UFOmania - No 28 - 2000 12

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: N°28
Date: December 2000
Publisher: UFOmania
Country: France
ISSN: 1254-5112

This issue of UFOmania, a quarterly publication dedicated to UFO phenomena, marks the end of the year 2000 and highlights a notable increase in reported sightings. The magazine aims to present an independent overview of research and data collected from testimonies and articles.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Didier Gomez, opens with a quote from John Keel emphasizing how UFO manifestations are often staged and adjusted to individual beliefs and mental capacities. Keel suggests that the apparent goals of these "false informations" are to create confusion, diversion, and distract from the true nature of the phenomenon. Gomez notes the timeliness of Keel's words and reflects on UFOmania's nearly seven years of existence. He reports a stable subscriber base and highlights recent local observations that have boosted the bulletin's momentum. An appeal for witnesses published in "La Dépêche du Midi" led to the collection of about ten testimonies, presented in the issue, indicating positive future repercussions.

The editorial also announces the upcoming launch of UFOmania's website (ifrance.com/ufomania), which is expected to promote the organization's work. A significant development is the imminent release of the first CD-ROM, a project made by UFOmania, available after the holidays. The editorial suggests that more such multimedia products or books may follow, emphasizing the dedication of the volunteer team. The next steps involve developing these projects and improving the bulletin's content. Gomez concludes by thanking readers for their participation and wishing them happy holidays.

Recent Observations

This section presents a collection of recent UFO testimonies gathered from the internet and other sources, indicating a resurgence of phenomena in late 2000. The issue notes a peak in sightings around November 3-5, 2000, and suggests a possible connection to the 10th anniversary of the November 5, 1990, events. The magazine presents these accounts without necessarily validating them, but acknowledges the significant increase in UFO appearances.

Gévezé (35) - October 17, 2000 Three witnesses observed a triangular object with a central red light and pale white lights at its extremities. The object moved slowly and silently, accompanied by a low humming sound that vibrated the ground. The witnesses confirmed seeing the same phenomenon independently.

Strasbourg (67) - September 9-10, 2000 During a night shift, a security guard observed a formation of 5-6 orange lights moving in a diamond shape from southeast to northwest. The formation accelerated rapidly and silently, with the lights maintaining their relative distances before disappearing.

Chauny (02) - September 22, 2000 A couple reported seeing a bright yellow-orange object descend rapidly towards their car. The object, estimated to be at 300 meters altitude, passed over them before disappearing quickly. No sound or trail was observed. The possibility of an atmospheric reentry was considered.

Novelle-Godault (62) - September 23, 2000 Three witnesses observed a spherical, slightly oval object of reddish-brown color, without lights, appearing from the southwest. It moved through sparse clouds and then into a denser cloud mass, leaving a faint, swirling trail. The object crossed their field of vision at a 45-degree angle.

Lanchères (80) - September 6, 2000 An observer saw a star-like object disappear and then reappear, followed by a yellow-greenish oval shape that moved to the zenith and then vanished. The observation lasted only three seconds.

Faches Thumesnil (59) - August 26, 2000 Four triangular orange objects, arranged in a diamond formation, were observed moving silently and rapidly from north to south. The formation remained identical during its movement across a 120-degree field of vision.

The Tarn Situation

This section focuses on UFO observations within the Tarn department, following an appeal for witnesses published in "La Dépêche du Midi." Several local testimonies are presented, highlighting two distinct phenomena observed on September 9 and October 5, 2000. The magazine is preparing a departmental catalog of unusual events.

Cordes (81) - September 9, 2000 Two UFOs were observed for 30 minutes: one cigar-shaped with a bright internal light, and a triangular one with a small dome and blue lights, emitting strong humming sounds. The cigar-shaped object illuminated a hillside, moving from north to south, while the triangular object followed a similar path.

Moulayrès (81) - October 5, 2000 Witnesses observed a very bright, large, star-like object for about 15 minutes. Later that evening, the same phenomenon was seen again, described as unusually large and brilliant, not resembling a military craft.

Graulhet (81) - October 5, 2000 Witnesses observed a large, bright ball of light directly overhead in daylight, which was more dazzling than a star. The observation surprised them as it was still light outside.

Call for Testimonies in Tarn

UFOmania is actively seeking testimonies, investigations, and press articles related to UFO observations in the Tarn department (81) to complete its catalog. They appeal to subscribers for any relevant information to centralize and study these local phenomena.

Older Cases

This section revisits older UFO cases, including a testimony from July 1977 in Graulhet, where witnesses described a large white mass resembling a "city" in the sky. Other cases from 1972 and 1970 in the Tarn region are also mentioned, with ongoing investigations.

Graulhet (1977) Two witnesses reported seeing a large white mass in the sky, described as much larger than an airplane and high up, resembling a "city." The phenomenon lasted about 10 seconds.

Mazamet, Valdurenque, and Soual (Date not specified, but likely related to older cases) Reports include an oval luminous object leaving a fiery orange trail, and a bright ball of fire larger than the moon with violet reflections.

Gênes to Castres: Mysteries in the Sky This article compiles reports of strange luminous objects observed in Italy (Florence, Genoa, Milan) and France (Tarn, Marseille). Italian sightings included a dark object with an orange trail, a cigar-shaped object with three white lights, and a bright red orb. In France, a fast-moving object was observed near Marseille, with a specialist suggesting it could be debris from a re-entering meteor. Astronomical observatories were unable to provide definitive explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the significant increase in UFO sightings reported in late 2000, particularly in France. The magazine adopts a stance of collecting and presenting these testimonies, encouraging further investigation and public participation. The editorial emphasizes the importance of independent research and the value of witness accounts, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis. The publication aims to be a comprehensive resource for ufology enthusiasts, evidenced by its new website, upcoming CD-ROM, and ongoing efforts to document cases from various regions and time periods.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: n°28
Date: November 2000

This issue of UFOmania focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on reports from France in November 2000. It also delves into the concept of disinformation within ufology and provides a comprehensive list of resources for enthusiasts.

Witness Testimonies and Sightings

Ozoir la Perrière Sighting (November 5, 2000)

Patrick Cadel of Ozoir la Perrière reported an unusual sighting on the evening of November 5, 2000. While walking his dog, he observed two elliptical UFOs emitting a yellow luminescence. These objects performed a strange ballet, turning and spinning for about a minute before disappearing at a vertiginous speed towards Melun. Cadel noted that the objects made no sound and appeared to be relatively close, estimating their size to be comparable to a frying pan. He explicitly ruled out confusion with sky-tracers or disco laser lights, having seen them before. His dog, usually close to him, reportedly ran towards home during the event.

Tournan en Brie Sighting (November 6, 2000)

On November 6, 2000, at 5:30 PM, Alice Rodrigues and a neighbor in Tournan en Brie witnessed an "unusual luminous elongated form" situated at a very low altitude, directly above a tree approximately 20 meters high. No sound was heard, and a neighbor also reportedly witnessed the phenomenon.

Juvisy Sighting (December 8, 2000)

Christian Macé reported a new observation from December 8, 2000, around 8:00 PM, in Juvisy. Jacqueline X (name withheld) saw a red-orange, elongated sphere, described as resembling a flame, moving in a rectilinear flight at high speed from northwest to east. The most striking aspect was that the sphere repeatedly extinguished and relit itself. Jacqueline contacted Macé for explanations.

Côte d'Or Sighting (November 1, 2000)

On November 1, 2000, at 5:35 PM, a witness living near Nuits St Georges in Côte d'Or observed a dark, disc-shaped object moving at a constant speed in a rectilinear trajectory from south to north, possibly slightly ascending. The object, which had no lights and did not rotate, was visible for about a minute. The witness, who has a scientific background, emphasized that it was not an optical phenomenon, nor a balloon, airplane, or helicopter. He estimated the object's diameter to be at least ten meters and stressed the incredible clarity of the sighting, stating that if it hadn't been so clear, he might have dismissed it as an optical effect.

Villiers au Bouin Area Sighting (November 3, 2000)

Supporting the previous report, a witness driving towards Villiers au Bouin on November 3, 2000, between 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, observed a curious phenomenon with his 15-year-old son. In a clear, starry sky, a "fireball" moved north. It was larger than a shooting star and was observed for about ten seconds. The main part of the fireball was light green.

Near Rouen Sighting (November 3, 2000)

On Friday, November 3, 2000, around 8:10 PM, a family returning towards Rouen observed a very bright point of light moving from east to west. Described as much larger than a shooting star (perhaps 10 times larger), it moved at a slow, rectilinear speed, possibly slower than an airplane. The color was perceived as intense green by the witness and blue by his children and wife, described as "blue turquoise." The object moved with a slightly descending trajectory and seemed to "extinguish" with crackling lights just before reaching the horizon.

Elancourt Sighting (November 4, 2000)

On November 4, 2000, at 5:12 PM, two static, blue-grey objects were observed in Elancourt. The witness managed to take two photos before the objects disappeared by decomposing, becoming increasingly blurry until they vanished completely.

Editorial Notes and Analysis

The Role of the Witness and Data Interpretation

The editorial section, particularly the "Ndlr" (Editor's Note), emphasizes the importance of careful data collection and interpretation in UFO investigations. It warns against witnesses' tendencies to exaggerate and highlights the need to ask questions multiple times and in different ways to ensure accurate descriptions. The note also touches upon the possibility of confusion with phenomena like sky-tracers and the potential for real-world interference affecting observations, referencing the work of Joël Mesnard.

The Mystery of the 1990 Phenomenon

Christian Macé's observations are discussed in relation to a potential wave of UFO activity. The article notes the uncanny coincidence of phenomena appearing ten years to the day, hour, and minute around November 5, 1990, particularly in the Seine et Marne region. The author questions whether this is a coincidence or if there's a deeper connection, acknowledging that ufologists are accustomed to unexplained events.

The SEPRA and Melun-Villaroche Aerodrome

Christian Macé contacted the SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés) and the Melun-Villaroche aerodrome for information. Mr. Rousseau from the aerodrome stated that no UFO sightings had been reported and that their radars only track conventional aircraft. The parameters of the witness testimonies, according to the article, exclude confusion with natural meteorological phenomena or conventional aircraft.

Pierre Guérin's Work on Disinformation

The issue features a review of Pierre Guérin's book, "OVNI: Les mécanismes d'une désinformation." Guérin, an astrophysicist with over fifty years of study, argues that UFOs are not a hoax and that disinformation actively works to obscure the reality of the phenomenon. The review notes Guérin's classification of UFOs into three types (saucer, ovoid, triangle) and his description of extraterrestrials. It also highlights Guérin's assertion that messages from humanoid entities during close encounters are often deceptive and intended to mislead, suggesting a deliberate manipulation.

Resources and Further Information

UFOLOG and Book Sales

Didier Charnay, responsible for the UFOLOG bulletin, offers a catalog of new and used ufological books, gadgets, video cassettes, and comics in French and English. Contact details are provided for ordering.

A list of ufological books for sale is also presented, including titles like "Les soucoupes volantes ont atterri" by Desmond Leslie & George Adamski, "Projet Oméga" by Kenneth Ring, and "Le livre noir des soucoupes volantes" by Henry Durrant, with prices listed in French francs.

UFOMANIA Contact Information

Readers interested in specific books or in subscribing to UFOMANIA are directed to write to UFOMANIA at Gayo, St-Pierre de Conils, 81120 LOMBERS, with contact details for reservations and inquiries.

"OVNI Un défi pour le Troisième Millénaire"

This section promotes a 48-page comic book that traces the evolution of celestial signs and suggests that humanity faces the challenge of understanding UFO phenomena. It mentions cases from Franck Marie's collection and the Gretz-Armanvilliers case.

Online Resources

A new website by Guillaume Kerloc'h, the graphic designer for UFOLOG, is presented, featuring his UFO-themed paintings. Several other websites are recommended for UFO enthusiasts, including sites for downloading videos of UFOs, general UFO information, and a site under construction.

UFOMania CD-ROM

An interactive CD-ROM titled "Le premier CD-ROM interactif sur le 5 novembre" is advertised, offering sections on investigations, lexicon, press reviews, documents, audio & videos, bibliography, and links related to ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOmania strongly emphasizes the reality of UFO phenomena, presenting numerous witness testimonies as evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and a belief that these sightings are not mere illusions or hoaxes. There is a clear concern about disinformation and a desire to present factual accounts and reliable resources to the public. The magazine actively promotes ufological literature and online communities, positioning itself as a hub for information and discussion on the subject. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and the ongoing effort to understand them, despite attempts to obscure or dismiss the evidence.