UFOmania - No 02 - 1993 06

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOMANIA
Issue: N°02
Date: June 1993
Price: 15 FF
Type: Bulletin Ufologique d'Informations (Ufological Information Bulletin)

This issue of UFOMANIA, the second published, aims to satisfy its readers with a mix of investigations and reflective articles on the UFO phenomenon. The editorial highlights recent events that influenced the publication's layout, specifically a wave of UFO sightings in Southern France on March 31, 1993. The bulletin also includes a counter-investigation into a 1984 saucer landing, a reflection on the irrational and its connection to UFOs, and further investigations based on the FRANCAT Dossier.

Editorial

Didier GOMEZ, in his editorial, expresses hope that this second issue will be well-received. He notes that the issue contains investigations and articles reflecting on the general UFO phenomenon. The events of March 1993, particularly the numerous sightings in Southern France, prompted a revision of the initial layout to include fresh testimonies and information. Additionally, the issue features a counter-investigation into a 1984 landing, a discussion on the irrational and its links to UFOs, and two other investigations from the FRANCAT Dossier. GOMEZ wishes the reader a good read.

Un cas d'atterrissage connu dans la Somme, le 01/10/54

This section details a famous landing case from October 1, 1954, investigated through a counter-enquiry conducted on April 26, 1993, with the principal witness, Mr. Bernard Devoisin. The event, which occurred over thirty-eight years prior, involved Devoisin and René Condette, both 18 years old, returning home by bicycle near Vron in the Somme region. They reported seeing a "saucer"-like object on the road, described as being shaped like a "beehive" or "grindstone," approximately 3 meters high and 3 meters wide at its base. Devoisin observed a humanoid figure, about 1 meter tall, wearing a spacesuit, emerge from the craft and then re-enter it. The object then ascended silently, hovering about 1 meter off the ground, and moved away at an estimated speed of 45-50 km/h, disappearing over the Bois du Vert-Logis. The object was described as orange, circular, and luminous but with low brightness. The reference for this case is "Face aux extra-terrestres" by Carreau and Lavier, page 34.

Que faut-il en penser ?

This article reflects on the 1954 Devoisin and Condette sighting. Initially, such observations reinforced the extraterrestrial hypothesis prevalent in the 1950s. However, the author notes that Aimé Michel, in his book "Mystérieux Objets Célèstes," considered the testimony to have "zero value" as a demonstration due to a lack of corroborating evidence. The article questions whether Devoisin and Condette invented the story or if it is true, acknowledging that while it may not be irrefutable proof, the witnesses' memory provides a sufficient guarantee of sincerity. Contemporary press reports described the young men as "serious" and "incapable of such fantasies," according to their schoolteacher. A local garage owner also reported seeing them return "pale as sheets," underscoring the exceptional nature of their experience. The author concludes by presenting the facts of this unexplained 1954 sighting and leaves the reader to form their own opinion.

Informations Complémentaires

This section provides additional details related to the 1954 case. A request made to the gendarmerie of Abbeville on October 29, 1992, to obtain a copy of the 1954 report was denied, as the gendarmerie stated they are not authorized to provide such documents to private individuals. A bibliography lists several relevant books: "Mystérieux Objets Célestes" (1977) by Aimé Michel, "Face aux Extra-terrestres" (1975) by C. Carreau and R. Lavier, "Les apparitions de Martiens" (1963) by Michel Carrouges, and "Chroniques des apparitions E.T" (1972) by Jacques Vallée. A sketch made by the witness is also included, depicting the location with a power line, a field of beetroots, and a building.

L'Irrationnel dans l'histoire: Les O.V.N.I au XX° siècle et les fées, les lutins, le Diable et la Mort du XV au XVIir siècle.

This article summarizes a master's thesis by Christophe Campiglia, a sociology student at the University of Nantes (1991-1992). The study examines the apparent connections between modern UFO observations and unexplained "visions" from the past, such as fairies, goblins, and the Devil. Campiglia explores whether these phenomena are of the same nature or if they represent an adaptation of the irrational to the prevailing environment. The approach is noted as interesting for its attempt to link common points between past unusual phenomena and UFOs. The article discusses the two main hypotheses for UFOs: the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (HET) and the rational hypothesis, which attributes sightings to astronomical phenomena or misidentified known objects, while also cautioning against hoaxes and hallucinations. It concludes that the debate remains open, with ongoing controversy between proponents and opponents of the extraterrestrial theory.

Les Caractéristiques communes à l'Irrationnel des deux époques

This section delves into the common characteristics between historical irrational phenomena and modern UFO encounters. It notes that since 1945, numerous people have reported encounters with the irrational in various forms, with the flying saucer being a prominent example, alongside cigars, eggs, and fireballs. These unidentified flying objects are often associated with encounters with the beings inhabiting the "irrational." The article draws parallels with accounts from the 15th to 18th centuries, where people also confronted the irrational, with their stories passed down as tales and legends. A key similarity identified is the small stature of these supernatural beings. Historical accounts of goblins and elves often describe them as small, sometimes with large heads, short legs, and long arms. Modern descriptions of extraterrestrials (ETs) also frequently mention a height of around 1.20 meters, slender limbs, and a lack of hair on the head. This small size appears to be a constant in third-type encounters. The article suggests that this similarity in size between historical figures like goblins and modern ETs is notable.

Furthermore, the article discusses the "multiplicity of races" as another shared characteristic. It points out that legends from 15th to 18th century Europe feature various types of supernatural beings. When examining modern UFO phenomena, the article notes that while humans have mastered air travel with planes, the beings associated with UFOs use similar-looking craft like flying saucers, cigars, and other types of UFOs. These craft do not seem out of place alongside modern aircraft and spacecraft, and their performance, while astonishing, is not as surprising as their form or mode of movement, which mirrors our own. This suggests that the irrational adapts its manifestations to the scientific and technological development of the era in which it appears.

Revues et Associations

This section, appearing on page 23 of the magazine, is not detailed in the provided OCR text. It is likely a listing or brief mention of other ufological publications and organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFOMANIA revolve around the investigation of specific UFO cases, particularly historical ones, and the broader philosophical and historical context of unexplained phenomena. The magazine adopts an investigative and analytical stance, aiming to present information independently and encourage readers to form their own conclusions. There is a clear interest in comparing modern UFO sightings with historical accounts of the supernatural, suggesting a potential underlying continuity or pattern in human experiences of the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and expert opinions while acknowledging the lack of definitive answers.

This issue of 'L'irrationnel dans l'histoire' (The Irrational in History) focuses on the phenomenon of UFOs (OVNI) as a significant manifestation of the irrational in the 20th century. The magazine explores how the irrational adapts to scientific development and symbolizes human desires.

Article: L'irrationnel dans l'histoire

The concluding thoughts of an analysis suggest that the irrational, while existing in various forms, has been most notably represented by UFOs in the 20th century. A comparison between past and present UFO appearances reveals striking similarities in their forms, the context of their appearances, and the accompanying manifestations and powers. The article posits that the irrational evolves with scientific progress, adapting to human advancements, and speculates that UFOs might even anticipate progress in aerial conquest. Furthermore, the irrational is presented as a symbol of what humans lack and desire.

Mr. Campiglia's Memoir

The issue briefly summarizes passages from Mr. Campiglia's memoir, noting that he does not claim to be a 'ufologist,' which may explain some perceived inaccuracies in his 250-page work. Mr. Campiglia is currently preparing a second memoir titled 'La croyance aux OVNI' (The belief in UFOs) and invites readers to share any useful information or knowledge about sects related to UFOs, providing his contact address in Nantes.

Event: November 5, 1990 Sighting

On November 5, 1990, hundreds of people across France, Germany, and the UK witnessed strange lights in the sky around 7:00 PM. The official explanation, reported on November 7, 1990, by the SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrée Atmosphérique) of CNES, attributed the event to the reentry of the third stage of a Soviet Proton rocket carrying the Gorizont 21 telecommunications satellite. The reentry occurred at 6:00 PM TU (7:00 PM Paris time), with a trajectory from Pau to Strasbourg.

However, a more in-depth study suggests that the described lights and shapes do not align with the reentry of a single celestial body. The hasty explanations provided by the press the following day indicated confusion and a rush to explain the phenomenon. Possibilities like satellites, meteorites, F117A stealth aircraft, and meteors were all considered. Further investigation with witnesses suggested a different reality.

Event: March 31, 1993 Sighting

Following a period of relative quiet, UFOs were reported again in late 1992 and more prominently in January 1993 around Poitiers. On March 31, 1993, at 2:15 AM, numerous witnesses reported observing a 'massive object moving silently.' The official explanation from SEPRA was again the reentry of a satellite.

Gendarmerie Patrol Observation (Solaize)

On March 31, 1993, at 2:15 AM, a gendarmerie patrol consisting of Gendarmes Payre and Prunet, along with two auxiliary gendarmes and a police dog, were on duty near the Île de la Table Ronde in Solaize. While driving, they observed what they initially thought were sparks from electrical wires behind trees. After a turn, they saw an imposing mass, estimated to be 50 meters long, passing overhead at an altitude of about 150 meters, at a 60° angle. The object was described as greyish, with three incandescent green halos arranged in a triangle beneath it, emitting yellowish trails and smoke. The observation lasted about twenty seconds, in impressive silence, and the object moved slowly, comparable to a dirigible.

Mr. Payre, who had previously not believed in UFOs, described the object as a 'mother ship.' The meteorological conditions were clear and starry, with no wind and a mild temperature of 12°C. The police dog, usually excited during stops, showed no unusual behavior, possibly due to fear. The usual presence of rabbits on the road was also absent that night.

Despite the official explanation of a Russian Cyclone-M rocket stage reentry, some observations did not align. Radio communications intercepted by the gendarmes indicated that other individuals, including truckers, were also observing a similar UFO. A radio operator known as "Tomate 19" reported seeing the phenomenon from Communay shortly after the gendarmes' observation, corroborating their experience.

According to Joël Mesnard, director of the magazine 'Lumières Dans La Nuit,' the satellite reentry was expected to occur over Ireland, with a trajectory passing over Panazol, near Limoges. The gendarmerie in Lyon-Satolas confirmed similar reports from Bourg-en-Bresse, though no radar echo was recorded.

Mme MC.L's Observation (Revel)

Another witness, Mme MC.L, who wished to remain anonymous, reported seeing two luminous lights moving slowly in the sky over Revel on March 31, 1993, at 2:15 AM. She described them as exceptionally large, almost ten times the diameter of the moon, and moving silently. She initially saw them in her street and then as they turned a corner. She described the phenomenon as a luminous veil with sparkling points that appeared and disappeared, possibly due to the disintegration of a solid body in the atmosphere.

Mme MC.L believed the phenomenon was moving horizontally towards the South. While this direction aligned with the official explanation of a satellite reentry, the estimated altitude of 1000 meters, if accurate, would not support such a reentry. The witness also noted two distinct forms, similar to a pair of coupled aircraft, with a luminous trail behind them. She speculated it might be the disintegration of a solid object.

Media Coverage

The issue compiles press reports about the March 31, 1993 sightings. 'Le Progrès' reported on a silent, 50-meter-long object observed by gendarmes near a garage. 'LYON-matin' described a luminous and transparent object, with identical testimonies from Ain, Ardèche, and Drôme. 'Le Parisien' featured an account of a train-shaped object emitting blue light. A report from Bagnères-de-Bigorre to Carcassonne described an incredible spectacle of a luminous tube moving silently. The CNES responded that it could be the third stage of a Russian rocket. The article notes the lack of precise direction and verifiable references in media reports, making interpretation difficult, but acknowledges the press as a source for contacting witnesses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the irrational and historical events, with a strong focus on UFO phenomena. It presents witness testimonies alongside official explanations, often highlighting discrepancies and questioning the adequacy of conventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging further investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena while acknowledging the challenges of interpretation and the potential for misidentification. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained events throughout history and their adaptation to contemporary scientific understanding.