UFOmania - No 16 - 1997 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFOmania, dated June 1997, is a special edition dedicated to the 50th anniversary of two landmark events in ufology: the Kenneth Arnold sighting and the Roswell crash. The magazine aims to present an independent overview of research and data related to UFO phenomena, focusing on recent developments and historical context.

Editorial Stance

In his editorial, Didier Gomez, the director of publication, reflects on the significance of the 1947 events and the importance of collective memory in ufology. He announces special observation gatherings for subscribers in the Tarn region and a meal for Parisian subscribers to foster community and discussion. Gomez also expresses a personal view that the ufological community should not solely focus on the extraterrestrial hypothesis, suggesting that this rigid adherence might obscure more profound and mysterious aspects of the phenomenon. He argues that while UFOs are real, the descriptions of humanoid encounters might be conditioned, and the extraterrestrial explanation is not definitively proven.

Key Articles and Features

The Era of Saucers: Kenneth Arnold's Observation

This section details the famous sighting by Kenneth Arnold on June 24, 1947. Arnold, a businessman, observed nine strange, fast-moving objects while flying his plane near Mount Rainier. His description of their movement as 'sautillant sur l'eau' (hopping on water) led to the popularization of the term 'flying saucers'. The article highlights the media's initial reaction, the scientific skepticism, and the eventual acceptance of Arnold's credibility, setting the stage for a wave of subsequent sightings.

The Press Gets Involved

The article describes how Arnold's story was picked up by the press, leading to widespread public interest. It notes the initial difficulty journalists had in describing the objects and how the term 'flying saucer' became iconic. Despite scientific attempts to rationalize the sightings as optical illusions or misidentified aircraft, the sensational nature of the event could not be contained, even prompting an early attempt by the Air Force to downplay the incident.

Roswell and the Beginning of the U.S. Military Black-out

This section delves into the Roswell incident of July 1947, where debris was found by a farmer and a mysterious object was reportedly recovered by the U.S. military. The article suggests that the increasing number of UFO sightings prompted the military to impose a 'cover-up' to reassure the public. It references information from Jean Sider and Franck Marie regarding disinformation surrounding the event.

The Letter from Colonel McCoy

This segment critically examines a letter from Colonel Howard M. McCoy, dated November 8, 1948, which is often cited by debunkers to deny the Roswell crash. The article argues that the letter has been taken out of context. It explains that the memo was a response to General C.P. Cabell's inquiry about 'Project SIGN' and that it indicated the origin and nature of the observed objects were not yet known. The author contends that the letter was intended to manage public perception and inform personnel who did not have a 'need to know' about the full extent of the situation, rather than to deny the existence of unexplained objects.

The UFO Wave of 1947

Ted Bloecher's report 'UFO Wave of 1947' is mentioned, which documented 853 sightings between June 1 and July 30, 1947. The article suggests that the Kenneth Arnold sighting may have encouraged other witnesses to come forward, contributing to the massive number of reports during that period.

Recent Observations

This section provides updates on recent UFO sightings. One notable report details a luminous ball observed on February 4, 1997, in the Gers, Haute-Garonne, and Tarn-et-Garonne regions of France. Initially thought to be a satellite re-entry, the description by witnesses of a large, green and red ball with a trail, and its duration, leads to skepticism about the official explanation. Another report covers a sighting of a yellow-green luminous object near Montpellier, observed by airline pilots and not confirmed by radar.

Montpellier Sighting

A brief report from 'La Dépêche du Midi' describes two pilots spotting a yellow-green luminous object over Montpellier. Air traffic control could not confirm the sighting, and it was noted that such incidents, while not frequent, are typically investigated.

Banque OVNI: Recent Incidents

A list of recent UFO incidents from April and March 1997 is provided, detailing various sightings across France, the USA, Chile, Israel, Australia, and Brazil. These include luminous objects of different colors and shapes, triangle-shaped craft, and one report of a cow mutilation.

In Brief

• This section contains short news items, including:
• The upcoming release of a 350-page book on the 1954 rationalist imposture.
• The resumption of the TAU CETI association's quarterly review, focusing on cryptozoology and ufology.
• The release of Jean-Claude Bourret's new book '1999: OVNI le contact', criticized for its compilation of well-known cases and focus on France.
• An announcement for a special 50th-anniversary event for subscribers in the Tarn region and a meal for Parisian subscribers.
• A review of Jean Gabriel Greslé's book 'Extraterrestres, secret d'Etat', which is praised for its courage in tackling the Roswell subject but criticized for its disjointed structure and lack of critical analysis and visual aids.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical significance of the 1947 UFO events (Kenneth Arnold and Roswell), the ongoing nature of UFO sightings, the role of the media and scientific skepticism, and the concept of a military cover-up. The editorial stance, particularly from Didier Gomez, emphasizes a critical approach to established hypotheses, encouraging readers to look beyond simple explanations and consider the broader, more mysterious aspects of the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear effort to foster a sense of community among UFO enthusiasts and to encourage continued investigation and reporting of sightings.

This issue of "La Bibliothèque d'UFO mania" (Issue 11, Volume 11) is a French-language publication focusing on UFO phenomena, contactee accounts, and related mysteries. The cover prominently features a list of available books for sale, with prices and contact information for reservations, indicating a strong emphasis on providing resources to enthusiasts.

Book List

The issue begins with a list of 7 books available for purchase, including titles by John G. Fuller, Michel Granger, Jean Bastide, Jacques Vallée, J. Allen Hynek, and J.C. Bourret, with prices ranging from 35 FF to 120 FF. A note mentions a sliding scale for multiple orders and advises adding shipping costs. It also states that only one copy of each book is available and provides a phone number for reservations.

Jacques Carter's Contact Experience

A section details an account from Jacques Carter, an author of a book on 'fourth type experiences'. He reports a significant event on September 7, 1996, at Mont Dore, France, while he was undergoing thermal treatment. His neighbor saw a luminous white disk descend, hover about 2 meters above the road, then ascend and disappear silently. Carter, who was also present, compared the disk's diameter to the width of a window (70 cm) and described it as a 'research disk on a mission'. He and his neighbor filed a report with the gendarmerie.

NORAD UFO Sightings

According to the German magazine 'Magazin 2000', NORAD detected 23 UFOs between January and August 1996. These sightings were recorded as 'Unknown Track Records' on radar. British ufologist A. Victorian obtained this information through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. On three occasions in early 1996, fighter jets were scrambled to intercept these objects, but none could be identified. NORAD commented that normally 80% of unknown objects can be identified later, leaving 20% as truly unknown.

DOE Albuquerque Logo and Roswell

The New Mexico office of the Department of Energy (DOE) in Albuquerque uses a logo that incorporates a petroglyph-like drawing featuring a flying saucer, a galaxy, and a four-fingered hand. The DOE, formerly the AEC (Atomic Energy Commission), is noted for its significant role in the recovery of crashed UFOs following the Roswell incident, with debris and alien bodies reportedly transported to AEC bases.

Jean Sider's Analysis of UFO Phenomena

Jean Sider, in an article titled 'OVNIs: Méfions-nous des apparences' (UFOs: Let's Beware of Appearances), questions the prevailing extraterrestrial hypothesis. He argues that while many UFO researchers focus on sightings and occupant encounters, the evidence presented (ground traces, photos, radar echoes) might be misinterpreted. Sider suggests that these phenomena could be orchestrated by an intelligence that manipulates human perception, drawing parallels with spiritualism, mediumship, and religious experiences. He posits that the 'intelligence' behind these events adapts its manifestations to cultural contexts, presenting itself as divine, demonic, or extraterrestrial. Sider also highlights the psychological and emotional impact on witnesses, noting that their deeply held beliefs are often targeted. He points out inconsistencies in UFO descriptions and the varied appearances of alleged alien beings, suggesting that the phenomenon is more about psychological manipulation than physical extraterrestrial visits. He concludes that the intelligence involved is a master of illusion, using 'comedies' and 'tricks' throughout history.

The Problem of Proof

Sider critiques the 'proofs' of UFOs, stating that alleged material evidence is often ambiguous or misinterpreted. He suggests that phenomena like possessions, hauntings, and channeling might offer alternative explanations. He argues that in ufology, as in other paranormal research, people tend to find what they expect to find, and an underlying intelligence caters to these expectations.

Study of Testimonies

Sider analyzes testimonies, noting that no two UFO descriptions are identical, despite common general shapes. He also points out the vast differences in descriptions of alien creatures encountered in close encounters (RR3 and RR4). He contrasts these with historical accounts of demonic or fairy abductions, suggesting a common underlying mechanism of manipulation. He notes that many 'abductees' report experiences akin to astral projection or Out-of-Body Experiences (OBE), where the physical body is not always involved. Sider also draws parallels between UFO experiences and mystical phenomena like trances and channeling, particularly concerning the psychological and physiological after-effects on individuals. He observes a common change in behavior (usually for the better) after such experiences, indicating intense psychic manipulation.

Sexual Interest of Entities

Sider mentions that entities seem particularly interested in human sexuality, with reports of tests for pregnancy, genetic material collection, and even copulation with 'ETs'. He links these to ancient myths and folklore where superior beings engaged in intimate relations with humans. He also references judaeo-Christian accounts of erotic interactions with demons (incubi and succubi).

Manipulations by Decoys

Sider categorizes the phenomena into three levels: illusions in spirit (where the witness's mind shapes the experience), immaterial apparitions (holographic or religious apparitions), and materialized apparitions (decoys created to impress and reinforce beliefs). He suggests that the Roswell crash might have been a sophisticated decoy to prevent conflict between the US and the USSR. He also notes that 'dematerialization' of living entities is rare, but UFOs are likely materialized to leave traces and create physical evidence.

The Nature of the Intelligence

Sider proposes that this superior intelligence operates on Earth, possibly not being physical in the human sense. It can manipulate matter and energy, potentially using atomic particles or unknown energetic fluids. He suggests it can penetrate all bodies and minds, influencing individuals and groups. He likens it to the Greek concept of Aether and believes it operates through collective intelligence, influencing consciousness at a molecular level. He concludes that this intelligence is a master of illusion, using 'comedies' and 'tricks' throughout history, and that its true nature is elusive, possibly being fluidic or spiritual rather than physical.

The Case of Jean Miguères

This section revisits the story of Jean Miguères, a contactee from the 1970s who claimed to be a messenger from extraterrestrials. Miguères had a near-fatal accident in 1969, after which he began recounting his experiences. He claimed to have been 'regenerated' by an entity named Strôb from 'Kristch', a satellite of Venus. Miguères became an ambassador for extraterrestrials, promoting their message of peace and a predicted massive landing in 1996. He eventually married a much younger woman and was tragically shot and killed on a sidewalk in Lyon in 1992. The article notes that his murderer, his stepfather-in-law, could not bear the idea of Miguères leaving with his daughter and granddaughter for Canada. The autopsy revealed that only four of the six bullets had penetrated his body, a detail that added to the mystique surrounding Miguères. The article concludes by describing Miguères as an emblematic figure of the 1970s, embodying the naivety of the extraterrestrial hypothesis and its associated 'demons'.

The Socorro Incident: A Detailed Account

This section provides a detailed narrative of the Lonnie Zamora incident in Socorro, New Mexico, on April 24, 1964. Police officer Lonnie Zamora was on patrol when he heard a roaring sound and saw a red and orange flame in the sky. He abandoned a speeding Chevrolet pursuit to investigate. Atop a hill, he saw a shiny, aluminum-like object, which he initially mistook for a car wreck. Near the object were two humanoid figures in white suits. As he approached, he realized the object was oval-shaped and resting on metallic struts. He left his vehicle and reported his findings. Upon exiting his car, he heard a humming sound that intensified. The object then lifted off, emitting a blue and orange flame, accompanied by a dust cloud. Zamora took cover and observed the object ascend and disappear towards the mountains. He described the object as smooth, white, and aluminum-like, with visible flames underneath. The report includes a description of the object's insignia as a red arrow within a red frame. Sergeant Chavez of the Socorro Police Department arrived and noted Zamora's pale and shaken state. Chavez's report details observing incandescent bushes, traces on the ground, and marks where the object had rested, with smoking bushes and cold ashes.

CIA Involvement and Document Release

The article discusses the US Air Force's 'embarrassment' over the Socorro case, as noted in a 1966 CIA document. This document, obtained through a FOIA request, was classified as 'Intelligence - Espionage'. Lawyers representing the CIA stated that the request was specific. The document, a 16-page report by Major Hector Quintanilla Jr., head of Project Blue Book, provided a condensed history of UFOs from the Air Force's perspective. It acknowledged the case as 'inexplicable' and 'intriguing' but offered no definitive explanation. The article highlights that the analysis of physical specimens from the site by the Air Force Materials Laboratory found no foreign materials or combustible residue. It also mentions that a radiologist involved in analyzing samples reported finding organic materials, possibly plant sap, but was instructed by the Air Force to keep the findings confidential.

Blue Sphere in Albigeois

This section reports on sightings of a mysterious blue sphere in the sky over Albigeois, France, in April 1997. Three articles from 'La Dépêche du Midi' newspaper documented these observations. Two main witnesses, Guy Imbert and Jean Gautschi, provided consistent accounts. Imbert described a brilliant, continuous blue sphere, very low on the horizon, moving at high speed. Gautschi reported seeing a 'blue sphere' with a bright light in the middle and yellowish points at the rear, moving from West to East. He compared its size to a helicopter and its speed to a takeoff. Both witnesses noted the silence of the phenomenon. The article also mentions two other witnesses, EDF employees, who observed a similar blue sphere near the Albi thermal power plant. The phenomenon's direction of movement (East-West) is contrasted with meteorological data indicating a North-West wind, leading to speculation about whether it was a meteorite or a satellite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained, presenting various UFO sightings and contactee accounts. There is a clear skepticism towards simplistic explanations, particularly the purely extraterrestrial hypothesis, with a leaning towards the idea of a sophisticated, possibly manipulative intelligence behind the phenomena. The publication aims to provide detailed accounts and encourage critical thinking, as evidenced by the inclusion of different perspectives and the emphasis on book sales to further research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the paranormal and UFOs, while cautioning against accepting appearances at face value.