UFOmania - No 45

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania magazine ufologique
Issue: N°45, 12ème année
Date: December 2005
Publisher: Planète OVNI
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 1254 5112
Price: 5,50 € (France métropolitaine)

This issue of UFOmania magazine, a quarterly publication by Planète OVNI, focuses on unexplained phenomena and unusual apparitions. It aims to present research conducted by the association and foster constructive debate, drawing information from witness testimonies, press articles, and correspondent reports.

Cover Story and Highlights

The cover prominently features the "First European UFO Encounters" held in Châlons-en-Champagne from October 14-16, 2005. The magazine highlights this event as a major success, attracting nearly 10,000 visitors and serving as a significant milestone for French ufology. The event is described as a great success, with most speakers demonstrating great seriousness in the face of media obscurantism.

Featured Articles and Investigations

Editorial

The editorial expresses enthusiasm for the busy end of 2005, noting a resurgence of UFO sightings both in France and abroad. It discusses the success of the Châlons-en-Champagne European encounters, emphasizing the generation of new contacts and material for future issues. The editorial also touches upon the upcoming work of GEIPAN, the new entity from CNES, which will be publishing numerous gendarmerie reports online. It also mentions Fabrice Bonvin's book "Les agents du changement" as a new point of debate, challenging traditional 'nuts and bolts' extraterrestrial theories.

The Mimicry of UFOs: The Verdict

This article by Fabrice Bonvin, a psychology graduate and ufologist, explores the complex nature of UFO manifestations. Bonvin argues that UFOs adapt their appearance and behavior to the socio-cultural context, observers' personalities, and the technological era, suggesting an origin more complex than the classic extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET). He introduces the concept of "UFO mimicry," where UFOs imitate known objects, and revisits the idea of a Gaian origin. Bonvin critiques the HET for often ignoring data that doesn't fit its framework and points out that the phenomenon is not new, predating the 1947 Roswell incident.

Recent Sightings

The magazine details several recent UFO sightings:

• January 29, 1995, Tarn et Garonne: A witness describes a bright, immobile light that later revealed multiple blinking colored points, moving rapidly and exhibiting unusual maneuvers. The object's behavior was unlike conventional aircraft.
• May 8, 2005, Mamers (Sarthe) and Mutrécy (Calvados): Two similar cases are presented. In Mamers, six dark objects in a triangular formation were observed moving slowly. In Mutrécy, witnesses saw several white balls that appeared and disappeared in the sky. Both observations occurred around the same time, with the Mutrécy sighting happening about 100 km away.
• June 25, 2005, Mas d'Azil (Ariège): A witness reported seeing three bright white luminous balls following each other at high speed, moving from right to left across her field of vision. She also recalled a similar event a few nights prior involving a single ball.
• August 13, 2005, Strasbourg: Five silent yellow points of light were observed progressing in the sky, forming a pattern before disappearing. The witness suggested the objects might have been reflecting city lights.
• August 13, 2005, Thouars: Two witnesses observed a large, round, pale yellow, luminous object gliding silently across the sky at a relatively low altitude.

Other Features

• "Un Fait Maudit" by Thibaut Canuti: A book review for a work on the original and phenomenological history of UFO facts.
• "Show must go on!": An announcement about Aldo Bigoni taking over as the new organizer for Parisian UFO gatherings.
• "Mal de tête?": A brief commentary on the diverse quality of presentations at the Châlons-en-Champagne event, as overheard by journalists.
• "Choc FM, c'est du solide": Information about Didier Gomez's participation in a radio show discussing the paranormal.
• "Base Ovni France": A recommendation for Alain Delmon's ufological website.
• "Le Guide de l'enquêteur": Information on obtaining a practical guide for UFO investigators on CD-ROM.
• "Les conférences en MP3": Availability of MP3 recordings of conferences from the radio station "Ici & Maintenant."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained and unusual, with a strong emphasis on detailed witness accounts and investigative reports. There is a clear interest in challenging conventional explanations and exploring more complex theories, as exemplified by the article on UFO mimicry and the critique of the HET. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging rigorous analysis of data while acknowledging the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena. The magazine also promotes ufological community events and resources, such as conferences and publications.

Price Increase: The subscription price for France has been increased from 20 to 22 euros per year, the first increase since 1999.

Special Offer: A year-end offer allows readers to purchase the magazine plus a special issue for 20 €.

DVD Release: A double DVD is being released in collaboration with the magazine's infographic studio, allowing viewers to relive the Châlons-en-Champagne event.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: 45
Date: December 2005

This issue of UFOmania magazine features a cover story questioning whether planetary pollution could be a factor in explaining the UFO phenomenon. It also includes articles on historical UFO sightings, the concept of UFO mimicry, and updates on UFO research in France.

The 'Phantom Dirigible' Phenomenon and Mimicry

The article "Les dirigeables fantômes" by Jacques Vallée and others explores the wave of 'phantom dirigible' sightings in the late 19th century (1896-1897) in the United States. These craft were described as oblong, winged, and powerfully lit, exhibiting advanced aeronautical capabilities like sudden turns and rapid acceleration, mirroring contemporary UFO reports. The author argues that these sightings were not hoaxes or misidentifications of known aircraft, as early aeronautical technology was rudimentary. Instead, it suggests that the UFO phenomenon itself adopted the form of dirigibles to align with the 'Zeitgeist' of the era.

This concept of 'mimicry' is further elaborated, drawing parallels to natural phenomena where organisms adapt their appearance for camouflage or deception. The article posits that UFOs employ 'intelligent mimicry,' learning from and reflecting human conceptions and the prevailing atmosphere of different times. Examples include 'phantom rockets' in the 1940s echoing the V-1 and V-2 psychosis, 'flying cigars' in the 1950s reflecting the boom in cargo planes, and 'Saturn' shaped UFOs in the 1960s coinciding with public interest in space.

Fabrice Bonvin, in his book "Ovnis: Les agents du changement," is presented as a researcher who views UFOs as a form of 'intelligent mimicry' and a defense mechanism for Earth against ecological problems. His work is highlighted as being outside the mainstream of UFO theories, suggesting an ancient presence on Earth.

UFOs and Planetary Pollution

Thierry Gaulin's article, "La pollution planétaire peut-elle être un facteur d'explication pour le phénomène OVNI ?", investigates a potential correlation between increasing global pollution and the rise in UFO observations since World War II. The article notes that regions with high industrial activity and pollution, such as Western Europe and the Eastern United States, also report a significant number of UFO sightings. It suggests that while early human impact was limited to deforestation, pollution, particularly of soil and atmosphere, has escalated with industrialization. The article presents a diagram illustrating the interconnectedness of global population growth, human activities, environmental transformation, increasing pollution, and the rise in UFO observations.

UFO Research in France: GEIPAN

An interview with Yves Sillard, head of the GEIPAN steering committee, discusses the relaunch of official UFO research in France under the CNES (French National Centre for Space Studies). GEIPAN, formerly GEPAN, is presented as a rigorous scientific body tasked with collecting and analyzing UFO reports. Sillard emphasizes the need for a serious, objective approach, free from preconceived notions. The interview highlights the thousands of cases collected over decades, categorized into identified, likely identified, unexploitable, and unexplained phenomena. GEIPAN aims to provide answers to witnesses, even if the explanations are not always straightforward.

Events and News

Other sections cover upcoming events, such as a conference on Crop Circles by Françine Blake, and mention the passing of ufologist Bob Pratt. A report on the "Les coulisses de Châlons... 14-15-16 oct 2005" event details the organization of a large UFO gathering, bringing together various associations and specialists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the historical dimensions of UFO sightings, moving beyond simplistic explanations. The recurring theme of 'mimicry' suggests a sophisticated, adaptive nature to the phenomenon, capable of reflecting and influencing human consciousness and technology. The article on pollution introduces a novel perspective, linking environmental degradation to potential UFO activity. The editorial stance favors rigorous, scientific investigation, as exemplified by the relaunch of GEIPAN, while acknowledging the complexity and often unexplained nature of the phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on understanding UFOs not just as isolated incidents but as a phenomenon with deep historical roots and potential connections to broader global issues.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 45, dated December 2005, is a substantial publication focusing on ufology, with a particular emphasis on historical cases, official research, and book reviews. The magazine presents a mix of investigative articles, personal accounts, and analyses of UFO phenomena.

Cover Story: Fireballs in the German Sky - UFOs?

The cover story discusses numerous sightings of giant fireballs in the German sky, which have led to rumors of UFOs. Scientists suggest these could be meteor showers, with the NASA website mentioning similar reports globally. Werner Walter, an amateur astronomer, notes that several people observed these fireballs, with the latest incident occurring near the Dutch border. He also mentions the possibility of satellite disintegration. The article references the Taurid meteor shower as a potential explanation.

Editorial and Official Research

An editorial by Gérard Lebat questions why official French research was not represented at ufological meetings in Châlons-en-Champagne. He references an interview with Yves Sillard, president of the new official UFO research steering committee (Comité de Pilotage des PAN at CNES), who explains that the previous GEPAN research body had been in a state of semi-dormancy for almost 20 years, partly due to disinformation campaigns. Sillard also notes that GEPAN (later SEPR) had its credits cut in the 1980s. The article highlights the commitments of the new CNES committee: collecting and archiving reports, analyzing information with external correspondents, and communicating findings to the public.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews:

• "Guide des Livres Ufologiques Francophones" by Didier Charnay & François Hays: This comprehensive guide to French-language ufological books is praised for its quality and extensive index. It is presented as an essential resource for collectors.
• "OVNI en Champagne-Ardennes" by Guy Capet: This book compiles testimonies from the Champagne-Ardenne region over thirty years, suggesting that UFOs represent evidence of an extraterrestrial phenomenon.
• "OVNI sur la Suisse, les dossiers de l'armée de l'air" by Luc Bürgin: This work opens up the Swiss Air Force's files on UFOs, presenting cases and testimonies from Switzerland since the 1940s, advocating for greater transparency.
• "Le Grand Livre des Prophéties" by Serge Leguyader: This book explores the history of prophecy across various cultures and civilizations, examining texts from ancient Mesopotamia to modern predictions, and discussing the impact of technology on our understanding of prophecy.
• "OVNI, où est la vérité ?" by Bruno Bousquet: This book is presented as a collection of research and investigations by the author.

Historical Cases: Mantell, Chiles, and Whitted

The issue dedicates significant space to two pivotal historical UFO cases:

• The Mantell Incident (1948): This article details the tragic case of Captain Thomas Mantell, who died in pursuit of a large, unidentified flying object over Kentucky. It highlights the numerous witnesses, including police and military personnel, and the official explanation that attributed the event to Venus or a weather balloon. The article argues that the official explanation was insufficient and that the case was a victim of early disinformation tactics.
• The Chiles and Whitted Sighting (1948): This section recounts the observation of a cigar-shaped object by two airline pilots, Clarence S. Chiles and John B. Whitted, over Alabama. The object exhibited extraordinary speed and maneuverability, and its description included features like illuminated windows and a luminous trail. The article notes that this case, like Mantell's, was subject to official scrutiny and attempts at rationalization.

Other Articles and Features

• "Archéo-aéronautiques": An article by Patrick Ferryn & Ivan Verheyden discussing "archaeo-aeronautics" artifacts.
• "Messages d'ailleurs": A piece by Chris Aubeck on messages from elsewhere.
• The 1913 UFO Wave in Russia: An article by Mikhail Gershtein exploring this historical wave.
• "Estrangers énigmatiques arrivent": A piece by Henri Chaloupek and Petr Novak.
• The 1954 UFO Wave: A dossier on the 1954 wave in France, including accounts of encounters with humanoids, photographic evidence, and the impact of the wave.
• "Homo floresiensis" and Cryptozoology: Several articles discuss the discovery of Homo floresiensis and its relation to cryptozoology, including the Orang Pendek and other small humanoids.
• "Les phénomènes fortéens dans la Revue Métapsychique": An article by Marie-Christine Lignon.
• "Armées et Batailles fantômes": A piece by Cecilia Magnanensi.
• "L'épidémie de cas de personnalités multiples en Amérique": An article by Hilary Evans.
• "Le TITAN-IC": A piece by Yves Lignon.
• "Les Objets Paranormaux Permanents": An article by Michel Granger.

Reader Contributions and News

• "Appel à témoins...": A witness account from Frédéric G. and Guillaume about a strange orange light observed in the sky.
• Reader Feedback: A letter from Thierry Gaulin praising the content of UFOmania n°44.
• "Comité scientifique": An appeal for professionals to join a scientific committee for UFO research.
• "Les News": A section likely containing brief news items related to ufology.

Interview

An interview with Bruno Bousquet, president of OVNI Languedoc, discusses his background in ufology, the work of his association, and his views on the phenomenon. He expresses that while there is a mix of serious research and more fanciful ideas in ufology, he believes there is "something else" beyond conventional explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical investigation of UFO phenomena, the challenges and politics of official UFO research (particularly in France), the critical analysis of witness testimonies, and the ongoing debate about the nature and origin of UFOs, with a leaning towards acknowledging the reality of the phenomenon beyond simple explanations. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that supports serious, evidence-based research while remaining open to the possibility of extraterrestrial or otherwise unknown origins for UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on debunking official rationalizations when they appear inadequate and highlighting cases that resist easy explanation. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting ufological literature and research groups.

Title: UFOmania magazine
Issue: N°45
Date: December 2005
Publisher: UFOmania éditions
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 45, dated December 2005, adopts the theme "La boutique « ufo » logique !" (The UFO shop logic!), presenting a curated selection of ufology-related products available for purchase. The cover prominently features a DVD titled 'OVNI Contacts « first encounters »' and highlights the 'Le double DVD OVNI Contacts' offer.

Featured Products and Content

DVDs

• OVNI Contacts « first encounters » (DVD): Produced by Artcastle-productions in November 2005, this DVD features interviews conducted at the European UFOlogy Encounters in Châlons-en-Champagne on October 14, 15, and 16, 2005. It includes discussions with numerous ufologists and authors such as Gildas Bourdais, Bertrand Méheust, Jean-Luc Rivéra, and Gérard Lebat.
• Le double DVD OVNI Contacts: Offered at a special price of 21 € until December 31, 2005, this compilation seems to be related to the 'first encounters' event.
• UFOVNIS 3D (DVD): Released by Paco Pautrot and AlienFix productions in September 2005, this is a software capable of modeling 150 UFO shapes, allowing users to modify them and integrate them into investigation reports. It costs 35 €.
• Eubeheu, le mystère de la zone 51 (DVD animé): A September 2005 release by Pautrot/Galiana and AlienFix prod., this interactive animated DVD explores the mystery of Zone 51, with the Roswell case as a starting point. It is priced at 19.50 €.

Books

• L'Eure des OVNIS: Written by Didier Gomez and published by éditions Lacour in 2001, this 144-page book covers events from November 5, 1990, including testimonies and conclusions on the UFO subject.
• Apparitions insolites en Occitanie: Authored by Didier Gomez and published by UFOmania éditions in May 2005, this 132-page document explores the potential link between local folklore and modern UFO sightings in the Occitanie region. Gomez draws on over fifteen years of study to present his conclusions, suggesting that inexplicable phenomena manifest in ways that require an open mind.
• Un Fait maudit, histoire phénoménologique du fait OVNI: This book by Thibaut Canuti, published by UFOmania éditions in October 2005, is 210 pages long and delves into the historical aspects of ufology and its historical context.

Other Publications

• BIBLIOVNI (Cd-Rom): Compiled by Frédéric Praud in 2005, this CD-ROM contains a comprehensive collection of ufological literature, including books, magazines, and videos. It is an updated document of work, priced at 11.20 €.
• OVNI: 1993-2003, Hors-série n°1: A special issue from UFOmania magazine in March 2004, this 60-page compilation features ten years of information, investigations, and reflections on unusual phenomena, gathering the best articles from the magazine.

Subscriptions and Memberships

Subscription Tariffs 2006

• The magazine offers four issues per year (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter).
• 1-Year Subscription:
• Metropolitan France: 22 €
• European Union: 35 €
• Other Countries: 48 €
• 2-Year Subscription (8 issues, 1 free):
• Metropolitan France: 40 €

Planète OVNI Membership

An annual membership is available for 40 €, which includes a 1-year subscription to UFOmania Magazine, a welcome BIBLIOVNI 2005 CD-ROM, invitations to quarterly meetings, access to a library of used books, and a 5% discount at 'La Librairie Esotérique La Rose & Le Lotus' in Albi.

Editorial Information

• Publication Manager: Didier Gomez
• Head Office: Gayo, St Pierre de Conils, 81120 LOMBERS, France.
• Contact: Tel: 06 87 33 46 91.
• Payment: All payments should be made to the order of PLANETE OVNI, CCP 9 161 94 E TOU.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine positions itself as a hub for ufology enthusiasts, offering a wide range of resources from documentaries and books to subscription services. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting ufological research and making information accessible to the public, as evidenced by the 'boutique' theme. The content highlights both historical and contemporary UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on French cases and research, such as those from Occitanie and Tarn. The magazine emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness in studying the UFO phenomenon and provides a platform for various researchers and authors in the field. The inclusion of products like the 'UFOVNIS 3D' software and the 'Eubeheu, le mystère de la zone 51' DVD suggests an interest in multimedia and interactive approaches to ufology.