Rencontres Ufologiques - 2013 07 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of Les Rencontres Ufologiques, published by the Fédération Francophone d'Ufologie, focuses on recent developments in ufology and astronomy. The cover features the title 'Les Rencontres Ufologiques' and the organization's website.

Astronomers and Astrophysicists in Montpellier: A Habitable Planet Soon!

This article by Yohan Doucet reports on a gathering of 300 astronomers and astrophysicists in Montpellier. The scientific community is increasingly confident about finding habitable planets. Xavier Delfosse, an astronomer from Grenoble, is quoted stating, "We have found many habitable planets. We will soon find a habitable planet." This optimism is fueled by advancements in technology, such as satellites and telescopes, which have revolutionized astrophysics and astronomy. Aurélien Crida, an astrophysicist from the University of Nice, notes that the number of known exoplanets has grown from about twenty a decade ago to over two thousand candidates. He predicts that within ten years, habitable planets will be discovered, and within twenty years, their atmospheres will be analyzed for signs of life, such as ozone. The article mentions the Kepler satellite, launched by NASA, which observes the galaxy with remarkable precision, comparing its ability to detect distant planets to seeing a firefly on a lighthouse in New York from Montpellier. Scientists also use sensitive spectrographs to measure the subtle movements of planets, even those with speeds as low as 10 cm/second. The article concludes that Earth is no longer an exception and that the conditions for at least unicellular life have spread throughout the galaxy, with the discovery of complex life forms being a matter of time. A footnote clarifies that an exoplanet is a planet orbiting a star other than our sun. The article references a piece from Midi libre.

New MUFON France Website is Online

This section announces the launch of the new Mufon France website, directed by Jacques Patenet, who is also the former director of Geipan. The site is designed with a scientific orientation, focusing on publishing investigations, methodological documents, and important information related to the UFO phenomenon. Mufon France organizes a network of investigators and supports various research projects. The site is intended to complement the Rencontres Ufologiques website, which has a broader public focus and strong ties to French ufological associations. The new Mufon France site aims to be enriched with new sections and analyzed documents over time. It encourages individuals with ideas for studies or expertise in the field to contact them. The site already relies on a network of researchers and competent individuals, and it can connect users with relevant experts for their projects. Users are invited to visit the site and provide feedback. The address is provided: http://www.mufon-france.fr.

MUFON FRANCE IS GROWING

This article reports on the expansion of Mufon France's national coverage, with the addition of two new regions: Le Centre and Picardie. The regional direction for the Centre region is entrusted to Pascal Issoulet, described as an experienced investigator with decades of involvement in ufology since 1978. He has been active in various national associations and has gathered extensive documentation over 30 years. The regional direction for Picardie is given to Patrice Gouez, who also organizes the OVNI Beauvais meetings. Gouez, 41, has expertise in IT and is diligently learning about Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), aiming to master field investigation and public communication. He recently contributed to a local media publication with a serious interview about the UFO phenomenon, focusing on presenting the issue accurately rather than sensationally. The article notes that Mufon France, through its public site Les Rencontres Ufologiques, sees active participation from new authors daily and, within the framework of the Fédération Francophone d'Ufologie (FFU), facilitates affiliations with new organizations and associations to improve the understanding of the UFO phenomenon through investigation and communication.

The "machine" Mufon France is described as launched, with nearly a hundred participants across various fields. The organization invites individuals with ideas about UAP, those wishing to undertake diverse actions, or those managing structures interested in UFOs to join. The objective is to unite as many organizations and researchers as possible, maintaining their independence, to organize future national events and research projects. Mufon France encourages contact for questions and participation in a recognized national or Francophone federative structure. The article mentions that Mufon France has already enabled French representatives, such as François Louange and Xavier Passot, to participate in international congresses in the USA, thus representing the nation abroad. Contact information for the Mufon France website (directed by Jacques Patenet) and the Rencontres Ufologiques website (directed by Gérard Lebat, director of Mufon Morocco) is provided.

THE DANGER OF THAI LANTERNS

Gilles Durand shares an article about a fire caused by Thai lanterns. The article references a BBC news report from Birmingham, UK. The author recounts an incident where an investigator identified Thai lanterns as the cause of a reported UFO sighting. The lanterns, containing candles, fell near hay bales, posing a significant fire risk. The article criticizes the free sale of these lanterns and the current conditions under which they are sold, arguing that they are dangerous and that sales should be more strictly controlled to prevent potential harm and financial loss to individuals like farmers. It suggests that a catastrophe is often needed before such items are banned.

Was a UFO Observed in the Lyonnais Sky on Friday Evening? (June 28, 2013)

This section details a sighting in Lyon, France, on the evening of June 28, 2013. Sébastien Nové-Josserand, a resident of Lyon's 1st arrondissement, reported observing three yellow-orange lights in the sky at approximately 10:58 PM. He managed to film the phenomenon, describing the lights as moving slowly and at low altitude. He states, "I still can't explain it." The lights were visible from his window and then from the Montée Saint-Sébastien, but disappeared quickly. Nové-Josserand waited a day before sharing his account to see if others had similar experiences. He expressed doubt that the lights were Thai lanterns, noting that the three points of light maintained a constant relative distance, which he believes lanterns would not do. The article acknowledges that Thai festivities were taking place in Lyon that evening, but it could not be confirmed if lanterns were released. Daniel Robin, president of the Ovni Investigation association, was not aware of this specific event but has collected numerous similar testimonies. He argues that not all observed phenomena can be explained by Thai lanterns, citing observations of 90-degree turns and tight, constant formations that lanterns would not exhibit, especially in strong winds. The article concludes by posing the question: UFO or lantern? The mystery remains unsolved. A link to a related article from Le Progres is provided. OVNI Informations, organizer of OVNI LYON, has been informed and is awaiting further details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO and UAP phenomena, presenting both scientific perspectives (exoplanet discoveries) and eyewitness accounts. There's a clear emphasis on investigation and information dissemination, as evidenced by the promotion of Mufon France's scientific approach and the detailed reporting of the Lyon sighting. The publication also addresses potential misidentifications, such as the danger of Thai lanterns being mistaken for UFOs, and advocates for caution and regulation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging participation and the sharing of information within the ufological community while maintaining a degree of critical analysis.