Rencontres Ufologiques - 2013 08 17

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Les Rencontres Ufologiques' from August 2013 provides information on upcoming ufological events and features an in-depth article on the psychological aspects of UFO witnessing.

TV Program Announcement

The magazine reminds readers of the M6 television program 'Enquêtes Extraordinaires' scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at 20:50. The broadcast will feature three new episodes: 'Les énergies qui traversent nos maisons' (Energies that cross our homes) at 20:50, 'Ils ont vu les OVNIS' (They saw UFOs) at 22:05, and 'Contact avec les extra-terrestres' (Contact with extra-terrestrials) at 23:20. A fourth episode was planned based on audience ratings, highlighting the influence of commercial factors over content interest.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

The publication lists several upcoming meetings and events organized by various ufological groups:

• September 3, 2013 - Paris: OVNI Paris hosts a monthly meeting at La Défense for a general debate on the UFO dossier.
• September 5, 2013 - Grenoble: OVNI Grenoble organizes a meeting for discussions on the UFO dossier at Restaurant Atlantic Oak, directed by François Hays.
• September 6, 2013 - Bourg-en-Bresse: AIN OVNI hosts an 'OVNI A TABLE' (UFO at the table) friendly meeting at the Bn accueil restaurant.
• September 7, 2013 - Troyes: A meeting featuring Commander Jean-Gabriel Greslé, investigator Remy Fauchereau, and author Ludovic Chapier, focusing on unidentified aerospace phenomena.
• September 7, 2013 - Lyon: OVNI Lyon and Les Rencontres de l'Inexpliqué host Joël Mesnard, director of 'Lumière dans la nuit', for a conference at Best Western Hôtel Charlemagne. A participation fee of 9 euros (5 euros for the unemployed) is required.
• September 13, 2013 - Lyon: OVNI Lyon and Les Rencontres de l'Inexpliqué host François Marie Périer for a conference on extraterrestrial contacts throughout history, also at Best Western Charlemagne, with the same participation fees.

Readers are invited to submit their own meeting information for publication on the website.

Article: 'Le stimulus, ce phénomène inconnu inacceptable' (The stimulus, this unacceptable unknown phenomenon)

This article by Jean-Luc Lemaire, National Director of Investigations for MUFON France, explores the psychological factors behind UFO testimonies. Lemaire posits that the 'stimulus' that triggers a witness's account is an unknown phenomenon, often brief and observed by few, making direct apprehension difficult. He references the GEPAN's efforts to define a framework for collecting objective data. The article discusses how our senses, education, and accumulated knowledge shape our perception and reaction to the unknown. It uses anecdotes, such as a grandmother's reaction to a camcorder, and hypothetical scenarios, like observing an unusual object on a country road, to illustrate how individuals process unfamiliar information. Lemaire argues that the stimulus leading to a testimony is defined by our upbringing and what we have memorized, often driven by an innate desire to understand the unknown. He suggests that the unknown is 'unacceptable' for many, leading them to either dismiss or investigate it further. The article concludes by presenting a 'new director's schema' illustrating the interplay between acquired knowledge, stimulus, environment, and the witness.

Annie Thériault: Investigation into 'Men in Black'

Annie Thériault, based in Quebec, has conducted an investigation into the opinions surrounding 'Men in Black' and shares her own experience. Her article can be found on the Rencontres Ufologiques website.

First Ufological Café in Valparaiso, Chile

On August 3, 2013, the first ufological café was held in Valparaiso, Chile, organized by ufologist Elizabeth Ramirez. The event, which saw significant participation, involved discussions on UFOs worldwide and the establishment of this new structure. This initiative follows similar successful cafés in Argentina, inspired by an earlier one in France.

Celestial Manifestation in Geneva

An article by Morgan Tinguely reports on a strange object observed in the night sky over Geneva on August 10-11. Skyguide, the air traffic control service, confirmed the detection of an object described as luminous, red and green, resembling a large wing-delta, at an altitude of 500m. Skyguide suggested it could be either luminous lanterns or helium balloons with attached LEDs. The article notes that the release of such objects requires authorization, and none had been requested.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue emphasizes the importance of community and information sharing within the ufological field, evident in the promotion of meetings and the website's role as a federating platform. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging research, discussion, and the sharing of experiences, while also acknowledging the psychological and educational factors that influence how individuals perceive and report unusual phenomena. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown, whether through TV programs, personal encounters, or scientific investigation.