UFOmania - No 62

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: N°62
Date: Printemps 2010 (Spring 2010)
Volume: 17ème année
Publisher: Planète OVNI
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of UFOmania magazine, a quarterly publication dedicated to unidentified aerospace phenomena (UAP) and unusual sightings, focuses heavily on the official French UAP investigation service, Geipan, and its new head, Yvan Blanc. The magazine aims to present research findings and foster constructive debate within the ufological community.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Didier Gomez, reflects on the vastness of the field of UAP investigation, emphasizing the need to continue the quest for understanding. It acknowledges the often-misunderstood role of Geipan, highlighting its importance as a state-run entity. The editorial also touches upon the recent surge in ufology-related publications, including books by Bob Pratt, Jean Casault, Philip Mantle, and others, suggesting a growing interest in the subject.

Interview with Yvan Blanc, Head of Geipan

The core of this issue is an extensive interview with Yvan Blanc, who took over as head of Geipan in September 2009. Blanc, a former astrophysicist with a background in space sciences, shares his journey to Geipan, accepting the position due to his long-standing interest in mysteries and the universe. He discusses his initial limited knowledge of UAP, primarily from colleagues and police reports, and his commitment to continuing the work of his predecessors, Jacques Patenet and Jean-Jacques Velasco.

Blanc outlines Geipan's approach for 2010 and beyond, prioritizing the processing of incoming reports and structuring the collected data. He confirms that Geipan will continue to engage with the public and private ufological community through conferences and interviews, maintaining an open-door policy.

Regarding the public perception of Geipan, Blanc acknowledges past criticisms regarding transparency but emphasizes that the organization is now more open. He explains that Geipan's primary function is to collect and analyze UAP reports, not necessarily to provide definitive interpretations, especially for cases that remain unidentified.

He discusses the role of 'Intervenants de Premier Niveau' (IPN), volunteers who act as local points of contact for collecting initial reports. Geipan is working to establish a reliable network of these individuals and plans to offer training to improve data collection quality. Blanc also mentions the ongoing effort to digitize and publish Geipan's archives, with a significant portion already available online and a backlog of cases being processed.

On the broader topic of ufology, Blanc expresses that the fundamental principle is to explain unexplained phenomena. He notes Geipan's participation in international scientific projects, such as the one in Hessdalen, Norway, indicating a growing scientific approach to UAP research. When asked about the nature of UAP, he suggests that while extraterrestrial hypotheses are a possibility, the challenges of interstellar travel make it a complex consideration. He also mentions that certain French cases, like Trans-en-Provence, Amarante, and Valensole, are considered classics but new, compelling cases are not abundant.

Geipan's data analysis shows that 23% of reported phenomena remain unidentified, 37% lack sufficient data, 29% are probably identifiable, and 11% are perfectly identified. Blanc reiterates that Geipan's role is to collect and classify, and only to interpret when a phenomenon can be definitively identified.

Articles and Features

• Editorial: Discusses the ongoing need for UAP investigation and the role of Geipan.
• Actualités (News):
• Torino 2010 Cancelled: The planned MUFON USA and CISU congress in Italy was cancelled due to the resignation of James Carrion.
• Documentary on Close Encounters: Fabrice Bonvin is seeking witnesses for a documentary on 'experiencers' (those who report close encounters).
• Belgian Ufologists Unite: A new website, 'OVNI BELGIQUE', has been launched to unify Belgian UAP researchers and associations.
• New Association: 'NousNeSommesPasSeuls' is a new non-profit association dedicated to researching mysteries, including ufology.
• Operation Suricate: An upcoming sky observation event organized by 'Opération Suricate' is announced.
• Hommage à Rémy Chauvin: An homage to the late scientist Rémy Chauvin, who was known for his interest in the paranormal and his unconventional views.
• Geipan Responds to UFOmania Questions: This section elaborates on the interview with Yvan Blanc, detailing Geipan's resources, data publication process, the role of IPNs, and the classification of UAP reports. It includes a map showing the distribution of 'Intervenants de Premier Niveau' across French departments and lists available publications from the CNES/Geipan website.
• UFO Case Files of Russia: A book review or mention of a publication on Russian UFO cases by Philip Mantle.
• Lu dans la presse (Read in the Press): A section likely summarizing articles from other publications.
• Livres lus (Books Read): Reviews or mentions of recently published books on ufology and related topics.
• Courrier des lecteurs (Letters to the Editor): A section for reader correspondence.
• Billet d'humeur (Opinion Piece): A short opinion piece.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the official investigation of UAP in France through Geipan, the challenges and progress of ufological research, and the importance of witness testimonies. The editorial stance, as expressed by Didier Gomez, is one of persistent inquiry and a call for continued effort in understanding unexplained phenomena. There's a clear emphasis on bridging the gap between official research and the private ufological community, fostering collaboration and transparency. The magazine also highlights the growing body of published works on ufology, indicating a sustained interest and effort in documenting and analyzing UAP cases.

This issue of UFOmania, dated Spring 2010, features a dossier titled 'GEPAN's Response to UFOmania Questions - GE(I)PAN: The Motives for Disappointment of an Amateur Ufologist'. The cover story, written by Michel Granger, is a critical examination of the French official UFO investigation body, GEPAN (later GEIPAN), and its predecessor. The issue also includes a report from the Gendarmerie Nationale regarding a UFO sighting in Lille on October 1, 2007, and a brief article about a similar sighting on Île d'Oléron.

GEPAN's Role and Criticisms

Michel Granger, an experienced ufologist and author, expresses his disappointment with the official French UFO investigation body, GEPAN/GEIPAN, which has been in existence for over 30 years. He argues that despite its official status, the organization has failed to elucidate the UFO enigma and has not lived up to its promise of providing clear and objective information to the public. Granger points out that the organization has been criticized for its lack of transparency, its tendency to avoid the term 'UFO' (preferring 'PAN' - Phénomène Aérospatial Non identifié), and its reluctance to seriously consider the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

He recounts his personal interactions with GEPAN, noting a lack of collaboration and a tendency to dismiss or downplay witness testimonies. Granger highlights instances where GEPAN's official statements or publications seemed to contradict the evidence or the experiences of amateur ufologists. He also criticizes the organization's handling of specific cases, such as the one in Lay-sur-le-Doubs, where ground traces were found but apparently not adequately investigated or acknowledged by GEPAN.

Granger contrasts the French approach with that of other countries, suggesting that information was more readily available and taken more seriously elsewhere, particularly in the United States. He mentions an article in the National Enquirer in 1986 that claimed a 12-year French government study had found proof that UFOs exist, a claim that seemed to be downplayed or ignored by GEPAN.

Specific Cases and Reports

Lille Sighting (October 1, 2007)

The issue includes a 'PROCÈS-VERBAL DE RENSEIGNEMENT MILITAIRE' from the Gendarmerie Nationale in Lille. It details an interview with a witness, identified as 'Mr C', who spontaneously reported observing a strange phenomenon on the morning of October 1, 2007, while driving on the A27 highway towards Belgium. The witness described seeing 'eight white lights grouped four by four on what could be two delta wings' at an altitude of 100-200 meters, about two kilometers away. One light on the left was blinking. The object was described as dark gray or black, with illuminated wing edges spanning over a hundred meters. It hovered for about fifteen seconds before tilting and moving off to the right at an estimated speed of 30-40 km/hour, disappearing from view within thirty seconds. The witness, who had military experience in air defense, stated that the object did not resemble any known aircraft, including the F117 stealth fighter. The report classifies the case as 'Category D, Unidentified'.

Lay-sur-le-Doubs Ground Traces (April 24, 1978)

Granger discusses a case from Lay-sur-le-Doubs where an unusual ground imprint was discovered. The imprint was described as having 'impossible corings' where the void of the hole widened as it went deeper. The dimensions were 8.6 meters long and 0.6 meters wide, with a depth of 40 cm, and featured 'anchor holes'. A sample of strange powder found in an inclined gallery was sent to GEPAN, but reportedly, no acknowledgment was received.

Île d'Oléron Sighting (January 1, 2010)

A brief article from the newspaper 'Sud Ouest' reports on a sighting on Île d'Oléron on January 1, 2010. Several witnesses, including Jean-Louis Fesseau, an experienced former fisherman, observed a 'large red and yellow wing' that appeared to be hovering silently in the sky at an estimated altitude of 600 meters above the coast. The object was described as 'ovoïde' and 'silent', disappearing in seconds at a 'vertiginous speed'. The gendarmes of Saint-Pierre d'Oléron collected testimonies and informed GEIPAN, the official body investigating such phenomena.

The 'Cometa Report' and 'Zetetic' Critiques

Granger also touches upon the 'Cometa Report' (2003), which suggested that UFOs are real and potentially extraterrestrial, a view that contrasted with GEPAN's official stance. He mentions the rise of 'zetetic' groups who are critical of UFO phenomena and often seek to debunk them. He notes that a book by 'zetetic' authors, 'Les OVNI du CNES: 30 ans d'études officielles 1977-2007', is reviewed, highlighting its critical stance on GEPAN's work and its focus on debunking rather than investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the perceived failures and shortcomings of official UFO investigations in France, particularly GEPAN/GEIPAN. The editorial stance is critical of the official body, advocating for greater transparency, a more open approach to the extraterrestrial hypothesis, and a more serious engagement with the UFO phenomenon. The article suggests that despite decades of official study, the enigma of UFOs remains largely unresolved, and the public has not been adequately informed.

Granger concludes that the efforts of GEPAN/SEPRA have not advanced the scientific understanding of UFOs and have, in fact, contributed to a 'demystification' or 'dramatization' of the subject, aiming to 'calm the public' rather than to investigate. The article implies a continued skepticism towards official narratives and a belief that the truth about UFOs remains elusive due to the actions and policies of organizations like GEPAN.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: 62
Date: Printemps 2010 (Spring 2010)
Publisher: UFOmania

This issue of UFOmania magazine features a diverse range of articles focusing on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP), with a particular emphasis on French and Russian cases, as well as ongoing cataloging efforts.

Article: Oléron Island UAP Sighting

The issue opens with a report from Île d'Oléron, Charente-Maritime, France, detailing a UAP sighting on January 1, 2010. Witnesses, described as reliable, reported seeing a luminous, silent, wing-shaped object hovering over La Cotinière around 8 PM. Jean-Louis Fesseau, a 60-year-old former fisherman, described a large, luminous, silent object, red and yellow, hovering at an altitude of approximately 600 meters. He observed it for about ten minutes before it disappeared westward at an extremely high speed. A couple of restaurateurs from Médoc corroborated the description. The gendarmes took the testimonies seriously, noting the objective and coherent elements, including the object's ovoid shape, silence, and abrupt disappearance. The investigation was supervised by Lieutenant Bourdajeau, who stated that the phenomenon was particularly mysterious. The direction of the CNES (National Centre for Space Studies) was informed, and the GEIPAN (Group for the Study and Information on Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena) might conduct further investigations. The article also mentions that the Gendarmerie received numerous testimonies, leading to an identification of the phenomenon as a paper hot-air balloon released by a Dutch resident. However, the witness, Jean-Louis Fesseau, who knows the Dutch resident, stated that what he saw could not be related to the balloon, as many parameters did not align. The article includes a drawing made by the witness, describing a large yellow light on top with a luminous red band. Two other individuals confirmed seeing the phenomenon, including a couple from Bordeaux.

Article: Salève and Voirons: Preferred Sites for UAP Observation

This section, sourced from "Le Messager" dated December 31, 2009, discusses the work of the Arpe association (Association pour la Recherche sur la Présence Extraterrestre) in tracking and cataloging unidentified aerospace phenomena (PAN) in the Haute-Savoie region of France. Bruno Delorme, president-founder of Arpe, acknowledges that they might be perceived as eccentrics but asserts the importance of their work. He highlights the Salève and Voirons mountains as ideal locations for observation due to their remarkable panoramas, especially at night, though daytime phenomena are also observed. The article recounts several testimonies, including Mara's sighting of large orange, almost red, spheres in the Voirons in the early 1990s, and a Dutch tourist's observation of luminous spheres and a black disc-shaped object over Geneva from Salève in 1993. In 1998, witnesses in Geneva observed luminous spheres zigzagging over the lake. In 2000, people near Salève saw objects carried by the wind, resembling balloons. Delorme emphasizes that identifying a UAP does not necessarily mean extraterrestrial visitors, but acknowledges the continuous presence of "visitors." He notes that patience is key and mentions a specific case that he finds particularly noteworthy. Philippe Vachey, also associated with Arpe, explains that the association receives calls from people encountering such events and sometimes investigates on-site. He advises against confusing potential UAPs with the International Space Station (ISS), which is very bright and fast. Arpe plans to launch a website in 2010.

Article: Numerous Testimonies from Picardy

This section reports on a series of unexplained phenomena observed in the Picardy region of France over many years. It mentions numerous testimonies from the Somme in October 1954, with similar reports from Aisne and Oise around the same time. These events generated extensive coverage in the "Courrier picard" newspaper. In Oise, in November 1990, a jogger near Creil observed a series of lights, including one intense light, moving slowly and regularly. Other testimonies corroborated this, with some suggesting a military aircraft from the nearby air base may have taken off shortly after the observations. More recently, in June 2007, an amateur aircraft photographer claimed to have seen a light. A testimony from Vauxcerré, Aisne, in November 2007, describes a white then orange light being observed.

Article: Strange Filaments in the Sky of Dausse

This article, sourced from "La Dépêche du midi" on January 20, 2010, reports on an unusual sighting in Dausse, Tarn-et-Garonne. Josiane D. described seeing "bizarre" filaments in the sky during the night. She initially considered explanations like airplanes or helicopters but dismissed them due to the lack of noise and blinking lights. She observed the filaments moving in place for several hours. She sent photos to CNES and stated that the phenomenon was not a laser beam. She also refuted any suggestion that her observations were due to alcohol consumption, stating she only drank Coca-Cola. The filaments were visible from 8:30 PM to 4:00 AM, moving towards Villeneuve. The article includes a note about the source being "La Dépêche du midi" from January 20, 2010.

Book Review: "Errances spatiales" by Guillaume Perrot

This section reviews Guillaume Perrot's book "Errances spatiales," which is described as a philosophical essay on the dreams of life in the universe rather than a rigorous ufological investigation. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the author's claims, such as the extraterrestrial origin of crop circles and the possibility of being "abducted by biological extraterrestrial entities." The book is characterized as a collection of short texts that mix ideas about aliens, crop circles, and extraterrestrial life with poorly written science fiction. The reviewer concludes that the book is not serious and should be read with a high degree of detachment. The review also mentions that the book was sold for 13 euros and suggests that such publications hinder the work of private ufologists and the scientific approach attempted by GEIPAN.

Dossier: "CRASH d'OVNI en Russie?" (UFO Crash in Russia?)

This extensive dossier focuses on Russian UAP cases, particularly the Dalnegorsk crash. It introduces the book "UFO Case Files of Russia" by Philip Mantle and Paul Stonehill, which aims to describe major UAP cases and enigmatic encounters in Russia.

The Dalnegorsk Crash

The Dalnegorsk incident, often referred to as the "Roswell of the Soviet Union," occurred on January 29, 1986, at 7:55 PM. A red sphere was observed moving south over Dalnegorsk before crashing into the Izvestkovaya mountain (Hill 611). The object flew silently, maintaining a parallel trajectory to the ground, with a diameter of approximately three meters and a round, almost perfect shape. Its color resembled that of oxidized stainless steel. A witness, V. Kandakov, estimated the UAP's speed at 25 km/h, noting its slow ascent and descent, with increasing brightness during ascent. Near Hill 611, the object experienced a jolt and fell like a stone. Witnesses reported a dull sound, and the object burned intensely at the cliff edge for an hour. A geological expedition led by V. Skavinsky confirmed impacts on the rocky ground through chemical and physical tests of collected rocks. Valeri Dvuzhilni, chief of the Extreme-Orient Committee for Anomalous Phenomena, was among the first to investigate. The team found rock fragments with metallic particles, some resembling vaporized balls of solidified crystals. Analysis of these fragments revealed unusual properties, including extremely fine threads composed of smaller fibers woven into mats, some containing gold. Soviet scientists at the Omsk Academy of Sciences analyzed the materials and concluded that the technology required to produce them did not yet exist on Earth.

Other Russian UAP Observations

The dossier also touches upon other Russian UAP observations, including the possibility of UAPs showing interest in the Xichang cosmodrome in China in the late 1980s, with reports of a red sphere observed near the cosmodrome. The Dalnegorsk crash site itself reportedly exhibited anomalies for three years, such as the absence of insects, mechanical and electronic equipment malfunctions, and health problems among local residents. The article mentions that the object's composition included iron, aluminum, manganese, nickel, chrome, and tungsten. The "tiny rock wicks" were particularly confusing, resembling carbon glass but with unknown formation conditions. The disappearance of gold, silver, and nickel after vacuum fusion, and the appearance of molybdenum, were also noted. The presence of ash suggested something biological might have been burned during the crash.

Expert Opinions and Theories

Various experts offered their opinions on the Dalnegorsk crash. V. Psalomschikov, an expert on aircraft accidents, suggested the object might have been a Soviet-made vehicle from the 1970s, possibly a remotely piloted construction vehicle designed to crash. Russian ufologist Guennadi Belimov proposed that a Soviet military probe crashed on Hill 611 in 1993, based on similar Soviet probe crash data. However, he noted that the object attempted to ascend multiple times, which would be unusual for a self-destructing probe. Lieutenant Zhivayev described the object as a flame with a sphere, while quarry workers reported a giant cylindrical object. The dossier also mentions that the object's flight was silent and at different altitudes. The article notes that the book "UFO Case Files of Russia" covers various aspects of Russian UAP research, including military involvement, intelligence agencies, and civilian investigations. It highlights that UAP observations in the region date back thousands of years and that research remains active.

Malcolm Robinson's Review

Malcolm Robinson, author of "UFO Case Files of Scotland," provides a specialist's opinion on "UFO Case Files of Russia." He acknowledges the book's comprehensiveness and its detailed approach to segmenting information. Robinson notes that the authors relied on numerous Russian contacts and that some skeptics might question the reliability of the information. He points out that while some Russian UAP cases might be explained by secret military rocket tests, the book presents enough material to suggest phenomena beyond simple rocket tests. The Tunguska event of 1908 is also studied. Robinson mentions that in autumn 1944, a Soviet Yak-40 aircraft flew over the Tunguska area, experiencing navigation disruptions. The review also touches upon early reports of animal mutilations in Russia and the historical suppression of occult and paranormal subjects under Stalin's regime. Robinson concludes that the Dalnegorsk crash is one of the strangest stories in the book, noting the lingering anomalies at the site. He praises the authors for their effort in compiling such a vast amount of information, suggesting the book is destined to become a classic in ufology.

Article: FOTOCAT #5 - PROJET FOTOCAT France (5th Part)

This section introduces the FOTOCAT project, an initiative to compile all UAP reports containing photographic or video evidence. Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos is shown with part of the FOTOCAT archives. The project has cataloged 490 cases in France. The article highlights the cooperation with French investigator Rémy Fauchereau, who has provided documents and press clippings on French UAP cases. The Belgian association SOBEPS, after 38 years of activity, has donated its photographic archives to the FOTOCAT program.

Article: Two Strange Days

This article focuses on a period of intense UAP activity in France, specifically March 23-24, 1974. It notes that while UAP reports and books were numerous, media coverage was scarce. The article presents several specific cases from this period:

• March 23, 1974, Afternoon: Le Thillot, Vosges (88). A cameraman from ORTF filmed a disc-shaped object, but the footage was later deemed a hoax, possibly created in anticipation of April 1st.
• March 23, 1974, 10:00 PM: Carignan, Ardennes (08). Photographers Serge Spingler and Daniel Gérard captured images of two discs performing a "circular ballet." The details were later published in Jean-Michel Ligeron's book "O.V.N.I. en Ardennes."
• March 23, 1974, 11:05 PM: Isère (38). Photographer M. Huget captured an image that photo analyst Michel Monnerie described as a "defective aerial apparatus." The image is considered compatible with the light trail of an airplane or satellite.
• March 23, 1974, Night: Bois-d'Arcy, Yvelines (78). Photographer Sebastian Colard discovered an unknown craft on a long-exposure photograph taken during the night. The image is considered to be a result of long exposure, with nothing visible to the naked eye.
• March 23, 1974, Night: Mont Saint-Jean, Territoire de Belfort (90). Photographer M. Schirch documented strange photos where an object, described as similar to 2/5ths of the Moon, appeared to evolve and grow clearer.

Jean Bedet, a ufologist, reported observing a red object with green traits directed upwards (or downwards) during a night watch in Barjols. He found an envelope under his windshield wiper containing a piece of paper with lines and a diapositive of a red mass with tubes or green rays directed downwards, described as "the region of our vigil!"

Article: Catalogue (continued)

This section continues the cataloging of UAP cases:

• March 24, 1974, 00:30 AM: Senac, Hautes-Pyrénées (65). Photographer unknown. A young man from Tarbes reportedly saw and photographed something, but the object was described as punctiform, and the report was very brief. Michel Monnerie noted that the photos showed moving "stars" and a luminous beam.
• March 24, 1974, 9:00 PM: Gien, Loiret (45). Photographer anonymous. Pierre Berthault reported a Portuguese man observing an object with four blinking lights that moved rapidly vertically before disappearing. The event lasted 10-15 seconds. The gendarmes reportedly investigated, and the witness had a prior UAP sighting in Portugal.
• March 24, 1974, 9:50 PM: Valenciennes, Nord (59). Photographer M. Clipet. Mr. Clipet described seeing a large, reddish-violet light at a 45° angle, which lasted for about twenty seconds. Four color photographs were taken. This observation was part of a night watch organized by France-Inter and the "Lumières Dans La Nuit" magazine.

The article concludes by stating that the FOTOCAT project is international and aims to compile all UAP reports with photographic or video evidence, containing over 10,000 cases by the end of 2005. FOTOCAT France is a specific catalog for French data, currently under construction with the help of numerous researchers. Contributions of photographic data are welcomed via email.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena through witness testimonies, investigative reports, and the cataloging of photographic and video evidence. There is a clear emphasis on presenting detailed accounts of UAP sightings and crashes, particularly from Russia and France. The editorial stance appears to favor thorough investigation and the collection of data, while acknowledging the challenges of verification and the potential for misidentification. The magazine also highlights the work of various ufological organizations and researchers, promoting their efforts to understand these phenomena. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained aerial objects and events throughout history and across different regions, suggesting a phenomenon that warrants continued study.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 62, published in Spring 2010, features a cover story titled "Un catalogue des cas espagnols" (A catalog of Spanish cases), highlighting the work of journalist Iker Jimenez. The magazine delves into various aspects of ufology, including book reviews, recent sightings, and historical investigations.

Featured Articles and Reviews

"Un catalogue des cas espagnols" by Iker Jimenez

The magazine introduces Iker Jimenez as a Spanish journalist born in 1973, specializing in esoteric, magical, paranormal, and pseudo-scientific radio and television programs. His book, "L'histoire des OVNIs en Espagne," is described as a special and extremely useful work that provides a chronological catalog of Spanish UFO cases, many of which were published in the "Lumières Dans La Nuit" review. The book is noted for its detailed explanations, photos, and sketches, making it an indispensable reference. Jimenez is credited with presenting the television program "Cuarto Milenio" and the radio show "3ème Millénaire" on Cadena SER.

"Ovnis, enlèvements extraterrestres, univers parallèles : certitude ou fiction ?" by Jean Casault

This review discusses Jean Casault's new book, published in February 2010. The book examines the concept of belief systems and their connection to ufology and extraterrestrial abductions. Casault draws upon numerous well-known abduction cases, such as those of Antonio Villas Boas, Betty and Barney Hill, and Linda Napolitano, to analyze the phenomenon. The review highlights Casault's exploration of the psychological and societal factors that contribute to the perception and rejection of mysterious phenomena. It also touches upon his earlier works and his involvement in ufological research since the 1960s.

"Le Miracle de Fatima" by Counter-admiral Gilles Pinon

This section reviews a re-edition of Gilles Pinon's book, which re-examines the 1917 Fatima event. Pinon, a French counter-admiral, challenges the supernatural interpretation of the solar phenomenon and apparitions, suggesting a possible extraterrestrial message. The book incorporates historical, scientific, psychological, and theological aspects, proposing a hypothetical-deductive approach to understanding the event. The review notes that this edition includes an open letter to President Sarkozy regarding UFOs.

"Extraterrestres... Mystère et magie des enlèvements" by Jean Sider

This review focuses on Jean Sider's book, which explores the phenomenon of alien abductions. Sider, described as a leading ufologist historian, attempts to answer the question of why humans are abducted and subjected to examinations, sometimes with remote control. The book analyzes various abduction cases and their potential meanings, suggesting that these narratives might be archetypal constructs. The reviewer expresses a desire for deeper reflection on the possible explanations for these phenomena.

"OVNIS: Attention danger !" by Bob Pratt

The magazine introduces the French translation of Bob Pratt's book, "UFO Danger Zone: Terror and Death in Brazil." Pratt, a journalist and ufologist, spent over eighteen years researching UFO phenomena in Brazil. His work is characterized by its thoroughness, involving numerous field investigations and interviews. The book reportedly presents troubling and sometimes frightening results, suggesting that not all extraterrestrial visitors are benevolent. The review highlights Pratt's research into the "Operação Prato" (Operation Saucer) in Brazil, which investigated numerous unexplained sightings in the Belém region.

"OVNIS - Enquête sur un secret d'États" by Egon Kragel and Yves Couprie

This review covers a book by two journalists who spent two years investigating the UFO phenomenon from an external perspective. The book is praised for its informative and well-written approach, covering various aspects such as government declassifications, official research in France (Geipan), scientific opinions, conspiracy theories, and historical UFO cases. It also discusses modern UFO phenomena like foo fighters, Scandinavian rockets, and Roswell, as well as nuclear sites and cattle mutilations.

"Fátima Revisited: The Apparition Phenomenon in Ufology, Psychology, and Science"

This section presents the third volume of a trilogy on the Fatima apparitions, compiled by an international group of researchers. The book examines the Fatima events from scientific, psychological, and ufological perspectives, exploring the links between apparitions, angels, and extraterrestrials. It proposes a new paradigm for understanding these unexplained phenomena and is presented as a valuable contribution to research on the subject.

"Pyrénées-Orientales: Ovnis : de nouveaux témoins"

This report details recent UFO sightings in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France, based on articles from "L'Indépendant." Several witnesses, including Marinette Lambour and Pierrick Leroux, reported seeing luminous spheres in the sky. The sightings are described with precision, including their alignment, movement, and light emissions. Despite the detailed accounts, air traffic control reported no unusual activity, leaving the phenomenon unexplained.

"Bibliothèque Archives ufologiques"

This section highlights the work of the Swedish organization AFU (Archives For Ufos), which collects and archives UFO-related publications from around the world. UFOmania has donated a significant portion of its documentation to AFU, and readers are encouraged to contribute their own duplicate materials. The section also mentions books for sale by Jean Noël Degain and Planète OVNI.

"Courrier des lecteurs"

This section features correspondence from readers, including a note about the potential disappearance of the ALEPI association and the emergence of a new one, a query about magazine delivery delays, and a reader's critical comment on the perceived decline of ufology. The editor responds to these points, emphasizing the challenges of producing the magazine and the importance of continuing the work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, extraterrestrial encounters, and the broader paranormal and mysterious phenomena. The magazine consistently promotes a serious and investigative approach to ufology, encouraging critical thinking and the examination of evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, acknowledging the complexity and multifaceted nature of the subject matter, while also encouraging readers to engage with the material critically. There is a clear emphasis on providing information through book reviews, case studies, and reports on current events in the field.

Title: UFOmania
Issue: nº62
Date: Spring 2010
Publisher: UFOmania magazine
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 62, published in Spring 2010, features a cover story titled 'À trois pas... l'ailleurs' (Three Steps Away... The Elsewhere), presented as a performance based on witness accounts of UFO sightings. The magazine also includes a 'Courrier des lecteurs' (Readers' Mail) section, an opinion piece on the future of ufological investigation, a report on a specific sighting, and reviews of books and DVDs.

Cover Story: 'À trois pas... l'ailleurs'

The cover story is a performance by Dominique Rousseau, accompanied by Thierry Desdoits, which is based on real accounts of people who have witnessed UFOs. The performance draws from testimonies spanning centuries and various locations, including 14th-century Japan, suburban Toulouse, 18th-century Nuremberg, Aveyron in 1990, and many other places throughout history. The narrative explores the stories of these witnesses, posing questions about belief, reality, and the nature of these phenomena. The artist notes that while modern physics is explored, the stories often resemble ancient tales of the 'little people' and can even be found in biblical texts. The performance aims to examine our relationship with reality and our beliefs, whether scientific or metaphysical, by presenting a theory and then refuting it in the subsequent narrative. It focuses on the witness's perspective at the moment the extraordinary occurs, adopting the viewpoint of various individuals like a student, a painter, a child, or an airplane pilot. The performance uses humor to challenge certainties and bring the audience back to reality.

Specialist Review of the Performance

Richard D. Nolane provides a positive review of Dominique Rousseau's performance. He notes that the accompaniment on the double bass effectively complements the narrative. He states that the performance, by presenting sudden incursions of 'the Elsewhere' into daily life through the eyes of witnesses from different eras, offers a powerful evocation that will resonate with both neophytes and seasoned ufologists. Nolane highlights that the show is sprinkled with humor, which serves to make the subject more accessible rather than derisive, making it a 'disturbing character for intellectual comfort.' He concludes by recommending the show, even for ufologists.

Reader Mail: 'D'où-venons nous ? Où allons-nous ?'

France Bilquez (27) writes a lengthy letter to the editor, Didier, responding to a previous comment in the magazine. Bilquez asserts that humanity's origin and destination are explained by religious texts, specifically referencing Moses 1:3 and 37-39. She believes that God created countless worlds for his children to achieve immortality and eternal life. These events are seen as preparations for the Lord's glorious return and the establishment of a thousand-year reign of peace and justice on Earth. Bilquez suggests that the strange aerial phenomena, referred to as 'OVNIS' (UFOs), are messengers of God traveling and observing. She emphasizes that God reveals his secrets to his servants, the prophets, and that all knowledge is found in the Gospel of eternal life. She urges readers to attend church services to gain knowledge of these revealed truths. Bilquez concludes by wishing Didier courage in his investigations and offering good wishes for 2010.

The editor's note acknowledges the length of Bilquez's letter and states that while the magazine now knows where humanity comes from, the question of 'Who are we?' remains to be explored.

Opinion: 'Quelle ufologie pour demain ?' by Didier Gomez

Didier Gomez expresses concern about the current state of ufology, noting a lack of interest in field investigations and an over-reliance on historical cases like the Betty and Barney Hill abduction from 1961. He argues that without a network of investigators, ufology risks losing credibility and will continue to refer to outdated cases. Gomez calls for the professionalization of ufology, criticizing the many individuals who self-proclaim as investigators, archivists, or website creators without proper training. He advocates for using existing skills to benefit ufology rather than engaging in superficial discussions or creating websites with manipulated photos. Gomez recounts an experience where a witness he had contacted subsequently contacted the press, prematurely revealing details of their observation. He stresses the need for organization to prevent such unfortunate incidents from disrupting ongoing efforts. He praises GEIPAN for its approach of selecting Level 1 Investigators (IPN) who may not be deeply versed in ufology but possess rigorous investigative and listening skills. Gomez concludes by urging for a collective effort to create favorable conditions for a better approach to the UFO question, hoping it is not too late.

Case Report: 'Castres. Il a observé un ovni au dessus des Fourches'

This section details a sighting by Cyril Blanc, a 33-year-old shoemaker from Castres. On April 1st, at 9:45 PM, from his second-floor apartment, he observed two flashing lights, one red and one white, about twenty meters high and a kilometer away. He describes the phenomenon as silent, intense, and regular, like something gliding along a wire, and states it was unlike the planes he usually sees. Blanc, who maintains a blog about ufology, wants to share his experience, acknowledging that it might not be taken seriously, especially given the date. He emphasizes that he is keeping his critical mind and has contacted the Ufology Association of Didier Gomez to file a complete testimony. He also mentions that his partner witnessed the event.

Passionné par les Ovni

This section introduces Cyril Blanc's blog, 'http://lesmysteres-de-letranges.kazeo.com/', where he shares information on ufology and the paranormal. It notes that this was his first personal UFO sighting.

Product Reviews and Catalog

Books and DVDs

• OVNI 50 ans d'enquêtes dans le Tarn by Didier Gomez: A catalog of 103 UFO cases in the Tarn region from 1952 to 2005.
• Le Guide pratique de l'enquêteur de terrain (Practical Guide for Field Investigators): Updated May 2008, this guide provides methodology for UFO investigations.
• OVNI Contacts (DVD) by Planète OVNI & Artcastle Productions: Features interviews from European UFO encounters in 2005.
• OVNI Contacts << first encounters >> (double DVD) by Artcastle-productions: Released in November 2005.
• Le DVD des 3èmes Rencontres Rapprochées, Gaillac 8 mars 2008: Includes a conference by Bertrand Méheust and radio broadcasts.
• L'Eure des OVNIS by Didier Gomez: Published in 2001.

Back Issues and Special Editions

The magazine lists its available back issues from #39 to #58 (excluding #41 and #51), along with special editions like Hors-série n°1 (March 2004), which compiles articles from 1993-2003. It also lists specific issues with their main articles and interviews, covering topics such as UFOs and nuclear power, extraterrestrial hypotheses, crop circles, and historical cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOmania magazine strongly emphasizes the importance of rigorous, professional investigation in the field of ufology. There is a clear concern about the lack of credible research and the reliance on outdated or unverified information. The magazine promotes the idea of organized networks and skilled investigators, as exemplified by the GEIPAN's approach. Spiritual and religious interpretations of UFO phenomena are also presented, as seen in the reader mail, suggesting a broad approach that encompasses both scientific inquiry and alternative belief systems. The magazine also highlights the value of witness testimonies, even those that might seem unusual or difficult to explain, and encourages their documentation and sharing. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, evidence-based ufology while remaining open to diverse perspectives and historical accounts.