Rencontres Ufologiques - 2013 08 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Les Rencontres Ufologiques" (The Ufological Encounters), dated August 3, 2013, presents an organizational chart of MUFON France, detailing its structure, leadership, and collaborations. The magazine focuses on ufology, investigative reports, and related phenomena, with a commitment to a scientific and methodological approach.

MUFON France Organizational Chart

The primary focus of this issue is the "ORGANIGRAMME DU MUFON FRANCE" (MUFON France Organizational Chart), version 5, dated 3.08.2013. It outlines the leadership of MUFON France, with Jacques Patenet as the General Coordinator and Director of Investigations. Key figures include John Tomlinson (Co-Director, International Relations), Gérard Lebat (Co-Director, Communication), and Jean Luc Lemaitre (Co-Director, National Investigations). The chart also details regional directors across France (Ile de France, PACA, Rhône Alpes, Région Centre, Nord-Pas de Calais, Midi Pyrénées, Haute Normandie, Picardie, Pays de Loire, Guadeloupe) and specific city-based OVNI (Unidentified Flying Object) contacts (Lyon, Beauvais, Grenoble, Marseille, Paris, Ain). It highlights the roles of Jean Luc Lemaitre in the 'Réseau Enquêteurs' (Network of Investigators) and 'Cours Enquêteurs' (Investigator Training), as well as 'Gestion des enquêtes' (Investigation Management). International cooperation is shown with independent contacts in Nebraska (USA), Morocco, and Quebec (Canada), and collaborations with MUFON Belgium Flanders, MUFON Morocco, MUFON Côte d'Ivoire, MUFON Belgium Wallonia, MUFON Andorra, MUFON Switzerland, and MUFON Italy. The issue also mentions collaborations with 'Cafés Ufologiques' (Ufology Cafes) in Colon, Argentina, and the Mufon Argentine organization.

Father François Brune on Fatima and UFOs

The magazine features a video interview with Father François Brune, described as a regular participant in ufological encounters and a specialist in "the frontiers of death" and the "paranormal." In an interview with Jean Michel Grandsire, founder of JMG editions and director of PARASCIENCES, Father Brune addresses 12 questions, one of which specifically links the miracle of Fatima to UFOs. Grandsire is launching a series of video interviews on his website, Parasciences.net.

Analysis of a Mouscron UFO Sighting

An analysis by Gaëtan Bovy of REUB ASBL discusses a video of a UFO observed in Mouscron, Belgium, reported by NordEclair.be on July 24, 2013. Several witnesses reported seeing a luminous yellow/orange object moving horizontally for about 38 seconds before descending vertically and extinguishing. Bovy notes that the object's speed and behavior are inconsistent with a Chinese lantern, although he acknowledges that the observation period (July) is conducive to lantern releases. He concludes that while Asian lanterns cannot be definitively excluded, the report is based on limited data as witnesses could not be contacted. The analysis includes witness quotes describing the object's movement and disappearance.

Ufology Cafes Join Rencontres Ufologiques

The issue announces that the Ufology Cafes of Colon, in the province of Entre Ríos, Argentina, have joined the Rencontres Ufologiques website. This team also runs the COLOVNI group and is active in local radio broadcasts to promote ufology. The director of the Colon Ufology Cafe is Julio Degenese, assisted by Jaime Borda and Gladys Espinosa. The magazine welcomes other ufology cafes to join.

Book Review: "Once Upon a Missing Time" by Philip Mantle

A book review by Brian Allan covers Philip Mantle's novel, "Once Upon a Missing Time," a work of fiction about alien abduction. Mantle, known as an investigator, transitions to science fiction, drawing on his knowledge of the UFO phenomenon. The story is set in Yorkshire, England, and follows a teacher and his family's descent into a world of fear and madness as they realize they are the focus of an extraterrestrial presence. The review highlights the book's meticulous scene-setting and the author's comprehensive UFO background, particularly during hypnotic regression sequences. Allan recommends the book as well-researched and entertaining.

"Lumières dans la Nuit" Issue 413

The magazine announces the release of issue 413 of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), a French ufology publication. The issue includes articles on "Damages to people," "The Pontet: Person in a ball," "Six strange experiences," "UFOs of the Hudson River," and "Recent observations in France." Notably, it features an investigation by OVNI Maroc (MUFON USA's Morocco branch) about an OANI (Unidentified Aerial Object) diving into the Lalla Takerkoust dam near Marrakech. The article emphasizes that the phenomenon is present in Morocco and that many cases have been documented. Readers are encouraged to purchase issue 413 for details.

"Les Enquêtes Extraordinaires" on M6

Information is provided about Stéphane Alix's television series "Les Enquêtes Extraordinaires" (Extraordinary Investigations) scheduled to air on M6. A special prime-time evening dedicated to the series is planned for August 21, 2013, starting at 9:00 PM. The program includes segments on energies, UFO sightings, alien contact, and a rerun of season 1. The continuation of the series depends on audience ratings, and viewers are urged to watch to ensure future episodes are broadcast.

MUFON Argentina on Radio La Otra Realidad

Andrés Salvador, MUFON Director for Argentina, was interviewed on the radio program "La Otra Realidad" in Santa Fe, Argentina, on July 28, 2013. The interview, broadcast on FM Espacial, discussed the initiatives of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) in Argentina. The program is available via audio on Ivoox.

Jacques Patenet Interviewed by "La Dépêche"

An interview with Jacques Patenet, Director of MUFON France, published in "La Dépêche" on July 29, 2013, discusses his views on UFOs and extraterrestrials. Patenet, a former director of Geipan (a Cnes center for studying unidentified aerospace phenomena), now leads MUFON France. He emphasizes a scientific and methodological approach to investigations, stating that UFOs can be satellites, comets, or military aircraft, and that not finding an explanation does not automatically mean extraterrestrial origin. While acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial life, he finds the idea of identical civilizations meeting improbable. He notes that many extraordinary stories are older, from a time when the environment was less understood. He also mentions that recent observations in the region have been scarce.

Patrice Gouez and OVNI Beauvais

Patrice Gouez, director of MUFON Picardie and founder of OVNI Beauvais, was interviewed by "Le Courrier Picard" on July 27, 2013. Gouez, who has never personally seen a UFO, is motivated by the fact that some phenomena remain unexplained. His website, OVNI Beauvais, aims to collect testimonies in the Oise region and build a database. He stresses a scientific methodology, stating that UFOs can have various explanations and that conclusions should not be drawn hastily. He mentions receiving reports of orange spheres, which he believes were likely Thai lanterns. Gouez acknowledges the public's tendency to equate UFOs with extraterrestrials, often overlooking the scientific aspect, and hopes to foster a more serious approach through his site and a future association.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the organization and activities of MUFON France and its international network, the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, and the reporting of specific sightings and related media (videos, books, TV shows). The editorial stance consistently promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to ufology, distinguishing between UFOs and confirmed extraterrestrial visitation, and encouraging rigorous investigation and data collection. There is a clear emphasis on collaboration and information sharing within the ufological community.