Rencontres Ufologiques - 2013 08 03 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Les Rencontres Ufologiques" from August 3, 2013, presents a comprehensive overview of the MUFON France organization and its activities, alongside various articles on ufological topics. The magazine functions as a newsletter for the French Francophone Ufology Federation and MUFON France, providing updates on their structure, investigations, and collaborations.

MUFON France Organigram

The core of this issue is the detailed organigram of MUFON France, version 5, dated August 3, 2013. It outlines the leadership structure, including Jacques Patenet as the General Coordinator and Director of MUFON France, John Tomlinson and Gérard Lebat as Co-Directors for International Relations and Communication respectively, and Jean Luc Lemaire as Co-Director for National Investigations. The structure extends to regional directions across France, such as Ile de France, PACA, Rhône Alpes, Centre, Nord-Pas de Calais, and Midi Pyrénées, with specific individuals named for each region. It also highlights the internet site, Facebook presence, and blog managed by Gérard Lebat. International cooperation is noted with affiliations to MUFON USA, and collaborations with MUFON Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia), MUFON Morocco, MUFON Andorra, MUFON Switzerland, MUFON Italy, and ufology groups in Argentina. The organigram also lists the "Réseau Enquêteurs" (Investigators Network) and "Cours Enquêteurs" (Investigator Courses) managed by Jean Luc Lemaire.

Featured Articles and Reports

Father François Brune on Fatima and UFOs

This section discusses an interview with Father François Brune, a regular participant in ufological events and an expert on 'frontiers of death' and the paranormal. He was interviewed by Jean Michel Grandsire for PARASCIENCES, answering 12 questions, one of which specifically addressed the belief among ufologists that the Fatima miracle was an extraterrestrial manipulation. The interview is presented as a video series.

Analysis of a UFO Video from Mouscron

A report by Gaëtan Bovy analyzes a video of a UFO observed in Mouscron, Belgium, published on July 24, 2013. The object was described as a luminous yellow/orange point moving horizontally before descending vertically and extinguishing. Witnesses reported seeing it multiple times. The analysis suggests the object's behavior was consistent with an Asian lantern, noting its horizontal movement, descent, and extinction. While acknowledging the possibility of other phenomena, the report leans towards the lantern explanation due to the limited data and inability to contact witnesses.

Philip Mantle's New Book

This section reviews "Once Upon a Missing Time," a novel by Philip Mantle, known for his work as a UFO investigator. The book is described as a seamless transition from investigator to sci-fi author, bringing firsthand knowledge to the subject of alien abduction. The review highlights that while characters are fictitious, they are drawn from actual abduction cases, and the attention to detail makes the story compelling.

"Lumières dans la Nuit" Magazine Issue 413

The issue announces the release of "Lumières dans la Nuit" magazine, number 413. It features a summary of interesting topics for UFO enthusiasts, including personal damage, strange experiences, UFOs over the Hudson River, recent observations in France, and a pursuit of specters. Notably, it includes an investigation by OVNI Maroc (MUFON Morocco) about an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) plunging into a lake near Marrakech, demonstrating the presence of such phenomena in Morocco.

Stéphane Alix's "Enquêtes Extraordinaires"

Information is provided about Stéphane Alix's television series "Enquêtes Extraordinaires" (Extraordinary Investigations) airing on M6. A special prime-time evening dedicated to the series was scheduled for August 21, 2013, featuring four films: 'These energies that cross our homes,' 'They saw UFOs,' 'Contacts with extraterrestrials,' and a rerun of 'The Sixth Sense.' The continuation of the series depends on audience ratings.

MUFON Argentina Radio Interview

Andrés Salvador of MUFON Argentina participated in a radio program called "La Otra Realidad" on July 28, 2013. The interview discussed the initiatives of the Mutual UFO Network - MUFON in Argentina.

Jacques Patenet Interview in "La Dépêche"

An interview with Jacques Patenet, Director of MUFON France, published in "La Dépêche" on July 29, 2013, is summarized. Patenet, a former director of GEIPAN, discusses his work with MUFON France, a network for collecting UFO data. He expresses a rationalist view, stating that while extraterrestrial life is probable, civilizations identical to ours meeting is more complex. He emphasizes that scientific explanations are sought for anomalies, but does not rule out the possibility of strange occurrences, noting that many extraordinary stories are older, from a time when the environment was less understood.

Patrice Gouez Interview in "Le Courrier Picard"

Patrice Gouez of OVNI Beauvais was interviewed by "Le Courrier Picard" on July 27, 2013. Gouez, who has not personally seen a UFO, is motivated by the existence of unexplained phenomena. As the regional director for MUFON France in Picardy, he created the website Ovni-Beauvais to collect testimonies and form investigation teams. He stresses a scientific approach, aiming to explain phenomena and avoid hasty conclusions, noting that UFOs can be satellites, comets, or military aircraft. He also mentions that orange spheres seen on July 13 were likely Thai lanterns.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the organization and activities of MUFON France and its affiliated groups, the investigation of UFO/UAP sightings, and the media's role in covering these phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on a scientific and rational approach to ufology, as highlighted by Jacques Patenet and Patrice Gouez, who advocate for evidence-based investigation and caution against sensationalism or jumping to conclusions about extraterrestrial origins. The magazine also promotes ufology as a field of study and encourages public participation and information sharing through its website and publications like "Lumières dans la Nuit."