Phenomena - No 15 - 1993 05

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Subtitle: la revue des phénomènes OVNI
Issue: No. 15
Date: May-June 1993
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Price: 28 F
ISSN: 1157-4704
Type: Bi-monthly magazine dedicated to UFO phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "Un cauchemar créditeur !" (A Creditor's Nightmare!), apologizes for the delay in publication, citing growth pains and the challenges of producing the magazine with volunteer efforts. The editor expresses a desire to clarify the magazine's approach to ufological research, acknowledging that their perspective may not be universally shared. The editorial also thanks readers for their financial support through a "cagnotte pub" (publicity fund), which has helped cover the costs of advertising.

Cover Story: Rencontres de Lyon: Les Écrasements d'OVNIS

The cover prominently features the headline "RENCONTRES DE LYON : LES ECRASEMENTS D'OVNIS" (Lyon Encounters: UFO Crashes), suggesting a focus on UFO incidents in the Lyon area. Another significant headline on the cover is "L'OBSERVATION DU 31 MARS... TOUTES LES EXPLICATIONS" (The March 31st Observation... All Explanations), and "UMMO : L'HOMME CLE PARLE" (UMMO: The Key Man Speaks).

Article: La gerbe de feu du 31 mars (The Fireball of March 31st)

This article details a significant aerial phenomenon observed in the early morning of March 31, 1993, across a large part of France, particularly the Rhône-Alpes region. Dozens of gendarmes and police officers, along with numerous civilian witnesses, reported seeing a luminous aerial object. The initial observation was made by a gendarmerie patrol in St-Symphorien-de-Lay, Loire, at 2:10 AM. They described a luminous mass, initially appearing as a triangle with three green/blue points on one side and a yellow point on the other. The object was stationary before moving horizontally and silently, with an estimated size comparable to a semi-trailer truck. Witnesses reported seeing three points of light connected, moving in perfect silence.

Further reports came from St-Etienne and the Ain region, with police officers also witnessing the phenomenon. The Operational Center of the Gendarmerie Nationale in St-Etienne was alerted, and other patrols confirmed the sighting. Descriptions included a transparent object, a stationary luminous mass, and objects resembling two aircraft.

At 2:36 AM, the Lyon Police Department received calls from motorists reporting 4 to 5 luminous balls following a North-South axis, leaving a green trail. Air traffic control at Lyon-Satolas airport also observed three points in a triangle formation. Civilian radars did not register the event, nor did military radars from Mont Verdun.

The article notes that the trajectory was generally North-West/South-East, with the object appearing to be at a high altitude. Despite the numerous witness accounts, the official explanation, released on April 6th, identified the phenomenon as the third stage of a Russian Cyclone-M rocket that had launched the satellite Cosmos 2238 on March 30th. This explanation was supported by NORAD and NASA, with SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrées Atmosphériques) calculating the trajectory based on orbital data.

However, many witnesses protested this explanation, finding it difficult to accept that they observed a rocket stage at high altitude when they struggle to see a commercial airplane at a much lower altitude during the day. The event is compared to the controversial incident of November 5, 1990.

Article: D'Ouest en Est... (From West to East...)

This section continues the discussion of the March 31st event, noting that while UFO sightings are often localized, this one was widespread, with witnesses in Charente, Deux-Sèvres, and Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Descriptions varied, but common elements included a silent, constant-speed movement, a dark cigar-shaped object with a white light at the front and blue/orange lights at the rear, and trailing jets of light or smoke.

Estimates of the object's altitude varied, but the trajectory was consistently reported as North-West/South-East. The article mentions that some witnesses reported seeing two large white balls flying parallel to each other. The local press, referencing SEPRA, initially suggested a Soviet rocket stage, an explanation later confirmed by M. Velasco, director of SEPRA. However, witnesses objected, citing the object's trajectory and their difficulty in accepting the observation of a dark rocket body at high altitude.

The article also briefly mentions other descriptions from civilian witnesses, including "three balls of light," "a sort of square," "an obscure form," and "red/green/white balls like a Bengal fire."

Article: La dépêche officielle (The Official Dispatch)

This short section confirms the official explanation for the March 31st event, stating that the "culprit" was identified by CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) as the third stage of a Russian Cyclone-M rocket. The article reiterates that the rocket stage disintegrated in the Earth's atmosphere and that the trajectory matched the phenomenon reported by numerous witnesses.

Article: Affaire Ummo : l'interview de l'homme-clé (Ummo Affair: Interview with the Key Man)

This article presents an exclusive interview with Alejandro Agostinelli, an ufologist and representative of the Spanish magazine "Cuadernos De Ufologia," with José Luis Jordan Peña, a central figure in the Ummo affair. The interview, conducted in Madrid on December 14, 1991, explores Peña's background and his involvement with the Ummo phenomenon.

Agostinelli begins by asking Peña about his early investigations into psi phenomena. Peña explains that he initially became interested in spiritualism and sects in the 1950s, influenced by a bishop. He studied cultural anthropology, philosophy, and the history of religions, eventually developing a skeptical outlook, particularly after being deceived by a medium named Ester. He describes his initiation into prestidigitation as a way to understand and debunk paranormal claims.

Peña states that he is naturally critical and that his youthful leanings towards Catholicism and parapsychology were erroneous. He recounts his experience with Ester, a medium who he believes was exceptionally deceptive. He also mentions his work with the SEDP (Société Espagnole De Parapsychologie) in Madrid, where he helped build electronic instruments to measure extra-sensory perception (PSE), noting that no subject achieved results beyond chance.

He discusses the controversy surrounding parapsychologist Alejandro Parra and accusations of statistical fraud in PSE evaluations. Peña emphasizes that while he is critical, his skepticism is nuanced, based on the Greek word "skeptomaï" meaning "to look carefully at something." He criticizes the extreme positions of both those who dismiss everything as false and those who uncritically accept all claims, likening the latter to "soucoupistes" (UFO enthusiasts).

When asked why he included ufology in his domain of investigation, Peña explains that it is part of parapsychology, which he considers a pseudoscience, similar to astrology and occultism. He cites the work of Mario Bunge and other epistemologists.

Article: Mais qu'est-ce que l'affaire Ummo ? (What is the Ummo Affair?)

This article provides background on the Ummo affair, which began in 1965 with a phone call to Fernando Sesma, an esotericist in Madrid. The caller claimed to be a member of an "expeditionary corps from another planet" named Ummo, announcing contact via mail. Over 25 years, thousands of pages of letters were sent from around the world to selected Spaniards, covering topics like cosmology, biology, philosophy, and the history of Ummo. Astrophysicist Jean-Pierre Petit of CNRS reportedly found inspiration in these texts.

The article identifies José Luis Jordan Peña as the central figure, president of the association Eridani (the "Madrid Group"), who allegedly orchestrated the sending of these letters. It questions whether Peña was a genuine messenger from an extraterrestrial civilization or part of a group of unidentified humans perpetuating a hoax.

Article: regardez, je suis par nature très critique (Look, I am by nature very critical)

This section continues the interview with José Luis Jordan Peña. He recounts a séance experience with Ester, where he claims to have heard distinct rapping sounds originating from a table, which he initially struggled to explain rationally. He describes being troubled by the experience and questioning his own skepticism.

Peña further elaborates on his critical approach, using the analogy of an Aragonese man in 1915 who refused to look at an airplane because "aviation doesn't exist." He contrasts this with his own nuanced critical attitude, which involves careful observation and scientific verification. He criticizes the simplistic dismissal of all phenomena as false and also condemns the uncritical acceptance of UFO claims, comparing them to "soucoupistes" (UFO enthusiasts).

He also touches upon the statistical limitations of Frank Drake's formula for estimating the number of planets with intelligent life, arguing that it's as aberrant to claim we are alone in the cosmos as it is to be a fervent UFO believer.

When asked why he included ufology in his investigative domain, Peña reiterates that it falls under parapsychology, which he labels a "pseudoscience" comparable to astrology and occultism. He suggests consulting epistemologists like Mario Bunge for confirmation.

Article: Pourquoi avez-vous inclu dans votre domaine d'investigation des sujets comme l'ufologie, sujet qui paraît être à part du domaine «Psi» ? (Why did you include subjects like ufology in your field of investigation, a subject that seems separate from the 'Psi' domain?)

This section continues Peña's explanation for including ufology in his work. He argues that ufology is part of parapsychology, which he considers a pseudoscience. He states that this is not his personal opinion but a widely held view among epistemologists and astrophysicists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, presenting both witness accounts and official explanations. There's a clear interest in investigating alleged sightings and incidents, such as the March 31st event and the Ummo affair. The magazine also engages with the concept of skepticism, featuring an interview with a self-proclaimed skeptic who advocates for critical analysis and scientific rigor while remaining open to the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, aiming to provide information and perspectives on UFOs and related topics, while acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding them. The magazine also seems to value reader participation, as evidenced by the call for support through advertising and the inclusion of reader feedback sections.

This issue of Phénomèna, dated Mai-Juin 1993, focuses heavily on the "Ummo affair" and the complex figure of José Luis Jordan Peña, exploring themes of skepticism, media manipulation, and the evolution of ufology. The cover story, "L'homme aux deux visages" (The Man with Two Faces), by Renaud Marhic, dissects Peña's dual role as both a promoter and a debunker of the Ummo phenomenon.

The Ummo Affair and José Luis Jordan Peña

The article begins by addressing the author's participation in the "Café Lyon" meetings and their connection to the Ummo subject. The author expresses amusement at the credulity of UFO enthusiasts and acknowledges being suspected of being the author of the 'bluff,' a suspicion they find flattering but ultimately deny. They assert that the Ummo affair, like the flying saucer fantasy, is a strange hoax, a claim they have made repeatedly since 1979.

Carlos Berché, a doctor, is mentioned for his article stating the Ummo affair was an obvious lie. The author agrees, noting that even Antonio Ribera, who published Ummo dossiers, might recognize the paranoid aberration of meticulously dismantling a fable instead of addressing serious dangers like destructive cults.

The author describes making 'excellent friends' among writers from the 'other side' who accepted their skepticism. They observe that ufologists, even critical ones, tend to focus on specialized publications, and that paranoia can spread through suggestion, creating a vicious cycle fueled by sensationalist press.

The American Group Hypothesis

When asked about an American or Anglo-Saxon group behind the Ummo affair, the author notes that the Ummo case has unique characteristics, unlike the Adamsky or 'Deros' cases. The Ummo letters are described as heavily written, containing numerous errors but also a brilliant and original foundation. The author suggests these letters were written by different authors and even produced 'electronic patents.' The origin is questioned, with a hint that it might be human, and the 'Baleine Joyeuse' Café Lyon in Madrid is pinpointed as a reception point for Ummo envelopes from various countries.

Personal Involvement and Skepticism

The author's interest in Café Lyon began before the 'Ummo Saga.' Journalist Antonio San Antonio advised them to visit. The author claims to have spent nearly 30 years trying to debunk the Ummo letters and the flying saucer myth, facing resistance from paranoid 'folie' (madness).

The 'Two Faces' of Jordan Peña

Renaud Marhic's article details José Luis Jordan Peña's role. Peña, president of the Eridani association, is presented as a modern-day Janus. He is accused of being the 'agent of Ummo' who manipulated the correspondence. The article explores the 'literary madman' theory, suggesting Peña's 'delirium' might have led him to write scientific and other texts for nearly 30 years. However, this theory is deemed insufficient given Peña's apparent lack of notoriety.

Peña is described as a pioneer of skeptical investigation into paranormal phenomena in Spain. His own account is deemed eloquent, aligning him with French skeptics. The article highlights the paradox of Peña, a militant skeptic, contributing to the propagation of ideas he finds repulsive, including those related to sects and extraterrestrials. His actions are seen as contradicting his own convictions and contributing to the very superstitions he claims to fight.

Motivations and Manipulation

The article questions Peña's motivations for operating within ufology as a skeptic. It suggests his actions, spanning 26 years of apocryphal extraterrestrial letters and staged events, have worked against his stated goals. He is accused of having 'bafoué' (scorned) his convictions and contributing to the spread of ideas he detests, even through the 'trash press' he criticizes. His hatred for sects is contrasted with his alleged encouragement of a group that fits his definition of a sect.

The author posits that Peña's involvement might stem from a desire to study superstitions, perhaps through an 'observer-participant' role, but this is dismissed as unlikely given the extent of his alleged manipulation. The Ummo operation is characterized as an effort to provoke belief through proven manipulation methods, explaining why Peña cannot easily reveal his involvement.

The Fiber Optics Connection

A significant new element is introduced: the 1987 insistence by Ummo for their Madrid contacts to create a fiber optics company. Rafael Farriols proposed financing it, excluding Peña from potential profits. Ummo advised seeking partners in East Germany (RDA). The project ultimately failed. The article links this to a 1986 report by Pierre de Villemarest about the Soviet Union's interest in fiber optics for telecommunications and espionage, suggesting a potential intelligence operation behind the Ummo affair.

Analysis of Peña's Role

The interview with Peña yields three main conclusions: his actions contradict his beliefs about parascientific matters; he is unable to confess due to unknown reasons, possibly being 'held' as of February 1992; and these points suggest an unknown organization employed Peña and others to orchestrate the Ummo affair. As a specialist in demystifying paranormal phenomena, he was ideally positioned as a mystifier who knew how to expose such hoaxes.

The political discourse of Ummo aligning with Peña's opinions supports the hypothesis of a political disinformation operation, possibly by the ex-KGB.

Notes and References

The article cites several sources, including previous articles in Phénomèna, other ufological publications, and books by authors like Caudron, De Lamérie, Marhic, and Jordan Peña himself.

Video Reviews

Messengers of Destiny

This video, produced by Ark Soundwaves, links a solar eclipse on July 11, 1991, Mayan prophecies, and unusual phenomena observed over Mexico. It features amateur UFO footage, including an object filmed during the eclipse by 17 videographers, which is presented as the starting point for a wave of observations.

Undeniable Evidence

This video focuses on crop circles, featuring Colin Andrews, a specialist in the field. It presents footage of crop circle formations in Great Britain and interviews with farmers. The video is praised for its artistic quality and its exploration of the phenomenon.

Notes de lecture (Book Reviews)

OVNI, vers une anthropologie d'un mythe contemporain

This collective work, directed by Thierry Pinvidic, is described as an epistemological panorama of the UFO phenomenon rather than a book about UFOs themselves. It explores the relationship between humans and contemporary myths. The review notes a 'sensitive disagreement' among co-authors regarding Michel Bougard's opinion on Belgian flying triangles. The book is seen as potentially promoting a 'sociological' approach to UFOs, but the reviewer cautions against the 'proselytism' that can plague 'new ufology.'

OVNI, la science avance

Co-authored by Jean-Claude Bourret and Jean-Jacques Velasco, this book is criticized for presenting UFO science as having stagnated since the 1981 Trans-en-Provence landing. The review finds Velasco's explanations for Belgian UFO sightings (secret dirigible objects) and the Nort-sur-Erdre case (child mistaking a radio beacon for a UFO) unconvincing, accusing the authors of selective omission. The book is deemed more typical of ufological literature than a scientific assessment, with surprising claims that Ummo was created by the KGB.

Enquête sur un mystère : les ovnis

This small guide by Sandrine Charrier is described as a compilation of various UFO books, lacking originality.

Objets volants non identifiés, un pilote de ligne parle

Jean-Gabriel Greslé's book is presented as an exploration of the UFO phenomenon through the lens of a pilot's personal observation. While the reviewer acknowledges the interesting aspect of the 1990 wave of sightings, they find Greslé's interpretation, heavily influenced by American sources, to be less compelling. The book's focus on the 'Little Grey' aliens, MJ12, and abductions is noted.

Evolution: l'ufologie d'investigation

Renaud Marhic discusses the evolution of ufology, noting the fissuring of the 'monolithic bloc' of UFO enthusiasts in 1977. He contrasts 'orthodox ufology' with the 'new ufology' that emerged from Michel Monnerie's work, which proposed sociopsychological explanations. Marhic criticizes both approaches for becoming dogmatic. He advocates for an 'investigative ufology' that prioritizes facts and verification, independent of pre-existing beliefs or skepticism.

Critiques of Ufology

The article critiques the tendency of ufologists to focus on the unexplained 20% of cases, often ignoring natural explanations. It also criticizes the 'new ufology' for sometimes falling into similar traps as the 'orthodox' approach, such as creating elaborate explanations to dismiss evidence (e.g., UFOs camouflaged as stars). The Trans-en-Provence case is used as an example, where the 'new ufology' initially favored a drilling hypothesis, only to find it contradicted by evidence.

The 'Sociologisants' and the Search for Balance

The author notes the criticism from both believers and skeptics, who accuse them of playing into the hands of the opposing side. They suggest that when criticism from both camps is equal, a certain balance might have been achieved. The article concludes by advocating for a new generation of researchers who are open to all possibilities without adhering to rigid labels like 'rationalist' or 'orthodox romantic.'

Appeal to Readers

The magazine solicits donations to fund national advertising, aiming to increase its readership and financial stability. A running total of the collected funds is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently questions the nature of belief and skepticism in ufology, particularly concerning the Ummo affair. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical, investigative approach that avoids dogmatism from either extreme. There's a strong emphasis on debunking hoaxes and exposing manipulation, while also acknowledging the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to belief in paranormal phenomena. The magazine seems to position itself as a voice of reason amidst the polarized landscape of UFO research, advocating for a more nuanced and evidence-based approach.

This issue of "Phénomèna" magazine, dated May-June 1993, focuses on the "Seventh European Encounters" conference held in Lyon, France, and presents a review of UFO phenomena from the Americas. The magazine covers a range of topics within ufology, including conference presentations, specific case studies, and reviews of related publications.

Seventh European Encounters Conference

The magazine highlights the "Seventh European Encounters" conference in Lyon, organized by SOS OVNI, which served as a forum for specialists to exchange their latest research. Key speakers included British researcher Hilary Evans and Norwegian researcher Erling Strand, known for his work on the Project Hessdalen. The conference featured discussions on recent developments in Canadian ufology, with presenter Christian R. Page noting that Canadian ufology is often overlooked or conflated with American ufology, and that Canadian researchers tend to distance themselves from more sensationalist theories like conspiracies and alien invasions. While the atmosphere was friendly, some presentations sparked controversy.

Canadian UFOlogy

Christian R. Page presented a retrospective of recent developments in Canadian UFOlogy. He noted that Canadian ufology is often considered a subset of American ufology or is ignored altogether. However, he pointed out that many Canadian researchers are critical of their American counterparts and do not subscribe to theories of elaborate conspiracies, underground bases, or alien invasions. Even commonly discussed phenomena like UFO crashes, animal mutilations, and abductions do not generate significant enthusiasm among Canadian ufologists.

The National Research Council of Canada (CNRC) receives about a hundred UFO reports annually. If an object cannot be identified as a meteor, it is classified as 'non-meteoritic.' The magazine notes that, on average, Canada reports 167 UFO observations per year, with only about 10% resisting analysis. A claimed surge in observations in 1989, mentioned at a previous conference, is dismissed as a myth.

The Ummo Affair

Journalist Renaud Marhic presented his findings on the mysterious Ummo affair, which began in Spain in the mid-1960s. The affair involves numerous letters, purportedly from extraterrestrials from the planet Ummo, signed by 'Ummites.' These letters discuss topics ranging from astronomy to politics and genetics. Marhic argued that the Ummo affair was a KGB-orchestrated campaign of anti-Francoist, anti-American, and pro-Soviet propaganda, highlighting the 'communist' philosophy and disinformation tactics present in the letters. He pointed to Spanish engineer José Luis Jordan Peña as a central figure. The author of the article questions the plausibility of such a large-scale disinformation operation by the KGB and suggests that while Marhic's argument is thought-provoking, it relies on the difficulty of justifying such a complex 'intoxication' operation.

Project Hessdalen

Erling Strand, a key figure in Project Hessdalen, described the phenomenon of unusual aerial lights observed in the Hessdalen Valley, Norway, between 1981 and 1984. These lights, described as spherical, ovoid, or cigar-shaped, attracted significant attention. UFO Norway, in collaboration with UFO Sverige, conducted rigorous investigations. In 1983, Project Hessdalen was established to document these phenomena. Strand presented his experiences, emphasizing a methodical and rigorous approach to ufology, distinct from sensationalist accounts of abductions or crashes. The article notes that while the Hessdalen lights are intriguing, they might be related to natural phenomena like ball lightning or St. Elmo's fire.

UFO Crashes and Evidence

Leonard Stringfield, a specialist in UFO crashes, estimates that around 400 such incidents have been reported since World War II, with military intervention ensuring secrecy. The recent publications on the Roswell incident have reignited debate. The author, Christian R. Page, presented a retrospective of UFO crash reports, emphasizing that testimonies alone do not constitute proof. He critiques the subjective criteria used to categorize UFO cases as 'good' or 'bad,' arguing that verifiable physical evidence is paramount. He states that until such evidence is presented, his own dossier on UFO crashes remains closed.

Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Ufology

Guillaume de Lamérie, a psychiatrist, discussed the concept of 'literary madmen' – individuals whose psychosis manifests in significant literary production, serving as a psychological outlet. He noted that this phenomenon is rare and not always recognized in psychiatric nosography. De Lamérie suggested that the Ummo affair might not fit this category, referencing Sherlock Holmes's principle of eliminating the impossible. Gabor Tarcali, president of the Hungarian UFO Network, presented a sociological overview of ufology in Hungary, describing it as a blend of various ideologies and trends, including ecological messages from 'contactees' and crop circles. He noted the influence of sensationalist media and the tendency for Hungarian ufology to be more passionate than objective, reminiscent of early American ufology.

Hilary Evans's Perspective

Hilary Evans offered his perspective on UFO phenomena, suggesting that they might be more a product of folklore than extraterrestrial technology. He drew parallels between modern sightings of aliens and creatures and historical accounts of fairies, gnomes, and sprites, proposing a psycho-social approach to understanding UFO beliefs. He linked the rise of UFO interest to events like Orson Welles's 1938 radio broadcast of 'The War of the Worlds' and Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting.

Other Reports and Columns

• Bloc-notes: This section includes brief notes on a forthcoming book by the Belgian Society for the Study of UFO Phenomena, a curious report from a 1954 magazine about a 'martian parade' by the Vespa Club of Trieste, and a mention of a book on UFOs by Alfredo Lissoni. It also clarifies that Spanish journalists Javier Sierra and another are not planning to publish a book on the terrestrial origin of the Ummo affair.
• Extraterrestrial Intelligence Research: A report on the SETI program's detection of 164 mysterious signals over 14 months, though the source remains unidentified.
• Crop Circles: A mention of the first crop circle of the 1993 season appearing in Great Britain.
• France: Reports of luminous phenomena in Eure-et-Loire, a dome-shaped object observed in Vienne, and a luminous point in Haut-Rhin.
• China: Pilots of the Chinese Air Force reported observing unidentified flying objects with unusual characteristics.
• Uruguay: The Uruguayan Air Force is investigating seven mysterious circular traces found on land.
• France: A report of an unusual light observed above Sainte-Hélène.
• Revue de presse: A review of 'La ligne bleue survolée' (issue 27, 1993), which critiques Jacques Vallée's work on UFOs, and a discussion of a study on children's drawings of UFOs published in the 'Journal of UFO Studies.'
• Belgique: An introspection by Michel Bougard on the challenges faced by the Belgian ufological publication 'Inforespace,' highlighting the difficulty of balancing public information with research due to volunteer limitations.
• Grande-Bretagne: A reprise of an interview with Douglas Bower, one of the individuals who admitted to creating crop circles, discussing their methods and the scale of their hoaxes.
• Russie: A mention of an 'astonishing' first issue of a Russian publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the spectrum of ufological inquiry, from detailed case investigations and scientific analysis to psychological and sociological interpretations. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between evidence-based reporting and speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and critical analysis, as evidenced by the critique of unsubstantiated claims and the call for verifiable proof, particularly in cases of alleged UFO crashes. The magazine also highlights the international nature of ufology, featuring reports and perspectives from various countries. The recurring theme of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, or even psychological projections, is evident throughout the issue.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: Mai-Juin 1993
Volume: 14
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Language: French
Price: 2,50

This issue of Phénomèna, dated May-June 1993, is primarily dedicated to the proceedings of the seventh European Encounters of Lyon concerning the UFO phenomenon. The cover prominently features the title "Les actes des septièmes Rencontres Européennes de Lyon" (The acts of the seventh European Encounters of Lyon).

Featured Articles and Content

The Acts of the Seventh European Encounters of Lyon

The magazine highlights the availability of a 56-page document detailing the seventh European Encounters of Lyon, focused on the UFO phenomenon. This limited edition publication can be ordered from SOS OVNI.

International UFO Publications Review

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reviewing various UFO-related journals and publications from different countries. These include:

• AURA-Z (France): Noted as a new research center, with a promise of future coverage.
• Just Cause, n° 35 (USA): Praised for its interesting content, particularly an article on the Pentacle memo.
• MUFON UFO Journal, n° 298 & 299 (USA): Features an article on Travis Walton and his alleged abduction, referencing the film 'Fire in the Sky' and an upcoming book.
• Recherche Ufologique, n° 9 (France): Bulletin from the Groupement Nordiste d'Etude des ovnis.
• Skeptics UFO Newsletter, n°21 (USA): Mentioned without further detail.
• Investigacion OVNI, n°7 (Spain): A Spanish publication.
• CENAP Report, n° 204 & 205 (Germany): Discusses the possibility of pilots seeing 'Solar UFOs' (balloons) and notes an increase in postal tariffs affecting the publication's frequency and format.
• UFO Contact, n° 1 (Denmark): A Danish publication.
• Dornier Post (Germany): January 1993 issue.
• Contact Ovni, n° 29 (France): A French publication.
• Bulles (France): A bulletin concerning cults, reporting on Vorilhon (Raël)'s alliance with Scientology and Moon to create FIREPHIM, and their use of the Jean Miguères assassination for a campaign against UNADFI.
• Ufo-Nyt, n° 1 (Denmark): A Danish publication.
• Sirius B (United Kingdom): March-April 1993 issue.
• Magonia, n° 45 (United Kingdom): Features a special issue on the Napolitano affair.
• Ufomania, n°1 (France): A small, periodic publication by Didier Gomez, described as sensationalist.
• Recherche Ufologique, n° 10 (France): A special issue dedicated to the European Encounters of Lyon.
• Fortean Times, n° 68 (United Kingdom): Consistently excellent.
• Cuadernos de Ufologia, n° 14 (Spain): Includes a comprehensive dossier on Andalusian ufology and a tribute to Aimé Michel.
• MUFON UFO Journal, n° 300 (USA): April 1993 issue.
• Strange Magazine, n° 11 (USA): A spring-summer issue focusing on strange phenomena.

Table of Contents (Au sommaire)

The issue also outlines key articles within its pages:

• "Flying Saucers: Separating Myth from Reality" by Hilary Evans.
• "Literary Delusions, Pathological Novels: A Psychiatric Approach to Symptoms" by Guillaume de Lamérie.
• "I Found the Ummo Agents" by Renaud Marhic.
• "UFO: The Canadian Connection and UFO Accidents: Between Speculation and Reality" by Christian Page.
• "The Hessdalen Project: A Scientific Investigation into the UFO Phenomenon" by Erling Strand.
• "The Ufological Situation in Hungary" by Gabor Tarcali.

Letters to the Editor (Vous dites ?)

This section includes a letter from Jean-Luc Rivera of Sèvres. Rivera responds to a previous article (likely concerning the 'Night Eyes' case and Linda's alleged abduction), questioning the methodology of the investigators. He suggests that the investigators relied on second-hand information and did not have access to Budd Hopkins' original documents. Rivera also points out that the narrative of 'Night Eyes' is a novel and that the details of Linda's story, when compared to the novel, show selective use of information. He expresses concern that the 'MJ 12' abduction case might be an elaborate manipulation designed to discredit Budd Hopkins and the broader phenomenon of abductions, stating that Linda may be as much a victim of this manipulation as Budd. Rivera concludes by noting that despite the sensational claims, the affair has not significantly impacted the world and that someone has gone too far, urging for swift clarification if Budd Hopkins is indeed a victim.

Exceptional! (Exceptionnel!)

This section announces a legal victory in Europe where an association successfully sued the Ministry of Defense to obtain UFO-related files. The case concerns the "Affaire de Sisteron," involving rumors of a UFO crash in the Alpes de Haute-Provence in the late 1970s. The magazine offers a 50-page investigation into this affair, available for 150 FF.

Ummo: The Key to the Mystery (UMMO : LA CLE DU MYSTERE)

This is a detailed exposé on the Ummo affair, titled "L'AFFAIRE UMMO : LES EXTRATERRESTRES QUI VENAIENT DU FROID" (The Ummo Affair: The Extraterrestrials Who Came From the Cold). It recounts the origins of the affair in Spain in 1968, where individuals received strange, scientific, and non-messianic messages from extraterrestrials from the planet Ummo. The article highlights Jean-Pierre Petit's role in bringing the affair to public attention in France in 1991 through his best-selling book. It promises to reveal more than what has been widely reported, detailing Renaud Marhic's investigation in France and Spain to identify Ummo's correspondents and "agents." The book, published for the first time, includes texts from 1967 and a letter about the Gulf War from 1991, offering Ummites' perspectives on geopolitics. The book is available for order at 130 FF plus 20 FF for shipping.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers a wide range of UFO-related topics, from alleged abductions and international sightings to the analysis of UFO literature and historical cases. There is a clear interest in investigative journalism, as evidenced by the detailed reviews of publications and the in-depth reports on specific cases like the Ummo affair and the Affaire de Sisteron. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, as seen in the letter to the editor discussing potential manipulation in abduction cases and the magazine's own cautious approach to sensationalism, as noted in the review of 'UFO Magazine'. The publication aims to inform its readers about the global UFO landscape and encourage critical thinking about the phenomenon.