Les Informations du jour des Rencontres Ufologiques

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Les Informations du jour des Rencontres Ufologiques' focuses on ufological training and recent events in the field. It presents the planned curriculum for MUFON France's UFO investigation courses, highlighting the pedagogical approach and the availability of online support.

Training Courses for UFO Investigators

The magazine details the proposed training program for UFO investigators by MUFON France. The program is divided into three levels: Initiation to ufological investigation (1 course), Basic investigator training (13 courses), and Advanced investigator training (6 modules). The basic training is described as comprehensive, covering methodology, data collection, witness interviews, case reconstruction, phenomenon characterization, astronomical data, and the role of GEIPAN. The course is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, with a trainer available online to assist participants. The platform hosting the course is located on MUFON France's servers and is described as a professional teaching tool.

Jean Luc Lemaire, a specialist in pedagogy, developed the initial elements of the course. The training is free and can be followed at one's own pace. The platform also serves as a resource for documentation and answers to frequently asked questions.

Ufological Events and News

The issue reports on a 'Veillée Ufologique' (Ufological Vigil) organized by the Association Québécoise d'Ufologie (AQU) in Montreal, Canada, on August 24, 2013, as part of its 15th-anniversary celebrations. The event included a nocturnal vigil and a presentation on UFO phenomena.

Another significant piece is the publication of an interview with Xavier Passot, the head of GEIPAN (France's official UFO investigation unit), on the Russian website 'Ufologie News' on July 13, 2013. The article is accessible via Google Chrome's translation feature. 'Ufologie nouvelle' is described as an alternative media platform launched in July 2011, providing Russian readers with information on UFO phenomena, including interviews and documentaries.

MUFON France Regional Nomination

Jean-Christophe Grelet has been appointed as the new Regional Director for MUFON France in Guadeloupe and Martinique. This marks the tenth French region covered by MUFON France's expanding network, under the direction of Jacques Patenet. Grelet, a 42-year-old bookseller with a long-standing interest in ufology, has extensive experience in the field and has previously published interviews with specialists.

Debate on Skepticism and Crop Circles

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a debate surrounding skepticism in ufology, particularly in relation to crop circle research. The article features commentary from Gérard Deforges and a response from Francine Cordier-Seray. Deforges critiques the approach of groups like 'Sceptic-OVNI,' which he believes systematically discredit UFO phenomena based on limited studies, citing the example of the Roswell case and a book by Gilles Munch on crop circles.

Cordier-Seray defends the role of skepticism as a tool to avoid being misled. She clarifies her position, stating that she has never called ufologists 'mythomaniacs' and that she considers skepticism essential for critical thinking. She criticizes Deforges for misrepresenting her views and mixing various sources out of context.

The issue includes images of crop circles and a discussion about their formation, with a note that they are all based on circles and lines. The debate highlights the tension between those who seek rational explanations and those who believe in the reality of unexplained phenomena.

Ufological Meetings in Argentina

The magazine reports on the 14th meeting of the 'Café Ufológico de Corrientes' in Argentina, held on August 7, 2013. The meeting included discussions on various ufological topics, personal experiences, and the distribution of books and studies, including a biography of Argentine ufology and a study on humanoid isomorphism. The participants also discussed the economic challenges in ufological research and the importance of networking.

Additionally, the article mentions the successful 1st 'Encuentro de Ovnilogía' (Ovnilogía Encounter) organized by CEFORA in Buenos Aires province. The meeting brought together numerous researchers and enthusiasts.

Participants at the Corrientes meeting also expressed support for a petition to the President of Argentina to declassify official UFO files. The next meeting of the 'Café Ufológico de Corrientes' was scheduled for September 4.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the professionalization of UFO investigation through structured training, the dissemination of ufological information across different countries (France, Russia, Canada, Argentina), and the ongoing debate between ufologists and skeptics. The magazine appears to support the structured approach to investigation and information sharing, as evidenced by its promotion of MUFON's training programs and its coverage of various ufological events and publications. The editorial stance seems to encourage open discussion while also valuing rigorous investigation methods and critical analysis, as seen in the detailed coverage of the skepticism debate.