Phenomena - No 14 - 1993 03

Magazine Overview

Phénomèna, Issue 14 (March-April 1993)

This issue of Phénomèna, a French bimonthly publication by SOS OVNI dedicated to UFO phenomena, presents a significant focus on alleged alien abductions, particularly the case of Linda Napolitano. The cover highlights a "DOSSIER MYSTERES" on Norway 10 years later, alongside revelations from the Spanish Army and an "American Epidemic" of UFO abductions. The magazine aims to study UFO phenomena outside of dogma and mystical considerations, relying on scientific approaches.

Editorial Stance and Publisher Information

Phénomèna is published by SOS OVNI, a non-profit association. The editorial emphasizes the importance of reader support, especially with the use of color on the cover, which is seen as reflecting the character and objectives of SOS OVNI. The editorial also expresses solidarity with ufologists in Eastern European countries facing difficulties, highlighting the camaraderie within the ufological community.

Key Articles and Features

Enlèvements par ovnis... l'épidémie américaine (UFO Abductions... The American Epidemic)

This extensive article delves into the case of Linda Napolitano, a New York resident who claims to have been abducted by extraterrestrials. It highlights the work of Budd Hopkins, a prominent ufologist who has brought significant attention to abduction phenomena through his books ('Missing Time', 'Intruders') and the creation of the Intruders Foundation. The article details Napolitano's alleged abduction in November 1989, involving witnesses who saw her and extraterrestrials ascend into a craft from her apartment window. The case gained considerable media attention, including features in the Wall Street Journal, OMNI, and Paris Match, and was dubbed the "Abduction Case of the Century" by the Mufon UFO Journal.

The article scrutinizes Hopkins's claims and the evidence, including a purported implant in Linda's nose, which was X-rayed and examined by a neurosurgeon. It also discusses the involvement of two alleged witnesses, 'Richard' and 'Dan,' who claimed to be police officers investigating the case and wrote letters to Hopkins. The narrative recounts Linda's subsequent encounters and alleged further abductions, including a disturbing incident on Long Island involving 'Dan' and a 'VIP' identified as Javier Perez de Cuellar. The authors express skepticism regarding the unverified nature of 'Richard' and 'Dan,' their delayed contact with Hopkins, and Linda's refusal to report the incidents to the police. The article also mentions a woman named Janet Kimble who reported a UFO sighting on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Dossier: "Mystères" Norvège, 10 Ans Après (Dossier: "Mysteries" Norway, 10 Years Later)

This section, referenced on the cover, likely revisits UFO phenomena observed in Norway, possibly related to the Hessdalen lights, which are mentioned in the cover's photo credit. The cover image itself shows a phenomenon observed in the Hessdalen valley.

L'Armée Espagnole Révèle... (The Spanish Army Reveals...)

This headline suggests an article detailing information or archives released by the Spanish military concerning UFO sightings or related investigations.

Sommaire (Table of Contents)

The table of contents lists several articles:

• Enlèvements par ovnis... l'épidémie américaine (UFO Abductions... The American Epidemic) - page 3
• Bloc-notes (Notebook) - page 14
• Lumières norvégiennes (Norwegian Lights) - page 15
• Les Forces Aériennes Espagnoles ouvrent leurs archives (The Spanish Air Force Opens Its Archives) - page 19
• Interview de Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos - page 22
• En France et dans le Monde (In France and Around the World) - page 25
• Notes de lecture (Book Reviews) - page 26
• En direct d'SOS OVNI (Direct from SOS OVNI) - page 27
• Revue de presse (Press Review) - page 29
• Annonces gratuites (Free Ads) - page 30
• Vous dites? (What Do You Say?) - page 31

Other Content

The issue also includes "Bloc-notes," "Notes de lecture," "En direct d'SOS OVNI," and a "Revue de presse," indicating a range of content related to the UFO field and the activities of the SOS OVNI organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around alleged UFO abductions, particularly the detailed examination of the Linda Napolitano case, highlighting the investigative methods and skepticism within ufology. The magazine also touches upon international UFO phenomena, with specific sections on Norway and Spain, suggesting a broad scope of coverage. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting cases and then analyzing them, often pointing out inconsistencies or areas requiring further verification, as seen in the critique of the Napolitano case. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific study of UFOs and the importance of evidence and verification.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: Mars-Avr. 1993
Publisher: Phénomèna
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Phénomèna features several in-depth articles and reports on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related topics.

Article: Les Lumières norvégiennes (Norwegian Lights)

This article by Perry Petrakis details the Hessdalen phenomenon, a series of unusual light sightings and aerial phenomena observed in a small valley in Norway from late 1981 to early 1986. The phenomenon began with observations by locals Nils Kåre Nesvold and Per Holden in December 1981, who saw a spherical object moving at varying speeds and altitudes. The Hessdalen valley, located in central Norway, is described as a remote area with harsh winter conditions.

The article highlights the extensive investigations conducted by UFO Norway, with assistance from UFO Sverige. The "Projet Hessdalen" was established in 1983, involving multiple individuals and sophisticated equipment like cameras, infrared detectors, seismographs, magnetometers, radars, and Geiger counters, to monitor and study the phenomena. Over 188 cases were documented between mid-1983 and mid-1985, with testimonies rated on a G scale for quality and an F scale for potential confusion with known phenomena.

Key findings from the project include observations of lights exhibiting different sizes, colors, and behaviors, including hovering, oscillating, and responding to laser beams. Radar detected these luminous objects, estimating their speeds up to 30,000 km/h. Electromagnetic signals in the 100 Khz to 1250 Mhz range were also detected. Despite the extensive data, the article notes limitations due to insufficient personnel and immediate reaction capabilities, preventing a more prolonged study. The article also mentions the use of a laser to induce double blinking in the lights, a phenomenon that occurred eight out of nine times when the laser was applied.

Article: Les Forces Aériennes Espagnoles ouvrent leurs archives (Spanish Air Force Opens Its Archives)

This article by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos discusses the declassification of UFO reports by the Spanish Air Force. Since 1988, the author and his colleague Joan Plana have been researching the involvement of the Spanish Ministry of Defense and other state agencies in UFO matters, collecting and analyzing observations from military personnel, the civil guard, and police.

Their efforts focused on establishing good relations with various authorities, particularly the Air Force, to determine if they held UFO cases in their archives and if these could be made public. The article notes that since March 1979, official UFO reports in Spain have been classified as 'reserved' documents, previously marked 'Confidential'.

In 1990, the author began correspondence and visits to personalities within these services, arguing that UFOs did not pose a threat to national security and were primarily a scientific problem rather than a military one. This led to an internal document in May 1991, referencing the author's previous reports and requests, which summarized the official procedures for UFO investigations and listed 55 archived cases. The document concluded that these cases should be declassified and communicated to the public.

This initiative led to a declassification process. In January 1992, UFO responsibilities within the Air Force were transferred to the MOA (Commandement Aérien Opérationnel), which updated procedures for testimonies and investigations. In March 1992, the Joint Chiefs of Staff decided to reclassify UFO reports from 'Secret' to 'Internal Restriction', allowing declassification at the discretion of the Chief of Air Staff.

The article highlights that the Spanish Air Force's Review of Aeronautics and Astronautics published an article in August-September 1992 by Colonel Angel Bastida, detailing the history of the Air Force's involvement in UFO matters and presenting statistics on 66 cases from 1962 to 1991. The author's book, 'Los OVNIS y la Ciencia', was cited as a reference for comparing statistics. The MOA's mandate included evaluating each UFO report and submitting it for declassification after anonymizing witness and investigator details. The first official UFO reports were declassified in October 1992, with the full dossiers released. By January 1993, eight cases dating back to September 1968 had been made public, totaling over a hundred pages. The article suggests that the 66 cases might represent around 100 different cases.

Article: Les choses en face... (Facing the Facts...)

This editorial piece by the Phénomèna team discusses the challenges faced by ufologists in the United States and France when dealing with UFO cases, particularly the Linda Napolitano affair. The authors express frustration with the tendency of some ufologists to accept accounts uncritically, labeling skeptics as 'debunkers'. They argue that this approach hinders objective investigation and can lead to deception, whether for financial gain or political/military disinformation.

The article specifically scrutinizes the Linda Napolitano case, suggesting it might be a manipulation. The author points to the episode of Linda Napolitano visiting Budd Hopkins, with her disheveled appearance and a recorded cassette, as elements indicating a staged event. The role of Perez de Cuellar, former UN Secretary-General, is also questioned as a potential clue.

The authors acknowledge that while deliberate hoaxes in abduction cases are rare, the majority of abductees experience intense personal experiences. However, they stress the importance of maintaining an open mind to the possibility of fraud in high-profile cases, emphasizing the need for a delicate balance between open-mindedness and critical analysis.

The article also touches upon the comparison of Linda Napolitano's experience with the science fiction novel 'Nighteyes' by Garfield Reeves-Stevens, published shortly before Napolitano's alleged abduction. The striking similarities between the fictional narrative and Napolitano's account lead the authors to suspect that she may have used the novel as a basis for her story.

Other Mentions and Sections:

• Bloc-notes (Notebook): This section contains several short news items:
• The European Economic Community (CEE) is considering creating a specialized UFO observation center.
• Jacques Vallée discusses a 'SECRET' memo from Dr. Hynek that could have altered ufology if the Robertson Commission had seen it.
• A mysterious incident involving an unidentified aircraft detected by radar near Rouen, France, in March 1993.
• Kevin Randle's difficulty in examining a piece of an alleged Roswell crash object.
• Paramount's new film 'Fire in the Sky', based on the Travis Walton abduction case.
• A mention of the term 'ufologist' being intelligently used in the TV show 'Mystères'.
• Two 'crashes' of unidentified aerial phenomena reported in India on March 18, 1993.
• Figure 1: A visual comparison between the Linda Napolitano case and the story in 'Nighteyes'.
• Table: A table detailing the quality (G scale) and certainty (F scale) of testimonies related to the Hessdalen phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific investigation, data analysis, and the need to distinguish between genuine experiences and potential hoaxes or disinformation. The editorial team appears to be skeptical of unsubstantiated claims but supportive of serious research within the ufological community. There's a recurring theme of questioning official narratives and seeking transparency, as seen in the Spanish Air Force declassification article. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by researchers in a field often plagued by sensationalism and a lack of critical evaluation.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: Mars-Avr. 1993
Volume: 31
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Language: French
Price: 2,50

This issue of Phénomèna features a significant portion dedicated to reader letters, primarily addressing and critiquing the work of Jean-Pierre Petit, particularly his books and his theories regarding the 'Ummite' language. The magazine also announces the publication of the proceedings from the 7th European Encounters of Lyon and promotes a comprehensive book on Belgian UFO sightings.

Reader Letters and Critique of Jean-Pierre Petit

The issue opens with a section titled "Vous dites ?" (You say?), where the editors reserve the right to shorten or modify letters while preserving the author's original intent. Anonymous letters will not be published.

One letter, from Didier Leclercq of Montjoly, Guyane Française, offers a detailed critique of Jean-Pierre Petit's second book, contrasting it with his first. Leclercq finds the second book to be poorly written, anecdotal, and familial, lacking the rigor of the first. He points out a grammatical error ("maître ès-informatique" instead of the plural "maîtres ès-informatique") and, more importantly, questions Petit's belief in the "Ummite" writing.

Leclercq's critique of the Ummite writing is multifaceted:

1. Linguistic Viability: He argues that the rentability of an alphabetic system is proven by its adoption in Vietnam and China, and its use in computers (binary system). He notes Atatürk's shift from complex Arabic script to a simpler alphabet. He suggests that the Ummite signs, as presented by Petit, lack the characteristic "flow" of natural writing and appear to be traced mechanically, like a forgery or a Gothic manuscript copied by a non-initiate. He believes a linguist should have been consulted.
2. Uniqueness of Signs: Leclercq observes that none of the reproduced Ummite signs are identical, which he likens to children trying to create a secret code. He draws a parallel to the "Venusian" writing described by Adamski.
3. Lack of Generalization: He posits that if the Ummite language were truly devoid of metaphors, as Petit suggests, it would imply a lack of generalization. He uses the example of aphasics who can identify a crayon but cannot use the word "crayon" for a different one, suggesting they have lost the capacity for generalization. He concludes that the Ummites are either machines, robots, or beings with an "ant-like" language, which contradicts their possession of technology, as technology requires imagination.
4. Absence of Art: Leclercq questions the lack of art in Ummitie culture, linking art to the uniquely human capacity for rhetoric and imagination. He argues that art is subjective and depends on the observer, whereas objects like chairs have a functional purpose independent of observation. He characterizes the Ummite civilization as purely utilitarian ("pour-..."), where everything has a specific purpose, leading him to describe their life as akin to that of "our little ants."

Leclercq concludes his review by stating that, despite his criticisms, he found the author's perception to be "rather sympathetic."

Another letter, likely from the same author or a similar perspective, further elaborates on the nature of language. It argues that language is not merely about stating facts but about "wanting to mean" (vouloir-dire). The letter asserts that finding a "just" word is impossible, as words are elements of classification, not mere labels. It suggests that individuals whose vocabulary primarily "sticks" to things rather than classifying them are pathologically aphasic. The core argument is that the very principle of language function necessitates metaphors and metonymies, as there are always more concepts to describe than available words.

Announcements and Promotions

Actes des septièmes Rencontres Européennes de Lyon: The magazine announces the publication of the proceedings from the 7th European Encounters of Lyon, which took place on May 10-11-12, 1993. This document is a limited edition, 56-page A4 format publication available for 100 FF plus 20 FF for postage and packaging from SOS OVNI.

• The table of contents for these proceedings includes:
• Flying saucers: separating myth from reality (Hilary Evans)
• Literary and pathological fictions: psychiatric approach to symptoms (Guillaume de Lamérie)
• I found the Ummo agents (Renaud Marhic)
• OVNI: the Canadian connection and UFO accidents – between speculation and reality (Christian Page)
• Project Hessdalen: a scientific investigation into the UFO phenomenon (Erling Strand)
• The ufological situation in Hungary (Gabor Tarcali)

"Vague d'OVNIS sur la Belgique - Un Dossier Exceptionnel" (COLLECTIF): The magazine heavily promotes this book published by the Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux (SOBEPS). It is described as a landmark work in ufology, featuring over 500 pages with more than 200 illustrations (some in color). The book is dedicated to an unusual wave of UFO sightings in Belgium and includes analyses, commentaries, and investigations by Belgian colleagues. The price is 180 FF plus 20 FF for shipping and handling, totaling 200 FF. An order form is provided for direct purchase from SOS OVNI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena and related claims, particularly evident in the detailed critique of Jean-Pierre Petit's work. The editorial approach seems to favor rigorous linguistic and logical analysis over unsubstantiated claims. The magazine actively engages with its readership by publishing letters and encourages critical thinking about the nature of language, perception, and evidence in ufology. The promotion of detailed research books and conference proceedings suggests an aim to provide in-depth information and foster a serious study of the subject matter.