Phenomena - No 12 - 1992 11

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: No. 12
Date: November-December 1992
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Price: 28 F
ISSN: 1157-4704

This issue of Phénomèna, 'la revue des phénomènes OVNI' (the review of UFO phenomena), is a bi-monthly publication from SOS OVNI, a non-profit association dedicated to studying UFO phenomena without dogma or sensationalism. The cover prominently features a military helicopter and the headline 'Hélicoptère militaire contre ovni' (Military helicopter against UFO), alongside a question about an extraterrestrial implant and the lead story 'Enlèvements en Hongrie' (Abductions in Hungary).

Editorial Stance: Le choix d'informer (The Choice to Inform)

The editorial emphasizes Phénomèna's commitment to providing current information on UFO phenomena, even when testimonies challenge common sense. The case of Richard Price is highlighted as an example, with the magazine asserting that Price and the object he describes are real. The editorial notes the increasing number of UFO abduction cases in the United States, which some consider a societal phenomenon, and references a recent article in Paris Match on the subject. The publication's approach is to present facts, acknowledging that some readers may interpret them as psychological phenomena while others see them as evidence of a larger, growing psychological phenomenon. The editors aim to contribute to the reader's information and wish them a happy holiday season, promising to return in late January.

Contents Overview:

L'hélico et l'ovni (The Helicopter and the UFO) - Page 3

This article by Perry Petrakis details an encounter on July 8, 1992, at 15:25, where the crew of a Puma helicopter from the Light Aviation of the Army of the Land, stationed at the base of Cannet-des-Maures, observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The investigation began on August 24, with contact made with the base and the SIRPA-Terre (Public Relations Service of the Armies). The crew, including pilot Adjudant R. and Copilot S., were interviewed. The helicopter, a LAT 800 Puma 330, was on a routine flight between Le Luc and Aurillac when, at an altitude of 60 (6000 feet or approximately 1800 meters), the pilot observed an unusual shape described as a black diamond with pointed ends. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of around NV 100 (approximately 2800 meters) and was perceived as small. The crew noted it was difficult to estimate its size and speed. The phenomenon was observed for 2 to 3 minutes. The Control Center in Aix-en-Provence detected nothing on radar, and a nearby Minerve aircraft saw nothing unusual. The article includes a drawing of the phenomenon as observed by the crew and a meteorological report for the area, indicating overcast conditions with cumulonimbus and stratocumulus clouds.

L'enlèvement Price: un élément incontournable (The Price Abduction: An Unavoidable Element) - Page 8

This section, authored by Antonio Huneeus, discusses the increasing significance of abduction cases in ufology. Historically, abductions were considered marginal, relying solely on witness testimony. However, recent cases, possibly amplified by American media, are presenting tangible evidence that cannot be ignored, with the Richard Price affair being a prime example. The article contrasts the current public desensitization to abduction stories with the impact of earlier cases like Betty and Barney Hill, Hickson and Pascagoula, and Travis Walton. It notes that while abductions are traumatic, the public now requires more to be enthused. The article highlights the commonality of scars and landing traces found in abductees, as reported by researchers like Budd Hopkins and Whitley Strieber. It also mentions the discovery of anomalous artifacts in abductees' brains using MRI scans.

Richard Price, l'interview (Richard Price, the Interview) - Page 9

Antonio Huneeus interviews Richard Price about his abduction experiences. Price recounts his first encounter at age 8 in Troy, New York, where he was implanted with an object. He describes how this experience led to him being ostracized and subjected to psychological evaluation and medication. Price eventually suppressed the memory, only to have it resurface years later when he pursued electronics, an interest sparked by his initial encounter. The interview details how the implant, which had been in his body for 34 years, eventually surfaced and was recovered on August 10, 1989. Price describes the implant as a cylindrical object, approximately 1 mm by 4 mm, which he later had analyzed by a physicist. The article includes a quote from Price about his early experience: "I simply told them that I had invented everything and that nothing was true."

Foo-fighters: premières divulgations officielles (Foo-fighters: First Official Disclosures) - Page 18

This article, though its content is not fully detailed in the provided OCR, is listed in the table of contents. It suggests that official information regarding 'foo-fighters' (unidentified aerial phenomena observed during WWII) is being released.

Le SEPRA... c'est pratique (SEPRA... It's Practical) - Page 21

This section likely discusses the Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrée Atmosphérique (SEPRA), a French agency involved in studying atmospheric re-entry phenomena, and its practical applications or role in UFO investigations.

Enlèvements en Hongrie ? (Abductions in Hungary?) - Page 22

This article addresses reports of UFO abductions occurring in Hungary. It likely presents witness testimonies and any available investigative details regarding these cases.

Revue de presse (Press Review) - Page 26

This section provides a compilation of news and articles related to UFO phenomena from various media outlets.

Other Sections:

• Bloc-notes (Notebook): This section on page 7 contains several short news items, including a car damaged by a meteorite in New York, a US poll indicating a third of Americans expect to meet extraterrestrials, news about a new Russian ufology journal (AURA-Z), legal decisions against sects, a book by Jenny Randles, the adaptation of Howard Blum's book 'Out There' for cinema, the upcoming special issue on extraterrestrial life by Science et Vie Junior, a new book by Paule Picard, the imminent publication of a collective work on UFOs by Heimdal, the opening of the International UFO Museum in Roswell, and details about Jean Sider's upcoming book. It also includes a testimony from former Lufthansa pilot Werner Utter about his UFO sightings and a report on the Vatican's alleged support for research into whether extraterrestrials have a savior.
• Dernière minute (Last Minute): This update on page 6 reveals that Jean-Jacques Velasco of SEPRA visited the location of the helicopter sighting two months after the event, raising questions about the delay and the efficiency of the investigation. It draws a parallel with the GEPAN investigation in Trans-en-Provence, which also took 40 days to initiate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien abductions, and the investigation of these phenomena. Phénomèna positions itself as a serious journal dedicated to informing the public about these events, even when they are extraordinary or challenging to conventional understanding. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, aiming to present factual information and encourage reader reflection, acknowledging the psychological and societal dimensions of UFO experiences. The magazine emphasizes its independence and reliance on its own investigations, as seen in the 'Dernière minute' update regarding the SEPRA's delayed response.

Phénomèna, November-December issue, presents two major investigations: an in-depth look at the Richard Price alien implant case and the official revelations surrounding 'Foo-fighters' during World War II.

The Richard Price Implant Case

The article details the unusual case of Richard Price, who claims to have been abducted and from whom an alleged extraterrestrial implant was recovered. Dr. David E. Pritchard, a physics professor at MIT, was tasked with analyzing this object, referred to as 'Artefact 889'.

Scientific Analysis by Dr. Pritchard

Pritchard, a qualified scientist, approached the case with skepticism but was intrigued by the physical evidence. He noted that the object was primarily composed of carbon with traces of oxygen and other elements, and could not be definitively identified as a known terrestrial object. He also observed that the object's 'appendices' exhibited characteristics that seemed to align with Price's description of how the implant was inserted. However, Pritchard concluded that the implant was "totally inconclusive" and "proves absolutely nothing," though he admitted he could not explain its nature.

Richard Price's Account

In an interview, Richard Price recounts his abduction experience in September 1955 at the age of eight. He describes hearing a strange noise, encountering two non-human beings, and being taken aboard a craft. He details a simulated experience of flying through space, witnessing a battle between spacecraft, and being subjected to a physical examination where a scanning device caused a burn on his leg. He also describes seeing a parchment with an alphabet he did not recognize.

Context and Implications

The case is significant because it involves a scientist of Pritchard's caliber analyzing a physical artifact. The article touches upon the debate between those who believe in real extraterrestrial intervention and those who favor psychosociological explanations for abduction phenomena. The existence of an 'alien implant insurance' policy for abductees, taken out by Mike St Lawrence, is also mentioned.

Foo-fighters: Official Disclosures

This section presents a continuation of an investigation into 'Foo-fighters', mysterious luminous phenomena observed around aircraft during World War II. It draws from official reports and pilot testimonies.

World War II Sightings

Several reports from pilots of the 415th Air Squadron are detailed, describing encounters with red and green lights, spheres, and other luminous objects. These phenomena were observed at various altitudes and speeds, often appearing in formations and exhibiting unusual maneuvers. Examples include:

• November 27: A red sphere observed near Ernstein, France, moving at high speed.
• December 15: A red light observed near Ernstein, moving at 200 mph.
• December 18: Multiple red and green lights in a 'T' formation observed near Rastatt, Germany, approaching and then disappearing.
• December 23: Two lights observed near Hagenau, France, originating from the ground and interacting with an aircraft.
• December 24: A red object observed changing shape and maneuvering rapidly.
• December 28: Multiple red and white lights observed, some approaching and then extinguishing.
• January 30: Amber lights observed near Wissembourg and Langau, France, at 2000 feet.

Nature and Theories

The article notes that official documents provide no definitive answers about the nature of Foo-fighters, suggesting possibilities such as St. Elmo's fire, enemy balloons, meteorites, Gremlins, or secret weapons. A new testimony from Louis Kiss, a tail gunner on a B17 bomber, describes seeing a golden sphere that interacted with his aircraft during a mission over Germany in late 1943.

Possible Explanations

Some theories suggest a link to electrical phenomena or tectonic activity. The lack of reports during previous winters remains a mystery, and the possibility of more information emerging from archives is raised.

Other Content

The magazine also includes a section on 'SOS OVNI Presse Service', offering a press clipping service for UFO-related news, and a brief mention of a case involving a woman who could see her entire body during an examination, suggesting time distortion in abduction experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena with scientific inquiry and official documentation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting evidence and testimonies from various sources, while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the ongoing debate between physical and psychological explanations for UFO and abduction experiences. The Foo-fighter section, in particular, highlights the value of declassifying and analyzing historical documents to shed light on these enduring mysteries.

This issue of *Phénomèna*, dated Novembre-Décembre, focuses heavily on a critical examination of the French organization SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrée Atmosphérique) and its director, M. Velasco. The magazine questions SEPRA's effectiveness, transparency, and the credibility of its claims, contrasting them with actual case investigations and public information dissemination. Alongside this critique, the issue presents several detailed UFO/UAP case reports, primarily from Hungary, and reviews various international UFO publications.

Critique of SEPRA

The lead article, "Le SEPRA... c'est pratique" by Perry Petrakis, argues that SEPRA, despite its public image as a leading ufological group, has significant shortcomings. Petrakis cites several instances:

• Strasbourg-Alger Boeing Observation (September 2, 1990): An exceptional observation of a phenomenon at 7800 km/h was made, but SEPRA allegedly conducted no investigation, with the case only coming to light through SOS OVNI.
• Widespread French Observation (November 5, 1990): Thousands of people across France reported a phenomenon. SEPRA's official explanation of a Proton rocket stage reentry is questioned due to date errors, the quality of amateur film, and the consensus of witnesses.
• Dordogne Anomalous Cloud (October 3, 1991): Météo France detected a large, anomalous cloud. This event caused power disruptions and sightings of luminous phenomena and strange silver filaments. SEPRA, usually vocal, was reportedly "invisible" and provided no information.
• Velasco's Participation in Events: M. Velasco's claim of needing hierarchical approval to attend events like the European Encounters of Lyon is contrasted with his willingness to speak to the media. His eventual withdrawal from the Lyon event, despite CNES approval, is noted.
• Helicopter Incident (July 2, 1992): A military helicopter crew observed a UFO over the Var region. SEPRA's handling of this case is also questioned.

Petrakis further recounts an experience during the recording of the TV show *Mystères*, where Michel Figuet, an investigator familiar with the Trans-en-Provence case, was allegedly dismissed by Velasco. During the show, Velasco reportedly attempted to pressure the production to limit the intervention of organizations like the one Petrakis represents, citing military affairs. The article concludes that SEPRA, funded by public money, does not provide adequate public information about its findings, leading Petrakis to state, "Our confidence, it has been lost."

Hungarian UFO Cases

The magazine dedicates significant space to three detailed cases from Hungary, aided by the Hungarian UFO Research Network (HUFON):

• Jozsef Petras (December 4, 1991): Petras, a basket maker from the Bekes county, experienced inexplicable failures of his vehicles. Later, while checking his pigsty, he felt a strange odor and experienced a blackout. Upon regaining consciousness, he found himself in his workshop, with his boots inexplicably placed far apart. He later saw a luminous, green, humanoid entity, described as being his height with a vivid green color and sharp contours but indistinct features, resembling "the gaze of a dead person." This entity later reappeared, and Petras witnessed it rise into the air, transform into a "mist," and disappear, uttering, "I will return, no..." The encounter left him physically drained and with severe headaches.

• Istvan Balogh (December 13-26, 1991): Balogh, a 21-year-old border guard on leave, reported being repeatedly awakened by a voice repeating "You will meet us!" for 11 consecutive nights. On December 26th, he saw a luminous grey, circular object hovering over his courtyard. He felt unable to move and was drawn under the object by a beam of light. Inside, he found himself in a room with grey, smooth walls and a luminous floor. He encountered two humanoid beings with large heads and eyes, wearing black suits, whose skin was greenish. One being explained he had been monitored for three years and would be "taken" for a journey of 15 light-years. After a green light was directed at his forehead, he lost consciousness. He awoke kneeling where he started, with fragmented memories of seeing the Moon, its craters, and pyramids. He suffered tremors, dizziness, and was eventually sent to a psychiatric hospital, though declared sane, he was released from his duties.

• Madame X (January 24, 1992): A 50-year-old woman from Mezobereny reported seeing a black, egg-shaped object, about a meter high, move through her kitchen. The upper part of the entity turned bluish-grey, and an orange vertical stripe appeared. Later, she was compelled by a female voice to go into her garden, where she entered an egg-shaped object. Inside, she felt a strange presence and saw many people, including young children and women, all naked. She recognized one woman but couldn't recall who she was. She later found herself back in bed, experiencing severe abdominal pain. Over the next few days, she experienced recurring encounters. By Friday, red traces appeared on her abdomen and chest, and she had four puncture marks on her arms that were painful for three weeks. Her breathing became labored. A doctor referred her to a dermatologist, but her health has since improved, with the red pigmentation remaining.

International UFO News and Publications

The magazine also provides updates on UFO activities and publications worldwide:

• Hungary: Reports on the inauguration of a UFO landing strip near Budaors airport, geometric figures found in cereal fields in Szekesfehervar, and an international UFO congress organized by HUFON in October, featuring speakers like Erich von Daniken and Jean-Pierre Petit.
• Canada: Introduction of *Aquarius*, a new quarterly UFO magazine from Quebec.
• Sweden: The AFU Newsletter reports on research, including debunking the Spitzberg UFO crash story and investigating a possible link between a US general's visit and phantom rocket sightings.
• USA: Newsweek features an article on the SETI program and imagined extraterrestrial portraits. Strange Magazine issue #10 (Winter 1992) is highlighted for its focus on humanoids and other "Fortean" phenomena.
• Publications Reviewed: The issue lists and briefly describes numerous UFO newsletters and journals from various countries, including Germany, Turkey, USA, Denmark, Italy, and France. Notable mentions include Budd Hopkins' "Cortile" and the *Cuadernos de Ufologia* special issue on the "International UFO Congresses 1991."

Other Content

• Book Reviews/Announcements: Information on the publication "Vague d'OVNIS sur la Belgique - Un Dossier Exceptionnel" (Belgian Society for the Study of Space Phenomena), a 500-page illustrated work.
• Classified Ads: A section for free classified ads related to UFO research.
• Back Issues: A notice that older issues of *Phénomèna* are selling out quickly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are critical analysis of official UFO investigation bodies (specifically SEPRA), detailed reporting of witness testimonies and alleged encounters, and the dissemination of information about the global UFO research community through reviews of publications and events. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of official narratives when evidence suggests otherwise, advocating for greater transparency and thoroughness in UFO investigations. The magazine positions itself as a platform for independent research and witness accounts, often highlighting cases that may have been overlooked or inadequately addressed by official channels.