Ovni Presence - No 18

Magazine Overview

Title: ovni - présence
Issue: Nº 18
Date: September 1981 (Quarterly, 2nd trimester 81, published in Sept. 1981)
Publisher: Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes (AESV)
Country of Publication: Switzerland
Language: French
ISSN: 0223-0976
Price: 3,50 FS - 8 FF

This issue of "Ovni-présence" marks a new title and cover, aiming to better reflect the magazine's content. The editorial emphasizes the persistent presence of UFOs and the need for rigorous study of reliable reports to understand their origin. The magazine positions itself as a platform for circulating quality information and new ideas, serving as an intermediary between information sources and researchers.

Contents

"Le Cas de Wasen" (The Wasen Case)

This article details a UFO sighting that occurred on January 16, 1978, around 6:30 PM in Wasen, Canton of Berne, Switzerland. The witness, an 11-year-old boy named Martin, described a flat, circular object with visible antennae, appearing yellow with dark yellow antennae. The object was observed for nine seconds, during which it emitted light rays resembling watch hands. The object then reappeared briefly in another location before disappearing. The article includes a detailed analysis of the object's estimated size, altitude, and speed, using calculations based on the witness's observations and estimated distance. It also notes the witness's fear and the lack of other witnesses.

"Splendeurs & Misères d'A.R.E.U." (Splendors & Misery of A.R.E.U.)

This piece is presented as a three-act drama, critically examining the creation and evolution of the "Association de Recherches et d'Etudes Ufologiques" (A.R.E.U.). It describes the dynamic founder who established the association, attracted members, and launched a review. The narrative highlights the initial enthusiasm and the subsequent decline as the founder moved on, the review faced publication delays, and the association eventually faced financial difficulties, leading to the sale of its assets.

"A Propos d'Adamski..." (About Adamski...)

This section features an avant-propos by Marc Hallet for the French translation of George Adamski's second book, "Inside the Spaceships." Hallet discusses Adamski's controversial claims and the ufological community's reaction. He criticizes earlier ufologists for dismissing Adamski without proper investigation, suggesting this led to a significant error in the field's methodology. Hallet also points out perceived inconsistencies and artificiality in Adamski's narratives, questioning the sincerity and scientific rigor of his accounts. He announces that he will be publishing a more in-depth investigation into the Adamski affair.

Interview with Jean-Pierre Petit

Dr. Jean-Pierre Petit, an astrophysicist and author, shares his views on ufology. He believes UFOs are machines and that the study of them should be a scientific endeavor to solve a problem, not a field in itself. He criticizes the current state of ufology, noting the prevalence of "zozos, escrocs, et affairistes" (charlatans, swindlers, and opportunists) who exploit public curiosity. Petit advocates for a rigorous, scientific approach, emphasizing the importance of verifiable data and criticizing pseudoscientific methods. He discusses the limitations of photographic evidence and the potential for manipulation. He suggests that future breakthroughs may come from scientific laboratories and that the GEPAN (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés) will play a significant role in advancing the field.

"Procès Intenté à la CIA" (Lawsuit Filed Against the CIA)

This article reports on a legal case initiated under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) against the CIA, seeking the release of over 200 documents related to UFOs. The lawsuit is supported by organizations like Ground Saucer Watch and Citizen Against UFO Secrecy, with partial funding from the Fund for UFO Research. The article notes that a federal district court initially allowed the CIA to withhold the documents, but an appeal has been filed, and a hearing has taken place at the Court of Appeals.

"La Parole est aux Lecteurs" (The Floor is Yours, Readers)

This section contains a letter from a reader responding to a previous critique of Michel Monnerie's book. The reader clarifies their intentions, emphasizing that their comments were not meant to question Swiss neutrality but rather to observe patterns in media reporting after 1947. They also defend their approach to analyzing phenomena, stating that they are open to the possibility of 'unbelievable' occurrences and that their analysis of the 'Miguères' case was a psychoanalytical study to understand the mental construction of a narrative, regardless of its sincerity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rational, scientific, and critical approach to ufology. It distinguishes between genuine scientific inquiry and what it perceives as pseudoscience, charlatanism, and sensationalism within the field. There's a clear emphasis on evidence-based investigation, the importance of reliable data, and the need to debunk hoaxes and misinformation. The editorial stance is one of cautious skepticism, advocating for open-mindedness but demanding rigorous proof and logical consistency. The publication aims to educate its readers and encourage them to think critically about UFO phenomena and the information presented by various sources.

This document appears to be a promotional insert or a section from a publication titled 'GRAVURES - IMAGES', possibly related to art reproductions and ufology. The issue identifier is 'B' with a volume/reference number '811006'. The publisher is listed as 'Observatoire des Parasciences' based in France, with contact information provided for their [email protected] email and various website links related to articles, 'Ovni-Présence', and 'Anomalies' on lescahiers.net.

Content and Advertisements

The document advertises several services and products:

• Personalized Studies: A service called 'ASTROFLASH' offers personalized consultations for one's 'MOI' profond, characterology, mythology, and symbolism, available by appointment.
• Art Reproductions: 'ATELIER GRAPHIQUE ANVERSOIS' by Renger van der Groep in Antwerp, Belgium, offers reproductions of old masters' paintings on copper and glass.
• Jewelry: 'BIJOUTERIE BERTHOUD' in Couvet, Switzerland, is advertised with a telephone number.
• Magazine Subscription: 'FRONTIERS of SCIENCE' magazine is available for $15 per year for 6 bi-monthly issues, with additional overseas postage costs ($6 surface, $14 air mail).
• Book Offers: Two books are promoted in French francs: 'LE NAUFRAGE DES EXTRATERRESTRES' by Michel Monnerie and 'LA GRANDE PEUR MARTIENNE' by G. Barthel & J. Brucker. The offer includes 46 French francs for one book, or 90 for both, with free Franco delivery to N.E.R. 16, rue de l'Ecole Polytechnique, 75005 Paris.

Editorial Content and Quotes

A notable quote is attributed to Serge LEUBA: "On a beaucoup plus critiqué les auteurs des thèses que les thèses elles-mêmes." (One has criticized the authors of the theses much more than the theses themselves.) This quote appears above a section titled 'CRITIQUES SURTOUT PAR CEUX QUI NE LES ONT PAS LUS' (Criticisms especially by those who have not read them).

The issue is associated with A.E.S.V. (Association for the Study of the Unexplained) located in Vevey, Switzerland, and the Observatoire des Parasciences in Marseille, France.

Legal and Copyright Information

A significant note in both French and English warns against retrieving and republishing the digital version of this publication online. Unauthorized online distribution is considered copyright infringement and may lead to prosecution. The only authorized online presence is on the AFU (Archives For the Unexplained) website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The content suggests a focus on ufology, anomalous phenomena, and potentially speculative or critical analysis of scientific and pseudoscientific topics. The inclusion of astrological and mythological services alongside books on extraterrestrials and Martian fears indicates a broad interest in the unexplained and the esoteric. The editorial stance, as suggested by the quote and the 'criticisms' section, seems to favor critical thinking and encourages readers to form their own opinions, possibly in response to skepticism or misrepresentation of certain topics.