Ovni Presence - No 26

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni Présence
Issue: No. 26
Date: June 1983
Publisher: Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes (AESV)
Type: Quarterly Bulletin

This issue of Ovni Présence, the eighth year of publication, focuses on the critical examination of UFO testimony and the methodologies employed in ufology. The cover, illustrated by Thierry Rocher, features a dramatic night scene with two figures gazing at the moon and celestial phenomena, alongside abstract symbols, setting a tone of mystery and inquiry. The central theme, 'LE TEMOIGNAGE EN QUESTION' (Testimony Under Question), is explored through various articles that challenge the reliability of eyewitness accounts and delve into the psychological and sociological factors influencing UFO reports.

Articles and Content

LE PETIT MARTIEN DECHAINE (The Little Martian Unleashed) This section, written by an unnamed author, revisits the 'Festival de l'été' in Cergy-Pontoise, referencing a 1980 event where people were led to believe in a potential encounter with extraterrestrials. The author critically examines predictions made about a future encounter on August 15, 1983, and sarcastically suggests the use of a 'Faraday cage' for skeptics. It highlights the blend of genuine belief and potential delusion surrounding such events.

RENCONTRE RAPPROCHEE AVEC LA LUNE (Close Encounter with the Moon) Authored by Jenny Randles and translated by Perry Petrakis, this article investigates a case from Hollington, UK, involving two witnesses who reported observing a spectacular object on October 4, 1981. The object, described as large and yellow, changed shape, emitted smoke, and induced physiological effects. While the Royal Greenwich Observatory suggested the moon viewed through clouds could be the cause, the witnesses insisted it was not. The article discusses the psychological aspects, including potential 'blackouts' and telepathic connections, and the difficulty in definitively identifying stimuli, raising questions about the validity of UFO cases when even familiar objects can be so distorted in perception.

LA FRAGILITE DU TEMOIGNAGE HUMAIN (The Fragility of Human Testimony) This extensive piece by an unnamed author critically examines the reliability of eyewitness accounts, particularly in the context of controversial phenomena like UFOs. It argues that human memory is not a perfect recording device but is subject to interpretation, suggestion, and the influence of prior beliefs and external information. The author discusses how perceptions can be shaped by 'subjective' elements and how 'key questions' can lead witnesses to alter their accounts. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychological predispositions of witnesses and the complex process of memory reconstruction, suggesting that a witness's confidence does not equate to accuracy.

ELEMENTS This section includes a brief note about the dissolution of the 'Comité Européen de Coordination de la Recherche Ufologique' (CECRU) and advises former members to remove CECRU references from their publications. It also mentions that the French Federation of Ufology (FFU) recommends former CECRU members contact them for potential cooperation.

IMPRESSIONS This section features reviews of two books: * OVNIS DU COTENTIN by Philippe Le Barillier: A catalog of UFO observations from 1672 to 1980, intended to demystify the phenomenon and encourage witnesses. The reviewer notes its utility for researchers but suggests it could be more in-depth. * FANTASTIQUES RENCONTRES AU BOUT DU MONDE by Jean-François Boedec: Reviewed by an unnamed author, this book is divided into four parts, including UFO appearances in Finistère and statistical approaches. The reviewer finds some cases poorly presented and criticizes the statistical analysis, though acknowledges the value of personal testimonies.

REPERES (Landmarks) This section announces the formation of the 'Comité Ile-de-France des Groupements Ufologiques' (CIGU), a new regional ufological group in France, aiming to unite active ufologists in the region and conduct research. It also mentions their intention to publish technical notes and collaborate with Ovni-présence.

J'AI CHOISI D'ETRE MYTHO(UFO)LOGUE (I Chose to be a Myth(UFO)logist) Authored by Marc Hallet, this article presents a contrasting viewpoint to Jean-Pierre Troadec's analysis of Eugenio Siragusa. Hallet argues that while Troadec focused on defending Siragusa's character, his own approach as a 'mythologist' involves analyzing texts based on their chronological evidence to reveal inconsistencies and fictional elements. He asserts that proving a witness's honesty does not automatically validate their account and criticizes the tendency in ufology to confuse subjective experiences with objective reality. Hallet emphasizes the importance of rigorous analysis of documented evidence over subjective interpretations.

L'ETUDE DES CAS DE CONTACTS (The Study of Contact Cases) Written by Jean-Pierre Troadec, this article discusses the challenges and methodologies involved in studying 'contactee' cases (RR4). Troadec highlights that unlike classic UFO sightings, contactees often feel chosen and have a mission to fulfill. He emphasizes the need for a socio-ethnological approach, respecting the witness's subjective reality and gathering information directly. The article proposes a general framework for investigation, including interviews, documentation, and analysis of the consequences of these accounts, suggesting that the study of contactees is a complex field requiring empathy and a broad perspective.

INTERVIEW CLAUDE MAUGE This interview features Claude Mauge, who discusses his views on the OVNI phenomenon. Mauge believes that many seemingly solid UFO cases will eventually be explained. He advocates for a socio-psychological approach, integrating psychological studies and even presenting at psychiatric congresses. He proposes a new classification for UFO phenomena (pre-OVNI, quasi-OVNI, true-OVNI) and discusses the role of physical and geophysical phenomena, such as ball lightning, alongside psychological factors. Mauge also touches upon the potential for misidentification, such as mistaking aircraft for UFOs, and the importance of considering the witness's psychological state.

COYNE: A L'EST DU NOUVEAU (Coyne: Something New in the East?) Authored by Perry Petrakis, this article critiques a statement by Coyne, possibly related to a specific UFO case or theory. The author questions the novelty or validity of Coyne's claims, suggesting they might be based on existing or flawed information.

ESPACE LIBRE (Free Space) This section contains several shorter pieces: * j'ai choisi d'être mytho(ufo)logue: A continuation of Marc Hallet's argument, contrasting his methodological approach with that of Jean-Pierre Troadec regarding the Eugenio Siragusa case. Hallet reiterates his focus on textual analysis and chronological evidence to identify fictional elements, while acknowledging the complementary nature of their approaches. * L'ETUDE DES CAS DE CONTACTS: Jean-Pierre Troadec elaborates on his methodology for studying contactee cases. He stresses the importance of listening to witnesses, understanding their subjective reality, and employing a socio-ethnological approach. He also mentions the use of techniques like graphology and morphopsychology, and the necessity of long-term case follow-up. * INTERVIEW CLAUDE MAUGE: This segment continues the interview with Claude Mauge, who discusses the socio-psychological aspects of UFO phenomena. He suggests that many cases might be explained by known physical phenomena or psychological factors, but acknowledges the existence of cases that currently defy explanation. He also touches upon the concept of the 'OVNI syndrome' and the 'contactee syndrome' without creating new medical categories.

EN BREF... (In Brief...) A short announcement about the CENAP organizing its third 'UAP Meeting' in Mannheim, Germany, in September 1983.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of UFO evidence and testimony. There is a clear emphasis on the subjective nature of perception and memory, and the potential for psychological and sociological factors to influence UFO reports. The magazine presents contrasting methodologies in ufology, particularly highlighted in the debate between Marc Hallet and Jean-Pierre Troadec regarding contactee cases. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous, evidence-based analysis, while acknowledging the complexity and often elusive nature of the UFO phenomenon. There's a cautious approach to accepting testimony at face value, advocating for deeper investigation into the witness's background and the context of the sighting. The issue also touches upon the potential for misidentification and the need to differentiate between genuine anomalies and psychological or cultural constructs.

Title: LA CHRONIQUE DES OVI
Issue: 25
Volume: 2
Date: March 1983
Publisher: Observatoire des Parasciences
Country: France
Price: 15 FF

This issue of "LA CHRONIQUE DES OVI" explores the complex relationship between psychiatry and ufology, critically examines specific UFO cases, and scrutinizes the methodologies employed in UFO research.

The Role of Psychiatry in Ufology

The issue begins by discussing how psychiatrists and psychologists could contribute to UFO research. It is suggested that these professionals could help identify cases rooted in mental pathology, analyze the psychological and physiological impacts of UFO encounters, and investigate phenomena like collective delusions and "collective hallucinations," a concept not widely recognized in psychiatry. The article posits that psychological processes can transform mundane stimuli into UFO sightings, citing research on perceptual distortions. The potential for psychiatric input is highlighted, noting that specialists in human sciences do not necessarily reject UFO studies if presented appropriately.

Explaining the Transformation of Stimuli into UFOs

A key question addressed is how a simple stimulus can be transformed into a UFO report, complete with details like "sheet metal, bolts, light beams, antennas." The article references the work of Paolo Toselli and Manuel Jimenez as significant approaches to understanding this mechanism. Toselli's work is presented as a serious attempt to apply principles of perception psychology to UFO sightings. The experience of Bruner and Goodman, demonstrating how children overestimate the size of objects based on their perceived value (e.g., coins vs. cardboard circles), is used as an example of how external factors influence perception. This research, though available for decades, has been largely overlooked by ufologists.

Why the Lack of Interdisciplinary Interest?

The issue probes why ufologists have not extensively utilized sociological and psychological studies, and conversely, why psychologists and sociologists have largely ignored the UFO phenomenon. Potential reasons include incompetence or a lack of awareness regarding the relevance of these fields to UFO research. Another factor might be the overwhelming complexity of the UFO problem, making it difficult to achieve profitable research outcomes. Jacques Scornaux's hypothesis is cited, suggesting that the rejection of UFOs by contemporary sociology stems from a fundamental belief in human rationality, which is challenged by the UFO phenomenon's demonstration of the power of myths and beliefs.

The Coyne Incident: A Case Study

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "Coyne incident," a UFO sighting involving a helicopter crew. Philip Klass, a skeptical ufologist, proposes that the crew encountered a meteorite from the Orionids meteor shower. Klass argues that the observed phenomena, including a green light, erratic movement, and a radio failure, can be explained by natural causes and the crew's stress. He points to the timing of the meteor shower and the potential for atmospheric entry of a meteorite. However, Jennie Zeidman and others have refuted Klass's hypothesis, citing details like the radio failure and the object's behavior as inconsistent with a meteorite. The article also touches upon the possibility of pilot reflexes and misinterpretations under stress.

Critique of Ufological Research: The Poher File

The issue presents a detailed critique of the Poher UFO file, a significant database in ufology. Perry Petrakis, who examined the file, highlights numerous serious errors. These include poorly documented cases (some with less than 200 characters), miscodings (e.g., radar blips coded as UFOs), and significant inaccuracies in dates and locations. Petrakis found that out of 421 cases examined, 98 had grave errors, and the file itself contained fewer cases than officially stated. The critique questions the reliability of such a database, especially when it is used to justify the creation of official bodies like GEPAN.

Quasi-OVNIs and the Future of Ufology

The discussion extends to "quasi-OVNIs" (cases that are not fully explained but may have mundane explanations). The author expresses a belief that most of these cases will eventually be explained, similar to other UFO reports that have been resolved. However, this remains an impression rather than a demonstrable fact.

Personal Reflections and Editorial Stance

The author reflects on his own journey in ufology, acknowledging how his interpretations have evolved. He also addresses the probity of ufologists, suggesting that while outright dishonesty is rare, incompetence, credulity, and a lack of critical thinking are more prevalent issues. The magazine also includes a section on "PSITT!", a bulletin on parapsychology, and a brief mention of the GERP (Groupe d'Etudes et de Recherches en Parapsychologie).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of psychological factors, rigorous scientific methodology, and skepticism. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a more grounded and interdisciplinary approach to ufology, questioning the validity of databases that contain significant errors and challenging purely belief-driven interpretations. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and cases that can be attributed to psychological biases, misperceptions, or natural occurrences. The magazine encourages a rational approach, urging researchers to exhaust mundane explanations before considering extraordinary ones.