Phenomena - No 25 - 1995 01

Magazine Overview

Phénomèna, issue number 25, published bi-monthly by SOS OVNI, covers the period of January-February 1995. The magazine's stated objective is to study the UFO phenomenon outside of dogma and sensationalism, employing scientific and technical means. This issue features a prominent article on the laboratory analysis of a filmed object in Normandy and discusses a legal case involving alleged plagiarism within the ufology community.

Articles and Content

La mémoire en héritage (Memory as Heritage)

This editorial reflects on the extensive documentation compiled by SOS OVNI since 1947, highlighting the significant effort and research undertaken by predecessors. The author emphasizes the importance of this historical data for current research, cautioning against neglecting the past. The editorial contrasts SOS OVNI's approach of objective, non-polemical investigation with what is perceived as a more scattered and less rigorous approach in some parts of French ufology, which may be focused on 'convincing an incredulous world' rather than thorough case analysis.

Film de Normandie : premières analyses (Normandy Film: Preliminary Analyses)

This article details the investigation into a UAP filmed by a witness identified as E.C. on May 14, 1994, in Le Luot, Manche, France. The witness observed a dark, silent object in the sky. The filmed footage, captured with a camcorder, showed the object in various appearances. To gain a clearer understanding, the film was sent for scientific analysis to the Laboratoire de Traitement du Signal – Imagerie Numérique et Ultrasons of the CNRS in Villeurbanne. The analysis, performed by Bernard Barbier, involved image processing techniques such as median filtering for noise reduction and the Sobel operator for edge detection. The results, however, were inconclusive. M. Barbier concluded that the images did not allow for any affirmation about the object's nature and provided no additional information. Despite this, some images revealed indefinable shapes after zooming and smoothing. The investigation into the object's origin is ongoing, with the case remaining a mystery.

Robert Roussel porte plainte (Robert Roussel Files a Lawsuit)

This section reports on a legal action initiated by journalist Robert Roussel against fellow journalists Jean-Claude Bourret and Jean-Jacques Velasco. Roussel alleges that Bourret and Velasco plagiarized his unpublished manuscript, which he claims to have deposited with SEPRA in 1988, in their book 'OVNIS: La Science avance' (published by Robert Laffont). The article notes the rarity and expense of legal proceedings in ufology. It highlights the potential significance of this case, pitting two major publishing houses, Albin Michel (Roussel's publisher) against Robert Laffont. Roussel states that the affair caused him considerable personal prejudice, requiring him to prove his good faith to Albin Michel and nearly leading to the elimination of his manuscript.

Cussac, 1967 : quatre «personnages» et une sphère lumineuse (Cussac, 1967: Four 'Characters' and a Luminous Sphere)

This article appears to be a continuation of a previous report, detailing an incident involving four individuals and a luminous sphere. The text mentions the testimony of a witness, H.L., who, after visiting the Gendarmerie, observed an anomaly on amarantes plants in his garden – they were dehydrated near where the object had been. The article also references the intervention of GEPAN, including a psychologist and two other investigators, who interviewed the witnesses. The description of the object includes its metallic appearance, similar to zinc or lead, and a darker, matte lateral band. Witness testimonies are compared with excerpts from Roussel's original manuscript and his published book.

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

This section likely provides news updates or brief reports on UFO sightings and related events from France and other parts of the world.

Bloc-notes (Notepad)

This is a section for miscellaneous short notes, updates, or brief observations related to the UFO phenomenon.

En direct d'SOS OVNI (Live from SOS OVNI)

This column offers direct reports or updates from the SOS OVNI organization, possibly including recent sightings, investigations, or internal news.

Revue de presse (Press Review)

This section compiles and reviews articles or news items about UFOs published in other media outlets, providing commentary or analysis.

Attention méprises (Beware of Misidentifications)

This article likely focuses on common misidentifications of UFOs, explaining how natural phenomena, aircraft, or other known objects can be mistaken for anomalous aerial phenomena.

Lectures (Readings)

This section offers reviews or recommendations of books, articles, or other publications related to ufology and related subjects.

Vous dites ? (What Do You Say?)

This section is likely a forum for reader feedback, letters to the editor, or responses to previous articles, allowing for reader interaction and discussion.

Annonces gratuites (Free Ads)

This section provides a space for classified advertisements, likely for individuals or groups involved in ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific analysis of UAP evidence, the legal and ethical dimensions of ufological research (as seen in the plagiarism case), and the importance of historical documentation. SOS OVNI maintains a stance of rigorous, objective investigation, seeking to avoid sensationalism and dogma. The editorial emphasizes the value of past research and advocates for a systematic approach to case analysis, distinguishing itself from what it perceives as less disciplined efforts in some ufological circles. The magazine also highlights the challenges in definitively identifying UAP, even with scientific analysis.

Phénomèna, January-February 1995 issue, presents a deep dive into the Ummo affair and other UFO phenomena. The magazine features articles on extraterrestrial communications, witness testimonies, and ongoing investigations by ufological organizations.

The Ummo Affair: The Key to Mystery

This section details the Ummo affair, which began in Spain in 1968 with the reception of precise, scientific messages from beings identifying themselves as 'Ummites' from the planet Ummo. Unlike typical 'extraterrestrial contact' cases, these messages were described as cold, precise, and devoid of messianism. In 1991, the affair gained significant attention in France due to revelations by scientist Jean-Pierre Petit, whose book sold over 100,000 copies. The article highlights the investigative work of Renaud Marhic, who traced the 'Ummites' and identified their human 'agents'. The book is presented as a new perspective on the Ummo affair and the broader UFO phenomenon, including previously unpublished texts from the Ummites' early days on Earth and a letter concerning the Gulf War.

Cussac, 1967: Four 'Figures' and a Luminous Sphere

This article, written by Renaud Marhic, recounts the 1967 Cussac incident. Two children, François and Anne-Marie, witnessed four dark-clad, bearded figures near a luminous sphere. The figures were described as being about a meter tall. Anne-Marie perceived them as having 'crutches' and 'webbed feet,' while François did not observe these details. The figures appeared to be engaged in activities, with one holding a mirror-like object. The entities then entered the sphere one by one, and the sphere ascended rapidly, emitting a sulfurous odor. The article notes that the testimony has remained consistent over 28 years and discusses the psychological aspects of the case, ruling out simple hallucinations or shared delusion. It also mentions corroborating details, such as a gamekeeper hearing a whistling sound and a gendarme smelling sulfur.

In France and Around the World...

This section provides a series of brief reports on recent UFO sightings:

• Pyrénées Orientales (December 13, 1994): A farmer observed a white triangle with luminous edges and a grey base moving rapidly and silently from west to east.
• Calvados (January 1, 1995): Multiple sightings were reported, including a strong red-rose light that resolved into a cylindrical object moving silently, a red ball, and a luminous object with orange lights underneath. Another report described a red rocket-like object that traced a circular arc.
• Hauts-de-Seine (January 3, 1995): A witness observed a golden horizontal line with a dark, indigo/violet mass in front, which disappeared after a few seconds.
• Val-de-Marne (January 11, 1995): Two groups of six luminous points, described as pink-orange with symmetrical extensions, were seen rotating and moving in a straight line.
• Loire-Atlantique (January 20, 1995): A young man reported a grey-black sphere with a square underside that disappeared with a whistling sound.

Press Review

This section reviews recent publications in the ufology field:

• Puerto Rico: The magazine 'Evidencia OVNI' (No. 3, 1994) is highlighted for its coverage of astonishing cases, including an alleged extraterrestrial corpse discovery and an alien abduction.
• Belgium: The 'Journal du CE EPA' (Centre Européen d'Etude des Phénomènes Aériens) is introduced, with Christian Daubioul as its representative. The review expresses hope for its success while noting the challenge of fragmentation in European ufology.
• Germany: The 'Journal fur UFOForschung' (JUFOF) is presented. It functions similarly to SOS OVNI in France, with a hotline and investigative efforts. The review notes its collaboration with the German magazine CENAP.

Bloc-notes

This section contains several short items:

• A debunking of a Paris Match article claiming the 8th Air Force recovered a UFO with alien bodies in 1947. The article suggests Paris Match conflated information from the official army press release with details from Frank Scully's book 'Behind the Flying Saucers'.
• A promotion for the URANE model saucer, offered at a reduced price.
• An acknowledgment of reader support and encouragement for Phénomèna.
• A list of participants expected at an international UFO conference in Sheffield.
• A sad announcement of the death of Charles Carreau, a pioneer in ufological investigation and a long-time correspondent for France Soir.

In Direct from SOS OVNI

This interview with Christian Soudet, representative of SOS OVNI Seine-Maritime, discusses the organization's mission and activities. SOS OVNI is presented as a network for monitoring, alerting, and investigating UFO cases, utilizing radar data, laboratory analysis, and a network of correspondents. Soudet explains his motivation for joining SOS OVNI, which was to move beyond mere observation to serious investigation and to find a structure that could unite field researchers and scientists. He highlights the complexity of the UFO phenomenon and the need for a more proactive approach, including direct observation and detection using advanced technology. He expresses concern about the lack of preparedness for future UFO waves in Europe and suggests the creation of a European structure for UFO detection and analysis.

Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique (Volume I)

This is an announcement for a book titled 'Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique' (UFO Wave over Belgium), a comprehensive work of over 500 pages detailing thousands of sightings in Belgium. The book is presented as essential for ufologists and will be complemented by a second volume.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and the need to move beyond mere collection of sightings. There is a focus on debunking sensationalized or inaccurate reports, as seen in the 'Bloc-notes' section regarding the Roswell incident. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena while advocating for scientific methods and technological advancements in detection and analysis. The magazine also highlights the collaborative efforts of ufological organizations across different countries, suggesting a growing international community dedicated to understanding the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of Phénomèna, dated January-February 1995, offers a comprehensive look into the world of UFOs and related phenomena. The cover prominently features a poll indicating public belief in UFOs, with 70% believing and 30% disbelieving. The magazine covers a range of topics, from media analysis of UFO sightings to in-depth investigations and book reviews.

French UFO Scene

The French UFO landscape in January 1995 was marked by several television programs. Télé Monte Carlo (TMC) launched 'Dites nous tout,' an emission that, despite its format, provided little substantial information on UFO observations, particularly around the Col de Vence. France 2's 'Matin Bonheur' also featured UFO-related discussions, including a digression on the Roswell incident, which the magazine notes as a curious choice given the program's focus.

The article critiques the tendency for some ufologists to engage in what it terms 'conspirationnite,' accusing others of being disinformation agents. It questions the timing of these accusations, particularly concerning older cases like Cergy-Pontoise and Migueres. The issue also previews TF1's 'J'y crois, J'y crois pas,' hosted by Tina Kieffer, which featured a panel of experts and witnesses.

International UFO News

Russia: The magazine highlights an interview with Leonid Chebarchine, a former KGB official, regarding the Ummo affair. Chebarchine suggests the KGB was capable of creating such a hoax, but believed its purpose was industrial espionage rather than propaganda. The issue also features an interview with the daughter of Lev Termene.

Spain: Spanish publication 'Cuadernos De Ufologia' (CDU) released a special dossier on the Ummo affair. The magazine notes the absence of researcher Javier Sierra, who had a privileged contact with José Luis Jordàn Peña, the alleged author of the Ummo letters. The article criticizes CDU's choice of articles, preferring a less political piece on the Ummo affair.

China: A report from Beijing Information discusses an international conference on UFOs held in Beijing, attended by over 50 scientists. The conference aimed to foster research into UFOs in China, promoting scientific knowledge and social stability.

Book Reviews and Features

'L'Homme et... les extraterrestres': This book by Gérard Demarcq, a professor of Earth Sciences, presents a personal view on the origin of UFOs, suggesting a 'para-terrestrial' hypothesis. The review notes the author's scientific approach but questions some of his conclusions, particularly regarding the uniqueness of humanity and the possibility of ancient civilizations.

'Encounter at Buff Ledge': This book by Walter N. Webb details his extensive investigation into a UFO encounter that occurred on August 7, 1968. The review praises Webb's meticulous research methods, including the use of hypnosis, and highlights the book's contribution to the history of ufological investigation.

'Le marché du diable': This book by Roger Faligot and Rémi Kauffer explores the complex relationship between esotericism, secret societies, and political power. The review notes its detailed research into various occult movements and their historical connections, including a chapter that touches upon the Ummo affair and UFOs linked to the ex-KGB.

'SOS OVNI's Press Clippings 1994': The magazine announces a compilation of press clippings from 1994, collected by SOS OVNI, which serves as raw material for researchers interested in UFO cases.

'Vous dites ?' (Letters to the Editor)

Jean-Pierre Petit expresses his views on the magazine's coverage of the Ummo affair. He highlights recent scientific publications, including an article in 'Nuovo Cimento' on the 'Missing Mass Problem,' which he claims is based on Ummo texts and presents a 'twin field equation' that could explain universal evolution and galactic structures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently addresses the challenges of UFO research, including the role of media, the potential for misinterpretation, and the prevalence of 'conspiracy theories' within the ufological community. Phénomèna appears to advocate for rigorous, evidence-based investigation while acknowledging the speculative nature of many UFO phenomena. The magazine also emphasizes its commitment to providing a platform for diverse viewpoints, as seen in its 'Vous dites?' section, and encourages reader participation through its 'Appel aux lecteurs' (Call to readers) for donations to support advertising efforts.

This issue of Phénomèna, dated January-February 1995, is published by SOS OVNI and focuses on UFO phenomena, ufology, and related mysteries. The cover headline, 'OUVREZ UNE FENETRE SUR DE NOUVEAUX MONDES' (Open a window to new worlds), sets the tone for exploring the unknown. The magazine features a collage of past covers, highlighting previous articles on topics like Norwegian UFOs, encounters in Lyon, and the Belgian UFO wave.

Theoretical Physics and the 'Ummites'

The issue begins with an exploration of theoretical physics, specifically the concept of spiral structure and the 'ummites' phenomenon. The article discusses the possibility of constructing a hyperspatial transfer model from neutron stars, referencing information allegedly provided by the 'ummites' in 1993-94. It also touches upon the 'ummites' clarification regarding the Orion proplyd, suggesting it might be a toroidal nebula rather than a protoplanetary one. The text mentions ongoing work on four-valued logic, with applications foreseen for paradoxes like Russell's and theorems like Gödel's and Fermat's, which the 'ummites' claim can be proven simply using four-valued logic.

Debates on Disinformation and UFO Literature

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a debate concerning the nature of information provided by 'mysterious correspondents,' particularly the 'ummites.' Gildas Bourdais critiques the notion of 'disinterested aid,' highlighting what he perceives as propaganda and disinformation within ummite literature. He argues that the scientific aspect is merely a 'hook' to disseminate a certain ideology, and that the 'ummites' have achieved considerable success in this regard. Bourdais also notes that current ummite letters differ significantly from those predating 1991 and questions the continued focus on Jordan Peña's alleged false confessions.

Jean-Pierre Petit, in a letter, defends his work and clarifies that his actions were a response to a perceived disinformation campaign. He also addresses the 'ummites' theory regarding hyperspatial transfer and toroidal nebulae.

The Téhéran UFO Incident: Klass vs. Counterarguments

The magazine extensively discusses the UFO incident in Téhéran on September 19, 1976. It references an article by Renaud Marhic and Philip J. Klass's investigation published in 'UFOs: The Public Deceived.' The report by Lieutenant-Colonel Olin R. Mooy, initially classified as 'confidential,' is presented, detailing the events from the perspective of the Iranian Air Force. Klass's explanation suggests the objects were Jupiter and a meteor, attributing the F-4's electrical and radio problems to maintenance issues. However, the magazine presents counterarguments, questioning Klass's methodology and highlighting that the incident was known to ufologists for years. It points out that Klass omitted crucial details from Carter's written deposition to NICAP, which described the UFO with an apparent dimension reaching the size of the moon. This omission, the article suggests, makes it easier for Klass to dismiss the sighting as mistaking Venus for a UFO. The magazine also notes that the US military documents concerning the affair indicated significant American interest, contradicting Klass's hypothesis of a simple confusion.

Bruno Mancusi, in his letter, criticizes the 'manichean' approach of some books, which pit 'good researchers' against 'bad debunkers.' He defends Phénomèna's position of 'active neutrality' and its aim to avoid the confusion and proselytism prevalent in ufology. He also points out that the US military documents suggest more American interest in the Téhéran case than Klass acknowledges.

Thibaud Jean-Pierre offers a different perspective on the Téhéran incident, suggesting the UFO was above a US base and that the Iranian pilots were ordered to attack, leading to the UFO disabling their systems. He claims this version was suppressed by the US to avoid embarrassment.

Other UFO-Related Discussions

The magazine includes a section on 'Les Objets Volants Non Identifiables' (Unidentified Flying Objects), referencing a book by Daniel Mavrakis and Marie-Pierre Olivier. This book is described as a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge, examining the history of UFO interest, hypotheses, and the testimonies of 'contactees.'

Reader Contributions and 'Annonces Gratuites'

Several sections feature reader letters and contributions. Gildas Bourdais responds to a critique of his book, defending his approach and questioning the magazine's stance on UFO reality. Philip Klass also writes in, clarifying his role as a member of SOBEPS and correcting a potential misinterpretation in his previous letter regarding the Belgian UFO wave.

The 'Annonces gratuites' (Free Ads) section is a prominent feature, with numerous readers seeking specific UFO-related books, magazines, documents, and photographs. Collectors are looking for items related to Roswell, Adamski, Hynek, Vallée, and various other ufological topics. There are also requests for testimonies and information on specific cases and phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of UFO literature, the debate between believers and debunkers, the analysis of specific UFO cases (particularly Téhéran), and the ongoing search for verifiable information in ufology. The editorial stance, as expressed by the magazine and some contributors, is one of 'active neutrality' and a commitment to rigorous, evidence-based research, aiming to counter disinformation and speculation. The magazine positions itself as a platform for diverse viewpoints within ufology, while maintaining a critical perspective on unsubstantiated claims.

Subscription Information

The back cover includes a subscription form for Phénomèna, offering a one-year subscription (6 issues) for 150 French Francs (a reduced price from the usual 168 Francs). It also advertises the magazine's commitment to bringing readers new insights into UFO phenomena.