UFOmania - No 13 - 1996 09

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: 13
Date: September 1996
Price: 20 francs
ISSN: 1254-5112
Publisher: Not specified
Country: France
Language: French

Editorial Content

This issue of UFOmania, a quarterly publication dedicated to UFO phenomena, offers a diverse range of articles and reports. The editorial, penned by Didier Gomez, highlights the magazine's commitment to presenting independent research and acknowledges the contributions of its readers. It also announces changes, including a new internet correspondent, Thierry Garnier, and a new mailing address for the publication.

Key Articles and Features:

• OVNI: Preuves physiques des enlèvements (UFOs: Physical Evidence of Abductions): This in-depth article, sourced from "MAGAZIN 2000," details the findings of Dr. Leir and Derrel Sims of the Houston UFO Network (HUFON) regarding implants recovered from individuals who claim to have been abducted by UFOs. These implants, described as metallic with a grey membrane and exhibiting unusual properties, are presented as tangible proof of physical abduction experiences. The article discusses the medical analysis of these implants, including their composition and the lack of inflammatory reactions from the body, suggesting they were deliberately integrated to avoid rejection.

• Un musée ufologique a ouvert ses portes en juillet au Japon (A Ufological Museum Opened its Doors in July in Japan): This section reports on the inauguration of the world's largest UFO museum in Hakui City, Japan. The museum, built in the shape of a flying saucer, houses UFO photographs, videos, and physical evidence, and even features a film shown to the museum's coordinator by the CIA regarding an extraterrestrial autopsy.

• Dernière minute...téléx (Late News...Telex): This section compiles recent UFO sightings and events.
• ARGENTINE: Ils prétendent avoir vu des objets lumineux (They Claim to Have Seen Luminous Objects): Two articles from Argentine newspapers, CLARIN and LA RAZON, detail numerous reports of luminous spheres and oval-shaped objects seen across Argentina in August 1996. Witnesses described phenomena occurring between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, some accompanied by power outages or unusual aerial movements.
• Un ovni en vol nocturne (A UFO in Night Flight): This report from LA RAZON describes a luminous object observed for 15 minutes in Argentina, moving from south to north. The object was described as a "gigantic luminous sphere" and later as a "large walnut" with a less intense luminosity on its upper part.

• INTERNET, une fenêtre sur un nouveau monde (INTERNET, A Window to a New World): This article announces the new internet presence for UFOmania, with Thierry Garnier as the responsible correspondent. It highlights the potential of the internet for sharing UFO information and encourages readers to connect via the BBS network or email for more details.

• O.V.N.I FORUM - Le courrier ufologique (UFO FORUM - The Ufological Mail): This section introduces the revamped OVNI FORUM, now integrated into UFOmania. Pascal Pautrot, the responsible editor, invites readers to contact him with information. It also features updates on ufological activities in France, including the departure of ufologists Gilbert Schildknecht and Alain Blanchard from FRANCE-UFOLOGIE to create a new independent section, and an upcoming conference in Châlons-en-Champagne.

• Lundi 5 Novembre 1990, 19h00... alors... finalement c'était quoi? (Monday, November 5, 1990, 7:00 PM... so... what was it finally?): This article revisits the controversial November 5, 1990 event, questioning the official explanation of a Soviet satellite re-entry. It cites investigations by Jean Sider, who obtained correspondence from NORAD/USSPACECOM indicating no correlation between the observed phenomena and known space debris. The article also mentions other authors and ongoing research into this event.

• CHUPACABRAS: MASSACRES SANGUINAIRES A PORTO-RICO (Chupacabras: Bloody Massacres in Porto Rico): The cover story highlights the mysterious creature known as the Chupacabras and its alleged attacks in Porto Rico.

• Contacts en Corse du Sud (Contacts in Southern Corsica): A brief mention of a publication by the Groupe Sentinelle detailing encounters and UFO sightings in Corsica.

• Appel à témoins (Call for Witnesses): Michel Granger is seeking information about a photograph taken in the Pyrenees in 1972 of an unidentified object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFOmania consistently focuses on UFO sightings, alleged alien abductions, and physical evidence related to these phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance of critical inquiry, questioning official explanations and encouraging independent research. There is a clear emphasis on presenting diverse perspectives and fostering a community of ufologists. The editorial also touches upon the growing public interest in UFOs, partly fueled by media such as Hollywood films, and the potential impact of this on public perception and the ufological field. The magazine aims to be a platform for sharing information, facilitating discussions, and promoting the study of unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of UFOmania, identified as Volume 11, Issue 110, published in June 1996, focuses on a diverse range of topics within the ufological field. The cover prominently features "UFOLOGUES NORMANDS" and a warning about distinguishing genuine ufologists from impostors. The magazine includes sections on new ufological associations, book reviews, UFO sightings, the relationship between religion and belief in extraterrestrials, the mysterious Chupacabras phenomenon, and the influence of UFOs in cinema.

New Ufological Initiatives

The magazine announces the upcoming creation of the "Cercle Ufologique de Haute-Normandie" in September, initiated by Thierry Garnier. This new association aims to invigorate ufological activities in the region with plans for field investigations, press research, and conferences. Additionally, the "Groupe SENTINELLE" is highlighted as a young association publishing the bulletin "SENTINEL NEWS," which is noted for its dynamic approach and rigor. The second issue of their bulletin is praised, suggesting it could become an indispensable publication.

Ufologists and Credibility

A significant portion of the magazine addresses the credibility within the ufological community. The article "Ne pas confondre ufologue et ufologue !!!" warns readers about the prevalence of charlatans, mythomaniacs, and individuals with "TOP-SECRET" information, as well as "debunkers." It specifically mentions Thierry Garnier's negative experience with a "scrupulous thief" in the milieu, emphasizing the need for vigilance against those who exploit knowledge of the field for personal gain. The author calls for a united front to denounce such practices, describing the community as a "basket of crabs."

Academic Study: Religious Fundamentalism and Belief in Extraterrestrial Life

Pages 12-14 feature a detailed study titled "LA CROYANCE EN L'EXISTENCE D'UNE VIE EXTRATERRESTRE: UN DEFI A LA DOCTRINE CHRETIENNE ET AUX FONDAMENTALISTES ?" by Dennis R. Rosenbaum, Richard A. Maier, and Paul J. Lavrakas. The study hypothesizes that Christian churches, particularly fundamentalist ones, are less likely to believe in extraterrestrial life. The research involved surveying clergy from six different denominations (Anabaptist, Jehovah's Witnesses, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Episcopalian, and Unitarian) using the Belief in Extraterrestrial Life Scale (BEXTL) and assessing their degree of fundamentalism. The findings strongly support the hypothesis, indicating a significant negative correlation between religious fundamentalism and belief in extraterrestrial life. The study also notes that many churches had not officially taken a stance on the issue.

The Chupacabras Phenomenon

Pages 17-18 focus on the "CHUPACABRAS, massacres sanguinaires à Porto-Rico." This section describes a creature that has been terrorizing small domestic animals in Puerto Rico for several months. The Chupacabras is depicted as a vampiric mutilator, often described as a cyborg-like being with an odor of paint thinner, possibly released from UFOs to collect blood. Descriptions include it being bipedal, resembling a dinosaur without a tail, with clawed feet and large, almond-shaped eyes. The creature is said to produce a buzzing sound and can change color. The article also mentions reports of chupacabras sightings in Miami and discusses the possibility of government cover-ups related to the phenomenon.

UFOs in Cinema

Page 16, "Les OVNI inspirent Hollywood," explores the growing trend of UFOs and extraterrestrials in films. It notes that filmmakers are increasingly incorporating elements of ufology and real-life incidents into their stories to add a sense of reality. Several upcoming films are mentioned, including "Roswell" by Jeremy Kagan, "Aire 51" by Mike Gray, and films featuring Jodie Foster in "Contact" (based on Carl Sagan's novel) and Tommy Lee Jones in "The Men in Black." Roland Emmerich's "Independence Day," depicting an alien invasion, is also highlighted. The article suggests that this cinematic trend may increase public acceptance of the possibility of extraterrestrial existence.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Several sections report on specific UFO sightings:

• Lithuania: On June 26, 1996, police in Vilnius were mobilized after two gendarmes observed a round, luminous object hovering near the capital for half an hour, emitting strange sounds.
• Australia: Throughout June 1996, numerous orange UFOs were sighted in various Australian cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. Reports mention formations of lights and a triangular formation of UFOs. The national television network TEN-TV covered some of these unexplained observations.
• Book Review: "5 Novembre 1990: Le creux de la vague, le mimétisme des rentrées atmosphériques" by Robert Alessandri: Pages 19-20 review this book, which analyzes UFO cases, particularly those related to atmospheric reentry phenomena. The reviewer, Didier GOMEZ, expresses skepticism about Alessandri's methodology, criticizing his reliance on secondary sources and lack of direct contact with witnesses. GOMEZ suggests the book is more of a "armchair ufology" and questions its contribution to understanding UFOs, particularly regarding the events of November 5, 1990.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on "Références Bibliographiques" listing sources related to UFOs and Chupacabras. A bulletin board section offers subscription information for "UFOmania" and other related publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO sightings worldwide, the critical examination of the ufological community's credibility, the intersection of religious beliefs with the possibility of extraterrestrial life, and the cultural impact of UFO phenomena, particularly in cinema. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, emphasizing critical analysis, the importance of credible evidence, and a warning against sensationalism and fraud within the field. There is a clear effort to present both anecdotal reports and more analytical, research-based content, alongside a critical perspective on the methods and motivations of some within the ufology community.