UFO Newsletter (Richard Nolane) - No 18-19 - 27 fevrier 1998

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Newsletter, dated February 27, 1998, is a double issue presented as a catch-up after a three-month hiatus, attributed to the editor's work as an author. The publication aims to cover UFOs and related phenomena.

Editorial

Richard D. Nolane, the editor, explains the delay in publication due to his other professional commitments. He introduces a double issue that includes an article by Jean-Jacques Vélasco, director of SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrée Atmosphérique), which had reportedly been rejected by major French newspapers. Nolane emphasizes that Vélasco's article is published in its original form to avoid any suggestion of alteration and that its purpose is to encourage ufology to move beyond its 'ghetto' and engage with serious scientific inquiry, criticizing the French press for its perceived lack of openness.

Du Nouveau Sur Le Film De Mexico

This section discusses the ongoing debate surrounding a video of a UFO sighting in Mexico, allegedly filmed on August 6, 1997. Initially skeptical, Graham Birdsall, editor-in-chief of UFO MAGAZINE, has reportedly changed his stance after meeting with Mexican ufologist Jaime Maussan. Maussan provided assurances from independent witnesses who saw the UFO and identified the cameraman, an undocumented immigrant who wishes to remain anonymous. Two witnesses reportedly suffered ailments after the encounter.

Lettre Ouverte Aux Sceptiques

This is an open letter by Jean-Jacques Vélasco, addressed to skeptics, aiming to shed light on the question of unidentified aerospace phenomena (UAP/OVNI) by moving beyond the debate of belief. Vélasco draws on his professional experience at CNES (Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales) and his involvement in UFO research. He argues for a rational and pragmatic approach, focusing on factual analysis rather than speculation. He traces the historical fascination with the sky and celestial phenomena, from biblical times to modern astronomy, noting how figures like Galileo and Newton shifted humanity's perspective. Vélasco also touches upon past beliefs in life on Mars, which were later disproven by scientific missions.

He challenges the notion that modern surveillance technology should eliminate mysterious aerial phenomena. Vélasco points out that despite technological advancements, pilots and other professionals continue to report sightings of unusual lights and objects. He criticizes the tendency to dismiss UFO reports as mere imagination or psychological phenomena, citing the lack of evidence for such explanations in official French investigations (PAN and GEPAN).

Vélasco highlights two specific cases investigated by GEPAN and SEPRA that remain unexplained: a close encounter and an aerial visual/radar case. He emphasizes the importance of instrumental measurement and rigorous methodology in studying UFOs. He also critiques the association of UFOs with the paranormal and parapsychology, calling it a confusion that benefits 'merchants of illusion.'

Trans-en-Provence Case

This section details the Trans-en-Provence incident on February 8, 1981. A man witnessed a silent, ovular metallic object descend and land in his garden. The object had no apparent wings or engines and left no noise upon landing or takeoff. The incident is significant due to the physical traces left behind: visible mechanical imprints and alterations to the vegetation, including changes in chlorophyll and amino acids. Analysis by Professor M. Bounias of INRA suggested a powerful electromagnetic field, possibly in the microwave range, was responsible for these effects. Despite extensive investigations by the gendarmerie and GEPAN, the object's origin remains undetermined.

Paris Object Case

This case describes an event on January 28, 1994, involving an Air France flight (Nice-London 3532) that observed a strange 'balloon' object at a cruising altitude of 11,200 meters. The object maintained a constant trajectory and disappeared strangely, its contours becoming progressively blurred. Radar surveillance confirmed the object's presence and a constant speed below 200 km/h, which was inconsistent with a conventional aircraft of its apparent size. The object's disappearance was observed simultaneously by the crew and on radar screens. Investigations involving civil and military aviation authorities confirmed a simultaneous radar and visual detection of an unidentified physical object over the Paris region for 50 seconds.

Historical Context and Scientific Study of UFOs

Vélasco discusses the history of UFO observations, starting with Kenneth Arnold's sighting in 1947 and the subsequent 'flying saucer' craze. He questions whether this wave of sightings was influenced by the Cold War climate and potential government manipulation. He notes that early reports relied heavily on visual accounts and lacked reliable data like photographs or radar recordings. The term 'UFO' (Unidentified Flying Object) later replaced 'flying saucer,' and theories emerged suggesting UFOs were products of collective imagination or science fiction. Vélasco observes the current media fascination with UFOs, particularly in Hollywood productions, but laments the absence of scientists from 'exact' sciences in this discussion, suggesting the topic is considered too controversial or 'salon entertainment.'

He criticizes the US authorities for using 'state secret' considerations to dismiss UFO phenomena and discredit those who investigate them, fostering a climate of distrust and paranoia. Vélasco calls for a more rational approach, urging scientists to consider whether UFO phenomena meet the criteria for scientific study, drawing a parallel to the historical acceptance of meteorites as celestial objects.

Vélasco acknowledges that UFOs have been the subject of serious scientific study by isolated researchers, leading to publications in various fields. However, he notes that these works often lack prestige and wide dissemination. He mentions the US Air Force's Project Blue Book and the Condon Committee's conclusion in 1969 that there was no scientific interest in pursuing UFO research further. He highlights the contributions of scientists like Professor A. Hynek, who challenged the Condon Committee's findings and laid groundwork for serious UFO study. Despite these efforts, the scientific community largely ignored these works.

In France, the IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale) prompted the creation of GEPAN in 1977 within CNES to study UFO phenomena. GEPAN, led by Claude Poher, aimed to collect data, conduct investigations, and collaborate with national police and military forces. Statistical analysis of collected data confirmed findings by Captain Ruppelt and Professor Hynek regarding the physical nature of certain phenomena. GEPAN's subsequent work focused on recent cases and fundamental research in areas like perception psychology and information diffusion, as well as meteorological phenomena like ball lightning and magnetohydrodynamics.

In 1988, GEPAN was transformed into SEPRA, with CNES continuing data collection and expertise but ceasing direct research activities.

The Uniqueness of the Paris Case and Future Research

Vélasco reiterates that the Paris case is unique in France, demonstrating a functioning information acquisition and processing chain that confirms the reality of unknown physical objects in the sky. He argues that while one case may not be statistically significant, it adds to a growing body of evidence worldwide. He refutes the idea that UFOs are merely rumors or hallucinations, stating that it is time to seriously study these phenomena. He draws an analogy to Henri Becquerel's accidental discovery of radioactivity, suggesting that unexpected findings can lead to major breakthroughs.

Vélasco emphasizes that scientific investigation requires objective examination of facts, verified by instrumental measurement. He believes that while the physical nature of UFOs is likely, further research requires systematic information collection across Europe and potentially globally. He suggests that ongoing French research in magnetohydrodynamics could be amplified, and that interdisciplinary scientific cooperation and a willingness to act are crucial to understanding UFOs, potentially revealing their cosmic origins.

Glossary

The glossary defines acronyms used in the text: OVNI (Objet Volant Non Identifié - Unidentified Flying Object), PAN (Phénomène Aérospatial Non-identifié), IHEDH, GEPAN, SEPRA, CNES, NASA, ATIC, USAF, INRA.

Le Petit Monde De L'Edition

This section provides brief news items related to UFO publications and events:

• A conference by Gildas Bourdais will be published in UFO MAGAZINE.
• Robert Alessandri's semi-pro magazine UNIVERS OVNI is facing legal action from Jean-Jacques Vélasco for defamation.
• UFO LOG nº2 is released, with its editor Didier Charnay reportedly adopting a 'debunker' approach.
• ANOMALIES nº3 has been published.
• Timothy Good's new book, 'Alien Base: Earth's encounters with Extraterrestrials,' is mentioned.
• 'ALIEN TELEVISION' (CGR Editions), a book dissecting over 20 alien-themed TV series, is available.

Encore Une Histoire De Secte-OVNI...

This news item reports on a Taiwanese sect, the 'Church of God's Salvation,' whose 130 members sold their possessions to move to Garland, Texas, in anticipation of their guru, Hon Min Chen, appearing in a flying saucer on March 31, 1998. The sect members were described as vegetarian and had return tickets, easing fears of a Heaven's Gate-like mass suicide. The sect's headquarters later moved to Gary, Indiana.

News-News-News-News-News-News-News-News-News-News-News

• A large triangular UFO was reportedly sighted over the home of UK Home Secretary Michael Howard before the 1997 general election, with alleged attempts to alter official reports to distance the sighting from his residence.
• NASA's manned spaceflight programs faced potential budget cuts, but Administrator Daniel Goldin later denied these rumors. A lobby has formed in Congress to ensure funding for these programs.
• A new film about Roswell, 'ARBITER ROSWELL: RETRIEVAL OF THE FIFTH KIND,' directed by Wendell B. Harris, is set to be released. It is described as a docu-drama that suggests the Roswell crash was one of several incidents in the New Mexico desert in 1947.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges posed by media skepticism and perceived censorship, and the detailed examination of specific UFO cases. The editorial stance, particularly from Richard D. Nolane and Jean-Jacques Vélasco, strongly advocates for a rational, evidence-based, and scientific approach to understanding UFOs, moving away from sensationalism and paranormal associations. There is a clear critique of the mainstream press's reluctance to engage with the topic seriously and a call for greater openness and rigorous research.