Phenomena - No 17 - 1993 09

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Subtitle: la revue des phénomènes OVNI (The review of UFO phenomena)
Issue: No. 17
Date: September - October 1993
Publisher: SOS OVNI (Association à but non lucratif - Non-profit association)
Price: 28 F
ISSN: 1157-4704

Editorial Content

"Au détour d'un virage..." (Around the Bend...)

This editorial by Perry Petrakis reflects on the evolution of ufology over the past twenty years. Petrakis recalls his early curiosity sparked by "flying saucers" and the influence of media like the series "The Invaders" and Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." He contrasts the "Spielbergian" ufology of today, which he finds in decline due to a lack of measure, with his initial, more direct engagement with the strangeness of these phenomena. He emphasizes the persistence of close encounters, defying time, and how they can evoke fond memories.

"Malaise au carrefour" (Discomfort at the Crossroads)

This article, by Christian Morgenthaler and Dominique Schall, details an investigation into a close encounter that allegedly occurred on August 7, 1993, in the East of France. The report stems from an article in "Le Républicain Lorrain" and an initial call to the SOS OVNI headquarters in Aix-en-Provence. The witness, a 46-year-old man named M., described a bright, intense blue-turquoise light surrounding his vehicle at a crossroads near Daim-en-Saulnois at 22h45. He observed a large, dark mass disappear rapidly to the northeast. The investigation involved checking astronomical and meteorological data. M. reported experiencing muscle pain, particularly in his calves and thighs, starting a few days after the event. He also noted developing headaches when near the crossroads and experiencing minor memory lapses. The article includes a detailed map of the location and discusses the witness's background, noting he was sober at the time of the sighting. The investigators also explored potential explanations, including aircraft and meteorological phenomena, and found no official reports of unusual activity. They also noted that M.M. had a previous similar experience in November 1992. The article concludes that M.M. appears to be a credible witness and the investigation is ongoing.

"Autres cas signalés suite à l'appel à témoignage" (Other cases reported following the call for testimonies)

This section compiles a list of various UFO sightings reported to the magazine, primarily from April to August 1993, and some from earlier dates. These include:

• April 14, 1993: A rectangular, scintillating, yellowish phenomenon observed for 10 minutes near Longuyon.
• April/May 1993: Red and blue lights around a cylindrical object near Longuyon.
• Early July 1993: A dark mass with four rotating blue-green lights below it near Boulay.
• August 7, 1993: A rounded phenomenon with four large headlights observed through binoculars in Maizières-les-Metz.
• August 7, 1993: Four people observed a phenomenon composed of four white-yellow lights that ascended rapidly near Vaux.
• August 11, 1993: A luminous rectangle moving slowly in the sky over Mécleuves.
• August 12, 1993: An intense, stationary light observed for two to three minutes in Metz-Bellecroix, appearing as six lights through binoculars.
• August 13, 1993: A circular shape composed of lights of all colors, which disappeared and reappeared elsewhere, observed near Coin-sur-Seille.
• August 14 or 15, 1993: A triangular light with a white blinking light at its center, which moved slowly and then turned on itself, observed in St-Avold.
• August 19, 1993: A large, ramp-like luminous glow observed between Aube and Beux.
• August 25 or 26, 1993: Red-blue lights around a cylindrical shape near Longuyon.
• August 26, 1993: A black dome with two large headlights below it, observed south of Metz.
• August 29, 1993: A large stationary light observed for fifteen minutes, then descending south of Metz.
• August 29, 1993: A general power outage in Amnéville coincided with two stationary points of light being joined by a third phenomenon that disappeared northward.

The article notes that other reported events were explained, including fifteen related to Skytrackers (DCA), two to airplanes, three to meteorites, and one to a sun reflection.

"Humanoïdes volants en Italie" (Flying Humanoids in Italy)

This section, by Edoardo Russo, reports on a surge of alleged UFO observations in Italy at the end of June 1993. It focuses on three particularly striking encounters that suggested the presence of flying humanoid entities.

• June 20, 1993: A family near Pettorano sul Gizio observed what they initially thought was a balloon. Giuseppe Zitella, a retired aviation officer, approached the object, which turned out to be a sphere about 80 cm tall, with two shiny black eyes, a white antenna, and two small legs. It was described as "alive," brown in color, and moved with surprising speed. The object circled the witness before ascending rapidly towards a hill. Local cultists interpreted a trace on the cornfield as evidence of a remote-controlled probe from a flying saucer, and noted that the 50 hunting dogs at the property refused to eat for two days following the observation.
• June 15, 1993: A group of five people aboard a helicopter (Augusta Bell 412) belonging to the Pescara fire brigade observed an object about one meter in diameter, yellow in color, with two small "legs" and a trapezoidal antenna. The object was flying at an altitude of 500 meters and appeared to be on a collision course. The pilot maneuvered to avoid it. The object then turned towards the helicopter, circled it twice, and disappeared at high speed. The drawing made by the helicopter pilot, Vincenzo Nusca, was remarkably similar to the one made by Giuseppe Zitella, with Nusca describing it as resembling "flying men with a thruster in their back."
• June 17, 1993: Luciano Baldassarre, a professor of electrotechnics, and his family observed an object that initially looked like a falcon but was soon identified as a hot air balloon or parachute-like entity. The object was described as resembling the "flying men" with a thruster.

The article includes a map of the region in Italy where these sightings occurred and a note about Remote Piloted Vehicles (RPVs) that can sometimes take on surprising forms.

"Déjà en 1992 ?" (Already in 1992?)

This short section revisits a similar phenomenon reported in the same sector of France during the Toussaint (All Saints' Day) period of 1992 (October 26-31). Stéphane A., who lives in the Yonne region, reported seeing a very intense greenish-blue light from the D955 road, which gave the impression of coming from very close to the ground. He described the light as immobile for a time before moving towards the car. He attempted to photograph it but was unsuccessful. The object then disappeared or turned off its lights at high speed. Stéphane A. contacted the Louvigny airport, where a controller assured him nothing exceptional had occurred. Despite the lack of official confirmation, Stéphane A. stated he had "the certainty of having lived something extraordinary," a memory he considers indelible.

"Manifestations à venir" (Upcoming Events)

This section lists several upcoming UFO conferences and events in the USA and Iceland during October and November 1993, providing contact information for each.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Phénomèna" positions itself as a serious, non-dogmatic review dedicated to studying UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Perry Petrakis, is one of critical inquiry, seeking to understand the "strangeness" of these events without succumbing to sensationalism or mysticism. The publication aims to present detailed investigations, witness testimonies, and compiled reports, while also acknowledging the evolution of the field and the challenges of maintaining focus on genuine inquiry. The emphasis is on presenting factual accounts and ongoing investigations, as seen in the detailed report on the French "Malaise au carrefour" case and the compilation of various sightings. The magazine also appears to foster a community of researchers and witnesses through its call for testimonies and its detailed contact information for SOS OVNI.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: Sept-Oct. 1993
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Phénomèna magazine, published by SOS OVNI, focuses on recent UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings and investigations, primarily from Italy and France. It presents detailed witness accounts, explores potential explanations, and discusses ongoing research in ufology.

Italian Sightings: Pescara, Sulmona, Guidonia, and Pettorano

The magazine opens with an examination of several Italian cases. One report details an observation near Sulmona and Pescara, where witnesses described a dark, elongated object with a red spherical light, possibly with legs and an antenna. Luciano, a witness, alerted an airport colonel, but neither could see the object. The phenomenon reportedly landed and then took off horizontally. The article notes that after reading other testimonies from Sulmona and Pescara, the witnesses felt compelled to speak out. The descriptions from these cases are noted as being similar, though less sensational than some press reports.

Two main hypotheses are presented for these sightings: a child's balloon or an RPV (Remotely Piloted Vehicle). For the Guidonia observation, the balloon hypothesis is considered plausible due to the object's shape and slow movement. However, for the Pescara sighting, Commander Nusca reported the object moving at high speed against the wind and maneuvering around a helicopter, which is deemed difficult to explain with a balloon. An RPV is suggested as a potential explanation for such agility.

The 'being' from Pettorano is contrasted, fitting better with the idea of a child's balloon tossed by the wind, as no RPV would be so silent when observed up close. The article questions the nature of the observed entities, whether they were flying objects or living beings.

The "4 Meter" Object Case (France)

Investigated by Perry Petrakis for SOS OVNI Sud-Est, this case involves a witness, C.L., who observed a dark, silent object on a road in the Bouches-du-Rhône department on August 30, 1993. The object was described as being about 4 meters wide and 1.50 meters high, with no discernible features from the front, and it moved laterally to avoid an obstacle. The witness, a 22-year-old electronics student, was not particularly impressed, possibly due to the brief observation time.

Reconstruction of the scene indicated the carrefour was near Simiane-Collongue and Mimet. The object was described as having no light of its own, but reflecting light from the headlights. The witness stated it moved laterally, appearing to avoid something unseen. The investigation explored the possibility of a meteorological balloon.

Meteorological Balloon Hypothesis

Phénomèna consulted Météo France to analyze wind data for August 30, 1993. The data suggested a balloon launched from Nîmes at 00:00 UTC followed a trajectory that could have brought it near the witness's location. The balloon was tracked up to 18 km altitude, then moved southwest before turning east. A potential helium leak might have caused it to descend prematurely, possibly explaining its low-altitude movement and shape. However, Météo France could not confirm or deny the hypothesis with 100% certainty due to the nature of meteorological data, which often relies on averages and can be suspended at night.

The article includes a section explaining what a meteorological balloon is: a structure inflated with helium, carrying a radiosonde to collect and transmit atmospheric data. It notes that while they typically ascend and burst, rare instances of premature descent due to minor tears can occur, leading to them drifting at low altitudes.

"Upside-Down Soup Plate" Sighting (France)

Investigated by Olivier Antoniol, this case from Sains-du-Nord (Nord) on August 4-5, 1993, involved a family observing a phenomenon described as an "upside-down soup plate" or a giant wheel. The object, appearing to come from Belgium, moved at a relatively slow speed (estimated at 30-40 km/h) and appeared to rotate around a precise axis at low altitude. It was observed for over an hour by four people.

The object reportedly tilted, appearing as an overturned soup plate, then rotated in the opposite direction before returning towards the horizon. When viewed head-on, 12 lights were visible around its perimeter, described as "rectangular portholes with truncated corners." Despite the clear visibility and close proximity, no sound was detected. The family confirmed the object's distinct shape and sharp contours. The phenomenon was observed about sixty times before departing towards the horizon.

Despite appeals for witnesses, no other observers were found, and the gendarmerie had no relevant reports. The article notes that the Avesnois region has a significant population, suggesting that other sightings might have occurred but went unreported.

Revue de Presse (Press Review)

This section provides a roundup of ufological news and publications from around the world.

• Spain: The magazine Mas Alla de la Cienca featured Renaud Marhic's book "L'affaire Ummo: les extraterrestres qui venaient du froid," highlighting its focus on the political aspects of the Ummo case.
• Porto Rico: The magazine Enigma, described as a professional review covering various esoteric subjects, including UAP, is mentioned.
• USA: The article discusses the "Project Argus," coordinated by Michael Chorost, which aimed to analyze cereal samples from crop circles. While the project did not find definitive proof of extraterrestrial origin, it noted anomalies like "blisters" in the figures.
• USA: The magazine Fate is described as a widely distributed, popular publication featuring articles on UAP, including a humorous critique of abduction statistics by Robert Durant.
• France: The documentary "Bons baisers de la planète Mars" by Robert Stone is reviewed, noting its sociological perspective on contactee accounts and historical UAP documents.
• International News: Brief mentions of various ufological publications and news items are included:
• Mystères (France) on the "Ummo network."
• International UFO Reporter (USA) on the Roswell crash and W. Smith's article on UAP noise.
• Ufo Newsfile (UK) compiling English press articles.
• El Ojo Esceptico (Argentina) and Skylink (UK) for their coverage.
• CENAP Report (Germany), UFO-NYT (Denmark), CIPNO (Spain), Fortean Times (UK), and UFO - Rivista di informazione ufologica (Italy) are highlighted for their detailed dossiers on topics like the Roswell crash and Russian UAP cases.
• Investigacion OVNI (Spain), Giornale dei Misteri (Italy), Celanthe (France), and Mufon UFO Journal (USA) are also mentioned, with the latter featuring a debate on abductions.

Other News and Investigations

• Czech Republic: Reports of a wave of observations are noted.
• USA: "Operation Right To Know" is presented as an activist group aiming to pressure governments to release UAP information, believing over 20,000 pages of documents are being withheld.
• USA: A debunking of a document accusing Bruce Maccabbee of secret ties with the CIA is mentioned.
• Mars: The "Martian face" rock formation is discussed, with Richard Hoagland suggesting it's part of an ancient Martian city. Hoagland also accuses NASA of hiding evidence related to the Mars Observer probe's failure.
• Teesdale Succession: The article details a strange case involving the inheritance of a wealthy Englishman, where a contactee named Raël was involved. The inheritance was allegedly a setup, and Raël's attempt to discuss the matter during a TV interview was abruptly halted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of specific UAP sightings, the exploration of multiple hypotheses (meteorological balloons, RPVs, etc.), and the critical analysis of witness testimonies and media reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various cases and explanations without definitively concluding on the nature of the phenomena. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of international ufological news and research through its press review section. There is a clear effort to provide factual reporting and encourage further investigation, as indicated by the ongoing nature of several cases mentioned.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue Date: September-October 1993
Volume: 14
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Phénomèna magazine, published by SOS OVNI, presents a collection of UFO sightings, investigations, and related ufological news from France and beyond.

Key Articles and Reports

Apparition non identifiée à Brest (Unidentified Sighting in Brest)

The main feature details an investigation into a sighting in Brest, France, by a witness identified as M. G. The incident, reported in 'Le Télégramme de Brest' as 'La dame en bleu sur le balcon' (The lady in blue on the balcony), occurred on August 18th. M. G. reported seeing a young woman in a blue dress on his balcony who then vanished, leaving a burn mark on the ground. His wife, who was napping, did not see the apparition, but the cat reportedly had its fur standing on end. The witness's mother suggested it might be his father returning in apparition form. The mark on the balcony was visible to others, including a journalist. The witness expresses uncertainty about the reality of the event, and his wife mentions strange occurrences and 'cracklings' in their home. The article also touches upon potential explanations and the psychological impact of such experiences.

SOS OVNI Est sur le terrain (SOS OVNI in the Field)

This section reports on a sky observation event organized by SOS OVNI Est on Saturday, June 12th. Despite thick cloud cover, the event proceeded with a planned slideshow and displays on ufology. The evening faced technical difficulties, including a projector failure and a major generator breakdown, forcing participants to rely on flashlights. Nevertheless, around fifty people attended, hoping to observe Jupiter and other celestial bodies. The event was considered positive, with about fifty visitors present between 8:00 PM and 1:00 AM.

De nouvelles éditions ufo-logiques : Les Classiques du Mystère (New Ufological Editions: The Classics of Mystery)

This article announces the launch of a new publishing service called 'Les Classiques du Mystère' by SOS OVNI. It aims to address the limited print runs of ufological literature, citing examples like Bertrand Meheust's book with only 1000 copies sold. The service will leverage modern printing techniques for professional production and potentially print-on-demand. This initiative offers a new avenue for expression within the ufology community, free from traditional publishing constraints.

Reports from Around France:

• Isère: On August 21st, an aeromodeller in Pont-de-Claix observed two unidentified objects, one white with a red circle and another brown with a green halo, which disappeared after 45 minutes heading southeast. The same day, an inhabitant of Aix-les-Bains reported an observation around 11:00 PM.
• Rhône: On the evening of August 28th-29th, a member of SOS OVNI Rhône and her daughter observed a very bright, luminous object while driving near Meximieux. The object made a U-turn and rapidly disappeared.
• Rhône: On September 25th, Mme D. observed a brilliant phenomenon moving north in a straight line near Anse. It was described as rounded at the front and elongated at the back.
• Eure-et-Loire: On October 2nd-3rd, a family near Chartres observed a pale green luminous phenomenon shaped like a flattened delta, exhibiting up-and-down movement.
• Seine-Maritime: On October 3rd, an inhabitant of Ste-Geneviève-en-Bray observed a phenomenon described as an arc sweeping the sky for about half an hour.
• Pas-de-Calais: On October 4th, witnesses in Ecault and Hardelot described a strange phenomenon, a rotating disk of luminous elements that changed intensity and direction without noise. Some described it as metallic, others as pure light or illuminated clouds.

"Vous dites ?" (You Say?)

This section features letters from readers. One letter from Jacques Scornaux in Paris discusses the position of 'pragmatic skeptics' in ufology, arguing against the idea that they are inherently reductive. He critiques the interpretation of cases like Trans-en-Provence and Nort-sur-Erdre, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific investigation and cautioning against premature conclusions or the creation of 'amalgams'. He highlights the importance of the burden of proof lying with those who propose extraordinary explanations.

SOS OVNI Archives and Publications

• OVNI, LE DOSSIER RHONE-ALPES, ARCHIVES 1993: Jean-Pierre Troadec of SOS OVNI Rhône has published a 150-page dossier compiling press clippings of UFO sightings in the Rhône-Alpes region from 1950 to 1993. This document serves as a basis for further research.
• Back Issues: A list of available back issues of Phénomèna magazine (numbers 1 to 14) is provided, along with prices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena through its network of volunteers (SOS OVNI). It emphasizes the importance of detailed witness testimony, photographic evidence, and rigorous analysis, while also engaging with skeptical viewpoints. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and a preference for factual reporting and methodical investigation. The launch of 'Les Classiques du Mystère' underscores a commitment to disseminating ufological knowledge. The magazine also highlights the 'Ummo affair' as a significant and scientifically presented case, distinguishing it from more typical 'contactee' narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, balanced with a critical and analytical approach to evidence and claims.