roswell UFO, stored at Area 51, is mentioned.

Tim Burton's 'Mars Attack' is presented as a return to 1950s science fiction with a 'destruction spree'. The film's depiction of Martians attacking Washington D.C. and its monuments is highlighted.

Upcoming Films and Series

Looking ahead, the issue mentions 'STARLIGHT', an American film by Jonathon Kay starring Rae Dawn Chong as an alien visitor saving her planet. It also discusses Steven Spielberg's 'Men In Black', described as a parody of UFO and alien films, starring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, with a release date of August 6, 1997.

Television Series

Finally, the issue touches upon the TV series 'X-FILES' and 'AU DELA DU REEL' (Beyond the Reel), which offer engaging stories about UFOs, extraterrestrials, and strange phenomena, to the audience's great pleasure.

A Specific UFO Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed account of a UFO sighting on July 2, 1950. Two anonymous Canadian witnesses, while boating on Lake Ontario, observed a strange phenomenon where the air began to vibrate. They then witnessed a remarkable sight: an object approximately fifteen meters in diameter, resembling two large saucers joined at the edges, resting on the surface of the lake. Around this object, about a dozen small beings, not exceeding one meter in height and wearing similar outfits and helmets, were observed moving slowly. A circular object, like a hoop, pivoted above them, seemingly controlled by a small figure in red on a platform.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the pervasive presence of UFOs and extraterrestrials in popular culture, particularly in film and television, and the enduring public fascination with these subjects. The editorial stance is one of appreciation for the continued exploration of these themes by filmmakers and storytellers, concluding that UFOs and extraterrestrials will undoubtedly continue to be a source of discussion and entertainment.

Title: AFFAIRE CANADIENNE
Issue Date: July 2, 1950
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Affaire Canadienne' is dedicated to the topic of flying saucers, as indicated by the cover headline '(Le dossier des soucoupes volantes)'. It spans multiple pages, covering various aspects of UFO phenomena, historical mysteries, and personal accounts.

Content Breakdown

Page 16: Canadian Affair Comic Strip

The page features a comic strip detailing a Canadian UFO case. The narrative involves characters observing a UFO and discussing its movements. One panel shows a deer observing the object. The dialogue suggests the characters are being watched by the beings inside the UFO. The object is described as spinning and emitting a motor sound. One being is seen using a flexible tube to aspirate or expel liquid from the water. The beings are described as moving like tomatoes. The two observers then notice the beings have disappeared and the strange craft begins to rise, described as reddish with reflections.

Page 18: Book Promotion

This page promotes a new book by Gildas Bourdais titled 'OVNIS: 50 ans de secret'. Bourdais is presented as a leading French ufologist, author of 'Sont-ils déjà là? Extra-terrestres: L'Affaire Roswell'. The book's content includes 'Les Dossiers' (FBI, CIA, KGB, US Air Force...) and 'Les Témoignages' (accidents, contacts, abductions...). The publisher is Presses du Châtelet.

Page 19: Pierre Beake and the Col de Vence

This section focuses on Pierre Beake, a ufologist from the South of France, and his sightings at the Col de Vence. It mentions a France 3 report from June 1999 about his observations. In 1994, Beake saw a triangle with lights above a mountain at the Col de Vence. In September 1996, he witnessed a similar event with his family. The text suggests he is drawn back to the Col de Vence to witness these mysterious lights again. The author, Alain Blanchard, shares a personal anecdote about visiting the Col de Vence in 1992 and describes it as a mysterious and magnificent place, recommending it to readers.

Page 20: Atlantis and the Bermuda Triangle

This page is part of a dossier titled 'Mythes, énigmes et légendes... La science n'explique pas tout.'

The Atlantis Myth: It discusses the ancient Greek philosopher Plato's account of Atlantis, a civilization that supposedly disappeared beneath the oceans after earthquakes. It mentions Jules Verne's 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas' and Pierre Benoît's novel 'L'Atlantide'. American researchers suggest Atlantis might have sunk around 1250 BC, with potential locations being the volcanic island of Santorini (Greece), where an ancient underground city was discovered, or Mauritania, where shifting sands prevent excavation.

The Bermuda Triangle: The article highlights the mysterious disappearances of over a thousand people in the area between Puerto Rico, South Florida, and the Bermuda Islands since 1945. Some theories propose extraterrestrial involvement, with the triangle being a place where aliens search for human subjects. However, experts suggest that severe atmospheric depressions and magnetic storms in the region could be responsible for malfunctioning instruments on aircraft and boats.

Pages 21-23: The Guide to UFOs - Part 4

This section continues 'Le Guide des OVNI'.

JUST CAUSE: A quarterly journal published since 1984 by CAUS (Citizens Against UFO Secrets).

LAZAR, ROBERT SCOTT: This entry details the claims of Robert Lazar, a scientist with degrees in Physics and Mathematics. He states he worked at Los Alamos on plasma polarization and particle accelerators. He allegedly built a hydrogen-powered car and a motorcycle capable of 565 km/h using a reactor. In March 1989, Lazar appeared on KLASS-TV, claiming to have worked at a confidential facility known as S-4, located 17km south of Area 51 in the Nevada desert. His job was to examine a flying saucer and its propulsion system. Nine saucers were reportedly stored at S-4, utilizing gravity waves for propulsion. Lazar claims he was allowed inside a saucer and witnessed flight tests. On March 29, 1989, he and three friends (including John Lear) observed and filmed a luminous projectile ascending, hovering, and then reappearing higher in the sky. The following week, they were detained by security and their identities recorded at Area 51. Lazar was later summoned for an interview with security agents and an FBI agent. After his dismissal, he chose to reveal his identity on television, and his account has not been refuted since its 1989 broadcast.

LEAR, JOHN: John Lear, son of Bill Lear (inventor of the Lear Jet), is described as the only pilot with all flight licenses issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. He has flown over 160 aircraft models and undertaken missions for the CIA. Lear is a friend of Robert Lazar and has detailed information about Area 51. He was shown documents by 'Doty' which he used to work on his thesis, 'Dark Side Hypnothesis'. Lear also joined Paranet and later attempted to test the ufology community by falsifying the 'Krill' dossier, which purported to detail interstellar diplomatic relations. Most ufologists found inconsistencies in this report. Cooper is mentioned as the only one who trusted it, claiming to have seen these documents while working for the US government. Lear and Cooper were reportedly banned from Paranet, straining their friendship, with Cooper accusing Lear of being a government agent.

MAJESTIC: This entry defines 'MAJESTIC' as the highest known level of confidentiality, surpassing even atomic bomb plans. It describes a system of information subdivision with thirty-eight degrees of confidentiality above top secret, implying over thirty subdivisions within top secret. Access to top secret does not automatically grant access to all documents of that type. Documents concerning S-4 and Area 51 are classified as MAJESTIC.

MISSING TIME: This phenomenon is described as a disappearance of a period of time. Some individuals report that time seemed to pass very quickly while observing UFOs, with minutes, hours, or even days vanishing without the witness realizing it.

The section concludes with 'A SUIVRE...' (To be continued...) and cites 'LE GUIDE DES OVNIS' and Michel Lafon's book 'ILS SONT DEJA LA!' as sources.

Page 9: Wedding Announcement

This page announces the marriage of Pascal and Edith, who were married on Saturday, August 2, 1997, in Dommartin - Lettrée. The founders and members of the 'Marnais de lumières dans la nuit' (Marnais of lights in the night) group send their congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life together.

Page 10: Group Gathering

This page features a photograph of a group gathering, likely a meal. The text reminds members of a past meal they shared and expresses hope to repeat the experience, thanking everyone.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFO sightings, extraterrestrial encounters, and unexplained phenomena. It presents a blend of anecdotal evidence, scientific speculation, and historical mysteries like Atlantis and the Bermuda Triangle. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various theories and accounts without necessarily endorsing one over another, while also acknowledging the role of scientific explanations and government secrecy (e.g., Area 51, Majestic classification). The inclusion of a comic strip suggests an effort to engage a broader audience with these topics. The magazine also highlights community events and personal milestones within its readership.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), a review of ufology, was published in May 1997. The magazine features an article detailing an interview with its student contributors from the collège LOUIS GRIGNON de Fagnères, who were working on an article about ufology. The article itself, titled "Lumières dans la nuit s'intéresse aux ovnis" (Lights in the Night is interested in UFOs), was published in the newspaper "l'union" on Tuesday, May 6, 1997.

The 'Groupement marnais, lumières dans la nuit'

The article highlights the "Groupement marnais, lumières dans la nuit," an association founded in January 1996 by two Châlonnais enthusiasts, Gilbert Schildknecht and Alain Blanchard. This group, currently comprising fourteen members, is dedicated to collecting and analyzing information about paranormal phenomena, specifically UFOs. They conduct thorough investigations, visiting individuals who claim to have witnessed unusual aerial events. Their process involves filling out questionnaires, listening to recordings, and studying sketches to compile reports. They first attempt to find natural explanations, such as military aircraft, satellite re-entries, meteorites, or lenticular clouds. If these rational explanations are insufficient, they consider other possibilities.

A Notable Sighting in Marson

The magazine recounts a specific incident that occurred on June 6, 1996, in the Marson area. Alain Blanchard, accompanied by Gilbert, witnessed a strange phenomenon around 11 PM. A bright white light appeared in the sky, moving silently and slowly at an estimated altitude of three hundred meters. Using binoculars, Alain observed what appeared to be a flying platform, approximately eight hundred meters long, with four lights at the rear. The object then disappeared abruptly. Fortunately, Gilbert was able to film the event, providing potential evidence.

Public Engagement and Outreach

Alain and Gilbert are actively involved in sharing their passion and raising public awareness. They have developed a board game, published articles in the press, released their own review, and given conferences. A future conference is announced concerning the Loch Ness Monster, scheduled for Saturday, May 10, at 8:30 PM, in the Salle Malik-Oussekine in Châlons.

Drawing Contest for Students

To engage younger audiences, the magazine organized a drawing contest for students on the theme of life in the universe and UFOs. Students from the 4th and 5th grades participated, submitting impressive drawings. The winning entry was by Christelle Poublan from class 4°3. Her prize included four issues of "Lumières Dans La Nuit," a video cassette titled "Le schériff et les extraterrestres," a one-year subscription to the "Groupement Marnais de Lumières Dans La Nuit" bulletin, two OVNI stickers, and the book "Les kidnappeurs de l'espace" by Christopher Pike.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the investigative and analytical approach to ufology, prioritizing the search for rational explanations before considering more extraordinary ones. The magazine promotes public engagement and education on the subject through various media and events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging participation and sharing of information within the community and with the general public. The focus on local sightings and the involvement of a student group suggest an effort to connect ufology with everyday life and education.