Phenomena - No 34 - 1996 07

Magazine Overview

Title: Phénomèna
Subtitle: la revue des phénomènes OVNI
Issue Date: 1997
Issue Number: 34
Price: 28 FF
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 1157-4704

This issue of Phénomèna magazine, a bi-monthly publication by the non-profit association SOS OVNI, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, aiming to study them objectively and distinguish them from dogma and sensationalism. The magazine is presented as a serious research tool, supported by a Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee composed of scientists, technicians, and engineers.

Cover Highlights

The cover prominently features the title "Phénomèna" and "OVNIS LA NOUVELLE VAGUE." It includes a portrait of Marius Dewilde, a contactee known for his alleged encounters. Key article teasers include "AUTOPSIE DE L'EXTRATERRESTRE" (Alien Autopsy), which, along with two new books, is said to be reigniting controversy, "RENCONTRES DE LYON" (Lyon Encounters), and "OVNI FILME EN COREE..." (UFO Filmed in Korea...). Other headlines hint at mysterious explosions in Savoie and Gard, and UFO photographs from the USA.

Editorial and Content Overview

Editorial: "Observons"

The editorial, titled "Observons" (Let's Observe), reflects on the increased number of UFO testimonies and the approaching 50th anniversary of the modern UFO era. It highlights the "Project 1947" initiated by American researcher Jan Aldrich, aiming to reconstruct a faithful image of ufology in 1947. The editorial suggests that 1997 is a pivotal year for ufology, marking a period of re-evaluation, and promises a special issue to explore this anniversary in depth.

Key Articles and Features:

• "Roswell, le retour..." (Roswell, the Return...) by Perry Petrakis: This article revisits the Roswell crash incident, questioning the official explanations and the government's narrative. It critiques the "ufology-business" and the creation of a "star system" around certain figures. The piece introduces Dr. Michael Wolf, a scientist and neurologist, who claims to have witnessed and confirmed numerous UFO-related events, including the Roswell crash, alien autopsies, and the MJ12 documents. However, the article expresses skepticism about Wolf's claims, noting that the autopsy is widely considered a fake and the MJ12 documents are doubted by many ufologists. It questions the timing of these revelations and suggests Wolf might be an "affabulator" or a pawn in a disinformation game.

• Kal Korff's Research on the Santilli Film: The magazine discusses the work of Kal Korff, an American researcher investigating the Santilli film, which purports to show an alien autopsy. Korff claims to have proven the film is manipulated, citing evidence such as the reflection in the creature's eye and digital manipulation techniques. He also investigated the case of Eduard "Billy" Meier, exposing alleged photo hoaxes. The article suggests that Korff's findings, while not definitively proving the film is fake, add to the growing doubts and highlight how ufology can sometimes be led astray by fabricated evidence.

• "Marius Dewilde est décédé" (Marius Dewilde has passed away): This section notes the passing of Marius Dewilde, who was known for recounting two alleged contacts with extraterrestrials in 1954. His story was later depicted in a comic book.

• "Bloc-notes" (Block Notes): This section contains several short news items:
• Renaud Marhic's book "OZN - Afacerea Ummo": The publication of Marhic's book about the Ummo phenomenon is announced, noting its availability through SOS OVNI.
• Magazine Production Updates: An explanation is given for delays in the magazine's publication, attributing them to the voluntary nature of the work and the recent acquisition of new equipment (Pentium 133, scanner, PAO software, external hard drives, color printer, and internet access) that required a learning curve.
• "ALIEN" Photos: The magazine presents photos that gained notoriety in the summer of the previous year, claimed to depict a dead extraterrestrial. It reveals that these were actually props from a film, created by Bob Guccione's Penthouse magazine, and were likely a hoax.
• Identified Object in Argentina: An object observed in Argentina and Chile on May 14th (mentioned in a previous issue) has been identified by astronomers at the Harvard Observatory as a component of a Molniya satellite launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome.
• SERPAN Report on Trans-en-Provence: The availability of a comprehensive 144-page report by the Société d'Etudes et de Recherches sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés (SERPAN) on the Trans-en-Provence case is announced.
• Flying Saucer Review and Mufon UFO Journal Indexes: The completion of exhaustive indexes for the British magazine Flying Saucer Review and the Mufon UFO Journal (and its predecessor Skylook) from 1967 to 1996 is noted.
• Bruno Bousquet's "Mystères en pays d'Oc": The second part of Bruno Bousquet's regional catalog, "Mystères en pays d'Oc: la suite!" (Mysteries in the Occitan Country: The Sequel!), containing 90 pages of testimonials from the Hérault region, is available.
• Bob Kiviat and the "Alien Autopsy" Film: Bob Kiviat, who negotiated the rights for the "alien autopsy" film in the US, has acquired a filmed document from the mysterious anonymous cameraman, which reportedly addresses questions posed by Kiviat.

Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee

Page 3 details the "Comité Conseil Scientifique et Technique" (Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee) of SOS OVNI. This committee was formed to bring together diverse expertise and to distinguish serious research from sensationalism. Its members include:

• Patrick Chassagneux (Ingénieur, Météo France)
• Charles Bomy (Ingénieur du Contrôle de la Navigation Aérienne)
• Francis Martin (Climatologiste régional, Météo France)
• Didier Leclercq (Linguiste - Diplômé de linguistique structurale)
• Guillaume de Lamérie (Neuropsychiatre)
• Valérie Salvador (Archéologue)
• Renaud Marhic (Journaliste d'Investigation)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, investigative approach to UFO phenomena, distancing itself from sensationalism and dogma. It emphasizes the importance of scientific methodology and critical analysis, as seen in its support for the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee and its cautious examination of controversial claims like the "alien autopsy" and the Michael Wolf testimony. The publication also highlights the challenges faced by a volunteer-run organization in producing a high-quality magazine, while also showcasing its commitment to providing comprehensive information through various articles, news items, and book reviews. The recurring theme is the ongoing effort to understand the complex and often controversial UFO phenomenon through rigorous research and open discussion.

Title: Phénomèna
Issue: 1997
Subtitle: la revue des phénomènes OVNI (The UFO Phenomena Review)

This issue of Phénomèna magazine, dated 1997, delves into a significant global wave of UFO sightings and related phenomena, presenting a collection of reports, investigations, and new book releases in the field of ufology.

Global UFO Wave

The magazine highlights a worldwide surge in UFO observations, noting that "no country seems to be spared by the current wave of observations." It focuses on several 'hotspots' including Brazil, Israel, and Australia, but emphasizes that the phenomenon is widespread.

Brazil

Several incidents from Brazil are detailed. A report from Correio Brasiliense on August 23rd describes a military police pursuit of a UFO near Brasilia on August 22nd, described as a "large crystal, 2.50 m high, with red and green lights." Another report from Folha da Tarde on September 30th recounts an observation in Bauru where an object that increased and decreased in intensity was filmed for two hours. The magazine also revisits the Varginha case, where numerous people claim military and firefighters captured strange beings, noting that the case is rich in detail and has attracted significant attention.

Israel

Israel is presented as another focal point for sightings. An observation in Eilat on August 4th involved hundreds of people witnessing multicolored lights and flashes. On September 16th, Uri Sakhov from Nazareth reported being taken aboard an egg-shaped UFO by small beings. Another incident on September 12th in Tel Aviv caused traffic jams as hundreds observed a luminous phenomenon. The magazine notes that the Israeli press, particularly the newspaper Ma'ariv, has been actively covering these events.

Other International Reports

Beyond Brazil and Israel, the issue covers sightings from various other locations:

• Australia: The Australian government, through Minister Peter McGauran, acknowledged unexplained observations but stated that most could be explained by natural or artificial phenomena, though ufologists claim a much higher number of unexplained cases.
• France: Reports include a "luminous bar" observed on September 12th, a triangle with "spots" on October 18th, and four "stars" moving east to west on August 5th. The magazine also mentions the availability of the proceedings from the Eighth European Encounters of Lyon.
• United States: Several incidents are reported, including a UFO pursuit by police in Centurion, South Africa, and a sighting in Austin, Texas, where a couple filmed a strange aerial phenomenon. A case from Lagrange, Georgia, involved a TV show discussing UFOs with ufologists John C. Thompson and James Smith.
• Great Britain: Sightings include a multicolored object detected by radar on October 5th, a demi-sphere changing shape with luminous bars on September 27th, and a blue-silver object of large dimensions on September 18th.
• Argentina: A cigar-shaped object with numerous lights was observed on September 11th.
• Bolivia: A witness named Roberto Suarez Molina reported seeing a strange light that stopped, turned red, and disappeared during a trek in the Tajsara Cordillera.
• South Africa: A police helicopter pursued a UFO near Pretoria on August 28th.
• Korea: A major in the ROKAF observed a circular object flying in the direction of his aircraft.
• Jordan: Reports of colored lights observed over Amman, with the Minister of Information stating that Jordanian Air Forces are not equipped to monitor such phenomena.

New Books and Publications

The issue highlights several new books on ufology:

• "Witnessed" by Budd Hopkins, focusing on the "Linda Napolitano" case.
• An ouvrages by Michel Picard about Aimé Michel, a pioneer of ufological research.
• "La rumeur de Roswell" by Pierre Lagrange, analyzing early ufology.

It also mentions that Jean-Claude Bourret, Jean-Luc Lemaire, and Didier Gomez are preparing their own books on UFOs.

Special Observations Section

The magazine features a recurring "Special Observations" section, which compiles and presents detailed reports of UFO sightings from around the world, often accompanied by witness testimonies and journalistic accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the undeniable increase and global nature of UFO sightings, suggesting a significant wave of activity. The magazine adopts a stance of diligent reporting, presenting various cases with details from local press and witness accounts, while also acknowledging the need for scientific study and investigation. There's an emphasis on documenting these events and providing a platform for ufological research and discussion. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and reports without immediate dismissal, while also noting official statements that often seek natural explanations.

Title: Phénomèna
Subtitle: la revue des phénomènes OVNI
Issue Date: 1997
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Phénomèna magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related scientific and cultural discussions. It features detailed reports on specific sightings and incidents, particularly in France, and includes a section on upcoming events and a tribute to a prominent scientist.

SOS OVNI: A Network for UFO Investigation

The magazine highlights the activities of SOS OVNI, an organization dedicated to collecting and investigating UFO reports. Contact information is provided for SOS OVNI France, Québec, and Belgique, along with a general fax number. A communiqué from Malcolm Robinson in Scotland seeks contact with individuals who have experienced a sense of blackout while in a moving vehicle, suggesting a specific aspect of UFO abduction phenomena.

Manifestations à venir

• Several upcoming UFO-related events are listed, including:
• February 22-23: 3rd Solihull International UFO Conference in Great Britain.
• March 21-23: 5th Annual Gulf Breeze UFO Conference in the USA.
• May 17-19: Ninth European Encounters of Lyon in France.
• July 11-13: Twenty-Eighth Annual MUFON International UFO Symposium in the USA.
• September 19-21: 16th Annual Leeds International UFO Conference in Great Britain.

Special Observations: Bordeaux and Alès Incidents

Bordeaux, September 12, 1996

This report details a sighting in Bordeaux where witnesses observed an object with red, green, blue, and white lights at high altitude, described as a large matchstick with a white ball at the front and three lights at the rear. The object remained visible for several hours. The military's involvement and the lack of explanation for its behavior are noted.

Gironde Estuary, September 15, 1996

A credible witness in the Gironde estuary observed an object descending vertically into the water. Described as a red-orange inflatable survival boat, it moved with a person standing on it. The witness was surprised by the object's unusual nature and the lack of engine noise.

Bordeaux Region, October 8, 1996

Madame B. reported seeing white flashing lights above trees that approached and then took the shape of a triangle with two flashing lights at its rear. The object then glided south with brief pauses, despite the witness reporting no sound, comparing the lights to 'halogen spots'.

Alès, September 25, 1996

In Alès, multiple witnesses reported a loud 'explosion' sound, similar to a jet breaking the sound barrier. Some also reported seeing a fiery object fall from the sky after a low-flying aircraft passed. Despite extensive searches involving police, gendarmes, and military helicopters, no definitive explanation was found. The incident involved a large deployment of resources, raising questions about the true nature of the event.

Special Observations: The Parmelan Incident

Haute-Savoie, November 20-21, 1996

This section extensively covers a highly publicized incident in the Parmelan massif, Haute-Savoie. Reports of a mysterious object crashing, a loud explosion, and bright lights led to a large-scale search operation involving gendarmes, military, and civil security. Hypotheses ranged from a falling meteorite or aircraft part to a UFO crash. The investigation involved numerous witnesses, analysis of radar data, and the deployment of a military Puma helicopter.

• Key elements of the Parmelan incident include:
• Reports of a loud 'explosion' and a bright white light, described by some as a 'fireball'.
• Witnesses reported seeing red lights in the sky.
• The French authorities launched a 'Sater 2' plan, a search and rescue operation for downed aircraft.
• A military Puma helicopter was deployed for searches.
• An Antonov 12 cargo plane flew over the area at high altitude, but its pilot confirmed no anomalies or deviations from its flight path.
• The official explanation eventually linked the incident to a combination of exceptional meteorological phenomena and the passage of the Antonov, though this explanation was not fully satisfactory to many.
• Reports of 'men in black' were also mentioned in relation to the incident.
• The investigation involved a wide perimeter, from Geneva to Annemasse.
• The magazine notes that the official dossier was closed but not explained.

Other Observations in Haute-Savoie

Further observations in Haute-Savoie are mentioned, including blue lights seen by witnesses and dogs barking. One witness suggested seismic activity or the release of hydrogen as a possible explanation for the phenomenon.

December 12, 1996

A witness observed a large blue halo from the highway near Hauteville, which appeared to be rotating and moved for about 10 kilometers.

Documentation and Mysteries

The Ummo Affair

A review of Renaud Marhic's book "L'Affaire Ummo: les extraterrestres qui venaient du froid," which investigates the origins and motivations of the alleged Ummites.

The Circles Effect and Its Mysteries

A mention of a book by G.T. Meaden on crop circles, discussing modeling and meteorological theories.

The Man and... Extraterrestrials

A review of Géraud Demarcq's book, which explores the hypothesis that extraterrestrials might be 'intraterrestrials' or a lost human civilization.

Unidentified Flying Objects

A review of a book by Daniel Mavrakis and Marie-Pierre Olivier, providing a scientific history of UFO phenomena and examining various hypotheses.

Acts of the European Encounters of Lyon

Information on the annual European Encounters of Lyon, organized by SOS OVNI, which brings together researchers on UFO phenomena. Available publications from these encounters are listed, including reports on specific cases and scientific analyses.

Congress: Lyon - Eighth Year

• This section covers the 8th European Encounters of Lyon, held from November 9-11. The event is described as a crucial meeting point for those interested in aerospace phenomena. Key aspects include:
• The participation of approximately 80 individuals from France, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland.
• An exhibition and conference open to the public.
• A presentation by Robert Roussel, a journalist specializing in the SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrée Atmosphérique), who revealed that a 1993 scientific committee report advocating for continued UFO research had been placed 'under sequestration' by the CNES.
• Roussel's critique of the SEPRA's clientelism and information control.
• The report concluded that the scientific committee could not account for the SEPRA's contributions since 1988 or the evolution of issues related to unidentified aerospace phenomena.
• The Council's publication was seen as a protest and a declaration of independence from the institution that mandated it.

Décès de Carl Sagan (Death of Carl Sagan)

An obituary for Carl Sagan, the renowned astronomer and science popularizer. It highlights his career, his interest in scientific discoveries, his work with NASA missions, and his advocacy for science and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The article notes his critical stance against ufology and parasciences, and his co-founding of the CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims on the Paranormal). It mentions that Sagan was seen by some ufologists as an adversary and that his passing was met with relief by a segment of the UFO community. Sagan died at the age of 62 from pneumonia, following a bone marrow transplant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena with a focus on detailed witness testimony, scientific investigation, and critical analysis. There is a clear emphasis on uncovering information that may be suppressed or misunderstood by official channels, as exemplified by the SEPRA critique. The publication aims to provide a platform for researchers and enthusiasts to share findings and discuss the implications of UFO sightings, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and a scientific approach to understanding these phenomena.

Title: Phénomèna
Subtitle: la revue des phénomènes OVNI
Issue Date: November 1996
Volume: 25
Issue Number: 94
Publisher: SOS OVNI
Country of Publication: France

This issue of Phénomèna, a French magazine dedicated to UFO phenomena, delves into various aspects of ufology, with a strong international focus. It highlights a significant European meeting in Lyon in 1996, discusses the state of ufology in Germany and Switzerland, and explores the growing impact of the internet on the field. The magazine also includes a comprehensive review of other UFO publications and a section for classified ads.

European Meeting in Lyon (1996)

The magazine reports on a key event in Lyon in 1996, which brought together ufologists to discuss the situation of ufology in Germany. This meeting featured Hansjürgen Kohler and Werner Walter from CENAP (Centrum für Ufologie und grenzwissenschaftliche Erforschung des Phänomens Anomalien), a German organization. The event aimed to provide a platform for discussing the specificities of German ufology, which differs from its French counterpart. The article notes that SOS OVNI took a firm stance against what it perceived as sectarian tendencies within the UFO community, warning against "innocent" exchanges that could lead to dangerous amalgamations, particularly when media reports conflate different narratives.

Renaud Marhic, a collaborator, is cited for his exposé on "sects that speak to you of extraterrestrials," highlighting the risks of such groups. The Lyon meeting also served as an opportunity to present the work of CENAP, which, despite its efforts, has faced challenges, including legal battles related to 'contactees' who were not always honest. The article suggests that German ufology, while perhaps less known, is gaining recognition.

German and Swiss Ufology

The German ufology scene is presented as distinct from the French. While French ufology is characterized by a focus on misinterpretations, German ufology is noted for its close collaboration with military and authorities. The article mentions that German ufologists have dealt with numerous individuals claiming to be 'contactees,' some of whom have faced legal repercussions. The work of CENAP is highlighted as an example of dedicated ufological research in Germany.

Bruno Mancusi, a ufologist based in Payerne, Switzerland, is featured for his detailed analysis of Swiss ufology. His work covers UFO groups, magazines, researchers, and contacts with the military. The article points out the complexity of Switzerland, a country with four official languages (French, German, Italian, and Romansh), and its contribution to European ufology.

Ufology and the Internet

The issue emphasizes the increasing role of the internet in ufology. The Lyon event included a workshop dedicated to the internet, exploring its potential for both information dissemination and misinformation. The magazine reviews Larry Hatch's extensive UFO database, simply titled "U." This database contains detailed information on 14,910 cases, including 1,731 from France, and allows for sophisticated analysis, mapping, and searching of UFO sightings. The article notes that while the database is a valuable tool, its interface is not Windows-based, which is presented as a minor drawback.

Press Review

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a "Press Review," cataloging and briefly describing numerous UFO-related publications from various countries. This section provides an overview of the international ufological press, including magazines from France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Argentina, the United States, Canada, and Portugal. Titles like "Inforespace," "UFO Magazine," "Fortean Times," and "Mufon UFO Journal" are mentioned, along with their recent content and focus.

Notable reviews include:

• Inforespace (Belgium): Issue 94 (November 1996) is highlighted for its scientific approach, featuring articles on scientific hypotheses in ufology, extraterrestrial hypotheses, gravitation, and cosmogenesis. It also critically analyzes Jean-Pierre Petit's theories.
• UFO Times (Great Britain): Described as a comprehensive overview of global ufology, this issue (May-June 1996) includes a dossier on the 'autopsy' phenomenon.
• Italian UFO Magazines: "Il Giornale dei Misteri" and "UFO" are reviewed, with the latter being praised as one of the best on the market.
• Other Publications: Reviews cover a wide range of magazines focusing on various aspects of UFO phenomena, including specific cases, historical events, and scientific investigations.

Key Figures and Themes

The issue mentions several key figures in ufology, including Hansjürgen Kohler, Werner Walter, Renaud Marhic, Bruno Mancusi, Giorgio Pattera, Tin Vankerkom, Vincent de Baeremaeker, Pascal Hubrecht, Francine Fouéré, Michel Piccin, Emmanuelle Scornaux, Jean-Pierre Petit, Auguste Meessen, Léon Brénig, E. Gunzig, Terry Jones, Kent Jeffries, Budd Hopkins, Linda Cortile, and Napolitano.

Key themes explored in this issue include:

• International Ufology: Comparing different national approaches and research.
• Sectarianism and UFOs: The potential for UFO groups to become cult-like and the dangers associated with them.
• The Internet's Role: Its impact on information access and dissemination in ufology.
• Scientific Approaches: Debates around scientific explanations for UFO phenomena.
• Case Studies: Detailed accounts of specific UFO sightings and encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Phénomèna consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology. The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous research, scientific analysis, and distinguishing between credible evidence and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of caution regarding potential sectarianism within the UFO community and a recognition of the internet's dual role as a source of information and misinformation. The magazine aims to provide a comprehensive overview of global ufological activity, fostering discussion and critical thinking among its readers.