SPICA - No 14 - 2009 Janvier

Magazine Overview

Title: SPICA NEWS
Issue Date: January 2008
Publisher: Association SPICA
Type: Revue of Associations Sciences et Phénomènes Insolites du Ciel et de l'Aéronautique.

Editorial (Page 2)

The editorial wishes readers a happy new year 2009 and outlines the upcoming year's plans. It announces new meeting formats, including evening sessions, as the Saturday afternoon ufological meetings did not achieve great success. The editorial highlights that several articles are written by association members and that the revue is also open to contributions from readers. It acknowledges that only two issues were published in 2008 due to the significant work involved and the members' other obligations. The association is seeking volunteers with skills in writing, layout, and graphic design to help produce the revue, aiming for four issues per year. The price of the revue has increased from 2.00€ to 3.00€, a decision made by the Board of Directors on May 17th, due to rising costs. This increase does not affect members, as the revue is included in their membership fee (25.00€ for active members, 17.00€ for passive/distant members).

Meetings Schedule for 2009 (Page 3)

The issue details the planned meetings for 2009:

• Statutory Meetings: February 14, March 14, May 23, October 24.
• Sky Observation Evenings: March 21, April 24, May 23, June 12, July 24, August 14 (Perseids), September 19, October 23, November 14.
• Ufological Meetings: March 19, June 18, September 17, December 17.

It also specifies deadlines for article submissions for the SPICA NEWS revue: April 1st for the May issue, August 1st for the September issue, and December 1st for the January 2010 issue. The association is also planning a manifestation for the last quarter of 2009. The editorial team aims to publish three issues of the revue in 2009, with a possibility of four if more articles are received.

Book Fair in Colmar (Page 4-5)

On November 22, 2008, SPICA participated in a book fair in Colmar, themed "the night," organized by the association d'astronomie et d'astrophysique colmarienne (AAAC). SPICA presented its astronomy exhibition. The stand featured information about AAAC, SPICA's astronomy exhibition, and the association itself. They also displayed their revues and stickers. The AAAC sold used astronomy books and launched Michel Padrines' book "OVNI INVESTIGATION." The event provided an opportunity to gauge public interest in astronomy and ufology. Many visitors expressed interest in sky observation evenings in the Colmar region, which the association will consider organizing for the following year. The event saw good attendance, particularly on Sunday, with assistance from Christian Morgenthaler and Jean-Jacques Goetschy. The association also interacted with the ANPCEN (National Association for the Protection of the Night Sky and Environment), which aims to raise awareness about light pollution. The author thanks Michel Padrines and Christian Morgenthaler for their collaboration.

A Very Strange Observation in the Nice Hinterland (Page 6-8)

This article details an investigation by Pierre Beake and Denis Alarcon of the association coldevence.com into an observation made by M.C.C. in Thorenc, Alpes Maritimes, around mid-March (14th or 15th) at approximately 4:00-4:30 PM. While filling a bird feeder, M.C.C. noticed a dark spot in his peripheral vision. Initially thinking it was dirt on his glasses, he removed them to clean them. Upon closer inspection, he observed an unusual phenomenon in the sky. He described the object as dark, elongated, like a flattened ellipse with a grey protuberance underneath, possibly appearing as a disc from his perspective. The object seemed to be surrounded by turbulence, making its details indistinct. It exhibited a slight side-to-side rocking motion and then glided horizontally before disappearing. M.C.C. managed to take two photographs of the object. The witness, who is 52 years old and described as having a clear and composed demeanor, did not seek publicity. The observation lasted less than a minute. An examination of the photographs by a professional photographer revealed no anomalies or retouching. The article speculates on possible explanations, including a dioptric effect due to atmospheric conditions or a rapid departure at an incredible speed. The witness's description of the object's disappearance was compared to turning off a cathode ray tube television.

DVDs from the Col de Vence Association (Page 9)

The issue announces two DVDs produced by the association du col de Vence:

• DVD 1 (October 2005): 90 minutes, with French and English audio tracks. It covers testimonies and archival documents about strange phenomena in enigmatic regions like Col de Vence (France) and Wiltshire (England), focusing on mysterious crop circle manifestations.
• DVD 2 (July 2008): 140 minutes, with French, English, and original audio tracks. This DVD explores mysterious worlds, UFOs, crop circles, and the paranormal, featuring over 25 interviews with witnesses and researchers, and presenting new, unpublished images.

Contact information for the Col de Vence association is provided: Website: http://www.coldevence.com, Email: [email protected].

Origin of the Atmosphere (Page 10)

This section, titled "InterMET," provides a simplified explanation of the origin of the atmosphere, likely aimed at students. It begins with the Big Bang and the expansion of the universe. It then describes the formation of planets from interstellar dust clouds around the Sun about 4.5 billion years ago. It hypothesizes that early planets were cold with hydrogen and helium envelopes, which later contracted, forming incandescent nuclei. The formation of Earth's atmosphere is explained as a process where gases like methane, ammonia, water vapor, and carbon dioxide were expelled from the Earth's core as it cooled. This atmosphere acted as a greenhouse, retaining heat and allowing life to emerge, with temperatures between 15 and 30°C.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers topics related to unusual aerial phenomena (UFOs), astronomical observations, and scientific explanations for these events. There is a strong emphasis on reporting eyewitness accounts, investigative findings, and the activities of ufological and astronomical associations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and aiming to provide information on a range of related subjects, from astronomical origins to specific sightings. The association actively engages with the public through meetings, exhibitions, and publications like this revue and DVDs.

This issue of "Sciences et Phénomènes Insolites" (Sciences and Unexplained Phenomena), issue number 18, published by SPICA CHAMPAGNE, focuses on a variety of intriguing topics including atmospheric science, astronomy, and UFO reports. The cover highlights an "Observation d'un OVNI à Châlons-en-Champagne" (Observation of a UFO in Châlons-en-Champagne).

The Atmosphere: Composition and Regions

The first section delves into the Earth's atmosphere, explaining its formation over billions of years and its current composition. It details how water vapor condensed to form oceans, and carbon dioxide was absorbed by oceans and used by early life. Nitrogen remained in the atmosphere due to its low reactivity, while oxygen levels increased significantly due to plant life. The atmosphere is described as a thin layer, held by Earth's gravity, playing crucial roles in providing breathable air, regulating temperature, and shielding life from harmful solar radiation.

The composition of the atmosphere near the surface is presented in a table, showing Nitrogen (N2) at 78%, Oxygen (O2) at 21%, Argon (A) at 0.93%, Water Vapor (H2O) at 0-4%, Carbon Dioxide (CO2) at 0.033%, and trace amounts of Neon, Krypton, Hydrogen, Nitrogen Oxide, Xenon, and Ozone.

The atmosphere is divided into four main regions based on vertical temperature variations: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. The troposphere, the lowest layer where we live, varies in thickness and contains most of the atmosphere's mass and water vapor, leading to weather phenomena. The stratosphere contains the vital ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere sees temperatures decrease with altitude, causing meteors to burn up. The thermosphere, the outermost layer, experiences increasing temperatures with altitude and is where auroras occur. The lower part of the thermosphere, the ionosphere, reflects radio waves, enabling long-distance communication.

Neptune: A Distant Planet

This section provides an astronomical overview of Neptune, comparing it to Uranus, Jupiter, and Saturn. Neptune's atmosphere is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with methane clouds giving it a blue hue. Its rotation is rapid, taking just over 16 hours. Unlike Uranus, Neptune has an internal heat source, maintaining similar temperatures despite its greater distance from the Sun. The planet has 13 known moons, the largest being Triton, which has a retrograde orbit. Neptune also possesses three faint rings: Galle, Le Verrier, and Adams, discovered in 1984 and confirmed by the Voyager 2 probe in 1989. The article notes that Neptune was discovered in 1846 and mentions its mythological namesake, the Roman god of the sea.

UFO Reports and Investigations

Several UFO-related events are detailed:

• Ufological Meal in Colmar (November 12, 2008): A conference by ufologist Michael Hesemann is described, attended by about twenty people. Hesemann discussed his investigations into UFO phenomena, including a purported UFO crash in Russia (which he concluded was a hoax, though he believes real fragments exist), a UFO landing in Zimbabwe witnessed by students, and the case of Carlos Diaz in Mexico, known for his UFO photos.
• Observation in Châlons-en-Champagne (July 11, 2008): Two security guards observed a metallic grey aircraft, resembling a 1940s American reconnaissance plane, performing a tight turn. The aircraft appeared to be following a black, drop-shaped object about 10 meters in front of it. Later research suggested the aircraft was a civil drone used for aerial photography of the exhibition park.
• The Landrecies UFO (2006): An investigation by the GEIPAN (a French group studying unidentified aerospace phenomena) concluded that a luminous phenomenon observed over Landrecies in September 2006 was caused by two Mirage fighter jets during a military exercise. Initial reports of a fireball and white residues were attributed to the jets and a chemical reaction with animal excrement, respectively.

Hesemann also shared his views on extraterrestrial presence, stating that while not in Europe or Russia, they are present in the US, Brazil, and South Africa. He believes a small group in the US government knows about UFOs but remains silent to avoid public panic. He also addressed the scientific community's perceived lack of interest, humorously suggesting it's due to career aspirations. Hesemann expressed his firm conviction in the existence of UFOs after years of investigation.

Predicting Earthquakes from Space

An article discusses a project involving a network of satellites to monitor the Earth's ionosphere for modifications that could indicate an impending earthquake. This theory, proposed by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, suggests that seismic stress creates positive charges attracting negative ions, causing a breach in the ionosphere detectable by satellites. While geologists express skepticism, recent findings of anomalous electromagnetic activity in Sichuan, China, ten days before a major earthquake in May 2008, are presented as potential supporting evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, and scientific topics related to space and Earth. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, presenting detailed accounts of events and scientific theories, while also acknowledging skepticism and providing official explanations where available. The inclusion of astronomical data on Neptune and atmospheric science suggests a broader interest in space and planetary science alongside ufology. The publication aims to inform readers about unusual events and scientific advancements, encouraging critical thinking and further research.

This issue, identified by the cover headline "UNE ENIGME A PART ENTIERE" (An Entirely New Enigma), focuses on the persistent mystery of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related astronomical phenomena. The publication date is indicated as June 20, 2008, with the publisher listed as Agence France-Presse. The content is primarily in French.

UFOs and Ufology

The lead article, "UNE ENIGME A PART ENTIERE," by Jean-Jacques GOETSCHY, discusses the widespread media attention UFOs receive in the 21st century, citing numerous articles and broadcasts. It highlights a recent reportage on CANAL+ titled "OVNI l'armée enquête" (UFO the army investigates), which has stirred controversy among ufologists, with Gérard LEBAT expressing concern that ufologists are being sidelined. GOETSCHY advocates for a collective effort by French ufological associations to present their findings effectively. The article acknowledges the vast amount of literature on ufology, both online and in print, and mentions the creation of official commissions to study the phenomenon, which have produced numerous reports, including classified military documents.

While acknowledging that many UFO observations are explained and that serious scientific analysis is sometimes lacking, the article points to positive developments like the Hesdalen project in Norway, which resulted from the efforts of dedicated individuals. It notes that several countries, including France, Spain, Mexico, Chile, Peru, and the UK, now have public organizations studying UFOs. GOETSCHY concludes that current conditions are favorable for UFO research, suggesting a potential turning point in the field.

A post-scriptum by GOETSCHY corrects an earlier article, stating that the helicopter chased by a UFO incident occurred in Wales, not Ireland.

Specific UFO/UAP Incidents

Welsh Police Helicopter Encounter

An article details an incident on June 8, 2008, near Cardiff, Wales, where a Welsh police helicopter crew reported sighting an "unusual aerial object." The police confirmed their air unit observed the object, which they avoided calling a "UFO" or "unidentified flying object." The tabloid The Sun reported that the object, described as a "flying saucer" with flashing lights, pursued the helicopter for several kilometers over the Bristol Channel. The pilot reportedly performed evasive maneuvers and a high-speed chase, which had to be abandoned due to low fuel. However, the police later denied any pursuit and stated the helicopter crew was never in danger.

Proton-K Rocket Debris Re-entry

Another significant event covered is the atmospheric re-entry of debris from a Proton-K rocket, observed in France on September 25, 2008, around 11 PM local time. The SPICA site received numerous testimonies, allowing for the precise tracing of the re-entry path. It was confirmed that the debris originated from a Proton-K rocket launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, on September 25, 2008, at 08:49 UTC, carrying three Russian Glonass satellites. The re-entry was estimated to occur around 20:28 UTC. The article includes a map showing the re-entry trajectory and the locations of witnesses, noting the high accuracy of their observations. It also mentions that some witnesses reported seeing a "ballet of helicopters" moving in the opposite direction of the debris's trajectory shortly after the event. The Glonass program, initiated in 1993, is described as a priority for Russia, with plans to expand its satellite network.

Recent Observations

The section "LES DERNIÈRES OBSERVATIONS" (The Latest Observations) presents several unverified UFO sightings reported from various sources, including the internet and SPICA's headquarters. These include:

• April 25, 2008, 8:15 PM, Fresnes les Reims (Switzerland): A witness reported seeing a triangular object with three lights and a red one in the middle over Lake Geneva, which was then pursued by Swiss fighter jets.
• April 26, 2008, 10:30 PM - 10:35 PM, Tournefeuille (31, France): A witness observed a fast-moving, pale orange crescent-shaped object, followed by a brighter, faster satellite.
• April 27, 2008, 9:30 AM, Hosingen (Luxembourg): Witnesses heard a "bip" sound and observed an orange-glowing object performing aerial acrobatics above a forest, joined by two other similar objects that then departed at high speed.
• April 30, 2008, midnight, Lutterbach (68, France): A resident reported seeing two orange, starry balls rising into the sky, moving towards what appeared to be a large, silent airplane with headlights.

Astronomy and Sky Charts

The magazine also features extensive astronomical information, including:

• Ephemerides: Detailed tables for January, February, March, and April 2009, listing celestial events such as lunar phases (new moon, first quarter, full moon, last quarter), conjunctions (Jupiter and Mercury, Moon and Saturn, Moon and Venus, Moon and Jupiter), meteor showers (Quadrantides, Lyrides), and comets (C/2007 N3 Lulin).
• Planetary Tables: Daily sunrise and sunset times, as well as rise and set times for planets (Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) for specific dates in January, February, March, April, and May 2009.
• Twilight Times: Civil, aeronautical, and astronomical twilight times for the same periods.
• Sky Maps (Carte du Ciel): Star charts for January/February 2009 and March/April 2009, illustrating the night sky for specific latitudes and times, with annotations on planetary movements and visible constellations. The maps are provided for Odratzheim and Châlons en Champagne.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, astronomical observations, and the intersection between them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, acknowledging both the unexplained aspects and the need for rigorous investigation, while also providing comprehensive astronomical data for enthusiasts. There's an emphasis on citizen science and the importance of witness testimonies, balanced with a recognition of the need for verification and scientific scrutiny. The magazine aims to inform readers about both the mysteries of the sky above and the celestial bodies within our solar system.

This issue of OVNI magazine, identified by its page number '27' and containing content from pages 1 through 10, focuses on a compilation of unidentified flying object (UFO) and unexplained aerial phenomenon (UAP) sightings reported primarily in France during 2008. The magazine presents these reports as testimonies from various sources, including forums like 'Forum SPICA', 'RIO', 'Ufofu', and 'ovniparanormal', as well as news outlets like 'La Marseillaise'. The issue also includes a scientific article on hypernovae.

Sightings and Testimonies

The magazine details numerous individual sightings, often specifying the date, time, and location. These accounts describe a wide array of phenomena:

• Kourtzenrode (May 6, 2008): A witness observed an object significantly larger and faster than a commercial airliner, which appeared above it and then vanished.
• Thionville (May 10, 2008): A stationary object, possibly a hot air balloon illuminated by the sun, was reported.
• Rouffach (May 23, 2008): A very bright, star-like object was seen moving rapidly towards Biesheim, Germany, without any audible sound.
• Côte d'Armor (June 8, 2008): Two witnesses saw a star-like object that illuminated, grew, moved quickly, and then faded.
• Unknown Location (June 9, 2008): A small, yellow light that changed direction and luminosity, leaving trails, was observed.
• Paris (June 13, 2008): Five orange lights in a V-formation, with two others following, were seen hovering and maneuvering.
• Verdun-sur-le-Doubs (June 17, 2008): A crop circle, described as a simple circle with an extension, appeared in a field.
• Soufflenheim (June 21, 2008): A slow-moving, hovering object, estimated to be the size of a 7.5-ton truck, was observed with metallic reflections.
• Vitry-sur-Seine (June 22, 2008): Witnesses reported a silent, fluidly moving object whose direction contradicted prevailing winds.
• Nantes (June 27, 2008): A round, stationary object reflecting sunlight was observed and disappeared suddenly.
• Neine-et-Marne (July 4, 2008): A large, luminous, elliptical object was seen hovering silently before moving at incredible speed.
• Saint-Paul, Ile de la Réunion (July 10, 2008): An oval, metallic-like object descended slowly, hovered, and was observed by two lights below it. A helicopter approached but did not seem to notice it.
• Tenteling (July 12, 2008): Red-orange lights formed geometric patterns and traversed the sky rapidly. Airport authorities reported no military activity.
• Paris (June 13, 2008): A flotilla of yellow-orange lights, behaving differently from balloons, moved slowly westward.
• Rive de Gier (July 24, 2008): A very intense blue fireball, possibly metallic and incandescent, was observed moving rapidly.
• Creil (July 24, 2008): A large luminous ball with a green trail was seen.
• Dinan (July 24, 2008): A blue ball with a luminous white halo and sparks moved rapidly and disappeared.
• Karlsruhe, Germany (July 24, 2008): A bright green light, resembling a distress flare, moved horizontally.
• Orléans (July 24, 2008): A witness reported seeing something similar to what was observed in Vitry-sur-Seine.
• Nantes (July 30, 2008): A bright white/yellow light moved extremely rapidly from southwest to southwest and then extinguished instantly.
• Nort-sur-Erdre (July 30, 2008): A large, silent, rotating disc-shaped object was observed for ten seconds.
• Troyes (July 30, 2008): Six to seven luminous white points appeared at high altitude, performed ordered maneuvers, and then moved in formation.
• Niederroedern (August 3, 2008): A light, similar to the 'evening star', moved from northwest to southwest without blinking or engine noise.
• Saint-Antonin (August 3, 2008): A yellow-orange, non-blinking light moved rapidly, accelerated, hovered, and then gradually faded, with a smaller white light briefly appearing.
• Taninges (August 3, 2008): A tubular object of significant size emitted a blinding light and moved rapidly from west to east.
• Revest-les-eaux (August 4, 2008): An intense white light appeared and immediately disappeared.
• Soyons (August 4, 2008): A luminescent light moved from west to east at a regular speed, lower than an airplane, and without noise.
• Claro, Switzerland (August 5, 2008): An unidentified flying object (OVNI) was reported, which was neither an airplane nor a helicopter.
• Super Devoluy (August 9, 2008): A shape was captured in a photograph taken during the day, appearing above a person in a blue sky.
• Preseau (August 10, 2008): Lights, similar to an airplane but fixed, remained for over 2.5 hours, with slow progression. Multiple witnesses and gendarmes observed this.
• Saint-Antonin (August 13, 2008): A fixed, very bright white light, comparable to Jupiter's brightness, was observed moving progressively and then disappearing.
• Paris (August 27, 2008): A strange ballet of unknown craft was observed in the sky.
• Vitrolles (August 29, 2008): A loud noise, like a crashing airplane, was heard, accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature.
• Charleville-mézières (August 30, 2008): An important luminous ball traversed the sky in a straight line.
• Forbach (August 30, 2008): Three orange luminous balls in a triangular formation were observed, followed by five balls stacked vertically, moving without noise.
• Rabat, Morocco (September 6, 2008): A bright white star-like object disappeared after clouds passed.
• Orléans (September 10, 2008): A luminous yellow trace, comparable to a large firework or missile, was observed moving south.
• Toulouse (October 10, 2008): A large, bright white light followed by a blue trail entered the atmosphere and extinguished before reaching the ground.
• Landersheim (October 21, 2008): A large light trail crossed the sky in the direction of Strasbourg.
• Rabat, Morocco (October 26-30, 2008): Two star-like objects were observed, one distant and one low, moving slowly towards the Atlantic, remaining immobile for hours before disappearing.
• Moulins (December 11, 2008): A very fast-moving object, blinking at regular intervals, covered a wide angle of the sky in 25-30 seconds, moving in a straight line from east to west.

Scientific Article: Hypernovae

The issue also features an article titled "Une hypernova visible dans l'univers entier" (A hypernova visible in the entire universe). It discusses the explosion of a star 7.5 billion light-years away, whose radiation reached Earth in March 2008. This event, designated GRB 080319 B, was the most violent explosion ever observed in astronomy. The article explains that while the visible light was faint, the gamma ray emission was detected by the Swift satellite. It highlights that hypernova explosions, though rare in our galaxy (estimated every ten million years), are common in the universe. The article speculates whether such events could be linked to mass extinctions on Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the reporting of unusual lights and objects in the sky. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting witness testimonies without overt skepticism, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. The inclusion of a scientific article on hypernovae suggests an interest in broader astronomical phenomena that might intersect with or inform the study of UAPs. The magazine aims to collect and disseminate these reports, often citing specific sources like eyewitness accounts from forums and local news, indicating a commitment to cataloging these events.

Title: DERNIERE MINUTE
Issue: 37
Date: January 1, 2009
Language: French
Country: France

This issue of 'DERNIERE MINUTE' focuses on recent UFO/UAP sightings and related ufological activities in Europe.

Brumath Sighting (January 1, 2009)

The main article details a significant sighting that occurred in Brumath, Bas-Rhin, France, on January 1, 2009, around midnight. Several witnesses, including a group of friends setting off fireworks, observed a phenomenon involving multiple lights. Initially, one sphere was seen, followed by four more, culminating in a total of seven red/orange spheres. These lights appeared and disappeared, moving in various directions, accelerating, and decelerating. The estimated distance was 10-15 km, and the altitude was around 1500 meters. Witnesses emphasized that these were not aircraft lights due to their erratic movements and lack of engine noise beyond the fireworks. The lights were described as 'balls' of light, sometimes aligned and sometimes scattered. The phenomenon was witnessed by many people in the area.

Additional Testimonies

Further testimonies corroborate the event. Four groups of lights, each comprising about 5 or 6 red/orange lights, were observed moving in the same direction, originating from the NNE. One group reportedly changed direction and seemed to move away, while others passed by. The lights occasionally lost their precise position but not rigorously, suggesting they were not attached to a structure. Witnesses were located in Brumath, Robertsau, and Souffelweyersheim. Some described the lights as red/orange, sometimes shifting towards yellow, with a twinkling effect. One witness took photographic evidence, which was to be communicated to SPICA.

Another witness described departing north at 1:30 AM and observing an object moving towards the southeast. It seemed to come from the north of Brumath, moving at variable speeds before disappearing over the city. The lights were sometimes aligned horizontally, other times vertically, or positioned randomly. The balls of red/orange light varied in speed. Despite clear skies in Brumath, Strasbourg had overcast weather with precipitation. The witness noted that the lights were easily noticed because people were looking up at the fireworks. They ruled out planes or helicopters due to the lack of typical flight patterns and the absence of noise. The witness also speculated that if they were lanterns, they would need to be very large and equipped with engines and wings to move like 'flies'.

A witness from Bernkastel-Ques in Germany (Moselle Valley) reported seeing a similar single light and provided photos showing three colors, common in such observations. The hypothesis of Thai lanterns or hot air balloons (sold in Germany) was suggested.

Constellation of Perseus

This section shifts focus to astronomy, detailing the constellation Perseus. It recounts the mythological story of Perseus, his birth, his quest to slay Medusa, and his subsequent adventures. The text includes astronomical charts and information about prominent stars and deep-sky objects within the constellation, such as Algol, M34 (NGC1039), NGC1499 (California Nebula), M76 (Little Dumbbell Nebula), and NGC1275.

Euro UFO Net: The Virtual Community

This article introduces EuroUfoNet, a virtual community of European ufologists. It explains that long-standing national UFO organizations have existed for decades, with regular exchanges of publications and information. The advent of the internet in the 1990s facilitated these exchanges and led to the emergence of a new generation of UFO enthusiasts online. To counter the spread of unsubstantiated claims, a dozen scientifically-oriented UFO organizations decided in 1998 to create a common online space, a mailing list called EuroUfoList, for sharing information and discussions.

In 1999, representatives from six organizations (France, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Ukraine) joined the editorial team of the European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies, a peer-reviewed journal issued by Totton College in the UK. The EuroUfo mailing list later expanded to include individual researchers, totaling over 40 people from various European countries. In 2000, six organizations prepared a joint poster for the European UFO Congress in Chalons-en-Champagne, France, where about 20 EuroUfo researchers held a private meeting to discuss collaboration. Participants agreed to improve cooperation and data exchange among those studying UFO phenomena scientifically and willing to share information.

EuroUfoNet is described as a common tool for this purpose, emphasizing ongoing research activities and resource inventories. It is not a federation but a virtual community with shared objectives, initially promoted by seven national UFO organizations but open to all individuals and organizations with similar goals.

Tournefeuille Sighting: "I Saw a UFO"

This section presents a personal account from Michel Saint-Marc, a retired resident of Tournefeuille, France. He describes observing a UFO on a warm Sunday night. After hearing a loud whistling sound, he saw an object descending rapidly from the sky, changing color from green to violet. He noted its brilliance, the presence of black points on its sides resembling portholes, and estimated its size to be as large as a bus, at a distance of 500-600 meters. The object then moved away rapidly towards Portet with a characteristic whistling sound and a red glow underneath. Saint-Marc concluded that the object's movement, speed, and sound did not correspond to any known flying object or atmospheric phenomenon. He also mentioned that strange observations had been reported across France in recent weeks, including a notable event on the Île d'Yeu that prompted a visit from Jacques Patenet of Geipan. Saint-Marc expressed a desire to meet other witnesses of his observation, and local police reported no similar testimonies.

Associations and Contacts

The issue concludes with a directory of ufological associations and publications, including:

• Ufomania magazine
• OVNI-LANGUEDOC
• CENAP (Germany)
• GEP (Germany)
• Fédération Française d'Ufologie
• Site Officiel du Col de Vence
• CISU (Italy)
• COMITE NORD-EST DES GROUPES UFOLOGIQUES
• Le GERU

It also features information about the SPICA association, which promotes a scientific approach to ufology, respects witness anonymity, and conducts research. SPICA provides contact details and ways to support their work, including sending articles, donating books or videos, reporting phenomena, connecting with witnesses, or making financial contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and objective approach to ufology, as exemplified by the EuroUfoNet initiative and the SPICA association. It highlights witness testimonies of unexplained aerial phenomena while encouraging rigorous investigation and data sharing. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the existence of unexplained events. The publication serves as a platform for sharing sightings, research, and information within the European ufological community.