Phenomena - No 05 - 1991 09

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: No. 5
Date: September-October 1991
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Price: 25 F
ISSN: 1157-4704

This issue of Phénomèna, a bimonthly publication by SOS OVNI (an association for the non-profit study of UFO phenomena), delves into two significant areas: the intriguing case of Simone Mendez and the persistent mystery of crop circles.

Simone Mendez: The Test of Proof

The lead article, "Simone Mendez: l'épreuve de la preuve" (The Test of Proof), written by Perry Petrakis, recounts the experience of Simone Mendez, a telecommunications specialist at the U.S. Air Force's Nellis base in Nevada. Her work involved handling 'top secret' messages, and her interest in UFOs led her to discuss the subject with colleagues.

In October 1981, an officer named Green gave Mendez a 'top secret' document alleging that NORAD had detected unknown objects from space, some of which had penetrated the atmosphere and were heading towards the Soviet Union, even overflying Moscow for over an hour. Mendez, fascinated, believed she had found proof of UFO existence and extraterrestrial origins.

However, by January 1982, she became concerned about the document and, after discussing it with Green's girlfriend, learned it was likely a fake. She attempted to return it to the base, where a colleague further convinced her it was a prank. Despite this, she was later summoned by AFOSI and FBI agents who interrogated her intensely about the document, its origins, and her knowledge of Soviet activities and NORAD.

The interrogations, which included lie detector tests, lasted for six months. Mendez became so distressed by the accusations of espionage and the prospect of long prison sentences that she attempted suicide in April 1982. The investigation concluded in July 1982, with investigators seemingly convinced she was not involved in espionage, though the affair left significant traces on her career.

The article questions the authenticity of the document and suggests that further elements might shed new light on the case, promising to keep readers updated.

The Circles of the Unknown Artist

"Les cercles de l'Artiste Inconnu" (The Circles of the Unknown Artist), by Renaud Marhic, explores the phenomenon of crop circles, which have appeared in cereal fields in southern England every summer for eleven years. The article notes that while initially on the fringes of ufological concerns, many now believe these mysterious traces are caused by UFOs or extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Other hypotheses discussed include 'ley-lines' (telluric currents) and messages from 'Mother Earth'. A significant turning point in the understanding of crop circles came in 1989 with the publication of Terence Meaden's book, "The circles effect and its mysteries." Meaden, founder of the "Tornado and Storm Research Organisation," proposed that mini-tornados, charged with static electricity from friction with dust particles, could create these formations. He suggested these "vortex plasmatiques" could be accompanied by luminous and acoustic phenomena and various hertzian disturbances. His theory gained support from Japanese scientist Tokio Kikuchi, who reportedly reproduced a similar plasma behavior in the lab.

A second major development occurred in late 1990 with the "Voyage d'Etude des Cercles en Angleterre 90" (VECA 90) project, involving French ufologists. After investigating, they concluded that crop circles could be man-made. To prove this, VECA 90, with a special effects specialist and a bailiff present, created a five-circle formation (a quintuplet) of 70 meters in diameter in just one hour on June 16, 1990, leaving no trace. They demonstrated a technique using a garden roller adapted to flatten wheat stalks within the 'tram-lines' left by tractors.

The article then follows the author's personal journey with the VECA 91 team in July 1991, documenting their investigation in the UK. They observed that pictograms, which appeared in 1990, seemed to have largely replaced simpler circles. The author describes visiting a 40-meter pictogram in Ogbourne Maizey, noting its central formation and slight imperfections. They also visited a site near Lockeridge where a pictogram appeared unfinished, suggesting the 'artist' might have been disturbed.

During their visit to Bath, locals acknowledged the crop circles but considered them more of a tourist attraction than a paranormal phenomenon, with farmers now charging for access.

Other Sections

• Editorial: The editorial, "C'est bien la rentrée !" (It's really back to school!), sets a tone of returning to the daily grind after holidays, highlighting the resurgence of crop circle news and other UFO-related developments.
• Table of Contents: Lists articles including "l'épreuve de la preuve" (page 4), "Les cercles de l'Artiste Inconnu" (page 6), "En France et dans le Monde" (page 16), "Des êtres venus d'ailleurs ?" (page 17), and "Revue de presse" (page 19).
• SOS OVNI Information: The magazine provides contact details for SOS OVNI, including their Minitel number (3615. SOS OVNI), emergency hotline (16.42.20.18.19.), information about the annual "Rencontres Européennes de Lyon," and details about their publications: Phénomèna (bimonthly) and Ovni-présence (quarterly).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from a rational, non-dogmatic, and non-sensationalist perspective. It aims to investigate UFO sightings and related events by presenting factual accounts, scientific hypotheses, and investigative reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to demystify phenomena while acknowledging the complexities and potential for hoaxes or misinterpretations, as seen in the Simone Mendez case and the VECA 91 investigation into crop circles.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: September-October
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Phénomèna, published in French, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of crop circles, particularly those observed in England during the summer of 1991. It also touches upon UFO sightings and the intriguing 'Ummo affair'. The magazine presents a blend of investigative reporting, interviews with researchers, and discussions of various theories surrounding these unexplained events.

Investigations and Sightings

The magazine details a trip to England, documenting visits to numerous crop circle sites in Wiltshire and surrounding areas. The authors describe their experiences at locations such as Morgan's Hills, Lockeridge, Barbury Castle, Preshutte Down, Hackpen Hill, Avebury, Beckhampton, Bristol, and Stonehenge. They note the presence of military activity in some regions and the public's fascination with the crop circles.

Several specific incidents are recounted:

• Morgan's Hills: A night patrol where lights seemed to dance, raising questions about the 'Unknown Artist' behind the circles.
• Lockeridge: The constant air traffic (ULM, fighter jets, helicopters, C130s) over a crop circle site, with locals believing UFOs create them.
• Barbury Castle: An observation of a 'temeraire' being intercepted by a man in a Land Rover, with a BBC helicopter present. Later, a crop circle here is discussed as potentially being a fake.
• Preshutte Down: A large crop circle is found, and the team encounters a representative of the Crop Circles Center Studies (CCCS) and a peculiar individual in a Jaguar.
• Hackpen Hill: A new, small circle appears near an existing one, with entry fees and police presence.
• Bristol: A crop circle is discovered on a hillside, visible from the city and near an aerodrome approach path.
• Bath: The author enters a complex crop circle, noting a new smaller circle and an observer with a camcorder.
• Stonehenge: Three crop circles are found nearby, two described as 'giant insects'.

The magazine also reports on crop circles appearing in Germany, with a confession from German students who claimed responsibility for some of them.

Key Figures and Theories

T. Meaden, a physicist, is a prominent figure in the issue. Initially surprised by crop circles, he has since developed a theoretical model that incorporates complex figures and acknowledges the difficulty in distinguishing genuine circles from hoaxes. He is interviewed and his views on the phenomenon are discussed.

Jean-Pierre Petit, a researcher at CNRS and a proponent of UFO existence, is featured for his book "Enquête sur des extraterrestres qui sont déjà parmi nous." He discusses his work, which he claims is inspired by extraterrestrial documents, and his controversial stance that has led to professional difficulties.

The Ummo Affair is explored in detail. This involves documents purportedly from inhabitants of a planet named Ummo, orbiting the star Wolf 424. These documents, dating back to the 1940s and 1950s, allegedly detail advanced scientific concepts and the Ummites' observations of Earth. The magazine questions whether these documents are genuine extraterrestrial communications or an elaborate hoax.

Other Content

• Bloc-notes: This section provides brief news items, including a clarification about a supposed UFO sighting in Braine-le-Comte, Belgium, which turned out to be streetlights. It also mentions upcoming publications and events related to ufology.
• Revue de presse: This section reviews recent publications in the field, including 'Investigacion Ovni' from Spain and 'International UFO Reporter' from the US, highlighting articles on crop circles and UFO waves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the mystery surrounding crop circles, presenting them as a complex phenomenon that defies easy explanation. It entertains multiple hypotheses, including natural causes, human fabrication, and extraterrestrial involvement, without definitively endorsing any single one. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to question and seek answers. There's a recurring theme of the difficulty in verifying information and distinguishing truth from deception, particularly in the context of the Ummo affair and crop circle claims. The magazine emphasizes the importance of well-posed questions in uncovering the truth.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: Septembre-Octobre
Volume: 3
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Phénomèna, published in September-October 1991, offers a diverse range of articles and reviews related to ufology, covering international sightings, research, and publications. The magazine aims to inform its readers about the latest developments in the field, while also engaging with reader feedback and editorial policies.

International UFO News and Reviews

France

The issue highlights a significant "explosion" of interest generated by an article in the weekly magazine VSD (n° 731, September 5-11, 1991), which featured a particularly eye-catching cover and content on UFOs. The article is described as the beginning of major revelations, with the magazine noting that the accompanying article on Ummo alone is worth the cover price.

Argentina

The magazine reviews "Conocer y Saber" (n°4, April 1991), an Argentine publication that presents a comprehensive and well-illustrated dossier on UFO phenomena. The 100-page issue covers extraordinary photos, historical testimonies, the Kenneth Arnold era (1947), crashes, close encounters, and UFOs in Argentina.

Grande-Bretagne (Great Britain)

Phénomèna discusses the nature of ufological research, categorizing researchers into field investigators and "theorists" who develop hypotheses. It reviews the publication Magonia, which focuses on the latter category, exploring aspects of ufology such as folklore, epistemology, psychoanalysis, and history. The review suggests that Magonia is best suited for readers with a strong background in folklore, English, and social sciences.

France (continued)

Another French publication, "Le Canard" (n° 40, July 1991), is mentioned for its article on the "Belgian wave" of UFOs. While not an in-depth investigation, it provides a profile of the SOBEPS members, making it a rare mention of UFOs in "Le Canard".

Etats-Unis (United States)

The American popular science magazine OMNI (July 1991) also features an article on the Belgian wave, written by Beth Livermore. The article emphasizes the collaboration between SOBEPS and the Belgian Air Force, drawing a parallel with similar efforts (or lack thereof) in the United States.

Turquie (Turkey)

The Turkish review "Ruh ve Madde," established in 1950, is described as a curiously presented publication with a focus on metapsychism, parapsychology, and spirituality. While it occasionally features articles on UFOs, the review notes the difficulty of the Turkish language and refrains from detailing its contents.

Other Publications

The issue also briefly mentions other UFO-related publications, including: Ovni-Magazine (n° 3, February 1991), and various international newsletters and journals from May-August 1991, such as International UFO News Bulletin (France), Northern UFO News (Great Britain), Cenap Report (Germany), Journal of Meteorology (Great Britain), Quest International (Great Britain), El Ojo Escéptico (Argentina), Il Giornale dei Misteri (Italy), The Australian UFO Bulletin (Australia), and Fenomenos Anomalos (Spain).

Technical Analysis: UFO Acceleration

The F16 Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed technical analysis of the acceleration experienced by a UFO observed by two Belgian F16 fighter jets on March 30-31, 1990. The initial report from the Belgian Air Force (FAB) suggested an acceleration of 30-40G. However, a reader named M. Maillot contested this, proposing an acceleration of 4.4G.

Expert Review and Calculations

Phénomèna commissioned an aeronautical engineer, M. Daéron, to analyze the case. His calculations, based on the reported speeds and a time interval of 1.5 seconds, yielded an average acceleration of 28.7G, significantly higher than Maillot's estimate and suggesting that Maillot's figure might have resulted from neglecting horizontal and lateral movements.

Further Critiques and Methodological Issues

The magazine further elaborates on the case, referencing critiques from M. Brenig of the Belgian UFO research group SOBEPS. Brenig pointed out an earlier erroneous calculation of 100,000G, later revised to 920G, and then highlighted a fundamental flaw in the methodology used by Maillot and others. Brenig explained that using video frame rates (24 or 30 frames per second) as a time interval for acceleration calculations is inherently inaccurate because the parameters displayed on the radar screen are not updated in real-time. This methodological error, according to Brenig, invalidates calculations based on such intervals.

Editorial Stance on the F16 Case

Phénomèna concludes this section by stating that it will not take a definitive stance on the nature of the March 31, 1990, detections but notes that certain previous positions appear outdated in light of the new information.

Reader Feedback and Editorial Responses

Reader Mail

The "Vous dites ?" (What do you say?) section features letters from readers. One reader, V.-J. Ballester Olmos from Valencia, Spain, praises the magazine and requests information about a sighting near Minorca (Balearic Islands) on September 2, 1990.

Another reader, Eric Maillot from Monthermé, France, raises several points: the lack of investigations into French UFO cases, the accessibility of SOS OVNI's collected data, and critiques the articles by Perry Petrakis and Renaud Marhic for lacking diverse opinions. He also expresses strong criticism of J.-J. Velasco's statements, calling them "non-information" and suggesting the article should have been titled "J.-J. Velasco speaks for nothing." Maillot prefers concrete evidence over "baratin déformable à souhait" (wishy-washy rhetoric) or pseudo-telephonic revelations.

Editorial Response

The editorial team responds to Eric Maillot's criticisms. They defend their role as a source of information, stating that SOS OVNI, through its publications, is one of the few European associations that actively informs the public. They clarify that Phénomèna is a magazine of information, not opinion, and that its contributors are established authors. Regarding the interview with M. Velasco, they explain that it was conducted in person, not by phone, and that while it may not have been sensational, it aimed to be pertinent. They also state that they have had no problems with SEPRA and have always responded to their contacts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phénomèna demonstrates a commitment to in-depth analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly evident in the detailed technical examination of the F16 radar case. The magazine actively engages with international ufological developments, reviewing publications from various countries and highlighting significant sightings and research efforts. There is a clear editorial stance favoring factual reporting and rigorous analysis over mere speculation or sensationalism, as seen in the response to reader critiques and the emphasis on methodological accuracy in scientific investigations. The magazine also values reader participation, providing a platform for letters and feedback, while maintaining editorial control over content and publication.