SPICA - No 05 - 2004 Septembre

Magazine Overview

Title: SPICA NEWS
Issue: N°5
Date: September 2004
Publisher: Association SPICA
Price: 1,60€

This issue of SPICA NEWS, published by the association Sciences et Phénomènes Insolites du Ciel et de l'Aéronautique (SPICA), focuses on a variety of topics related to ufology, astronomy, and the association's activities. The cover prominently features the headline "Un OVNI photographié" (A UFO photographed) and "Un OVNI en cours d'étude" (A UFO under study), indicating a significant focus on UFO phenomena.

Article Summaries

"Une sortie au planétarium de Strasbourg" (A visit to the Strasbourg planetarium)

This article details a visit by SPICA members and their families to the Strasbourg planetarium on March 14th. The outing included a visit to the "crypte aux étoiles" (crypt of stars) exhibition, which covered the solar system, the Very Large Telescope, and the history of astronomy in Strasbourg. The visit continued with a presentation of the southern hemisphere's celestial vault and an exploration of local constellations. The group also visited the observatory's large dome and its historical telescope, noting the impact of light pollution. The article provides the planetarium's website for more information and concludes with the members enjoying a pizza, with plans for future outings, including a more ambitious one to "Mystery Parc" in Interlaken.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the recent general assembly held on April 3rd, where outgoing members were re-elected and the association's activity report and future orientations were established. It mentions that more details about the assembly can be found in the "Dernières activités de l'association" (Latest association activities) section. The editorial also highlights a popular animation, the planetarium visit, and announces the release of the fifth issue of the review, noting that it's challenging to publish four issues per year. The editorial board is considering modifying the ephemerides section to include four months of information instead of three. Members are encouraged to share their ideas and points of view for new articles and to contribute to a new section dedicated to UFO observations, which will feature brief summaries of phenomena.

"Les planètes dans l'astronomie occidentale et extrême-orientale" (Planets in Western and Eastern astronomy)

This article explores the relationship between the days of the week and the planets in both Western and Eastern (Sino-Japanese) cultures. It explains how Western days of the week are often linked to Roman and Greek deities, with Sunday (Soleil/Sun) being a notable exception. The article then delves into the Sino-Japanese system, which is based on seven days and five elements (fire, water, wood, metal, earth). It highlights how these elements are also associated with planets in Chinese and Japanese astrology. However, the author notes that while this system was historically used, it has largely been replaced by a simpler numerical system in recent centuries. The article also touches upon the Edo period in Japan and the potential Western influence on planetary naming conventions.

"CROPS CIRCLE (1ère partie) - UN PHENOMENE QUI PERDURE" (Crop Circle (Part 1) - A Phenomenon That Endures)

This section begins an in-depth investigation into crop circles, tracing their history back to the 16th century. It discusses early explanations, ranging from natural causes to magical influences like fairies or the devil. A notable 1768 English account, "le diable faucheur" (the reaping devil), is mentioned. The article notes the resurgence of crop circles in the 1980s, describing their appearance, often at night, in various crops. It highlights the increasing complexity of these formations, evolving from simple geometric shapes to intricate agroglyphs and pictograms, including mathematical figures like fractals. The article also addresses the issue of "faussaires" (fakes), naming Doug Bower and Dave Charley as creators of numerous circles. It touches upon conspiracy theories involving the US military and laser technology. Finally, it provides a definition of a "faux crop" (fake crop circle), listing characteristics such as poorly defined borders, footprints, and damaged stems. The article promises a continuation in the next issue, exploring the transition from simple crop circles to works of art.

"DEFINITION D'UN VRAI CROP" (Definition of a Real Crop Circle)

This section continues the discussion on crop circles by defining the characteristics of genuine formations. These include extremely neat borders, the absence of footprints or vehicle tracks (except for old tractor ruts), and intact but twisted stems. It notes that animals tend to avoid these areas, and some people experience malaise or euphoria. Other phenomena associated with real crop circles include compasses malfunctioning, strong energetic currents, camera and battery failures, strange sounds, and temporal distortions. The article also mentions the presence of "boules lumineuses" (luminous balls) and their potential connection to UFOs, citing the work of researchers like Eltjo Haselhof, Andreas Mueller, and the BLT team. The author, Jean-Jacques Goetschy, shares a personal experience investigating a suspected fake crop circle near Basel in 2002.

"Compte-rendu de l'Assemblée Générale du 03-04-2004" (Report of the General Assembly of 03-04-2004)

This section provides a detailed report of SPICA's general assembly held on April 3, 2004. Key points include:

• Welcome by the President: Christian Morgenthaler opened the meeting and informed members that it would be recorded.
• Miscellaneous Points: Confirmation of reservations for a Thai evening in Marlenheim, discussion of association meetings, memberships of Marc Dobler and Christophe Martz, and information about the website. A message of support for Alessandri Robert was also discussed.
• General Assembly 2003: The minutes from the previous year's assembly were read and unanimously approved.
• Activity Report: The president presented the past year's activities, noting that while animations were few, the website saw significant development in both its creation and visitor numbers. The association aims to continue growing with member contributions.
• Financial Report: Income from contributions, subsidies, events, and magazine sales increased in 2003. However, insurance costs and administrative expenses doubled. The financial balance remained positive. The treasurer made the accounts available for inspection, and the auditors approved them.
• Election of the Board of Directors: Four members (Christian Morgenthaler, Céline Hansen, Jean-Jacques Goetschy, and Dominique Schall) were re-elected for a two-year term. The board now consists of 6 members, within the statutory limit of 5 to 12.
• Orientation Project: For 2004, no public events like star nights are planned unless requested by an external entity. The association is open to proposals that maintain a positive financial balance. SPICA aims to improve its exhibition panels, focus on ufological research with a database, and finalize its charter. The association plans to increase member outings with diverse themes (astronomy, aeronautics, meteorology, ufology) and is organizing a trip to Mystery Parc. Communication among members is to be improved through contributions to the website and the review.
• Budget Forecast: The budget includes administrative costs, review production, travel, website domain, and contributions to the Mystery Parc outing. To balance the budget, three animations are planned.
• Election of Auditors: Philippe Schahl was re-elected, and Christiane Scagnetti was appointed as the second auditor.
• Miscellaneous: The article notes that organizing sporting and family outings alongside association meetings is becoming difficult. Observation nights will only occur from May onwards, accompanied by astronomy training. Marc Dobler donated material, and Christophe Martz paid for the website domain, leading to Marc Dobler being named an honorary member and Christophe Martz receiving a passive membership.

"Le président clôt cette quatrième Assemblée Générale" (The president closes this fourth General Assembly)

The president closed the general assembly and invited members to a friendly gathering. The issue also includes contact information for SPICA and its website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ufology, astronomy, and the internal activities and development of the SPICA association. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific inquiry and open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena, encouraging member participation and the sharing of information. The association emphasizes collaboration, research, and the dissemination of knowledge through its review and website. There is a clear effort to document and analyze UFO sightings and related phenomena, while also engaging in astronomical outreach and fostering a sense of community among its members.

This issue of SPICA NEWS, identified as Nº4, is titled 'Formation Ufologique' and focuses on the methodology of investigating unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP), alongside detailed astronomical information. The cover headline emphasizes the necessity of thorough investigation when initial checks fail to explain a phenomenon, urging contact with the witness.

Ufological Investigation Methodology

The magazine outlines a systematic approach to investigating UAP reports. It stresses the importance of detailed follow-up with witnesses, including phone calls for complementary information, sending observation descriptions, and conducting on-site visits to understand the context and conditions of the observation. The text cautions that witness accounts can be subjective, with individuals potentially exaggerating their experiences, and investigators must account for this.

Beyond direct witness interaction, the issue highlights the need for further research into various factors that might explain a phenomenon. This includes investigating the witness's vehicle, the nature of the terrain (e.g., marshy ground potentially producing flammable gases), and the surrounding environment (infrastructure like roads, power plants, military structures). Historical context of the observation site is also deemed crucial, potentially revealing past unusual events.

Photographic and video analysis is presented as a key investigative tool, with a strong emphasis on verifying authenticity due to modern digital manipulation capabilities. The need for original photographic negatives is stressed, though even these are not foolproof against sophisticated forgery.

The article also discusses the analysis of any physical objects found, advising precise examination if a witness claims to have found an object related to the phenomenon, distinguishing it from everyday items. It suggests that investigations can extend into diverse scientific fields, including zoology, mineralogy, astronautics, physics, and chemistry, depending on the investigators' insights.

A comprehensive 'phenomenon file' is recommended, documenting all research from initial contact to final analysis. This file remains open as long as a phenomenon lacks explanation and can aid in identifying future cases. The text mentions the development of a computer program to facilitate report generation and database management.

Astronomy Section: The Moon

The issue features an extensive section on astronomy, starting with a 'COURS D'ASTRONOMIE' based on 'Astronomie pour les nuls' by Stephen Maran and Pascal Bordé. This section focuses on "Notre satellite naturel, la Lune" (Our Natural Satellite, the Moon).

Key facts about the Moon are presented: a diameter of 3476 km (slightly more than a quarter of Earth's), a mass 1/81 of Earth's, and a density about 3.3 times that of water. The Moon has no atmosphere, only traces of gases like hydrogen, helium, neon, and argon.

The lunar phases are explained in detail, including the new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous moon, full moon, and last quarter, illustrating how the illuminated portion visible from Earth changes as the Moon orbits. The concept of the hemisphere facing the Sun versus the hemisphere in darkness is clarified, distinguishing it from the visible and far sides.

Lunar eclipses are discussed, noting they occur more frequently than solar eclipses because they can be observed from any location on Earth experiencing night. A lunar eclipse happens when the full moon aligns with the Sun and Earth, placing the Moon in Earth's shadow. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to observe directly. During an eclipse, the Moon can appear reddish due to sunlight filtered and refracted by Earth's atmosphere, with colors ranging from dull orange to dark red, categorized by the Danjon scale. Upcoming lunar eclipses are listed for October 2004 through December 2011.

The geology of the Moon is explored, describing its surface covered in craters of all sizes, from microscopic to basins hundreds of kilometers in diameter. The Aitken basin near the South Pole is highlighted as the largest impact crater. Craters are attributed to impacts from meteorites, asteroids, and comets. Volcanic activity on the Moon is also mentioned, characterized by small domes and vast lava plains known as 'seas,' which appear as dark areas on the surface. Recent findings from NASA's Lunar Prospector mission suggest the possibility of frozen water in craters near the poles, potentially originating from comets.

The text further details lunar features such as impact craters, seas (lava flows), continents (crater-rich areas), and rays (brilliant lines radiating from young impact craters like Tycho and Copernicus). It also describes rilles (crevasses) and central peaks (mountains formed by impact rebound). Lunar mountains are described as the rims of large craters or impact basins.

The phenomenon of the 'hidden face' of the Moon is explained by its synchronous rotation, where it completes one rotation on its axis in the same time it orbits Earth (approximately 27 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes). Maps of the Moon, including the far side, are available in specialized stores, with early photographs of the far side taken by the Soviet Luna 3 probe in 1959.

Observing lunar objects is best done near the terminator, the line between day and night on the Moon. The full moon phase is considered the worst time for observation due to the rarity of shadows. The Moon is described as a hostile environment, with extreme temperature variations between day (+117°C) and night (-169°C) due to the lack of atmosphere and liquid water, making life as we know it impossible.

The origin of the Moon is discussed, with scientists learning from Apollo and Luna missions. The prevailing theory is that the Moon formed from a tangential collision with a massive object, ejecting material from Earth's mantle. This theory aligns with measurements showing the Moon is less dense than Earth and lacks a significant iron core, thus not generating a global magnetic field.

Ephemerides and Sky Maps

The issue includes detailed astronomical ephemerides for September, October, November, and December, listing celestial events such as conjunctions, moon phases, meteor showers (Léonides, Géminides), equinoxes, and seasonal changes. It also provides planetary ephemerides, detailing the rising and setting times for the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn for various dates across these months, along with civil, aeronautical, and astronomical twilight times.

A 'CARTE DU CIEL' (Sky Map) is presented for the latitude of Odratzheim (48°36'10"N; 7°29'20"E), indicating viewing times for different months. An 'Observation des planètes' section advises that Venus will be a morning planet for the next four months, while Saturn will be observable later in November, and Jupiter will require waiting until the latter half of the night.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to advocate for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to investigating unexplained phenomena, combining witness testimony with scientific analysis. The astronomical content suggests a commitment to providing readers with practical information for observing the night sky and understanding celestial bodies. The editorial stance leans towards scientific inquiry and education, particularly in the fields of ufology and astronomy.

This issue of 'SCIENTIFIQUES ET UFOLOGUES' (Scientists and Ufologists), identified by issue number 17 and dated October 14-16, 2005, focuses on a mix of ufological events, astronomical discoveries, and historical incidents. The cover prominently features a headline about the 'first European ufological encounters in Châlons-en-Champagne' and an article discussing the legal troubles of ufologist Robert Alessandri.

Article: Scientifiques et Ufologues, C'est Toujours la Même Chanson

This article, written by Dominique Schall, discusses the ongoing challenges faced by ufologist Robert Alessandri from Marseille. The SPICA association is supporting Alessandri, who is reportedly facing legal issues after his counter-investigation into a case from November 5, 1990. He was condemned for defamation, which the author argues is an arbitrary interpretation, leading to a 'scandalous' seizure of his accounts. The text suggests Alessandri spoke his mind honestly, while his adversary, described as having 'more appetite than a barracuda,' acted aggressively. The author uses metaphors like 'butterfly knots pulling the strings on a world map' and 'sirens of the computer ports' to describe the hidden forces at play. The article concludes by contrasting the 'fever of passion' with letting 'truth die of cold,' and thanks various 'composers' for allowing humor to dance with the night.

Event Announcement: European Ufological Encounters

The issue announces the 'first European ufological encounters' to be held on October 14, 15, and 16, 2005, in Châlons-en-Champagne.

Astronomical Section: Constellation d'Orion

This section provides detailed information about the constellation Orion. It covers its common and Latin names (Orion, Orionis, Ori) and its historical significance, mentioning its ancient names like Tammuz (Chaldeans), Al Jabbar (Syrians), and Sahu (Egyptians, soul of Osiris). The Greek myth of Orion, a giant hunter killed by Artemis, is recounted. The article includes a star chart of Orion, labeling key stars like Betelgeuse (aOri), Rigel (bOri), Bellatrix, and Meissa, as well as notable deep-sky objects such as the Orion Nebula (M42), the Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33), M43, M78, and open clusters NGC1981 and NGC2169. It also notes that Orion is the radiant of the Orionids meteor shower, visible from October 11 to 30, with up to 25 meteors per hour. Betelgeuse is described as a red supergiant about 800 times the diameter of the Sun, and Rigel as a brilliant blue-white supergiant 50,000 times brighter than the Sun.

Report: Arbeitstagung der UFO-Phänomen Forscher Deutschlands

This report details a conference of German UFO researchers held on October 4-5, 2003, in Cröfelbach, near Heilbronn. Representatives from the SPICA association, including Jean-Jacques Goetschy, Dominique Schall, and Christian Morgenthaler, attended. The conference featured high-quality presentations on ufology, related phenomena, and research worldwide. Ferhat Talayhan presented on ufological research in Turkey, discussing Islamic beliefs about extraterrestrial life based on the Quran. Uli Thieme shared information on the Roswell case, suggesting the crash occurred on June 14, 1947, and was likely a Mogul balloon. The SPICA representatives presented on French ufology. The report also mentions presentations on digital photography in ufology by Norbert Esser, crop circles by Harald Hoss and Florian Brunner (attributed to human artistic creation), communication techniques for UFO witnesses by Jochen Ickinger, and German internet ufology sites by Sebastian Krull. Hansjürgen Köhler concluded the sessions with a talk on observations caused by balloons. The report expresses gratitude for the German hosts' hospitality and the organization of the event.

Article: Canular en Amérique (Hoax in America)

This article recounts the famous 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast by Orson Welles on CBS on October 30, 1938. The broadcast, presented as a series of news bulletins interrupting a music program, depicted a Martian invasion of Earth, with the landing occurring near Trenton, New Jersey. The realistic portrayal, including simulated interviews and reports, caused widespread panic among listeners who believed the invasion was real. The article describes the reactions of the Millar couple and others in Trenton, who attempted to flee the city, only to find roads blocked. The broadcast concluded by revealing it was a fictional adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel. The incident led to apologies from Orson Welles and CBS, with Welles gaining fame and publicity, while CBS faced lawsuits and had to pay damages to auditors who suffered accidents due to the panic. The experience left CBS traumatized, leading them to avoid similar 'simulated news broadcast' methods in the future.

NEWS: Mars Express Confirms Water Ice on Mars

This news report from January 23, 2004, details the findings of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Mars Express probe. The probe provided the first direct evidence of water ice at the south pole of Mars. Scientists had suspected the presence of ice for decades, with indirect evidence from NASA's Mars Odyssey. The Mars Express used its Omega spectrometer to detect a 'chemical spectral signature' in the infrared, confirming a significant quantity of water ice mixed with a large cap of frozen carbon dioxide (CO2). While the north pole was known to have frozen water, the south pole was thought by some to be primarily CO2 ice. The ice cap is permanent but likely covered by CO2 ice during the Martian winter. The discovery enhances the hope of finding subsurface ice and potentially liquid water, which would be crucial for future manned missions. A radar instrument, Marsis, is expected to penetrate up to 5 kilometers below the surface to search for potential aquifers. The probe also captured images of water erosion traces, suggesting past water activity on Mars.

NEWS: Lunar Property Claims

This news report from January 22, 2004, discusses the lucrative, albeit legally questionable, real estate market that has emerged for the Moon. Despite the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and the Moon Treaty of 1979 prohibiting national appropriation of celestial bodies, US companies like Lunar Embassy, led by Dennis Hope, claim to be legally authorized to sell plots of land on the Moon, Mars, and Venus. Hope claims to have sold lunar parcels to millions of clients, generating significant revenue. The report quotes legal experts like Ralph Steinhardt and Ram Jakhu, who emphasize that these claims lack legal basis under international law and are essentially selling something that cannot be legally owned. The article notes that the revival of space exploration has increased interest in such acquisitions, with Lunar Republic Society also selling lunar plots. The report highlights the 'typically American' nature of these claims.

Word Puzzle: LE MOT SECRET

A word search puzzle titled 'LE MOT SECRET' by C. Hansen is included, with a list of words related to space and science, such as ESPACE, GALAXIE, LUNE, MARS, OVNI, PLANETE, TELESCOPE, and UFO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers ufology, space exploration, and astronomical phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, supporting independent researchers like Robert Alessandri while acknowledging the scientific findings from space missions. There's a clear interest in historical UFO cases and the broader implications of space exploration, including legal and ethical considerations like property rights on celestial bodies. The 'Canular en Amérique' article highlights the power of media and the potential for public deception, while the Mars Express news underscores the progress of scientific exploration. The overall tone is informative and engaged with the subjects of science and the unexplained.

Title: SPICA
Issue Date: March 11, 2004
Content Focus: UFO observations, astronomy, space exploration, and scientific investigation.

TV Interview on France 3 Alsace

The issue reports on an interview conducted by journalist Carine Bastian for the France 3 Alsace "12/14" news program. The segment focused on UFO observations in the region and featured Richard Heidmann, brother of the late astrophysicist Jean Heidmann, as the main guest. Richard Heidmann, president of the association "Planète Mars," is a polytechnician who worked in space propulsion and participated in the Ariane rocket program. The interview's primary subject was research on Mars, including the robots sent to the planet.

The proximity of Mars to Earth in recent times was cited as a cause for increased sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena. Christian Morgenthaler, president of the association SPICA, was also present on the television panel. Although the discussion covered various topics, a significant portion revolved around UFO research, specifically how SPICA ensures the credibility of witnesses and the conclusions drawn from their investigations.

Following Christian Morgenthaler's intervention, SPICA's website address and images were broadcast to viewers, resulting in a substantial increase in website traffic.

UFO Case Study: July 28, 2004

The magazine highlights a UFO photograph taken on July 28, 2004, which is currently under study by the association. The phenomenon was observed for 15 minutes at 5:40 AM by a witness who was departing on vacation. The publication promises to provide further details on this case in its next issue and notes that another new case is also under investigation.

SPICA's Mission and Invitation

The second page of the document outlines SPICA's broader interests, including astronomy, meteorology, aeronautics, space conquest, and ufology. It invites individuals to share their knowledge and expertise to contribute to the association's growth and understanding.

SPICA emphasizes two core obligations for its members: respecting others' passions and conducting research with scientific objectivity, free from dogmatism or sensationalism.

For individuals who have witnessed an unusual phenomenon and wish to discuss it, have research conducted, or seek an explanation, SPICA offers its services. The association guarantees the anonymity of witnesses and pledges to collaborate with them, utilizing its skills and connections to identify the observed phenomenon.

Contact Information

Contact details for SPICA are provided:

• Association SPICA
• Address: 3, rue des Pierres, 67520 ODRATZHEIM, France
• Phone: 03 88 50 64 26
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://www.spica.org

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a scientific and objective approach to UFO research. It highlights the importance of witness credibility and rigorous investigation methods. The association's stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging public participation while maintaining a commitment to evidence-based conclusions. The editorial tone is informative and inviting, seeking to engage individuals interested in unexplained phenomena and space science.