Phenomena - No 01 - 1991 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: Bimestriel N° 1
Date: January-February 1991
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Language: French
Price: 25 F.

This is the inaugural issue of Phénomèna, a new bimonthly magazine dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. The editorial expresses pleasure and emotion in launching the publication, aiming to provide a comprehensive panorama of the UFO subject, free from dogmatism or sensationalism. The editors hope to create a review that they themselves would have liked to find, and encourage reader feedback.

Key Articles and Content

Edito

The editorial team expresses their excitement and hope for the future of Phénomèna, emphasizing their desire to present a complete picture of the UFO phenomenon. They invite readers to share their comments and suggestions, promising to publish the most pertinent letters.

L'Ovni du 5 novembre 1990 : Proton et sa suite?

This article, authored by Renaud Marhic, investigates the widely reported aerial phenomenon of November 5, 1990. Thousands of witnesses in France, Italy, England, and other European countries observed a luminous aerial phenomenon moving from southwest to northeast. The article details a specific sighting at 19:00 in Montigny-le-Bretonneux (Yvelines), where an object described as triangular, isosceles, with a base of about 20 meters and a powerful rear light, was observed moving silently at an estimated altitude of 50 meters and a speed of 60 km/h.

By 00:15 on November 6, France Info began reporting numerous similar sightings. The article notes that meteorologists, aviation professionals, and pilots also observed the phenomenon, describing lights of various colors (orange, yellow, green) in formations, often triangular or diamond-shaped, moving generally southwest to northeast.

Initially, the spokesperson for the Astronomical Observatory of Munich suggested the phenomenon could be a meteorite, stating that its trajectory and potential impact site could be determined by cameras in southern Germany. However, the article expresses skepticism, noting that the event lasted several minutes, unlike typical meteorite entries. The article also mentions a pilot's account from Air France describing a large, well-defined object with multiple lights, distinct from burning meteors or comets, suggesting it was a substantial structure.

Later, on November 9, an AFP dispatch, citing US Space Command data, identified the phenomenon as debris from a Soviet Proton rocket (number 2925.1990094C) re-entering the atmosphere between Pau and Strasbourg around 18:00 TU. This explanation, favored by the SEPRA, was met with surprise by many French specialists. The article questions the timing, noting that the official reentry time given by SEPRA was 18:00 TU, while the radar at Fylingdales reportedly tracked a piece of Proton for two minutes at 18:06 TU, and the object was observed consuming itself from 18:02 to 18:08 TU.

The article critically analyzes photographic evidence published in Paris-Match, pointing out inconsistencies in the timing and apparent trajectory of the phenomenon across different shots, suggesting possible manipulation or gross error.

Les images de l'ovni du 5

This section discusses visual evidence of the November 5 phenomenon. A film broadcast on TF1 on November 8 showed three luminous points and a rear light, described as a beam or reactor nozzle. SOS OVNI's attempts to obtain the original footage were unsuccessful. The article also scrutinizes three photos published in Paris-Match on November 22, questioning the stated time of 18:44 for a phenomenon that witnesses generally reported around 19:00. Inconsistencies in the apparent altitude and trajectory between the photos lead the authors to suspect a gross hoax.

Les rentrées atmosphériques

This is a brief explanatory section defining two types of atmospheric reentry: natural (meteorites, shooting stars) and artificial (rocket stages, satellites). It notes that artificial reentries are common, occurring about three times a day. The article explains that the heating and combustion of these objects in the dense atmosphere cause visible luminous phenomena at high altitudes.

Correspondents' Reports

The magazine features reports from its correspondents across France and Switzerland:

• Thierry Rocher (Paris): Reports on the media coverage of the event in Paris, noting that while many news outlets discussed the sightings, detailed information and hypotheses only emerged the following day. He mentions collecting testimonies, though fewer than expected given the population density.
• Michel Figuet (Var): Notes that the Var region also had numerous observations. He discusses the media's focus on the Proton rocket hypothesis, which he finds unconvincing, citing similar cases from the past involving 'formations' of luminous points during debris reentries. He also mentions an observation of a large orange object with dark points moving along the coast.
• Christian Morgenthaler (Alsace): Reports that the OVNI NORD ALSACE delegation received calls from the Alsace region. The phenomenon was best observed in departments along the Rhine, described as multiple white, yellow, and red balls with trails, moving southwest to northeast or west to east, often in a triangular formation. Some reports mentioned blinking lights or masses connecting the points.
• Christian Soudet (Seine Maritime): States that many people in Seine Maritime observed the phenomenon. Local press published articles, and he personally met witnesses. The direction was consistently reported as west-east, with the object described as a diamond shape or two triangles, or two balls with a trailing beam. Witnesses were surprised by the slow speed and low altitude (100-200 meters), with observations occurring between 18:50 and 19:00.
• Jean-Paul Lamagna (Grenoble): Reports that on November 5, at 19:00, witnesses in Grenoble observed a strange, immense triangle with three luminous points, which they quickly identified as a UFO. They were perplexed by explanations involving meteorites or satellites.
• Eric Torchio (Geneva): Expresses a mixed opinion. While acknowledging the testimonies, he found a film of the event less convincing regarding the shape. He leans towards the possibility of a satellite disintegration but opposes a systematic reduction of all atmospheric phenomena to known causes. He remains cautiously reserved about the November 5 case.

Military Involvement?

The article questions the official denial of military involvement. It notes that on November 8, Le Parisien Libéré reported a Mirage 2000 taking off from Creil air base on the night of the event. The base commander denied any connection to UFOs, and a similar response was given when asked about the mission. The author suggests that in a period of international crisis (the Gulf War), it is unlikely that military patrols would not have been scrambled to investigate such a widespread sighting, especially if it were a known phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of critical inquiry into UFO phenomena. While acknowledging official explanations, particularly those involving atmospheric reentries like meteorites or satellites, Phénomèna actively questions these explanations when they seem insufficient or contradictory to witness accounts. The publication champions the importance of detailed investigation and encourages open-mindedness, resisting the urge to dismiss unusual sightings outright. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony and the analysis of photographic and video evidence, often highlighting discrepancies and potential hoaxes. The magazine aims to provide a platform for serious discussion and research into the UFO subject, differentiating itself from sensationalist reporting.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: janvier - février
Content Type: Magazine

Interview with Boris Chourinov

Boris Chourinov, born in 1936 and residing in Moscow, is a former professor of Foreign Languages who has dedicated himself full-time to ufology since 1975. He participated in efforts to establish a public UFO study committee in the USSR. Disillusioned by the Glasnost era's outcomes, he shifted to studying the phenomenon by gathering individuals free from sensationalist tendencies.

Chourinov recounts the early days of Soviet ufology, mentioning J. Fomine and the difficulties faced by Zigel due to official disinterest. He highlights V. Ajaja's successful conferences in 1977, which inspired many to pursue ufology. The formation and dissolution of several committees, including one in 1968 and another in 1979, are detailed, marked by periods of inactivity and the loss of collected data.

A more robust commission was formed in 1984 with members from Leningrad, Gorki, and Moscow, including V. Vilinbakhov, M. Shedro, E. Ermilov, and Guindilis. They aimed to conduct serious studies and proposed V. Troïtsky, a member-correspondent of the Academy of Sciences, to lead it. However, following Vilinbakhov's death, some members allegedly sought to monopolize the archives, which contained 13,000 letters, leading to the dispersal and inaccessibility of this data.

Chourinov also criticizes Ajaja's 'ufology school,' which he describes as a business, and dismisses claims of state-sanctioned diplomas. He notes the formation of a Moscow 'ufology club' that has grown to 800 members, meeting bi-monthly, with additional sections in other cities like Leningrad, Kiev, and Tomsk.

He expresses a dim view of the future of UFO study in his country, anticipating increased rivalry due to newfound transparency. He points to Ajaja's formation of a ufologists' association as an example of this fragmentation, which he believes hinders serious scientific approaches.

Chourinov states that while no academic or official body directly studies UFOs, an institute within the Academy of Sciences and a military institute have investigated 'unusual observations' without clear explanations. He laments that these bodies tend to dismiss cases that don't fit their preconceived notions, such as attributing all unexplained phenomena to rockets.

Belgian UFO Wave: Emois in the Flat Country

This section details the significant UFO wave in Belgium starting in November 1989, which lasted for fourteen months and involved hundreds of cases. The article begins with the account of gendarmes Bertrand and Joie, who observed a large, dark object with white lights and a green and red garland near the Condroz road.

On Tuesday, November 7, 1989, their report was initially seen as an isolated incident. However, the wave intensified, leading to over a thousand cases reported to the Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux (SOBEPS). The article highlights the dedication of SOBEPS members, who, after considering disbanding, found renewed purpose.

Key events include the evening of November 29th, when the region around Liège, Spa, and Eupen was reportedly overflown by phenomena described as triangular platforms with multiple lights. Reports mentioned three or four white lights on the underside, or two forward lights and a central red-orange light. The phenomena were observed by gendarmes and detected by NATO radar.

On Friday, March 30, 1990, gendarmes in Wavre observed several luminous points forming a triangle, which were also tracked by NATO radar. The object reportedly evolved for over an hour. The article notes that the military initially denied involvement, but later, Paris-Match published radar images of the interception by two F16 fighter jets.

Colonel De Brouwer, head of Operations for the Air Force Staff, presented the official report on March 30th, including radar images. These images showed an object with parameters far exceeding those of conventional aircraft, with speeds reaching up to 1871 kilometers per hour and rapid altitude changes.

Analysis of Belgian UFO Sightings

The article contrasts the military radar detections with the gendarmerie's observations. While the Air Force reported radar echoes indicating material objects with extreme maneuvers, the gendarmes described distant, quasi-stationary lights. The article points out a discrepancy: where gendarmes saw 'their' UFOs, radars detected nothing, and where radars detected something, gendarmes reported no specific observations.

Astronomical explanations were proposed, suggesting that some sightings might have been misidentified stars like Sirius, Procyon, and Betelgeuse. However, the article questions this, noting that the observed movements and positions did not always align with celestial bodies.

The Triangle Volant Remains Unidentified

The article discusses the resemblance between the Belgian triangle UFOs and the American F117A stealth fighter. It notes that the F117A, with its three white landing lights and a blinking red light, was initially considered a possible explanation. However, upon closer examination, the landing lights are fixed to the landing gear and not visible in flight, and the red light is not centrally located. Furthermore, the characteristic 'W' shape of the F117A's rear was not reported by witnesses.

Despite the Belgian wave being attributed by some to the F117A, the article concludes that the resemblance is now minimal, and the triangle volant remains unidentified. It criticizes those who persistently try to explain away Belgian UFOs as known phenomena.

Recrudescence of sightings, particularly of triangles, was reported in late 1990. A photo taken by an adolescent, depicting a triangular structure with lights, was considered by the SOBEPS president to be 'too beautiful to be true' and was sent for analysis.

UFOs in Other Countries

Chourinov expresses a pessimistic outlook on the study of UFOs in Eastern European countries, anticipating increased rivalry due to transparency. He mentions the formation of numerous ufology associations, which he believes hinders serious scientific approaches.

Other News and Features

• Bloc-notes: This section includes various short news items: Led Zeppelin's album cover featuring crop circles, the publication of Shi Bo's manuscript on Chinese UFOs, ufologist Ion Habana's visit to France, reinforced collaboration between atmospheric re-entry phenomena experts and the air force, the death of actress Tamara De Treaux, rumors of a TV program dedicated to Claude Vorilhon-Raël, a survey showing a majority of young people believe in UFOs, and Jimmy Guieu receiving an award for his work on the strange.
• References: A list of articles and publications related to the Belgian UFO wave is provided, including 'Paris-Match,' 'Science et Vie,' and 'VSD.'
• For Further Reading: Recommendations for 'Ovni-Présence' and 'Inforespace' are given.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon with a focus on detailed case studies, witness testimonies, and scientific investigations. It appears to favor a serious, analytical approach, critically examining explanations and challenging official narratives when evidence suggests otherwise. The editorial stance leans towards acknowledging the reality of unexplained aerial phenomena while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine mysteries and misidentifications or hoaxes. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by ufologists, particularly in countries with limited scientific or governmental support for such research.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: janvier - février
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Phénomèna, published by SOS OVNI, covers a range of UFO and anomalous phenomena reports from late 1990, with a focus on events in France and international cases. The magazine also includes a review of recent UFO-related publications and a special mention of accessing UFO information via Minitel.

En France et dans le Monde...

Région nantaise On November 25, 1990, multiple witnesses in the Nantes region reported observing five to six bright yellow-orange luminous points moving rapidly from west to east for about twenty seconds. The observation was confirmed by two airline pilots, including a Dutch Transavia crew and an English crew flying between Amsterdam and Malaga. The phenomenon was reported to the Regional Air Navigation Control Center.

Chine On November 12, 1990, a Chinese pilot observed an unusual black and shiny object resembling an umbrella while flying at over 5000 meters altitude between Dalian and Pekin. The object flew alongside the aircraft for a time before gaining altitude and disappearing.

Marseille On December 1, 1990, a resident of Marseille observed a white cone of light due west at 17:30. The phenomenon, which emitted no smoke, was visible for two minutes.

Vaucluse On December 2, 1990, around 23:00, a military witness on a departmental road between Les Taillades and Cheval Blanc observed an unusual phenomenon to the south. The object, moving slowly at a low altitude, seemed to be heading southeast. The witness, driving at 60 km/h, observed two pale yellow lights with a third light moving between them, and a dark oval mass. The phenomenon was obscured by trees after a few minutes.

Var On December 3, 1990, around 17:30, an SOS OVNI member observed a triangular mass with three projectors moving horizontally and regularly northeast/southwest. The object was visible for three to four minutes over a sensitive military airspace. Radar jamming was reported at 20:45.

Méditerranée On September 2, 1990, the crew of an Air France Boeing 727 (flight 2317) on the Strasbourg/Algiers route reported a singular encounter at 11,000 meters altitude near 'Point Balen' in the Mediterranean. The onboard meteorological radar detected an object at 220° (southwest) at 50 nautical miles, moving at an estimated 70 nautical miles/minute (7800 km/h) with a size of 10 to 15 nautical miles (18 to 27 km). The crew immediately filed a report, which is being examined by M. Jean-Jacques Velasco of SE-PRA. Radar jamming was also reported at 20:45 over Algiers.

Lyon 91 The fifth European Encounters of Lyon are announced for the weekend of Pentecost, May 18-20, 1991. This event, closed to the public, is open to independent groups and researchers interested in discussing the UFO phenomenon.

Revue de presse

This section reviews recent UFO-related publications:

Italie The April 1990 issue of 'UFO Rivista di informazione ufologica' features two important dossiers: one on the famous crop circles in southern England and comparisons with similar circles in Italy, and another on the USSR, covering the new wave of UFO sightings, the role of media in the Voronej case, and ufological epistemology.

U.R.S.S. Correspondents from Aroslav have sent the first two issues of 'Anomalia' (1990), a publication dedicated to the paranormal, which includes UFO-related content.

Belgique The latest issue of 'In-forespace' (November 1990), published by the Belgian Society for the Study of Space Phenomena, covers recent developments in the Belgian UFO wave, including cases from Hainaut, Profondeville, Basecles, Verriers, Perwez, and Brussels.

Grande-Bretagne 'Northern Ufo News' (December 1990), edited by Jenny Randles, is a small but informative publication covering various UFO cases.

U.S.A. The December issue of the scientific popularization magazine 'OMNI' is a special UFO issue. It includes articles on the SETI project, scientific and governmental knowledge about UFOs, English crop circles, an "almanac" of ufological terms, accounts of alleged abductions, a list of unsolved cases (including Trans-en-Provence), and a test.

Other publications mentioned include 'Bulles' (France), 'CENAP Report' (Germany), and 'Nonsiamosoli' (Italy).

Hélico

Et en plus, ils volent !

The article discusses the 'Geamos', a heliporter platform developed by Dornier Industries in Germany. Primarily intended for reconnaissance and battlefield surveillance, it could be equipped for other missions like target acquisition, designation, retransmission, or jamming. The first test flight was on October 5, 1989. The Geamos is planned to be equipped with a French MTI radar (60 km range) and an inertial navigation system. Future developments include a maritime version called 'Seamos' and altitude tests between 2000 and 4000 meters. The article notes that these craft are designed to be difficult to identify as UFOs due to their negligible thermal, acoustic, and infra-red signatures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings and related phenomena, emphasizing eyewitness accounts, pilot reports, and radar data. There is a clear interest in scientific investigation and the potential for advanced technology to be mistaken for UFOs, as seen in the Geamos article. The publication also serves as a hub for UFO enthusiasts, promoting contact through SOS OVNI and Minitel. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into anomalous aerial phenomena, presenting evidence and encouraging further investigation without necessarily endorsing specific conclusions.