Ovni Marne - No 02 - 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI MARNE
Issue: N° 2
Date: September 1998 (indicated by the 'Foire exposition de Châlons en Champagne: journée de l'ufologie du lundi 07 septembre 1998' entry in the table of contents)
Publisher: OVNI MARNE association
Country: France
Language: French
Price: 10F

This issue of 'OVNI MARNE', 'La Revue de l'Étrange', features a cover story questioning whether humanity should fear the end of the world, juxtaposed with an image of an alien and a UFO. The magazine is published by the 'OVNI MARNE' association, a non-profit organization founded in January 1996, with its headquarters in Châlons en Champagne. The publication is directed and edited by Gilbert Schildknecht and Alain Blanchard.

Table of Contents

The issue includes a variety of articles, including:

• The incredible journey of Sergeant Zamora, New Mexico, April 24, 1964
• Should we fear the end of the world?
• Inexplicable photos
• A strange world
• UFOs in the world
• UFOs, a real fact
• UFOs filling the skies
• If the sheep could talk!
• When will the X-Files come to France?
• A UFO as big as a house
• Investigation in the Marne: Tilloy-Bellay, January 1993
• UFO exhibition fair in Châlons en Champagne: Ufology day on Monday, September 7, 1998

Articles

L'incroyable aventure du sergent Zamora, Nouveau-Mexique, 24 avril 1964

This article recounts the famous encounter of police officer Lonnie Zamora in Socorro, New Mexico. While on patrol, Zamora heard a strange noise and saw a red and orange flame. Investigating, he discovered a metallic, oval-shaped object with two white-clad humanoid figures nearby. As he approached, the object emitted a loud noise and ascended into the sky, leaving behind marks on the ground. The incident is considered one of the most solid pieces of evidence for the existence of UFOs. The article also mentions a similar encounter by Gary Wilcox in New York on the same day, where he claimed to have spoken with beings who identified themselves as being from Mars. These beings predicted the deaths of astronauts John Glenn, Virgil Grissom, and Russian cosmonaut Komarov, which tragically came to pass under different circumstances.

Les différentes rencontres

This section introduces the classification system for UFO sightings developed by Professor J. Allen Hynek, a key figure in the NASA 'Blue Book' project. Hynek categorized encounters into 'distant' (over 150m) and 'close' observations. Distant sightings include 'nocturnal lights' and 'discs'. Close encounters are further divided into:

• First type: Simple observation of the UFO with no physical interaction.
• Second type: UFO observation accompanied by verifiable physical effects on the environment, such as burnt vegetation, damaged trees, or disturbed animals and electrical equipment.
• Third type: Cases where the occupants of the UFO are perceived.
• Fourth type: Direct encounters with occupants, including dialogue or even a 'visit' aboard the craft. These are described as the most contestable and contested, often accompanied by phenomena like time distortion, healing of injuries, and psychological effects.

Faut-il avoir peur de la fin du monde ?

This article addresses concerns about the end of the world as the year 2000 approaches. It references the collision of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 with Jupiter in July 1994 as a reminder of potential cataclysms. Astronomer Pierre Drossart notes that such events are not unprecedented, citing the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia where a meteorite caused immense destruction. The article also discusses the planetary alignment scheduled for May 2000, where Earth and other planets will align on one side of the sun. NASA studies suggest that alignments of planets like Jupiter and Saturn can increase solar activity by 20%, potentially leading to more earthquakes. A full alignment could have even more severe consequences, possibly leading to the dislocation of the Earth, as predicted by some prophets.

Des photos inexplicables

This section showcases several photographs of alleged UFOs, presenting them as inexplicable evidence. Included are:

• A photograph taken by Bill Burson on August 31, 1973, in Pelham, Georgia, of an object reported in four cities.
• A photograph from June 5, 1955, by M. Myidderman in Namur, Belgium, showing an elongated object with erratic movements.
• Early photographs from 1966 of a UFO over London, taken by Anthony Russell. Experts examined these images and could not determine if they were faked. The article notes the rarity of UFO sightings over large cities and the unusual change in the object's shape.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and encounters. It presents anecdotal evidence, witness testimonies, and photographic evidence, often framing these as significant and potentially overlooked by official channels. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unusual and extraordinary, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The inclusion of scientific classifications by figures like J. Allen Hynek suggests an attempt to bring some order to the subject matter, while the discussion of potential global catastrophes like cometary impacts and planetary alignments links ufology with broader existential concerns. The magazine seems to lean towards validating the reality of UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial visitation, presenting cases like Zamora's and Wilcox's as compelling evidence.

This issue of "Les Ovnis dans le Monde" (UFOs in the World), presented by Jean-Claude Bourret and featuring drawings by Patrick Claeys, delves into the global phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and alleged extraterrestrial encounters. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from historical accounts and recent sightings to the characteristics of UFOs and the cultural impact of these phenomena. The issue is structured with various articles, case studies, and illustrated reports, aiming to present UFOs as a "fait bien réel" (a very real fact).

Strange Phenomena Around the World

The magazine opens with "Drole de Monde" (Strange World), discussing unusual atmospheric events and unexplained occurrences. It mentions reports of "raining" objects like black rain, fish, toads, and even silver, attributing most to natural explanations but highlighting inexplicable events like wooden crosses falling from the sky in 1503. Another anecdote recounts a Japanese temple where a deceased child's favorite doll's hair grew, suggesting the child's spirit lingered. The section also touches upon phenomena like statues bleeding or crying, with analyzed cases confirming the presence of real blood or tears, leaving their origin a mystery.

Global UFO Sightings and Hotspots

"Les Ovnis dans le Monde" provides a global overview of UFO sightings, noting that thousands are reported annually, with a significant number originating from Europe, North America, Australia, South America, and Japan. It identifies "hotspots" – areas with a high concentration of observations and encounters, such as the Hessdalen valley in Norway, which became the focus of a research project in the 1980s to study strange lights. The magazine maps out these hotspots across continents, including Europe (France, UK, Belgium, Scandinavia), Africa (South Africa, Canary Islands), Asia (Malaysia, China, Japan), and Australia. It also details specific regions within these areas, like Hokkaido in Japan and the Nullarbor plain in Australia.

The Hessdalen Project and Symbolism

A dedicated section discusses the "Projet Hessdalen" in Norway, where researchers installed equipment to study the unusual lights observed in the valley. While some theories suggest these lights are caused by telluric currents from the Earth's crust, their exact nature remains a mystery. The magazine also introduces a system of symbols used to map UFO sightings and alien abductions, with a "hotspot" symbol indicating zones with persistent activity.

Historical and Notable UFO Incidents

The issue recounts several significant UFO incidents:

• The Tunguska Event (1908): A massive explosion in Siberia, described as a white fireball, flattened a vast area of forest. While its cause is debated (comet, meteorite, or UFO), it left signs of radioactivity without a crater.
• The 1938 Japanese Doll: A doll's hair grew over nine years, attributed to the spirit of its deceased owner.
• The 1956 French Encounter: In Argens-sur-Sauldre, France, a couple's car stalled, and they were immobilized for an hour and a half by a luminous beam from a house-sized UFO.
• The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction (1961): Their experience, recalled under hypnosis, is presented as a famous case of alien abduction.
• The Roswell Incident (implied): A painting depicts a UFO crash scenario with sheep, referencing the famous Roswell incident.
• The 1978 Australian Disappearance: A pilot reported being followed by a strange, luminous craft before disappearing with his plane.

UFOs in the United States: A Wave of Sightings

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a wave of UFO sightings in the southern United States during early 1998. Numerous reports from Florida, Kentucky, and Texas describe various phenomena:

• January 1998: Sightings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and LaGrange, Georgia, involved strange lights and powerful light beams scanning the ground. Tampa, Florida, reported luminous rays sweeping a beach and blue lights forming a solid object.
• January 18, 1998: Two UFOs were observed over Conyers, Georgia, flying in formation before separating.
• January 30, 1998: Similar sightings occurred near Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida, with red spheres performing aerial maneuvers and emitting pulsating lights. In Kentucky, a purple flash caused a power outage.
• Later in January: A cylindrical craft was reportedly pursued by helicopters and fighter jets near Austin, Texas.
• February 5, 1998: A loud sonic boom was reported near Mobile, Alabama, initially mistaken for a crash, but later attributed by the US Air Force to a fighter jet breaking the sound barrier.

Other Notable Cases and Phenomena

• Colorado Sightings (February 1998): Reports from Glenwood Springs described a large, silent triangular UFO. Sightings of green fireballs were reported near the Colorado Falls, and a black helicopter was observed near Denver by a private pilot.
• Mysteries of the South (February 1998): Texas reported a luminous orange band that moved erratically. Alabama saw a rectangular object near Mobile. Florida witnessed multiple sightings of triangular UFOs and luminous objects with tails, described as comet-like.
• Diamond-Shaped UFO (March 1998): A diamond-shaped UFO with lights was seen in South Carolina.
• Tennessee Observation (March 1998): Students in Tennessee observed a luminous "doughnut" shaped object moving slowly.
• Animal Mutilations: The magazine discusses the phenomenon of animal mutilations, citing a case near Alamosa, Colorado, where a horse was found with a precise, deep wound, suggesting a non-predatory cause and remaining a mystery.

UFOs and Human History

The issue speculates on the potential involvement of extraterrestrials in human history, suggesting they might have contributed to the construction of ancient structures like stone circles and pyramids. It also links UFOs to the disappearances of ships and planes in the Bermuda Triangle, posing the question of whether aliens are collecting specimens for study.

Personal Accounts and Abilities

• Uri Geller: It is mentioned that Uri Geller claimed his mysterious powers were given to him by an alien civilization.
• The "X-Files" Connection: The magazine notes the upcoming release of the movie "The X-Files: Fight the Future," which features an alien hibernating and awakened by a boy, promising an adventurous story.

Source and Editorial Stance

The articles draw from various sources, including "Forces mystérieuses guide de l'étrange" (Mysterious Forces Guide to the Strange) by Hachette, "ovnis et extra-terrestres" by Colin Wilson, and "Dossiers ovnis" from Éditions ATLAS and Télé Poche. The overall tone suggests a serious consideration of UFO phenomena as real and worthy of investigation, even if many sightings can be explained by conventional means. The magazine aims to inform readers about the breadth and depth of UFO reports worldwide.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the global prevalence of UFO sightings, the mysterious nature of these phenomena, and the potential for extraterrestrial involvement in Earth's history and present. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various cases and theories without outright dismissal, and encouraging readers to consider the possibility of "real facts" behind the "flying objects." The magazine emphasizes that while many sightings have mundane explanations (planes, satellites, weather balloons), a persistent percentage remains unexplained, fueling ongoing curiosity and research into the UFO phenomenon.

Title: Mystères sudistes
Issue Date: September 7, 1998
Publisher: Ovni Marne
Country: France
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Mystères sudistes' focuses on local UFO investigations and ufology events in France.

Local Investigation: Marne

The magazine details an investigation conducted by Gilbert Schildknecht and Alain Blanchard of Ovni Marne concerning an incident that occurred in late January 1993. Mr. Correia Fernando, accompanied by his 12-year-old son, was driving on the D466 road near Tilloy Beilay, heading towards Chalons sur Marne, when a bright, blinding white light appeared above his Audi 80. The light, described as having the intensity of a strong halogen lamp, surrounded the vehicle and caused its engine to sputter for approximately 30 seconds. The phenomenon followed the car at the same speed before disappearing, at which point the engine regained full power. Mr. Correia reported no unusual sensations of wind or heat, nor any noise, and could not discern the shape of the object.

Crucially, the report highlights potential health consequences for Mr. Correia. He experienced a sensation of sand in his eyes and, since that night, has suffered from vision problems. Despite having previously had 10/10 vision, he required laser treatment for retinal detachment, the cause of which his ophthalmologist could not explain. Currently, he wears glasses and has lost 5/10 of his vision in each eye, requiring regular treatment. The investigators state they know Mr. Correia personally and vouch for his credibility. His son, who was asleep during the event, was unaffected.

Chalons en Champagne Ufology Day

The issue also reports on the successful 'Foire Exposition de Chalons en Champagne: Journée de l'Ufologie' (UFO Exhibition Fair in Chalons en Champagne: Ufology Day) held on Monday, September 7, 1998. The event attracted renowned ufologists, including Commander Jean Gabriel Greslé, Perry Pétrakis and Christian Morgenthaler of SOS OVNI, Jeannot Buteux of Ovni Champagne, and Sylvain Picot representing the UFO database. The exhibition showcased fifty years of ufology and presented the first board game related to UFOs, drawing significant public interest. The day concluded with a debate featuring the attending ufologists. Ovni Marne announced its intention to participate in the 1999 exhibition with new features and surprises, thanking its members for their help in organizing the event.

Bakery Feature

A special bread created by Mr. Perrin, a baker-pastry chef from Saint-Germain-la-Ville, is highlighted. The text praises his work and encourages readers to visit his establishment for custom creations for events like communions and baptisms.

SOS OVNI and Phénomèna Magazine

Contact information for SOS OVNI is provided, including their postal address in Aix-en-Provence, phone numbers for emergency and administrative lines, Minitel access, and email address. The address and phone number for Ovni Marne in Chalons en Champagne are also listed.

Furthermore, the magazine includes information about 'Phénomèna', a UFO phenomena review founded in 1991. It is described as a bi-monthly publication offering rapid and precise information on UFO events, including current articles, recent sightings, press reviews, interviews, and reader correspondence. The magazine emphasizes its objective approach, free from dogma, and highlights its past publications, such as a series of photos from a purported alien autopsy and the transcription of a pilot-control tower conversation during a supposed UFO interception by Belgian F16s. Subscription details for 'Phénomèna' are provided, with an annual subscription costing 150 francs for France and 180 francs for other countries (including Belgium and Canada). A form for subscribing is included, to be sent to SOS OVNI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a stance of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, as exemplified by the detailed local case report and the coverage of the ufology exhibition. The editorial approach of 'Phénomèna' is explicitly stated as taking a 'new and incisive look at everything related to the UFO phenomenon, without any dogma.' The publication aims to provide comprehensive and accurate information, covering a range of topics from sightings to expert analyses. The inclusion of contact details for various ufology organizations suggests an effort to connect researchers and enthusiasts.