Ovni Presence - No 25

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni Présence
Issue: N° 25
Date: March 1983
Type: Quarterly Bulletin
Publisher: Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes (AESV)

This issue of Ovni Présence, the eighth year of publication, focuses on a significant UFO encounter and delves into debates within the ufology community.

Editorial and Association Information

The magazine is published by the Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes (AESV), a non-profit organization founded in 1974 dedicated to the objective and rational study of UFO phenomena and the dissemination of ufological information. The editorial team includes Perry Petrakis and Yves Bosson, with contributions from Jean-Pierre Troadec, Lilyane Troadec, Thierry Rocher, and others. Subscriptions and correspondence are handled by AESV-Suisse and AESV-France.

Main Cover Story: The Coyne Case - A "Solid" Case?

The lead article, "le cas «coyne» : un cas «béton» ? Rencontre hélicoptère-Ovni au-dessus de l'Ohio," details a remarkable encounter that occurred in March 1979. The report, based on a 122-page CUFOS study by Jennie Zeidman, recounts the experience of four US Army Reserve men flying a helicopter over Ohio. During the flight, they observed a red light that approached rapidly. The object, described as cigar-shaped and metallic gray, slowed down to match the helicopter's speed and hovered in front of it. The witnesses described a green beam emanating from the object and lights at its extremities. The encounter caused the helicopter's radio to fail and led to unusual flight dynamics, including an unexpected ascent despite the pilot's attempts to descend.

Subsequent investigation by the Civil Commission on Aerial Phenomena (CCAP) sought ground witnesses. A family reported seeing a similar phenomenon, corroborating the helicopter crew's account. The report, compiled by Jennie Zeidman, concludes that the object remained unidentified and that the witnesses' accounts were consistent, ruling out conventional explanations like meteorites or high-performance aircraft. The report also notes the object's effect on the helicopter's instruments and discusses the possibility of psychological effects on witnesses, including dreams.

An addendum by Jennie Zeidman mentions a local newspaper report about the incident and a witness who claimed to have been near the helicopter's flight path on October 18, 1973, hearing a helicopter and seeing a green light. This corroborates the existence of multiple witnesses.

Debates and Controversies: "Messages Dangereux" - The Responses of Jean Miguères

This section features a critical examination of Jean Miguères's claims and responses, particularly concerning his alleged UFO encounter and subsequent interactions with ufologists like Perry Petrakis. The article highlights Miguères's participation in radio debates, where he defended his "third-type encounter" narrative.

Perry Petrakis (PP) is presented as a key critic, having investigated Miguères's story and found inconsistencies. The debate touches upon Miguères's claims of scientific evidence, including medical and astrophysical affirmations, which critics find unsubstantiated. The article questions Miguères's use of vague terms like "redimensionné" (redimensioned) and his assertion that French medical professionals are forbidden from having their names published in relation to UFO cases.

Specific points of contention include:

• The Trans-France Express claim: Miguères claimed to have driven from Perpignan to Paris in 6 hours and 20 minutes (averaging 146 km/h) in 1976, a feat questioned due to the non-existence of the full autoroute at the time and the implied high speeds required.
• The "Galactica" asteroid claim: Miguères claimed to have discovered an asteroid, which was later found to have been discovered by Charles Kowal. The article suggests Miguères may have had prior knowledge through astronomical contacts.
• The Marcel Pagès controversy: Miguères claimed to have letters from Marcel Pagès supporting his claims, but Pagès's family stated that Miguères had taken advantage of Pagès's weakened state. The article presents a third letter from Pagès that allegedly contradicts Miguères.
• The "GEPA" incident: Miguères's claims about receiving a congratulatory letter from a CNRS professor are questioned, with the professor identified as a simple researcher.
• The "Trans-Continuum-Express" incident: Miguères and others claimed to have experienced teleportation on an autoroute between Nîmes and Marseille, a claim dismissed due to the non-existence of such an autoroute.

The section concludes that Miguères's narrative is filled with inconsistencies and unsubstantiated claims, suggesting a pattern of exaggeration or fabrication.

Interview: Claude Rifat - The Induced Dream Hypothesis

This interview with Claude Rifat, a former ufologist now focused on psychopharmacology and neuroscience, explores his "induced dream" hypothesis. Rifat suggests that UFO phenomena might have a physical origin, possibly involving microwaves that could influence human brain cells. He posits that this could explain the subjective experiences reported by witnesses, drawing parallels with LSD experiences and altered states of consciousness.

Rifat's hypothesis, initially developed in a more extensive theory, suggests that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations might communicate through non-symbolic, non-sequential language, making direct communication with humans difficult. He proposes that UFOs could be a manifestation of physical processes that trigger these altered states, akin to a dream.

Key points from the interview:

• Hypothesis Origin: Rifat's interest stemmed from his studies in psychopharmacology and the central nervous system (SNC), combined with observations of dreams and schizophrenia.
• Physical Basis: He suggests that physical phenomena, like microwaves or radar emissions, could potentially influence the SNC and induce experiences similar to those reported in UFO encounters.
• Testability: Rifat acknowledges that his hypothesis is testable but requires significant resources and time.
• Connection to Dreams: He links his hypothesis to the concept of the "induced dream," suggesting that the brain's mechanisms for processing information and generating dreams could be affected by external physical stimuli.
• Advanced Civilizations: Rifat speculates that advanced ETs might use a form of communication beyond human comprehension, making direct interaction unlikely.
• Scientific Rigor: He emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation of witness accounts before formulating theories.

Other Sections

• "Show-biz" and "L'arbre qui cache la forêt": This section critiques the commercialization and sensationalism within ufology, suggesting that certain figures create elaborate narratives for personal gain, obscuring the genuine study of the phenomenon.
• "Le Petit Martien Déchaîné": This article continues the critique of Jean Miguères, detailing his alleged physical confrontation with Perry Petrakis after a radio debate and further questioning his credibility.
• "Pour aller plus loin": Recommends Michel Monnerie's book "Le naufrage des extra-terrestres" for further insight into the Miguères case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes critical analysis and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims within ufology. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation, scientific methodology, and a cautious approach to interpreting UFO phenomena. The magazine actively debunks sensationalist narratives and promotes a more grounded, evidence-based study of the subject. There is a clear concern about the commercialization of ufology and the potential for individuals to exploit the subject for personal gain, as exemplified by the critical coverage of Jean Miguères. The "induced dream" hypothesis presented by Claude Rifat offers a more speculative, yet scientifically grounded, avenue of research into the nature of UFO experiences.

Title: Les Cahiers de l'Unexplained
Issue: 21
Publisher: Observatoire des Parasciences
Country: France
Language: French
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Les Cahiers de l'Unexplained delves into various aspects of unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on historical UFO cases, the evolution of the Raelian movement, and the importance of scientific rigor in ufology.

Historical UFO Cases and 19th Century Observations

The issue features an interview with Claude Rifat, who discusses his interest in historical UFO observations, particularly from the 19th century. He notes that Camille Flammarion described 'slow meteors' that could last for minutes. Rifat's research at the Sauverny Observatory uncovered old astronomical publications describing objects that behaved in ways inexplicable at the time, such as large luminous spheres that would hover, turn back, and disappear. He emphasizes that this older literature provides a more solid basis for study because there were fewer distractions compared to the present day. Rifat believes the 19th century is a good period for studying these phenomena, as observers were often knowledgeable about astronomy and the sky, and reported things they didn't understand.

He suggests compiling a catalog of curious cases reported by credible individuals. Rifat mentions having worked on a catalog for the period 1850-1880 and sent it to Hynek, with whom he maintained contact. He also investigated a potential correlation between UFO waves and solar cycles, noting that more UFO observations seemed to occur during solar minima and maxima, though he did not pursue this further statistically.

The Marliens Incident

Alain Rifat's article on the Marliens incident is discussed. Claude Rifat describes the event as curious and difficult to explain, noting that the traces left by the object dug into the soil and branched like hooks. He finds it hard to explain how a solid object could create such marks. The ground was covered in a yellow powder, which analysis revealed to be silicon that had undergone rapid fusion at 15,000 degrees. Lightning was ruled out as the cause.

Critique of Ufologists and Scientific Rigor

Claude Rifat expresses his disillusionment with the field of ufology, particularly with authors like Jacques Vallée, whose early scientific work became increasingly 'delirious.' He also criticizes J. Allen Hynek for citing sources like Charroux without verification. Rifat stresses the importance of maintaining scientific rigor over time, as there is a natural human tendency to be drawn to the marvelous. He argues against the concept of 'official science' versus 'unofficial science,' stating that there is only science, which is a method of investigation valid for everyone.

He believes that for others to take UFO research seriously, researchers must be rigorous and employ the traditional language of science. He notes that even in publications like 'UFO Phenomena,' completely outlandish articles appear, which can deter serious individuals from engaging with the subject.

The Raelian Movement: Evolution and Expansion

This section details the evolution of the Raelian movement, founded by Claude Vorilhon (Rael). It traces Rael's journey from his initial encounters with 'Elohims' (extraterrestrials) in 1973 and 1975, leading to his 'revelation' that extraterrestrials created humanity. The movement has expanded significantly, with Rael adopting a longer hairstyle and beard, and the sect becoming powerful and wealthy.

Membership involves various levels of financial commitment, from subscriptions to becoming a guide. The movement has invested in high-quality publications, conferences, and books, with Rael himself no longer giving public conferences in France. The Raelian message, initially focused on extraterrestrial creators, has evolved to incorporate broader themes such as ecology, vital hygiene, and healthy eating, drawing from naturopathy.

The movement actively recruits through initiation and guide training stages, which have seen significant growth. The issue highlights that the Raelian sect has been officially recognized as a religion by the Canadian government, granting it fiscal advantages and religious holiday recognition. The article suggests that the movement appeals to individuals with repressed desires, voyeurs, and those seeking a spiritual or ecological path.

'Dossiers OVNI-Présence'

The issue also lists and briefly describes several publications under the 'Dossiers OVNI-Présence' series:

1. 'L'objet, décrit comme un "OVNI"...': An analysis of a case with a rational explanation, focusing on the socio-psychology of testimony.
2. '1947-1949': Archival research from the 'Feuille d'Avis de Neuchâtel' covering alleged UFO sightings and related technical, astronomical, and political events.
3. '1954': A dossier examining the impact of the 1954 UFO wave in French-speaking Switzerland, featuring numerous articles.

These dossiers are available for purchase from AESV, with discounts for subscribers and members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the historical context of sightings, and the need for scientific rigor. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalism in ufology, advocating for a methodical and evidence-based approach. The critique of the Raelian movement suggests a cautious perspective on new religious movements that leverage extraterrestrial narratives for growth and financial gain. The magazine promotes a serious, analytical approach to unexplained phenomena, contrasting with what it perceives as the increasingly 'delirious' or unscientific content found in some other publications.