Rencontres Ufologiques - 2013 12 11 - No 020

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Les Informations du jour des Rencontres Ufologiques" (The Daily Information of Ufological Encounters), dated November-December 2013, is a private information note from the French Francophone Ufology Federation (FFU) and MUFON France. It serves as a platform for sharing ufological news, reader contributions, and information about the activities of these organizations. The publication emphasizes the free diffusion of its information.

Book Review: "Des Ovnis sur le Nord"

The main feature of this issue is the presentation of a new book titled "Des Ovnis sur le Nord" (UFOs over the North) by Dominique Loison. The book is based on the archives of the G.N.E.O.V.N.I and G.E.R.U. organizations, which have been investigating unidentified aerospace phenomena since the late 1960s. The author, along with Jean-Pierre Dhondt, was interviewed on France 3 on December 11, 2014. The book compiles over 600 extraterrestrial sightings reported in Northern France since the end of World War II, highlighting 20 of the most spectacular cases. The book is 256 pages, priced at €13.90, and published by Pôle Nord éditions.

Local UFO Sightings and Investigations

Several recent sightings are detailed:

• Limoux, France (December 11, 2013): A resident reported seeing a luminescent object with a fluorescent tail descend vertically into the ground. The gendarmerie has opened an investigation, though the object was initially described as possibly a meteorite. Another report from Limoux on December 3, 2014, also involved a luminous object with a comet-like tail, again prompting a gendarmerie inquiry.
• Ardèche/Drôme, France (December 10, 2014): Reports of a strange, bright light in the sky were initially thought to be UFOs by some residents. However, Jean-François Léoni, president of the Les Pléiades astronomy club, explained that the phenomenon was the planet Venus, which was exceptionally bright due to its orbital position and atmospheric conditions.
• La Louvière, Belgium (October 3, 2013): A witness described a large, lenticular or elliptical object with multicolored lights moving horizontally for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The presence of high-tension power lines is suggested as a potential factor in some UFO phenomena.
• Houdeng Goegnies, Belgium (August 2012): A couple observed a tube-shaped object with a bright yellow flame.
• Houdeng Aimerie, Belgium (circa 2011): A young girl reported seeing luminous balls zig-zagging.
• Momalle, Belgium (July 21, 2013): A young man discovered crop circles in a field, accompanied by an unusual silence.
• Villers Saint Ghislain, Belgium (October 1, 2013): A witness saw a cluster of orange points moving erratically around a fixed white star, identified as Pegasus.
• Boffres, France (December 8, 2013): Witnesses reported a peculiar light in the sky, described as a round object with triangular parts and various colors.
• Hautes-Alpes, France (December 11, 2013): Multiple UFOs were reported, observed by gendarmes and aviation technicians, but not detected by radar. This event garnered significant media attention.

International UFO News

The issue also includes a section on international UFO news curated by Jean Pierre D'Hondt:

• Canada: Paul Hellyer, former Canadian Minister of Defense, called for governments to reveal information on the increase in UFO sightings. The Enquête d'ufologie du Canada reported a doubling of UFO observations in 2012, reaching approximately 2000 sightings.
• China: An airport in Xiaoshan was temporarily closed due to a luminous object observed in the sky. Additionally, a former Chinese government official, Sun Shili, claimed that extraterrestrials are living among us and are integrated into various sectors of society. China is noted for having a large number of scientific organizations researching extraterrestrial phenomena.
• Russia: Reports of UFOs over Norway, Israel, Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, and Jordan were linked to Russian missile tests. Astronaut Luca Parmitano captured an image from the International Space Station of a launch from space.
• Mexico: Mexicans photographed and filmed a group of unidentified objects over Guadalajara.
• Peru: The Peruvian government has reactivated its UFO investigation agency due to an increase in sightings, seeking public information.
• United States: The National UFO Reporting Center reported a 42% increase in UFO sightings between 2011 and 2012, with drones being a potential factor in misidentifications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme throughout the issue is the potential influence of high-tension power lines on UFO phenomena. The publication also highlights the increasing accessibility of UFO information through the internet and social media, which is creating pressure for governments to disclose more information. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into ufological matters, encouraging the sharing of information and research through platforms like Les Rencontres Ufologiques and MUFON France. The publication aims to be a federating site for sharing ideas and supporting serious research on the UFO phenomenon.