UFOmania - No 20 - 1998 06

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: n°20
Date: June 1998
Publisher: UFOmania
Country: France
Price: 25 Francs
ISSN: 1254-5112

This issue of UFOmania, a French quarterly publication dedicated to UFO phenomena, delves into a variety of topics, with a significant focus on a series of unusual events in Argentina and the experiences of UFO contactees.

Editorial

Didier GOMEZ, the publication's manager, reflects on UFOmania's five years of existence, thanking readers and noting the bulletin's consistent quarterly publication schedule. He mentions a slight delay for this issue, explained on page 15, and highlights the growing editorial team, whose average age of 28 brings a fresh perspective to ufology. GOMEZ emphasizes the magazine's commitment to providing informative, objective articles that avoid sensationalism, prioritizing recent events. He proposes a special issue compiling the first 20 numbers to offer a retrospective. The editorial also discusses potential future formats, such as a glossy paper edition, and seeks reader feedback on page 31. GOMEZ encourages readers to share their thoughts and expectations during the summer.

In a separate editorial note, UFOmania celebrates its fifth anniversary, presenting a larger 32-page issue compared to the previous 20-page one. The increased page count, while offering more content, inevitably leads to longer production times and potential publication delays. The editorial points to the growing public interest in UFOs, citing the advertising campaign by Marshall Cavendish for a video series on the subject. It questions whether this increased visibility will genuinely engage the public or if it's merely a fleeting trend influenced by media. Readers are invited to share their opinions in the 'Courrier des lecteurs' section.

Dossier Spécial: Les Contactés

This special dossier addresses the controversial topic of UFO contactees, acknowledging that many in the ufological community prefer to disregard direct testimonies from those claiming contact with extraterrestrial beings. The documents suggest a strong influence between contactees and their 'celestial communicators.' The article poses the question of whether contactees are truly in contact with other intelligences, emphasizing that this aspect is integral to the broader UFO subject. It admits that the mechanisms of these contacts remain unknown, and while contactee accounts can be extraordinary, caution is advised. The phenomenon of contactees has persisted since the 1950s, often involving seemingly implausible recommendations from 'cosmic beings' to randomly chosen individuals. The sensational nature of these messages, sometimes appearing as elaborate hoaxes or nonsensical ramblings, is noted as potentially rich in content for deeper analysis, even if it challenges conventional understanding.

The article suggests that these contacts, regardless of their true nature, could shed light on modern ufology. It aims to briefly explore the complex dossier of contacts to familiarize readers with this piece of the UFO puzzle, without delving into a tedious historical account.

Contacts avec les Extraterrestres positifs

This section presents the testimonies of two lesser-known contactees, Jean Michel Surmely and Sten Lindgren, whose accounts are described as characteristic. Surmely, deeply involved in the world of contactees, shares information about Sten Lindgren, a Swede who claims to be in contact with 'space brothers.' The article also briefly introduces Maurizio Cavallo, an Italian contactee whose experiences are similar to Lindgren's. The author aims to provide insights into the strong connection between contactees and other UFO-related phenomena.

Sten Lindgren's first UFO sighting was in 1957. After years of preparation, he claims 'space brothers' initiated physical contact in 1965. Lindgren has collaborated with them on projects to 'awaken and test' the Scandinavian population. He is informed in advance of their operations, allowing him to alert the public and media. Swedish television is noted as being particularly receptive to the subject, with journalists treating witnesses seriously.

Lindgren's contact is described as a female space captain named Bea, who coordinates operations synchronized with UFO waves in Norway. During the 1985 UFO waves, Lindgren's TV contacts used footage from a Norwegian vessel. The article also mentions that Finland is actively involved, and Norwegian military personnel are aware of 'Fleet bases.' In Sweden, Lindgren has organized working groups involving generals and politicians, and with the help of the 'brothers,' has even engaged the royal family. Lindgren continues to have physical encounters, and a video he developed outlines the 'brothers' plan and contact conditions. He refers to the Fleet as 'C.B.H' (Cosmic Brother Hood), which reportedly states that 'Grays' constitute only 4% of extraterrestrials visiting Earth.

Lindgren's contacts have spanned over 40 years in Sweden, beginning with psychic contacts in 1957 and physical ones from 1965. His experiences involve numerous witnesses, including television channel officials. Some of the described spacecraft, similar to 'Adamski and Menger' types, were reportedly seen during significant UFO waves and even filmed by the Norwegian TV channel NRK in the 1990s.

Commentaires

The commentary section summarizes Sten Lindgren's testimony, noting that it, like that of other contactees such as Adamski and Menger, is subject to skepticism. The author finds it difficult to form a reliable understanding of the situation due to the lack of tangible proof. The commentary suggests that while the messages from these beings might seem far-fetched, they could contain precursors to authentic contacts and a potentially 'diabolical plan' on a planetary scale. It questions whether current events signal a genuine resurgence of interest in UFOs, similar to the 1970s, or if it's merely a cyclical trend driven by media.

X CONTACTS (Video Series)

This section promotes a new video series titled 'X CONTACTS,' which explores encounters with pioneers and contemporary individuals who secretly meet UFOs and their occupants. The series includes:

• X CONTACTS USA: Features Howard Menger, a US contactee, with photos of alleged ET bases on the moon and NASA TOP SECRET images, as well as footage of 'Nordic' type ETs.
• X CONTACTS SUEDE: Details the contacts of Sten Lindgren in Sweden over 35 years, including a prediction made in 1968/69 about a significant event for Earth in 30 years.
• X CONTACTS RUSSIE: Highlights the openness of Russia to the UFO subject, featuring incredible contacts and military films.
• X CONTACTS PEROU: Presents the testimony of Sixto Paz, who claims to have been abducted by a ship from Ganymede and provides a significant account of positive ETs.

Each video costs 350 FF, with a 'buy 5, get 1 free' offer. A catalog is available for 4 stamps.

PROJET EXPEDITION X CONTACTS E.T U.S.A

Jean Michel is seeking volunteers for a television project aiming to present mutually confirming testimonies, photos, and videos from two active UFO sites. These sites, reportedly experiencing visible UFOs nightly or almost daily, will remain secret until the expedition arrives. Jean Michel, a journalist and reporter, speaks at international UFO congresses alongside former pilots, cosmonauts, and secret agents. Motivations should be sent to him at the provided address, including 4 stamps for return postage.

Maurizio Cavallo

Maurizio Cavallo, an Italian contactee, is described as well-known in Italy and has appeared on Italian television discussing UFOs with scientists, military personnel, and ex-secret service members. He has also participated in UFO conferences in France, notably in Lyon in 1990. Cavallo directs the Centro di Ricerche filosofiche CLARION in Vercelli, where he teaches esotericism and spirituality, and also practices painting, which is seen as coherent with his contact experiences. The article notes that contactees often develop artistic talents following their experiences.

Cavallo has produced authenticated photos and films of beings from CLARION. The article questions the expertise of those who authenticate these films. Cavallo states he is driven by a mission to share his spiritual and human interest, not for financial gain, emphasizing the beneficial nature of his visionary work.

A video titled 'MESSAGGIO DAL PIANETA CLARION' compiles the essential contacts of Maurizio Cavallo and is available from the Centro Ricerche Filosofiche CLARION in Vercelli, Italy.

Jacques Carter

For those interested in the contactee phenomenon, the book 'EXPÉRIENCES DU QUATRIÈME TYPE' by Jacques Carter, published in 1995, is recommended. It is described as a rare recent book on the subject by a French contactee, featuring astonishing photographs of UFOs that lend authenticity to the author's experiences. The book is available for 125 FF (including postage) from Jacques Carter éditeur.

Commentaires (suite)

This section continues the critical analysis of contactee messages, finding them often nonsensical and reminiscent of 1950s science fiction. Despite this, the article acknowledges the contactees' steadfastness. It questions the ease with which extraterrestrials supposedly share contradictory and unverifiable information. The messages often promote self-affirmation, individual powers, and a shift away from religious institutions, suggesting humanity is equal to God. This aligns with New Age concepts and the idea that UFO manifestations aim to dismantle existing religious beliefs and establish a new form of domination. The article warns against accepting these narratives uncritically, especially given the potential for a 'colossal' event.

Telepathic contact, a common feature of contactee experiences, is highlighted as unverifiable and potentially artificial, unlike spontaneous religious apparitions. The author suggests that the 'Contactees' phenomenon may be a subtle artifact designed to deceive individuals about the true motivations of the entities involved. This positive messaging, the article argues, may conceal a dangerous ideology that undermines human integrity. The entities reportedly avoid official contact, operating covertly to maintain impunity and remain in the realm of myth and legend.

The commentary notes a peculiar coincidence between the name 'Ashtar,' the intergalactic commander, and 'Astaroth,' a disciple of Satan. It posits that contactees are unwitting instruments of subtle, dark forces, responding to the troubled world. The author warns that we might be living in the time of 'false prophets' foretold in scriptures, urging readers not to dismiss these prophecies lightly due to their profound significance.

Observations récentes

This section reports on a UFO sighting on July 31, 1995, by the crew of Aerolineas Argentinas flight 734 above San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. The pilot, Jorge Polanco, reported a near-collision with a UFO, which he believed was directly linked to a sudden power outage at the airport. The article notes that Bariloche has experienced other unusual electrical disturbances and luminous phenomena in April of the current year, which disrupted the city's power supply. The local authorities' inability to explain these events is highlighted, and the connection between the UFO observations and the power cuts is presented as evident.

Christian Vogt, the local correspondent in Buenos Aires, is thanked for providing crucial information. The article also includes translations from Joseph Trainor of UFO Roundup, supplementing the press articles.

Susana Parra, a television producer, reported observing UFOs from her home, distinguishing them from regular aircraft. She described one object as 'very luminous' and 'swaying.' Another witness in the Las Mustisias neighborhood described seeing 'flying saucers' and other luminous objects.

Argentine

This section details a series of events in Bariloche, Argentina, involving mysterious power outages and luminous aerial phenomena. A significant psychoses gripped the city following the appearance of several unidentified flying objects (UFOs), which coincided with widespread power cuts lasting half the night. A local association representative, Ethel Breerton, reported seeing 'two fire-like balls' maneuvering above a large public staircase. She described them as moving with 'impressive speed.' This sighting occurred during the power outage, which affected nearly 300 steps and was visible from 20 streets away.

A supplementary report by Mme Ethel Breerton, head of the Nireco neighborhood association, described seeing 'two fire-like balls' maneuvering above a 300-step public staircase. She stated they moved with 'impressive speed.' This sighting occurred during the power outage, which affected a large part of the city.

Mystérieuses pannes de courant et lumières dans le ciel

This article elaborates on the events in Bariloche. A widespread power outage occurred on the night of Sunday, leaving a large portion of the city in darkness. The appearance of several UFOs was reported in connection with these outages. A witness, Ethel Breerton, described seeing two 'fire-like balls' moving with impressive speed above a public staircase. The article notes that the previous night, new testimonies had emerged, describing flying saucers, including one from television producer Susana Parra, who observed an object from her home that she could not mistake for an airplane.

Bariloche: la psychose des ovnis continue

This article details the events in Bariloche, Argentina, where a 'psychosis' regarding UFOs gripped the city due to the appearance of multiple unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and subsequent power outages. The outages affected a large part of the city for half the night. Ethel Breerton, head of a local association, reported seeing two 'fire-like balls' maneuvering with impressive speed above a public staircase. The previous night, additional sightings of flying saucers were reported, including by television producer Susana Parra, who described an object that was 'very luminous' and 'seemed to be swaying.'

QUATRE OVNIS CAUSENT MN BLACK-OUT TOTAL DANS UNE VILLE D'ARGENTINE

This article, sourced from UFO Roundup, reports on four UFOs sighted above Bariloche, Argentina, immediately preceding and during two city-wide electrical blackouts on Sunday, April 12, 1998. Bariloche, a ski resort town in the Andes, experienced its first blackout from 7:45 PM to 10:11 PM. The Cooperativa Electricidad de Bariloche (CEB) could not explain the cause of the outage. A second blackout occurred at 10:15 PM and lasted until 1:30 AM on Monday, April 13. Reports from witnesses Gustavo and Beatriz Riveros described strange lights hovering over Cerro Carbone, with two lights merging above the Lions formation. Another witness reported a strange glow over Lago Nahuel Huapi. In the San Francisco neighborhood, a red light was seen descending in a zigzag pattern. A 'luminous disc' was also reported near an intersection. Witnesses in the Nicolas Lavalle neighborhood saw four luminous UFOs in flight, with one witness, Sara Salizar, describing a large spaceship with three smaller objects attached.

Andrea Capararo reported seeing a large, plate-like object with red, yellow, green, and blue scintillating lights, along with a longer object with similar lights, hovering for several minutes before moving towards the lake. Natalia and Carolina Capararo described the object as a 'tomato larger than an airplane.' Residents reported seeing a formation of moving lights, described as a 'stretched form' and a 'small bottle,' producing a 'great star' effect, which preceded the city's power outage. Bariloche is noted as the site of two other famous Argentine incidents: the Dr. Tarda case in December 1968 and the Jorge Polanco case in July 1995.

D'autres témoignages

On the night of Tuesday, April 14, 1998, a large part of Bariloche experienced a blackout. The CEB traced the source of the outage to transmission lines near the Puerto Moreno transformer. The CEB indicated that the electricity demand was five to six times higher than normal.

Page 10

This page continues the report on the Bariloche incidents. A motorcyclist reported observing 'immense lights' above Bariloche on Sunday evening, followed by a power outage. The local electric cooperative was unable to explain the cause. During the outage, residents reported seeing UFOs. The incident was linked by locals to past experiences with flying saucers. The article recalls the 1995 incident involving Aerolineas Argentinas pilot Jorge Polanco, who had to abort landing due to a UFO near his aircraft, which coincided with a power outage. The crew of a national gendarmerie plane at a higher altitude also observed the phenomenon. Scientific sources at the time suggested an 'intelligent response' from the UFO.

INTERNET ON LINE

This section provides information on the UFO ROUNDUP publication, edited by Joseph Trainor, and its April 1998 issue. It details the Bariloche blackouts and UFO sightings, referencing witness testimonies and official statements. The article highlights the inability of the CEB to explain the cause of the blackouts and notes the recurring nature of such events in Bariloche, linking them to past UFO incidents.

Page 7

This page details the 'PROJET EXPEDITION X CONTACTS E.T U.S.A,' a project by JEAN MICHEL seeking volunteers for a television project to present UFO testimonies and photos from two active sites. It also introduces Maurizio Cavallo, an Italian contactee, and his work with the Centro di Ricerche filosofiche CLARION. A video titled 'MESSAGGIO DAL PIANETA CLARION' is advertised. The page also mentions the book 'EXPÉRIENCES DU QUATRIÈME TYPE' by Jacques Carter, a French contactee.

Page 8

This page continues the critical commentary on contactee messages, finding them often nonsensical and reminiscent of 1950s science fiction. The author questions the authenticity of these messages and suggests a potential underlying ideology that could be dangerous. The commentary notes that contactees often avoid official contact and that their stories remain in the realm of myth and legend. It also points out a potential link between the name 'Ashtar' and 'Astaroth,' suggesting a darker influence. The section concludes by warning about the significance of prophecies and the possibility of 'false prophets.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFOmania include UFO sightings, particularly the events in Bariloche, Argentina, and the phenomenon of UFO contactees. The magazine presents testimonies from various individuals who claim to have encountered extraterrestrial beings, exploring their messages and experiences. There is a clear critical stance towards the more sensational aspects of these claims, with the editorial and commentary sections questioning the authenticity and motivations behind the contactee narratives. The publication aims to provide information and foster discussion, encouraging reader participation through its 'Courrier des lecteurs' section. The issue also touches upon the broader international UFO landscape, with reports from different countries, and explores the potential connection between UFO phenomena and unexplained events like power outages.

UFOmania n°20 is a French ufology magazine published in April 1998. The issue focuses on recent UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a prominent report on events in Bariloche, Argentina, and several accounts from France.

Alerte sur Bariloche à cause d'ovnis et de pannes de courant (Alert in Bariloche due to UFOs and power outages)

This lead article details a series of unusual events in Bariloche, Argentina. On Sunday night, multiple residents reported seeing strange, bright apparitions in the sky, coinciding with a significant power outage that plunged the city into darkness. The local electricity company, CEB, reported that energy consumption was 5 to 6 times higher than normal just before the outages. An engineer, Claudio Campo, described it as if 'something had taken power,' and noted that a section of electrical cables had melted. The CEB stated that they could not find any evidence of intentional interference or logical explanation for the power cuts. A similar event occurred on Tuesday night, again accompanied by UFO sightings. The article also mentions a video filmed by a witness named Zuber, showing a large, dark object with intense, multi-colored lights, which was broadcast on local television.

Des habitants de Bariloche disent qu'ils ont vu passer un OVNI (Bariloche residents say they saw a UFO)

This article expands on the Bariloche events, presenting witness testimonies. América Jara described seeing 'lights of various colors, at low altitude' and that 'each time a bright light appeared, the electricity was cut.' Local meteorology services suggested the lights could be private planes, but witnesses were not convinced. The article recalls a similar incident in August 1995 where two pilots of Aerolineas Argentinas experienced problems landing at the airport, which was also in darkness.

The technicians from Cooperativa Electricidad Bariloche were unable to find the cause of the power failure, despite reviewing the entire system. They ruled out vandalism, branches, or wind. The power outage began at 7:45 PM on Easter Sunday, affecting half the city. Smaller power fluctuations were reported later that evening.

Observations récentes (Recent Observations)

This section presents several recent UFO sighting reports from France:

Dampierre: Un couple témoin d'un étrange phénomène (A couple witnesses a strange phenomenon)

Bruno, who heads a local association, reported seeing a luminous object above the forest of Maincourt-sur-Yvette with his wife on a Saturday morning. Initially mistaken for a plane, the object became clearer as they approached. It was described as a round, silent craft, about the size of a helicopter, with a red light in the center and four white lights on the circumference. The object then moved away at 'vertiginous speed,' passing close to their house and the Dampierre castle before disappearing into the forest. Bruno reported the incident to the gendarmerie, who had no other similar testimonies.

Saint-Léger-en-Yvelines: Un nouveau témoignage troublant sur le mystérieux ovni (A new troubling testimony about the mysterious UFO)

An inhabitant of Saint-Léger-en-Yvelines reported seeing a bright, high-altitude object on a Sunday morning around 4 AM. She described it as round and larger than a plane, moving quickly but not at a 'vertiginous speed.' She initially thought it might be a shooting star but later connected it to the Dampierre sighting, as she lives on the other side of the Rambouillet forest.

Observation dans l'Orne (Observation in the Orne)

On May 13, 1998, at 11:00 AM, a witness named Mr. RM observed an unusual, spherical white object hovering at low altitude (30-50 meters) on the road to Mauves sur Huisne. The object was stable like a balloon and moved at a speed slightly slower than his vehicle, with a rectilinear trajectory. The witness described its texture as indefinable and strange, blending with the sky.

Un OVNI triangulaire lumineux aperçu en France (A luminous triangular UFO sighted in France)

On Wednesday, April 15, 1998, at 10:40 PM, a notary clerk named T. Tony observed a triangular UFO from his home in Caen. He described a bright orange luminescence with a red band across the middle, followed by a red line. The object moved rapidly and silently, performing acrobatic maneuvers, including a pirouette and a loop, without changing speed, before disappearing from view. The witness noted the absence of headlights or light clusters.

Multimedia

This section reviews recent ufological multimedia products. 'SIGHTINGS UFOPEDIA' is highlighted as an attractive and interactive CD-ROM available in English. 'DOSSIERS OVNI' by Marshall Cavendish is presented as a new interactive ufology product, part of a series of 12 video cassettes. The first four videos are available, each accompanied by a booklet of declassified documents and photographs. The article notes the aggressive marketing campaign for these videos, launched at a price of 29 FF.

The reviewer criticizes the tendency to include photos of dubious authenticity, such as those attributed to Billy Meier, which they believe harms serious ufological research.

Le courrier ufologique (The ufological mailbag)

This section includes various short items:

• ALIEN TELEVISION: Mentions a guide by Richard D Nolane and Elisabeth Campos analyzing French and foreign TV series about extraterrestrial invaders.
• SCREENSAVERS GRATIS: Announces free UFO-themed screensavers available online.
• PAS TOUT DE SUITE: Reports a delay in the publication of a book by Michel Granger due to internal issues.
• MYSTERES A SUD RADIO: Highlights an ufology-themed radio show on Sud Radio hosted by Yves Lignon.
• CHAMPAGNE, CA SE FETE: Announces the creation of 'OVNI MARNE' by Alain Blanchard and Gilbert Schildknecht, and their upcoming ufological conference.
• VELASCO SE FACHE: Reports on a lawsuit filed by Jean-Jacques Vélasco against a publication that criticized his competence.
• OHE, BRAVES GENS!: Calls for volunteer investigators for the Centre Nordiste d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux (CNEPS).
• REPAS UFOLOGIQUES: Announces monthly ufologist gatherings organized by Gérard Lebat in Paris.
• EN VEUX-TU, EN VOILA: Recommends the catalog of Arcturus Books for English-language UFO literature.
• UN GIN SINON RIEN: A humorous piece about a gin brand named 'UFO STUFF' featuring an alien head, questioning the commercial exploitation of the UFO myth.

Un OVNI filmé dans l'Oise en janvier 1998 (A UFO filmed in the Oise in January 1998)

This article details a video recording of a luminous object made in January 1998 by a person using a Celestron C11 telescope. The object was described as intensely luminous, with a clear, sharp shape resembling a saucer with slightly raised wings and a suspended cylinder. It was pale green with a red-orange halo. The witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, initially considered it a military craft. ETERNEL DIFFUSION is analyzing the footage, noting its poor quality but exceptional nature. They plan to release a video compilation including this footage.

Dossiers OVNI (UFO Files)

This section reviews a series of 12 video cassettes on UFOs from Marshall Cavendish, noting their significant advertising campaign. The reviewer praises the initiative to bring ufology to a wider audience but criticizes the inclusion of dubious photos, which they believe detracts from serious research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings with a focus on witness testimonies and attempts to find explanations, whether conventional or unconventional. There is a clear interest in documenting aerial phenomena, electrical anomalies linked to sightings, and photographic or video evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting information without excessive commentary, while also acknowledging the commercial aspects of ufology and the need for critical evaluation of evidence. The magazine aims to inform a French-speaking audience about global UFO events and research.

UFOmania n°20 is a French-language magazine dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. This issue, dated around 1998, features a significant focus on a wave of UFO sightings in Florida, USA, alongside international reports from various countries. It also includes a section on new book releases and reader contributions.

CD-ROM Review: DOSSIERS OVNI

The issue begins with a review of a French CD-ROM titled 'DOSSIERS OVNI DEMO-CLIP L'ENCICLOPEDIE INTERACTIVE'. The reviewer praises it as a valuable tool for information and a new, attractive, and user-friendly way to explore ufology, especially for multimedia users. The CD-ROM is noted to contain translations of existing documents with French voiceovers. The reviewer expresses hope that the publisher will eventually make space for independent ufology research, fearing that commercial interests might overshadow the contributions of independent reviews and researchers.

Florida UFO Wave

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to detailing numerous UFO sightings across Florida, USA, primarily from March 1998. These reports are presented as information gathered from the internet, with a caveat for necessary reservations and precautions.

Observations near Pensacola, Florida:

• A spherical silver UFO was repeatedly sighted over the Florida peninsula and southern Alabama, observed by dozens of witnesses.
• Carole Baker of Pensacola Beach reported seeing two red objects with distinct shapes and a ruby-red central light, described as ring-shaped, on January 31, 1998.
• Vicki Lyons of Pensacola experienced a strange compulsion to leave work early on February 5, 1998, and subsequently saw a perfectly round, silver sphere resembling a silver disc moving at high speed.
• Christie Edwards of Robertsdale, Alabama, filmed a silver sphere hovering on February 7, 1998, describing it as a bright, large, circular object.
• The same object was reportedly seen again on February 9, 1998.
• Pat Crumbley saw a silver, ball-shaped object about half an inch in diameter on February 11, 1998.

Twin UFOs Sighted Across Florida:

• On March 2, 1998, Don Rash saw a huge silver saucer-shaped object near Pensacola Beach that moved sideways and disappeared quickly.
• On March 7, 1998, Kenneth and Katarina M. in Brighton, Michigan, observed a V-shaped object with bright white-yellow lights.
• On the same day, March 7, 1998, a couple in Sanibel, Florida, saw two blurry, silver-white, rounded or spherical objects with white trails.
• In Tampa, Florida, Joseph Murgia and others witnessed two white lights that moved together, separated, and then disappeared.
• In Okeechobee, Florida, pilot Danny Oakes observed two bright objects approaching at high speed, hovering, and then ascending vertically.
• In Fort Myers, Florida, Dr. James Acker described two bright white lights with halos moving in formation, resembling comets.
• In Vero Beach, Florida, a witness reported two bright lights moving towards them, one lower than the other, with one disappearing after a maneuver.
• In Lehigh Acres, Florida, two witnesses saw bright fireballs with a persistent dispersion effect moving east.
• In Island Park, Sarasota, a couple reported a white object with a small white core moving towards them and then dissolving.
• In Punta Gorda, Florida, witnesses reported two bright disc-shaped objects in formation.
• In Port Charlotte, Florida, six adults observed two bright lights moving erratically.

Other US Sightings:

• Fort Worth, Texas: On March 28, 1998, Mike H. and his son Charlie reported a brilliant object with multiple flashing green, red, and white lights that moved erratically.
• McAlester, Oklahoma: On March 28, 1998, Hal A. witnessed a solid orange-yellow light that passed directly beneath a commercial airliner.

International Sightings:

• Salisbury, North Carolina: On April 2, 1998, Stefan Duncan observed a Saturn-shaped object that ascended vertically, hovered, and then descended behind trees.
• Dallas, Texas: On April 12, 1998, Mike H. reported a round, black UFO flying rapidly below the clouds.
• East Kilbride, Scotland: The magazine notes that East Kilbride has become a hotspot for UFO reports, with sightings of disc-shaped objects and military jets chasing a bright UFO on January 25, 1998. On March 26, 1998, a driving instructor and student witnessed a bright object crossing the sky.
• Brazil: On March 28, 1998, hundreds of people on Praia Do Jose Menino beach in Santos filmed a discoid object with yellow, green, and blue luminosity.
• New Zealand: On March 30, 1998, three witnesses in Bexley saw a cigar-shaped object described as white-silver with a grey tail.
• Australia: On March 27, 1998, two sightings were reported: a bright orange fireball over Lake Corangamite and two orange lights with square or rectangular tails over Batemans Bay.
• Malaysia: On March 14, 1998, students in Taman Orkid saw a saucer-like object described as grey, with lights and a beam of light.
• Chile: A video of a cigar-shaped UFO filmed over Villarica volcano on November 24, 1997, was broadcast by Chilean TV.

UK Incident: Sheffield UFO Case

The issue details the Sheffield UFO incident from March 24, 1997, which caused a significant stir. The event involved a triangular UFO sighted over the Peak District, leading to a massive air and ground search. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed low-altitude military exercises by RAF Tornado GR1 Strike aircraft but stated that the supersonic bangs recorded that night remained unexplained and occurred after the exercise concluded. The search involved over 200 personnel and covered a 40-square-mile area.

New Books

• 'OVNI: Laboratoire du Futur' by Michel Picard: This book is described as a bold exploration of the enigmatic nature of UFOs, suggesting they are unspeakable and subject to political camouflage and media manipulation. Picard hypothesizes that UFOs, as catalysts of human history, reflect an enigmatic future and that a non-human intelligence has been interacting with humanity since the dawn of history.
• 'Autrefois les OVNI' by Richard D. Nolane: This is a revised and updated version of a 1993 book, examining past UFO manifestations and ancient civilizations. It uses written testimonies and archaeological evidence to suggest the long-term involvement of non-human intelligence.
• 'UFOs E Abducoes No Brasil' by Irene Granchi: A translation of a 1992 book about abduction cases in Brazil.

Reader Mail (Courrier des lecteurs)

This section includes reader reactions and correspondence. One letter from Nicole Ramond addresses the value of the Euro and criticizes the perceived coincidence of its exchange rate with a number mentioned in a previous article. Didier Gomez responds, clarifying that his article aimed to provoke thought and encourage readers to seek alternative perspectives, and that the Euro-FF relation was coincidental.

Ufological Meeting in Corseul

A report on a meeting held on December 13, 1997, in Corseul, France, attended by ufologists from Brittany. Discussions covered personal observations, the perception of ufology in the media, the challenges of public outreach (illustrated by an anecdote about damaged posters), government secrecy, mutilations, and abductions. The future of the 'LDLN' magazine was also discussed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights a global phenomenon of UFO sightings, emphasizing witness testimonies and, where available, photographic or video evidence. There's a recurring concern about the potential for commercialization to overshadow genuine research and a call for greater integration of independent findings into mainstream ufological discourse. The editorial stance appears to favor open investigation and critical analysis of UFO reports, while acknowledging the challenges of verification and the need for public awareness. The issue also touches upon the potential for UFOs to be linked to historical events and ancient civilizations, suggesting a long-standing interaction with non-human intelligence.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: n°20
Date: Undetermined, but likely around 1990 based on content and style.
Publisher: UFOmania
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of UFOmania, identified as number 20 and appearing on page 31, is primarily dedicated to a reader survey. The cover headline, "C'est pour un sondage..." (It's for a survey...), clearly indicates its purpose. The editorial team encourages readers to share their thoughts and desires, promising to incorporate their feedback into future issues.

Reader Survey: General Information

The survey begins with general questions about the readership:

1. Reader Category: Asks whether the reader is occasional, assiduous, or very assiduous.
2. Age Range: Offers options from 15-25 years up to 55 and over.
3. Involvement: Asks if the reader conducts investigations or has met witnesses (Yes/No).
4. Discovery of UFOmania: Inquires how the reader found the magazine, with options including bookstores, word-of-mouth, advertising, friend recommendations, or other.
5. Gender: Asks if the reader is male or female.

Reader Survey: About UFOmania

This section focuses on reader opinions regarding the magazine itself:

6. Favorite Aspects: Asks what readers like most about UFOmania, with choices like articles, investigations, OVNI Forum, or the magazine as a whole.
7. Areas for Improvement: Seeks prioritized suggestions for improvement, such as print quality, article content, publishing more investigations, or increasing the number of pages.
8. Page Count: Asks for an assessment of the current page count (stated as 32), with options for sufficient, insufficient, or more than sufficient.
9. UFO Hypothesis Preference: Gauges the reader's preferred hypothesis for UFO phenomena, offering options like Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (HET), sociopsychology, diabolical phenomenon, spiritual phenomenon, or other.
10. Publication Frequency: Inquires if the current quarterly publication schedule is satisfactory. If not, it asks whether readers would prefer a less dense monthly publication or a more in-depth bi-monthly one.

Suggestions and Participation

Following the survey, there is a section inviting "Suggestions; Your Turn to Play." Readers are asked to indicate their name, surname, and city, and to provide any further reflections on a separate sheet of paper.

Correspondent Network and Resources

Page 32 details UFOmania's network of correspondents across France, adapting to reader requirements. It lists contacts for:

• Parisian Region: Pascal Pautrot (graphic designer, OVNI Forum)
• Champagne Region: Alain Blanchard (OVNI MARNE correspondent)
• Normandy Region: Thierry Garnier (Internet correspondent, CUFOHN)
• Patrick Alix: Correspondent
• Laurent Cousseau: Correspondent

Additionally, it highlights:

• GOLDEN BOOKS: A bookstore located at 3 rue Larochelle, 75014 Paris.
• Grenoble Region: Mentions the bookstore AZTEC at 6 rue Brocherie, 38000 Grenoble, with a contact number.
• Midi-Pyrénées Region: Lists UFOmania's head office at 4 Place de la Renaudié, 81000 Albi.

The page also features screenshots of the UFOmania website and mentions "La Pembe des OVNI," described as the first book by Didier Gomez, who is responsible for the UFOmania revue. It encourages readers to connect directly via the UFOmania website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is direct reader engagement and feedback, aiming to shape the magazine's future content and direction. The editorial stance is one of openness and responsiveness to the readership, actively seeking their input on all aspects of the publication, from content to format and even the underlying theories of UFO phenomena. The magazine positions itself as a platform for discussion and investigation within the ufology community in France, supported by a network of regional correspondents and online resources.