SPICA - No 02 - 2002 Aout

Magazine Overview

Title: SPICA NEWS
Issue: Number 2
Date: August 2002
Publisher: Association Sciences et Phénomènes Insolites du Ciel et de l'Aéronautique (SPICA)
Language: French

This issue of SPICA NEWS marks the first anniversary of the association and provides a look at upcoming astronomical events, UFO reports, and educational content related to the sky.

Editorial and Association News

The editorial, written by the president, highlights the steady progress of the association, emphasizing behind-the-scenes work and preparations for future meetings. It notes a period of relative quiet regarding significant aerial phenomena, leading some members to revisit older cases and update the association's database. The president expresses hope that this second issue of SPICA NEWS will be successful and that future issues will be more timely. He announces that the association is taking on new initiatives, including a 'news' section for information from various media sources and a 'misprises' section to analyze potential misidentifications of UFOs.

The association is organizing its annual 'Nuit des étoiles' (Night of the Stars) observation events on August 9th and 10th, 2002. This year, SPICA and ASCW will be organizing these events alone, as CAJ M67 will not participate due to scheduling conflicts. The events will feature astronomical and ufological exhibitions, video presentations, and an optional computer workshop. A new attraction will be the opportunity for the public to use a telescope to follow a star trail, demonstrating the principles of observation and the inverted nature of telescopic views.

Articles and Features

Méprises... (Misconceptions...)

This section, authored by Christian Kiefer, addresses the common phenomenon of misidentifying aircraft navigation lights as UFOs. It includes diagrams (Figure 1 and Figure 2) illustrating how to distinguish between an aircraft approaching directly, moving parallel, or turning, based on the position and blinking of its lights (red on the left wing, green on the right, and white at the rear, plus a red anti-collision light).

"Le Bien Public" 04.02.2002 (Condensed)

A report from Louhans describes a sighting of an orange sphere with a black dot in the middle, which appeared to shrink and be 'sucked' into the dot. The association ALEPI is seeking further witnesses.

"La Dépêche du Midi" 08.02.2002 (Condensed)

In Aveyron, a witness reported seeing a dark orange or red 'boomerang' shaped object flying low and slowly over their house, accompanied by a loud, abnormal noise. The object was observed briefly at 7:55 AM.

"Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace" 13.02.2002 (Condensed)

This article discusses the return of airships, specifically mentioning the Zeppelin and a one-hour scenic flight offered over Lake Constance at an altitude of 300 meters.

"Les Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace" 18.04.2002 (Condensed)

This report celebrates Ariane's 150th launch and its fifth success in three months, highlighting the European launcher's prominent position in the global market. Ariane 4 successfully placed the American telecommunications satellite NSS-7 into orbit.

"Internet" 15/04/2002 at LANDIVISIAU 29

This entry describes a sighting of a dark orange or red 'boomerang' shaped object flying low and slowly with a loud, abnormal noise. The object was observed briefly at 7:55 AM.

Appel d'un témoin sur le Net 23.02.2002 (Condensed)

A witness reported seeing an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) over Rouen and its suburbs at 9:40 PM on February 22, 2002. The object was described as triangular, black or dark, with a white flashing light at each corner and a larger white light in the center. It moved slowly and straight, then made slight sinusoidal curves before accelerating and disappearing to the south. The witness observed it descending and oscillating before it vanished.

Net du 25.04.2002 (Condensed)

This report details the announcement of an 'ovniport' (UFO landing site) being constructed in Bocaiuva do Sul, Brazil. The mayor, who claims contact with ufologists and extraterrestrials, stated that the project is financed by E.T.s and humans, with construction beginning in May and ending in November. A state official expressed skepticism, suggesting the mayor is either delusional or seeking publicity.

"l'Alsace" 08.04.2002

This article reports on a luminous phenomenon observed in Bavaria, Germany, on a Saturday night. An estimated 100,000 people witnessed the event, and some heard an explosion. Otto Guthier, president of the Association of Friends of Stars of Heppenheim, suggested it was likely a meteorite bursting, rather than a disintegrating spacecraft.

Les soirées d'observation du ciel (Sky observation evenings)

This section, featuring a photograph of people observing the night sky, discusses the 'Nuit des étoiles' event. It mentions that astronomical clubs and enthusiasts organize these events to share their passion for the sky. The article references an article by Daniele Brison in the regional pages.

Observation du ciel (Sky Observation) - Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace du 5 juin 1987

This reprinted article from 1987 describes the first 'Nuit des étoiles' event organized by the Bas-Rhin delegation of SPICA (then focused on UFOs and aerospace phenomena). The event took place at Scharrach near Scharrachbergheim. It notes that the night of the stars event did not exist yet in 1987, and public access to sky observation was rare.

Observation du ciel (Sky Observation) - Dernières Nouvelles d'Alsace du 5 juin 1987 (Continued)

This continuation of the 1987 article details the evolution of SPICA's public observation events. It mentions moving locations due to increasing attendance, including a move to Stephansberg near Nordheim in October 1988, which attracted 400 people. In 1992, the Bastberg near Bouxwiller was chosen for its large area and security. The association collaborated with other astronomical groups, hosting between 1400 to 1600 people per weekend between 1993 and 1999. However, the site lacked infrastructure. Since 2000, events have been held in Wintzenheim with the 'CAJ M67'.

Observation du ciel (Sky Observation) - Continued from page 5

This section continues the discussion of observation sites, mentioning the collaboration with 'Association Sportive et culturelle de Wintzenheim'. The Bastberg site offered a hall for exhibitions and video, and a field for telescopes, with a tent for public catering, minimizing light pollution. The current year (2002) presents a challenge as CAJ M67 cannot participate in the August 9th and 10th events, leaving SPICA and ASCW to organize them. The article emphasizes the importance of publicity and encourages members to volunteer.

Constellation de la Vierge (Constellation of Virgo)

This page provides a detailed star chart of the Virgo constellation, including its Latin name (Virgo), international name (Virgo), and abbreviation (Vir). It describes Virgo as the second brightest constellation, representing the goddess of justice. It lists numerous Messier objects and NGC objects within the constellation and highlights its significant stars, including Spica, Arcturus, and Denebola, which form an equilateral triangle. The principal stars of Virgo are noted to form a rhombus with Spica and Vindemiatrix as vertices.

Ciel et données pour la latitude de Molsheim (en heure locale) (Sky and data for the latitude of Molsheim (local time))

This section provides a calendar of celestial events for Molsheim from July to September 2002. It lists dates for lunar phases (New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Last Quarter), meteor showers (Perseids, Pegasids, Phoenicids, Delta Aurigides), conjunctions (Jupiter and Mars, Moon and Venus, Moon and Saturn), and astronomical events like the Autumnal Equinox.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes astronomical observation and education, encouraging public participation in events like 'Nuit des étoiles'. There is a clear effort to differentiate between genuine astronomical phenomena and potential misidentifications, as seen in the article on aircraft navigation lights and the 'misprises' section. The association appears dedicated to collecting and analyzing data on aerial phenomena, while also fostering a community around sky observation. The editorial stance is informative and aims to educate the public about both astronomical wonders and the challenges of identifying aerial phenomena accurately.

Title: Spica News
Publisher: Association SPICA
Country: France
Language: French
Document Type: Magazine Issue
Issue: 2
Date: Not explicitly stated, but articles reference dates from 2001 and 2002.

Content Summary

This issue of Spica News, the second of its kind, delves into significant UFO cases and astronomical events that have occurred in France over the past fifty years. The publication aims to inform both seasoned ufologists and the general public about these intriguing phenomena.

Key UFO Cases and Events:

• 18 July 1952, Lac Chauret (Puy de Dôme): An engineer, M. A.F., reportedly observed and photographed a flying disc in motion. These photographs were considered authentic and exceptional, and were scientifically analyzed by astrophysicist Pierre Guérin.
• 1954 Vague d'observations et d'atterrissages en France: This period saw hundreds of reported sightings and landings across France.
• 10 September 1954, 22h30, Quarouble (Nord): A metallurgist, M. M.D., witnessed a dark object on the railway tracks accompanied by two small beings. He was paralyzed by an orange light projected onto him. The beings were described as short, stocky, wearing dark suits, and possibly wearing helmets or space suits. The object left five symmetrical imprints on the railway, suggesting a weight of approximately thirty tons. The investigation involved the Police, Gendarmerie, and DST.
• 11 April 2001, Vesoul: A report details two brilliant, spherical objects observed rotating in a wide, parallel circle before descending near trees. The witness was about 500 meters away and took numerous photos.
• 17 April 2002, Courcelles sur Nied: An observer reported an unusual, stationary light that attracted attention. The light, which changed color and was immobile, was located on a small mountain. The witness was able to film it for a short period.
• 25 April 2002, Saint Estève: An inhabitant reported observing a luminous phenomenon moving west, initially appearing cubic and then like an orange. This was later identified by the CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) as a scientific stratospheric balloon, not a meteorological one. The balloon, 150 meters in diameter, was launched from Aire-sur-l'Adour and carried scientific equipment to an altitude of 40 kilometers.

Astronomy and Space News:

• Observation des planètes: This section provides a table detailing the rising and setting times for the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn for various dates between July 1st and October 1st. It notes that Saturn observation requires waiting until mid-August or later in the night, while Venus's evening visibility is decreasing, and Mars and Jupiter are best observed late at night or early morning.
• Carte du Ciel: The cover features a celestial map, indicating a focus on astronomy.
• NGC 4526, NGC 5746, M49, M61: Page 3 displays images of these astronomical objects, identified by their catalog names.
• Détails de la zone Nord Ouest: A diagram or map showing details of the Northwest zone, possibly related to astronomical charting.

SPICA Association Activities:

• Les mystères de l'espace (Odratzheim): The municipal library of Odratzheim, in collaboration with SPICA, organized an exhibition on astronomy. The event included a public viewing of the sun through a telescope and nighttime stargazing.
• La fête du livre (Odratzheim): SPICA supported a book festival themed around astronomy, showcasing their astronomical exhibition, a video film, and a meteorite exhibition. A solar observation session was also conducted.
• SPICA à la Fourmilière: SPICA organized a presentation on astronomy and ufology for children at a daycare center, emphasizing the importance of sparking interest in these sciences from a young age.
• Contacting SPICA: The magazine provides contact information for SPICA, including their address, phone number, and email. It also outlines the association's objectives, which include scientific and objective research into unusual phenomena, respecting diverse passions, and avoiding dogmatism or sensationalism. Members are encouraged to share knowledge and contribute new ideas.

Practical Advice:

• Que faire en cas d'observation d'un phénomène insolite ?: This section offers guidance on how to react to an unusual sighting. Key advice includes staying calm, attracting attention, documenting the event with photos/videos, recording details, noting meteorological and astronomical conditions, determining the phenomenon's characteristics, and reporting it to a competent organization.
• Evaluation des distances angulaires: A chart illustrates how to estimate angular distances using hand measurements (e.g., finger widths) at arm's length.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ufology, astronomy, and space exploration, with a strong emphasis on documented cases and scientific investigation. The editorial stance promotes a rational, objective, and scientific approach to understanding unusual aerial phenomena, encouraging public participation and research through the SPICA association. The magazine highlights the importance of citizen observation and reporting, while also providing educational content on astronomy and celestial events. There is a clear effort to distinguish between scientifically explainable phenomena (like stratospheric balloons) and unexplained cases, while maintaining an open mind to the possibility of the latter. The publication also underscores the enduring public curiosity about the cosmos and unexplained events. The price for non-members is 1.60€, indicating it's a publication aimed at enthusiasts and members of the association.