UFOmania - No 21 - 1998 09

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: n°21
Date: September 1998
Publisher: UFOmania
Country: France
Price: 25 Francs
ISSN: 1254-5112

This issue of UFOmania is a quarterly publication dedicated to enthusiasts of the UFO phenomenon and related mysteries. Its primary objective is to present an independent assessment of recent research and news. The magazine covers various data gathered from testimonies and press articles, focusing on current events.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "Sous les feux de la rampe" (In the spotlight), reflects on the unusual nature of UFO phenomena, which do not fit into conventional research categories. It highlights the recent wave of triangular UFO sightings in various French departments since August 10, 1998. The editor emphasizes the importance of detailed investigations to understand the scope of these phenomena. The publication of this issue was modified to include a special dossier on the recent sightings, featuring numerous articles.

The editor notes that while photographic and video documents exist, they offer limited insights. A film is reportedly in the possession of Sepra's Jean-Jacques Vélasco, who has kept the case highly confidential. The sightings pose a significant problem as they don't align with current aeronautical knowledge. The editorial expresses hope that the scientific community is beginning to take these events more seriously. It questions how long these intrusions into our environment will continue. The editor suggests that explanations may lie beyond simple video footage or ground traces, and that a deeper understanding is needed, acknowledging the difficulty in finding a definitive solution.

The editorial also conveys sadness over the passing of several figures in the ufological community, specifically mentioning the death of François Couten, a long-time subscriber and contributor.

Dossier Spécial: Observations Récentes - 10 Août 1998: Ovni triangulaire en Ardennes

This special dossier details the events of August 10, 1998, when two young witnesses in Floing, near Sedan, filmed a luminous phenomenon. The object, described as triangular, was observed by a total of 230 people that evening and the following day. Jean-Luc Lemaire, head of the Centre d'Etudes OVNI France for the Ardennes and Marne, is leading the investigation.

The event gained significant media attention due to the existence of video footage. The article notes that this is not an isolated case and suggests a new wave of sightings may be beginning.

Un simple coup de fil

The initial sighting occurred around midnight on August 10, 1998, when two people observed a clear green ball moving horizontally while looking for shooting stars.

Première observation

The object was flying at a low, slow altitude, with lights on its fuselage. David and Olivier, who were discussing on the town square, saw three points of light in the sky. The object moved from left to right, then turned at a right angle, passing very close to them. It then moved left at an altitude of approximately 500 meters. David pursued the object, which seemed to be playing hide-and-seek. He wished he had a camcorder.

Première analyse du film

The 8mm video, lasting 15 seconds, shows the object moving erratically due to the camera operator's unsteady hand and zoom usage. Despite the short duration, the spontaneity of the witnesses, the specialist's opinion, and corroborating testimonies suggest the case is not a hoax.

De nouveaux témoignages

On the same afternoon, more witnesses came forward. Between midnight and 2 AM, seven other witnesses in Viviers au Court observed a sphere with white light and lights underneath. Some saw the object near Donchery, using binoculars. The object appeared very low on the horizon, near the Meuse river. A strange occurrence involved a mobile phone being turned off in a car while young people observed the UFO.

Et tout s'accélère

The next morning, the newspaper article triggered a flood of testimonies. The CEOF team quickly began collecting calls and initiating investigations. France 3 decided to produce a report on the event.

Dossier de Presse

This section compiles press articles about the UFO sightings. The articles, varying in reliability, confirm the widespread reporting of the phenomenon. The most notable example cited is an observation on September 6 from Grenoble.

The article stresses the need for rigorous investigation by ufology professionals to build a solid case. It highlights the availability of testimonies, photos, and videos as valuable resources. The section encourages public participation in this effort.

L'homme qui a vu les 150 personnes qui ont vu un ovni

This article, likely from "Libération", reports on a triangular UFO observed in the Sedan-Carignan region by at least 150 people. The object performed reconnaissance patrols over about thirty localities. The spokesperson ruled out a stealth aircraft due to its low, circular flight and a meteorite due to its horizontal movement. The object emitted a strange, low hum. The article suggests possibilities like an optical illusion or a secret military prototype.

Un Ovni « triangulaire » dans le ciel des Ardennes !

This article, sourced from "La Dépêche du Midi", details the triangular UFO observed in the Ardennes. It describes the object as having two red rear lights and a large white front light, with condensation trails. Jean-Luc Lemaire stated that it was not a stealth aircraft, meteorite, comet, or known aircraft due to its unusual characteristics, including a low hum and strange flight patterns. He suggested possibilities like optical illusions or military prototypes, and inquired if the UFO was observed over the West coast of France or crossing the Atlantic.

Filmed by deux amateurs

Two amateur videographers filmed the object, described as a large triangle with rounded edges, a forward point, two red rear lights, and a large white front light. The lights did not blink, and condensation trails were visible. The object was flying at about 500 meters altitude.

Il paraissait jouer à cache-cache

Witnesses reported the object seemed to be playing hide-and-seek, making reconnaissance-like maneuvers over inhabited areas before disappearing behind a hill. It was not seen again.

Ni avion furtif, ni météorite, ni, ni...

Lemaire dismissed conventional explanations, citing the object's low, circular flight, horizontal movement, and strange hum. He proposed optical illusions or military prototypes as possibilities.

Floing

Un objet non identifié dans le ciel sedanais

David and Olivier, two young men from Floing, witnessed the object around midnight. They described it as resembling an airplane but with two strong, yellow front lights and a blinking red center light. They also noted a low, grave engine sound. They described the object as a "triangle with oval edges" and considered if it was an F117 but noted the lack of wings and fixed lights. They stated it wasn't a UFO in the sense of Martians landing, but acknowledged it was unusual. The object made no initial noise and flew slowly, as if searching for something. They estimated its altitude at 400-600 meters, too high for a weather balloon.

Pas un canular

The object, which had circled Floing-Sedan eight times over an hour, did not appear to be a top-secret military craft due to its prominent lights. The Centre d'Etudes OVNI France confirmed it was not a hoax and was awaiting further testimonies to identify the object, ruling out conventional aircraft, helicopters, planets, or weather balloons.

Delphine Adam

Delphine Adam, a journalism intern at "L'Ardennais-L'Union", reported on the case, interviewing witnesses who described a "funny plane".

A droite: / 'Union dans son édition du jeudi 13 Août 1998, page 8

This refers to a newspaper article in "L'Union" on August 13, 1998.

Floing

Objet non identifié: plus de 130 témoignages

This section compiles over 130 testimonies from the Ardennes region. Witnesses consistently described a flat, triangular object with rounded angles, unlike a zeppelin. The object was described as having a low, deep sound, and made right-angle turns, which a zeppelin cannot do. The article contrasts this with the characteristics of a zeppelin, which has different lights, moves slower, and makes more noise.

David and Olivier, along with a friend, waited to observe the phenomenon again. They noted that while some saw conventional aircraft with recognizable lights, the object they saw was different and made a strange, low sound. A dog reportedly began to howl intensely during its second passage.

The question remains: what is flying in the Sedanais sky?

Ovnis: d'innombrables observations dans la région, en France et dans le monde

This article discusses the global prevalence of UFO sightings, dating back to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 testimony. It highlights the number of testimonies collected in the Ardennes region, noting that the mystery of Gué d'Hossus remains unexplained. The article mentions various sightings across France, including in the Marne department (Châlons, Bussy-Lettrée, Sézanne) and the Aisne department (Rozoy-sur-Serre). It also references a project to create a European UFO museum.

Une vision très lumineuse

In March 1996, three people observed a "white and orange light" over Monthermé. In February 1997, a resident of Vouzinois reported an encounter with a "luminous ball moving at high speed".

Les Ardennes seraient-elles une terre d'élection pour ce genre de phénomène ?

Jean-Michel Ligeron, a local specialist, published a book on UFO investigations in the Ardennes. Jean-Luc Lemaire also published "Ovni, cette vérité qui dérange".

Pour la banque Ovni, il s'agissait du passage de quelques 400 ovnis...

This refers to the Banque Ovni, which regularly publishes observations from across France. It mentions a sighting in Fargniers in November 1990 of an immense triangle and a 1974 sighting of a flying saucer near Bohain. The article also touches upon a 1975 incident in La Flamangrie involving humanoids.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are mass UFO sightings, particularly triangular craft, the role of media in reporting and investigating these phenomena, and the growing, albeit cautious, acceptance by the scientific community. The magazine's stance is to present detailed accounts of sightings, encourage rigorous investigation, and explore various hypotheses while acknowledging the unexplained nature of many events. There is a clear emphasis on the need for credible evidence and professional analysis, moving beyond mere speculation. The publication also serves as a platform for ufological associations like CEOF and organizations like Banque Ovni, promoting their work and contact information.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: n°21
Date: August 17, 1998

Unidentified Object: Testimonies from North to South

This issue of UFOmania focuses on a wave of unidentified object (UFO) sightings reported across France and Belgium in August 1998. The main cover story highlights numerous testimonies from various regions, detailing observations of luminous phenomena, particularly triangular-shaped craft.

Ardennes and National Response

Following reports of luminous phenomena in the Ardennes during the night of Monday to Tuesday, August 10-11, national media launched appeals for witnesses. Jean-Luc Lemaire, head of the UFO study center CEOF in Charleville-Mézières, reported receiving approximately 280 credible testimonies, many describing a strange "plane." These accounts, concentrated along a north-south axis across France, often mentioned a humming sound comparable to that of a bomber or military jet, which surprised many.

Prauthoy Incident

The incident in Prauthoy, near Langres in Haute-Marne, reported in the Sunday, August 16 edition, may differ in nature. The observation time (around 10:55 PM) is earlier than the other reports (midnight to 2 AM). Investigations were underway in Prauthoy, with authorities like the Gendarmerie and SEPRA (under CNES) expected to examine the site. Initial findings in Prauthoy included a large triangular object with lights, a loud humming sound, and distinct ground traces: a 25-meter long, 9-meter wide shape with two parallel bands 70 cm wide. The grass in the trace area was dried and yellowed, with no insect life, while surrounding grass was normal. No unusual odors, radioactivity, or magnetic deviations were detected. A cherry tree was also found to be desiccated. The mayor, Philippe Badet, a former mining engineer, is cooperating with the investigation.

Concordance of Phenomena

Except for the Prauthoy case's timing, other testimonies regarding unexplained phenomena from Monday night to Tuesday morning seemed to concur on the time, the triangular shape of the craft, its sound, and its altitude. However, without more conclusive evidence, the exact nature of the object remains speculative.

Other Sightings and Investigations

Similar phenomena were reported in the Var region, near Dijon, Troyes, and in the Aisne department (La Ferté-Milon, Sains-Richaumont), as well as in the Ardennes (Sedan-Carignan) and Luxembourg.

Poitiers and Vienne Reports

In Poitiers, several residents reported seeing a "very luminous triangle" in the sky during the night of Thursday to Friday. Three different locations within the agglomeration reported the sighting around 1 AM. One witness described it as "monstrous and grandiose," while another noted its low altitude and slow movement. The mayor of Moulismes, Marcel Dufour, provided a more precise account of seeing a "large disc-shaped object with two red lights at the front and one white light at the rear, moving horizontally at about 100 meters from the ground, not very fast." He later learned of similar sightings in the Ardennes.

Florenville, Belgium Sighting

Mme Nicolas, an inhabitant of Florenville, Belgium, reported seeing a triangle-shaped object with rounded edges moving at low altitude between 11 PM and 1 AM. She initially didn't think much of it until seeing a TF1 report about UFOs in the Sedan-Charleville-Mézières region. Jean-Luc Lemaire confirmed that at least 150 people observed an object near Charleville-Mézières between midnight and 2 AM, describing it as a large triangle with rounded edges, a pointed front, two red rear lights, and a large white front light, flying at an altitude of about 500 meters. The Gendarmerie in Florenville had not received any witness reports.

Voreppe, Isère Sighting

A family in Voreppe, Isère, reported seeing a luminous, spherical UFO with a wingspan of 4 to 5 meters hovering at about 10 meters above a neighbor's cherry tree around 8 PM on Sunday, September 6, 1998. The adults managed to capture some video footage before the object flew away. The Voreppe Gendarmerie opened an investigation, noting "combustion" traces on the cherry tree. The SEPRA, under CNES, found the case interesting and also launched an investigation, reportedly collecting samples and borrowing the video for analysis. The case was covered by France Inter and discussed by Jean-Jacques Vélasco of SEPRA, who called it an "exceptional" case.

Video and Book Reviews

The magazine also reviews several UFO-related videos, including "4-Vague d'Ovni au Mexique," "Enlevé par des extraterrestres," and "7-Varginha." The "crops-circles" video is highly recommended for its footage of luminous spheres creating patterns. The reviews emphasize the value of these audiovisual resources for both newcomers and experienced ufologists.

"Les P'tits Gris" Comics

Reviews of Guillaume Kerloc'h's comic books, "Les P'tits Gris" (Tomes 1 & 2), are featured. These humorous BDs cover topics like alien abductions, cattle mutilations, and the Roswell crash. Kerloc'h is also seeking a publisher for his new novel on extraterrestrial conspiracy.

"Conspirations à Roswell" Video

A new video, "Conspirations à Roswell," part of the "Facteur X" series, is presented. It retraces the 1947 Roswell crash with historical images and interviews with experts like Kevin Randle, Donald Schmitt, Stanton Friedman, and Philip Klass, exploring the Mogul balloon versus extraterrestrial craft hypotheses.

"Internet on Line" Section

This section provides a list of UFO-related websites, including UFO ROUNDUP, UFO FOLKLORE, SIGHTINGS, UK UFO Network, UFO INFO, and UFOCOM, encouraging readers to explore online resources for ufological information.

Necrology: Colonel Philip Corso

The issue includes a necrology for Colonel Philip Corso, author of the controversial book "The Day After Roswell," who passed away on July 16, 1998, at the age of 83. His unpublished manuscripts and UFO-related information are to be preserved and made available to researchers. He was buried in a military cemetery in Orlando, Florida, with plans for a memorial plaque at the Roswell crash site.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different regions, the consistency of witness descriptions (particularly triangular craft), and the ongoing investigations by official and private organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting witness accounts and investigative efforts while acknowledging the speculative nature of the phenomena. The magazine promotes UFO-related media, including videos and comics, as valuable resources for enthusiasts. There's also an emphasis on the importance of documentation and information sharing within the ufology community.

UFOmania n°21 is a French-language magazine dedicated to ufology. This issue, dated with page numbers rather than a specific month and year, features a prominent article on a wave of UFO sightings in Chile and also touches upon a sighting in Grenoble, France. It includes discussions on the scientific investigation of UFOs, the challenges of publishing UFO-related material, and the perspective of Freemasonry on the phenomenon.

Wave of UFOs in Chile Continues

The lead article, translated from UFO Roundup (August 31, 1998), details a significant wave of UFO sightings in Chile since mid-August 1998. Hundreds of witnesses have reported large-scale UFO events. On August 19, 1998, near La Serena, witnesses described a large, building-sized object suspended over the Atacama desert, emitting green lights. In Ovalle, a bright light was seen, described as a long, cigar-shaped structure that remained visible for thirty minutes. In Santiago, residents of Barrio La Florida reported seeing a 'disk' in the night sky, and in the nearby town of Pudahuel, three luminous UFOs were sighted.

Reports also came in from port cities like Conception and Talcahuano, as well as Puerto Montt. Soldiers on maneuvers near Coyahique reported seeing a strange cloud with flashing internal lights moving against the wind. On August 21, 1998, a Chilean army platoon near Coyahique witnessed a large luminous ball dancing above them, with one soldier managing to take two photographs before it disappeared.

These sightings are correlated with other observations in Chile and suggest intense paranormal activity in the region, comparable to events in Mexico in the early 1990s. The article notes that while efforts are being made to investigate, limited resources hinder comprehensive investigations. Jorge Anfruns Dumont, the correspondent in Santiago, is overwhelmed with testimonies and investigations.

A UFO in the Sky over Grenoble?

Another significant report details an event in Grenoble, France, where an amateur filmed a mysterious object for two minutes with a camcorder. The object was described as flying at a low altitude, suspended in the air with intense vertical vibrations. The video has been entrusted to the Cnes (French National Centre for Space Studies) in Toulouse for analysis. Initial investigations by the gendarmerie suggest it is not a hoax, and the Sepra (Service d'étude des phénomènes de 1' atmosphère) considers it an exceptional case that could provide important information.

Jean-Jacques Vélasco, who directs the Sepra, has initiated an investigation, including a reconstruction of the event with witnesses and environmental sampling. The Sepra finds the case particularly interesting because it was a daytime observation at a low altitude.

The UFO Phenomenon Finally Taken Seriously!

This section discusses a special issue of VSD magazine titled "OVNIS: Les Preuves Scientifiques" (UFOs: Scientific Proofs), which has surprised many by its objective journalistic approach without taking a definitive stance. The issue features testimonies from military pilots, civilians, physicists, and astronomers who publicly state that the UFO phenomenon exists. It highlights specific cases, including one from Gretz Armanvilliers on November 5, 1990, which is described as an unexplained case by Vélasco himself.

The article suggests that the media's involvement, particularly from major publications like VSD, is helping to legitimize the study of UFOs. It contrasts this with the past, where scientific interest was lacking, citing the Condon report's conclusion in 1968 that there was no scientific interest in pursuing UFO studies. The article also mentions the Pentagon's report on the Roswell incident, which concluded it was a secret balloon experiment, and the FBI's release of paranormal investigation files, which tend to dismiss such claims as imaginary or fraudulent. However, the article notes that the growing belief in UFOs and extraterrestrials, exemplified by figures like John Mack and the 'X-Files' agent Mulder, indicates a shift in public and academic perception.

The Incredible Story or the Setbacks of a Young Author in Ufology

This article details the frustrating experience of a young author whose manuscript, completed in April 1996, has been repeatedly delayed in publication. The author initially approached Franck Marie, who was interested in publishing it as a follow-up to his own work, "L'Eure des OVNIs." However, due to financial constraints, Marie could not proceed. The author then sought other publishers, eventually finding one with Osmondes in December 1996. A subscription was launched to fund the publication, initially planned for February 1997.

Despite numerous setbacks, including issues with page layout, corrections, and the loss of the manuscript and diskettes by a designer, the author was promised a publication date of March 1998. However, this date was also missed, with the publisher stating a new person was reviewing the layout. After consulting a lawyer, the author was awaiting a release date of late June 1998, but expressed skepticism about it ever being published. Subscribers are urged to contact the publisher to pressure for its release.

Article de Presse: The Chronicle of Beliefs - E.T., are you there?

This section discusses how the belief in UFOs and extraterrestrials has spread, influenced by phenomena like 'X-Files.' It references a report by the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE), which concluded that some UFO testimonies are accompanied by material evidence worthy of scientific study. The SSE advocates for a thorough investigation of these incidents to gain insights into unknown phenomena. The article notes that while the SSE clarifies that their findings do not indicate violations of natural laws or extraterrestrial intelligence, their ambition is to initiate a debate within the scientific community.

It highlights that despite public interest and numerous testimonies, the scientific community has shown a lack of interest, with Professor Peter Sturock of Stanford suggesting the French National Centre for Space Studies' approach to analyzing atmospheric phenomena as a model. The article contrasts this with the Condon report's conclusion and the US Pentagon's stance on Roswell. It also mentions the FBI's internet release of paranormal investigation files, which often attribute such phenomena to imagination or fraud. However, the article suggests that the growing credibility given to UFOs by academics and the public's continued fascination, as seen in the 'X-Files' series, signifies a shift in how these subjects are perceived.

Letters to the Editor

This section features reader contributions. One submission, transmitted by Jean-Louis Decanis, discusses Freemasonry and its relationship with UFOs. It notes that Freemasonry is often perceived as a mysterious, initiatory, and secret society, with its origins linked to the Compagnonnage and the construction of Gothic cathedrals. The symbols used, such as the square, compass, and level, are described as identical across various Masonic lodges.

The article explores the symbolic use of these elements in the pursuit of knowledge and the concept of the 'Grand Architect of the Universe' in Freemasonry. The author contacted several lodges for their views on UFOs but received limited responses. The O.M.D.F. provided a detailed explanation, stating that Freemasonry, as an organization, does not hold a specific opinion on UFOs. They emphasize that individual Masons are free to hold their own beliefs, provided they do not contradict fundamental principles. The O.M.D.F. explains that taking a stance on subjects like UFOs would infringe upon the diverse sensibilities of its members.

The author expresses that while this response is satisfactory in a traditional Masonic sense, it leaves them wanting more, as Masons use universal symbols related to celestial bodies and cosmic phenomena. The author suggests that other civilizations likely exist in the universe and that it would be narcissistic to believe humanity is alone.

Survey Results

This section presents the results of a survey conducted for UFOmania issue 20 (June 1998). Out of 64 questionnaires sent, only 11 were returned, resulting in a low participation rate of 17%. Despite the low response, the results indicate a degree of satisfaction with the general content of the bulletin. The data is considered indicative and will not lead to significant changes, such as a color cover, due to cost implications.

The survey reveals that 27% of respondents are 'assiduous' readers, and 45% are 'very assiduous,' with 27% being 'occasional' readers. The majority of respondents (81%) fall within the 26-35 age range, indicating a young and dynamic readership. Most respondents (55%) first learned about UFOmania through advertising in magazines or reviews, while 45% were introduced by a friend or acquaintance.

All respondents were male, despite the presence of female subscribers, and the magazine notes that ufology is not necessarily a male-dominated field. Regarding content, 36% appreciate the overall package, but opinions differ on improvements. 55% believe the current page count is sufficient, while 45% would prefer a thicker issue. The survey also indicates a divided opinion on the hypotheses explaining UFO phenomena, with many respondents having their own personal ideas but not necessarily agreeing with the extraterrestrial hypothesis. Some simply marked 'E-Other' without further explanation.

Network of Correspondents

This section introduces UFOmania's network of correspondents adapted to user needs. It lists correspondents by region in France: Pascal Pautrot in Paris, Alain Blanchard in Champagne, Thierry Gornier in Normandy, Patrick Alix in Dreux, and Laurent Cousseau in Le Fief Sauvain. It also mentions GOLDEN BOOKS bookstore in Paris and AZTEC bookstore in Grenoble. The UFOmania headquarters is located in Midi-Pyrénées. The section also highlights Didier Gomez, responsible for the UFOmania magazine, and his first book.

Readers are encouraged to contact UFOmania directly via their website, http://www.chez.com/ufomania/index.html, to stay updated on the latest UFO news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOmania strongly emphasizes the growing global interest and scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, particularly highlighting a recent wave of sightings in Chile. The magazine adopts a stance of reporting on these events and investigations with a journalistic approach, presenting testimonies and evidence without necessarily endorsing specific hypotheses. There's a clear effort to bridge the gap between popular interest in UFOs and more rigorous scientific inquiry, as evidenced by the discussion of the VSD special issue and the Cnes' involvement in analyzing footage. The magazine also explores the cultural and societal aspects of ufology, including the challenges of publication and the perspectives of organizations like Freemasonry. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting diverse viewpoints and encouraging reader participation, as seen in the 'Letters to the Editor' and survey results sections.