UFOmania - No 63

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: N°63
Date: Summer 2010
Volume: 17th year
Publisher: Planète OVNI
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 1254 5112
Cover Price: France metropolitan 6,25 €

Editorial Stance

The editorial, written by Didier Gomez, reflects on the challenges faced by ufologists in gaining recognition and combating skepticism. It highlights the tendency of scientists to dismiss phenomena outside their immediate understanding and criticizes the 'ufologically correct' approach that can lead to complacency. The editorial emphasizes the importance of providing answers to witnesses' questions rather than just chasing extraterrestrials, as stated by Edoardo Russo. It also notes the recent publication of several significant books, including one on Roswell and works by Charles Fort.

Key Articles and Features

Interview with Edoardo Russo, Director of CISU

This extensive interview with Edoardo Russo, head of the Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici (CISU), provides deep insights into the organization and the state of ufology in Italy.

• CISU's Origins and Structure: Founded in 1985 due to divergences within the Centro Ufologici Nazionale (CUN), CISU has grown to include 60 partners and over 300 collaborators. It operates with a pyramidal structure, emphasizing rigorous methodology and volunteer work. The organization aims to investigate UFOs, promote scientific study, and coordinate national testimony collection.
• Methodology and Investigations: CISU adheres to a strict methodology for investigations, drawing from international guides. Despite having the expertise and tools, the organization faces a challenge with the low number of investigations conducted annually (around twenty) compared to the number of testimonies collected (nearly 2500 in 2009). This is attributed partly to a lack of motivation among younger members and a generational conflict within the group.
• Media Perception in Italy: Unlike in France, where ufology might be ridiculed, Italian media, especially television, has given significant airtime to UFO topics since the 1995 'alien autopsy' event. However, this coverage is often sensationalist, as seen in programs like RAI's 'Voyager,' making it difficult to distinguish serious research from entertainment.
• Official UFO Data: Italy lacks an official government body like France's Geipan for UFO data. While military services have collected some data, it has been largely bureaucratic. Since 9/11, the military's interest in such phenomena has reportedly decreased.
• CISU's Resources: The CISU boasts an impressive facility in Turin, with approximately 150 m² dedicated to books, archives, press clippings, and research materials, serving as a workspace, meeting room, and library.
• Publications: CISU publishes its own manual of investigation techniques, with the third edition due in June 2010. They also contribute a monthly UFO section to the Italian magazine FOCUS.

The Archives of INA

This section highlights the availability of historical UFO-related reports from the 1950s to 1990s through the French national audiovisual institute (INA) website. It mentions specific cases like the 1960 testimony in Morigheim and observations in Ville-siscle.

Homage to Jacques Bergier

A tribute to Jacques Bergier, an engineer and co-author of 'Le Matin des magiciens.' He is remembered for his work in promoting science fiction and overlooked scientific facts, and for his intelligence, integrity, and generosity.

UFO MATRIX Magazine Launch

An announcement about the launch of UFO MATRIX, a new bi-monthly British publication edited by Philip Mantle and Malcom Robinson. It aims to cover all aspects of the OVNI question with contributions from international researchers.

Kenneth Arnold and the Birth of the 'Flying Saucer'

This piece recounts the famous 1947 sighting by Kenneth Arnold, which led to the coining of the term 'flying saucer' and sparked widespread public interest in UFOs.

Philip Mantle's Book on Roswell

Philip Mantle has released a new book, 'Alien Autopsy Casebook,' which delves into the controversial 'alien autopsy' film related to the Roswell crash. The article suggests that the case, often conflated with the autopsy, has generated much discussion but that the book aims to provide a factual account.

Cooperation in Scandinavian Ufology

This section details the merger of the Swedish magazine UFO-Sverige and the Norwegian UFO-Norge into a single, larger, full-color magazine. This initiative aims to reduce costs and increase readership, serving as a model for cooperation between ufological groups.

Malcolm Robinson's Book

An introduction to Malcolm Robinson's new book, 'Paranormal Case Files of Great Britain,' which explores ghost stories and paranormal experiences.

Julien Gonzalez's Book

An announcement regarding the publication of Julien Gonzalez's book, 'OVNI : le dossier des rencontres du troisième type en France.' The article notes the challenges faced in its publication and offers a special price for UFOmania readers.

UFO e ufologia - La guida del CISU

A description of a new guide published by CISU, titled 'UFO e ufologia - La guida del CISU.' It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of UFO phenomena, research methods, and historical context for newcomers to the field.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, scientific approach to ufology, emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation and critical analysis. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and a desire to provide factual information to the public. The CISU interview, in particular, underscores the dedication of volunteer researchers and the challenges they face in a field often misunderstood by the general public and media. The magazine also highlights international cooperation and the importance of historical research and documentation.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated Summer 2010 (Eté 2010), issue number 63, is primarily in French and focuses on ufology. The cover headline is 'd'organisation ufologique'.

Interviews and Articles

Interview with CISU Representatives

The magazine features an interview with representatives of CISU (Centro Italiano Studi Ufologici), discussing their work and approach to ufology. They emphasize the need for rigorous investigation and discernment, noting that many sightings are misidentifications of conventional objects. The interviewee expresses skepticism about a single unifying hypothesis for UFO phenomena, suggesting they might be diverse or even unrelated. They highlight the importance of explaining conventional cases to avoid misinterpreting them as extraterrestrial. CISU publishes a bi-annual magazine with a print run of 1000-1300 copies and has a distribution network. They discuss the challenges of maintaining print publications in the age of the internet and the increasing number of commercial UFO magazines.

The 'Angel Hair' Phenomenon

Sebastiano Pernice, an Italian researcher, introduces his work on 'angel hair,' a mysterious substance sometimes found after UFO sightings. He explains that it can be various materials, including spider silk, industrial residues, or plant fibers. He also mentions a theory involving polymerization of atmospheric gases due to UFO propulsion. Pernice calls for interested individuals to contact him with information.

The 1954 UFO Wave

The issue delves into the 1954 UFO wave, which affected both Italy and France. It is noted that Italy's experience differed somewhat from France's, particularly regarding landing cases and humanoid sightings. The wave created widespread awareness of flying saucers, possibly influenced by media coverage. The article suggests that a significant portion of the 1954 data might be misidentified or fabricated, but emphasizes the importance of studying all cases to understand the phenomenon. The atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima is cited as a potential trigger for increased UFO interest in the mid-20th century.

Book Review: 'Roswell: Rencontre du premier mythe'

A review of Gilles Fernandez's book 'Roswell: Rencontre du premier mythe' is presented. The author, a cognitive psychologist, approaches the Roswell incident sceptically, arguing that the extraordinary aspects were largely fabricated later, particularly in the late 1970s, to create the myth. The book examines initial reports and suggests that the event was not considered extraordinary by those directly involved at the time.

Book Review: 'Les OVNIs: Une Intelligence Artificielle !'

This section reviews a book by Jean Goupil and Didier Leroux, which proposes that UFOs are manifestations of a highly advanced Artificial Intelligence (IA). The IA is theorized to explore exoplanets using advanced technology and potentially interact with Earth in subtle ways, including influencing human beliefs and perceptions, creating 'lures,' and inducing missing time.

Recent Observations

A brief report describes a UFO sighting in Toulon, France, on August 2, 2010, by a family. The object was described as a luminous, immobile ball moving slowly. The report suggests it might have been the International Space Station (ISS), a common misidentification in Toulon.

Other Phenomena

The magazine also touches upon other phenomena potentially linked to the IA concept, including the 'miracle' of Fatima, apparitions of the Virgin Mary, and the levitation of mystics, suggesting these could be orchestrated illusions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and interpretation of UFO phenomena. There's a strong emphasis on critical analysis, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and misidentifications or hoaxes. The concept of Artificial Intelligence as a potential unifying explanation for various unexplained phenomena, including UFOs and religious apparitions, is a prominent new angle explored. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, scientific approach while acknowledging the existence of genuinely puzzling cases. The magazine also highlights the challenges and evolution of ufological research and publication in the modern era.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated Summer 2010 (Issue 63), features a cover story titled "Les ovnis refont parler d'eux dans la région" (UFOs are making news again in the region), focusing on recent sightings and investigations in France.

Article: L'auteur: Gilles Fernandez

Gilles Fernandez, a doctor in cognitive psychology, is presented as an independent researcher who writes about biases in the paranormal. He has taught psychology and statistics and is interested in mental representations, personality psychometrics, and cognitive abilities.

Article: Roswell: Rencontre du premier mythe

This article critically examines the Roswell incident, one of the most famous UFO cases. It notes that while the event is widely known, the official explanation involves a cover-up by the US Army in 1947. The article suggests that the "mystery" has been fueled by numerous books and reports, with some proponents advocating for an extraterrestrial explanation and others offering prosaic ones. The author, Gilles Fernandez, is presented as conducting a "counter-investigation" that examines both extraordinary and ordinary versions of the event, suggesting that choosing one over the other might involve denial. The article implies that there is little tangible evidence left from the Roswell incident, with the newspaper article itself being the only physical remnant. It questions the lack of photos of the alleged debris and dismisses preliminary autopsy footage as fallacious. The piece suggests that the Roswell case might have been a deliberate stratagem by US military officials to maintain doubt and perpetuate the myth of extraterrestrial visitors, thereby diverting attention from other explanations for UFO phenomena.

The editorial stance of UFOmania magazine is that UFOs may not necessarily be extraterrestrial in nature, urging readers to "open their eyes" and consider alternative explanations.

Article: Perpignan 28 décembre 1973 - Rétro-enquête par Thibaut CANUTI

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred on the night of Friday, December 28, 1973, near Perpignan, France. The witnesses, a family consisting of M. JC. (35), his wife Mme J. (29), and their son S. (7), were driving when their son pointed out a "flying saucer" or "UFO." They observed a large, disc-shaped object, described as white-green and phosphorescent, hovering silently. The object was estimated to be at an altitude of 600 meters to 1 kilometer. After about five to ten minutes, the object moved away horizontally without any sound. The article notes that this sighting fits into a local mini-wave of UFO events in 1973-1974 and references a newspaper article from "L'Indépendant" that reported similar phenomena in the Hérault and Pyrénées-Atlantiques regions on the same day. The witnesses reported no ill effects and confirmed they had not consumed alcohol or drugs. The observation instilled a sense of awe and curiosity, reinforcing Mme J.'s existing belief in UFOs.

Article: Des OVNI comme s'il en pleuvait...

This section compiles several brief reports of UFO sightings from different regions of France:

• Montpellier (C.P.): On the morning of December 28, an unidentified flying object was seen between 8:05 and 8:20 AM by 15 to 20 people. The object was described as egg-shaped, turquoise-blue, moving at high speed with a luminescent halo.
• Tarbes: On the morning of December 28, a high-altitude flying object was observed emitting a green halo.
• Céret: A witness described a small, intense white oval object with a luminous halo and a greenish-blue trail, moving at high speed towards Spain. The object disappeared before reaching the Albères mountain range.

The article notes that official sources like astronomical services and meteorological services found no anomalies. It also mentions the possibility of high-altitude aircraft reflecting sunlight, creating halos.

Article: OU L'ON REPARLE D'O.V.N.I. ET D'EXTRA-TERRESTRES

This article discusses the proliferation of UFO sightings in France at the end of 1973. It highlights several specific reports:

• December 29: Sightings reported in Tarbes, Bayonne, and Montpellier.
• December 28: A witness from Céret reported an object with a white intense color and a luminous halo, leaving a greenish-blue trail, moving at high speed.
• Pyrénées-Orientales: The article references a report from "L'Indépendant" detailing sightings in Céret, Villemolaque, and Arles-sur-Tech, describing a white oval object with a luminous halo and a greenish-blue trail.

The article suggests that these phenomena, though observed from different distances, point to a common event. It also mentions that Mme J. found that reactions from her entourage led her to stop talking about her own observation, which had reinforced her pre-existing belief in UFOs.

Article: O.V.N.I. dans l'Yonne 1951-2009 par Rémy FAUCHEREAU

This section introduces a book by Rémy Fauchereau titled "O.V.N.I. dans l'Yonne 1951-2009." The book compiles over 120 UFO cases investigated by Fauchereau in the Yonne department over more than half a century. The article praises Fauchereau as a dedicated investigator and mentions that the book is available for purchase.

Article: LU DANS LA PRESSE

This section compiles press clippings about UFO sightings:

• The 8th of August in Ain (01): A strange event occurred on the night of Saturday to Sunday, described by an eyewitness. "Le Progrès" invites other witnesses to contact them. Laura Mignot reported seeing about fifteen orange luminous points in the sky, with smaller blue or green lights moving around them.
• BERTANGLES (80): On the night of Saturday to Sunday, around 2:30 AM, residents of Bertangles reported seeing UFOs. The gendarmerie of Villers-Bocage confirmed being contacted. Two witnesses took photos, which were transmitted to the gendarmes. The scene reportedly lasted about fifteen minutes, with about fifteen "balls" spread over a kilometer, moving slowly and silently at cloud height.

Article: Les ovnis refont parler d'eux dans la région (08)

This article reports on UFO sightings in the Ardennes region:

• Charleville-Mézières, June 17: A witness reported seeing a black, oval object with three branches rotating horizontally and vertically, approaching to about 500 meters. The object was silent and moved at a stable speed.
• Charleville-Mézières, June 24: A witness observed three luminous white spherical lights moving silently eastward for about two minutes.
• Joigny-sur-Meuse, June 27: A witness saw a very bright white halo-like ball moving westward. The witness is confident it was not the International Space Station (ISS).

Jean-Luc Lemaire, a local UFO researcher, investigated these cases. The article also mentions a sighting in Montélimar (26) on Friday, July 9, where a luminous object was photographed.

Article: PROJET FOTOCAT France 6ème partie

This section details the FOTOCAT project, an initiative to create a global catalogue of UFO photographic cases. Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, the manager of the project, reports on the progress of the French FOTOCAT catalogue. The project has received significant input from French ufologists, increasing the database size. The article explains the structure of the catalogue, which includes details like date, time, description, location, photographer, media, duration, and special photo features. It also presents a table showing the annual distribution of 500 UFO photograph entries collected in France, with the highest numbers recorded in 1974 and 1975.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of well-known UFO cases like Roswell, the reporting of recent UFO sightings across France, and the ongoing efforts to catalogue and analyze UFO evidence, particularly photographic evidence. The magazine's editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards simplistic extraterrestrial explanations, encouraging a broader investigation into the nature of UFO phenomena and suggesting that many cases might have prosaic or even fabricated origins. There's an emphasis on rigorous investigation and the importance of verifiable evidence, as seen in the FOTOCAT project.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated Summer 2010 (Eté 2010), delves into various aspects of ufology and unexplained phenomena. The cover features a "Dernière minute..." alert, highlighting a new book by Jacques Vallee and Chris Aubeck titled "Wonders in the Sky". The magazine includes reports on recent sightings, book reviews, and details about ufological events and organizations.

Book Review: Wonders in the Sky

The magazine reviews "Wonders in the Sky" by Jacques Vallee and Chris Aubeck. This book is described as a compilation of over 500 reports of unexplained aerial observations from antiquity to the pre-20th century. It aims to explore the impact of these phenomena on human culture, history, and beliefs. The authors have selected reports from antiquity up to 1879, noting that "Each era interpreted the phenomena in its own terms, often in a specific religious or political context." The book includes attributions and sources for each entry, with some entries being brief descriptions of events, such as a luminous object seen in Japan in 1477. The second part of the book examines how these observations have influenced myths, legends, religious visions, optical illusions, and hoaxes, featuring 75 illustrations. The review mentions that Charles Fort, a famous writer on unexplained phenomena, would have been impressed by this monumental collection. The book is available in English via amazon.com.

3rd Forteen Congress in Paris

The magazine provides the program for the 3rd Forteen Congress held in Paris on Saturday, November 2, 2010, from 10:00 to 18:30 at "ATELIER Z". The event features participation from several notable figures in ufology, including Jean-Luc Rivera, Yves Lignon, Benoît Grison, Theo Paijmans, Bertrand Meheust, Geneviève Béduneau, Marc Hallet, and Michel Meurger. The program includes talks on topics such as "In the Wake of Heuvelmans' Sea Monsters" (50 years later), "The Vril Society: New Discoveries", "Ufology and SF", "Julius Obsequens, a Roman Proto-Fortean", "The Adamski Case", and "The Fortean Imaginary". Practical information is provided, including an entrance fee of 15€ (payable to AODS) for reservations, with dinner being an additional cost. Contact details for information and reservations are given: Association CŒIL DU SPHINX, 36.42 rue de la Villette - 75019 Paris, Tel 09.75.32.33.75, Email: [email protected].

Niort UFO Sightings Explained

Several articles address the luminous phenomena observed in the sky over Niort. Initially reported as UFOs by around thirty witnesses, a new testimony suggests they were actually Thai lanterns released for a birthday. A man in his forties came forward to explain that he and his friends released lanterns on Saturday night, which were carried by the wind towards Niort, where they eventually extinguished. The article "On en parle: Toute la vérité sur les OVNI de Niort" presents this explanation, aiming to disappoint those who believed in extraterrestrial visitors. Another article, "OVNI : le Centre spatial de Toulouse envisage une enquête", discusses the reaction of GEIPAN (Groupe d'études et d'information sur les phénomènes aérospatiaux non identifiés), an agency of the French National Centre for Space Studies. GEIPAN stated they had not been officially informed but that the descriptions warranted an investigation. They mentioned that while they hadn't received official communication from their first-level intervenant in Deux-Sèvres, they would not dismiss the testimonies. The article "Des OVNI orange aperçus à Niort" details the initial sightings by residents of Clou-Bouchet, who described seeing eight orange, unidentified flying objects resembling tires moving at high speed. They contacted the police and expressed a desire to know what they had seen. A subsequent article, "Les OVNI gardent leur mystère", reports that the initial testimony was corroborated by a dozen other Niortais. Marie-Laura, 21, described seeing three luminous orange spheres moving in a triangle formation, followed by a fourth, which then disappeared. Jonathan also reported seeing seven spheres, slightly smaller than the moon, flying high and disappearing after two minutes. A couple and their children also witnessed seven spheres. The article "Des OVNI également aperçus en Gâtine..." includes testimonies from Parthenay, where Laurent and Emmanuel reported seeing six static orange lights arranged like the Big Dipper, which then faded. Brigitte and her son Clément also saw luminous phenomena in the sky in Niort.

Rennes-le-Château Case Study

The magazine features an in-depth report on a "RR3" (Third Kind Encounter) on August 26, 2009, near Rennes-le-Château. The account comes from Marie-France Garaude-Pasty and Alain Pasty, who reported seeing strange lights emanating from the Bugarach mountain. Later, they encountered a humanoid entity described as wearing a suit without visible arms, with a conical head, emitting a white glow. The entity was about 1.70m tall and moved by gliding. They also observed three luminous discs above a field. The report discusses the debate surrounding this experience, with some considering it genuine and others a hoax. The article notes that the couple, who are Buddhist, believe in multiple levels of life and that the entity might be a consciousness "passing through". Alain Pasty suggests explanations related to "frequencies" and "vibrations". The article also mentions a message received by Marie-France Garaude-Pasty about a future cataclysm. The report includes details about the couple's background and their involvement with ufology, as well as a discussion about why they were not invited to certain ufological events.

Book Reviews: Charles Fort

Two books by Charles Fort are reviewed: "OVNIS: Vers la fin du secret ?" (UFOs: Towards the end of the secret?) and "Nouvelles terres" (New Lands). "OVNIS: Vers la fin du secret ?" by Gildas Bourdais is described as a re-edition, significantly expanded, of his 2001 book. It examines the ongoing secrecy surrounding UFOs and presents convincing testimonies and documents, including alleged crashed UFOs and secret studies. The book also denounces disinformation operations. "Nouvelles terres" is presented as a translation of Charles Hoy Fort's 1923 book "New Lands". Fort is hailed as a pioneer in researching unexplained phenomena, having collected thousands of hours of data from various sources. The review quotes a passage from page 103 of "New Lands" discussing humanity's place in a vast, possibly embryonic, cosmic environment. Another excerpt from page 138 describes an observation of a luminous object in the sky in 1966. The article highlights Fort's visionary ideas, suggesting that many mysterious phenomena might stem from a common origin or share similar patterns, and that celestial apparitions could be interpreted as "visitors from space". The review also mentions "The Book of the Damned" by Charles Fort, describing it as a metaphysical investigation that challenges conventional views of the world.

Fatima Apparitions

A "NOTE DE LECTURE" (Reading Note) discusses the book "Fatima: Ce qui se cache derrière les apparitions" by Fina d'Armada and Joaquim Fernandes. The note focuses on the events of May 13, 1917, in Fatima, Portugal, where three shepherd children reported seeing a woman of light. The authors, through their research in the Sanctuary archives, uncovered original documents that allegedly contradict the official religious narrative and suggest a possible encounter with beings from another dimension. The note highlights that the Catholic Church and Jesuits may have "constructed the legend of Fatima" by occulting certain findings to reinforce faith. The review quotes John Alva Keel, who suggests that "well-studied miracles are proof that the human mind can be exposed to induced hallucinations and that information can be introduced into the mind by an unknown mechanism." The authors' work is presented as a significant contribution to understanding the human condition and the universe. The book is described as essential reading for understanding the events of Fatima and is part of a trilogy. The review praises Geneviève Dubois, the editor, for her work in making this documentation available in French.

Reader's Mail

The "Courrier des lecteurs" (Reader's Mail) section features correspondence from readers. Didier expresses his pleasure with issue #62, particularly an interview with Y. Blanc and an article by Michel Granger. He also inquires about recent information on the Fernandez case in Uzès and the location of documents related to "Signes effroyables nouvellement apparus en l'air". Fabrice Bonvin from Madrid sends his postal code and wishes the magazine a good summer. Thierry Gaulin (30) also contributes, noting that postal code errors for international recipients are being addressed. Francine Fouéré sends a heartfelt message thanking the magazine for its presentation and content, expressing her long-standing passion for ufology.

AFU and SCEAU: Archiving Ufology

An article titled "L'AFU c'est bien, le SCEAU aussi !" discusses the importance of archiving ufological documents. It highlights the initiative of Planète OVNI donating books to the Swedish association AFU (Archives for UFO Research) and encourages readers to do the same. The article introduces SCEAU, an association that regularly exchanges documents with AFU and other international ufological archives like CISU in Italy, Fundación Anomalía in Spain, and the Sign Historical Group in the USA. The article emphasizes that while international exchange is valuable, original documents should ideally remain in their country of origin. SCEAU aims to preserve ufological archives by depositing them in a network of archives and public libraries across France, ensuring accessibility for researchers while respecting privacy. The article details SCEAU's process of accepting archives for inventory and eventual deposit in public institutions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, from historical accounts to contemporary sightings and scientific investigations. There's a clear interest in challenging official narratives and uncovering hidden information, as seen in the reviews of Charles Fort's work and the discussion of the Rennes-le-Château case. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations and supporting efforts to preserve ufological data. The magazine also highlights the importance of eyewitness testimony and the ongoing efforts of ufological organizations to document and analyze these phenomena.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 63, published in Summer 2010, delves into the critical aspects of ufological archives, research methodologies, and the preservation of UFO-related data. The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed inventories and accessible archives for researchers, particularly in the field of ufology where public archives often lack the necessary resources or expertise.

The Importance of SCEAU and Archives

Jacques Scornaux, President of SCEAU/Archives OVNI, highlights the challenges faced by private UFO archives. He argues that without proper cataloging and public awareness, these archives risk being lost or becoming unusable. He advocates for the SCEAU (Service d'archives et de documentation sur les phénomènes aérospatiaux non identifiés) as a central repository that can make these archives more accessible and identifiable. The article stresses that private archives, if not properly managed or transferred to a stable institution, face the risk of disappearing.

New Book: 'Expediente OVNI Soviético'

The magazine announces the Spanish translation of a book by Philip Mantle and Paul Stonehill titled 'Expediente OVNI Soviético' (Soviet UFO File). This book is described as an astonishing essay on the most fascinating UFO cases from Russia and the former Soviet Union. It covers a wide range of topics, including early Tsarist police reports, the Tunguska event, the Dalnegorsk crash, Stalin's obsession with flying saucers, Nazi UFO reports, the TU-134 incident, and UFOs during the Chechen wars. The authors have compiled confidential KGB documents and historical context to provide a comprehensive look at these events.

Regional UFO Catalogs: A Citizen's Initiative

Didier Gomez discusses the utility of regional UFO catalogs as a citizen's initiative. He addresses the growing disinterest in ufology among young people and the difficulty for newcomers to find existing information. The article promotes the creation and dissemination of these catalogs, both in print and as free PDF downloads, to provide a quantified base of work. Gomez emphasizes the need for ufologists to share information and collaborate, rather than passively observing conferences. He also stresses the importance of returning to fundamental research and not solely relying on media-filtered information.

Cataloging Efforts in France

The article provides a preliminary list of regional UFO catalogs compiled in France. It mentions efforts by various ufologists and associations, including:

• GREPO: Hors-série n°1 on Vauclusian observations (84).
• GNEOVNI: Catalog for Nord pas de Calais (59, 62).
• VERONICA: Regional catalog for departments 30, 34, 66.
• FRANCE UFOLOGIE: 300 years of observations in Bretagne (29, 35, 22, 56).
• Jean-Louis Decanis: Catalog for Hautes-Alpes (05).
• Fernand Lagarde: Catalog for Charente (16), published in LDLN.
• Patrice Vachon: OVNI in Bourgogne (21).
• Catalogue de l'Eure (27): Published in LDLN.
• VIGIE-OVNIS: Catalog for Finistère (29) from 1920-2003.
• AEIOU: Catalogue OUEST for departments 44 and 49.
• Didier Gomez: OVNI 50 ans d'enquêtes dans le Tarn (81).
• Raoul Robé: Catalogue Régional des OBS Humanoïdes nord-est + Luxembourg.
• Catalogue Vosgien (01, 02): Published in LDLN.
• Rémy Fauchereau: Catalogue des Observations de l'Yonne (89).

Thierry Pinvidic adds that while this list is not exhaustive, he is compiling more data and supports the idea of referencing existing catalogs to help researchers eliminate less credible cases and highlight those of high strangeness.

UFOmania Magazine Back Issues and Books for Sale

The magazine announces a significant stock of books and back issues for sale, including old numbers of 'Lumières Dans La Nuit' (LDLN) from 1966 to 1991, and 'INFORESPACE' and 'REVUE APPROCHE'. Readers are encouraged to complete their collections. Contact information for Didier Gomez is provided for orders.

Featured Publications

Several books and magazines are advertised:

• OVNI 50 ans d'enquêtes dans le Tarn by Didier Gomez (19 €).
• Le Guide pratique de l'enquêteur de terrain (Practical Guide for the Investigator) (13 €).
• L'Eure des OVNIS by Didier Gomez (18 €).
• UFOmania magazine Hors-série n°1 (1993/2003) (5 €).
• UFOmania magazine n°64 (upcoming, Autumn 2010), featuring Julien Gonzalez's work on third-type encounters in France.

New Publication: 'OVNI: le dossier des rencontres du troisième type en France'

Julien Gonzalez's new book, 'OVNI: le dossier des rencontres du troisième type en France', is highlighted. This encyclopedic work details 331 cases of third-type encounters in France and 29 in Belgium, along with analyses of misidentifications and a methodological appendix by Franck Boitte. The book is available for 32.00€ in France and 35-38€ elsewhere, with a special offer until October 31, 2010.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the importance of archival work, systematic cataloging of UFO phenomena, and the need for rigorous investigation. The magazine promotes a proactive approach to ufology, encouraging collaboration among researchers and the preservation of historical data. The editorial stance supports detailed, evidence-based research and aims to provide a valuable resource for both seasoned ufologists and newcomers to the field. There is a clear emphasis on the French ufological community and its contributions.