UFOmania - No 31 - 2001 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFOmania, number 31, dated December 2001, is a quarterly publication dedicated to enthusiasts of the UFO phenomenon and related mysteries. Its primary objective is to present an independent summary of research conducted in recent weeks, focusing on information gathered from witness testimonies and press articles. The magazine's publication schedule is flexible, adapting to current events and layout requirements.

Table of Contents

The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, including:

• Observations récentes dans le Tarn: Hue multitude de témoignages (Page 4)
• Observations récentes suite...: Haute-Garonne (31), Châlon-sur-Saône (71), Le Muy [83] (Page 10)
• OVNI: le secret américain (Page 12)
• Les news d'UFOmania (Page 14)
• Analyse et réaction du documentaire diffusé sur France 2 (Page 16)
• Apparitions & disparitions d'objets solides par Jean-Pierre Delbarre (Page 17)
• Les OVNIS sur le NET / UFOmania sur Internet (Page 19)
• Un astronome victime de ses préjugés par Fabrice BONVIN (Page 20)
• Que s'est-il passé le 5 novembre 1990? Article de Michel Granger (Page 22)
• Observation récente dans les PO (Page 24)
• Création de la Fédération Française d'Ufologie (Page 25)
• Livres, vidéos, CD-Roms... (Page 26)
• Courrier des lecteurs (Page 27)

Editorial

The editorial section begins with a quote from Jacques Vallée from April 12, 1968, emphasizing the lack of reliable data on the phenomenon and questioning whether UFOs are truly extraterrestrial. Vallée suggests that 'flying saucers' have too significant a cultural impact to be mere psychological projections. Joseph Allen Hynek follows with a statement expressing the belief that the solution to the UFO enigma will be a quantum leap for science.

Didier Gomez, the publication's manager, apologizes for the delay in releasing this issue, attributing it to a computer virus that corrupted his hard drive. He highlights that a significant portion of this issue is dedicated to recent observations in the Tarn region, based on three press articles published in July, September, and October 2001. He notes that many calls are still being received, requiring further investigation. Gomez expresses a desire for a serious and structured ufology, perhaps even a lucrative profession, but acknowledges the current reality makes this unlikely, stating that the idea of making ufology a profitable career is a lost cause.

He also discusses the challenges of maintaining regular publication despite unforeseen circumstances and the time-consuming nature of investigations. Gomez announces an increase in the subscription price from 15.24 Euros (100 French Francs) to 18 Euros, an 18% rise, the first in five years. He assures readers that the price per issue will remain stable for the next three years and encourages them to share any interesting observations.

Vague OVNI dans le Tarn: Edition Spéciale

This special edition details a significant wave of UFO sightings in the Tarn region between July 20 and September 9, 2001. The magazine received numerous testimonies following an appeal for witnesses and two articles published in 'La Dépêche du Midi'.

Key Incidents and Testimonies:

• July 27, 2001: Pierre Bonnafous of Rabastens reported seeing an orange ball-shaped UFO on the evening of July 24th, which he described as unlike any known aircraft.
• July 28, 2001: Sévérine Palazy reported an observation on July 22nd near Montauban. She and two friends saw a stationary white/snow-colored luminous phenomenon for about five minutes.
• July 29, 2001: Multiple reports of a large, brief luminous phenomenon were received, visible between 11 PM and midnight. Some suggest these were large shooting stars.
• July 29, 2001: Mr. Andrieu of Rouffiac described a large orange ball falling rapidly north towards Castelnaudary.
• July 30, 2001: A witness from Albi reported seeing a large orange ball.
• July 30, 2001: Mr. Oudin reported a phenomenon moving from southeast to northwest for about 5 seconds, described as an exceptional meteorite splitting in two.
• July 30, 2001: Mr. Uripellaréa observed a very bright phenomenon leaving a yellow trail.
• July 24, 2001: Mme Puech and her family observed a stationary, bright, immobile point of light that moved slowly for about 5-8 minutes.
• August 2, 2001: Carl Teso observed a bright orange egg-shaped object illuminating the ground from an estimated altitude of 360 meters.
• October 4, 2001: Mr. Olivier Millet reported seeing a stationary, non-moving object resembling a balloon-sonde for about a quarter of an hour.
• 1993-1994: Nathalie Millet's mother recounted an experience involving a bright blue light and three descending pink balls.
• June 2001: Madame Marie-Laure Farouz and neighbors observed a very large, dark circular object for four days.
• October 9, 1977 (or 1978): Mr. Marty reported seeing a cigar-shaped object, estimated at 1-2 meters in diameter, emitting sparks and moving from east to west.
• September 9, 2001: Mr. and Mrs. Escande observed a triangular, bright red-orange light in the trees near Noailhac.

The magazine notes that many reports are being investigated, with some potentially being misidentifications of natural phenomena like meteorites or sky tracers, while others remain unexplained.

Other Articles and Sections

• OVNIS: Le secret américain (P.12): This section likely delves into information or theories regarding secret American involvement or knowledge of UFOs.
• Les News d'UFOmania (P.14): This section provides updates and news related to the ufology community and the magazine's activities.
• Analyse et réactions sur le documentaire diffusé sur France 2 (P.16): This article offers an analysis and reactions to a documentary about UFOs aired on the French television channel France 2 on September 9, 2001.
• Un astronome victime de ses préjugés... par Fabrice BONVIN (P.20): This article, authored by Fabrice Bonvin, explores a case where an astronomer's preconceived notions may have influenced their perception or interpretation of a UFO sighting.
• Que s'est-il passé le 5 novembre 1990? Article de Michel Granger (P.22): This piece by Michel Granger investigates a specific event that occurred on November 5, 1990.
• Création de la Fédération Française d'Ufologie (P.25): This section announces the establishment of the French Federation of Ufology.
• Livres, vidéos, Cd-roms... (P.26): This is likely a review or listing of books, videos, and CD-ROMs related to ufology.
• Courrier des lecteurs (P.27): This section features correspondence from the magazine's readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and the challenges of ufological investigation. The editorial stance, as expressed by Didier Gomez, is one of striving for seriousness and rigor in the field, while acknowledging the difficulties and the often-unlucrative nature of such pursuits. There's a clear emphasis on presenting factual accounts and encouraging detailed, on-the-ground investigations. The magazine also appears critical of sensationalism, as hinted at by the commentary on an article about a balloon-sonde being presented as an OVNI sighting. The overall tone suggests a commitment to providing a platform for serious ufological discourse and reporting.

UFOmania n°31 is a French-language magazine dedicated to the UFO phenomenon. This issue, dated around October 2001, features reports on recent sightings, an analysis of a documentary, and discussions on scientific skepticism within ufology.

Recent Sightings

Chalon Sightings

The magazine details two alleged UFO sightings in Chalon, France. The first occurred on July 19, 2001, when several residents reported seeing a "fireball" or "very luminous spot" described as "the size of a bus" hovering silently at an altitude of approximately 300 meters. The object reportedly illuminated the area before moving away at high speed and disappearing. A second sighting took place a week later, on July 27, 2001, where a witness described a "very strong, intense light, almost greenish," crossing the sky at high speed, comparable to a shooting star but much faster than a military jet.

Authorities have not registered any official reports from these incidents. The article notes a similar phenomenon observed in Lux in October of the previous year.

Le Muy Sighting

An article from Var-Matin, dated October 2, 2001, reports on a UFO filmed in Le Muy (Var) in June of the same year. The video quality is described as poor. The incident involved the Tosello family, who observed and filmed an object for about twelve minutes on the evening of June 21, 2001. Gisèle Tosello described the object as a "huge immobile spotlight" that, through binoculars, appeared diamond-shaped with a dome, surrounded by "windows" emitting flashes. Her son, Jean-Pierre, used a telescope and described an "oval, stable thing with square, rounded-cornered portholes and a dome above," suggesting it had "two levels."

Alain Tosello, the father, filmed the phenomenon with a new camcorder. The footage is shaky, but freeze-frames reportedly reveal the "diamond" structure. The object was described as being escorted by "several small lights" and moved slowly towards the west. It then approached a large, circular, dark mass in the sky, from which smaller objects seemed to emerge. This latter phenomenon was not captured on video but was observed by seven people. The entire event reportedly disappeared twenty minutes later in the direction of Draguignan.

The article emphasizes the family's sincerity and dismisses explanations like balloons, planes, or bizarre clouds. It poses questions about optical illusions, meteorological or astronomical caprices, spy planes, or genuine UFOs, concluding that the family's good faith rules out any suspicion of a hoax.

Documentary Review: "OVNI: le secret américain"

This section discusses a documentary titled "OVNI: le secret américain" (UFO: The American Secret), written and directed by Vincent Gielly. The film, which is an hour and a half long, was screened at the French Senate on April 24, 2001, attended by parliamentarians, interviewees, journalists, and ufologists.

The documentary reportedly reveals how a French counter-espionage officer uncovered the secrets of American astronomer Allen Hynek, who was an official advisor to the US Air Force for twenty years and consulted on the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The officer claims to have inherited Hynek's secret upon his death.

The film traces the history of the UFO phenomenon from World War II, examines its impact on America, and explores four explanatory hypotheses. It covers the Roswell incident and alleged disinformation campaigns, as well as Hynek's role with the US Air Force.

It also delves into the well-known Valensole case in France (1965), where witness Maurice Masse is still reluctant to discuss the event. The documentary features an investigation by Jean-Jacques Velasco of SEPRA, who verified a sighting with radar data, confirming the object was not a conventional aircraft.

The review notes that the documentary suggests UFOs are not mere misinterpretations of natural phenomena, as Hynek initially believed, but potentially extraterrestrial craft. It mentions that some ufologists found minor inaccuracies but considered the film's popularization objective to be honest and its information largely valid.

The documentary has received unusually favorable reviews from serious French publications like Le Monde and Télérama, which are typically hostile to UFO topics. Belgian press, such as TéléMoustique, has also published favorable articles.

An interview with director Vincent Gielly is mentioned, where he states that after two years of investigation, the flying saucer remains a mystery, but scientific research is bringing it closer to being understood. Gielly aimed to dispel misconceptions about UFOs and transmit his knowledge to viewers, approaching the subject without preconceived notions and hoping to uncover the "big secret."

News from UFOmania

CD-ROM "OVNIS DANS L'EURE"

The magazine promotes a CD-ROM titled "OVNIS DANS L'EURE" (UFOs in Eure), described as a high-quality production with graphics, animations, and a database of over a thousand UFO references, including interviews with specialists and witnesses, and video documents. It is presented as a comprehensive resource on the subject.

Necrology

Antonio Ribera, a pioneer of Hispanic ufology and founder of the Centro de Estudios Interplanetarios (CEI), passed away on September 23. He authored several books, including "Les Extra-Terrestres sont-ils parmi nous ? Le véritable langage UM-MO."

William Milton Cooper, an important member of the US far-right, was killed in a shootout with police in Arizona. He was associated with the "lunatic fringe" of American ufology.

Invitation to Ufological Gatherings

Ufologists are invited to monthly gatherings in Paris at the FLUNCH restaurant on the first Wednesday of each month. These meetings have been held for over 15 years and aim to share information on UFOs and related topics.

Book Review: "OVNIS, 1/2 siècle de recherches"

This section reviews "OVNIS, 1/2 siècle de recherches" (UFOs, 1/2 Century of Research) by Jacques Dumont. The book is described as an excellent synthesis and a must-have for anyone interested in the UFO phenomenon. It is available in Canada and Europe. The table of contents lists various topics, including persistent phenomena, historical incidents (Trumbull, Air France flight 3532, JAL 1628), mysterious traces, scientific reports (Sturrock, COMETA, Disclosure project), photos and videos, typical constants, microwave research, aeronautical engineering studies, MHD, military prototypes, antediluvian civilizations, and continuous action throughout history. The review highlights that this is Dumont's second book on the subject, the first being "Synthèse OVNI."

Article: "APPARITIONS & DISPARITIONS D'OBJETS SOLIDES" by Jean-Pierre Delbarre

This article explores the phenomenon of materialization and dematerialization of solid objects, particularly in the context of close encounters with UFOs and contactees. Delbarre discusses the low body temperature of alleged humanoid entities, suggesting a different metabolism. He questions whether these beings are invisible at higher frequencies and explores the concept of "im-materiality" or dematerialization, which would imply the air is not breathable. The author speculates on the possibility of detecting such beings with infrared equipment and discusses the challenges of understanding instantaneous disappearances and sudden appearances.

The article touches upon the Travis Walton case, suggesting that if it is true, then UFOs might experience inertial effects similar to conventional aircraft. It questions why UFOs would be exempt from inertia, especially when moving. The author also raises the issue of water conservation within the cells of living organisms if water intake is interrupted during dematerialization.

Delbarre posits that the physical laws governing matter might not fully apply to UFOs, suggesting that their ability to become invisible and exhibit low inertia indicates a phenomenon beyond current material science understanding.

Scientific Skepticism and UFO Research

Interview with TK7 and 7X7

This section features an interview discussing the intelligent behavior of UFOs and the possibility of advanced technology being kept secret by governments. The interviewees express concern about the lack of transparency. They also discuss the perception of UFOs as science fiction, arguing that science fiction often extrapolates logically from current understanding and can anticipate future discoveries.

The interview emphasizes the need to approach the UFO subject seriously, moving it away from mysticism and entertainment. It highlights that scientific research, including that by astrophysicists and NASA collaborators, continues to study the phenomenon. A serious avenue of research is the use of powerful microwave energies by flying saucers.

Michel Mayor's Stance

Fabrice Bonvin writes an article criticizing the attitude of astronomers, including Michel Mayor, towards UFOs. Bonvin highlights Mayor's prestigious career as an astrophysicist who co-discovered an extrasolar planet. However, he points out Mayor's dismissive remarks about UFOs, where Mayor stated, "But UFOs, little green men, no. Clearly no. The sky is constantly dissected by astronomers worldwide, and it's always laymen with an Instamatic who take pictures of flying saucers."

Bonvin argues that such remarks reflect the prejudice and "derailment" of the scientific community regarding UFOs. He contrasts Mayor's skepticism with the work of ufologists and cites another astronomer, Jean Heidmann, who dismissed UFO observations as "bad testimonies amplified by bad media to sell paper."

Bonvin analyzes Mayor's response, noting that Mayor distinguishes between the search for extraterrestrial life (like SETI) and the UFO phenomenon, likely to protect his discipline from what he perceives as "ancestral beliefs." However, when discussing UFOs, Mayor equates them with "little green men," implying a lack of seriousness.

Online Resources

The magazine lists several websites for UFO enthusiasts, including OVNI Science, UFOCOM, and the Fédération Française d'Ufologie, providing links and brief descriptions of their content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the serious study of UFO phenomena, presenting witness testimonies, investigative reports, and analyses of documentaries. It highlights the work of ufologists and researchers who believe in the reality of UFOs, often contrasting their efforts with the skepticism of mainstream science, particularly astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO subject, encouraging readers to seek information and participate in discussions, while also acknowledging the challenges and lack of definitive answers. There's a clear effort to legitimize ufology by presenting it as a field of serious research, even when critiquing the dismissive attitudes of established scientific institutions.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: 31
Date: September 2001
Type: Magazine

Article 1: Critique of Michel Mayor's Views on UFOs

The article begins by addressing astronomer Michel Mayor's perspective on UFOs, suggesting his views are based on hypotheses rather than established facts. It specifically challenges his dismissive attitude towards UFO witnesses, particularly his reference to 'little green men' and his assertion that only amateurs with Instamatics photograph UFOs. The author points out that many credible individuals, including astronomers, have reported UFO sightings. The article cites the example of astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, who, despite his significant astronomical discovery, also reported a remarkable UFO sighting in 1949. Tombaugh described observing 6 to 8 rectangular lights in a formation, an experience that left him 'petrified and very astonished.'

The author further refutes Mayor's claim by presenting a small catalog of 60 cases compiled by researcher Jean Sider, highlighting three specific instances of astronomers observing UFOs:

• May 22, 1950: Astronomer Seymour Hess, Head of the astronomy department at Florida State University, observed a UFO at the Flagstaff Observatory in Arizona.
• May 29, 1963: Astronomers Bart Bok (Director of the Mount Stromlo Observatory), H. Goolnov, and M. Movat observed a self-luminous, red-orange UFO for about a minute over Canberra, Australia.
• June 14, 1980: A spherical object was observed near Toula and Moscow, Russia, by numerous witnesses, including Youri Andropov (President of the KGB) and astronomer Gindillis. Despite attempts by MIG aircraft to intercept it, the object disappeared. Astronomer Gindillis concluded it was a UFO intrusion.

The article emphasizes that these are not isolated incidents, citing a 1976 study by Professor Peter Sturrock of Stanford University, which surveyed 1356 astronomers. The study revealed that 5% of respondents had observed UFOs during their careers. The author notes that astronomers are often reluctant to discuss their sightings due to potential ridicule, quoting Frank Halstead from the Darling Observatory who stated in 1957 that 'many professional astronomers are convinced that these saucers are interplanetary machines.'

Article 2: Instamatics and Professional UFO Photography

This section continues to challenge Michel Mayor's notion that only amateurs with basic cameras photograph UFOs. It highlights the existence of radar recordings, photos, and films of UFOs taken by professionals working for governmental organizations. A prime example is the case analyzed by scientists Richard Haines and Jacques Vallée:

• September 4, 1971: A government aircraft on a topography mission over the Arenal region of Costa Rica photographed a disk-shaped object over Lake Cote. The aircraft used a professional R-M-K 15/23 aerial photography camera, operated by a specialist. The analysis of the photo, taken at an altitude of 10,000 feet, concluded that an opaque, unidentified aerial object was captured.

The article concludes this section by stating that the 'Lago de Cote' photo shows an enigmatic disk-shaped object, proving that impressive aerial phenomena can be captured on film without relying on amateur equipment.

Article 3: Conclusions on UFOs and Credibility

The author expresses strong criticism of Michel Mayor, suggesting his academic credentials do not prevent him from making irrational statements. The article argues that Mayor's prejudice against UFOs limits his understanding and that his public pronouncements contribute to the persistence of irrational beliefs. It calls for greater scientific rigor from journalists and researchers when addressing the UFO phenomenon. The author quotes the late Allen Hynek, a former scientific advisor to the ATIC of the USAF, who stated, 'It is absolutely false to say that UFOs have never been seen by scientifically trained people. Some of the best and most coherent reports come from such witnesses.'

Book Review: 'L'EURE des OVNIS' by Didier Gomez

This section reviews Didier Gomez's book, 'L'EURE des OVNIS,' which details events from November 5, 1990, in France. The book is described as a comprehensive account of a major UFO wave, with thousands of witnesses. Two ufologists, Didier Gomez and Robert, offer differing interpretations of the event. Gomez views it as a potential extraterrestrial manifestation or a form of camouflage, while Robert suggests it might be an 'interference of another nature.' The article notes that both authors exhibit sincerity and rigor in defending their views, which are presented as opposing interpretations of the same phenomenon.

The event itself is described as a massive, silent luminous phenomenon that traversed France from west to east, attributed by some to the atmospheric re-entry of debris from a Soviet Proton rocket stage. The disagreement lies in the interpretation of a small number of witness testimonies, which Robert labels as 'the foam of the wave.' Robert, described as a 'debunker,' leans towards the idea that extraterrestrials might have influenced the rocket's trajectory to ensure it passed over populated areas under optimal viewing conditions. Didier, conversely, suggests the UFOs might be a manifestation of a 'Supra-Intelligence' that has been guiding humanity for centuries, posing the question: 'Is it God? The guardian of our souls?'

The review highlights that Gomez's book, a 143-page work, offers a refreshing perspective on the UFO problem and is available for 119 francs.

Article 4: Strange Observation in Salanque: A UFO?

This article reports on a strange observation made by a young woman in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, France, on the night of Wednesday to Thursday. She described seeing a triangular object with fixed luminous points moving rapidly across the sky. She noted its shape was somewhat bombé and it moved faster than a commercial airliner. The object was described as luminous and not reflecting sunlight, with a red-orange color, progressing from west to east. The witness was awake and sober, and precisely noted the time as 2:08 AM. She reported the object moved rapidly from the direction of Narbonne towards Perpignan. The article mentions that the control tower at the Perpignan airport had no record of any unusual activity, and the gendarmerie had only recorded 8 UFO reports in the region over the past 20 years, compared to 2999 in the rest of France.

Article 5: UFOs and the Paranormal

This section features a letter from Danielle Castille, who draws an analogy between UFOs and the paranormal. She posits that after death, humans leave behind energetic traces, a form of 'consciousness-energy' that can be perceived by some individuals. She suggests that by deciphering these traces, one can understand them. Castille also shared a document from the Academy of Dijon (1893/1894) by J. BRUNHES, titled 'Note on the three suns observed in Auxonnes in 1779.'

• May 30, 1779: In Auxonnes, three suns were observed in a horizontal line at sunrise. This phenomenon, possibly an irregular refraction, was witnessed by a farmer who interpreted it as a divine manifestation of the Trinity. A commemorative stone was placed at the site.
• An explicit testimony and drawing from within the Chapel of La Cour further detail this event, showing the appearance of three suns, their union into one, and a certificate signed by Gruet.

Article 6: Books, Videos, CD-ROMs

This section reviews several publications:

• 'Science Interdite Journal 1957-1969' by Jacques Vallée: Published by O. P éditions in 1997, this book compiles Vallée's journal entries from 1957-1969. It explores the early days of ufology, featuring pioneers like Aimé Michel, Pierre Guérin, Allen Hynek, and Jacques Vallée himself. The 439-page book offers insights into the complexity of the UFO phenomenon and provides leads for further investigation.
• 'Êtres fantastiques des régions de France' by Daniel Loddo and Jean-Noël Pelen: Published by l'Harmattan in 2001, this book, while not directly about ufology, discusses ancient testimonies of apparitions that bear resemblance to close encounters. It compiles contributions from a 1997 colloquium and examines beliefs in invisible life forms, parallel universes, and mythical beings like fairies and goblins. The authors suggest that understanding current UFO phenomena might require exploring these older popular narratives. The book is available for 150 FF.

Article 7: Reader Mail

This section contains correspondence from readers:

• Danielle Castille discusses the link between UFOs and the paranormal, suggesting that post-death energetic traces can be perceived.
• A report on the 'three suns observed in Auxonnes in 1779' is presented, detailing the farmer's account and a commemorative inscription.

Article 8: Fédération Française d'Ufologie (FFU)

This section outlines the mission and projects of the Fédération Française d'Ufologie (FFU). Its goal is to unite skills to optimize studies on the UFO phenomenon. Projects include creating a directory of media, offering training for investigators, developing a UFO lexicon, forming working groups, establishing a network of correspondents in France, and building a database of UFO observations in France. The FFU encourages collaboration with individuals and associations possessing skills in meteorology, radio, electronics, photography, and video.

The FFU's objectives also include conducting research across France, raising public and institutional awareness, publishing a quarterly review ('OVNI France'), seeking funding for research, and offering grants for significant ufological projects. The current interim leadership (as of January 2002) includes M. Jean-Luc Lemaire (President), M. Patrick Gamb (Treasurer), and Mme Besserer Evelyne (Secretary).

Membership fees are detailed, including individual, couple, student, and unemployed rates, as well as association fees. The FFU requires member associations to submit a copy of their review with each publication and warns against cheating on member numbers or fees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO sightings are credible phenomena, often observed by professionals and credible witnesses, contrary to the dismissive views of some mainstream scientists. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and documentation, highlighting cases with photographic or radar evidence. The editorial stance appears to be pro-ufology, encouraging research, open-mindedness, and the sharing of information, while also providing a platform for various interpretations and debates within the field. The inclusion of reader mail and detailed reviews of books and organizations further supports this inclusive and investigative approach.