UFOmania - No 53

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: N°53
Volume: 14th year
Date: December 2007 (Quarterly)
Publisher: Planète OVNI

This issue of UFOmamia magazine, a quarterly publication focused on Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena (UAP) and unusual sightings, delves into various aspects of ufology. The editorial highlights the complex and universal nature of the UAP phenomenon, suggesting it transcends simple explanations and may indicate other dimensions. It emphasizes the need for open-minded research and acknowledges the challenges faced by investigators.

Key Articles and Features

Editorial: "We are dealing with a universal phenomenon that does not correspond to any pre-established rule"

Didier Gomez, the publication director, reflects on the 60-year history of ufology, noting the difficulty in grasping the phenomenon's elusive nature. He stresses that UAP are a part of a larger set of supernatural events and that their manifestations adapt to the times and human context. Gomez calls for continued research, referencing interviews with Pierre Beake and Didier Charnay, and discussions on the temporal hypothesis and the Socorro case.

Dossier Special: Col de Vence: Zone of permanent anomalies?

This extensive feature includes an interview with Pierre Beake, head of the Coldevence.com group, who has been investigating the Col de Vence region for decades. Beake describes the area as a 'zone of permanent anomalies' and discusses the challenges of studying UAP, the phenomenon's adaptability, and the potential for interaction with observers. He also touches upon the psychological dimension of UAP encounters and the need for a rigorous, multidisciplinary approach to ufology. The article also mentions the group's ongoing projects, including a documentary and a book.

Interview with Pierre Beake

Beake recounts his personal journey into ufology, starting in 1973, and his early observations in the high Alps. He explains how he and his team focused on the Col de Vence due to its enigmatic landscapes and the recurring unusual experiences. He discusses the group's activities, including TV appearances and their efforts to document UAP and crop circles. Beake also addresses the decline in ufological activity in recent years, attributing it to potential cyclical patterns of the phenomenon and the challenges of maintaining consistent research.

Other Featured Articles:

• An OVNI photographed in India? by Fabrice Bonvin: Reports on a sighting by Mr. Singh in Jaipur, India, who photographed a strange object. The article explores the possibility of it being a kite, given India's tradition of kite flying, but also considers Mr. Singh's conviction that it was not.
• The Roswell Affair: the final word? by Alain Thibert: Critically examines the Roswell incident, suggesting that Major Jesse Marcel Sr.'s late testimony, influenced by personal struggles, may have lacked credibility. Thibert argues that while the Roswell case may be debunked, the broader field of ufology remains valid, citing the Belgian UAP wave of 1989-1990 as evidence.
• SPéLéO: Database opening in Q1 2008: Details the development of a new IT database for the Planète OVNI association, designed to centralize and manage UAP case information.
• Ufomania.fr: The magazine's web showcase: Announces the launch and ongoing development of the magazine's website, intended to complement the print edition and provide real-time contact with readers.
• Congress of St-Vincent d'Aoste, Italy: Reports on a major international ufology congress held in June 2007 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold sighting. The event brought together researchers from across Europe to discuss UAP research, official investigations, and the challenges of scientific acceptance.
• Ufology and Science: 60 years of misunderstanding by Thibaut Canuti: Discusses the persistent conflict between ufology and mainstream science, highlighting the lack of progress due to mutual skepticism and the tendency to dismiss UAP evidence.
• The OVNI and the temporal hypothesis by Jean-Pierre D'Hondt: Explores the concept of UAP as potentially related to temporal anomalies or time travel.
• Interview with Didier Charnay (UFOlog): Features an interview with a ufologist, likely discussing their work and perspectives.
• The Valdès affair, Chile by Franck Boitte: Re-examines a specific case, aiming to clarify certain truths.
• SETKA: A Soviet research program on UFOs by Philip Mantle: Sheds light on a little-known Soviet program investigating UAP.
• The Archives of Magonie by Frédéric Praud: Introduces a new section dedicated to archival findings in ufology.
• Return to Socorro by Raymond Terrasse: Revisits the famous Socorro incident with new arguments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes rigorous, evidence-based research in ufology, encouraging an open mind while maintaining a critical perspective. There is a strong emphasis on field investigations and the importance of independent researchers and associations. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for ufology as a legitimate field of study, despite its marginalization by mainstream science. The magazine also highlights the international nature of UAP phenomena and research collaborations. The recurring theme is the persistent, often inexplicable, nature of UAP and the ongoing human effort to understand them.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated December 2007 (Issue 53), focuses on the intersection of ufology and science, with a particular emphasis on the challenges and methodologies of investigating Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

Cover Story: Appeal to Witnesses

The cover highlights an appeal for UFO witnesses, noting the consistently warm reception ufology receives in regional and local press. It promises "marvelous examples" of private ufology expressing itself and "dream opportunities" to gather new observations and investigative perspectives for the dossier.

Article: UFOs: In the Sky, Pilots Sometimes Have Strange Encounters

This article details a meeting in Washington where military and civilian pilots shared startling testimonies of encounters with unidentified flying objects. They aim to encourage authorities to take these phenomena seriously, despite their frequent ridicule. Key testimonies include:

• James Penniston (1980): A retired US Air Force officer recounts seeing and touching a triangular, illuminated object in a forest near a British airbase, describing it as metallic, warm, and capable of lifting off silently and moving at incredible speed.
• Fife Symington (1997): The former governor of Arizona, a witness himself, urges the US government to stop perpetuating conventional explanations for UFOs and to reopen investigations.
• Rodrigo Bravo: A Chilean Air Force expert emphasizes the national security implications of identifying aerial objects.
• A 1988 incident: A B737 on final approach to Puerto Montt (Chile) encountered a large white light, forcing the pilot to take evasive action.
• Parviz Jafari (1976): An Iranian fighter pilot attempted to engage a blinking object over Tehran, but his armament and radio were jammed.
• Jean-Charles Duboc: A former Air France captain reported seeing a large disc-shaped UFO near Paris.
• John Callahan: A former FAA official expressed frustration with the systematic dismissal of UFO reports.
• Nick Pope: A former UK Ministry of Defence official states that while most UFO sightings are explained, 5% remain unexplained.

The article also touches upon the CIA's alleged acknowledgment of UFOs but a reluctance to disclose this to the public for fear of panic.

Article: A UFO in the Sky of the Ain

This piece reports on a sighting in the Ain region of France on October 2, 2007. Around twenty witnesses observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon described as resembling an "ice cream cone" or "Christmas tree." The witness Christophe, a former pilot, provided photographs. The GEIPAN (French official UFO investigation group) is investigating the case. The article includes testimony from Alain Gourmand, a truck driver who pursued the object, and notes that the GEIPAN has ruled out a hot air balloon explanation and is seeking more witnesses.

Article: "MODE D'EMPLOI" - A New Way to Approach Ufology

This section, attributed to Alix Leproust, discusses a new communication strategy for ufology, emphasizing a balanced approach that avoids sensationalism and focuses on presenting clear, personal answers to hypotheses. It advocates for a citizen-oriented approach to engage the public and media, highlighting the importance of demonstrating the public's interest in studying UFOs and valuing journalistic work.

Article: Ufology and Science: Sixty Years of Misunderstanding

This in-depth article by Thibaut Canuti explores the historical and sociological aspects of the UFO phenomenon and its complex relationship with science. It argues that:

• The debate has evolved from the reality of UFOs to discussions about their origin, cultural assimilation, government secrecy, and the motivations behind them.
• The Fermi paradox is used to question why, if extraterrestrial civilizations are likely, we haven't encountered them.
• Science and ufology have historically been at odds due to mutual distrust and different methodologies.
• Many scientists are reluctant to engage with UFOs due to fear of ridicule, methodological challenges, and the anecdotal nature of many reports.
• The article cites numerous cases and testimonies from credible witnesses, including astronomers and pilots, to counter the idea that UFOs are easily explained or that scientists are immune to witnessing them.
• It criticizes the scientific community's tendency to dismiss UFOs as pseudoscience and highlights the importance of objective investigation, citing examples like the GEIPAN's work and historical collaborations.
• The author suggests that a paradigm shift is needed, and that ufology, by presenting phenomena that challenge current scientific understanding, could contribute to this shift.

Article: The UFOs and the Temporal Hypothesis

Authored by Jean-Pierre D'Hondt, this article explores the hypothesis that UFOs are vehicles from humanity's future traveling back in time. It references historical discussions on this topic, including statements from Aimé Michel and astrophysicist Jacques Vallée. Vallée's work is cited, suggesting that UFOs are part of a system that transcends time and space, manipulating human beliefs and history. The article presents four points from Vallée that challenge the extraterrestrial hypothesis, favoring a temporal or interdimensional explanation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently advocates for a more serious and open investigation into the UFO phenomenon. It highlights the importance of witness testimonies, particularly from credible sources like pilots and scientists, and criticizes the scientific community's general skepticism and perceived resistance to engaging with the subject. The editorial stance supports rigorous, evidence-based ufology and encourages a broader public and media dialogue on the topic, moving beyond sensationalism and towards a more nuanced understanding. The magazine also promotes the idea that ufology, when conducted seriously, can contribute to scientific understanding and a more democratic approach to knowledge.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated December 2007, delves into various aspects of ufology, with a significant focus on the "Valdes Affair" and the broader implications of extraterrestrial encounters and time travel theories. The magazine presents a collection of articles, interviews, and case studies, exploring the scientific, historical, and personal dimensions of UFO phenomena.

The Valdes Affair: A Case Study

The central piece of the issue is a detailed investigation into the "Valdes Affair," which occurred on April 25, 1977, near Putre, Chile. The incident involved Corporal Armando Valdés and seven soldiers who reported an encounter with a UFO. Valdés' subsequent disappearance for 15 minutes, his return with a significantly grown beard, and his watch displaying a date five days ahead of the actual one, form the core of the mystery. The article scrutinizes the official military reports, media coverage, and subsequent analyses of Valdés' testimony, including his later psychiatric evaluation and his affiliation with an apocalyptic religious sect. The piece questions the official narrative and explores alternative explanations, including the possibility of time travel and the manipulation of the case for political or propaganda purposes.

Theories on Extraterrestrial Life and Time Travel

Several articles explore the theoretical underpinnings of UFO phenomena. One section discusses the scientific arguments for and against the existence of extraterrestrial life, considering biological evolution and the vastness of the cosmos. It contrasts the idea of life being a cosmic necessity with the view that human-like intelligence might be a rare occurrence. The concept of "chrononauts" – future humans traveling back in time – is presented as a potential explanation for UFO sightings, suggesting that these beings might be our own descendants studying or influencing their past.

Interviews and Expert Opinions

The magazine features an interview with Didier Charnay, director of "Ufo Log" magazine, who discusses his approach to ufology, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue between different viewpoints, including those of "soucoupistes" (UFO enthusiasts) and rationalists. Charnay expresses his skepticism about definitive explanations for UFOs, highlighting the complexity and elusiveness of the phenomenon. He also touches upon the decline of field ufology and the increasing reliance on internet resources.

Another section includes reflections from Franck Boitte, a Belgian ufologist, who offers a critical assessment of the Valdes case, suggesting that while an extraordinary event likely occurred, the extraterrestrial hypothesis lacks concrete proof. He posits that Valdés may have experienced a psychological episode due to fatigue, cold, or personal beliefs, leading to a temporary loss of consciousness and a distorted perception of time.

Related Cases and Historical Context

The issue also presents other UFO sightings in Chile during 1977, providing a broader context for the Valdes incident. A striking parallel is drawn with a similar case in China from 1975, involving a soldier's disappearance, a grown beard, and a stopped watch, raising questions about the authenticity and potential manipulation of such accounts.

Ufology and its Challenges

The magazine touches upon the challenges facing ufology, including the lack of rigorous scientific investigation, the tendency towards sensationalism in media reporting, and the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine phenomena and psychological or fabricated events. The role of personal beliefs, including religious eschatology, in shaping interpretations of UFO encounters is also explored.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the extraterrestrial hypothesis, the possibility of time travel, the nature of consciousness, and the interpretation of anomalous phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance that encourages critical thinking and open inquiry, presenting various theories and case studies without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. It highlights the ongoing debate within ufology regarding the origin and nature of UFOs, emphasizing the need for more rigorous research and a balanced perspective. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploring possibilities while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards definitive conclusions, particularly when evidence is lacking or potentially compromised.

Title: UFOmania magazine
Issue: N°53
Date: December 2007
Publisher: UFOmania magazine

This issue of UFOmania magazine is dedicated to exploring new books related to ufology, delving into the historical Soviet UFO research program 'SETKA', and analyzing significant UFO cases.

New Books Reviewed

The magazine features reviews of several new books on UFOs:

• OVNIS: ce qu'ILS ne veulent pas que vous sachiez by Pierre Lagrange (Presses du Châtelet): This book examines the conspiracy theory surrounding UFOs, analyzing declassified military documents and arguments from scientists and military personnel. It questions the narrative of a cover-up and explores the links between conspiracy theorists and 'debunkers'.
• UFOCREPS Hors Série numéro 1: Paranormal - Science - OVNIS by Bernard Bidault (UFOCREPS): This publication offers an investigation into space visitors, secret files, and scientific opinions.
• Ovnis en ex-Urss et dans les Pays de l'Est by Editions Ramuel: This book presents an investigation into events during the 1999 eclipse on the Norman coasts, supplemented by new facts and testimonies.
• La vierge et les extraterrestres by Christel Seval (JMG éditions): This work investigates the connection between Marian apparitions and UFO phenomena, questioning whether extraterrestrials are responsible for these events and what message they aim to convey.
• Les « extraterrestres » avant les soucoupes volantes by Jean Sider (JMG éditions): This book presents a historical and in-depth study of UFO appearances, arguing that they have occurred throughout human history, predating the modern UFO era, and challenging socio-psychological explanations.
• Présence: Ovnis, Crop Circles et Exocivilisations by Denis Roger Denocla (Editions Morphéus): This publication offers new approaches to UFOs and crop circles, including an investigation into the origin of crop circles, a panorama of 'visitors from outer space', a manifesto for the recognition of Exocivilisations, a revolutionary cosmology, the secret of UFO propulsion, and the decoding of an extraterrestrial language.

SETKA: A Secret Soviet UFO Research Program

The article "SETKA: Un programme de recherche soviétique secret sur les OVNI" by Philip Mantle details the origins and workings of the SETKA program. Prompted by a surge in UFO activity in the late 1970s, particularly the Petrozavodsk case, the Soviet Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Defense established research centers. The program, initially codenamed SETKA-AN and SETKA-MO, aimed to study anomalous atmospheric phenomena. The article highlights the involvement of key figures like Vladimir Migulin and Yury Platov, and discusses the military's interest in the potential technological and strategic implications of UFOs. The program underwent name changes to 'Galaktika' in 1981 and 'Gorizont' in 1986, continuing its analysis of UFO-related data until its discontinuation around 1990-1991.

Colonel Aleksandr Plaksin, interviewed in 2002, provided insights into the program, stating that recent US military-industry advancements were not alien-derived and that he had found no direct evidence of active alien civilizations during his 15 years of research. He also confirmed the existence of Soviet programs to study anomalous phenomena starting in 1978 and recounted a significant incident in October 1982 where a UFO nearly triggered a nuclear war.

Historical UFO Cases and Analysis

The issue presents several historical UFO cases:

• 1974, Borosoglebsk Region: A mysterious black cloud, identified by radar as an aircraft, caused severe system malfunctions in a jet sent to investigate.
• 1981, Mukachevo, Ukraine: A fighter jet collided with a fiery sphere, resulting in its destruction and the pilot's ejection.
• October 1982 Nuclear Near-Miss: A massive UFO hovered over a Soviet ICBM base, activating missile launch controls and nearly initiating a nuclear war. This incident was investigated by Colonel Boris Sokolov and later by British correspondent David Ensor.
• Socorro, New Mexico (April 24, 1964): Police officer Lonnie Zamora witnessed a UFO landing. The case is analyzed in detail by Raymond Terrasse, focusing on the physical evidence, including a quadrangular trace, and the potential symbolic meaning of the object's markings. The article suggests that the Socorro incident, along with cases in Marliens and Cuicuilco, may be linked by geometric and calendrical relationships, possibly carrying messages from extraterrestrial visitors.
• Other Cases: The magazine also touches upon early UFO sightings, including astronomical observations from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and reports from the 1950s, such as the 'Le Pèlerin' and 'Annuaire du Cheminot' articles.

UFOs and Science

The article "Du Nouveau Sous Le Soleil" by Raymond Terrasse discusses the Socorro incident, linking it to the Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope and the Trinity Site, both significant locations in New Mexico. Terrasse proposes that the UFO's markings might be a deliberate message, possibly related to ancient civilizations or symbolic geometry. He also explores the connection between the Socorro incident and the Roswell crash, suggesting a triangle of significant UFO-related sites in the USA.

The 'Questions à la une' section critiques a RTBF1 television program that discussed crop circles and the Belgian UFO wave. The magazine argues that the program presented a biased perspective, favoring explanations that debunked extraterrestrial origins and attributing UFO sightings to balloons or human-made devices without sufficient proof.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation into UFO phenomena, often highlighting the role of scientific research and declassified documents. There is a recurring theme of government secrecy and the potential for hidden information regarding UFOs. The magazine appears to lean towards the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence being involved in some UFO events, while also critically examining conventional explanations and debunking attempts. The editorial stance encourages readers to consider the evidence presented and to question official narratives, particularly concerning historical cases and potential cover-ups.

Title: UFOmania magazine
Issue: N°53
Date: December 2007
Publisher: PLANETE OVNI

This issue of UFOmania magazine delves into the evolving landscape of ufology, addressing the debate between print and digital formats, the challenges facing researchers, and the need for continued investigation. It features a mix of reader contributions, editorial reflections, and articles on specific cases and initiatives within the field.

Courrier des lecteurs (Readers' Letters)

The "Courrier des lecteurs" section opens with an editorial reflection on the necessity of continuing the print edition of UFOmania magazine. The editor acknowledges reader feedback and emphasizes the ongoing commitment to informing the public, while also noting a critical shortage of field investigators. The magazine's future will balance reader desires with practical considerations, potentially incorporating digital sales of virtual versions of the magazine.

Jacky Kozan writes about the complexity of the UFO phenomenon, comparing it to a "Superscience" that integrates multiple disciplines. He argues that the phenomenon itself has not defeated ufologists but rather that public perception and the sensationalism often surrounding it create barriers. Kozan stresses the importance of discreet, effective work and encourages continued investigation, referencing the case of Trans-en-Provence as an example of how a particular aspect can change understanding.

Raymond Terrasse responds to the editorial, congratulating the editor on highlighting the general shortcomings and challenges within ufology. He suggests that a focus on sensationalism has overshadowed genuine study, leaving only a few dedicated individuals. He proposes a humorous hypothesis for the Roswell incident, involving Mogul balloons and Martians. Terrasse also inquires about subscription methods without a checkbook.

Mathieu Heidet also asks about subscription options for those without a checkbook, expressing gratitude for the magazine's content.

UFOmania papier ou e-web? (UFOmania paper or e-web?)

This section, likely an editorial or a response to reader queries, discusses the transition of ufological publications from print to digital formats. It acknowledges the need to adapt to technological advancements while considering the preferences of the readership. The possibility of offering downloadable versions of the magazine for purchase is mentioned as a way to balance the traditional print format with the growing digital market. The text also touches upon the challenges of selling information, suggesting that automatic, short-term subscriptions could be a viable solution for readers.

A propos de l'éditorial d'UFOmania 52... (About the editorial of UFOmania 52...)

This section, likely a continuation of the reader feedback, discusses the relevance and format of ufological publications. It touches upon the idea that information, regardless of its format (print or digital), is valuable, and that subscription models can be adapted to reader convenience. The author suggests that while some readers may be hesitant to pay for digital content, the value of the information itself should be the primary consideration. The text also highlights the importance of commercial action in promoting publications, even those of high quality.

Le phénomène en présence aurait-il eu raison des plus tenaces chercheurs ? (Has the phenomenon in presence defeated the most tenacious researchers?)

This piece explores the challenges and complexities of UFO research. It posits that the UFO phenomenon is not actively combating researchers but rather that public perception, media sensationalism, and the inherent difficulty of the subject contribute to the challenges. The author emphasizes that while the public may appear disinterested, this is often a defense mechanism to protect their professional lives. The text calls for continued, effective work in ufology, suggesting that progress is being made through collective effort.

Désintérêt du public et travail discret. (Public disinterest and discreet work.)

This section addresses the apparent lack of public interest in ufology, attributing it to the risk of professional discredit for those who openly engage with the subject. It suggests that the public's disinterest is an attitude adopted to protect their livelihoods. The text also critiques the marketing efforts of organizations like Inforespace, implying that a lack of commercial action may have hindered their reach. Despite these challenges, the author believes that ufology is moving in a positive direction due to the underlying work being done by dedicated individuals.

Intérêt a tenter de comprendre ce qui se cache derrière et les cas célèbres: (Interest in trying to understand what is hidden behind and the famous cases:)

This part of the magazine discusses the inherent difficulty in fully understanding the UFO phenomenon, its intentions, and its implications. It suggests that while complete comprehension may be unattainable, focusing on factual evidence, witness testimonies, and historical patterns can lead to a better understanding and allow for future extrapolation. The importance of knowing well-known UFO cases, including hoaxes, is highlighted to provide the public with a solid foundation for forming opinions amidst controversies. The author also emphasizes the need to analyze both classic and lesser-known cases, and to re-examine classic cases with new analytical approaches, citing the Trans-en-Provence case as an example.

L'ufologie en crise (Ufology in crisis)

This article by Franck Boitte discusses a perceived crisis in ufology, citing the financial difficulties of organizations like SOBEPS and the shift towards digital media. The author questions the viability of print publications, referencing Jacques Vallée's move to offer his work online due to publisher issues. He notes that the public, saturated with sensationalized content like 'X-Files', seeks definitive answers and may disengage if they are not readily provided. Boitte suggests that the crisis stems from a lack of effective strategies, including the abandonment of print, the limited success of electronic reviews, and the need for specialization within ufology. He advocates for a professionalization of the field, with specialists in areas such as psychology, photography analysis, astronomy, and radio communication. The article also touches upon the persistent phenomenon of crop circles and the emerging topic of human mutilations, urging ufologists to raise awareness in a world that is often anesthetized to such issues.

EN BREF (In Brief)

Création de l'INREES (Creation of INREES): This section announces the establishment of INREES (Institut National de Recherche Scientifique sur les Expériences Inexplicables) by Stéphane Alix. The institute aims to create a network of mental health professionals, publish a "Manual of Clinical Description of Extraordinary Experiences," and organize training sessions. The launch event was attended by notable figures in the ufology community.

Je passe à la télé (I'm on TV): Mr. Leproust, a representative of the Havre ufology meetings and a correspondent for UFOmania magazine, is scheduled to appear on the France 3 Normandie program "c'est mieux le matin" to discuss local UFO phenomena.

Sommaire des anciens numéros... (Summary of previous issues...)

This is a comprehensive list of past issues of UFOmania magazine, detailing the articles, interviews, and special features included in each number from N°39 (April 2004) to N°52 (September 2007). It serves as a catalog of the magazine's content over several years, highlighting key topics and contributors.

La boutique « UFO »... logique (The "UFO" shop... logical)

This section presents a catalog of books and DVDs related to ufology available for purchase. Items include:

• OVNI 50 ans d'enquêtes dans le Tarn by Didier Gomez: A catalog of 103 UFO cases from 1952 to 2005 in the Tarn region.
• Le GUIDE PRATIQUE DE L'ENQUETEUR (The Practical Guide for Investigators): A guide for UFO researchers.
• UFOmania magazine Hors-série n°1 (1993/2003): A compilation of the best articles from UFOmania's first ten years.
• Apparitions insolites en Occitanie by Didier Gomez: An exploration of unusual phenomena in Occitania, linking folklore to modern UFO sightings.
• Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena): A book edited by Yves Sillard, based on CNES testimonies and pilot observations.
• OVNI Contacts (DVD): A DVD featuring interviews from the 2nd European UFO Encounters event in Châlons-en-Champagne.
• OVNI Contacts << first encounters » (double DVD): Another DVD related to UFO encounters.
• L'EURE DES OVNIS by Didier Gomez: A book detailing UFO sightings in the Eure region.
• Rapport COMETA: A book summarizing the COMETA report.

The section also includes an order form for these items, with pricing and shipping information.

Le COBEPS a la frite (COBEPS is doing well)

Patrick Ferryn writes from Belgium to provide an update on the status of SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Étude des Phénomènes Spatiaux) and its successor, COBEPS. He explains that while the original structure is no longer active, there is a desire among some former members to maintain a "light" structure that will continue some of SOBEPS's activities. This new entity, COBEPS, aims to provide a platform for reporting UFO observations in Belgium and potentially publish articles on SETI and exobiology on its website. Ferryn states that more details will be available later but expresses hope for a continuation of their work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFOmania magazine revolve around the evolution of ufology in the digital age, the challenges of investigation, and the importance of rigorous, evidence-based research. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism, acknowledging the difficulties but emphasizing the need for continued dedication and adaptation. There is a clear effort to engage readers, solicit feedback, and foster a sense of community among those interested in unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine also champions initiatives like INREES, indicating a commitment to more scientific and structured approaches to studying the subject. The publication actively promotes ufological literature and events through its "boutique" section, reinforcing its role as a central hub for the French-speaking ufology community.