Phenomena - No 13 - 1993 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: No. 13
Date: January-February 1993
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Type: Bi-monthly magazine dedicated to UFO phenomena.

Editorial Introduction: L'information là où elle se trouve

The editorial marks the beginning of the magazine's third year of publication, reflecting on the rapid pace of events since January 1991. Despite challenges, the publication has grown from 20 to 28 pages, aiming to become the definitive magazine in the field. The editorial notes that in 1992, only 26 UFO cases were cataloged in France, with 18 reported through the SOS OVNI network. It emphasizes that ufology is more than just case files, and Phénomèna strives to present a comprehensive reflection, exploring all facets of this complex phenomenon. The editors express gratitude for reader support and wish them a good read.

Key Articles and Features

Aimé Michel nous quitte

This section is a tribute to Aimé Michel, a legendary figure in ufology who passed away on December 27-28, 1992, at the age of 73. Michel, who had a career in radio and television, became deeply interested in UFOs in the 1950s, particularly during the 1946 "flying saucer" wave and the significant 1954 French wave. His book "The truth about flying saucers" (originally "Lueurs sur les soucoupes volantes") gained international recognition. He developed a close friendship with poet Jean Cocteau. Michel's hypothesis of "orthoteny" suggested a logical order in UFO observations, which he detailed in "Mystérieux Objets Célestes." He also studied cases with other pioneers like Jacques Vallée and Marc Thirouin. In his later years, Michel had withdrawn to his home in St-Vincent-les-Forts, finding the phenomenon beyond logical explanation. The article notes that Donald Menzel questioned his methodology in 1964. Aimé Michel is remembered for his kindness and is considered a mythic figure in ufology, alongside Allen Hynek. His funeral was held on December 30th in St-Vincent-les-Forts.

La réaction de Jacques et Janine Vallée

Jacques and Janine Vallée, who collaborated with Aimé Michel, express that his passing signifies the loss of a significant inspiration in European UFO research. They highlight his deep interest in mysticism and Transcendence, noting that he had stopped publishing his reflections in recent years. They recount a visit to him in August, finding him engrossed in anthropological works, still intellectually curious and humorous. Their bibliography includes works on UFOs and related phenomena, some co-authored or involving Aimé Michel.

L'orthoténie

This section elaborates on Aimé Michel's "orthoteny" hypothesis, inspired by Jean Cocteau. It details how Michel meticulously plotted UFO sightings from October 1954 onto a map, discovering alignments that led to the "BAVIC" line connecting Bayonne and Vichy. The article discusses how this hypothesis was applied globally, sometimes with dubious results. It mentions critiques from Donald Menzel in 1964 and a later evaluation by Jacques and Janine Vallée in 1966, who proposed a global method to assess the probability of such alignments. The section also touches upon later attempts to re-evaluate the data, such as by Barthel and Brucker, who found inconsistencies in the base data. The article concludes by quoting Michel's 1958 statement that the important aspect is gathering enough documents to determine if "orthoteny" is a real phenomenon.

Pilotes contre ovnis

This article presents compelling testimonies from airline pilots regarding UFO sightings, suggesting that pilots are well-positioned to observe these phenomena. It highlights that the "Dream Land" of advanced aerial technology might be linked to Nellis Air Force Base, home to classified "Black Programs" like the "Aurora" project. The article details a specific incident from June 6, 1983, involving a conversation between pilots (KM 715 C, LT 190, TJ 065) and the Aix-en-Provence air traffic control center. Pilots reported an unusual object moving at high altitude, not matching any known flight plan or aircraft. The object was described as very bright, with a brilliant queue, and its behavior was unlike anything pilots had ever seen. The article notes that SOS OVNI investigated the case, which involved hundreds of witnesses across Europe. Despite investigations by military, meteorological, and astronomical bodies, no conventional explanation was found, reinforcing the possibility of a genuine UFO.

Other reported incidents include a Boeing of Air France registering a phenomenon at 7800 km/h over the Mediterranean on September 2, 1990, and a near-collision with a "black diamond-shaped UFO" near Gatwick in July 1991. A United Airlines flight was also reportedly narrowly missed by a wingless, grey aircraft near Edwards AFB on August 5, 1992.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from a research-oriented perspective, aiming for objective analysis rather than sensationalism. Key themes include the investigation of specific UFO cases, the analysis of pilot sightings, the exploration of hypotheses like "orthoteny," and the potential for government secrecy or manipulation related to UFOs. The publication emphasizes its commitment to gathering and presenting information from various sources, including official reports and eyewitness accounts, while acknowledging the complexity and often elusive nature of the phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking to understand the UFO phenomenon through rigorous study and open discussion.

This issue of Phénomèna, dated Janvier-Février, focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, military secrecy, and advanced weaponry. The cover story highlights the French Ministry of Defense's position that they cannot explain phenomena that are not military tests, hinting at a potential cover-up or a distinction between known military activities and unidentified events.

Article: The Ministry of Defense Cannot Give Explanations...

The lead article discusses the French Ministry of Defense's response to UFO sightings. It quotes a statement from the ministry asserting that they can only explain phenomena that align with military tests. The article questions whether this is a case of disinformation due to military secrecy, but suggests it's unlikely given the regular and precise nature of strategic missile tests. It contrasts a specific UFO sighting on June 6th with a missile test on July 12th, noting similarities in visibility conditions attributed to altitude and light reflections. The piece speculates whether foreign powers might be evaluating airspace permeability, referencing past incidents like the shooting down of a South Korean Boeing and phantom submarines in Norwegian waters.

Article: Manipulation is Displayed

This section, authored by Perry Petrakis, delves into the concept of 'non-lethal weapons' as reported by Frédéric Filloux, a correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. The article discusses a Pentagon document that outlines a range of 'gentle' weapons, including portable lasers, magnetic waves, and holograms. It highlights the potential for psychological warfare, with examples like projecting images onto clouds to deter troops. The weapons discussed are described as being beyond science fiction, with potential applications in areas like Yugoslavia. The article mentions the reorientation of US military policy under figures like Les Aspin towards these new doctrines. It details specific non-lethal weapons such as low-energy lasers for blinding, infrasound generators for incapacitation, and more potent caustics. The concept of 'anti-traction' techniques is also mentioned. The article traces the origin of these ideas to Colonel John Alexander, who advocated for weapons that could influence psychological states and biological functions, potentially paralyzing or disabling targets without lethal force. Alexander's work at Los Alamos National Laboratory is noted.

Article: UFO Over Montréal: Photographic Evidence

This article by Christian R. Page details a significant UFO sighting over Montréal on November 7, 1990. Approximately ten people, including police officers and a journalist from La Presse, witnessed a luminous object, described as a 'crown surrounded by brilliant amber lights,' hovering for over three hours before disappearing into cloud cover. Journalist Marcel Laroche captured color photographs of the phenomenon. Initially, meteorologist Marc Gélinas suggested the lights were reflections from downtown beams on the clouds, a theory he later seemed to retract. The article notes that the Guénette-Haines report, published in spring 1992, definitively concluded that the object was physical and of considerable dimensions, despite the lack of radar detection and official interest. The report, which involved extensive data collection and analysis, is praised for its thoroughness. The article also mentions the Sceptics of Quebec offering a reward for a piece of a 'flying saucer.'

Article: The Guénette-Haines Report

This section provides a detailed analysis of the Guénette-Haines report concerning the Montréal UFO sighting. The report is commended for its rigorous methodology, involving contact with witnesses, journalists, military, police, and various scientific organizations. The object was observed from 7:15 PM to around 10:10 PM, enveloped by increasingly dense cloud cover. Witnesses described an oval shape with multiple lights and distinct luminous rays. The report notes that atmospheric conditions rapidly deteriorated, with a cold front approaching. Despite extensive investigation, including calls to military and civilian aviation authorities, no definitive conclusion was reached, which the authors consider significant information in itself. The article highlights the 'total disinterest' from authorities, questioning how long an unusual aerial phenomenon must remain visible before eliciting an adequate scientific or technical response.

Article: UFOs in Belgium: New Rumor

Authored by Renaud Marhic, this article examines the 'Belgian UFO wave' of late 1989. It addresses the initial explanation involving secret maneuvers of the F117A stealth fighter, which was later refuted. The article discusses the shift in explanations towards new, advanced prototypes. It references a video taken by Marcel Alfarano, which was later identified as a commercial airliner. The piece notes that while the F117A's position lights might resemble some UFO sightings at takeoff and landing, the overall characteristics of the Belgian sightings, such as silent hovering and high-speed maneuvers, do not align with known aircraft. The article also touches upon rumors circulating in the capital that Belgian military sources suggested the sightings were of American prototypes. It highlights the lack of official confirmation and the denial from organizations like SOBEPS. The article concludes by questioning the official narrative and the potential for manipulation of public opinion regarding UFO phenomena.

Bloc-notes

This section contains several short news items related to ufology:

• Argentina: A new association, Centro de Investigación y Estudio del Fenomeno OVNI en la Argentina (CIELO), has been formed to analyze UFO phenomena scientifically.
• Ukraine: An engineer reportedly observed an unusual, brilliant blue object with wings near the border with Czechoslovakia.
• Raëlism: The Raëlian movement has taken radical stances during an election campaign, advocating for the acceptance of extraterrestrials and publishing a book on religious racism.
• Elisabeth Tessier: The astrologer predicts an invasion of Earth by extraterrestrials as a possible scenario for the end of the century.
• Philippines: Strange footprints, varying in size and depth, have been found imprinted in concrete and asphalt in Lucena.
• Lost Aircraft: A brief mentions a story from Weekly World News about a 1939 aircraft that reportedly landed in Bogotá, Colombia, with its 26 skeletons in 1992.
• Bulgaria: The Vice-Minister of Defense confirmed rumors of army excavations near Tsaritchina, codenamed 'Operation Glory,' aimed at finding an extraterrestrial message about a future apocalypse. The operation involved a tunnel and was reportedly based on information from two mediums, one of whom later committed suicide.
• Ukraine: A new ufological structure, the Research Institute on Anomalous Phenomena (LIRPA), has been established.
• Spain: There are reports of increased transparency from Spanish authorities regarding military UFO reports.
• Belgian UFO Wave: The article addresses the hypothesis of a weather balloon for an observation on July 8, 1992, but notes the lack of transponder signals and official notifications.

Notes de lecture

This section reviews the book "Les temps et les ovni" by Jean-Luc Chaumeil. The reviewer finds the book to be a collection of various authors discussing UFO-related topics such as EBEs, the Belgian wave, and Ummo. However, the reviewer criticizes the book for being repetitive and lacking in new insights, stating that many authors present theories without sufficient evidence. The reviewer suggests that ufology would benefit from more rigorous verification of information. The review highlights two chapters that stand out: one by Jean-Pierre Tennevin on Shi Bo's book, and another by Jean-Luc Rivera on alien abductions in the United States. The reviewer concludes that the book, despite its poetic aspirations, ultimately feels like a rehash of existing material, leaving a sense of 'déjà vu.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, government secrecy, and the potential for advanced, possibly extraterrestrial, technology. The magazine consistently questions official explanations for UFO sightings and highlights instances where authorities appear to downplay or ignore evidence. There's a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official narratives and a belief that the public is often kept in the dark. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question official statements and to seek verifiable evidence, while also acknowledging the possibility of phenomena beyond current scientific understanding. The magazine seems to advocate for greater transparency from governments and military organizations regarding UFO-related information.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: Janvier-Février
Date: 1993

This issue of Phénomèna, a French ufology magazine, delves into various UFO sightings, potential government manipulation, and the scientific and cultural aspects of the phenomenon. The content is primarily in French, with a focus on events and research relevant to France and Belgium.

Belgian UFO Wave and Manipulation

The lead article discusses the Belgian UFO wave, questioning whether the events were a case of manipulation. It highlights the involvement of the GRIP (Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur la Paix) and its president, André Dumoulin. The article contrasts the known capabilities of the F117A aircraft with the reported sightings, suggesting that while the F117A might explain some observations, the overall situation might be more complex, potentially involving international manipulation. The author, Renaud Marhic, notes that public opinion polls in Belgium might reveal whether the public feels manipulated.

Witness Testimonies and Sightings

The magazine features several reports of UFO sightings from different regions:

• Sarthe, France (October 21, 1992): A sixteen-year-old witness reported a round phenomenon with two lights on each side, which rotated on its axis and moved silently.
• Vaucluse, France (November 14, 1992): An inhabitant of Bollène observed a compact, triangular object with a bulging base, colored brown-copper, moving rectilinearly at high altitude.
• Savoie, France (December 21, 1992): Residents of Granier reported a luminous source, shaped like a flattened rugby ball, which rotated and disappeared.
• Indre-et-Loire, France (December 1992): An 80-year-old man reported observing a very bright, unusual 'planet-like' object three times, described as exotic and possibly related to the lunar eclipse.
• Vosges, France (December 22, 1992 onwards): An unusual object described as a 'twenty-centimeter diameter disk, flying at an altitude of about 500 meters, red in color' was observed for a week.
• Vienne, France (January 16, 1993): A couple observed and filmed a phenomenon described as a 'strange metallic gray shooting star' that changed trajectory and speed.

UFO Research and Organizations

• SOS OVNI: This organization is highlighted for its efforts in creating a network of ufological groups in France and for its research activities. SOS OVNI Seine has compiled a list of French ufological groups, and SOS OVNI Rhône organized a conference in Lyon.
• SEPRA: The article discusses the role of SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrées Atmosphériques) and its relationship with the gendarmerie in handling UFO reports, questioning the reliability of the French reporting network.

Special Features and Reviews

• Venus Observations: Jean-Claude Ribes, Director of the Astronomical Observatory of Lyon, provides insights into observing Venus, noting its current brightness and potential for confusion with UFOs.
• Review of "Science et Vie Junior": The magazine critiques a special issue on extraterrestrial life, accusing it of proselytism rather than objective scientific reporting.
• Review of "UFO Magazine": This review discusses the MJ12 documents, concluding that they are likely forgeries and that the MJ12 committee, as presented, never existed.
• Roswell Crash: The issue references a film about the Roswell crash, acknowledging its historical significance in ufology and noting that scientific explanations for UFOs cannot be a priori rejected.
• Mont Uritorco: The article touches upon the Mont Uritorco region in Argentina, known for UFO sightings, but also for attracting mystics and esoteric groups, which can complicate serious research.

Upcoming Events

Several upcoming ufological events are listed, including:

• Parapsy 93 in Paris (February 11-21)
• The 1983 International UFO and Extraterrestrial Conference in Reykjavik (March 24-28)
• Septièmes Rencontres Européennes de Lyon (April 10-12)
• A conference in Grande-Bretagne celebrating the 25th anniversary of Magonia/MUFOB (May 1-3)
• The 1993 International UFO Conference in Grande-Bretagne (August 14-15)

Distribution and Subscriptions

Information is provided on how to order the book "Vague d'ovnis sur la Belgique - Un dossier exceptionnel" and details on subscriptions to Phénomèna.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of objective reporting, scientific rigor, and the need to question official narratives and potential manipulation. The editorial team appears committed to providing detailed accounts of sightings, analyzing evidence, and fostering a community of researchers. There is a recurring theme of skepticism towards sensationalism and a focus on factual reporting, even when dealing with controversial subjects like government cover-ups and extraterrestrial hypotheses.