Circulaire CNEGU - No 17 - Series 2 - 1993 mars

Magazine Overview

This document is the 17th issue of the "CIRCULAIRE CNEGU", published in March 1993 by the "Comité Nord-Est des Groupes Ufologiques". It spans 16 pages and is primarily in French, with some English content. The issue focuses on UFO observations, misidentifications, media coverage of ufological topics, and news from various UFO research groups and publications.

Key Observations and Sightings

The "OBSERVATIONS" section details numerous sightings from late 1992 and early 1993 across France:

• Brest (28.2.93): Two witnesses saw a bright white luminous flash with a rectilinear trajectory, described as having helicopter-like speed, coming from the north.
• Nancy (24.10.92): One witness reported a dark triangular object with orange hubs, silent, with ribbed wings.
• Charmes (1.11.92): Two witnesses observed an object about 40m long with bright orange hubs, which appeared to touch the tops of several trees.
• Bayon (2.11.92): Two witnesses saw a silent orange ball zigzagging close to the ground.
• Sexer aux Bois (11.11.92): Two witnesses reported a green ball that stopped on the surface of the Moselle River, moving close to the water before taking off vertically without noise.
• Nancy (1.12.92): Two witnesses observed a green ball flying over the city at high speed, making sharp turns.
• Nancy (20.11.92): Two witnesses saw a green ball flying over the city, making sharp turns.
• Forêt de Haye (Nancy) (7.12.92): One witness observed a silent, pale green spherical object close to the ground, passing slowly overhead.
• Charmes (30.12.92): Two witnesses reported a spherical object emitting an intense green pulsation with a rectilinear movement, stopping momentarily.

An "ANCIENNE OBSERVATION" from 1960 in Pointe Ste Anne, Martinique, describes a luminous object emerging from the sea, shaped like a saucer with colored lights.

Errata and Clarifications

An "ERRATUM" corrects a previous insertion, stating that a reference to M. Hallet's book was mistakenly placed in the "Books (fiction)" section and belongs in the "Books (UFO)" section.

A "PRECISION" clarifies that the short film "Trop près des dieux" was shown at the 15th arrondissement's short film festival.

It is noted that the GEOS project for a slide presentation on misidentifications is still pending further slides.

The magazine "le monde du mystère" is mentioned as reprinting content from the TF1 show "Mystères".

Regarding the journal "Breizh e Paris", JF Boedec is identified as the assistant to the editor-in-chief and a known ufologist.

Media and Scientific Reports

Several media reports and scientific articles are discussed:

• A documentary on Roswell aired on "Mystères" was based on the American series "Unsolved Mysteries" on CBS.
• An exposé from the 2nd International UFO Days in Marseille is mentioned, featuring speakers André Streel and Franz Jost.
• Science et Vie (n°905) is cited for an article on the "black-program" Aurora, suggesting it might refer to multiple aircraft types.
• Le Figaro (2-3/1/93) reported on the Russian "Znamia" project, a large space mirror intended to illuminate the Earth, clarifying it was not an OVNI but an experiment.
• Europe 1 (4.2.93) discussed the Progress space station's 20m diameter reflector, visible from Earth, and its potential for future larger mirrors.
• France Inter (4.2.93) mentioned the space mirror phenomenon, with a journalist alluding to UFOs.
• Several TV news programs (TF1, F3, M6, F2) reported on the space mirror, with some linking it to UFO observations.
• Le Parisien and Le Figaro also covered the event, with the latter mentioning witnesses in the Midi-Pyrénées region and research by JJ. Velasco of SEPRA.
• Le Figaro (25.1.93) published an article on Russian "crazy planes," referencing a specialized review "Air et Cosmos-Aviation Magazine."
• Science et Vie Junior (n°45) featured an article on the Russian space mirror.
• Le Parisien (5.2.93) reported on the Russian space mirror, with witnesses in Toulouse describing it as two luminous shapes resembling diamonds.

Misidentifications (MEPRISES)

A significant portion of the document is dedicated to potential misidentifications of UFOs, providing details of sightings and their likely explanations:

• Lunéville (12.10.92): A dark object on the ground, lit by red lights and a white spotlight, with three silhouettes, was likely a broken-down combine harvester.
• Pont à Mousson (16.10.92): A dark object appearing to descend slowly was likely a helicopter.
• Toul (20.10.92): A green ball leaving a smoke trail was likely a fighter jet.
• Lunéville (14.12.92): A dark triangular object with green and red lights was likely a fighter jet.
• Metz (9.1.93): A metallic object low on the horizon was likely an approaching aircraft.
• St Dié (11.1.93): A fire ball zig-zagging was likely the glow from a helicopter's rotor.
• Merlebach (16.1.93): A silver triangular shape was likely an aircraft from the Strasbourg airbase.
• Stiring Wendel (19.1.93): A fire ball was likely a German fighter jet.
• Darney (2.2.93): A fire ball in a field was likely ball lightning.
• Dieuze (9.2.93): An orange ball was likely a fighter jet.
• Pont à Mousson (10.2.93): A dark object landing in a field and taking off 10 minutes later was likely a Puma helicopter.
• Briey (21.1.93): A fire ball making large circles was likely a fighter jet.
• Metz (22.1.93): A dark triangular object making rapid back-and-forth movements was likely a fighter jet.

Other Sections

• MESSAGE: A request for documents related to UFO photos.
• UFOLOGIE PRATIQUE: Information on the GERU group and a documentary on Earth's magnetism.
• SECTES: An article on Scientology from Reader's Digest and a mention of the Raëlians.
• CERCLES ANGLAIS: A letter to "Science" contesting the idea that crop circles are all hoaxes.
• PRESSE: Various articles from French and international publications covering topics such as urban legends, astrology, cryptozoology (Yeti), ball lightning, the Bermuda Triangle, Carnac megaliths, and Michael Jackson's appearance.
• TV (fiction): Reviews of fictional programs featuring aliens or UFOs, including "Starman", "Trois étoiles", "Marshall et Simon", "Animalia" (with a metaphorical alien encounter), and "Willow".
• TV (ufo): Reviews of programs discussing extraterrestrial life, UFOs, and related phenomena, such as "Rencontre" on Arte, "Coucou c'est nous" featuring André Brack, and "Mystères" with a report on the Roswell crash.
• TV (fiction) continued: More reviews of fictional shows, including "La Terre, cet aimant" (magnetism), "le dossier 51" (conspiracy), "les ailes du délire" (Avro-Car experimental saucer), "Coucou c'est nous" (Nostradamus, UFOs), and "Y-a-t-il quelqu'un dans l'univers?".
• F2 (15.2.93): "Savoir plus" discussed the "little green men" myth related to Mars, Martian canals, H.G. Wells, and the 1938 "War of the Worlds" broadcast.
• TF1 (18.2.93): "Coucou, c'est nous!" featured Roy Thinnes discussing alien abductions and UFOs, and a parody of "The Invaders".
• F2 (8.2.93): "Savoir plus" covered hypnosis, false memories, and psychological therapies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, the critical examination of potential misidentifications, and the coverage of how UFO phenomena are presented in the media (television, magazines, newspapers). The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent archival and reporting of UFO-related events and discussions, with a clear effort to distinguish between genuine unexplained phenomena and more mundane explanations. There is a strong emphasis on providing detailed accounts of sightings, including dates, locations, and witness numbers, alongside information on the sources and researchers involved. The publication also engages with scientific and pseudo-scientific discussions surrounding UFOs and extraterrestrial life, often referencing articles from popular science magazines and news outlets.

This issue of OVNI PRESENCE, dated March 1993, is a French publication focusing on UFOs and related phenomena. It features a wide range of content, including media reports, book reviews, conference announcements, and cultural commentary.

Hypnosis and Recovered Memories

The issue opens with a discussion on the context in the USA where modern American psychotherapy, particularly through hypnosis, is seen as a search for buried memories that can be traumatic. The article notes an 'epidemic' of people recalling horrific experiences, suggesting that the quantity and quality of these memories raise questions about their authenticity. It highlights that hypnosis can lead individuals to find memories even if they don't exist, raising concerns about the potential for false memories and the role of the hypnotist and the hypnotized person.

Media Mentions

Several media appearances are detailed:

• TF1's 'Coucou c'est nous': Featured an astronomer discussing meteorites and extraterrestrial life.
• F2's 'Bas les masques': Hosted a segment on belief in UFOs, including a 'contactee' who shared details about his experiences and family life. The program also referenced books on contactees and extraterrestrials.
• 'Culture pub' on M6: Showcased an American Nike advertisement featuring a basketball player confronting an extraterrestrial, referencing 1950s cartoons.
• TF1's 'Mystères': A micro-spot advertised the program with images of the Roswell crash reconstruction, including a saucer.
• Radio segments: Several radio programs are highlighted, including:
• 'Ici et Maintenant' on 88.2 FM: Featured discussions on UFOs, rock music synchronicities, ancient sites, and extraterrestrial contact. It also included a segment on unusual musical objects ('OMNI') and a discussion on the link between UFO phenomena and religions.
• Europe 1's 'Mon oeil': Included a segment on a UFO sighting reported by a listener and an interview with Alexandre Baloud about his TV show 'Mystères', discussing the verification of mysterious facts and the case of Trans-en-Provence.
• France Inter's 'on efface tout et on recommence': Featured Jean-Yves Casgha discussing his 'Sciences-Frontières' festival.
• Europe 1's 'Arthur et les pirates': Included a discussion on UFOs, with a mention of the 'OVNI' section in the Quid reference book.
• France Inter's 'Là-bas si j'y suis': A discussion with D. Mermet, JB. Renard, and V. Campion-Vincent about urban legends, including rumors about hydraulic jacks under the Eiffel Tower and health issues related to mobile phones.
• 'Rire et chansons': Featured a humorous sketch about TV series, referencing David Vincent from 'Les Envahisseurs'.
• France Info: A segment on the Bermuda Triangle and the Philadelphia experiment.
• RTL: A segment on the Bermuda Triangle mentioning E.T. hypotheses and the 'Philadelphia' operation.
• 'Ici et Maintenant': Two listeners reported UFO sightings, one describing a long red shape above La Défense in Paris.

Conferences and Events

The magazine lists several upcoming and past conferences and seminars:

• Séminaire 92.93: Included workshops on 'The varieties of space-time' and 'Ethnography of mythical experiences'.
• 'Les OVNI : une bien étrange réalité': A conference in Toulouse.
• Pierre Lagrange seminar: A sociology seminar on sciences and parasciences, covering ufology, cryptozoology, and parapsychology.
• 'Les extraterrestres' in Nîmes: An event organized by U.M.R.L.
• Rencontres Européennes de Lyon: A major UFO event featuring speakers like Christian Page, Guillaume De Lamerie, Renaud Marhic, Gabor Tarcall, and Gabriel Constantinescu, discussing various aspects of ufology and extraterrestrial contact.

Books and Publications

Several books and publications are reviewed or mentioned:

• Fiction book: 'Cherche et trouve' by John Wallner, an interactive children's book with space themes.
• UFO Books: 'Dossiers secrets' by Pierre Bellemare, 'Enquête sur un mystère: les OVNIs' by Sandrine Chartier, 'Sectarus' by Commandant J.P. Morin (discussing sects like Raëlians and the Cosmic Brotherhood), 'la cosmogonie d'Urantia', 'les envahisseurs de l'espace' by Ramtha, 'la vie dans l'univers' by J. Heidmann, and 'Rendez-vous avec les extraterrestres' by Paule Picard.
• Other publications: 'OVNI PRESENCE' magazine, 'L'Inconnu', 'Reader's Digest', 'Time', 'Figaro-Eco', 'Téléstar', 'France Soir', 'Le journal de Carrefour Créteil', 'Télé 7 jours', 'Le Monde du mystère', 'Catalogue du magasin "International Stock"', 'Catalogue 1992 Librairie ASTRES', and 'les Grandes Impostures téléphoniques' by JY Lafesse.

Commerce and Products

The issue highlights several commercial products related to UFOs or with extraterrestrial themes:

• SPACE INVADER: An electronic game.
• 'Ca m'intéresse': Featured an anti-drought saucer-shaped humidifier.
• 'Space Invader' game: An electronic game with an extraterrestrial theme.
• Dijon mustard pot: Decorated with small green extraterrestrials and a flying saucer.

Education and Humor

• Education: A class assignment in Côtes-d'Armor asked students to argue for the existence of extraterrestrials. A 'Tintin' educational sheet explained the expansion of the universe with rocket and saucer imagery. An animated film on Canal+ discussed sexual education with extraterrestrials.
• Theater: 'Le Parc', a play by B. Strauss, featured extraterrestrials as primitive deities.
• Humor: An article from 'Est Républicain' discussed an unidentified animal. An excerpt from 'Les Nuls' mentioned an altercation witnessed by Roy Thinnes of 'Les Envahisseurs'. A humorous cartoon from 'Le Figaro' depicted Mitterrand and Fabius discussing 'little green men'.

Architecture

• A4/A86 double-laning project: Mentioned a viaduct project with an egg-shaped glass cover resembling a flying saucer.
• 'Evoluon' building in Eindhoven: Described as a saucer-shaped building that formerly housed exhibitions.

Archives

• Figaro-Eco: An article on 'Sipa en prise directe' discussed a system for accessing photo archives.

Citation

Bertrand Blier is quoted comparing Serge Gainsbourg to an 'OVNI' and his daughter Charlotte to a 'martian'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive presence of UFO and extraterrestrial topics in media (television, radio, advertising), literature, and popular culture. There's a consistent effort to document sightings, analyze contactee experiences, and review related books and events. The magazine appears to present information from various sources, including news reports, personal accounts, and academic research, while also incorporating humorous and cultural perspectives on the subject. The editorial stance seems to be one of documenting and reporting on the UFO phenomenon across different facets of society, without necessarily taking a definitive stance on the reality of the phenomena themselves, but rather exploring how they are perceived and discussed.