Phenomena - No 43 - 2000 - Les OVNIs de la defense

Magazine Overview

This issue of *Phénomèna*, titled 'LES OVNIS DE LA DÉFENSE' (UFOs of Defense), delves into the intersection of military detection and unidentified aerial phenomena. The cover highlights an exclusive report on military radar 'catching' a UFO, an interview with Antonio Huneeus, international coordinator for MUFON, and the resolution of the Millau case. The magazine adopts a 'NOUVEAU FORMAT' (New Format) for this issue.

Edito

The editorial reflects on the passing of the year 2000 without the predicted apocalyptic events, contrasting the predictions of Jean Miguères and Jean-Claude Bourret. It expresses hope that the end of millenarian anxieties will lead to a decrease in sensationalism. The editor mentions a conversation with American researcher Antonio Huneeus, who coordinates one of the most important UFOlogy associations in the US, and wishes for a reduction in 'dream merchants.' The editorial introduces the main case of the issue, describing it as exceptional because it involves a military 'caught in the act' of official lying for the first time, and paradoxically, the Ministry of Defense officially transmitting a complete dossier to a private group. This is presented as a compelling reason to read the issue.

Cover Story: LES OVNIS DE LA DÉFENSE

The main feature of this issue is an in-depth investigation into a military radar detection of a UFO in the East of France. The article details how a military radar 'caught' a UFO, and how the Ministry of Defense eventually provided a dossier to the private UFO research group SOS OVNI. The cover also teases an interview with Antonio Huneeus, international coordinator for MUFON, and the resolution of the Millau UFO case.

Article: Une détection gênante (An Embarrassing Detection)

This article by Perry Petrakis details a case involving military radars, a civilian witness, a private association (SOS OVNI), a prosecutor, and gendarmes. The case highlights a perceived lack of transparency from French public authorities regarding UFOs. The investigation began with a phone call from witness M.H. from Metz (Meurthe-et-Moselle) on October 30, 1998, who reported observing something unusual on August 6, 1998, at 10:40 PM. He initially mistook it for a star but it moved south-north and appeared as a luminous sphere with a halo, emitting a conical light beam towards the ground. M.H. had filed a report with the gendarmerie.

SOS OVNI transmitted the case to their Eastern delegation for verification. M.H. later recounted that the gendarmerie major showed him a radar plot of the object's movement, concluding it was 'unidentified' and 'not a meteor.' The document was classified as 'National Defense.' M.H. also mentioned that a military jet pursued the object 10 minutes after his observation.

Despite initial delays, SOS OVNI contacted the Gendarmerie Nationale in early 1999 for the official report. The gendarmerie report confirmed the witness's account, describing the phenomenon as a luminous sphere with a bright white light and a conical beam. The gendarmerie noted that the object was unidentified and did not use the term 'object' in their report.

The article further details the efforts of SOS OVNI to obtain information from the Centre de Détection et de Contrôle (CDC) of Drachenbrönn and the Zone Aérienne de Défense (ZAD) Nord. While the ZAD Nord did not respond, the CDC confirmed that their searches yielded no results. However, a later fax from the CDC to the Air Transport Gendarmerie in Metz stated that a 'USE 403' track was found for 3 minutes without altitude information between 10:36 PM and 10:39 PM. This track was detected vertically above Gravelottes.

This discrepancy between the initial response to SOS OVNI and the information provided to the gendarmerie is highlighted as evidence of official obfuscation. The article notes that the radar restitution showed two tracks: one for 3 minutes of unknown origin, and another related to a B-747 flight. The time of the CDC's observation (22h36-22h39) closely matched the witness's observation time (22h40).

Article: Mais que fait donc le SEPRA? (What is SEPRA Doing?)

This section questions the role and effectiveness of the SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrée Atmosphérique), a French government agency tasked with investigating atmospheric phenomena, including UFOs. The article criticizes SEPRA for not systematically receiving information, such as gendarmerie reports, which are crucial for its investigations. It suggests that military authorities might be withholding sensitive UFO-related dossiers from SEPRA. The article points out that Jean-Jacques Velasco, the director of SEPRA, had previously investigated a parasol phenomenon near Metz, indicating that communication channels should have been established.

The article also criticizes the COMETA report for focusing on US disinformation practices while seemingly neglecting significant French cases. It questions the silence of French military authorities and the lack of response from SEPRA, especially given that the gendarmerie's investigation itself raised questions about the unexplained radar track.

SOS OVNI's efforts to obtain documents through the Commission d'Accès aux Documents Administratifs (CADA) are detailed, showing a struggle to get information from the Ministry of Defense. Eventually, the ministry provided documents, including the gendarmerie report and radar charts, but with redactions for national defense secrets. The article notes that SEPRA was informed of the case in November 1998 and promised to integrate it into their database, but it questions SEPRA's actual access to such information, as they reportedly do not receive copies of all gendarmerie reports.

Photos Souvenirs (Photo Souvenirs)

This section features reader-submitted photos from the summer of 1999. One photo shows an American balloon at a hot air balloon rally in Chambley/Metz. Another shows a UFO poster in a shop in Saverne. Three photos depict a service station with a seashell logo in the Australian desert near Wycliffe Well, which had been transformed into a museum.

In Memoriam

The magazine notes the passing of Alain Gamard, a specialist in close encounters, and author Jimmy Guieu, an early French ufologist. Gamard is remembered for his human qualities and his preface to Eric Zurcher's book on humanoids. Guieu, who died on January 2, 2000, was known for his science fiction work and his early interest in UFOs in the 1950s.

News Briefs

• A private UFO research center is reportedly being established in Holtaalen, Norway, with a budget of 2.5 million dollars, aiming to attract ufological tourism. The center will feature consultants like Erling Strand and biologist Thor Stuedal. The region of Hessdalen had a wave of UFO sightings in the early 1980s.
• A Japanese Air Force fighter jet reportedly disappeared off the coast of Fukue Island on August 15th, after being scrambled to investigate an unidentified aircraft. The pilot lost contact with his wingman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the theme of military involvement in UFO phenomena and the challenges of obtaining transparent information from defense authorities. The magazine appears to champion the cause of private UFO research groups like SOS OVNI in their pursuit of official data. There's a critical stance towards government secrecy and a perceived lack of cooperation from official bodies like SEPRA. The editorial stance is one of investigative journalism, aiming to uncover and disseminate information that might otherwise be suppressed or overlooked by official channels. The recurring theme is the persistent nature of UFO sightings despite official denials or obfuscation, and the importance of independent research in understanding these phenomena.

This issue of "Phénomèna" (Issue 12, dated June 1999) is a French-language magazine focusing on UFO phenomena, published by SOS OVNI. The cover prominently features a diagram illustrating the disappearance path of a detected phenomenon and a table summarizing military data. The issue delves into a specific military detection, discusses the state of ufology in various regions, reports on recent sightings, and explores theories surrounding alien abductions.

Military Detection at Drachenbronn

The magazine details a military detection of a phenomenon, providing data compiled by the military that includes changes in course and speed, but notably lacks altitude information. The phenomenon was tracked for three minutes, with its speed increasing from 160 to 71 knots (approximately 130 km/h) and its course shifting progressively from 226 (south-west) to 270 (west). The object covered about one nautical mile before disappearing. The report highlights that the phenomenon was not equipped with a transponder, unlike conventional aircraft. The lack of flight plan information is also noted, as the PLN column in the military table is empty. The article questions why this information, if available, is not shared and suggests that while the military's communication of these documents is appreciated, other cases might be overlooked due to the absence of civilian witnesses.

Interview with Antonio Huneeus

Journalist Perry Petrakis interviews Antonio Huneeus, a Chilean scientific journalist based in New York and responsible for international relations at the Mutual UFO Network. Huneeus, who specializes in South American ufology, notes that while ufology has become highly media-driven globally, Chile is seeing a positive shift with the establishment of an official commission by the government, overseen by the civil aviation authority and directed by General Ricardo Bermudez. He also mentions the involvement of the University of Santiago in creating an official ufology group. Huneeus expresses skepticism about the influence of ufological sects, particularly those led by 'contactees,' but notes that while they are influential, there's no evidence of the kind of collective suicides seen in other cults.

Regarding the US ufology scene, Huneeus describes it as increasingly sensationalist and tied to media narratives and conspiracy theories. He believes that the focus on the Roswell incident has become a major impediment to serious research, with many ufologists unwilling to accept that the case might not be what it's presented as. He likens the situation to the Piltdown Man hoax, which took decades to debunk. Huneeus also discusses theories of alien abductions, differentiating between those who see them as a 'threat' (David Jacobs) and those who view them as potentially beneficial for human consciousness development (Whitley Strieber, Leo Sprinkle). He also touches upon more fringe theories involving 'reptilians' and military involvement.

Huneeus believes that the current obsession with Roswell has diverted attention from genuine historical research, such as studying the Tunguska event or older UFO cases. He argues that if the Roswell case doesn't yield definitive proof, the field might need to reset on more solid ground. He also notes that the media's pursuit of sensationalism, particularly with the rise of cable television and 'tabloid shows,' has further amplified the problem, making sober reporting difficult.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine includes several reports of UFO sightings:

• Saint-Paul-les-Fonts (Gard), France (August 5, 1999): Multiple witnesses reported observing dark triangular shapes moving silently at low altitude, characterized by soft, orange lights, similar to other sightings.
• Arles (Bouches-du-Rhône), France (September 27, 1999): A witness described a dark, triangular form with lights at each angle, moving silently and at high speed. Similar descriptions have been reported in the region since June.
• Millau (Aveyron), France (January 6, 1999): An earlier reported case was investigated by SOS OVNI Languedoc, which eventually found an explanation.
• London Heathrow Airport, UK (June 9, 1998): The Daily Mail reported on a close encounter between a commercial flight and a fast-moving, elongated, metallic object with lights, observed at low altitude. Investigators could not provide a definitive explanation.
• San Diego, California, USA (October 31, 1999): A witness reported seeing a green UFO moving low over trees.

Other Sections

• Book Reviews: The issue features several book reviews, including "Science Interdite" by Jacques Vallée, "Les objets volants non identifiables" by Daniel Mavrakis and Marie-Pierre Olivier, and "Actes des Rencontres Européennes de Lyon." It also promotes practical guides to French ufology and collections of press clippings.
• The Sturrock Report: Huneeus comments that the impact of the Sturrock Report on the American ufology community was minimal, with most ufologists considering it too conservative and a waste of time.
• Hypotheses on Abductions: The article discusses various hypotheses for alien abductions, including psychological factors, electromagnetic pollution, and the idea of 'hybrid babies.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the challenges of conducting serious ufological research in an era dominated by sensationalism and media hype, particularly exemplified by the enduring focus on the Roswell incident. There's a clear editorial stance favoring rigorous investigation and critical analysis, as seen in the interview with Huneeus and the reporting on the military detection. The publication also seems to advocate for a more scientific approach to understanding UFO phenomena, contrasting it with what it perceives as the more speculative and media-driven aspects of contemporary ufology. The recurring theme is the struggle to maintain scientific integrity amidst public fascination and media exploitation of the UFO topic.

This issue of Phénomèna magazine, issue number 28, focuses heavily on debunking a specific case while also presenting a collection of global UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings. The main investigative piece, titled "L'ovni de Millau démasqué" (The Millau UFO Unmasked), details the extensive efforts by the SOS-OVNI team to reconstruct and analyze an event that occurred on January 6, 1999, near Millau, France. The magazine concludes that the phenomenon was ultimately identified as aircraft contrails, a finding supported by detailed on-site investigations, collaborations with various experts (including meteorologists, air traffic controllers, military personnel, and gendarmes), and photographic evidence.

Investigations and Case Studies

The Millau UFO Case Unmasked

The cover story meticulously details the investigation into the Millau incident. The SOS-OVNI team, led by Thierry Gaulin and Bruno Bousquet, conducted a reconstitution on November 7, 1999, near the A75 highway. They interviewed local inhabitants and authorities, including the gendarmerie, who had received a report of a "green rocket" on January 31, 1999. The investigation involved examining the site, taking photographs, and consulting with the road maintenance center. Despite initial hypotheses, including the possibility of military experiments, the team's thorough work, including a second visit and comparison with photographic evidence, led them to conclude that the phenomenon was consistent with aircraft contrails. The magazine highlights the importance of on-site reconstitutions and the perseverance of their delegation in Languedoc.

Global UAP Sightings

Beyond the Millau case, the magazine presents a series of other reported sightings:

• Florida, USA (October 22, 1999): A Vietnam veteran pilot reported a triangular craft with five lights on each side, moving at high speed before stopping and turning right.
• Goose Creek, South Carolina, USA (October 7, 1999): A professor observed a "hamburger-shaped" object with circular lights, which remained immobile.
• Elyria, Ohio, USA (October 1, 1999): A family witnessed a triangle-shaped object with 12 lights, described as blue-grey and the size of a football field, moving slowly.
• Levittown, New York, USA (October 2, 1999): Witnesses reported an immense, silent object resembling a giant baton with a sphere at each end, which performed a sharp 90-degree turn and disappeared.
• Temara, Morocco (August 8, 1999): A man and his children saw a large V-shaped object with bright lights over the beach.
• Sao Felix do Xingu, Brazil (October 9, 1999): A luminous phenomenon reportedly exploded over the Amazonian forest, causing ground tremors and flattening trees.
• Pitesti, Romania (October 29, 1999): A witness filmed a disc-shaped object emitting strong light, which remained stationary over the horizon.
• Lhassa, Tibet (August 18, 1999): A taxi driver and passenger observed an oval-shaped phenomenon with bright lights that hovered for 40 minutes.
• North Sea (February 3, 1999): A Debonair aircraft crew reported an elongated, cylindrical object that enveloped the plane in a red light.
• Malmö, Sweden (November 19, 1998): A photo of a phenomenon was published, noted for its resemblance to the Millau case, but later identified as an aircraft trail.

Reviews and Commentary

Publication Reviews

The magazine provides a comprehensive list of other ufological publications it has received or reviewed, including:

• European Journals: Fortean Times, Mas Alla, Il Giornale dei Misteri, Evidencia OVNI, UFO Sverige, UFORAMA, CENAP Infoline, Inforespace, Skylink, OVNI Marne, Szines UFO, El Ojo Critico, Skeptics UFO Newsletter.
• US Journals: Mufon UFO Journal, International UFO Reporter.
• Other: Anomalies (France), Journal für UFO Forschung (Germany), Contact OVNI (Israel).

It highlights specific articles from Anomalies, including a piece on the Pocantico meeting and an article debunking lunar construction myths.

Letters to the Editor

Several readers contribute their thoughts:

• Jean-Jacques Jaillat (Cépoy) defends the accuracy of his text in a collection of UFO writings, clarifying that his references to "twenty years of reflections" clearly situate the period.
• Williams Dauwe (Rouen) praises the magazine's quality, particularly its analysis of the Millau case and the Cometa report, but expresses a preference for objective reporting over extensive coverage of authors like Timothy Good.
• Renaud Leclet (Bogny-sur-Meuse) points out an error in the date of the Beaver, Pennsylvania case, correcting it from 1967 to 1965, and questions the depiction of a closed fist in a related photograph.
• Claude Maugé (Figeac) appreciates the magazine's content, including the "War of the Worlds" feature, but expresses concern about the proliferation of "delirious" theories in ufology.

Editorial Stance and Distribution

An editorial note addresses the discontinuation of Phénomèna's distribution in Parisian kiosks due to rationalization and competition from other titles. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to ensure they receive future issues. The magazine also emphasizes its non-professional, non-commercial nature, relying on limited resources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phénomèna reinforces its commitment to rigorous, evidence-based ufological investigation. The debunking of the Millau case serves as a prime example of their methodology, emphasizing the importance of on-site work, expert collaboration, and critical analysis over sensationalism. The magazine appears to favor a cautious, skeptical approach, as seen in the critique of Timothy Good and the questioning of unsubstantiated theories. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible reports and speculative claims, and on the challenges faced by independent researchers in a field often dominated by sensationalism and a lack of verifiable data. The magazine also highlights the international nature of UAP phenomena and research, featuring reports and reviews from various countries.

This issue of *Phénomèna* magazine, identified as issue number 42 and volume 14, published in July 1999, focuses on UFO phenomena and related investigations. The cover prominently features the book "OVNI - Enquête sur des faits" by Hugo Nhart. The magazine includes reviews of books, discussions on historical UFO cases, and references to scientific studies in the field.

Book Reviews

The Monkey and the Tetrahedron by David M. Jinks

The review describes this book as a "collection of pearls" in publishing, literally translating to "The Monkey and the Tetrahedron." Its subtitle, "Compelling Connections Between Mars, the UFO Dilemma and the Future of the Human Race," reveals its broad scope. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Cydonia on Mars, a region popularized by a photograph that some interpreted as a "face," though later revealed to be an optical illusion. The author, David M. Jinks, bases his arguments on those of conspiracy theorists like Richard Hoagland and Art Bell. The review notes the book's tendency to present clichés and force interpretations, linking disparate topics such as cold fusion, mysterious global constructions, metaphysics, crop circles, and UFO phenomena with varying degrees of success. The reviewer concludes that the book offers a journey demonstrating that "everything is in everything and vice versa," suggesting it can be skipped without significant loss to general culture.

OVNI - Enquête sur des faits by Hugo Nhart

Hugo Nhart, who identifies as an "investigative journalist," presents his book "OVNI - Enquête sur des faits." He claims each investigation involved cross-referencing and that only compatible information with current knowledge was presented. However, the review criticizes the book from its early pages, pointing out the rehashing of the "Truman satellite" theory. This theory stems from Harry Truman's 1947 agenda, which mentioned "military implications of an attack by satellite." The review contrasts this with the public acknowledgment of satellite projects, which began later. The author's reliance on numerous unverifiable testimonies from places like Argentina, South Africa, and China is questioned. The book allegedly investigates two cases: "Anna" and Gérald Gâteau, which are deemed interesting but lacking independent corroboration. A digression on the Belgian UFO wave offers no new information. The Hessdalen affair is explained away by the ejection of methane from terrestrial faults, presented as a scoop. The review also highlights a serious canard about a UFO crash in the Kalahari Desert, supposedly shot down by a South African Air Force "laser cannon." The reviewer suggests consulting *UFO Magazine* for a more accurate account of this incident.

The review further criticizes Nhart's book for its author's apparent desire to settle scores, which adds to the reader's discomfort. Despite Nhart's stated intention not to retaliate against perceived persecutions, the book is described as potentially misleading readers about international UFO events.

Scientific Investigations and Reports

The UFO Enigma: A New Review of the Physical Evidence

The magazine references "The UFO Enigma," a study conducted under the auspices of physicist Peter Sturrock, described as the first major scientific inquiry since the Condon Report. This work is presented as a logical continuation of the Pocantico meeting. Peter Sturrock reportedly reviewed and commented on texts from a scientific symposium held in September-October 1997. The review notes the scientific rigor of the methodology, making the document a reference for UFO phenomenon reflection, surpassing the earlier Condon report. However, the reviewer points out that the work seems influenced by the omnipresent "Atmospheric Re-entry Phenomena Expertise Service," which is not considered novel in France. The review acknowledges the significant mention of the GEPAN's work (predecessor to SEPRA), promoted by Jean-Jacques Velasco. Despite its strengths, the book is seen as a significant piece in the scientific evaluation of UFO phenomena over the last 30 years.

Historical Context of Satellite Development

The review of Nhart's book delves into the history of satellite development, noting that public announcements of satellite projects by the US came later than the actual considerations. James Forrestal's 1948 report to Congress mentioned preliminary studies for artificial satellites, and the concept was reportedly known in astronautical circles as early as 1946. This historical context is used to question the accuracy of some claims within Nhart's book.

Back Issues and Subscriptions

Page 3 of the magazine features a catalog of available back issues of *Phénomèna*, with titles and brief descriptions for issues numbered 1 through 42. It also includes a form for ordering these back issues, as well as a separate offer for a "Petit guide de l'ufologie française" (Small guide to French ufology), a 143-page reference book with biographies, a history of groups, and important cases, available for 129 FF.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained events and scientific interest (as seen in the review of Sturrock's work), *Phénomèna* appears to be skeptical of sensationalist claims and unsubstantiated theories, as evidenced by the critical reviews of Jinks' and Nhart's books. The editorial stance favors rigorous research, factual reporting, and a discerning approach to the vast amount of information and speculation surrounding UFOs. The inclusion of historical context and scientific analysis suggests an effort to ground the often-speculative subject matter in more concrete evidence and established knowledge.