UFOmania - No 17 - 1997 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFOmania, number 17, published in September 1997, is a bulletin of ufological information that aims to present an independent overview of recent UFO research. The publication is directed by Didier GOMEZ and is based in Albi, France. The magazine's objective is to compile and analyze testimonies and articles related to UFO phenomena, developing arguments to better understand their nature.

Editorial

Didier GOMEZ, in his editorial, expresses his pleasure in presenting a new issue filled with current events. He notes the media's focus on the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident, but laments the poor quality of information and the tendency of the French press to dismiss the subject. He criticizes sensationalist magazines for publishing outdated articles and perpetuating myths. GOMEZ highlights the release of the book "The Day After Roswell" by a retired army colonel, promising explosive revelations. He also addresses the U.S. Air Force's attempt to explain away the Roswell crash bodies as mere mannequins, calling it a grotesque explanation. GOMEZ observes a shift in scientific circles, with figures like Jean-Jacques Vélasco of SEPRA becoming more nuanced in their views on UFOs, suggesting they may soon be considered a significant scientific reality. He announces the development of new projects and a multimedia section for UFOmania, including a screensaver created in collaboration with ARDEC. The issue also features a revised layout and an increased page count.

Articles and Features

"La lâcheté des socio-psychologues" by Jean Sider

Jean Sider critiques socio-psychologists like Pierre Lagrange, who attribute the invention of flying saucers to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. Sider argues that UFO phenomena are ancient, citing historical accounts from 583 AD and Roman times. He points to declassified military documents that contradict Lagrange's claims and highlights numerous historical sightings, including 'phantom rockets' in Sweden during WWII, 'foo-fighters', 'phantom balloons' in Scandinavia in the 1930s, 'phantom dirigibles' in South Africa and Canada in the early 1900s, and the great airship wave of 1897 in the US. Sider emphasizes that these phenomena predate conventional aircraft and conventional explanations. He quotes General Nathan F. Twining's 1947 statement that the phenomenon is 'real and not imaginary or fictitious,' contrasting it with Lagrange's dismissive stance. Sider condemns the debunkers for deliberately misrepresenting facts and argues their behavior stems from a desire to defend anthropocentric and geocentric worldviews.

"A propos du crash de Roswell"

This section discusses the Roswell crash, noting that over 350 witnesses have been identified. It criticizes Lagrange for disregarding these testimonies. The announcement by a Roswell AAF officer about the recovery of a 'flying saucer' is highlighted as an anomaly, as the military typically avoids press involvement. The explanation of a secret Mogul balloon is deemed insufficient to justify such a public announcement. The article suggests that the military's actions were a cover-up, possibly to explain away the recovery of an unknown craft and its occupants, orchestrated by General Clements McMullen.

"Le debunker se moque de la vérité..."

This article continues the critique of debunkers, accusing them of acting out of greed or vanity. It criticizes their publications and their role in promoting books that dismiss UFOs. The author questions the motivation of debunkers like Lagrange, suggesting it is driven by pride and a desire for media attention. The article quotes Jean-Jacques Vélasco, who dismisses Lagrange's theories as insufficient to explain many UFO cases.

"Observations récentes"

This section details recent UFO sightings from various locations:

• USA (Colorado): Following a 1995 sighting by Tim Edwards, a wave of UFO activity has been reported in Southern Colorado. In February 1997, Jim Roberts and his son Jeff observed a large, golden, cigar-shaped object. Edwards had previously filmed a similar luminous object.
• USA (New England): A significant wave of UFO sightings, the largest in 26 years, was reported across the forests, mountains, and marshes of Northern New England. Witnesses reported lights and saucer-shaped objects. Raymond Fowler of MUFON stated it was comparable to the 1973 wave. A woman from Colebrook, New Hampshire, reported an encounter with extraterrestrials.
• Lithuania: Residents of Ginkunai village reported seeing a flying object with pulsating lights, described as a 'flying saucer' by witness Kestutis Nesavas. An astrophysicist suggested atmospheric phenomena, but the report notes previous UFO sightings near a military base.
• USA (Ohio and Connecticut): Multiple sightings of black helicopters were reported in July 1997. Julie P. observed a helicopter near Cincinnati, and later saw another near Reading. James W. and others reported seeing a black UH-1 helicopter flying low near Sterling, Connecticut.
• USA (California): Two UFO observations were reported. In Chino, residents saw a crescent-shaped object made of five lights with golden tails. In Vinton, a woman described a large, round, dark object hovering over a pasture.
• USA (Oregon): The McDonnall family in Monmouth observed a gray, metallic, capsule-shaped object with a dark band, moving silently and at high speed.
• USA (Indiana): Lynn Taylor and a friend observed an orange-red object moving north over Bloomington. John Tosti also reported receiving harassment calls and had previously observed a large red object.

"Les pilotes et les radars de l'armée suisse ont vu des ovnis. Pas de panique"

This article reveals that the Swiss Department of Military has compiled documents on UFO sightings, including pilot testimonies and radar recordings. Despite the military's general reluctance to acknowledge UFOs, a divisionary official, Hansruedi Fehrlin, confirmed the existence of a dossier. The dossier contains detailed accounts of sightings, press clippings, and radar data showing unidentified object trajectories. While the military officially states it has no reason to believe in UFOs, pilot reports from 1978 mention a disk-shaped object over Lake Neuchâtel and unexplained aerial apparitions. One pilot reported a bright, fast-moving object that made abrupt turns. Another case from 1971 described a brilliant object that transformed into a delta shape. The article also mentions a civilian witness in the Vaud canton who saw a silent, round object with mauve-green lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFOmania include the historical depth of UFO phenomena, the critique of debunkers and their methods, the potential for military cover-ups, and the ongoing reporting of recent sightings worldwide. The magazine's stance is clearly pro-ufology, advocating for serious investigation and challenging skeptical explanations. It positions itself as a platform for disseminating information that might otherwise be ignored or suppressed, aiming to restore a sense of truth and balance in the public discourse on UFOs. The editorial emphasizes the importance of publishing these findings to counter disinformation and support the work of independent ufologists.

UFOmania, issue number 17, published in July-August-September 1997, is a French-language magazine dedicated to ufology. This issue features a cover story about a vacationer in Spain who reported a UFO sighting to the police, and includes articles on the Roswell incident, an interview with former UK government UFO expert Nick Pope, and a deep dive into the 1954 UFO wave in France.

Article: Un vacancier voit un OVNI lors de son voyage à « La Manga » et avertit la Police.

This article reports on a man who, while driving with his family from Torrevieja to La Manga in Spain on July 7, 1997, observed a white circular object with rectangular lights. The object hovered above his vehicle for two minutes. The man, who identified himself as a skeptic until this experience, contacted the local police in Cartagena to report the sighting. His wife and two sons also witnessed the object. The police confirmed receiving the report as information and stated the man did not stop his vehicle due to fear.

Article: Mardi 15 avril 1997, une boule bleue dans le ciel albigeois... suite...

This piece revisits a sighting from April 15, 1997, where witnesses in Albi, France, reported observing a blue ball in the sky. The article notes that two witnesses maintained their accounts, and two EDF (Électricité de France) employees also reported seeing a similar blue ball near a thermal power plant. Despite efforts to gather more testimony, including a local press appeal, the witnesses remain anonymous, leaving the mystery unresolved.

Article: LE PHENOMENE OVNI EN VIDEO

This section promotes ETERNEL DIFFUSION, a company offering a catalog of UFO-related videos, many of which are imported and in English. They also sell t-shirts and posters. Contact information is provided for inquiries and catalog requests.

Article: en bref ...

This section provides several brief updates:

• Lumières Dans La Nuit: This group is organizing a UFO day on September 8, 1997, at the Châlons-en-Champagne fair, featuring an exhibition and an audiovisual conference with notable ufologists like Gildas Bourdais, Joël Mesnard, and Richard Nolane.
• UFOmania Meeting: A report on a UFOmania meeting held on June 24, 1997, at the organization's headquarters. Attendees exchanged ideas on UFO phenomena, shared hypotheses, and viewed videos. The meeting was described as fruitful and convivial, fostering connections among local ufologists.
• CUFOHN Conference in Gaillon: The CUFOHN organized a UFO conference on July 26, 1997, in Gaillon, Normandy. Despite a low turnout and a journalist's error in announcing the date, the event was considered informative. The conference included discussions on the nature of UFOs and the viewing of compelling video sequences. Gérald Munier, a member, has launched ETERNEL Diffusion to sell UFO videos. The event concluded with a nocturnal vigil, and another conference is planned for late September.

Article: The day after Roswell

This article reviews the book "The Day After Roswell" by Colonel Philip J. Corso, presented as a significant work due to Corso's background as a former Pentagon official. The book allegedly reveals information about the Roswell crash, including details about alien bodies and the reverse-engineering of alien technology. Corso claims that recovered components from the crash led to advancements in micro-circuits, lasers, and fiber optics, suggesting the US military possesses highly sophisticated technology. The article highlights specific passages from the book, including a description of an alien encountered by Corso and references to Josef Stalin's awareness of the Roswell incident. It also mentions the theory that Stealth technology originated from Roswell debris and a claim that the US Air Force destroyed an extraterrestrial vehicle in Germany in 1974.

Article: Témoignage authentique ou imposture ?

This piece discusses Gildas Bourdais's view that Philip J. Corso's book should be taken seriously, despite potential skepticism due to sensational revelations. It notes that Corso's curriculum vitae has been verified by reputable ufologists. The article mentions a point of suspicion regarding Corso's claim that secret studies on UFO materials led to technological advancements, a theory previously suggested by Roswell witness Franck Kaufmann. The author urges readers to wait for more information before forming an opinion, acknowledging that some military officials might be motivated to accelerate the disclosure of UFO truth.

Article: Interview : Nick Pope

This interview features Nick Pope, a former UFO expert for the British government, who worked in the Ministry of Defence from 1985 to 1995, heading UFO investigations. Pope discusses his book "Open Skies, Closed Minds" and "The Uninvited," which focuses on alien abductions. He states that he has moved from skepticism to belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial visitation. Pope highlights the Rendlesham Forest incident in 1980 as particularly significant, noting the detection of high radioactivity at the site. He expresses concern that few people are aware of abduction phenomena and believes there is no government cover-up in Britain, but rather a lack of irrefutable proof. Pope acknowledges that many people do not report sightings to the Ministry, preferring to trust ufological organizations, and encourages continued investigation into the UFO enigma.

Article: InterNet

This section provides a roundup of UFO-related documents and discussions available online. It mentions photos and debates on various websites and highlights a video document showing two luminous spheres in the sky over a British field, which was broadcast on Canal+ and Sky TV. The article cautions readers to be discerning about sensational online content and promises further details on this case.

Article: Dossier 1954

This section focuses on the 1954 UFO wave, particularly highlighting the work of Jean Sider in his book "Le Dossier 1954 et l'Imposture Rationaliste." The article praises Sider's extensive research, which aims to debunk rationalist explanations and provide a comprehensive catalog of sightings from that era. It emphasizes the importance of studying this period to understand the UFO phenomenon better and encourages further research and cross-referencing of information. The article also mentions the collaboration with Italian and Belgian UFO dossiers and the inclusion of iconographic material.

Article: Sur la route de Ligescourt à Vron

This article details a specific UFO sighting that occurred on October 1, 1954, involving two young workers, Bernard Devoisin and René Condette, near Vron, France. While cycling home, they saw a large, hive-shaped object on the road. Devoisin also reported seeing a human-like figure nearby, possibly wearing a suit and mask. The object then took off silently, spinning like a top before flying away at high speed. The article includes interviews with the witnesses and their families, as well as a local teacher and a garage owner, who corroborate the young men's credible account. The report notes that the object disappeared into a beet field and then headed towards a wooded area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the reality of UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial visitation, often challenging official denials and rationalist explanations. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony, historical cases, and the potential for government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to seek out information and form their own conclusions, while also highlighting the importance of rigorous research and documentation. The magazine actively promotes UFO-related books, videos, and organizations, positioning itself as a central hub for ufological news and discussion in France.

Title: UFOmanian
Issue Date: July-August-September 1997
Content Focus: Ufology, UFO sightings, and the challenges of establishing a unified approach within the French ufological community.

Correspondence and Editorial Response

The issue opens with a letter from Laurent Cousseau, responding to Fabien Desmeaux's previous article regarding the lack of a common strategy in French ufology. Cousseau agrees with Desmeaux's suggestion to coordinate efforts and emphasizes the need to leverage fifty years of accumulated UFO data. He proposes creating a global, interconnected database accessible via the internet, where each association would contribute and access information. This would allow for better correlation of sightings with current events, weather, and social phenomena. Cousseau stresses the importance of objective investigation and warns against the polarization of pro- and anti-UFO stances, noting that public authorities can manipulate information.

Fabien Desmeaux, in his response, reiterates the primary goal of ufologists: to understand the true nature and function of UFO phenomena, despite differing ideas. He advocates for a strategy that unites independent ufologists and amateur groups, creating an inter-dependent network. This network would federate individual energies and coordinate the actions of investigators and publications, such as UFOmania, LDLN, and CEOF-France, while respecting each entity's independence. He suggests a transparent, open database with a common internal regulation, allowing participants to retain copyright. Desmeaux notes that while the idea is sound, current implementations may lack transparency, and not all necessary details from witnesses are always communicated. He likens the progress of a researcher to the need for collaboration.

Desmeaux concludes by encouraging cooperation and the pooling of efforts, highlighting the accessibility of the internet as a valuable tool. He invites readers to share their opinions.

Reader Contributions and Sightings

Francis Gatti's Contribution:

A letter from Francis Gatti, president of C.A.S.A.R. (Centre Associatif de Synthèse Application et Réalisation), introduces their website, which serves as a resource for scientific specialists. The site offers information freely, without copyright concerns, aiming to advance future research. Gatti includes a disclaimer about potential errors in the texts and apologizes for the difficulty in deciphering image files to keep loading times down.

Mathias Boddaert's Sighting:

Mathias Boddaert recounts an observation from 1989 near Pontariier in the Doubs region. While walking with friends at night, they witnessed a very bright orange sphere moving at high speed. The object's trajectory was easily followed until it positioned itself directly overhead. It hovered above a low cloud layer, illuminating the ground so intensely that their clothes reflected the light. Boddaert estimates the object was less than 1000 meters high. He describes a luminous core within the sphere, which emitted light without being dazzling. After about three minutes, the object moved vertically, then accelerated away at an inconceivable speed, leaving a profound impression on the witnesses.

Laurent Cousseau's Re-edition:

Laurent Cousseau announces the re-edition of his press dossier on the UFO phenomenon. The updated version, priced at 99 French Francs (including postage), exceeds 80 pages and is divided into 12 chapters. It includes new investigations, notably one from November 5, 1990, and personal insights from the author. Cousseau's work is recommended for its effort in uncovering lesser-known data.

Call for Testimonies:

Following Boddaert's sighting, the author seeks further testimonies that could corroborate or expand upon this observation, aiming to compile a catalog of apparitions in the region.

Analysis of the November 5, 1990 Event in Eure

Didier Gomez's Book:

The magazine features an advertisement for Didier Gomez's book, "L'EURE DES CM," focusing on the events of November 5, 1990. The cover art depicts a UFO.

Critique of Official Explanations:

The author of this section revisits the November 5, 1990 events, highlighting two key points often overlooked: the tendency of official instances and the press to ridicule or dismiss UFO phenomena, and the significant discrepancies between official explanations and witness accounts. The author notes that official narratives often attempt to provide rational explanations, such as satellite re-entries. Specifically, Jean-Jacques Vélasco on TF1 attributed the event to the re-entry of a Soviet Proton rocket stage. However, research conducted with NORAD revealed that the object was not a rocket stage but a connecting element that likely disintegrated in the atmosphere, bearing no resemblance to witness descriptions.

Observations from the Eure Department:

Investigations conducted by local investigator Francis Néhou months after the event suggest that witnesses observed something far more significant than a simple satellite re-entry. The book includes a non-exhaustive list of UFO phenomena reported in the Eure department from November 5, 1990, to the end of 1994, providing a broader perspective on the nature of these events in the region.

Concluding Thoughts:

The author offers their perspective on why such phenomena continue to occur, acknowledging that many questions remain unanswered. The aim is to help readers form their own informed opinions based on the presented evidence.

Multimedia Offer

UFOmania Screen Saver:

UFOmania offers a multimedia product: the first UFOlogical screen saver for PC, developed by Pascal Pautrot. It is described as realistic, with surprising special effects and a touch of humor, marking the arrival of UFOlogical animation. The screen saver is available for subscribers at the special price of 79 Francs on a 1.44 MB diskette, with two versions available. System requirements include a PC 486, 8 MB RAM, 5 MB free disk space, and a minimum resolution of 640x480 with Windows 95 or NT.

Contact Information:

Details are provided for ordering the screen saver, with payments to be made out to Pascal Pautrot. Contact information for UFOmania is also listed, including their address, phone number, and email.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the organization and methodology of ufology, the importance of credible witness testimony, and the critical examination of official explanations for UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to favor a collaborative, data-driven approach to ufology, emphasizing transparency and objective investigation. There is a clear skepticism towards official narratives and a belief that a significant, unexplained phenomenon is occurring, which requires a more unified and rigorous approach from the ufological community. The promotion of a new screen saver also indicates an interest in leveraging modern technology for UFO-related content.