Phenomena - No 18 - 1993 11

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: No. 18
Volume: 3
Date: November-December 1993
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Phénomèna, a bi-monthly publication of SOS OVNI, focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly in the Provence region of France. It commemorates the death of Antonio Villas-Boas, a notable figure in ufology, and explores the concept of unidentified noises (BONI).

Editorial Stance and Reader Engagement

The editorial, "Tisser des liens..." (Weaving Connections...), emphasizes Phénomèna's role in fostering dialogue among a diverse readership, transcending national and professional boundaries. The editor notes the magazine's growth over its three-year publication run, marked by achievements like color covers and national advertising, positioning it as the sole French general UFO information bi-monthly. The editorial encourages readers to actively participate by sharing their views and criticisms, lamenting a perceived lack of critical engagement from the readership.

Key Articles and Features

Débat: Vers une meilleure connaissance des rencontres rapprochées (Towards a Better Understanding of Close Encounters)

This section, authored by Renaud Marhic, delves into two significant theories attempting to explain close encounters of the third kind (RR3): Bertrand Méheust's ENOC (États Non Ordinaires de Conscience - Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness) and Jacques Vallée's 'control system' hypothesis. Méheust's theory posits that these encounters are akin to altered states of consciousness, drawing parallels with shamanic practices and ancient folklore, such as encounters with fairies. Vallée, an IT specialist, views these phenomena as part of a larger control system influencing human development, potentially of non-human origin. The article highlights how both theories aim to provide a more nuanced understanding of UFO encounters, moving beyond simplistic explanations and connecting them to historical myths and psychological states.

Les ovnis en Provence (UFOs in Provence)

Authored by Perry Petrakis, this article serves as a guided tour of UFO sightings in the Provence region, coinciding with the release of a new book on the subject. It notes that Provence, with its high population density and sunny climate, has a long history of UFO reports dating back to before the 1950s. Several specific cases are mentioned, including an incident in Draguignan in 1945 involving a spherical light, an observation near Salernes in 1966 of 'headlights' that turned out to be a dark mass, and a 1977 sighting by three girls in Eyragues of a luminous, half-sphere craft. The article also references the case of Maurice Masse in Valensole in 1965 and a photograph taken in Montferrat (Var) in 1969, suggesting the latter was not a hoax. It also touches upon earlier reports from 957 near Nice and a 1952 observation near Marignane.

Pleins feux sur les B.O.N.I. (Spotlight on BONI)

François Couten, a specialist in documentation, presents an overview of BONI (Bruits d'Origine et de Nature Inconnues - Noises of Unknown Origin and Nature). The article discusses recent phenomena in the Bouches-du-Rhône region in August 1993, where thousands of people reported deafening rumbles and vibrations. While seismic activity was ruled out, potential explanations like meteorite disintegration or atmospheric waves were considered, but no definitive cause was found. The article notes that such phenomena have been reported globally for centuries, citing examples from Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Siberia, Belgium, Italy, Haiti, and the USA. It references the 'Quid' encyclopedia's entry on BONI, which lists similar phenomena like 'Brontides' (cannon-like sounds) and unexplained explosions. The article also includes an excerpt from Jacques Bergier's 'Visa pour une autre terre,' detailing an unexplained explosion in Dallas in 1951 and another in San Gabriel, California, in 1857, both of which baffled authorities. It also mentions unexplained 'bip-bip' sounds heard in Washington D.C. in 1967.

L'affaire de Mérignac résolue (The Mérignac Affair Resolved)

This section, though its content is not fully detailed in the provided scans, is listed in the table of contents, suggesting an article that offers a resolution to the Mérignac UFO case.

En France et dans le Monde (In France and Around the World)

This section appears to be a collection of news items and reports concerning UFO sightings and related phenomena from France and other parts of the world.

Revue de presse (Press Review)

This section likely compiles articles and mentions of UFO phenomena from other publications, providing a broader context of media coverage.

Annonces gratuites (Free Ads)

This section contains classified advertisements, presumably related to UFO research, events, or personal ads from enthusiasts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Phénomèna consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from a non-dogmatic and non-sensationalist perspective, aiming for a scientific and analytical approach. The magazine encourages critical thinking and reader participation, positioning itself as a platform for debate and information exchange. Recurring themes include the analysis of close encounters, the historical context of UFO sightings, the connection between folklore and modern UFO reports, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena like unidentified noises. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking to understand the complexities of the UFO phenomenon through rigorous research and diverse theoretical frameworks.

This issue of Phénomèna, dated November-December 1993, focuses on a variety of unexplained aerial and auditory phenomena, including the UMMO affair, mysterious explosions, and UFO sightings. The magazine presents a mix of historical accounts, recent reports, and investigative pieces.

The UMMO Affair

The cover story delves into the UMMO affair, detailing how in 1968, Spain learned of extraterrestrials from the planet Ummo who had been sending unique, scientific messages to Earth for three years. The affair gained significant attention in France in 1991 due to the work of scientist Jean-Pierre Petit. The article highlights that Renaud Marhic's investigation uncovered more details, including encounters with 'Ummo agents' and the content of their messages, which included texts from 1967 and a letter about the Gulf War from 1991. The magazine questions whether this was a genuine intergalactic communication or a manipulation of public opinion.

B.O.N.I. du passé (Past B.O.N.I. - Unidentified Aerial Phenomena)

This section presents a bibliography of 'Extraordinary Detonations' compiled from William R. Corliss's 'Handbook of Unusual Natural Phenomena.' It lists numerous historical reports of unexplained sounds and phenomena, such as 'cannons of Barisal,' 'mistpouffers,' and 'air tremors,' dating back to 1826 and extending to 1950, with associated locations and sources.

Case Studies of Unexplained Phenomena

Several articles detail specific incidents:

• Explosions in Washington: Reports of unexplained explosions in the Washington region, with no clear explanation found.
• Earth Tremors in the Sky: An account from Los Angeles in 1957 describes 'tremors in the sky.'
• Buzzing Sounds in Boston: In May 1968, Boston experienced persistent buzzing sounds with a distinct rhythmic pattern, baffling meteorologists and astronomers.
• Mont-St-Martin Incident (1965): A witness reported a reddish sphere and deafening sounds, described as a cyclical phenomenon.
• Chinese Village Incident (1971): Peasants in Dayu, China, reported being awakened by strange noises and witnessing a bright disk that caused physical disturbances.
• Saint-Marcellin Incident (1976): A family observed an elliptical white light and heard a sonic boom, accompanied by a strong heat sensation.
• Georgia, USA Explosions (1992): Residents of Ware, Bacon, and Brantley reported mysterious explosions and ground vibrations.
• New Mexico Humming (1991): A persistent, low-frequency humming sound was recorded in Taos.
• Marseille Sighting (1993): A witness observed a rotating, whitish luminous phenomenon for thirty minutes.

Mérignac Case Resolved

An investigation by Jean-Pierre Segonnes of SOS OVNI Sud-Ouest concluded that the Mérignac UFO sighting from May 29th was likely caused by a searchlight from a nightclub, with photographic evidence explained by camera settings.

En France et dans le Monde (In France and Around the World)

This section covers various reports from different regions:

• Attention DCA!: The article discusses the resurgence of 'DCA' (anti-aircraft defense) searchlights, now modernized and used for public events, creating luminous displays that can be mistaken for UFOs.
• Bouches-du-Rhône (1993): A report of an unidentified luminous phenomenon observed in Marseille.
• Alpes-Maritimes (1993): Reports of a luminous, sparkling, immobile form seen in the clouds near Nice, later identified as a fairground attraction.
• Landes (1993): A sighting over the Basque Country was identified as a missile destruction test by the Landes Test Center.
• Paris (1993): Observations of luminous circles in Asnières were investigated, with possibilities including lasers used for holiday decorations.

Revue de presse (Press Review)

This section summarizes articles from various publications:

• USA: The White House reportedly requested a comprehensive report on UFOs from the scientific advisor, with Dr. Bruce Maccabee tasked with preparing it.
• Hungary: The Hungarian ufological magazine 'Ufomagazin' is highlighted for its coverage of UFO phenomena, including an article on Project Blue Book and a report on a HUFON congress.
• France: The magazine 'Mystères' is reviewed for its detailed coverage of UFO waves in Belgium and the 1990 wave of November 5th.

Other Sections

• Ecosse: 'Enigmas' magazine is mentioned for its coverage of various strange phenomena, including a non-conformist portrait of the Loch Ness Monster.
• Ethologie Française: A special issue on 'Parascience' is discussed, examining the place of parasciences within official science and the nature of knowledge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and related mysteries. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and scientific scrutiny, while also acknowledging the vast number of unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to contribute their own documented findings, but also cautioning against jumping to conclusions and highlighting instances where phenomena have been explained by conventional means, such as searchlights or military tests. The magazine aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the field, drawing from both historical records and contemporary reports.

This issue of Phénomèna, dated November-December 1993, is identified as issue number 47 and features a cover headline focusing on the Ummo case and its alleged anonymous correspondents.

Article: Grande-Bretagne (Great Britain)

The article discusses the arrival of the Ummo affair and its accompanying controversies within English ufology, specifically referencing the magazine Magonia (n° 47, October 1993). It highlights an article by Spanish skeptical ufologist Luis R. Gonzalez Manso, titled "Ummo, the planet of anonymous correspondents: 27 years of close encounters of the postal kind." Magonia's approach is described as purely theoretical, lacking on-the-ground investigation or firsthand testimonies. Gonzalez Manso, relying on biographical elements gathered by Argentinian colleague Alejandro Agostinelli, posits that the Ummo affair is the creation of a single man, José Luis Jordàn Peña, who allegedly used other 'freelance' mystifiers. The author of the Phénomèna article criticizes Manso's reliance on his own deductive potential, arguing it disconnects him from the more complex reality of the facts. The article points out that Manso's analysis is limited to the period up to 1974/75, excluding later Ummo letters received between 1987 and 1988, and questions why Manso only considers correspondence from Spain while ignoring letters received in France, Italy, and Argentina. Manso's assertion that Ummo texts are reduced to "pure chatter" with "various philosophical considerations" and rare "important information" is also challenged. The article further questions Manso's understanding of the political implications of Ummo's direct attacks against Franco's regime in the context of authoritarian Spain and his estimation of the Ummo literature volume at around 1000 pages, which excludes later correspondence.

Article: "Phénomèna" - Page 7 Continuation

This section continues the discussion from page 7, detailing a specific UFO sighting in Vaucluse, France, on September 27, 1973. The witness, Antoine X, observed two small beings, approximately one meter twenty tall, with pale faces and wearing seamless beige jumpsuits. After the beings disappeared into the undergrowth, an oval, grey-blue object, appearing metallic, rose from behind a thicket. The object ascended about six meters, stopped, and then rapidly moved towards Mont Ventoux, accompanied by a faint whistling sound. At the spot where the object had been, the witness found the grass flattened as if by weight, with a nearby bush also partially flattened.

The article then poses questions about this and similar testimonies: Are they hoaxes? Are they confusions with normal events (like helicopters), especially considering the existence of ENOC (European Network of UFOlogists)? Or do they represent manifestations of an intelligence that has adapted to modern technologies? The author suggests that a systematic evaluation of these hypotheses, based on the dossier of close encounters, might provide answers.

Article: "Vient de paraître" (Just Published)

This section announces two new publications:

1. "Vague d'OVNIS sur la Belgique" (UFO Wave in Belgium), Tome II: This is presented as an exclusive French offering from SOS OVNI. It is described as a comprehensive work of over 500 pages with numerous illustrations, providing a complete overview of one of ufology's strangest observation waves. It is available for pre-order for April 1994.
2. "Les OVNI en Provence" (UFOs in Provence): Authored by Michel Figuet (author of "OVNI: le premier dossier complet des rencontres rapprochées en France") and Henri Julien, this book is presented as the first catalogue of UFO observations in the Provence region. It spans 226 pages with color photos and covers observations from the early days to the present in six southern French departments: Hautes-Alpes, Alpes de Haute-Provence, Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and Alpes-Maritimes. It details luminous phenomena, ground objects, and encounters with beings, covering famous cases in the region. It is positioned as an essential addition to one's library, following previous works on UFOs in Brittany, Ardennes, and Cotentin.

Other Publications Mentioned

The issue also lists other ufological magazines and journals, including:

• Fortean Times, n° 71, October-November 1993 (Great Britain)
• Strange, n° 12, Winter 1993 (USA)
• Giornale dei Misteri, n° 265, November 1993 (Italy)
• Contact OVNI, n° 21
• Recherche Ufologique, 1993 (France)
• Mufon UFO Journal, n° 305, September 1993 (USA)
• Northern UFO News, n° 161, June 1993 and n° 162, September 1993 (Great Britain)
• Investigacion OVNI, n° 10, October 1993 (Spain)
• Just Cause, n° 37, September 1993 (USA)
• Celacanthe, n° 72, October 1993 (France)
• UFO Library, October/November 1993 (USA)
• OCENAP Report, n° 209, August/September and n° 210, October/November 1993 (Germany)
• Bulletin de Liaison pour l'Etude des Sectes, n° 39, 3rd Quarter 1993 (France)
• Inforespace, n° 88, November 1993 (Belgium)
• Sirius B Magazine, n° 6, November/December 1993 (Great Britain)

Manifestations à venir (Upcoming Events)

• Norway: First International Workshop on the Unidentified Atmospheric Light Phenomena in Hessdalen, March 24-26. Contact CRULP, c/o Erling Strand.

Free Classified Ads (Annonces Gratuites)

This section contains numerous classified ads from readers seeking or offering ufology-related books, magazines, TV shows, photos, and magnetic detectors. It also includes requests for information on specific UFO cases and research.

SOS OVNI Service Petites Annonces

This is an advertisement for the free classified ad service of SOS OVNI, inviting readers to send their texts for publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a critical and analytical approach to ufology, particularly evident in the detailed critique of Gonzalez Manso's skeptical analysis of the Ummo case. The magazine engages with both theoretical debates and practical research, as seen in the review of new books and the reporting of specific sightings. There is a clear emphasis on providing comprehensive information, as indicated by the extensive reviews of new publications and the detailed listing of other ufological resources. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to engage with complex issues while maintaining a critical perspective. The inclusion of a classified ad section highlights the magazine's role in fostering a community of ufology enthusiasts.