Phenomena - No 04 - 1991 07

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: Bimestriel N° 4
Date: Juillet-Août 1991
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Type: Bimonthly publication of SOS OVNI, a non-profit association dedicated to studying UFO phenomena without dogma or sensationalism.

Editorial and Content

The editorial highlights two pieces of good news: the acquisition of effective means for producing Phénomèna, leading to lower costs and improved layout, and the magazine's didactic, comprehensible, and complete content. The editors express satisfaction with providing detailed and often exclusive information, such as interviews and photos from various cases. They promise to continue creating events and encourage reader participation.

Key Articles and Features

Rencontres de Lyon: Le sommet des sept...

This article by Perry Petrakis reports on the fifth European UFO Encounters in Lyon, held from May 18-20, 1991. Seven countries were represented: Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, USSR, China, Germany, and France. The event began with a statement from the Association for the Safeguarding and Conservation of Ufological Studies and Archives (SCEAU), proposing a system to preserve archives of those leaving ufology. Boris Chourinov from Moscow criticized French media and ufologists for 'vulgarizing' UFO events in the USSR, citing specific cases like Voronej and Perm. He mentioned a potential leadership role in a Soviet research group. Franck Boitte presented an analysis of a photo from the Belgian UFO wave, noting the Belgian Air Force's cooperation with the SOBEPS in nighttime surveillance. Jacques Scornaux discussed the general characteristics of the Belgian wave, posing questions about its limited geographical scope and triangular shape. Shi Bo from China shared insights into Chinese ufology, describing large associations utilizing various resources. The article also mentions Thomas E. Bullard's work on alien abductions and Paolo Toselli's critique of its methodology. The event concluded with screenings of American documentaries and discussions led by Jean-Luc Rivéra.

Le SEPRA côté coulisses

This interview with Jean-Jacques Velasco, Director of SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrées Atmosphériques), details the functioning, budget, and means of the service. Velasco, who also serves as mayor of a commune, explains that SEPRA is a CNES service with a dual mission: monitoring satellite object reentries and taking over GEPAN's activities. He clarifies that SEPRA's budget, while not unlimited, is sufficient, and the organization faces no financial problems. The transformation from GEPAN to SEPRA in 1988 was aimed at better addressing the growing number of atmospheric reentry phenomena and aligning with CNES's broader scientific objectives. Velasco discusses the challenges and advantages of leading SEPRA compared to GEPAN, noting the delicate nature of studying UFOs and the need for rigorous scientific approaches. He addresses the public relations policy, explaining that while direct publication of technical notes is limited due to resource constraints, information can be provided upon request through CNES's public relations department. He also touches upon the circulation of technical and scientific results, suggesting that scientific communities should organize to access this data.

Le SEPRA, côte coulisses (continued)

Velasco further explains that while GEPAN had a scientific council to analyze and orient its missions, SEPRA does not have such a structure. He suggests that scientific organizations interested in SEPRA's findings should proactively seek them out. He mentions that laboratories involved in research, such as those studying ball lightning, could potentially use SEPRA's data to support their studies with concrete examples.

Communiqué: Sauvegarde et Conservation des Etudes et Archives Ufologiques (SCEAU)

This section announces the creation of SCEAU, an ASBL (non-profit association) established in response to the dramatic loss of ufological archives. Its goals include safeguarding private and public ufological documentation, managing it openly, and establishing a preventive approach to systematic archiving. The association is based in Paris, with Gilles Durand, René Faudrin, and Robert Fischer as founders. Correspondence should be addressed to M. Gilles Durand in Brunoy.

Other Sections

• Sommaire (Table of Contents): Lists articles including 'De bonnes nouvelles', 'Rencontres de Lyon', 'Le SEPRA côté coulisses', 'Mais qu'est donc le SEPRA ?', 'L'armée belge face aux ovnis', 'Bloc-notes', and 'Revue de presse'.
• Advertisements: Includes information on ordering the Acts of the 1991 European Encounters in Lyon, and a section for UFORIA offering models, kits, figurines, books, and gadgets related to UFOs.
• Minitel: Mentions the availability of information via Minitel code 36.15 SOS OVNI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine maintains a scientific and rigorous approach to ufology, emphasizing data analysis, research, and the preservation of information. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging collaboration and critical thinking while avoiding sensationalism. The issue highlights international cooperation in UFO research and the importance of systematic documentation and archival efforts. The transformation of GEPAN into SEPRA reflects a shift towards a more focused, scientific approach within a national space agency framework.

This issue of "Phénomèna" magazine, dated July-August, focuses heavily on the Belgian UFO wave of late 1989 and early 1990, with a prominent article titled "L'armée belge face aux ovnis" (The Belgian Army Faces UFOs). The magazine also features interviews and discussions about the French organization SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrées Atmosphériques) and its role in investigating unidentified aerospace phenomena.

Belgian UFO Wave of 1989-1990

The central piece details a significant encounter on December 11, 1989, involving Lieutenant-Colonel André A. of the Belgian Air Force. While driving with his wife near Ernage and Gembloux, he witnessed "three or four panels of light" with a "red spotlight" that followed his vehicle. The object then "brusquely directed itself towards our direction," revealing a "huge white light, bigger than the headlight of a huge aircraft." The object moved silently and aggressively, showing a "luminous abnormal mass." The phenomenon, estimated to be at an altitude of 200-300 meters and moving at 50-60 km/h, executed an "extremely tight 180-degree turn" and disappeared towards the southwest after a 5-8 minute observation. This report was later shared with the Minister of Defense's cabinet.

Another account suggests a similar event occurred a month earlier, in November 1989, involving another Belgian Air Force officer. A telex from the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is presented, summarizing reports from Belgium. It notes the significant number of sightings in November 1989, particularly in the Liège region, and confirms that the Belgian Air Force and Ministry of Defense were taking the issue seriously. Belgian Air Force experts could not explain the phenomena. The telex also addresses the possibility of US Air Force aircraft (B2 or F117) being involved, but states that no such overflights were requested, and the observed characteristics did not match these aircraft.

Further details from the telex include a physicist, M. Brennig, planning new UFO observation campaigns with the Belgian Ministry of Defense's help. Another report mentions an appearance near Liège in November 1989, where witnesses were blinded by a "huge brilliant object in flight." The telex also notes that the Belgian Air Force considered some phenomena to be caused by "air layers with inverted temperature" or "laser rays and other forms of lighting striking clouds," but also acknowledges clear-sky sightings with no obvious explanation.

SEPRA and its Investigations

The magazine extensively interviews Jean-Jacques Velasco, the head of SEPRA, shedding light on the organization's operations and its predecessor, GEPAN. Velasco explains that SEPRA, established in 1988, is responsible for collecting and pre-processing information on unidentified aerospace phenomena. He emphasizes that SEPRA's role is primarily expertise and analysis, not fundamental research. He clarifies that while data is collected, its value extends beyond simple observation, contributing to a growing corpus of information that helps to better understand "events of indeterminate nature" in our aerospace environment.

Velasco discusses the handling of unidentified cases, noting that about 20% of gendarmes' reports remain unexplained after statistical analysis. He also touches upon investigated cases, where factors like medication effects or misinterpretations (e.g., the moon on the horizon) can lead to explanations. However, a few cases remain truly unexplained, posing more questions than answers.

Regarding collaboration, Velasco states that SEPRA works with organizations like the CNRS and that the Ministry of Defense (specifically the Air Force Staff and the Operational Center for Air Defense) is a partner. He clarifies that the military's role is to signal anomalies and provide information, not to conduct independent research on UFOs.

Disinformation and Skepticism

The issue addresses allegations that SEPRA might be an "stifle" information or engage in a "blackout." Velasco refutes this, stating that SEPRA is a public service tasked with clarifying phenomena that lack a priori explanation. He also discusses the work of Jacques Vallée, acknowledging his role as a thinker who explores hypotheses but refraining from commenting on his specific theories, which he considers speculative.

A section titled "La mascarade" (The Masquerade) examines the Belgian UFO wave and potential disinformation. It critiques a TV show where a witness's testimony was presented alongside more spectacular footage, leading to a surreal dialogue. The article questions why certain ufologists did not intervene to correct the narrative. It also touches upon the idea that the military might manipulate public opinion to cover up "secret defense" activities, but suggests that the provided telexes do not strongly support this hypothesis.

The magazine also touches upon the case of the "flying triangle," with information suggesting it might have been an illegal ULM piloted by a Belgian citizen. This information, published in the German magazine CENAP Report, was obtained from M. Hans Van Kampen, who claimed to have video proof. However, the proof was reportedly lost.

Other Topics

Briefly mentioned are the activities of SOS OVNI, a documentary film about UFOs, and research on crop circles suggesting they might be caused by "vortexes of plasma."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena by official bodies like SEPRA, the challenges of distinguishing between genuine sightings and misidentifications or hoaxes, and the persistent question of potential military involvement or disinformation. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking to present information and analysis without succumbing to excessive speculation or outright skepticism. The magazine aims to foster a more informed public discourse on UFOs, acknowledging the complexity and the need for rigorous investigation.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: Volume 23, Number 2 (implied from Swedish section), Issue date: July-August 1991
Publisher: Phénomèna
Country: France
Language: French
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Press Review

This section of Phénomèna provides a bi-monthly review of specialized and general press, both French and foreign, written or audiovisual, related to ufology. The addresses of the reviewed publications can be obtained from the editorial staff upon request.

Sweden

The review highlights the Bulletin de la SAF (Solna Astronomiska Fôrening), an association founded in 1955 that combines astronomy, radio amateurism, and ufology. The current issue (Vol. 23, No. 2, 1991) features an investigation by Marc Tolosano on the Sospel case (Alpes Maritimes) from April 1983, among other topics.

Brazil

Supysaua, a friendly quarterly publication (the name is borrowed from the Brazilian Nheêngatù tribe, meaning 'the truth, only the truth'), is the organ of the GUG (Groupe Ufologique de Guaruja). Issue No. 21 (1st quarter 1991) reports on surprising luminous phenomena above Iporanga, balls of light in Paraty (near Ubatuba), and first, second, and third type encounters on the northern coast of the country. It also includes a summary of Brazilian military sites overflown by UFOs.

USA

Roswell Incident Theory: The article questions the nature of the object that allegedly fell in Roswell (previously covered in Phénomèna No. 3), suggesting it might have been a simple balloon. This theory is supported by American researcher John Keel, cited by OMNI magazine (May 1991). Keel's argument is detailed with historical context: during a six-month period starting November 3, 1944, the Japanese launched 9300 "Fu-Go" balloons, each carrying a 25 kg explosive charge. These balloons, carried by jet streams, caused 285 incidents on the American continent between November 4, 1944, and August 8, 1945. Although few accidents were reported, one woman and five children died trying to remove a balloon from a nearby wood. The article notes that the Japanese believed their massive attack was a failure because the American Censor Bureau had asked the media not to mention the balloon incidents, and the editors largely complied. Edward Doty, a meteorologist and former head of the 'balloons' sector at Holloman AFB in 1948, stated that it was impossible for any of these balloons to have remained airborne for two years. This point is echoed by Kevin Randle, co-author of a book on Roswell, while Peter Gersten, another Roswell specialist, believes Keel's explanation is closer to the truth than those who believe in extraterrestrial objects.

Second Crash Report: The review also highlights a report from MUFON UFO Journal (No. 275, March 1991) suggesting that the Roswell incident was not the only one. A second object reportedly crashed a few kilometers from Roswell, somewhere between the mythical locations of Lubbock and El Paso. This account is supported by Gerald Anderson, who was 5 years old in 1947. Anderson provides numerous details that are expected to occupy American investigators for months, including descriptions from other witnesses and military personnel who arrived at the scene. However, the article notes that voices are already rising to contest this 'flurry of objects,' questioning the possibility of two mysterious objects colliding in close proximity to one of the world's most heavily surveilled deserts.

Other Publications Mentioned:

• The Journal of Meteorology, Vol. 16, No. 158 (Great Britain)
• Cenap Report, No. 183, 5-91 (Germany)
• Le trait d'Union, No. 4, 1st quarter 1991 (France)
• Notizie UFO, No. 34, May 1991 (Italy)
• Darse Cuenta, No. 3, May 1991 (Argentina), covering 'sciences,' spirituality, ufology, parapsychology, and naturism.
• MUFON UFO Journal, No. 276, April 1991 (USA), featuring an interesting return of Schmitt and Randle on the papers by Moore and Shandera concerning Roswell.
• Quatrième Dimension, No. 4 (April 1990) and No. 5 (May 1990) (USSR), noted for the appearance of photos in the journal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of Phénomèna appears to be one of objective reporting and critical analysis of ufological phenomena as presented in the press. The magazine aims to inform its readers about diverse cases and theories, from historical incidents like the "Fu-Go" balloons and the Roswell crash, to contemporary reports of luminous phenomena and UFO sightings. The review section demonstrates a commitment to covering international perspectives and encourages critical thinking by presenting differing viewpoints and skeptical analyses, particularly regarding the possibility of multiple UFO crashes in close proximity.