Phenomena - No 11 - 1992 09

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Subtitle: la revue des phénomènes OVNI
Issue: No. 11
Date: September-October 1992
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Price: 28 F
ISSN: 1157-4704

This issue of Phénomèna, a French bimonthly publication by SOS OVNI dedicated to studying UFO phenomena without dogma or sensationalism, offers a deep dive into several significant topics within ufology. The editorial team highlights the increasing public and media attention on UFOs, partly due to the imminent launch of the 'Mégaseti' project for extraterrestrial life research. They announce improvements to the magazine, including an agenda of upcoming events and a new section for free classified ads.

Articles and Features

Foo-fighters: Premières Divulgations Officielles

This article, authored by Barry Greenwood and presented by the Citizens Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), details the efforts to retrieve official documents concerning 'foo-fighters,' aerial phenomena observed during World War II. These phenomena, described as luminous fireballs about thirty centimeters in diameter, were reported by pilots on both Allied and Axis sides in Europe and the Pacific. The press became aware of the 'foo-fighters' in December 1944, with initial speculation suggesting they were secret Nazi weapons. However, they did not seem to interfere with aircraft operations. The article notes that the majority of published accounts originated from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron. Despite an Air Force Renseignement report from 1947-1952 suggesting the phenomenon was not real, the study was never made public. The article references a letter from Colonel W.W. Ottinger in 1952, which stated an evaluation of 'foo-fighters' had been conducted, concluding the phenomenon was not real, though this study also remained unpublished.

La Controverse du MJ12 Revisitée

Written by Kevin D. Randle and Donald R. Schmitt, this section revisits the controversial MJ12 documents, which allegedly detail a secret committee formed in 1947 to manage information about the Roswell crash and recovered extraterrestrial technology. The article explores the arguments surrounding the authenticity of these documents, noting that while they are interesting, their legitimacy remains unproven. It introduces Brigadier General Arthur Exon as a witness who claimed knowledge of the surveillance committee, identifying some of its members, including Stuart Symington, General Spaatz, Dwight Eisenhower, and Harry Truman. The article also touches upon the involvement of scientists like Wernher von Braun and the potential role of organizations that would later form the CIA. It highlights that the committee's existence was confirmed by other sources, including Steve Lytle, whose father allegedly worked with Dr. Robert Oppenheimer on analyzing debris from the Roswell crash. The article suggests that while the MJ12 committee itself might be a fabrication, a genuine oversight committee for the Roswell incident likely existed, involving figures like General Ruppelt, von Neuman, Bush, and Oppenheimer.

En Direct d'SOS OVNI

This section provides updates and information from the SOS OVNI organization. It includes a list of representatives from various regions within France, indicating the widespread network of the organization. It also mentions the collaboration with the Association Professionnelle de la Circulation Aérienne, suggesting an interest in aerial phenomena from a professional aviation perspective.

Du Blé dans les Champs

This article, likely discussing crop circles, is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided text. Its inclusion suggests a broader scope of phenomena covered by the magazine beyond just UFOs.

3,7 millions d'enlevés aux USA ?

This title suggests an article discussing abduction statistics in the United States, indicating a focus on the human experience related to UFO encounters.

Revue de Presse

This regular feature likely summarizes recent news and articles about UFOs from other publications, providing a broader overview of the topic in the media.

Petit Lexique du Lecteur Averti

This section appears to be a glossary or a guide to terms used within ufology, aimed at educating readers and providing context for the articles.

Vous Dites ?

This is likely a section for reader feedback, letters, or opinions, allowing for direct engagement with the readership.

En France et dans le Monde...

This section probably covers UFO-related news and events occurring both within France and internationally, offering a global perspective on the phenomenon.

Bloc-notes

This is a general notes or miscellaneous section, likely containing shorter updates, announcements, or brief observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical UFO sightings ('foo-fighters'), government secrecy and alleged cover-ups (MJ12, Roswell), and the ongoing investigation into these phenomena. The editorial stance, as indicated by the magazine's description and the content, is one of serious, non-sensationalist investigation into UFOs, aiming to provide factual information and analysis based on available evidence and documents. The magazine positions itself as a platform for detailed research and discussion within the ufological community, encouraging critical thinking and the pursuit of official documentation.

Phénomèna, issue dated September-October, presents a diverse range of topics within the realm of ufology and unexplained phenomena. The cover story, 'Une alternative ?' (An alternative?), introduces the concept of 'Project Mogul' and its implications for detecting airborne objects, alongside discussions on UFO sightings and the controversial 'MJ12' subject.

Project Mogul and Atmospheric Layers

The issue details Maurice Ewing's 1945 memorandum to General Carl Spaatz, outlining his theory of an atmospheric 'carrier layer' capable of transmitting sound from explosions over immense distances. Ewing believed this layer could be used to detect surprise attacks, referencing the Pearl Harbor incident. His proposal led to the 'Project Mogul,' which involved collaboration with the US Department of Defense and various universities. The project aimed to utilize listening stations, ideally on high mountains or carried by balloons, for triangulation. Balloon operations, specifically 'Constant Altitude Balloons,' began from Holloman Air Force Base in 1947, with polyethylene balloons being launched in clusters. The text notes the secrecy surrounding these projects due to their connection to monitoring atmospheric layers.

UFO Sightings in France

Several articles focus on UFO sightings within France:

Nouvelle observation en Gironde

An account from January 27, 1992, describes a 74-year-old man in the Gironde region who observed a bright star-like object that approached him as a luminous white source. It moved in successive bounds, hovered, and then transformed into a flattened, dark green ovoid shape approximately three meters in diameter. The object emitted a constant white light that did not illuminate its surroundings. The witness experienced a feeling of mental emptiness during the observation, which lasted about a minute.

Pré-enquête en Ille-et-Vilaine

This section presents a preliminary investigation into an observation from June 3, 1992, in Ille-et-Vilaine. A woman named Mme L. reported seeing three lights (two red, one white) stationary above a tree. As she drove away, the phenomenon appeared to follow her car, moving slowly and then disappearing at a crossroads. The lights were described as stationary projectors and a less powerful white light behind them.

SOS OVNI Seine and Recent Cases

An interview with Thierry Rocher of SOS OVNI Seine discusses recent and troubling cases. One inédit case from Dordogne involves a large luminous parallelepiped landing on the ground, leaving behind rectangular traces, palm-like footprints, and cut branches. Another case from Paris involved a luminous ball moving in regular circles. Rocher also recounts a more consistent case from 1985 in Seine-et-Marne, where a man encountered a large hemispherical luminous phenomenon. Upon driving through it, everything turned white, and he then observed a vertical green emerald radiation, followed by white flames on the ground and a receding light green trapezoid. He also heard metallic noise and a breath, with the entire event lasting two to three minutes. A separate witness that same night saw a gray disk with red and blue lights above her house.

Other Cases Mentioned

A case from 1954 near Meaux describes a couple on a Vespa observing an UFO taking off 400 meters away after their vehicle stalled. Another case from Maisons-Alfort involves a woman who, after observing a luminous flying saucer in the 1970s, later saw a mysterious colored human-like figure on her wall.

The Crop Circle Phenomenon

'Du blé dans les champs' (Wheat in the fields) discusses the crop circle phenomenon, noting that over 12 years, it has evolved from being considered a rare meteorological event or military maneuver to being attributed to human 'artists' or 'hoaxers.' In 1992, over 200 circles were found in Great Britain. The article highlights the increasing trend of individuals and groups claiming responsibility for creating these formations, often for publicity or as a form of 'battle.' It mentions the exposure of 'hoaxers' and the legal consequences of damaging crops. The article also notes a competition organized by newspapers in July 1992, where teams created complex figures, and mentions the 'Projet Argus,' an American research initiative to collect and analyze crop circle samples.

Jean Miguères: A Controversial Contactee

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Jean Miguères, a prominent French contactee. The article recounts his story, starting with a severe car accident in 1969, after which he claimed to have been contacted by extraterrestrials who programmed the accident. Miguères became a public figure, giving interviews and writing books, presenting himself as a messenger from extraterrestrials. However, the article scrutinizes his claims, pointing out significant inconsistencies, such as impossibly short travel times and fabricated reports. It highlights that his claims were often met with skepticism from other ufologists and researchers. The article also touches upon his later activities as a magnetizer and radiesthesist in Lyon. The piece concludes by detailing the circumstances of his death in July, stating that he was murdered by his father-in-law, reportedly due to a family dispute. His life and claims are presented as complex and controversial, with the article suggesting that his public life and private life became inextricably linked, leading to his tragic end.

3.7 Million Abductions in the USA?

This section reports on a study concerning alleged alien abductions in the United States. It discusses the growing number of people in the US reporting experiences such as missing time, paralysis, inexplicable marks, and sensations of flying. The article contrasts the views of those who dismiss these accounts as 'urban legends' or exploitation by figures like Budd Hopkins, with those who believe they represent genuine extraterrestrial encounters. A 64-page booklet, 'Unusual Personal Experiences,' based on three national surveys conducted by the Roper Organization in 1991, is presented. The study involved 5947 Americans and posed eleven questions, five of which were drafted by Hopkins and Jacobs. The results indicated that 18% of respondents reported waking up paralyzed with a sense of presence, 13% reported missing time, 8% saw luminous balls, and the same percentage discovered unusual scars. The article concludes that 2% of respondents answered affirmatively to at least four questions, suggesting that approximately 3.7 million individuals may have experienced or believe they have experienced an abduction.

Revue de presse (Press Review)

This section provides a review of recent ufological publications:

Italie

'UFO,' a publication from the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici, is highlighted for its special issue on GEPAN/SEPRA, including an interview with M. Velasco, a report on the 'Trans-en-Provence' landing, and an analysis of video documents. The presentation is described as excellent.

France

'La ligne bleue survolée?' (The blue line flown over?) by Jean-Louis Peyraut is discussed. The author argues that ufology, like early astronautics, may be sacrificed to capitalist interests and market share. He posits that official investigations into UFO phenomena will be programmed by 21st-century science, serving political and economic imperatives, thus dispossessing independent researchers.

Italie (CRJU Informes)

The bulletin 'CRJU Informes' from the Italian Centre for Research in Ummology and Ufology is reviewed. The magazine notes their disagreement with articles on the 'Ummo affair' published in Phénomèna and a Spanish review. The article suggests that CRJU Informes demonstrates a lack of understanding regarding secret services and disinformation tactics, particularly in their interpretation of the Ummites' request not to be believed, which is presented as a manipulation technique.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry, unexplained phenomena, and potential government secrecy or manipulation. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards sensational claims, balanced with an openness to investigating genuine anomalies. The magazine appears to favor detailed research and analysis, as seen in the crop circle and Jean Miguères sections, while also acknowledging the limitations and potential for hoaxing in the field. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical investigation, aiming to uncover truths rather than simply accepting claims at face value. The 'Revue de presse' section indicates a broad interest in international ufological developments and debates, including critiques of established scientific and governmental approaches to the subject.

Phénomèna, September-October 1992 issue, is a French-language magazine dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. This issue, with a cover headline focusing on '15 Questions About UFOs', presents a diverse range of articles, reports, and reader contributions.

Key Articles and Features

The Ummo Affair

The magazine begins with an article discussing documents related to the Ummo phenomenon, noting their intriguing nature and the presence of press articles from the 1960s, a dossier on sects that 'reclaimed' the Ummo symbol, and letters from Ummites. One letter warns of an American agent seeking to locate Ummites.

USA Special: Alien Abductions

A special section on 'FATE' (September 1992) is highlighted, featuring an interview with Budd Hopkins and an article by Dennis Stacy on the Roper Organization's study. Hopkins' arguments suggest that alien abductions have become a daily, omnipresent phenomenon.

France: Jean-Pierre Petit's Views

An article from 'Femme Actuelle' presents Jean-Pierre Petit answering 15 questions about UFOs. The magazine critiques his responses as simplistic and uninteresting, noting his critical stance towards governments, GEPAN/SEPRA, scientists, and charlatans. It suggests that Petit's continued 'crusade' ignores the need for new approaches beyond rhetoric, especially concerning the Belgian UFO wave.

USA: Wright Patterson Air Force Base Investigation

Frank Kuznik's article in 'Air & Space' (August-September 1992) details an investigation into claims that UFOs and extraterrestrials are held at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The author visited the base, spoke with personnel, and received responses ranging from 'we haven't advanced since Project Blue Book' to dismissive remarks.

UFO Sightings Reports

• The magazine includes a section titled 'En France et dans le Monde...' detailing numerous UFO sightings:
• Bouches-du-Rhône (France): A half-sphere observed near Aubagne.
• Tarn (France): A bright red light with a ring-like structure.
• Haut-Rhin (France): A luminous trail and a white light resembling a lighthouse beam.
• Ille-et-Vilaine (France): Two powerful red lights and a weaker white light forming a triangle.
• Rhône (France): A pale blue spot making silent circles, with a boomerang shape in the center.
• Meurthe-et-Moselle (France): Three luminous points forming a line, with two other bright points.
• Finistère (France): Red lights approaching rapidly, followed by more lights and a white triangle.
• Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (France): A luminous object resembling a banana, moving in a curve.
• Vendée (France): A triangular object with large white headlights.
• Lyon (France): A white metal object with a particular appearance, floating in the sky.

Reader Letters and Opinions

• 'Vous dites ?' (You Say?) section features reader correspondence:
• A letter from Jacques Vallée corrects a previous statement about the 'Journal of UFO Studies' (JUFOS), clarifying that the 'Journal of Scientific Exploration' (JSE) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that does not focus solely on ufology but also parapsychology.
• Another reader expresses skepticism about the Ummo affair, suggesting it might be a disinformation operation that cost a lot of money, and questions the complexity of attributing it to entities like the KGB.
• M. Robin questions the constancy of secret service policies over decades and wonders where the 'real UFOs' fit into these narratives, suggesting a focus on 'James Bond' type scenarios rather than genuine UFO phenomena.
• The editorial response to M. Robin acknowledges that secret service manipulations do affect public opinion, citing the AIDS rumor as an example, and explains that successful disinformation operations are rare and often less discussed.
• Christian Page praises Phénomèna for its objective and intelligent articles, particularly mentioning '18 mars 1972... Roswell-en-Provence' and 'Ummo: un château rouge en Espagne?'.
• A letter from Professor Michel Bounias reiterates his view that the Ummo affair was a simple and inexpensive hoax, questioning the need for complex explanations like KGB involvement.
• Jacques Scornaux argues that while secret services have an interest in ufology for surveillance and counter-espionage, their intervention explains only a marginal part of the UFO saga, not a 'Grand Manipulation'.

Bloc-notes

• This section provides brief news items:
• Announcement of a new TF1 TV show called 'Mystères' that will cover UFO phenomena, including a report on Trans-en-Provence.
• A report on a TF1 news segment about the Raëlian sect and accusations against a former follower.
• A report of an explosion and white light with green filaments observed in Minerve (Hérault).
• Mention of the 'Rencontres Européennes de Lyon' and an award given to a documentary on UFOs by Philippe Deguentet and André Wajnberg.
• News about Claude Vorilhon (Raël) commissioning designs for an 'ambassadorial' saucer-shaped structure in Jerusalem.
• A report from 'Aviation Week and Space Technology' about mysterious sightings of delta-wing objects and unidentified aircraft near US Air Force installations, including a near-miss incident involving a Boeing 747.
• A note on the UK's SD8 (formerly a focal point for UFO reports) now redirecting UFO enthusiasts to relevant groups.

Publications and Events

• The magazine promotes 'Vague d'OVNIS SUR LA BELGIQUE - Un dossier exceptionnel', a 500-page illustrated book by the Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux, available for purchase.
• Information is provided about the 'Passez aux Actes!' publication from the sixth European Encounters of Lyon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the need for critical analysis and scientific rigor in UFO research, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and potential manipulations or sensationalism. There is a recurring theme of questioning the extent of government or secret service involvement in ufology, with a general consensus that while interest exists, a 'Grand Manipulation' is unlikely, with smaller-scale disinformation being more plausible. The editorial stance appears to favor a cautious, evidence-based approach, encouraging readers to discern between credible reports and less substantiated claims, as reflected in the tagline 'we must sort the wheat from the chaff'. The magazine also highlights the international nature of UFO research by reporting on sightings and publications from various countries.