Rencontres Ufologiques - 2013 07 23

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Les Informations du jour des Rencontres Ufologiques" (Issue 17, dated June 2013) focuses on recent developments in ufology, including international symposiums, new organizational appointments, and scientific discoveries related to extraterrestrial phenomena and celestial events.

François Louange Represents France at MUFON Symposium

The lead story details the successful participation of François Louange at the 2013 MUFON Symposium in Las Vegas, held from July 18-21, 2013. Louange's technical conference was well-received by the audience. His presentation covered the French ufological research landscape, particularly the role of GEIPAN, and introduced IPACO, a system for analyzing UFO-related photos and videos. The theme of his intervention was 'Science, UFOs, and the search for extraterrestrial civilizations'. His invitation to the symposium was facilitated by John Tomlinson, MUFON France's International Relations Director, and the prior visit of David Mac Donald, then MUFON USA Director, to France. This international cooperation is highlighted as a success, contributing to the visibility of their actions abroad. Louange expressed satisfaction with the event, noting the valuable connections made with managers and scientists for future work. Jan Harzan, the new MUFON director, declared himself a 'big fan' of Louange, and Xavier Passot, the director of GEIPAN, praised Louange's expertise.

New Appointments at MUFON France

The issue introduces two new key figures within MUFON France. Mickael Alix, a confirmed investigator, takes charge of the Nord Pas de Calais Region, ensuring investigations follow MUFON's methodology. Alix, 42, has a background in aerospace and aeronautics, with prior experience in press and radio, followed by training in aeronautical mechanics. He also received technical investigator training from the BEA and was a pilot student at CAMI. After working in the audiovisual sector, he joined GEIPAN in 2008 and now brings his expertise to MUFON France.

Thierry Szpiro, an experienced investigator from Picardy and former president of OVNI80, also joins MUFON France. He will assist Patrice Gouez, the Regional Director for Picardie. Szpiro, 52, is a banking executive passionate about motorcycle raids and ufology. His interest in UFOs began at age 18 with a sighting. He was previously secretary and then president of C.P.E.P.S. (Cercle Picard d'Études Phénomènes Spatiaux).

Jean Claude Bourret Interview

Jean Claude Bourret, described as 'Mr. UFO' in France during the 1970s and 80s, discussed the UFO phenomenon on the ADO FM radio show hosted by 'Bob'. Now retired, Bourret remains active in UFO research and recently spoke about extraterrestrial life and a missing UFO photo from his office. His work as a journalist at France Inter significantly contributed to public interest in UFOs, leading to the creation of GEIPAN.

UFO Sighting in Ardèche

A brief report details a UFO sighting in Éclassan, Ardèche, on July 14th. A witness, along with her husband and two friends, observed a round, phosphorescent light that moved slowly before accelerating rapidly and silently. The witness expressed that it was unlike anything she had ever seen.

UFO Investigation in Lyon

A dossier from the association Ovni Investigation focuses on a UFO phenomenon in Lyon and its region, specifically referencing 'The Triangle of June 28, 2013', also described as an invasion of Thai lanterns. This dossier is available on the Rencontres Ufologiques website and Daniel Robin's site.

Declassified UK Government UFO Documents

The issue provides a link to declassified UK government UFO files released by The National Archives in June 2013. These documents cover the final years of the Ministry of Defence's UFO Desk (late 2007 to November 2009) and include reports, drawings, letters, and parliamentary questions. The article notes that this declassification is due to the efforts of British ufologists leveraging administrative publication laws, a process not mirrored in France. Readers are encouraged to download the documents quickly as web pages can be removed.

Ufological Cafés in Mendoza, Argentina

Several articles detail the activities of the Ufological Cafés in Mendoza. The 17th Café Ufológico was held successfully, with attendees sharing knowledge and experiences related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life. New participants included María Barria, Macarena Cid, and Héctor Muratori, joining regulars like Pablo Peralta and Luis Emilio Annino.

A recent event featured journalist Alejandro Agostinelli, who shared anecdotes from his UFO research. Another meeting discussed the book "Invasores. Historias reales de extraterrestres en la Argerntina" by Raúl Díaz. The article also recounts a group's unsuccessful attempt to make contact at the 'mysterious stone of Isidris' on December 21, 2012, near Cerro Arco, Lavalle, during the supposed Maya end of the world. One participant experienced a faintness, while others were frustrated by the lack of any cosmic encounter.

Héctor Muratori recounted an experience from November 1997 where he and his wife observed a silent object with rotating lights that detached smaller objects. María Barria and Macarena Cid shared their experiences with UFO sightings, including rectilinear movements of lights. María also recalled a sighting in Quilpué, Chile, in the mid-1980s of a 'mother ship' which turned out to be a balloon, and a 2003 sighting of lights moving from the coast inland.

The cafés also discussed the 'super moon', the discovery of new exoplanets, potential evidence of multiverses from space telescopes, and the final release of official UK UFO documents.

The next Ufological Café in Mendoza is scheduled for July 31, 2013, at Café Five Stars.

Discovery of a Dual Meteorite Crater in Morocco

A significant scientific discovery is reported: the identification of a dual impact crater in Morocco, formed by a meteorite approximately 40,000 years ago. The study, published in the "International Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics", reveals that the Isli and Tislit lakes near Imilchil are the result of this impact. The craters, with diameters of about 1500 and 1000 meters respectively, are located in the High Atlas mountains. The discovery was made by chance when a local resident found a metal fragment. Researchers collected over 200 kg of fragments, with individual samples weighing up to 30 kg. This is the first such discovery in Morocco. The meteorite is estimated to have been about 120 meters in diameter. The article notes that while over 160 meteorite craters have been found globally, few have been identified in Africa, possibly due to limited research resources. The well-preserved nature of the Imilchil craters makes them ideal for studying the past.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a strong interest in ufology, encompassing both eyewitness accounts and scientific investigations. The publication actively promotes ufological organizations like MUFON and GEIPAN, highlighting their activities and personnel. There is a clear emphasis on sharing information, including declassified documents and research findings, with a global perspective. The inclusion of scientific discoveries, such as the Moroccan meteorite craters, broadens the scope beyond traditional UFO sightings, suggesting a holistic approach to unexplained phenomena and cosmic events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging participation and the dissemination of knowledge within the ufological community.