Ovni Presence - No 35 - Aout 1986

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni-Présence
Issue: No. 35
Date: August 1986 (3rd Quarter, 10th Year)
Publisher: Ovni-présence (Publication of the Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes - AESV)
Country of Publication: Switzerland
Language: French
Price: 20FF / 5FS

This issue of Ovni-Présence is dedicated to the memory of J. Allen Hynek, a pivotal figure in ufology, and explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with folklore. The magazine features articles, interviews, and case studies, reflecting its commitment to investigating unexplained aerial phenomena.

Key Articles and Features

J. Allen Hynek: The Last Encounter

The issue pays tribute to J. Allen Hynek, who passed away in April 1986. The article highlights his career as an astrophysicist and his significant role in ufology, particularly his involvement with the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book. Hynek's critical stance against the project's official dismissals and his subsequent founding of CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies) are detailed. The text emphasizes his efforts to bring credibility to UFO research and his development of the 'Hynek classification' system (first, second, and third types of encounters), which became widely recognized, partly due to Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. The article also touches upon his collaborations with other researchers like Jacques Vallée and his participation in international UFO organizations.

Soucoupes et Folklore (Saucers and Folklore)

This section, presented by Pierre Szelechowski, reviews Bertrand Méheust's book "Soucoupes volantes et folklore." The review positions the book as a significant work that bridges ufology with ethnology, anthropology, and folklore studies. It discusses how traditional folk tales and legends, often dismissed as mere stories, might contain elements that resonate with modern UFO accounts. Méheust's approach is described as nuanced, humanistic, and free of bias. The article notes that Méheust's previous work, "Science fiction et soucoupes volantes" (1978), was well-received for its balanced perspective.

Interviews and Testimonials

Several individuals who knew J. Allen Hynek share their personal reflections on his passing and his contributions to ufology. These include:

• Aime Michel: Describes Hynek as a kind and intuitive man who recognized the complexity of the UFO phenomenon.
• Jean-Jacques Velasco: Recalls meeting Hynek in Paris and being impressed by his active involvement with CUFOS and UNICAT.
• Michel Figuet: Expresses sadness at Hynek's death, acknowledging his significant work despite controversies.
• Jean-Claude Bourret: Shares his condolences upon hearing the news.
• Claude Poher: Considers Hynek a friend and a crucial figure whose work may have contributed to the establishment of GEPAN (Groupe d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés).
• Thierry Pinvidic: Views Hynek as a pioneer who paved the way for serious UFO research.

An interview with J. Allen Hynek himself, conducted in Lugano in June 1980, is also featured. In it, Hynek discusses the challenges of UFO research, suggesting that a definitive solution might not be found within his lifetime. He advocates for analyzing various types of evidence, including visual sightings (RR2) and physical traces, to gain scientific acceptance. He also touches upon the possibility of UFOs being an amalgamation of different phenomena and the importance of imagination in research.

Case Studies and Reports

• Soccoro Case: Highlighted as one of the most perplexing cases investigated by Hynek, involving a UFO landing in 1964.
• RR3 Analysis: Hynek discusses the importance of analyzing 'RR3' reports (close encounters with occupants) for understanding the phenomenon, but stresses the need to first establish the reality of UFOs through more conventional evidence.
• NASA's Stance: Hynek expresses skepticism about NASA's claims of having nothing to hide regarding UFOs, suggesting a political rather than a scientific approach.
• L. Stringfield's Claims: Hynek comments on L. Stringfield's assertions about alien bodies, stating that more concrete information and evidence are needed.
• GEPAN's Chances: Hynek expresses hope for GEPAN's success, provided it is allowed to operate independently.

Clips & Claps

This section provides brief news items and updates from the ufological community:

• GERPI: A French organization proposing a national UFO observation night and an international database (BIDU).
• BUFORA Congress: Announcement of an international congress in London.
• CAUS: Reports on the release of 37 documents from the Defense Intelligence Agency related to UFOs.
• Book Reviews: Mentions of new books on UFOs and contactees, including works by Jimmy, Jacques Vallée, and Frédérique Sagnès.
• ISUEC: Formation of a new investigative group in Greece.
• Eric Kalmar: Preparing a book on UFO sightings with physical traces in the Var region.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the legacy of J. Allen Hynek and the complex relationship between UFO phenomena and human folklore. The editorial stance, as suggested by the publication's name and content, is one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, seeking to bridge scientific investigation with a broader understanding of human experience and cultural narratives. The magazine appears to advocate for a serious, yet open-minded, approach to ufology, acknowledging both the scientific challenges and the deeply ingrained human fascination with the unknown.

This issue of OVNI PRESENCE, Volume 11, Issue 21, dated March 1984, published by SOBEPS in Belgium, explores the complex relationship between UFO phenomena, folklore, and psychology. The cover features a striking, symbolic illustration related to alien encounters and consciousness.

Soucoupes volantes et folklore: A New Mythology?

The central theme of the issue revolves around the work of Bertrand Méheust, who posits that flying saucers are a modern folklore in the making within Western societies. The article critiques the tendency of anthropologists to overlook UFO experiences, contrasting it with their interest in traditional myths and shamanism. Méheust notes that while folklorists readily analyze tales of the supernatural, they often shy away from contemporary UFO accounts, effectively placing them in 'semantic parentheses.' The magazine highlights Méheust's argument that UFO experiences often echo ancient folkloric themes, such as the shamanic journey, in abduction narratives. For instance, the 'operation' described in abduction accounts is likened to classic shamanic initiation rituals involving examination and transformation by spirits.

Méheust suggests that the 'soucoupe' experience might be a 'transnational trance,' lacking the exoticism or historical patina of older folklore, which might explain why it is less readily embraced. The issue touches upon the idea that UFO experiences are not necessarily legends but rather manifestations of cultural narratives that shape how individuals perceive and interpret unusual events. The article also contrasts the perceived lack of UFO cases in France with the situation in the USA, where official research is less prominent but anecdotal evidence is abundant.

Psychological Perspectives on UFO Encounters

Dr. Richard F. Haines, a psychologist and physiologist, offers his perspective on UFO phenomena, particularly 'RR4' cases (abductions). Haines, who conducts his UFO research privately, emphasizes his interest in understanding the core nature of the phenomenon. He has developed a new hypnotic regression technique to improve the quality of information gathered from abductees, aiming to reduce investigator bias. Haines notes that while many abductees appear psychologically normal, they often experience profound existential crises. He observes a difference between European and American approaches to abduction cases, with European researchers sometimes finding more psychological imbalances in witnesses, while American psychologists often deem abductees to be normal.

Haines discusses the challenges of studying UFOs, noting the slow progress in understanding the phenomenon over the past decades. He suggests that researchers are beginning to converge on hypotheses, but a definitive solution remains elusive. He also touches upon the cultural context influencing how UFOs are perceived, acknowledging that European and American cultural backgrounds might lead to different interpretations of similar experiences.

Case Analyses and Debates

The 'Readers' Corner' section features several critical analyses of UFO-related articles and cases.

One letter addresses an article by Jean Bastide concerning the Labatut case, questioning the description of a 'ball lightning' phenomenon and its duration. The author argues that the observed duration (twenty to twenty-five minutes) is inconsistent with typical ball lightning and suggests three hypotheses: the witnesses are lying, it was a balloon, or it remains 'unidentified.' The author leans towards the balloon explanation, citing the possibility of optical illusions and psychological factors influencing the witness's perception.

Another analysis critiques an article by Michel Monnerie regarding the Doucier case. The author disputes Monnerie's conclusion that the phenomenon was a micro-climate event involving lenticular clouds. The critique highlights potential issues with Monnerie's analysis, including optical illusions, psychological scenarios, and the witness's prior exposure to ufological concepts, suggesting that M. Vuillien possessed sufficient knowledge to invent the story.

The Aviano Incident

A letter from Jean-Louis Peyraut discusses an investigation into a UFO sighting at the OTAN base in Aviano, Italy, on June 30, 1977. The incident involved a luminous object observed by military personnel, leading to the temporary shutdown of airport operations and radar systems. The author raises several questions about the incident, including the activities of the witness, the response of rescue teams, and the cause of the power outage, suggesting that the military's reluctance to be interviewed makes obtaining definitive information difficult.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the idea that UFO phenomena can be understood through the lens of folklore, mythology, and psychology. There's a recurring debate about the nature of witness testimony, the influence of cultural factors, and the methodologies used in UFO investigations. The magazine seems to favor a critical yet open-minded approach, encouraging researchers to consider psychological and folkloric interpretations while not dismissing the possibility of genuine, unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging deeper investigation and interdisciplinary analysis to understand the 'core' of the UFO phenomenon, as articulated by Dr. Haines.

This issue of Les Cahiers Martiens, dated 1986, is published by the Observatoire des Parasciences and focuses on ufology, exploring various facets of UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial contact, and the scientific investigation of these topics.

Interview with Bertrand Méheust

The issue features an interview with ufologist Bertrand Méheust, who discusses his approach to investigating UFO cases and alleged alien abductions. Méheust emphasizes the importance of scientific credibility and attracting creative minds to the field. He addresses the number of reported abductions in the USA (around 300) and cases involving physical traces. He recounts a case where a woman found unusual, perfectly triangular, smooth stones after an alleged abduction experience, which, upon analysis, were found to be polished sandstone with no discernible marks. Méheust also touches upon the use of hypnosis in retrieving witness accounts, acknowledging that it can sometimes create a 'phantasmagoria' filled with cultural imagery. However, he believes that with proper technique, hypnosis can access a 'region' of the subject's intimate life, providing valuable information. He outlines his three-step technique for obtaining witness accounts under hypnosis, aiming to minimize contamination from the interviewer.

Book Reviews and Features

"Les enfants d'Uranie" by Evry Schatzman

Perry Petrakis reviews "Les enfants d'Uranie" by Evry Schatzman, a book that attempts to model the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations using physical and social sciences. The review highlights Schatzman's effort to place Earth and humanity in a cosmic perspective, discussing the vastness of the universe and the statistical probability of other life forms. The book explores four main themes: the universality of natural laws, the conditions for planetary life, the evolution from abiotic matter to civilization, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Petrakis notes that while the book aims for a scientific approach, it might still be influenced by anthropomorphism.

"Les O.V.N.I." by Michel Dorier and Jean-Pierre Troadec

Perry Petrakis also critiques "Les O.V.N.I.", a book published by Presses Universitaires de France. He finds the book to be a superficial and uninspired recitation of common UFO lore, lacking depth and failing to represent the more 'demential' aspects of ufology. Petrakis criticizes the authors' approach, suggesting they have cherry-picked less problematic cases and statistics, and that the book ultimately does a disservice to the cause it ostensibly aims to promote.

"Ovni-Présence" Publications

The magazine announces the availability of technical and informational notes from the GEPAN (Groupe d'Étude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-Identifiés). These notes, sold individually or as a complete set, cover a range of topics including atmospheric phenomena, US UFO studies, GEPAN investigations, magnetohydrodynamics, and the psychology of perception. The issue provides a list of available notes and instructions on how to order them.

FRANCAT Project

Thierry Pinvidic, through FRANCAT, seeks assistance from private groups and independent researchers to help purify French UFO case files. He emphasizes the need for accurate and well-documented cases to establish reliable statistics and facilitate future ufological studies. He requests information on cases that may be missing or require clarification.

C.U.B. (Comité des groupements ufologiques bretons)

The formation of the C.U.B., a regional UFO research committee in Brittany, France, is announced. It aims to provide a welcoming structure for serious researchers in the region and has published a bulletin focusing on contactee groups and UFO phenomena in Brittany.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for a rigorous, scientific approach to ufology, while acknowledging the complexities and potential biases involved in witness testimony and investigation methods like hypnosis. There's a clear distinction made between speculative fiction and scientifically grounded research, as seen in the book reviews. The editorial stance appears to favor detailed case analysis, statistical data, and methodical research, as exemplified by the GEPAN notes and the FRANCAT project. The magazine also highlights the international nature of UFO research, with mentions of US studies and the French context.