SPICA - No 09 - 2007 Janvier

Magazine Overview

Title: SPICA NEWS
Issue: N° 9
Date: January 2007
Publisher: association SPICA
Price: 1,80€

This issue of SPICA NEWS, a periodic review from the association SPICA, focuses on ufological events and scientific phenomena. It announces the creation of a new association, SPICA Champagne, and provides a comprehensive look at activities and discussions within the ufology community.

Editorial and Association News

The President's editorial, "Bonne et heureuse année 2007," extends New Year wishes and highlights the formation of SPICA Champagne. The editorial mentions SPICA's participation in the Téléthon with the new association and previews articles on the German ufologists' meeting and a photographic misadventure in Carcassonne. It notes that while few investigations occurred in 2006, some cases were interesting. The association is growing, with new members joining, enabling more ambitious projects.

The "Conseil d'administration et moi-même vous souhaitent une BONNE ET HEUREUSE ANNÉE 2007" section reiterates the New Year wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity.

Contact information for SPICA NEWS is provided, including its address in Odratzheim, phone number, and email. It clarifies that the publication is edited by the association SPICA, with Christian Morgenthaler as Director of Production and Editor-in-Chief. The editorial board includes Céline Hansen, Dominique Schall, and Marie-Paule Morgenthaler. The publication states it is not responsible for submitted texts, illustrations, or photos, and reproduction requires written consent. It is a free review for members, with a fee for non-members.

Calendar of Events 2007

A detailed schedule for 2007 is presented, including:

• Statutory Meetings: January 20, March 31, May 12, October 6 (including preparation for the General Assembly).
• Sky Observation Evenings: March 3 (Total Lunar Eclipse), April 14, May 12, June 9 (Perseids), July 7, August 11, September 15 (exceptional conjunction of Moon/Saturn/Venus/Regulus), October 6, November 10.
• Ufological Meetings: March 3, June 9, November 10.
• Public Animations: March 3 (Lunar Eclipse), October 13-14 (Science Festival).

Deadlines for article submissions for SPICA NEWS are also listed: April 1 for the May issue, August 1 for the September issue, and December 3 for the January 2008 issue. The magazine plans to publish three issues per year, with a possibility of four if more articles are submitted.

Les Rencontres Ufologiques de Graulhet (September 9-10, 2006)

This article recounts the ufological gatherings in Graulhet, France, which took place after the Châlons-en-Champagne conferences in October 2005. Didier Gomez and the UFOMANIA team organized these events. The author, representing SPICA, explored the TARN region and attended the conferences. Several associations set up information booths displaying old books and video cassettes. An exhibition by Guy Tarade featured documents from the 1960s-70s, which was also touring France.

The forum included conference sessions, some of which were repeats from Châlons, allowing attendees to catch up. Notable speakers included Richard D. Nolane and Yves Lignon. The article mentions Bruno Bousquet and Thierry Gaulain, who explained the objectives of these ufological gatherings. The author also reconnected with Pierre Beake and colleagues from the Col de Vence association, discussing crop circles. Jean-Luc Riviera presented a new work by Clotilde Cornut on the PLANETE magazine.

The author notes the presence of many friends from Alsace and regrets not having more time to socialize. The event also had some minor issues, such as speakers canceling at the last minute due to health problems. The attendance from the local Graulhet public was not as high as hoped, which is seen as a missed opportunity for ufologists and enthusiasts to meet and for the phenomenon to be demystified and objectively discussed.

The article concludes by congratulating Didier Gomez and his team for organizing the event and expresses hope for similar initiatives in other cities.

2002-2006: The Alarming Observation

This piece reflects on SPICA's participation in the 'Fête de la Science' (Science Festival) in Hégenheim from October 9-15, 2006, an event they also attended in 2002. SPICA presented its animations, including a larger exhibition of meteorites. The author notes that this event followed a remarkable UFO-Forum in Germany 15 days prior. Public and press attendance was good, with objective reporting from newspapers. However, the article expresses concern about a persistent trend: a growing lack of public understanding and apprehension of sciences, particularly concerning UFO phenomena, leading to near-total ignorance.

The author argues for a resurgence of curiosity and inquiry into these phenomena, urging science to recognize new avenues of research and for the public to regain a higher level of intelligence. The decline in public engagement with science over four years is attributed to societal structures, with few individuals actively seeking knowledge independently. Despite the abundance of information available online, there's a paradox of declining intellectual curiosity.

The article advises readers to observe, analyze, and understand things for themselves, cautioning against adopting a unilateral or biased view imposed by the current system.

Buzz Aldrin Interview Excerpt

This section features an excerpt from an exclusive interview with Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the Moon, published in the review "ciel et espace" (January 2007). The interview, titled "Before Mars, let's test our capabilities on the Moon," touches upon future space missions. Aldrin states he doesn't believe it's necessary to consult those who have been to the Moon for advice on future missions, as most Apollo astronauts have retired. He continues to focus on efficient space transport techniques, including reusable launchers developed by his company, Starcraft Boosters. He also promotes public access to space through his foundation, Sharespace.

Aldrin also discusses his science fiction stories, which explore advanced technologies that might be learned from other civilizations, noting that major discoveries are rarely predicted, even by science fiction.

The article poses three immediate questions for ufologists based on Aldrin's statements: Why test capabilities on the Moon? Why write stories about going to the Moon? Why might other civilizations teach us techniques?

Petite histoire de terminologie...

This short piece by C. Castel humorously explores the nuances between the terms astronaut, cosmonaut, and taikonaut. An astronaut is defined as someone traveling in space outside Earth's atmosphere. A cosmonaut is a space traveler, specifically associated with Soviet space expeditions. A taikonaut, meaning 'man of the void' in Chinese, refers to Chinese astronauts. The author notes that the term 'spationaute' also means astronaut, highlighting how different nations have adopted their own terms for space travelers, adding a touch of poetic flair.

UFO-Tagungen de Cröffelbach (September 30, 2006)

Christian Morgenthaler, Dominique Schall, and the author attended the 9th UFO Meetings in Cröffelbach, Germany, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of CENAP. On the way, they visited the Art and Technik museum in Sinsheim, admiring the Concorde and Tupolev TU-144. The meetings were held at the Goldener Ochsen hotel.

The author was impressed by the mix of young and mature attendees, including ufologists, researchers, and journalists, as well as convinced ufologists and debunkers. German television channel ARD covered the event, with SPICA appearing on the 'Tagesthemen' program, a significant broadcast time. Werner Walter, president of CENAP, emphasized the importance of being discussed.

The proposed themes for the two-day event were: methodical investigation of unexplained phenomena, quality interviews with witnesses, and observations of satellites and objects (including space debris and stations). A debate with lawyer Jens Lorek addressed why victims of unexplained abductions did not file complaints under German law, which allows for compensation if aggression is proven.

The author found the debate surreal and suggested that an alien aggressor might not be subject to human jurisdiction.

Discussion on the Roots of Ufology

A debate was held on the fundamental questions of ufology: should new paths be explored, or have we reached the limits of advancement in ufological research? Approximately forty people attended. The author had the opportunity to meet Uli Thieme, the German equivalent of Gildas Bourdais, who held a diametrically opposed opinion. They also discussed with Denis Kirsten, a writer for the German magazine UFOZINE (TOP SECRET), who authored a book on the events of September 11, 2001. Fehrat Talayhan, editor of UFOZINE, showed interest in French ufological press. The author realized after returning to France that there were many more questions they wished to ask.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPICA NEWS revolve around the ongoing exploration and discussion of unexplained phenomena, particularly ufology and crop circles. There's a strong emphasis on reporting on conferences, meetings, and exhibitions within the ufological community, both in France and internationally (Germany). The magazine also touches upon space exploration and astronomy, with a notable excerpt from an interview with Buzz Aldrin. A significant underlying theme is the concern about the public's declining interest and understanding of science, with the editorial board advocating for critical thinking and self-education. The association's growth and the importance of community engagement are also highlighted. The editorial stance appears to be one of active participation in the ufological community, promoting scientific inquiry, and encouraging public awareness and understanding of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of SPICA, identified as issue number 11 and dated January 2007, delves into a variety of topics including ufology, astronomy, and meteorology. The cover prominently features a discussion on a "Strange photo in the sky of Carcassonne" and includes astronomical information about Venus.

Ufology and Photographic Analysis

The issue begins with a reflection on a meeting in France involving ufologists, where discussions touched upon crop circles and the demystification of such phenomena. The author, Jean-Paul Frey, notes the pedagogical soundness of German ufologists but suggests their conclusions are often too simple. A significant portion is dedicated to analyzing a photograph taken in Carcassonne, near the medieval city's gate of Narbonne. The photo captured a surprising black object in the sky. After careful examination, including zooming in on the object and considering the surrounding environment and typical elements present, the object was identified as a pigeon. The article emphasizes the importance of including contextual elements in photographs to aid in interpretation and to consider environmental factors like weather and atmospheric conditions.

Astronomy: The Planet Venus and Celestial Events

A substantial section is dedicated to the planet Venus, drawing information from the book "L'astronomie pour les nuls" by Stephen Maran and Pascal Bordé. Venus is described as a hellish environment with a thick, 15-kilometer-deep layer of sulfuric acid clouds, making it the hottest planet in the solar system with a surface temperature of 460°C. The atmospheric pressure is immense, about 93 times that of Earth. The surface, largely composed of basaltic lava flows, is depicted through radar imaging from the Magellan probe and early Soviet Venera missions. The article also mentions the ESA's Venus Express mission, which entered orbit in April 2006.

Complementing the planetary focus, the magazine provides detailed astronomical ephemerides and sky maps for January to May 2007. This includes information on the Moon's phases, planetary conjunctions (Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, Mars), meteor showers (Quadrantids, Lyrids), and a total lunar eclipse on March 3rd. Specific sky charts are provided for January-February 2007 and March-April 2007, with observational tips and coordinates for Châlons en Champ and Odratzheim.

Meteorology Explained

The issue also includes an educational section on meteorology, based on a document from ESA for college students. It breaks down the fundamental mechanisms of weather phenomena. Key concepts covered include:

• Air Exchange: Driven by differential solar heating between the equator and poles, leading to circulation cells.
• Hydrological Cycle: The role of water vapor in cloud formation, greenhouse effect, and precipitation, and its journey back to the equator via oceanic currents.
• Continental Scale Phenomena: The formation of low-pressure (depressions) and high-pressure (anticyclones) zones due to differential heating and cooling of land and sea, and the interaction of air masses forming fronts.
• Earth's Rotation: The influence of the Coriolis effect on the movement of atmospheric systems, causing them to progress from west to east in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Immediate Causes: Local imbalances in temperature and humidity distribution as the direct drivers of atmospheric variations.

The meteorology section also illustrates the concept of land-sea breezes and the difference in heating rates between land and water, using an "insular model" to explain vertical air displacement and pressure systems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently blends ufological inquiry with scientific explanations, as seen in the Carcassonne photo analysis and the detailed astronomical and meteorological content. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and scientific understanding, while acknowledging the public's interest in unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of detailed astronomical data and educational material on meteorology suggests a commitment to informing and educating readers about the natural world, both terrestrial and celestial.

This issue of SPICA magazine, dated December 2006, covers a diverse range of topics including meteorology, crop circles, astronomy, and UFO sightings. The magazine features an article explaining meteorological phenomena like depressions and anticyclones, using satellite imagery to illustrate wind patterns and air movements. It also announces the creation of the "SPICA Champagne" association, dedicated to the study of celestial and aeronautical phenomena, and details their participation in a local Téléthon event.

Meteorology Explained

The first section delves into meteorological concepts, explaining how local hot spots on land cause air to rise, creating low-pressure areas, while cooler surrounding air moves in to maintain balance. This rising air leads to decreased atmospheric pressure, and descending air creates higher pressure. This phenomenon explains local breezes, which reverse direction at night. The text further elaborates on how uniform air masses change when in prolonged contact with continental or oceanic zones. These interactions, combined with large-scale circulation cells, are responsible for depressions and anticyclones frequently reported in weather bulletins. The article details three key movements: geographical movement of air (winds), horizontal movement driven by pressure gradients, and vertical movement (rapid ascent in depressions, less marked in anticyclones). It specifically focuses on the Northern Hemisphere, explaining that Coriolis forces cause winds in low-pressure zones to rotate counter-clockwise and in high-pressure zones to rotate clockwise, with the opposite occurring in the Southern Hemisphere. Satellite images are presented as a way to easily identify these phenomena by observing cloud spirals.

Crop Circles in 2006

The magazine then shifts focus to "Cercles dans les cultures 2006" (Crop Circles in 2006). The article notes a decrease in the number and timing of crop circle formations compared to previous years, leading to concern among enthusiasts about a potential progressive decline of the phenomenon. Despite this, specialists acknowledge that the phenomenon has persisted for over 25 years and that something incredible is at work. The article highlights key crop circle formations from 2006, including one in Avebury, Wiltshire, on June 30th, described as a "double temporal tunnel." On July 8th, four impressive motifs appeared, including a "Von Koch snowflake" fractal in Savenake Forest, a fractal in Bosseyer, Kent, a fan of feathers at Uffington Castle, and a "stupendous prism radial" at Wayland Smithy in Oxfordshire. The list continues with other formations throughout July and August. The author speculates that the perceived decline might be linked to the suicide of an unknown individual who claimed to have participated in creating crop circles for years. The article questions whether this is a true decline or simply the passage of time, ending with anticipation for 2007. A "Last Minute" note refers to a December 13, 2006, TV emission titled "The Thirty Greatest Scams," which allegedly dismissed crop circles as the work of "grandfathers," an idea the author finds ignorant and a manipulation of the public.

SPICA Champagne Association Launch

The article "SPICA Champagne est née" (SPICA Champagne is Born) details the creation of a new association. On Saturday, December 9, 2006, Christian, Marie Paule, Gilbert, and the author (José Henriot) presented their new association, SPICA CHAMPAGNE, at a Téléthon event in Omey. They set up an exhibition with photos of satellites and planets. Visitors, including schoolchildren, were able to view the exhibition and use an astronomical telescope. The association's seriousness and knowledge were noted by visitors. The event provided contact information for witnesses who have observed phenomena in the region, which the association plans to investigate for future publications. The author, new to both the association and ufology, found the experience to be a great discovery.

Astronomy: The Constellation Cassiopeia

This section focuses on the constellation Cassiopeia. It provides its common name, Latin name (Cassiopeiae), and international abbreviation (Cas). The constellation, shaped like a 'W', is described as being opposite the Big Dipper relative to the North Star and is circumpolar, visible year-round at mid-latitudes. In Greek mythology, Cassiopeia was the wife of Cepheus and mother of Andromeda, punished for her vanity by being chained to her throne. In Arab culture, it represents a kneeling camel. Notable celestial objects within Cassiopeia include Gamma Cassiopeiae, a variable star that was once nearly as bright as Deneb, and M52, a rich open cluster. NGC663, a small cluster of faint stars, is also mentioned as observable with a small telescope.

Latest Observations (UFO Sightings)

The magazine concludes with a section titled "LES DERNIÈRES OBSERVATIONS" (The Latest Observations), which compiles UFO and aerial phenomenon reports from various sources, including the internet and direct submissions to SPICA. The association explicitly states that these observations have not been verified and they are not responsible for their content. The reports span from May to December 2006 and include:

• Kiew, Ukraine (May 19, 2006): A witness took a photo of an object passing in front of the lens without noticing it at the time.
• Haguenau-Wissembourg, France (August 20, 2006): An oval phenomenon with intense orange light and two orange balls was observed about 1 meter above a house, emitting a buzzing sound before disappearing.
• Dijon, France (August 22, 2006): A triangular, yellow-orange luminous phenomenon appeared in the South.
• Valencienne/Maubeuge, France (August 31, 2006): A stable white luminous disk, initially bright, diminished in size and intensity.
• Nancy, France (September 6, 2006): An unusual human-shaped object of silvery color moved slowly for 2-3 minutes.
• Champs du Feu, France (September 10, 2006): A phenomenon captured in a photo was later identified as a plant pistil.
• Port Leucate, France (September 18, 2006): An elongated egg-shaped object with pale luminosity, silent and fast, was observed.
• Marseille, France (September 21, 2006): A triangular phenomenon with multiple blue, red, and yellow lights was seen very close and silently.
• Landrecies, France (September 26, 2006): An orange sphere approached a house, split in two, made a terrible noise, and left a strong smell of burning, with a white substance found later.
• Tigery, France (September 27, 2006): A fluorescent green trail descended and formed a large green ball with yellow-orange reflections.
• Champigny sur Marne, France (October 7, 2006): A cigar-shaped object, similar to a TGV train, moved horizontally at high speed.
• Paris, France (October 8, 2006): A meteorite was observed falling.
• Metz Borny Village, France (October 8, 2006): Two witnesses observed the fall of a bright green meteorite, followed by a distant impact sound.
• District de Lavaux, Switzerland (October 11, 2006): Two luminous balls were seen dancing, fusing, and separating.
• Thoissey, France (October 18, 2006): Several green flashing lights, resembling electric domes, were observed rising from the ground.
• Cordes Tolosannes, France (October 24, 2006): A phenomenon composed of three non-aligned, fixed spheres with a metallic appearance was observed.
• Reims, France (November 9, 2006): A boomerang-shaped object with faint yellow-orange lights, some stationary and others moving in zigzags, was observed.
• Recôncavo Baiano, Brazil (November 20, 2006): An alleged UFO crash occurred and the object was reportedly transported away.
• Les Houches, France (November 23, 2006): A restaurateur saw a very low-flying aircraft, the size of a 747, moving in a delta formation.
• Illkirch Graffenstaden, France (November 24, 2006): A bright point with a halo appeared, disappeared, reappeared lower, turned green, and then vanished.
• Desvres, France (November 24, 2006): A luminous star-like object with high intensity moved rapidly diagonally towards the earth.
• Orléans, France (October 30, 2006): A large red fireball with a yellow trail, rotating clockwise, descended towards the West.
• Strasbourg, France (December 1, 2006): An intense white light was observed falling vertically towards the ground at high speed, possibly a meteorite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific explanation of natural atmospheric phenomena (meteorology), the ongoing mystery and debate surrounding crop circles, the launch and purpose of the SPICA Champagne association for UFO research, and astronomical observations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both scientific explanations for some phenomena and detailed accounts of unexplained sightings, particularly UFOs. There is a clear skepticism towards simplistic explanations for crop circles, as evidenced by the critique of the "grandfathers" theory. The magazine aims to inform its readers about diverse phenomena, encouraging further investigation and discussion.

Title: Dernière minute
Issue Date: December 27, 2006
Content Type: News report on UFO archives

CNES Releases UFO Archives

The French national space agency, CNES, is set to begin releasing its archives on unidentified aerospace phenomena (PAN) online starting in late January. This initiative, aimed at increasing transparency, is acknowledged by CNES officials to likely not satisfy all critics or quell ongoing debates about the agency's handling of the subject. Jacques Patenet, who is responsible for PAN at CNES, anticipates that some will criticize the management of the archives and suggest that hidden information remains. He also warns that many enthusiasts may have unrealistic expectations about the content, stating, "Many enthusiasts have illusions about the content of these archives."

The core of these archives consists of over 3,000 gendarmerie reports, which have been digitized and processed to remove personal data as required by law. Patenet emphasizes that "there are no scoops to expect," as the most intriguing cases have likely already been published by various associations, and he does not believe the archives will offer substantial new revelations.

Perspectives on the Archives

Pierre Lagrange, an anthropologist specializing in parasciences, views the initiative as a positive step towards transparency regarding the limited work done by CNES on UFOs. However, he predicts that the sheer volume of gendarmerie reports might bore enthusiasts. Lagrange also commented on the historical perception of the PAN file at CNES, describing it as a neglected post that "no one wanted to touch" for years, and he credited Patenet for his efforts.

The article notes that CNES's activities in this area were previously undermined by the stance of Jean-Jacques Velasco, who headed the PAN department in the 1980s and 1990s and publicly supported the existence of extraterrestrials.

Professor Henri Broch from the University of Nice, a long-time researcher of paranormal phenomena, has been requesting access to these archives for years. He expressed a personal opinion that access might have been discouraged, suggesting the archives could be poorly maintained due to CNES's historical lack of interest and absence of field investigations.

Christian Morgenthaler, president of the Alsatian association Spica (Sciences and unusual phenomena of the sky and aeronautics), welcomes the CNES initiative but shares Patenet's cautious outlook regarding the archives' potential to reveal groundbreaking information. He points out that official organizations like CNES have better access to sources such as the military and gendarmerie compared to private associations.

Morgenthaler also expressed a desire for greater cooperation from authorities during investigations conducted by his association, noting that such cooperation is more common in neighboring Germany.

Historical Context of UFO Sightings

The article provides a brief historical overview of UFO sightings in France. The first officially recorded UFO case dates back to 1937. The phenomenon saw a significant increase in reports starting in 1954, followed by another wave of observations in 1970.

Regarding the authenticity of reports, Patenet states that hoaxes are extremely rare, with only one confirmed case in 1979 and possibly two or three in total. He believes that witnesses are generally sincere, even if their interpretation of what they saw is mistaken.

Finally, the CNES does not investigate ground traces or landing phenomena, which are described as rare in France but very common in Great Britain.

Association SPICA

The second page of the document is an advertisement for the association SPICA (Sciences et Phénomènes Insolites du Ciel et de l'Aéronautique). SPICA promotes a scientific approach to astronomy, meteorology, aeronautics, space exploration, and ufology. They encourage members to share knowledge and ideas, emphasizing scientific rigor, objectivity, and respect for diverse passions, while avoiding dogmatism and sensationalism. SPICA offers to investigate reported unusual phenomena, guaranteeing witness anonymity and collaborating with them. Contact information for SPICA is provided, including their address in Odatzheim, phone number, email, and website. They also solicit support through articles, donations of books or videos, and by connecting them with witnesses, or financially.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the release of official UFO archives by the CNES, framed as a move towards transparency. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism, acknowledging the historical significance of such an archive while tempering expectations for sensational discoveries. There's an underlying commentary on the challenges of scientific investigation into unusual phenomena, the role of official bodies versus private associations, and the long-standing public interest in UFOs. The inclusion of the SPICA advertisement suggests a broader interest in promoting scientific inquiry into these subjects.