Ovni Presence - No 52 - December 1993

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni Présence
Issue: 52
Date: December 1993
Publisher: Ovni-Présence
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE GROS PLAN SUR J.A. VELASCO

Editorial Content

Edito: D'une visite au SEPRA

This section details a visit to the Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrées Atmosphériques (SEPRA), the official French body tasked with studying unidentified aerospace phenomena. Jean-Jacques Velasco, the head of SEPRA, explains the organization's mission, which is to acquire, process, and archive data on these phenomena. He emphasizes its public service role, including responding to inquiries and intervening in the media. The article notes a shift from the more discreet approach of its predecessor, GEPAN, to a more prominent media presence for SEPRA, coinciding with a rebranding of the ufological effort. The text highlights the production of luxurious information pamphlets and a book aimed at the general public, suggesting a strategic adaptation to modern communication techniques.

Interview: Entretien avec Jean-Jacques Velasco

This extensive interview with Jean-Jacques Velasco, head of SEPRA, provides insight into the official investigation of UFOs in France. Velasco, an optics graduate who joined CNES in 1971, discusses his involvement in the GEPAN (Groupe d'Etude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés) since its inception in 1977. He explains his role in developing the Simovni, an optical observation instrument, and his participation in field interventions and investigations. Velasco clarifies that GEPAN was created by Claude Poher, an engineer at CNES, to bring together multidisciplinary expertise for UFO research. He recounts how he was recruited due to his skills in optical instrumentation and his willingness to participate in a new endeavor. Velasco emphasizes that the creation of GEPAN was driven by public demand, fueled by media coverage like that of Jean-Claude Bourret, and by military recommendations to establish a dedicated analysis body. He reveals that the Air Force has transferred its UFO-related archives from 1947 to SEPRA, adding approximately 600 reports to their collection. Velasco highlights the importance of a scientific council that previously guided GEPAN's activities, noting its absence in the current structure. He expresses a desire for SEPRA to become a European entity, believing that France has established effective structures for data collection and analysis that could be replicated continent-wide. He acknowledges the challenges posed by the 'polluted' nature of the UFO field, with many researchers lacking rigorous scientific methods, leading to a proliferation of unsubstantiated claims. Velasco's book, 'Ovnis, la science avance,' aims to differentiate between the explainable and the unexplained, offering a more methodical approach to UFO phenomena.

Dossier: Mars et les médiums

This dossier explores the intersection of alleged extraterrestrial contact, specifically with Mars, and psychic phenomena, focusing on several historical cases.

#### Il y a cent ans : ces Martiens de la fin du siècle par Hilary Evans

This article examines the case of Catherine-Elise Müller (1861-1929), known as Hélène Smith, a medium whose alleged communications with Martians were studied by Swiss psychologist Théodore Flournoy. Flournoy's detailed account reveals Smith's background of dissatisfaction and her development of psychic abilities, initially influenced by romantic figures like Victor Hugo and Joseph Balsamo. Her 'Martian' experiences, which included descriptions of Martian life, language, and technology, are analyzed by Flournoy. He suggests that the fascination with Mars, fueled by popular science figures like Camille Flammarion, may have inspired Smith's elaborate narratives. The article also touches upon the idea of 'multimediumship,' where individuals experience various psychic phenomena, and how these experiences might contribute to information about other worlds.

#### Les nouvelles Trois ouvrages publiés à compte d'auteur

• This section briefly reviews three self-published books related to UFO phenomena:
• Jean-Pierre Petit's addendum to his French edition of 'Enquête sur des extra-terrestres qui sont déjà parmi nous,' which includes a letter from the 'Ummites.'
• Eric Maillot and colleagues' study on the misinterpretations caused by the moon's influence on UFO sightings.
• Geneviève Vanquelef's translation of Carl Van Vlierden's book about a South African contactee who claims communication with beings from the planet Koldas.

#### Wim Van Utrecht et la vague belge

This piece discusses Wim Van Utrecht's skeptical analysis of the 1989-1991 Belgian UFO wave. Van Utrecht attributes the wave's intensity partly to media attention but suggests that at least one unconventional craft, possibly a triangular balloon, ULM, or experimental aircraft, may have flown over Belgium. He also claims to have easily reproduced the famous Petit-Rechain photograph, questioning its authenticity.

#### Opération 50%

This is an advertisement offering a 50% discount on back issues of Ovni-Présence for subscribers wishing to complete their collections.

#### Cinquième prix Dr-Alexander-Imich

This announcement details a $1000 prize offered by Dr. Alexander Imich for the best article that helps to better understand 'the interaction of UFO phenomena with humanity.'

#### Mars et les médiums (continued)

This section continues the exploration of psychic phenomena related to Mars.

##### L'histoire de Catherine-Elise Müller (1861-1929), plus connue sous le pseudonyme d'« Hélène Smith »

This part delves deeper into Hélène Smith's case, as documented by Théodore Flournoy. It highlights Smith's background, her alleged psychic abilities, and her detailed narratives of life on Mars. Flournoy's analysis suggests that Smith's 'Martian' language might be a subconscious creation based on French, and that her visions were a complex manifestation of her inner world. The article contrasts Smith's 'friendly' Martian narratives with H.G. Wells' 'hostile' Martians from 'The War of the Worlds,' noting that Wells' novel was not yet published when Smith's experiences began.

##### La femme du clergyman par Hyslop

This section introduces the case of Mme Smead, studied by psychologist James Hyslop. Mme Smead, like Hélène Smith, experienced psychic phenomena, including alleged communications from Mars. Hyslop believed these communications stemmed from a secondary personality within Mme Smead. The article notes that Mme Smead's descriptions of Martian life, while detailed, were often secondary to the descriptions of the people involved in her visions.

##### L'habitant des étoiles dans le train de Zurich

This part focuses on the case of 'Sophie' (Mlle S.W.), a patient of Carl Jung. Sophie, a young woman from a family with a history of psychic phenomena, also engaged in spiritism and claimed to receive messages from extraterrestrial beings. Jung observed her 'somnambulistic' states and remarkable personality changes. Sophie described journeys to spiritual worlds and detailed aspects of Martian life, which she believed were more advanced than Earth's.

##### Mireille et les champs électriques

This section discusses the case of 'Mireille,' a 45-year-old woman studied by French researcher Colonel de Rochas in 1895. Mireille, who underwent hypnosis, claimed to have visited Mars and other planets. She also reported encounters with the spirit of a deceased childhood friend named Vincent, who acted as her guide and protector. Vincent communicated through Mireille, describing a spiritual existence and offering philosophical insights, which de Rochas interpreted as manifestations of Mireille's secondary personality.

Les grands cas

This section reviews significant UFO cases investigated by SEPRA and its predecessors.

#### Trans-en-Provence

Velasco confirms his involvement in the Trans-en-Provence investigation, a case involving physical traces. He notes the difficulty in such investigations due to the need for rapid intervention, quality of evidence, and avoiding site contamination.

#### L'affaire de l'Amarante

This case is mentioned as another instance where physical samples were analyzed, with potentially positive or negative results.

#### Valensole

Velasco considers the Valensole case to be potentially the 'case of the century' due to the remarkable investigation conducted by the gendarmerie, which could have been further advanced with SEPRA's involvement.

#### Soccoro

Soccoro is cited as another significant case, highly regarded by J. Allen Hynek and Aimé Michel.

#### The European Policy

Velasco expresses his ambition for SEPRA to become a European organization, leveraging the successful model established in France. He acknowledges the 'frilosity' of officials in other countries regarding UFO research and the challenges posed by the 'polluted' nature of the ufological field, where scientific rigor is often lacking.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with psychology, mediumship, and scientific investigation. There is a clear emphasis on the official, methodical approach to studying these events, as exemplified by SEPRA's work. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to differentiate between explainable events and genuine mysteries, while maintaining a critical and scientific perspective. The recurring theme of alleged extraterrestrial contact, particularly with Mars, is explored through historical cases and psychological analyses, suggesting a belief in the potential reality of such phenomena while cautioning against unsubstantiated claims. The magazine also highlights the importance of rigorous investigation and the challenges faced by official bodies in this field.

This issue of Ovni-Présence, dated December 1993, focuses on the potential for a European UFO research center, the ongoing debates surrounding the Ummo affair, and scientific approaches to understanding UFO phenomena. The cover story highlights a proposal for a European SEPRA, featuring insights from Belgian MP Elio Di Rupo and physicist Tullio Regge.

European SEPRA Proposal

The issue details a proposal by Belgian MP Elio Di Rupo to create a European center for UFO observation, potentially expanding the role of the existing French SEPRA. Di Rupo was motivated by the Belgian UFO wave of 1989-1990 and a specific case in November 1990. Physicist Tullio Regge, tasked by the EEC, suggested giving SEPRA a community role, acknowledging the public's confusion and the need for credible information on the subject, without necessarily endorsing the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Interviews and Discussions

An interview with Jean-Claude Bourret discusses the challenges of addressing the UFO phenomenon, emphasizing the need for experimental verification and the potential of scientific advancements like MHD. He touches upon the extraterrestrial hypothesis, suggesting that while not far-fetched, current evidence might not fully confirm it. Bourret also expresses his views on the potential of a European SEPRA, seeing it as a means to broaden data collection and analysis, and potentially foster new research avenues.

Another segment addresses the Belgian UFO wave, questioning why it didn't gain the same traction in France. The discussion touches on the credulity of some ufologists and the potential for manipulation.

The Ummo affair is revisited, with a brief identification of the KGB of Tomsk as the culprit. The article questions the KGB's involvement, particularly given historical context. The discussion highlights the complexity of the affair and the potential for influence operations.

Book Reviews and Features

'OVNI: vers une anthropologie d'un mythe contemporain': This review discusses a comprehensive book edited by Thierry Pinvidic, which aims to provide a serious and exhaustive analysis of UFO beliefs. The book is praised for its detailed exploration of various aspects of UFOlogy, from historical cases to psychological and sociological approaches. However, the review notes that some of the content might be familiar to long-time readers and that the book's publication by a publisher specializing in militaria might hinder its distribution.

'Pleins feux sur les boules de lumière' by Hilary Evans: This article, part of an 'ETUDE' section, focuses on 'balls of light' (BDL) as a potential natural phenomenon that could explain some UFO sightings. Evans suggests returning to basic observations and exploring cases of simple luminous phenomena. The article categorizes BDLs into physical objects and non-physical phenomena, posing questions about their nature and the circumstances of their observation.

William Corliss and the Project Sourcebook: This feature highlights the work of William Corliss, a physicist who has compiled extensive data on paranormal phenomena in his Sourcebook Project. The project is described as a unique and invaluable resource for researchers, providing organized reports, scientific data, and detailed commentaries on various phenomena, including UFOs.

'Ovnis organiques redivivus': This short piece revisits the idea, proposed in the early days of ufology, that UFOs might be biological phenomena existing in the Earth's atmosphere, referencing early proponents like Countess Wassilko-Serecki. It suggests that this biological hypothesis might warrant re-examination in light of current scientific approaches.

'Les BDL en tant que phénomène psychologique': This section explores the psychological aspects of BDL observations, considering how perceptions can be influenced by the observer's mind, expectations, and cultural background. It discusses the difficulty in distinguishing between physical BDLs and 'structured objects' (OS) and questions whether OS might be misinterpretations of BDLs.

'Ces trois affaires dont les témoins sont enquêteurs...': This section examines three specific cases of UFO observations (Piedmont, Yakima, and Hessdalen) where witnesses were prepared and equipped to observe. While these cases provide valuable data, they still leave many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the nature of the phenomena and their potential connection to BDLs.

Letters to the Editor ('Boîte aux Lettres')

The 'Boîte aux Lettres' section features several reader contributions:

• Ummo Affair Debate: A reader, Jacques Scornaux, discusses the Ummo affair, suggesting a possible KGB connection and questioning the role of Jordan Peña. Renaud Marhic responds, defending his analysis of the Ummo affair and refuting the 'literary madman' hypothesis for Jordan Peña, while also questioning the extensive focus on conspiracy theories by some ufologists.
• Wanted: UFO Electromagnetic Effects: A researcher from California seeks information on UFO incidents involving electromagnetic effects, offering to pay for photocopies of relevant reports.
• Ummo Affair and Seals: Thierry Rocher comments on the Ummo affair, noting the potential for creating convincing forgeries of the Ummo seal. Renaud Marhic further elaborates on the Ummo seal, suggesting that its consistent use across different periods indicates authenticity, but also acknowledges the possibility of sophisticated forgeries.
• Linda Napolitano Abduction: Jean-Luc Rivera provides clarifications on the Linda Napolitano abduction case, correcting details about her family's connection to Joan of Arc and the circumstances of the photographic evidence.
• Joseph Altairac's Commentary: Joseph Altairac offers his perspective on the Ummo affair and the work of Jacques Vallée, questioning the extensive focus on conspiracy theories and government plots.
• Erratum: A correction is provided for a previous issue regarding the reference to a book by Michel Damien.
• 'OVNI-USA' Video Documentary: Information is provided about a video documentary series by Jimmy Guieu, focusing on UFOs and paranormal phenomena in the USA.
• 'OVNI: le dossier Rhône-Alpes, archives 1993': A review of a documentary work by Jean-Pierre Troadec, cataloging UFO sightings in the Rhône-Alpes region of France.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rigorous, scientific approach to ufology, encouraging critical analysis and empirical evidence. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between well-documented cases and speculative theories. The editorial stance favors open investigation into various hypotheses, including natural phenomena, psychological factors, and potential extraterrestrial origins, while cautioning against unsubstantiated claims and conspiracy theories. The publication also highlights the importance of media coverage and public education on UFO-related topics, while advocating for transparency from scientific and governmental bodies. The recurring theme is the ongoing effort to understand the complex and multifaceted nature of the UFO phenomenon through careful research and open discussion.

This document is a single page from what appears to be a publication titled 'Les Cahiers Martiens', specifically focusing on 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 publication is in French, as indicated by the language of the important note. The document is page 1 of an issue, with a reference number '28069194.1' at the bottom left.

Contact Details and Online Presence

The contact email provided is [email protected]. Several URLs are listed, suggesting the publication has an online presence and archives:

• `http://articles.lescahiers.net/?z=i2040`
• `http://lescahiers.net/CatalogueMartien/OP.html` (linked to 'Ovni-Présence')
• `http://lescahiers.net/CatalogueMartien/Anomalies.html` (linked to 'Anomalies')

Copyright and Distribution Notice

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

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The themes suggested by the links ('Ovni-Présence', 'Anomalies') and the publisher's name ('Observatoire des Parasciences') point towards an interest in UFO phenomena, unexplained events, and potentially fringe science. The editorial stance is clearly protective of its intellectual property, as evidenced by the strong copyright warning. The publication appears to be a platform for discussing and archiving information related to UFOs and anomalies, with a focus on controlling its online dissemination.