SPICA - No 17 - 2013 Mars

Magazine Overview

Title: SPICA NEWS
Issue: N° 17
Date: March 2013
Publisher: Association SPICA
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of SPICA NEWS marks a transition for the publication, moving towards a more digital format due to the increasing costs of its previous iteration. The editorial highlights the challenges of maintaining the magazine and the decision to simplify its production to foster better communication among members. The association also addresses the evolving landscape of ufology in France, particularly the influence of MUFON, and reaffirms SPICA's commitment to remaining an independent entity.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by 'Le Président', explains the rationale behind the shift to a simpler, possibly email-distributed format. The previous model was too expensive, and various attempts to find a sustainable solution were unsuccessful. The new approach aims to create a simpler, more regular publication to maintain contact with members. The editorial also notes the significant changes in French ufology, including MUFON's expansion and the joining of several French associations as correspondents. SPICA, however, has chosen to remain independent. The editorial mentions that recent observations have included Thai lanterns and natural or artificial atmospheric reentries, and promises to report on these even if identified. Members are encouraged to send in their feedback, ideas, and articles.

Articles and Features

ALMA, le projet astronomique géant

This article details the inauguration of the ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) project in March 2013. Located in the Atacama Desert in Chile, at an altitude of over 5,000 meters, ALMA is described as the world's most ambitious astronomical project. It is a network of radiotelescopes designed to observe invisible light with wavelengths nearly 1,000 times longer than visible light. ALMA's capabilities are expected to allow for observations of distant, ancient, and cold parts of the universe, traversing dense cosmic dust clouds. Massimo Tarengui, representing the European Southern Observatory (ESO), is quoted stating that ALMA represents a revolution, promising greatly improved resolution and sensitivity that will transform our understanding of a portion of the universe.

Lecture: Les intelligences supérieures : Esprits, entités, extraterrestres

This section reviews the book "Les intelligences supérieures: Esprits, entités, extraterrestres" by ufologist Jean Casault. After 45 years of research, Casault proposes a startling theory: that some extraterrestrials who abduct humans originate from the same realm as the dead, ghosts, and spirits. The review notes that while this idea might be frightening, Casault aims to reassure readers by suggesting that these are 'Superior Intelligences' that coexist with us. The book is described as explosive and filled with compelling testimonials, ushering in a 'New Ufology'.

UFOLOGIE: Opération SURICATE

This piece introduces 'Opération Suricate,' a citizen-led initiative for sky observation. The concept involves hundreds of people simultaneously looking at the sky from their homes or outdoors. If a participant spots an unusual object, they can send an SMS or make a phone call to the Suricate network, which instantly relays the information to all participants to help confirm the nature of the object. The next operation was scheduled for May 11, 2013, with more information available on their website.

Dassault Neuron Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle

This article reports on the first flight of the Dassault Neuron, a European demonstrator for an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). Developed by Dassault Aviation in cooperation with several European industrial partners, the Neuron is intended to be a precursor to a new generation of fighter jets by 2030. The article describes its successful maiden flight from the Dassault Aviation flight test center in Istres, France, accompanied by a Rafale fighter jet. The drone completed its mission and returned to its starting point. The 25-minute flight included successful tests of automated landing, high-speed maneuvers, and approach simulations. The Neuron is highlighted as representing the pinnacle of current European aeronautical technology and was built as a single prototype.

Bout de lanceur russe dans le ciel bas-rhinois

This article investigates a luminous aerial phenomenon observed by several witnesses in the Bas-Rhin region on a Wednesday night. Initially thought to be an unidentified flying object (UFO), the phenomenon was later identified by the CNES's GEIPAN group as the atmospheric reentry of a stage from a Russian Soyuz rocket (SL-4 R/B). The rocket had been launched from Baïkonour, Kazakhstan, on February 11, 2013, carrying a Progress cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). The clear night sky facilitated multiple observations in the region, and fragments were reported to have fallen in Germany. The article concludes that the mystery is solved, though it acknowledges that some may still feel uneasy about potential celestial debris.

Associations and Contacts

The magazine includes a directory of affiliated ufology and related associations, providing their names, addresses, and contact information. These include Ufomania magazine, OVNI-LANGUEDOC, CENAP (Germany), GEP (Germany), Fédération Française d'Ufologie, Le GERU, CISU (Italy), and COMITE NORD-EST DES GROUPES UFOLOGIQUES.

SPICA Association Information

The final pages provide details about the SPICA association itself. It outlines the association's mission to promote a scientific approach to ufology, aeronautics, astronomy, and space exploration. SPICA encourages members to share knowledge and ideas, emphasizing objective research and avoiding dogma. They offer to investigate unusual phenomena reported by witnesses, guaranteeing anonymity. Contact information for the SPICA association, including its address, phone number, email, and website, is provided. The association also outlines ways members can help, such as submitting articles, donating books or videos, reporting phenomena, connecting them with witnesses, or offering financial support through donations or purchasing merchandise like stickers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, astronomical discoveries, and advancements in aeronautics. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a scientific, objective, and evidence-based approach to investigating these subjects, as emphasized by the SPICA association's mission statement. There is a notable emphasis on maintaining independence from larger international organizations like MUFON, while still engaging with the broader ufological community. The transition to a more accessible publication format suggests a desire to broaden reach and participation among members.