Ovni Presence - No 53 - July 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni-Présence
Issue: 53
Date: July 1994
Publisher: Sos-Ovni
Country: France
Price: 35 FF / 9 FS

Cover Story: UFOs in the Middle Ages

The cover story, "DES SOUCOUPES AU MOYEN-AGE/?" (Saucers in the Middle Ages?), explores the historical roots of UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on the 9th-century writings of Archbishop Agobard of Lyon. The article "La Magonie n'est plus ce qu'elle était" (Magonie is no longer what it used to be) by Jean-Louis Brodu examines Agobard's sermon against superstitions, where he mentions 'tempestaires' who allegedly brought crops from a region called Magonie in flying ships. The article details how ufologists, starting with W. R. Drake and popularized by Jacques Vallée, have reinterpreted this text as evidence of ancient UFO sightings, often taking the 'flying ships' and 'Magonie' literally and out of their original context. The piece critiques this selective reading of historical texts, highlighting how later authors like Montfaucon de Villars and John Keel further embellished the narrative, adding elements like sylphs and alien abductions.

Frédéric Dumerchat's commentary, "Ovnis, manipulateurs du temps, lynchages et pluies de sorciers" (UFOs, time manipulators, lynchings, and sorcerers' rains), analyzes the ufological tendency to misinterpret historical accounts. He criticizes authors like Jacques Vallée and Richard D. Nolane for their selective use of sources and their imposition of modern ufological frameworks onto ancient texts. Dumerchat argues that this approach, which he terms 'extraterrestrial-search for the marvelous,' fails to respect the historical context and complexity of past beliefs, reducing them to mere precursors of modern UFO phenomena.

Key Articles and Features

• "La Magonie n'est plus ce qu'elle était" (Jean-Louis Brodu): This in-depth article traces the historical interpretation of Agobard's text, from its original theological context to its modern ufological appropriation. It discusses how the concept of 'Magonie' and 'flying ships' has been sensationalized and detached from its historical roots, with a particular focus on the contributions and misinterpretations of authors like Jacques Vallée.
• "Ovnis, manipulateurs du temps, lynchages et pluies de sorciers" (Frédéric Dumerchat): This commentary critiques the methodology of ufological historical research, highlighting how certain authors selectively interpret texts to fit preconceived notions of extraterrestrial visitation. Dumerchat emphasizes the importance of historical context and warns against reducing complex past beliefs to simplistic UFO narratives.
• "Etats-Unis : Comment tourner la loi sur la liberté de l'information" (Jacques Scornaux): This article discusses the challenges ufologists face in obtaining UFO-related documents from US government agencies through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It reveals that agencies may employ strategies like creating 'non-documents' or redacting information to circumvent disclosure, suggesting that not all sensitive information is easily accessible, even through legal channels.
• "Création d'un centre international de documentation à St-Marin" (B. Mi): This news brief announces the establishment of an international UFO documentation and study center in San Marino, aiming to house an exhibition, library, and archives.
• "Deuxième Symposium international de Saint-Marin, 7 et 8 mai 1994" (B. Mi): This report covers the second international UFO symposium held in San Marino, which attracted over 200 participants. It highlights various presentations on topics such as Russian ufology, animal mutilations, the MJ-12 controversy, and chemical analysis of traces.
• "Remue-ménage en Suisse allemande" (B. Mancusi): This piece reports on a popular TV series in German-speaking Switzerland that explored UFO phenomena, generating significant public interest and prompting the Swiss military intelligence to acknowledge the collection of UFO sighting reports.
• "Notes" and "Références": Throughout the magazine, extensive footnotes and bibliographies provide detailed sources and further reading for the articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical examination of how historical texts and folklore are interpreted within ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of caution and skepticism towards sensationalist interpretations that detach phenomena from their original historical and cultural contexts. The magazine advocates for rigorous historical research and a nuanced understanding of past beliefs, distinguishing between genuine historical inquiry and the selective appropriation of historical accounts to support preconceived notions of extraterrestrial visitation. There's a clear emphasis on the importance of context, methodology, and avoiding anachronistic interpretations. The magazine also highlights ongoing research and organizational efforts in the ufological community, such as the San Marino center and symposium, while also addressing the practical challenges of information access.

This issue of Ovni-Présence, dated July 1994, features a cover story titled "Are UFOs the Prey or the Shadow of SETI?" by Pierre Lagrange. The magazine explores the complex and often contentious relationship between the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and the study of UFO sightings.

Bioastronomers and Ufologists

The lead article by Pierre Lagrange highlights the contrasting approaches of bioastronomers, who study the potential for life beyond Earth, and ufologists, who collect reports of UFO sightings. While both fields are interested in extraterrestrial intelligence, they often view each other with skepticism. Bioastronomers tend to dismiss ufologists as pseudoscientists, while ufologists may see astronomers as too cautious. The article notes that prominent figures like Carl Sagan and Frank Drake, while involved in SETI, have also examined UFO reports, generally concluding that they are not evidence of extraterrestrial visits. However, some astronomers, like Jean-Claude Ribes and Guy Monnet, are more open to the possibility that UFOs could be extraterrestrial in origin. The article also touches upon the role of the CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) in promoting a rationalist perspective.

Scientific Critiques of SETI

An article titled "Clouds in the Sky of Bioastronomers" discusses critiques of the SETI project, particularly those raised by Serge Brunier in Ciel et Espace magazine. These critiques include the argument that recent astronomical findings suggest life might be rarer than previously thought, and that the assumption that extraterrestrial civilizations would resemble humans in their technological development might be flawed. The choice of radio communication for SETI is also questioned, given the rapid evolution of communication technologies.

The 'Crank' Phenomenon and Unorthodox Ideas

Another section addresses the concept of 'cranks' – individuals who propose unconventional scientific theories. Articles discuss the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine scientific innovation and pseudoscientific claims, citing examples of scientists who faced resistance to their ideas. The role of scientific journals in publishing such unconventional research is also debated.

Crop Circles in France and Hungary

The magazine reports on crop circle discoveries in France (Maincy, Itteville, Savigny-le-Temple, Fontenay-le-Vicomte) and Hungary (Ebergény, Pethöhenye). The reports detail the shapes, sizes, and locations of these formations, noting the presence of attached discs and, in one case, a rope. The investigations by groups like the BIDU (Banque Internationale de Données Ufologiques) and the VECA (Voyage d'Etude sur les Cercles Anglais) are mentioned, with some conclusions pointing towards potential hoaxes.

Sociological Perspectives on Belief

An article reviews "When Prophecy Fails," a study of a cult that predicted the end of the world, and its fictionalized counterpart, "Des amis imaginaires" by Alison Lurie. These works explore the sociology of belief, how individuals react when their deeply held convictions are challenged by events, and the dynamics of group cohesion. The challenges faced by researchers studying such phenomena are also discussed.

Parapsychology at the University

The issue examines the controversy surrounding Professor Yves Lignon's work in parapsychology at the University of Toulouse. It discusses claims that Lignon exaggerated his affiliation and funding, and delves into the debate about the scientific validity of parapsychology.

Forbidden Archaeology

A review of "Forbidden Archaeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race" by Michael A. Cremo and Richard L. Thompson is presented. The book challenges conventional timelines of human evolution by presenting evidence of ancient human presence on Earth. The review notes the authors' use of the sociology of science to explain why such evidence might be overlooked by mainstream archaeology.

The Return of the Irrational?

An article discusses the perceived resurgence of interest in the paranormal in Russia, referencing the magazine "Aura-Z." It questions whether this trend signifies a genuine return to irrationality or is a reflection of editorial choices and the broader cultural landscape.

Letters to the Editor

• The "Boîte aux Lettres" section features correspondence on various topics, including:
• A discussion on the interpretation of the 'sea serpent' myth, with differing views on whether it should be explained through zoology or cultural symbolism.
• A critique of Jacques Vallée's views on alien abductions, arguing that the objectives of alleged abductors are more complex than merely collecting biological samples.
• Clarifications from Jean-Louis Brodu regarding a collective UFO project and its publication.
• A discussion on the phenomenon of 'martian panics' – collective hysteria triggered by false UFO-related news reports, with examples from Ecuador, Portugal, and Italy.

Book Reviews

• Several books are reviewed, including:
• "Autrefois les Extraterrestres" by Richard D. Nolane, which explores possible ancient alien visitations.
• "Forbidden Archaeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race" by Cremo and Thompson.
• "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique" volumes 1 and 2 by SOBEPS, which offer a comprehensive look at UFO sightings in Belgium.
• "L'Echec d'une prophétie" by Festinger, Riecken, and Schachter, a study of a cult's reaction to a failed prophecy.
• "Des amis imaginaires" by Alison Lurie, a fictionalized account of the cult study.
• "L'ancrage culturel de H. P. Lovecraft" by Michel Meurger, examining the influence of Lovecraft on science fiction and culture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently engages with the intersection of science, belief, and the paranormal. It demonstrates a commitment to critical inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints and encouraging readers to form their own conclusions. While acknowledging the skepticism of mainstream science towards UFOs and related phenomena, Ovni-Présence provides a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share their findings and perspectives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging a rational yet non-dismissive approach to unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in the sociological and cultural aspects of belief systems, particularly concerning UFOs and extraterrestrial contact.

This document is a single page from what appears to be a publication titled 'Les Cahiers Martiens', focusing on contact information and copyright details. The page is primarily informational, providing the publisher's details and legal notices.

Publisher and 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 provided is [email protected]. Several web links are listed, including a general article link (http://articles.lescahiers.net/?z=i2040), a link to 'Ovni-Présence' (http://lescahiers.net/CatalogueMartien/OP.html), and a link to 'Anomalies' (http://lescahiers.net/CatalogueMartien/Anomalies.html).

Copyright and Publication Rights

A significant portion of the page is dedicated to a legal notice, presented in both French and English, concerning the digital version of the publication. It explicitly forbids the retrieval and online posting of the digital version on any website, blog, social network, or personal/amateur site. The only authorized online publication is stated to be the one appearing 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 document's primary theme is the dissemination of contact and legal information for the publication. The editorial stance is clearly protective of its intellectual property, with a strong warning against unauthorized distribution of its digital content. The mention of 'Ovni-Présence' and 'Anomalies' suggests that the magazine's content likely pertains to UFOs and unexplained phenomena.