UFOmania - No 51

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: N°51
Date: Juin 2007
Publisher: Planète OVNI
Type: Quarterly magazine focused on ufology and unexplained phenomena.

Editorial Stance and Media Resurgence

Didier Gomez, in his editorial, highlights the significant media attention UFOs have received since March 22nd, with reports on France 3, France 2, and major publications. The GEIPAN, the official French UAP service under CNES, has been actively involved, leading to a surge in website traffic for their database of 350 gendarmerie reports. Gomez expresses hope that this renewed interest will foster vocations and encourage a more serious approach to ufology. He emphasizes the importance of private ufology efforts, particularly field investigations, and the need for collaboration among groups to maintain credibility and progress. The magazine itself has expanded to 36 pages, reflecting increased subscriber engagement.

Key Articles and Features

Interview: Christian Morgenthaler (SPICA)

This issue features an interview with Christian Morgenthaler, president of SPICA, an active ufological association. SPICA focuses on two key areas: thorough field investigations and inter-group exchange, which Planète OVNI also aims to strengthen in France. The article stresses that while GEIPAN may not collaborate directly with private ufology, these associations must continue collecting information to avoid becoming disconnected from reality.

The GEIPAN Archives

The article "Les Archives du Geipan" discusses the GEIPAN's launch of its website on March 22, 2007, making over 350 gendarmerie reports publicly available. This initiative was widely covered by the media. The article notes the surge in internet traffic, causing temporary access issues. Jean-Jacques Velasco, former director of Gepan (GEIPAN's predecessor), views this as a positive step for citizen information and highlights the "1954 wave" as particularly interesting, with numerous close encounters.

"Un Fait Maudit" by Thibaut Canuti

A review of Thibaut Canuti's book "Un Fait Maudit" is presented. The book explores the history of UFO phenomena, tracing it back to ancient beliefs and ancestral myths, including those of the Dogons, and examining the modern era from the 1896 wave to the foo-fighters and Scandinavian UFOs of 1946. It critically analyzes the year 1947, the emergence of the UFO phenomenon as a media and political issue, and the US government's strategy of secrecy. The author argues that the historical depth of the phenomenon refutes socio-psychological explanations and criticizes the scientific community for neglecting the historical aspect of ufology.

"When Saucers Came to Earth" by Maurizio Verga

This section reviews Maurizio Verga's book, which is the first English-language publication dedicated to the history of UFO sightings in Italy. It details over 100 cases of landings, providing explanations for incidents and including numerous articles, maps, and reconstructions. The book offers a visual overview of the early days of the flying saucer phenomenon, highlighting extraordinary encounters.

CISU Conference

Details are provided for an international ufological conference organized by the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU) in St-Vincent, Italy, on June 23, 2007, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting. The program includes presentations on various aspects of ufology, including Italian UFO cases, the GEIPAN archives, and scientific investigations.

"Les principaux couloirs des OVNIs dans le monde"

This article revisits Major Von Keviczky's work on the concentration of UFO sightings in strategic global points, particularly the Middle East. It suggests that these sightings, often reported by major media, indicate the presence of an extraterrestrial intervention force monitoring military build-ups. The article maps out key "corridors" of UFO activity, including areas around the Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf, and extending towards the Arctic, noting the consistent north-south progression of these flight paths. It also touches upon censorship in Russia and Eastern European countries regarding UFO information.

Article: "Une hypothèse scientifiquement acceptable" by Michel Jeantheau

Michel Jeantheau critically examines various hypotheses for the UFO phenomenon. He dismisses terrestrial origins, including human secret societies or hidden advanced civilizations, as implausible. He also questions parapsychological explanations and socio-psychological theories, arguing they fail to account for the full range of UFO reports. Jeantheau leans towards an extraterrestrial origin, proposing that UFOs are not physical craft but electromagnetic phenomena, possibly generated by highly advanced non-human intelligences. He emphasizes the importance of precise vocabulary and scientific rigor in discussing the subject, suggesting that the phenomenon might be more related to advanced technology and electromagnetic manifestations than to conventional physical objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious and scientific approach to ufology, advocating for rigorous investigation and critical analysis. There's a strong emphasis on the need for collaboration among ufological organizations and a desire to legitimize the field in the eyes of the public and media. The editorial stance favors an extraterrestrial hypothesis, specifically one involving advanced, non-material, electromagnetic phenomena, over more conventional or speculative explanations. The magazine also highlights the role of media coverage in shaping public perception and the importance of official investigations like GEIPAN, while championing the contributions of private research.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, N°51 from June 2007, features a cover story titled "Réfutation des cinq arguments de Vallée contre l'H.E.T." (Refutation of Vallée's Five Arguments Against the HET) by Jacques Costagliola. The magazine also includes an interview with Christian Morgenthaler of SPICA, a report on a Nick Pope event in Paris, and a review of the book "Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés."

Refutation of Jacques Vallée's Arguments Against the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (HET)

Jacques Costagliola presents a detailed refutation of five arguments proposed by Jacques Vallée against the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET) for UFO phenomena. Costagliola argues that Vallée's premises are flawed and that the evidence can be interpreted differently.

Argument 1: The high number of close encounters. Vallée suggests that the frequency of landings is too high for mere physical exploration of our planet. Costagliola counters that this argument assumes each landing is the culmination of a galactic interstellar journey. He proposes that extraterrestrials might have permanent colonies in the solar system or on Earth, making frequent visits feasible. Furthermore, considering the vast number of stars and potential civilizations, the number of visitors might be limited, leading to long waiting lists for visits, thus explaining the observed frequency over millennia. He also suggests that the motivation for landings might extend beyond simple physical exploration to include surveillance.

Argument 2: The humanoid morphology of visitors. Vallée argues that the humanoid form is unlikely to have evolved on another planet and is biologically ill-suited for space travel. Costagliola refutes this by highlighting the diverse physical descriptions of alleged visitors, including non-humanoid forms, and noting that their locomotion and physical capabilities often differ significantly from human norms. He questions the assumption that biological similarity implies a common evolutionary path and suggests that visitors might not rely on conventional biological processes.

Argument 3: Abduction behavior contradicts scientific experimentation. Vallée posits that the behavior reported in abduction accounts is inconsistent with scientific or genetic experiments by an advanced race. Costagliola implies that the reported actions, while seemingly contradictory to scientific goals, might serve a purpose within the visitors' own framework, possibly related to control or manipulation rather than pure experimentation.

Argument 4: The phenomenon's presence throughout history. Vallée states that the historical presence of UFOs indicates it's not a modern phenomenon. Costagliola agrees with this point, arguing that the phenomenon adapts its appearance to the prevailing cultural context (mimicry). He suggests that observers perceive UFOs through the lens of their time, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the phenomenon's underlying reality based solely on historical accounts. The adaptability, however, supports the idea of a long-term presence and exploitation of Earth's environment.

Argument 5: Manipulation of space and time suggests alternative hypotheses. Vallée suggests that UFOs' apparent ability to manipulate space and time points towards hypotheses other than extraterrestrial origin. Costagliola dismisses Vallée's 'new hypotheses' (seismic lights, control system, wormholes) as insufficient or merely local explanations. He criticizes the idea of psychic extraterrestrials or terrestrial psychic phenomena as speculative and questions the concept of an 'unconscious collective' controlling humanity. He also touches upon theories of transtemporal travel.

Costagliola concludes that the focus should be on understanding the motivations and activities of these beings, rather than getting lost in exotic origins. He also notes that these alternative hypotheses do not necessarily invalidate the HET but could add more complex layers to it.

Interview: Christian Morgenthaler (SPICA)

Christian Morgenthaler, head of the association SPICA (Sciences et Phénomènes Insolites du Ciel et de l'Aéronautique), discusses the organization's mission and activities. SPICA aims to provide a serious, objective, and verified source of information on ufology, astronomy, aeronautics, meteorology, and space exploration. Morgenthaler emphasizes the importance of inter-group exchange and a scientific approach, rejecting dogmatism and sensationalism. He explains that SPICA acts as a central hub, facilitating collaboration between various associations and members. He details his personal journey into ufology, starting in 1976, and his involvement in various UFO organizations before co-founding SPICA in March 2001. He highlights the challenges of individualistic approaches in French ufology and advocates for collective action and information sharing.

Key points from the interview include:

• SPICA's activities: Investigations, meetings, analysis of UFO reports, and promoting scientific research in related fields.
• Priorities: Field investigations and understanding the context of phenomena.
• Challenges: Bureaucracy, the need for scientific rigor, and overcoming individualism within the ufology community.
• Notable Alsatian cases: The August 2002 triangle incident over Strasbourg and the March 2005 Betschdorf case.
• French ufology: Morgenthaler believes it's not moribund but suffers from excessive individualism, hindering collective progress and official recognition.
• Internet's role: While useful for information dissemination, it also contributes to fragmentation and a lack of depth in research.
• CNES database: Morgenthaler sees the CNES initiative to publish gendarmerie reports as interesting but questions its potential to significantly change French research without proper utilization.

Event Report: Nick Pope in Paris

A report by Alix Leproust covers an event in Paris featuring Nick Pope, former head of the British Ministry of Defence's UFO desk. The event, organized by Gérard Lebat, was described as specialized and aimed at serious researchers. Pope shared insights, including a reported secret visit by an American general to Rendlesham and details about a secret British program concerning Remote Viewing. The report mentions the availability of a DVD documenting the conference.

Book Review: "Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés"

The magazine reviews the book "Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés" (Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena), directed by Yves Sillard, former director of CNES's steering committee for GEIPAN. The book aims to provide an unbiased examination of UAP, drawing on decades of testimony from pilots and official sources. It discusses various hypotheses, including exoplanetary origins, and poses the question of whether future human explorers might be the source of surprising aerospace phenomena for less advanced civilizations.

Pathologies of Close Encounter and Abduction Victims

Jacques Costagliola also contributes an article detailing the physical and psychological effects on victims of UFO encounters and abductions. He categorizes incidents into three types: distant observation (RR1), close encounters (RR2 & RR3), and abductions (ex RR4 & RR5). He outlines six domains of reality for the UFO phenomenon (physical, exophysical, psychic, somatic, exopsychic, cultural) and discusses various physical symptoms such as eye problems, skin lesions, respiratory and digestive issues, and general trauma. He emphasizes the difficulty victims face in reporting their experiences due to societal stigma and the lack of medical understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and objective approach to ufology, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration among researchers. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, favoring evidence-based analysis and open debate. The issue highlights the challenges faced by the French ufology community, particularly the lack of cohesion and the prevalence of individualism, while advocating for a more unified and rigorous approach. The extraterrestrial hypothesis remains a central theme, with articles actively engaging with and challenging various arguments surrounding it.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated June 2007, focuses heavily on the release of the GEIPAN archives by the French space agency CNES. The cover prominently features "LES ARCHIVES DU GEIPAN" and announces that these archives are now available online, marking a significant step towards transparency in the study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP).

GEIPAN Archives Released

The magazine details the launch of the GEIPAN website, which makes approximately 400 dossiers from its archives publicly accessible. This initiative, led by Jacques Patenet, aims to dispel conspiracy theories and provide factual information. The archives contain around 1600 cases observed in France since the 1950s, primarily consisting of police reports and witness testimonies, with personal data expunged. The scale of this digitization effort is immense, involving 100,000 pages of documents.

Scientific and Public Interest

Despite the release of these archives, the article notes that scientists are still hesitant to fully engage with the subject, a situation compared to the historical resistance to accepting meteorites. The public's interest, however, remains high, as evidenced by the saturation of the GEIPAN website upon its launch. The magazine emphasizes that while the archives contain no "scoops" in the sensational sense, they offer a valuable resource for serious study.

Case Studies and Phenomena

Several articles delve into specific aspects of UFO phenomena:

• II.4. Exotic Pathological Effects of Ufien Phenomena: This section explores the psychological and physiological effects on witnesses, including loss of will, selective amnesia (sometimes described as an "emporte-pièce" or "cut-out" amnesia), and physical symptoms. It discusses the potential for these phenomena to be caused by unknown physical stimuli affecting the brain.
• II.4.3. Elective Suppression of Voluntary Movements: This part details how UFO phenomena can selectively inhibit voluntary muscle control, leaving automatic and reflex functions intact. The mechanism is believed to involve the cerebral cortex.
• II.4.4. Consequences of the Encounter: This section covers somatic and psychological after-effects, such as persistent fatigue, strange sensations, and personality changes.
• II.4.5. The Problem of Implants: The article discusses Dr. Leir's work on removing foreign objects, often metallic alloys, from abductees, noting their unusual composition and placement within the body.
• III. Psychological and Psychiatric Effects: This part expands on the immediate psychological impact of encounters, including fear, confusion, and sometimes a sense of awe or connection.
• III.2. The Supra-psychic Domain of the Phenomenon: This section explores the alleged psychic abilities of aliens, such as extrasensory communication, hypnotic influence, and manipulation of memory and emotions.
• III.3. Projection of Paranormal Properties onto the Victim: It touches upon how abductees might develop psychic abilities or experiences.
• IV. Effects on Animals and Vegetation: The magazine describes how animals react to UFOs with panic or inhibition, and details physical effects on vegetation, such as flattening, burning, and chemical alterations.
• V. Medical Information from Investigation Reports: This section stresses the importance of considering a witness's medical history and medication intake when evaluating their testimony.
• VI. Conclusion: The article concludes that aliens possess a different, likely superior, psychism, science, and technology. Their actions are difficult to distinguish between psychic powers and techniques, and they seem to understand human brains better than we do.

Media Coverage and Events

The issue also includes a "Press Review" section detailing media coverage of UFO topics, including a TV program on France 5 called "C DANS L'AIR" and articles from regional newspapers like "La Dépêche du midi" and "Le Figaro". It mentions upcoming events, such as a UFO conference in Colmar, and highlights the work of various researchers and ufologists.

Specific Cases and Observations

Several specific cases are presented:

• Trans-en-Provence (1981): A detailed account of an object landing in a garden, leaving physical traces and chemical residues.
• Air France Flight Encounter (1994): A report of a large disk observed by pilots and detected by radar.
• Royan Object (1985): An unidentified metallic object found in a field, later identified as a part of a German shell.
• Levroux and Châteauroux Lights (2007): Recent observations of strange luminous circles or bars in the sky, sparking local mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, scientific approach to the UFO phenomenon, aiming to separate fact from fiction and combat sensationalism. There's a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous investigation, the collection of reliable data, and the importance of transparency. The editorial stance supports the idea that UFOs represent a genuine, unexplained phenomenon that warrants further scientific study, while cautioning against jumping to conclusions about extraterrestrial origins without sufficient evidence. The magazine also highlights the psychological and sociological aspects of witness experiences, advocating for a more empathetic and less dismissive attitude towards those who report sightings.

Title: UFOmania magazine
Issue: 51
Date: June 2007
Publisher: Planète OVNI
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 51, dated June 2007, offers a deep dive into various aspects of ufology, featuring articles, letters, and reports from researchers and enthusiasts.

Articles and Contributions

The Human Factor in Ufology (Raymond Terrasse)

Raymond Terrasse opens the issue with a critical reflection on the declining public interest in UFOs, likening it to the waning fascination with moon landings. He argues that the field is stuck in a loop, constantly rehashing 1950s American cases and treating witnesses as subjects for dissection rather than as credible sources. Terrasse advocates for a more profound understanding of the phenomenon, suggesting that UFOs often appear to hide, making direct approach difficult for witnesses. He proposes that UFOs might 'choose' witnesses, drawing parallels to Marian apparitions. He also suggests that a coordinated 'mass offensive' of sightings could re-energize ufology, leveraging the internet for global reach. A key point is the potential role of psychotronics and dowsing (radiesthésie) in understanding landing sites, citing Claude Burkel's work and similar phenomena observed at L'Ile Bouchard.

Terrasse expresses concern that the banalization of the UFO phenomenon will continue unless the ufological community breaks free from repetitive arguments. He shares personal experiences from August 1993, inviting other witnesses to connect.

UFOs as a Manifestation of Higher Intelligence (Didier Gomez)

Didier Gomez responds to a TV invitation, stating he is not the best person to discuss extraterrestrial life, as he believes UFOs represent something closer and more profound. He posits that UFOs are a means to make humanity aware of a different reality, possibly connected to human consciousness and its underutilized potential. He agrees with Pierre Guérin's astronomical perspective on the vastness of life in the universe but believes UFOs are fundamentally different from the classic 'little green men' trope. Gomez suggests that UFOs operate on a level of organized waves, understanding human experience and subtly influencing witnesses, perhaps through mental images or by manipulating consciousness. He draws parallels to folklore creatures and the concept of a universal library of consciousness.

Reader Mail and Discussions

Michel Jeantheau contributes a letter supporting Pierre Guérin's view on the likelihood of advanced extraterrestrial life, suggesting that the universe is already explored and 'colonized.' He finds Gomez's idea of UFOs being 'radically different' intriguing.

Hervé Blanchet comments on the magazine's content, appreciating the discussion on crop circles and the interview with Fabrice Bonvin, though he disagrees with some hypotheses. He also notes the 'mimicry' aspect in PAN (Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés) cases like those in Le Havre and Montpellier.

Frédéric Praud writes about the perceived censorship of the '2èmes Rencontres Rapprochées' event by the magazine 'Lumière Dans La Nuit,' questioning the editorial decisions of its responsible party, Mr. Mesnard.

Jean-Jacques Vélasco (Sepra) asks if all UFO archives are truly disclosed, pondering if significant cases like Trans-en-Provence or Valensole are fully represented, and questioning whether French authorities would admit to unknown phenomena over nuclear power plants.

Recent Observation

An investigation by Jacques Bergeal and Alain Rouanet on April 10, 2007, near Saint-Nauphary, describes a rectangular object of yellow-orange color, non-dazzling, appearing suddenly and descending vertically at an estimated speed of 40-50 km/h. The object disappeared abruptly after 2-3 seconds. The witnesses, Mr. and Mrs. Assié, reported no particular feelings.

Practical Guide to Investigation

The magazine promotes a practical guide for UFO investigators, emphasizing the importance of immediate investigation, careful data collection, and intelligent interpretation of information. It highlights that the guide is not definitive but aims to provide a framework for new researchers, covering principles of operation, important questions, practical notions, and report finalization.

Book and DVD Reviews/Promotions

The issue includes a 'UFO Boutique' section featuring several publications and DVDs:

• OVNI 50 ans d'enquêtes dans le Tarn by Didier Gomez: A catalog of 103 cases from 1952-2005.
• Le GUIDE PRATIQUE DE L'ENQUETEUR (Hors-série n°1): A compilation of articles on UFO phenomena from 1993-2003.
• Apparitions insolites en Occitanie by Didier Gomez: An exploration of the link between modern apparitions and historical phenomena in Occitania.
• Un Fait maudit by Thibaut Canuti: A historical and phenomenological account of UFO events.
• OVNI Contacts (DVD): Interviews from the Planète OVNI/UFOmania stand at the European Encounters of Châlons-en-Champagne.
• L'Eure des OVNI by Didier Gomez: A book detailing investigations and testimonies from an event in 1990.
• Rapport COMETA: A pocketbook version of the COMETA report.

Upcoming Issue

An announcement for the next issue (N°52, September 1, 2007) previews articles on the Breton association Vigie-OVNIs 29, the European UFO Survey, an interview with Didier Gomez, recent observations, an article by Sylvain Geffroy on 'Theoretical Duality,' and other regular features.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes rigorous investigation, critical thinking, and a broad perspective on UFO phenomena. It encourages reader participation and debate, as evidenced by the 'Réagissez à l'actualité' section. There's a clear stance against what is perceived as misinformation or censorship within the ufological community, particularly highlighted in the critique of 'Lumière Dans La Nuit.' The editorial approach seems to favor a multi-faceted understanding of UFOs, encompassing both extraterrestrial hypotheses and more esoteric or consciousness-based interpretations, while emphasizing the importance of solid fieldwork and witness testimony. The magazine also actively promotes its own publications and related products, serving as a hub for French-speaking ufologists.