UFOmania - No 43

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania Magazine
Issue: Number 43, May 2005
Publisher: Planète OVNI
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 1254-5112
Price: 15 € TTC

This issue of UFOmania Magazine, a publication dedicated to ufology, presents a fresh, more sober design aimed at providing accessible yet in-depth information on UFO phenomena. The magazine seeks to distinguish itself from sensationalist imagery and offer objective analysis.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "Se donner les moyens et rester fidèle à ses idées..." (Giving oneself the means and staying true to one's ideas...), reflects on the positive momentum in French ufology, particularly following a congress in Châlons-en-Champagne. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and maintaining a clear vision. The editorial also introduces the magazine's new look and announces the publication of a new book, "Apparitions insolites en Occitanie." The editor highlights the daily evidence of unidentified phenomena and humanity's ignorance regarding them, urging continued investigation and mutual reflection.

Key Articles and Features

Interview with Jean-Jacques Vélasco

This extensive interview with Jean-Jacques Vélasco, a renowned French ufologist, covers his career, his involvement with the CNES (French space agency) and SEPRA, and his views on the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET). Vélasco discusses the challenges of private ufology, the importance of rigorous case selection (qualitative over quantitative), and the difficulties in analyzing modern digital photography. He shares his thoughts on the "intelligent" nature of some phenomena, particularly military cases, and touches upon his book "OVNIS l'évidence," which features three indisputable cases.

"Et si tout n'avait pas été dit sur la Vague Belge..." "Que sont devenus les gaufriers volants?" (And if nothing had been said about the Belgian Wave... "What became of the flying waffle irons?")

This article revisits the Belgian UFO wave of the early 1990s, noting that new testimonies continue to emerge. It details the initial sightings in Liège in January 1989 and the subsequent escalation, particularly around Eupen in November 1989. The phenomenon of "gaufriers volants" (flying waffle irons) and triangles is explored, with references to potential explanations like the TR-3 "Black Manta" and USAF F-117 aircraft. The article recounts specific incidents, including a triangle observed by gendarmes, a triangular object that scorched trees near the Abbaye d'Aulne, and radar contacts with unidentified objects during military exercises. It also mentions the famous Petit-Rechain photo and the Alfarano film of a triangle.

Other Contributions

• "Les Ovnis sur le Net" (UFOs on the Net): A brief mention of Christian Macé providing a summary of international UFO news.
• "Les News" (The News): A section likely covering recent UFO-related news.
• "Les O.V.N.I en classe de 3ème... ou comment la caution d'Etat modèle ses opinions" (UFOs in 3rd Grade... or how State endorsement shapes opinions): An article by Thierry Gaulin examining how UFOs are presented in French national education textbooks.
• "L'hypothèse extraterrestre dans les mythes et textes religieux" (The extraterrestrial hypothesis in myths and religious texts): An article by Thibaut Canuti exploring the connection between the extraterrestrial hypothesis and ancient myths and religious texts.
• "Studiovni, c'est reparti !" (Studiovni, it's back!): Frédéric Praud announces the relaunch of the Studiovni website.
• "Diable d'ufologie 3ème partie" (Devil of Ufology Part 3): Daniel Castille continues his series on ufology.
• "Lectures du trimestre" (Readings of the Quarter): A review section.
• "Courrier des lecteurs" (Readers' Mail): A section for reader correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, research-oriented approach to ufology, aiming to provide objective information and analysis. It seeks to move beyond sensationalism and engage both the general public and specialists. The editorial stance emphasizes the reality of unidentified phenomena and the need for continued investigation, while also acknowledging the challenges and skepticism surrounding the subject. There's a clear focus on case studies, witness testimonies, and potential explanations, including the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The magazine also highlights the importance of rigorous methodology in UFO research and the role of official investigations.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated May 2005 (N°43), is titled "Les OVNIs sur le Net: Condensé de l'actualité phénomènale internationale" (UFOs on the Net: A Condensed International Phenomenal News). It is presented as a compilation of international UFO news and related phenomena, curated by Christian Macé, a long-time UFO enthusiast and correspondent for UFOmania.

Christian Macé's Contribution

Christian Macé, with a background in ufological research groups like GEPA and GEOS, and formerly responsible for the "Section CFRU de l'Essonne," now independently centralizes UFO information for UFOmania magazine. His contribution provides a comprehensive overview of recent international UFO news, drawing from various online sources.

International UFO News Roundup

The issue highlights several recent UFO sightings and related events:

• Varginha Revelations: New revelations are reported from a doctor who treated a policeman involved in the Varginha incident, with original articles found on UFO Brazil and the Swiss GREPI site.
• Photographed UFO: A UFO was photographed on March 23, 2005, near Utrecht, Netherlands. The photo, taken at night, is considered not entirely conclusive due to the distance.
• Radio Interview: Dr. Steven Greer, founder of the Revelation-Disclosure Project, was interviewed on the Parisian radio station "Ici et Maintenant" on March 29 and April 3, 2005, discussing UFO waves.
• Online Resources: Several websites are recommended for real-time UFO news and recent observations, including http://www.ufoinfo.com/, http://frankwarren.blogspot.com/, and http://www.hbccufo.org/index.php.
• Bigfoot Film: A controversial film about the creature "Bigfoot" is mentioned, with a link to a news article about a new film showing a Sasquatch filmed in Massachusetts.
• UFO Symposium: Linda Moulton Howe was a guest at an OVNi symposium in Aztec, USA, on April 3, 2005. Information is available on dailytimes.com and earthfiles.com.
• Crop Circles: New crop circles were reported in Great Britain on April 7, 2005, with links to matlocktoday.co.uk and tamworthherald.co.uk.
• Uruguay Sighting: A UFO was reported near Montevideo, Uruguay, on April 4, 2005.
• Hungarian UFO Photo: A UFO photo from Hungary, dated September 29, 2001, is presented, with a link to rense.com.
• Colonel Corso Revelations: The "shattering revelations" of Colonel Corso on aliens are discussed, with links to karmapolis.be and conspiracion.ca.
• Robert Hastings Conference: Information from ufologist Robert Hastings' conference was posted on April 15, 2005, at aberdeennews.com.
• Blue Book Archives: The archives of the US Air Force's "Project Blue Book" are referenced, which collected UFO testimonies until its closure in December 1969.
• Spanish Ufology Site: A Spanish-language ufology site is highlighted, featuring information on the "Lansing" case and referencing Christian Macé and Ufoweb-France.
• Cyprus UFO Sighting: A UFO was observed in Cyprus on April 27, 2005, by several motorists who noted its incredible speed.

Article: L'hypothèse extraterrestre dans les mythes et textes religieux

This article, an excerpt from a forthcoming document by Thibaut Canuti, explores the historical and cross-cultural presence of UFO-like phenomena in myths and religious texts. It argues that these ancient accounts demonstrate a universal and ancient character of these phenomena, predating science fiction.

• Ancient Texts and UFOs: The article notes that sacred and mythological texts are replete with references to celestial craft and beings from other worlds. It acknowledges the symbolic nature of these texts but suggests that a literal interpretation, when cautiously applied, can reveal parallels with contemporary UFO phenomena.
• Church's Stance: The article mentions that in the 1970s, the Catholic Church acknowledged the possibility of extraterrestrial life, but interpretations of religious texts remain marginal due to their potentially disruptive implications.
• Cross-Cultural Parallels: The author points out that virtually every religion and cosmogony includes the idea of beings from other worlds interacting with humans. Examples include the "Seven Sages" from Mesopotamian myths, who brought civilization, and the Dogon people's advanced astronomical knowledge, which includes details about Sirius and its companions.
• Oannès and the Sumerians: The legend of Oannès, a fish-like being from the sea who taught civilization to the people of Sumer (Mesopotamia) between 4500 and 4000 BC, is detailed. This figure is linked to the Sumerian U.an.na or Adapa, and the "apkallu" (wise beings).
• Dogon Astronomy and Sirius: The article highlights the Dogon people's knowledge of Sirius, including its companion stars (Sirius B and a hypothesized Sirius C), their orbital periods, and their origins from a planet named "Emma Ya." This knowledge, possessed by a tribe without optical instruments, is presented as a significant mystery.
• Other Civilizations: Similar themes of amphibious or aquatic beings bringing knowledge are found in Chinese mythology (Fuxi and Nu Gua), Hindu texts (Vedas, Tritons, Avatar Matsya), Greek and Egyptian mythologies, and Mayan traditions.
• Biblical Interpretations: The article examines biblical texts, such as the Book of Enoch and the Book of Ezekiel, suggesting that descriptions of celestial events, "wheels in the sky," and "angels" could be interpreted as evidence of ancient encounters with advanced beings or technology.
• Rationalism vs. Belief: The article touches upon the difficulty of discussing UFOs rationally, noting how the subject is often ridiculed in adult discourse, contrasting with its acceptance in educational settings. It critiques a rigid form of rationalism that dismisses UFOs as impossible without investigation.

Other Sections

• Repas ufologiques: Announcements for UFO gatherings in Toulouse and Brest.
• Bouquinerie: Information on available UFO-related books and magazines.
• Apparitions insolites: Publication of a book compiling UFO cases from the Tarn region.
• Alerte! Le retour...: Announcement of the relaunch of the OVNI-ALERTE website by François Bourbeau.
• Rencontres rapprochées... toutes les photos: A link to UFO Languedoc's website featuring photos of close encounters.
• Livre Gratis: Information about Thierry Rhodan's book "Le mystère des Anges Modernes."
• Livres, revues, documents etc: Announcement of the "Catalogue Martien," a comprehensive catalog of UFO and paranormal literature.
• UFOmania éditions: Information about UFOmania's publishing activities, including upcoming works.
• Crâne de cristal: Discussion of the Mayan legend of 13 crystal skulls and their purported connection to ancient knowledge and the year 2012.
• Les O.V.N.I. en classe de 3ème: An article discussing how UFOs are integrated into English language curricula in French middle schools, contrasting this with the adult world's tendency to ridicule the subject.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with ancient history, mythology, and religion, suggesting a long-standing presence of these events. There's a critical perspective on how mainstream media and societal attitudes often dismiss or ridicule UFO reports, while acknowledging the scientific and educational interest in the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging readers to consider unconventional interpretations of ancient texts and modern sightings.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated May 2005, features a prominent announcement about the relaunch of the website STUDIOVNI under the headline "STUDIOVNI: C'est RE-PAR-TI !!!". Frédéric Praud, President of Planète OVNI and webmaster, explains the reasons for the change of address, citing issues with the previous host, Ifrance, which was in judicial liquidation, and the move to a more reliable host, WEBSITEOUT. The magazine also delves into the complex relationship between ufology and religious phenomena, particularly the apparitions of Fatima.

The Fatima Phenomenon and Solar Anomalies

Part three of the "Diable d'ufologie" series by Daniel Castille explores the mysterious phenomena associated with the Fatima apparitions of 1917. It highlights the 'solar phenomenon' observed by thousands, describing it as a 'dance of the sun' that was both inexplicable to science and a divine sign for the faithful. The article draws parallels between these events and other religious or mythological accounts, suggesting a possible extraterrestrial intelligence orchestrating these appearances. The text also details a similar solar phenomenon witnessed by Pope Pius XII in the Vatican Gardens on October 30, 1950, coinciding with the solemn definition of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This event, described as a 'pale yellow opaque globe' with luminous halos, was observed by the Pope multiple times and further linked the 'solar prodigy' to Marian apparitions.

A later event on May 17, 1959, near Lisbon, saw a similar 'dance of the sun' witnessed by an estimated 800,000 people. Maria Candida Lucas Reis e Silva's testimony is presented, describing the sun appearing as a raised host with a luminous border, moving and rotating. The article notes the lack of press coverage for this event and discusses the scientific and psychological aspects of such phenomena, including the potential role of the 'locus coeruleus' in the brain and the interaction of radiant energy sources.

The magazine also addresses the controversy surrounding photographs of the Fatima solar phenomenon, noting that two photos presented in 1951 were later revealed to be from 1925 and not related to the Fatima event, an incident that contributed to an anti-Fatima sentiment.

Book Reviews and Ufology Research

The "Courrier des Lecteurs" (Readers' Mail) section features correspondence and responses. Serge Peronnet inquires about a phone number and his credibility as a ufologist. The editorial response clarifies the phone number issue and invites further contact.

Didier Gomez reviews "Solving the 1897 Airship Mystery" by Michael Busby. While praising the book's documentation of the 1896-1897 airship wave and its detailed analysis of historical accounts, Gomez expresses skepticism about Busby's conclusions regarding the inventors and passengers, suggesting that the flying machines might not have been capable of flight.

Another section discusses "OVNI Document de synthèse" by Don Berliner, highlighting its comprehensive compilation of convincing and verified UFO cases from government files, spanning over half a century. The book is presented as a crucial source demonstrating the reality of UFOs and alleged government cover-ups.

"True Canadian UFO stories" by John Robert Colombo is also reviewed. This book contains over 80 testimonies of UFO experiences in Canada, including light apparitions, flying saucers, and alien encounters. The author, a specialist in the unusual, provides his research experience, adding new evidence for the existence of these phenomena in the region.

Scientific and Psychological Aspects of UFO Encounters

A discussion between Didier Gomez and Dr. Jacques Costagliola touches upon the neurological and psychological effects of UFO encounters. Costagliola explains that phenomena like 'paralysis' experienced by witnesses are not true paralysis but rather a state of immobility and shock, where the witness remains standing but is temporarily unable to react or move voluntarily. This state is attributed to the brain's motor cortex being temporarily disconnected or neutralized, affecting immediate memory and potentially causing a temporary 'amnesia.' The discussion emphasizes the need for professional, scientific approaches to ufology, integrating medical, aeronautical, and other expertise to analyze the physical and psychological effects observed in UFO encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with religious experiences, historical events, and scientific inquiry. There's a clear editorial stance favoring a serious, professional approach to ufology, encouraging rigorous research and the integration of scientific and medical expertise. The magazine aims to provide credible information, debunk hoaxes, and foster a deeper understanding of unexplained aerial phenomena, while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific knowledge. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and their potential impact on human understanding of reality, consciousness, and history.

Title: UFOmania Magazine
Issue: 43
Date: May 2005
Publisher: UFOmania Magazine
Country: France
Language: French
Price: 8 € TTC

This issue of UFOmania Magazine focuses on the book "Apparitions insolites en Occitanie" by Didier GOMEZ, the publication's responsible editor. The magazine itself is a quarterly publication dedicated to UFO phenomena and related mysteries, presenting research from the association Planète OVNI. The data compiled within the magazine is gathered from testimonies, press articles, and reflections shared by correspondents in France and abroad.

Book Feature: Apparitions insolites en Occitanie

Didier GOMEZ, a passionate ufologist and the publisher of UFOmania Magazine, has authored "Apparitions insolites en Occitanie." This book delves into the socio-cultural context of Occitanie, seeking traces of unusual manifestations linked to modern UFO appearances. GOMEZ has spent months researching both past and present testimonies, presenting his findings without taking a definitive stance on the intrinsic nature of these phenomena, particularly those focused on the Tarn region.

The book is described as containing elements of a sensational film, where reality appears to have surpassed fiction. It suggests that an elusive phenomenon manifests visibly, with its modalities yet to be fully understood. The study highlights a connection between historical accounts and contemporary, largely unexplained, UFO sightings in the region. Drawing on a hundred distinct sources and numerous investigation reports from the region, GOMEZ shares his conclusions after nearly fifteen years of analyzing the subject.

The complexity of these apparitions, as presented in the book, requires an open mind. It is hailed as a significant work in ufology for its serious investigative approach, suggesting a potential manipulation of information due to the scientific community's reluctance to address elements that defy purely rational explanation. The book aims to make readers more attentive to the UFO subject.

"Apparitions insolites en Occitanie" is a 132-page publication, described as an essential document, and is also available as a limited edition of 81 numbered and signed copies.

UFOmania Magazine and Subscriptions

UFOmania Magazine is a quarterly publication (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) aimed at readers interested in UFOs and related mysteries. Its primary goal is to present the research findings of the Planète OVNI association.

• The magazine offers subscription options for 2005, including:
• 1-Year Subscription: 20 € (Metropolitan France), 35 € (European Union), 48 € (Other Countries).
• 2-Year Subscription: Includes a special dossier (8 issues, 1 free).
• Adhésion PLANETE OVNI (Membership): 30 € for 1 year, which includes 4 issues of UFOmania Magazine, a welcome CD-ROM (BIBLIOVNI 2004), invitations to meetings, a loan service for used books, and a 5% discount at La Librairie Esotérique La Rose & Le Lotus in Albi.

Payments can be made by check, money order, or postal transfer to PLANETE OVNI Gayo, 81120 Lombers.

Other Products Offered

• The "LA BOUTIQUE 'UFO' logique !" section promotes various UFO-related products:
• L'Eure des OVNIS (Book): By Didier Gomez, detailing events from November 5, 1990, with testimonies and conclusions on UFOs. 144 pages, 18.24 €.
• OVNIS dans l'Eure (DVD/CD-ROM): Available in three versions (DVD video CD Mpeg 1, CD-Media for PC, CD-Rom full version), priced at 15 € each.
• BIBLIOVNI 2004 (CD-Rom): A compilation of ufological literature, described as an unprecedented work, costing 11.20 €.
• AUDIOVNI (CD-Rom): For listening to interviews on a PC, priced at 11.20 €.
• OVNI: 1993-2003, Hors-série n°1 (Magazine): A special issue from March 2004, covering ten years of information, research, and reflections on unusual phenomena. 60 pages, 11.20 € TTC.
• Apparitions insolites en Occitanie (Book): 132 pages, 18.00 €.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO phenomena, particularly within the Occitanie region of France, and the investigation of these events. The magazine and its associated publications, like the book by Didier Gomez, emphasize a serious, research-driven approach to ufology, aiming to present evidence and testimonies to the public. There's an underlying suggestion of a scientific community that may be overlooking or dismissing crucial evidence related to UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a commitment to exploring the unexplained, encouraging readers to engage with the subject matter with an open mind.