UFOmania - No 55

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: 55
Date: June 2008
Volume: 15th year
Publisher: Planète OVNI
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 1254 5112
Cover Headline: Gérard Lebat, initiateur des repas ufologiques

Editorial Stance and Content

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 55 from June 2008, is dedicated to the ongoing relevance of unexplained phenomena, echoing Joseph Allen Hynek's sentiment that the phenomenon persists. The editorial highlights a resurgence of interest in UFOs, with television programs increasingly covering the topic. The magazine's objective is to present research findings from recent weeks and foster constructive debate.

Main Dossier: Gérard Lebat

The central focus of this issue is Gérard Lebat, described as the initiator of 'ufological meals' and a significant figure in French ufology for over 40 years. The dossier traces his journey from his early interest in ufology in 1966 Paris, his involvement with groups like GEOS (which he founded in France in 1968), and his role in organizing major ufological events, such as the European Encounters in Châlons-en-Champagne in 2005. Lebat's personal history in ufology is detailed, including his early experiences with publications and associations, the challenges of maintaining research groups, and his transition to organizing regular meetings that foster community and discussion.

Historical Overview of French Ufology

The magazine provides an extensive historical account of ufological organizations and publications in France. It details the genesis and evolution of groups like GEOS, Ugef, Cfru, and Ugepi, their publications (such as 'Les Extraterrestres' and 'Ouranos'), and the collaborative efforts and mergers that shaped the field. The text highlights the difficulties in maintaining momentum, the impact of public perception, and the shift from widespread interest to a more specialized audience. The challenges of funding, publication, and the subjective nature of UFO evidence are recurrent themes.

Key Articles and Features

• "Du Geos d'hier aux repas ufologiques d'aujourd'hui, morceaux choisis de 42 années d'ufologie": This overarching theme is explored through various articles, including a detailed account of Gérard Lebat's 42 years in ufology.
• "Cinq années aux repas Ufologiques Parisiens" by Thierry Rocher: Discusses the evolution and impact of these gatherings.
• "Les OVNI sur Canal +, un documentaire sujet à controverse" by Gérard Lebat: Examines a controversial documentary.
• "Les Archives de Magonie" by Frédéric Praud: Explores historical UFO archives.
• "L'incident de Kelly-Hopkinsville (Kentucky, USA), 21 août 1955" by Jean-Pierre D'Hondt: A detailed look at a famous historical case.
• "Jacques Vallée, visionnaire de l'ufologie" by Fabrice Bonvin: An examination of the work of influential ufologist Jacques Vallée.
• Hessdalen Phenomena: Two books published in 2007 on the Hessdalen lights in Norway are reviewed, emphasizing the need for French translations.
• New Multimedia Website: The launch of 'Videovnis.tv', a site dedicated to archiving UFO-related audio and video documents, is announced.
• 7L TV Emission: A brief mention of a local TV channel's program on UFOs, noting that the topic was only superficially covered.
• RNCSC Statistics: The National Civil Surveillance Network of the Sky (RNCSC) has published online statistics on UFO sightings in France from 2005 to January 2008, based on over 600 reported cases.
• "OVNI Investigation: Enquêtes inédites de l'impossible": A review of Michel Padrines' upcoming book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous, quality field investigations and the need for a scientific approach to understanding UFO phenomena. It critiques the superficiality of some media coverage and highlights the dedication of private researchers and associations. There is a strong undercurrent of promoting ufology as a serious field of study, despite public skepticism and the challenges of obtaining definitive answers. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, critical analysis, and a commitment to advancing the understanding of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine also promotes its own publications and subscription services, encouraging reader engagement and support for their work.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated June 2008, focuses on the development of ufology networks and a critical analysis of media coverage of the UFO phenomenon. The main theme is the genesis and evolution of the 'Repas Ufologiques Parisiens' (Parisian Ufology Dinners) and its expansion across France and internationally.

The Genesis of a Network in Constant Evolution

The lead article details the origins and growth of the Repas Ufologiques Parisiens, initiated by Thierry Rocher and later managed by Jean-Luc Rivera. The meetings, initially held in Paris, expanded to other cities in France, Belgium, Quebec, and Morocco. In 2005, a reorganization led to the creation of the 'RÉSEAU DES REPAS UFOLOGIQUES' (Network of Ufology Dinners), which by 2007 had grown to include 23 organizing cities. The article also highlights the 'EUROPEENNES' ufological encounters, a free event organized between June 2004 and October 2005, which attracted around 200 personalities and a hundred stands, drawing significant public and media attention.

A key event discussed is the organization of a conference in Paris featuring Nick Pope, a figure from the British Ministry of Defence. The conference, held on March 6, 2007, was a major success, attracting 200 attendees from across Europe and selling out.

The article also touches upon the personal career paths of some individuals involved, such as Gérard Lebat, who transitioned from accounting to focus on ufology and later moved to Marrakech.

The Military Investigates UFOs: A Critical Review of a Canal+ Documentary

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a critical review of the Canal+ documentary "Objets Volant Non Identifiés: l'armée enquête" (Unidentified Flying Objects: The Military Investigates), aired on March 17, 2008. The reviewer, Gérard Lebat, argues that while the documentary presented itself as serious and objective, it ultimately failed to convince and was incomplete and biased. The critique centers on the documentary's focus on official military and governmental sources, while largely ignoring or disparaging the work of private ufologists and researchers. Lebat contends that these private researchers have contributed significantly to the field and possess valuable information that was overlooked.

The review highlights several points of contention:

• Lack of depth: The documentary presented observations that were already known and failed to explore lesser-known French cases, instead focusing on US political stances on UFOs.
• Disparagement of ufologists: The documentary allegedly portrayed ufologists as 'fringe' or 'delusional,' despite their extensive research and contributions.
• Misrepresentation of Nick Pope: The documentary's subtitle incorrectly identified Nick Pope as being part of the British Ministry of Defence, despite his resignation.
• Ignoring private research: The review emphasizes that private ufologists have been instrumental in bringing UFO-related information to light and in pressuring governments to release documents.

The article contrasts the documentary's approach with the work of private researchers and associations, arguing that these groups often provide more comprehensive and insightful information.

Historical Archives and Ufology

Several pages are dedicated to showcasing historical ufology publications and archives, including:

• VOILA EUROPE MAGAZINE N° 462 (December 1953): An article discussing whether weather balloons could explain flying saucer sightings.
• NOIR ET BLANC N° 1169 (July-August 1967): An article on French sightings of 'saucers' and the possibility of them being related to the COSMOS 169 satellite.
• LA VIE CATHOLIQUE ILLUSTREE N° 479 (October 1954): A four-part investigation into flying saucers, covering facts, mysteries, and hypotheses.
• BIBLIOTHEQUE DE TRAVAIL N° 881 (1979): A dossier on UFOs compiled by elementary school students.

These entries highlight the long history of UFO reporting and investigation.

Initiatives: A Position Paper

A significant section features a "Lettre ouverte au Président de la République française" (Open Letter to the President of the French Republic). This letter, signed by several individuals including a Rear Admiral and a Doctor of Medicine, advocates for a formal, exhaustive study of the UFO phenomenon using a hypothetical-deductive method, similar to those employed by military strategy units. The authors argue that the phenomenon, potentially involving extraterrestrial intelligence, poses risks to the environment and human culture (ethnocide) and requires a rigorous, scientific approach beyond the scope of existing official bodies like GEIPAN or private ufologists.

The letter outlines several points:

• The existence of UFOs (PANs) is a given, with a significant portion suggesting intelligent, non-hostile, but discreet and elusive activity.
• The study of UFOs requires methods that can handle complex situations with ambiguous intelligences and limited, often manipulated, information.
• The hypothetical-deductive method, used in military strategy, is proposed as suitable for assessing risks, including potential extraterrestrial intrusion and its strategic implications.
• The authors express concern about disinformation and 'jamming' of the phenomenon, suggesting that official bodies lack the competence, means, or methodology for proper interpretation.
• They call for a high-level study to validate or invalidate the extraterrestrial hypothesis, understand the strategy of any intrusion, and inform national defense, security, and international policy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions the importance of private ufological research, often contrasting it with what it perceives as the limited scope and bias of official investigations and mainstream media coverage. There is a strong emphasis on the historical depth of ufology and the contributions of dedicated researchers. The editorial stance is critical of superficial or dismissive approaches to the UFO phenomenon, advocating for serious, scientific inquiry. The magazine also promotes the idea of a structured network for ufologists, facilitating information exchange and collaboration. The call for a formal, government-led investigation using advanced analytical methods underscores a desire for greater legitimacy and scientific rigor in the field.

Title: JOURS DE FRANCE Les Archives de Magonie N°3

Issue Date: November 25 to December 1, 1954

Publisher: UFOmania magazine

Country of Publication: France

Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFOmania magazine, titled 'Les Archives de Magonie N°3', delves into the history and analysis of UFO phenomena, with a strong focus on the critical examination of official French investigations.

Articles and Features

"Les « OVNIs » du CNES" by Didier Gomez

This extensive article, based on the book "Les OVNI du CNES: 30 ans d'études officielles (1977-2007)" by David Rossoni, Eric Maillot, and Eric Déguillaume, critically analyzes the work of the French national space agency's UFO investigation unit, GEIPAN (formerly GEPAN and SEPRA). The authors argue that GEIPAN's investigations often lack rigor, fail to exhaustively explore alternative explanations, and suffer from methodological flaws and significant delays in intervention. They highlight specific cases, such as the AF-3532 flight incident and the Cussac encounter, where they believe the official conclusions are weak or unsubstantiated. The article also touches upon the 'witness perfection syndrome,' where the professional status of a witness is used to dismiss potential misinterpretations.

"Phénomène OVNI et destins bouleversés" by Raymond Terrasse

Raymond Terrasse explores how the UFO phenomenon has profoundly impacted the lives of individuals, both researchers and witnesses. He contrasts the pre-1947 era, where UFO sightings were often linked to Marian apparitions and the early days of ufology saw dedicated researchers like Charles Fort and Jimmy Guieu, with the post-Kenneth Arnold era. Terrasse discusses how the phenomenon has shaped careers, influenced literature and cinema, and led to significant personal transformations, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse. He also touches upon the financial aspects, noting the vast sums spent by governments on UFO research and the potential for charlatans to exploit public interest.

"Retour sur un atterrissage exceptionnel - Oise, 29 octobre 1977"

This article recounts a detailed UFO sighting in the Oise region of France in 1977. A young couple, Alain Bray and Maryline Bray, observed a luminous, elongated object resembling a rugby ball that followed their car and appeared to land in a field. The object was described as being about three times the size of their car and emitting a yellow-orange light. The sighting caused significant distress to Maryline Bray. Subsequent investigations revealed that several other witnesses in nearby villages had also observed a similar phenomenon around the same time. The article emphasizes the reliability of these witnesses, who were familiar with conventional aircraft due to the proximity of an airport and military bases.

"3èmes Rencontres Rapprochées - Science-fiction et soucoupes volantes"

This section reports on a conference organized by the association PLANETE OVNI, featuring Bertrand Méheust. The conference explored the influence of science fiction on UFO testimonies, particularly concerning sightings from the 1950s. Méheust argued that many UFO narratives might have been pre-programmed by existing science fiction tropes, even predating significant sightings like Kenneth Arnold's. The event, which had a modest attendance, fostered active participation and debate among attendees.

Other Mentions:

• Journées de France N°3 (November 25 - December 1, 1954): An interview with Jean Cocteau about his thoughts on flying saucers, and a note about the Austrian Astrological Union suggesting saucers are 'air jellyfish'.
• Top Realités Jeunesse N°389 (May 1, 1966): An article featuring Sir Bernard Lovell, Director of Jodrell Bank Observatory, who favored the possibility of extraterrestrial life and did not rule out the reality of UFOs.
• Point de Vue Images du Monde (August 7, 1952): An article titled 'Soucoupes partout' presenting one of the first photographs of the Chauvet Lake UFOs, taken by André Frégnale.
• Toute la Vérité N°7 (November 1954): A 15-page dossier on the enigma of flying saucers by Georges H. Gallet, covering topics like Jean De La Hire's 'saucers' in 1906, Kenneth Arnold's observation, the Mantell case, U.S. Air Force investigations, George Adamski, pre-1947 saucers, and the possibility of military spy craft or extraterrestrial origins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena and official investigations. There is a strong emphasis on scientific methodology, skepticism, and the need for rigorous evidence. The articles question the conclusions of official bodies like GEIPAN, highlighting potential biases and methodological shortcomings. The role of science fiction in shaping UFO narratives is also a recurring theme, as is the profound personal impact of UFO encounters. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and a thorough, evidence-based approach to the study of UFOs, while acknowledging the enduring mystery and the significant cultural impact of the phenomenon.

Title: UFOmania Magazine
Issue: 55
Date: June 2008
Cover Headline: Science et Inexpliqué

This issue of UFOmania magazine delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, featuring a conference by Bertrand Méheust, an in-depth analysis of the Kelly-Hopkinsville incident, and the influential work of ufologist Jacques Vallée. It also touches upon Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) and presents reviews of recent books on ufology.

Conference by Bertrand Méheust

The magazine reports on a conference held by Bertrand Méheust in Gaillac on March 8, 2008, titled "Science-Fiction and flying saucers: Return on an enigmatic correspondence." The article discusses how Méheust's work integrates the concept of UFOs into a broader reflection, suggesting that science fiction narratives might have influenced or shaped the perception of the phenomenon. It highlights Méheust's aim to encourage ufologists to better understand these facts and his view that an intelligence might be using the sociological context to manifest in a disguised manner, adapting its forms to technological progress and societal demands.

The conference was followed by a convivial reception, and the essential content was released on a DVD. The event was part of the "3èmes Rencontres Rapprochées" (3rd Close Encounters) organized by Planète OVNI, which offered free entry for this edition to encourage wider participation.

The Kelly-Hopkinsville Incident (August 21, 1955)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Kelly-Hopkinsville case in Kentucky, USA. The article analyzes the incident where a family reported being terrorized by small, humanoid creatures. It examines the initial investigation by Major John E. Albert and the findings of Bud Ledwith, who interviewed the witnesses. The report details the physical characteristics of the beings, their behavior, and the interactions with the witnesses, including gunfire. The article also discusses the skepticism surrounding the case, including the possibility of misidentification with owls (Grand-Duc) and the critique of the case by R.N. Ferguson, a police officer.

Further analysis is provided by Renaud Leclet, who suggests the possibility of a complex misidentification involving great horned owls. The article also touches upon the theory that an "invisible" intelligence might be shaping its manifestations based on the local context. The case is presented as a close encounter of the third kind, with ongoing debate about its true nature and the reliability of the witnesses.

Jacques Vallée: A Visionary of Ufology

Fabrice Bonvin writes about the significant contributions of Jacques Vallée to the field of ufology. Vallée, an astrophysicist and computer scientist, is credited with cataloging a vast number of UFO events and identifying patterns. His work, particularly "Passport to Magonia," explored the links between ancient folklore and contemporary UFO reports. Vallée emphasized the importance of consciousness in understanding UFO phenomena and advocated for a scientific approach that considers all data, even contradictory evidence.

The article highlights Vallée's courage in challenging dominant theories, such as the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET), and his role in developing classification systems for UFO observations. His work is presented as an inspiration for researchers seeking to understand the complex nature of UFOs.

Book Reviews

"Vérités et mensonges sur les OVNIS" by Joël Mesnard

This book is reviewed as a comprehensive overview of ufology, covering topics like debunking, evidence, UFO waves, Roswell, the Condon Report, and abductions. While acknowledging Mesnard's expertise as a field researcher, the review notes that the book presents a somewhat biased perspective, focusing on certain aspects while omitting contradictory research. The cover art is criticized for being too Hollywood-esque, which contrasts with Mesnard's own questioning of media manipulation of UFO information. The book concludes with Mesnard admitting the lack of definitive answers regarding the nature of UFOs.

"Les NDE" by Louis Benhedi and Jocelyn Morisson

This book explores Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), detailing commonalities reported by thousands of individuals who have temporarily died and returned. The experiences include out-of-body sensations, tunnel visions, encounters with loving lights, and life reviews. Despite scientific studies, these phenomena remain unexplained, with their reality suggested by consistent effects and secondary consequences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from various angles, including scientific investigation, historical cases, and skeptical analysis. There's a clear emphasis on presenting detailed case studies, such as Kelly-Hopkinsville, and acknowledging the work of key figures in ufology like Bertrand Méheust and Jacques Vallée. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging critical thinking while acknowledging the profound mysteries that remain surrounding UFOs. The magazine also highlights the importance of field research and the challenges of interpreting evidence in this complex subject.

Title: UFOmania magazine
Issue: n°55
Date: June 2008

This issue of UFOmania magazine is dedicated to reader contributions, offering a platform for reactions, clarifications, corrections, and thanks. It delves into the complex relationship between science fiction (SF) and UFO sightings (SV-SF), discusses the methodology of UFO investigation, and critiques sensationalist or unsubstantiated theories within the field.

Courrier des lecteurs (Readers' Mail)

Mea Culpa Bruno Bousquet (34) issues a correction regarding the case of Quarouble, asking readers to 'caviard' (black out) a previous statement that cast doubt on the case's credibility, emphasizing that while railway traces were questioned, the case itself was not discredited.

Support for Méheust's Thesis FCB from Quebec expresses gratitude for the issue, particularly for including an article by Bertrand Méheust. FCB praises Méheust's work for highlighting the link between SV-SF and the 'universal library' of scientific marvels, suggesting that witness accounts develop themes from this shared cultural repository rather than originating them independently. FCB also mentions working on two major projects expected in 2008 and expresses a desire to promote UFOmania in Quebec.

Science-Fiction and UFOs: An Enigmatic Correspondence? Jean-Pierre D'Hondt (59) and Bertrand Méheust (page 9) engage in a discussion about the connection between science fiction and UFO reports. D'Hondt posits that UFOs have always existed but were only recognized when human thought evolved to perceive them. He suggests that witness descriptions are shaped by their era's cultural context and cognitive abilities. Méheust, in turn, argues that UFO narratives are not fundamentally different from science fiction, as both draw from a common pool of ideas related to the 'other' and the bizarre. He believes the phenomenon taps into this 'universal library' to manifest in ways consistent with our beliefs and representations, rather than witnesses independently developing these themes.

Reader's Perspective on SF and UFOs Thierry Gaulin (February 28, 2008) shares his perspective, having read extensively in science fiction. He acknowledges the logical connection between SF and UFO reports, as highlighted by Bertrand Méheust. Gaulin notes that many elements found in ufology were present in SF narratives even before UFOs became a widespread topic in 1947. He agrees that it's natural to observe similarities between the two fields, as individuals draw from their 'anterior acquisitions' – their common cultural origins – when recounting experiences or writing fiction.

Wanted: A Sherlock Holmes in the Making Bernard Fayard addresses 'Didier' (presumably the editor), offering his work for publication with proper source attribution. He criticizes UFO associations for their lack of communication and outreach, despite many doing remarkable fieldwork. Fayard calls for more representatives to inform the public through UFO forums, seeing it as a neglected area that could foster new investigators and improve the credibility of UFO statistics.

Response from Didier Gomez Didier Gomez responds to Fayard's points, cautioning against relying solely on the internet and emphasizing the need for a diverse network. He notes that many online discussions are dominated by individuals who have never conducted a proper investigation, leading to a degradation of the quality of work. Gomez advocates for a network of correspondents and independent investigators to ensure high-quality research.

Practical Information for Contributors

A section titled 'MISE EN PRATIQUE' (Practical Application) provides guidelines for submitting articles and images to the magazine. Readers are asked to send texts in .txt or .rtf format and images preferably in .jpg format. They are advised to copy and paste text directly into emails to avoid formatting issues and to send attached files separately.

Liberté d'expression et mensonges en tous genres (Freedom of Expression and Lies of All Kinds)

This editorial section contrasts UFOmania magazine with its 'competitors,' emphasizing its commitment to objectivity and seriousness. It criticizes two trends in ufology:

1. The 'Nazi Flying Saucers' Theory: The editorial denounces the theory of 'Nazi flying saucers' as a 'fumeuse théorie' (fumeuse theory) developed by publications focused on profit rather than research. It calls for this 'intellectual dishonesty' to be exposed, citing Jean-Pierre Troadec as an example of someone who has explored this myth, and recommends Patrick Gross's website for a critical analysis.
2. Lack of Recognition by Other Publications: The magazine criticizes Joël Mesnard's book for failing to mention UFOmania magazine and its 15 years of publications (books, DVDs, conferences). It also points out that Mesnard published erroneous reports based on local press articles, while UFOmania's own investigators were active. The editorial argues that ignoring other significant contributions in ufology is a form of dishonesty and hinders the progress of the field, advocating for a platform that gives voice to all participants in the debate.

La boutique « UFO »... logique (The 'UFO' Shop... Logical)

This section promotes various UFO-related products available for purchase:

• OVNI 50 ans d'enquêtes dans le Tarn by Didier Gomez: A catalog of 103 cases from October 1952 to June 2005.
• Le Guide pratique de l'enquêteur de terrain (The Practical Guide for Field Investigators): Updated in May 2008, this is presented as an essential tool for UFO investigators.
• Apparitions insolites en Occitanie by Didier Gomez: Explores unusual past and modern apparitions, linking folklore to UFO cases.
• OVNI Contacts (DVD) and OVNI Contacts << first encounters >> (double DVD): Recordings from European UFO encounters.
• UFOmania magazine Hors-série n°1: A compilation of the best articles from UFOmania over 10 years (1993-2003).
• L'Eure des OVNIS by Didier Gomez: A book on UFOs in the Eure region.
• DVDs of UFO Meetings: Specifically, the 3rd Rapprochées Gaillac 2008 meeting.

The section also lists back issues of UFOmania magazine available for purchase, along with their contents.

NUMÉRO SPÉCIAL Aimé MICHEL (Special Issue Aimé Michel)

This section announces a special issue (n°56) dedicated to Aimé Michel, scheduled for release on September 1, 2008. It highlights two key publications:

• L'APOCALYPSE MOLLE (The Soft Apocalypse): A collection of unpublished correspondence between Aimé Michel and Bertrand Méheust from 1978 to 1990. The book is presented as a contribution to understanding Michel's prophetic thought and vision, integrating UFO phenomena into a grand project of cosmic evolution.
• LA CLARTÉ AU CŒUR DU LABYRINTHE (Clarity at the Heart of the Labyrinth): A compilation of Aimé Michel's chronicles on science and religion from the 'France Catholique' review. These writings explore profound questions about human existence, the universe, and consciousness, transcending the 'prophet of UFOs' label.

Promotional offers for subscribers are detailed for these two books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of ufology, emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation and distinguishing it from sensationalism and pseudoscience. The magazine actively promotes its own content and publications while critiquing others that it deems less objective or thorough. There's a strong focus on the intellectual underpinnings of UFO phenomena, particularly the influence of science fiction and cultural narratives on witness accounts, as exemplified by the discussions surrounding Bertrand Méheust's work and the special focus on Aimé Michel. The editorial stance is one of promoting serious, evidence-based ufology and fostering a community of informed researchers.