Ovni Presence - No 48 - August 1992

Magazine Overview

This issue of OVNI-PRESENCE, dated August 1992, is a French-language magazine dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The cover prominently features a dramatic illustration of a flying saucer and headlines announcing an exclusive interview with former Minister of the Armies, Robert Galley, and an interview with actor Roy Thinnes about the classic TV series 'Les Envahisseurs' (The Invaders).

Editorial: Prologue to an Issue

The editorial sets the stage for the issue's content, highlighting key articles. It begins by referencing Robert Galley's historic 1974 interview with Jean-Claude Bourret, where Galley expressed an open mind towards unexplained phenomena. This issue revisits Galley to discuss the context of that interview. It also introduces Jacques Vallée's reflections on his ufological career, his critique of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, and his intention to step back from the field. The editorial mentions an event in Paris involving actor Roy Thinnes, and an article by Boris Chourinov on a radar detection case in Russia, noting the challenges of information exchange with Eastern European ufologists.

Interview with Robert Galley: A Former Minister of the Armies

This section features an exclusive interview with Robert Galley, conducted in July 1991. Galley, who served as Minister of the Armies multiple times, discusses his 1974 declaration about UFOs. He states that his words were significantly amplified and distorted by the media, suggesting he was preoccupied with the theoretical aspect of unexplained phenomena rather than an imminent invasion. He draws parallels to scientific discoveries like X-rays and radioactivity, which stemmed from observing anomalies. Galley emphasizes the importance of scientific curiosity and open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena, whether luminous, magnetic, or related to other forces. He denies consulting his ministry before the interview with Jean-Claude Bourret, attributing his willingness to speak to their long-standing friendship. He also touches upon the creation of GEPAN (the French official UFO investigation body), suggesting it was more a result of scientific interest than his political statement. Galley expresses that while he stands by his statement that unexplained luminous phenomena exist, he would prefer his words to be quoted literally, without sensational embellishment.

The UFO Phenomenon and the Community of Researchers: A Forbidden Science

This extensive article by Jacques Vallée critically examines the relationship between ufology and mainstream science. Vallée, a renowned ufologist and scientist, argues that the field is hampered by a polarized debate, with skeptics dismissing UFOs outright and proponents rigidly adhering to the extraterrestrial hypothesis. He criticizes the 'abduction' phenomenon as a prime example of this, suggesting that the focus on alien visitors distracts from a deeper understanding of the phenomenon's complex nature, which may involve psychological and terrestrial elements. Vallée calls for a more rigorous, multidisciplinary approach to research, emphasizing the importance of ethical treatment of witnesses and careful data collection. He proposes eight practical steps for advancing UFO research, including better data classification, improved investigation techniques, and a focus on understanding the human experience of these events.

Clips & Claps

This section provides brief updates:

• SF: Two Exhibitions in the French-Speaking Swiss Region: Details two science fiction exhibitions: one at the Maison d'Ailleurs in Yverdon-les-Bains ('Voyageons dans l'espace') and another organized by the Fantasy Club in Payerne, featuring a Star Trek VI theme.
• 1991 Review in Helvetia: Reports a significant decrease in reported UFO sightings in Switzerland for 1991, with only 10 cases recorded by ROOS (Swiss UFO Observation Registry), down from 44 in 1990. The number of press articles also dropped.

UFO Observations in Switzerland (continued)

This section details several UFO sightings reported in Switzerland during late 1990 and early 1991:

• September 1990: A woman in Crans-sur-Sierre observed a silver sphere that turned orange-pale.
• October 1990: A couple in Zurich saw a bright yellow-orange fireball.
• November 1990: Two adolescents in Balerna observed a dark object described as three spheres joined by a tubular structure.
• December 1990: Residents in San Pietro heard a whistling sound accompanied by a yellow-green phosphorescent glow.
• January 1991: In Lucerne, numerous residents witnessed mysterious lights over the lake, with some seeing figures jump into the void.
• January 1991: A man in Biasca observed a red fireball.
• February 1991: Several people in Viganello and Chiasso saw a dark triangle with a luminous base.
• March 1991: A paraglider observed a dark object with two lateral 'legs' moving slowly and turning on itself.
• June 1991: A couple in Ligornetto and a young woman in Genestrario observed a star-like object with an elongated shape.
• June 1991: An 'English circle' (crop circle) was found near Someo, with grass laid in a spiral pattern.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with science, government, and societal beliefs. There's a clear editorial stance favoring open inquiry and critical analysis, challenging simplistic explanations like the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The publication highlights the difficulties faced by independent researchers in a field often dominated by sensationalism and entrenched viewpoints. The issue emphasizes the need for rigorous methodology, ethical considerations in research, and a broader understanding of the complex, multifaceted nature of UFO sightings and related experiences.

This issue of Ovni-Présence, number 48, dated August 1992, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including an interview with actor Roy Thinnes, an exploration of ufology in China, and an analysis of the 1991 crop circle season.

Portrait: Une rencontre avec Roy Thinnes

The cover story features an interview with Roy Thinnes, the actor best known for his role as David Vincent in the 1960s television series 'The Invaders'. The article highlights the immense popularity of the show and Thinnes' enduring connection to the UFO phenomenon. It recounts a special event in Paris celebrating the 25th anniversary of 'The Invaders', attended by over 2000 fans. Thinnes expresses his continued interest in the subject, stating that he would like to star in a new series of this kind. He discusses his personal views on UFOs, acknowledging the public's perception of him as an icon in the field, but maintains a moderate stance, not claiming any specific authority on the subject. His wife, Catherine, shares her surprise at the intense fan reactions in France compared to the United States, where he is known for other roles.

Etude: L'ufologie soviétique dans la littérature occidentale

This section, authored by Boris Chourinov, examines the exchange of information between Eastern and Western ufology following perestroika. It critiques existing Western literature on Soviet UFO phenomena, particularly Ion Hobana and Julien Werverbergh's 'Les O.V.N.I en U.R.S.S et dans les pays de l'Est', finding it lacking in detail. Chourinov also discusses a case from Uzbekistan in 1972 involving the discovery of a small, un-decayed body, questioning its authenticity and attributing it to a sensationalized report. The author expresses skepticism towards claims of Soviet UFO research and suggests that some stories may be fabrications.

Etude: Traduire Ogoniok

This piece discusses the challenges of translation in UFO research, using the example of Jacques Vallée citing a 1958 'Ogoniok' magazine article about a 'discoplane' near Moscow. The author points out inaccuracies in Vallée's and Henry Durrant's interpretations, clarifying that the original article was about a 'discoplane in flight' and not a cover-up for UFO research as suggested.

Etude: Le rapport Zigel

Charles Garreau's review of a supposed 'Zigel report' is analyzed. Garreau claims the report confirms Soviet investigations into UFOs and international cooperation with the US, as well as research into antigravity. The author of this section refutes these claims, stating that Garreau's information is false and that the purported characteristics of Soviet UFOs are exaggerated or misrepresented.

Etude: L'affaire Sanarov

This section details an interaction with V. I. Sanarov, director of the Academy of Space Medicine in Novosibirsk, who requested UFO literature from Western authors. The author suggests this was a ploy to collect publications rather than genuine research, highlighting the prevalence of misinformation in Soviet ufology.

Etude: NLO-Réalnost

This is a review of the first issue of 'NLO-Réalnost' (OVNI-Réalité), a Russian UFO magazine edited by Boris Chourinov. The review notes articles on the UFO situation in the former USSR and specific cases, including one where military aircraft reportedly intercepted an object. It also mentions an article on the 'plasmatic vortex' theory and a tribute to René Fouéré.

Etude: Un incertain Degaudenzi...

This section critiques Jean-Louis Degaudenzi's book 'OVNI en Union Soviétique', calling it a collection of UFO gossip. The author disputes Degaudenzi's claims about Soviet gendarmerie procedures and the role of the 'Comité Stolyarov', accusing Degaudenzi of distorting facts and misrepresenting information.

Etude: Une mise au point de la Pravda

This piece addresses Degaudenzi's interpretation of a 'Pravda' article concerning UFOs. The author argues that Degaudenzi misrepresents the article's content and context, suggesting that the original article was a critical piece on the subject.

Etude: Un cas d'enregistrement radar en Russie

This article by Boris Chourinov describes a radar recording from April 10, 1990, where a military aircraft's radar detected an unidentified object for 44 minutes. The transcript of the recording is provided, detailing the object's speed and maneuvers. The author notes that the object was only detected by radar and not visually by the crew.

CLIPS & CLAPS

This section contains several short news items:

• VORONEJ: LE LIVRE EST PARU: Announces the publication of a book detailing the Voronezh UFO incident.
• DÉBAT SUR ANTENNE 2: Reports on a French television debate about the existence of extraterrestrial life, which brought together scientists and ufologists.

ENQUETE: Crop circles 1991 : La saison de tous les canulars

This extensive article by Gilles Durand analyzes the 1991 crop circle season, which was marked by the sensational claim of two elderly men who asserted they were responsible for creating many of the formations. Durand discusses the controversy surrounding the 'plasmatic vortex' theory proposed by Terence Meaden and critiques the work of other researchers. He presents evidence suggesting human fabrication of many crop circles, citing detailed observations of paths, footprints, and manufacturing techniques. The article also touches upon the growing number of 'tests' or hoaxes designed to discredit different theories.

ENQUETE: Today, quotidien britannique à sensation?

This short piece questions the credibility of a British tabloid that claimed to have invented crop circles and their intermediate forms. The author dismisses the claim as megalomaniacal and points out the perpetrators' inability to replicate simple formations during a field test.

CLIPS & CLAPS

• LIGHT YEARS : PARUTION DE LA TRADUCTION FRANÇAISE: Announces the French translation of Gary Kinder's book 'Light Years' about Eduard Meier, criticizing the translation for its inaccuracies.
• ECOSSE: UNE PLAQUE COMMÉMORATIVE SUR UN SITE D'ATTERRISSAGE D'OVNI: Reports on the erection of a commemorative plaque in Scotland for a reported UFO landing site in 1979.

IMPRESSIONS: Le cercle des ufologues recyclés

This review critically examines the book 'Crop Circles - A Mystery Solved' by Paul Fuller and Jenny Randles. The reviewer argues that the authors' attempt to explain crop circles through meteorological phenomena and hoaxes is unconvincing and contradicts their own evidence. The review highlights inconsistencies in the book's arguments and catalog of cases, suggesting that the authors' conclusions are flawed.

IMPRESSIONS: Alcool de singe, liqueur de vipère...

This is a review of Jean-Loïc Le Quellec's book 'Alcool de singe et liqueur de vipère...', which explores various legends and rumors related to food contamination, cannibalism, and the 'alcohol of monkey' theme. The review notes the book's interdisciplinary approach, drawing on ethnology, linguistics, psychology, and sociology.

IMPRESSIONS: Les extraterrestres : nouvelle forme de religiosité ?

This is a review of Jean-Bruno Renard's book 'Les extraterrestres : Une nouvelle croyance religieuse ?'. The review discusses Renard's analysis of the concept of extraterrestrials as a modern form of religiosity, tracing its evolution from the idea of multiple worlds to contemporary UFO beliefs and contactee phenomena. It highlights the book's examination of the characteristics of UFO believers and the syncretic nature of modern extraterrestrial beliefs.

READERS' CORNER READ

This section includes a letter from Dominique Caudron correcting a previous observation about a 'fake moon' on the cover of 'Communications' magazine. Caudron explains that the appearance was due to atmospheric conditions and light diffusion, not a superimposed image. The author concludes that many perceived UFO sightings can be attributed to natural atmospheric phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis and deconstruction of UFO phenomena, with a particular emphasis on media representation, the challenges of research across different languages and cultures (especially concerning the USSR and China), and the critical examination of various theories and claims within ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to separate factual reporting from speculation, sensationalism, and misinformation. There is a strong focus on debunking unsubstantiated claims and providing a more rigorous, evidence-based approach to understanding UFO reports and related phenomena like crop circles.

This document is a single page from a publication titled 'Les Cahiers Martiens', providing contact information and a copyright notice. The publication appears to be related to the study of 'Ovni-Présence' (UFO Presence) and 'Anomalies'.

Contact Information

The publisher is identified as the Observatoire des Parasciences, with a postal address at PO Box 80057 - La Plaine, FR - 13244 Marseille Cedex 01, France. The contact email address provided is [email protected].

• Links are given for online content:
• http://articles.lescahiers.net/?z=i2040
• Ovni-Présence: http://lescahiers.net/CatalogueMartien/OP.html
• Anomalies: http://lescahiers.net/CatalogueMartien/Anomalies.html

Copyright and Distribution Notice

A significant portion of the page is dedicated to a legal notice in both French and English regarding the digital version of the publication. It states that it is strictly forbidden to retrieve the digital version and upload it to any website, blog, social network, or personal/amateur site. The only authorized online publication is on the AFU (Archives For the Unexplained) website. Any other unauthorized publication is considered copyright infringement and will be subject to prosecution.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Based on the content, the publication 'Les Cahiers Martiens' focuses on topics related to UFOs and unexplained phenomena, as indicated by the sections 'Ovni-Présence' and 'Anomalies'. The editorial stance is clearly protective of its intellectual property, with a strong warning against unauthorized digital distribution.