UFOmania - No 78

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: 78
Date: April 2014
Volume: 21st year
Type: Quarterly ufological magazine.

Editorial Stance and Content

This issue of UFOmania, number 78, dated April 2014, presents a diverse range of articles focusing on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and unusual sightings. The editorial highlights the enduring mystery of UAP, suggesting it is a young field of study with many unanswered questions, possibly linked to humanity's technological advancements.

Key Articles and Features:

• "The UFOs and the Matrix" by Philippe Solal: This philosophical piece explores the origin of UAP through the concept of a 'matrix' intelligence, drawing parallels with the science fiction film 'The Matrix'. Solal, a Professor of Philosophy, posits that human consciousness may be unaware of this overarching intelligence that generates phenomena.
• "Nothing is Simple! Fortunately, Everything Gets Complicated!" by Jean Giraud: This article delves into the credibility of human testimony in ufology, using a specific case from April 1975 involving two witnesses who described unusual cylindrical objects. Giraud discusses the concept of 'mimicry,' where the phenomenon might adapt its appearance based on the witness's context, and examines the challenges in interpreting such accounts.
• Case Study: Julien L. (Gouzon, 1954): A detailed account of a witness's encounter with a formation of grey spheres, analyzed for its potential 'mimetic' or 'psychological' influences. The article questions the nature of the observed objects and their potential origins.
• Interview with Jacques Vallée: The magazine features an integral interview with the renowned researcher Jacques Vallée, offering insights into his work.
• "The AFU Cedes (Part of) its Archives": An article detailing the transfer of part of the AFU's archives.
• Book Reviews: Reviews of "Science-Interdite vol 2" by Bruno Bousquet and "Chasseur d'OVNIS" by Jean-Marie Bigorne are included.
• Conference Reports: Coverage of the Mary Rodwell conference and a Parisian evening event on March 18, 2014, discussing the reality of UAP.
• Survey Results: The issue presents the results of a reader survey.
• Tribute to Dr. Roger Leir: A significant portion of the 'Actualités' section is dedicated to the passing of Dr. Roger Leir on March 14, 2014. The magazine acknowledges his contributions, particularly his research into alleged extraterrestrial implants and his work on the Varginha case.
• Other Content: The magazine also includes regular sections like 'Editorial,' 'Actualités,' 'Letters to the Editor,' and a list of recommended websites and resources for ufology enthusiasts.

Subscriptions and Contact Information:

The magazine provides details on subscription rates for France, Europe, and other countries, along with payment instructions. Contact information for Planète OVNI and the editorial team is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFOmania consistently emphasizes the need for rigorous study of unexplained phenomena, treating UAP as a reality that requires investigation. The magazine promotes an open-minded approach, acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding while exploring various hypotheses, including those that challenge conventional paradigms. The recurring theme of witness testimony and its interpretation, particularly the concept of 'mimicry,' highlights the magazine's commitment to critically analyzing the subjective aspects of UAP encounters. The issue also reflects a growing interest in philosophical and theoretical frameworks, such as the 'information physics' and 'matrix' concepts, to understand the deeper implications of UAP.

This issue of UFOmania, dated April 2014, delves into the complex relationship between philosophy, anticipation, and science fiction, particularly concerning the nature of reality and UFO phenomena. The cover headline, "Entre philosophie, anticipation et SF... mythe ou réalité ?" (Between philosophy, anticipation, and SF... myth or reality?), sets the stage for an exploration of cutting-edge scientific and philosophical ideas.

The Physics of Information and the Nature of Reality

The magazine introduces the concept of "Information Physics," a theory that views information as a fundamental physical quantity, on par with energy, mass, and time. This approach is presented as an alternative to the current "energy-matter" physics, which is seen as having reached impasses due to its reliance on randomness, quantum entanglement, and the perceived abuse of the concept of chance. Philippe Guillemant is highlighted for his work in this area, particularly his book "La Route du temps" (The Route of Time).

Information Physics challenges the classical materialist realism that posits the existence of matter independent of consciousness. It draws parallels with quantum mechanics, where the act of observation is shown to be crucial in determining the state of a particle. This leads to a discussion of idealism, the philosophical stance that reality is fundamentally mental or consciousness-dependent. The text references Kant's view that space and time are subjective frameworks constructed by consciousness.

Guillemant's theory proposes that space and time might be illusions produced by consciousness, and that the universe could be a manifestation of information systems. A key aspect of this theory is the concept of "double causality," suggesting a reciprocal influence between the present and the future, which reinterprets notions of coincidence and synchronicity.

Jacques Vallée and the Matrix Hypothesis

Jacques Vallée is presented as an unexpected supporter of Guillemant's ideas. Vallée, in a TEDx Brussels conference, suggested that consciousness itself constitutes space and time, and that the external world is a practical creation of consciousness. This aligns with the idea that reality is intertwined with consciousness. Vallée's perspective also touches upon the "matrix hypothesis," which suggests our reality might be a simulation created by an advanced extraterrestrial civilization. The article notes that distinguishing a simulated reality from a real one is an epistemological problem.

Fabrice Bonvin and the "Agents of Change" Theory

The issue features a review of Fabrice Bonvin's book, "OVNIS - Les agents du changement" (UFOs - The Agents of Change). Bonvin, a psychologist, proposes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to UFO phenomena. His central thesis is that UFOs are not extraterrestrial vehicles but rather manifestations generated by a "Gaian nervous system." This system, acting as a defense mechanism for the Earth, aims to induce a change in human consciousness to favor the planet's conservation. Bonvin links UFO appearances to the ecological and social challenges facing humanity, particularly in the context of industrial and nuclear eras.

Bonvin's model has faced resistance, with critics labeling him a cult leader or disinformation agent. However, the article notes that many ufologists and scientists are increasingly accepting more complex, non-extraterrestrial explanations for UFOs, moving away from the classic 1950s-70s image of aliens in flying saucers.

Daniel M. Gross and the Laser Hypothesis

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an analysis of Daniel M. Gross's hypothesis concerning luminous UFOs, presented in the "Journal of Scientific Exploration." Gross, a physicist, proposes a "new scientific hypothesis" to explain these phenomena. His theory suggests that luminous UFOs are not physical craft but rather artificial lights generated by a sophisticated probe, possibly of extraterrestrial origin, orbiting Earth. This probe would emit laser-like beams that create atmospheric light phenomena, such as plasma discharges or filamentation.

Gross's hypothesis is based on experiments with femtosecond lasers that can produce atmospheric ionization and light effects. He argues that these phenomena can explain many reported UFO characteristics, including their luminosity, silence, and apparent erratic movements. The article notes that Gross's hypothesis is rooted in established physics and avoids speculative claims.

However, the author of the article, Michel Granger, expresses reservations about Gross's hypothesis. Granger points out that Gross's theory doesn't fully account for the historical context of UFO sightings and the polymorphous nature of the phenomenon. He also questions the lack of direct visual evidence correlating with Gross's laser-based explanations and the "validation" derived from the Hessdalen lights, which he believes have natural explanations.

Granger also discusses the possibility of an extraterrestrial probe in orbit, referencing earlier ideas from astronomers like R. Bracewell and Michael Papagiannis. He notes that Gross's model requires the probe to be relatively close to Earth to explain the observed phenomena, which contrasts with the idea of a probe in solar orbit.

Connection to Nuclear Testing and Climate Change

The issue highlights the correlation between nuclear testing and UFO appearances. Recent declassifications of information on nuclear tests conducted between 1945 and 1992 have confirmed that the energy released by atomic explosions is positively correlated with the incidence of UFO sightings. Radioactive elements released into the atmosphere following these tests have also been observed to be followed by UFO appearances.

The article also touches upon the broader context of climate change, citing the IPCC's report on the anthropogenic causes of global warming. This underscores the urgency of adopting a more responsible way of living, aligning with the symbolic messages perceived in UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOmania consistently explores the intersection of science, philosophy, and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, moving beyond simplistic extraterrestrial explanations towards more complex, multidisciplinary, and even consciousness-based theories. The magazine champions rigorous scientific inquiry, as exemplified by the detailed analysis of Daniel M. Gross's hypothesis, while also acknowledging the limitations of purely physical explanations and the importance of considering psychological and symbolic dimensions. The recurring theme is the search for a unifying "theory of everything" that can encompass the physical, psychic, and symbolic aspects of reality and the UFO enigma.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 78, dated April 2014, focuses on the archiving of ufological material and features an in-depth interview with renowned ufologist Jacques Vallée. The cover highlights the sale of a portion of the Swedish AFU's archives and promotes the magazine's online shop.

AFU Archives Sale

The article "Sauvegarde du patrimoine ufologique L'AFU (Suède) cède (une partie de) ses archives..." details the Swedish ufological association AFU's initiative to sell over 1000 books and approximately 1600 magazines from its surplus stock. The goal is to raise funds to acquire more documents for its archive, which currently holds 25,000 items. The AFU aims to keep three copies of each book for its library. The sale offers collectors valuable books and magazines, with prices ranging from 1 to 20 US dollars, representing an opportunity to support the AFU's mission of preserving ufological data worldwide. Among the items available are the first issue of FSR special issue (Oct/Nov 1966) for 80 US dollars and 'UFO contact at Pascagoula' by Hickson and Mendez for 100 US dollars. The stock includes publications in various languages, such as Danish, Finnish, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, French, and Swedish. UFOmania also announces its intention to send a package to the AFU and encourages readers to contact them if they wish to donate books.

MUFON Symposium 2014

The "MUFON SYMPOSIUM" section announces the 2014 MUFON Symposium, scheduled to take place in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, from July 17-20, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel near Philadelphia. This annual event brings together experts and enthusiasts in ufology. The 45th symposium's theme is "OVNI - Un horizon scientifique inexploré" (UFO - An unexplored scientific horizon). The event will feature presentations from internal MUFON experts, scientific personalities, and media figures. It also includes a three-day training session for investigators. The symposium offers an opportunity to meet key figures in ufology, such as Linda Moulton Howe, Stanton Friedman, and George Knapp.

A methodological section explains how to report unexplained aerial phenomena (PAN), advising users to consult the identification guide and submit detailed reports, including date, time, duration, location, altitude, trajectory, shape, color, movement, and any associated sounds or odors. A pie chart illustrates the classification of PANs, with 22% categorized as Type D (unidentified phenomena), 9% as perfectly identified, 28% as probably identified, and 41% as unidentified due to lack of data.

Bob Vous Dit Toute La Verite Web Radio

Page 3 advertises "Bob Vous Dit Toute La Verite," a web radio and web TV channel dedicated to "what is hidden." It covers topics such as UFOs, paranormal phenomena, food scandals, lobbies, pyramid mysteries, the universe, state conspiracies, secret services, reincarnation, and exorcisms. It offers a 20% discount with the promo code "UFOMANIA" for subscriptions until June 30, 2014.

Interview with Jacques Vallée

The core of the magazine is an extensive interview with Jacques Vallée, conducted by Ovnis-Direct in February 2014. Vallée, a mathematician, astrophysicist, and computer scientist, discusses his career, his involvement with the early internet (ARPANET), and his long-standing research into UFOs. He co-founded the Invisible College and was a consultant for Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.'

Vallée's Views on Ufology and Science

Vallée expresses his admiration for Aimé Michel, a Swiss ufologist, for his remarkable vision and profound humanity. He believes that ufology is evolving and that humanity is entering a new phase of space exploration. He notes that UFO phenomena are diverse, adaptable, and unpredictable, showing a fundamental interest in human progress and technology.

He emphasizes the urgent need for disciplines like data mining in computer science and medicine to study the long-term effects of UFO encounters on witnesses. He also highlights the importance of physics in understanding UFOs as a "theorem of existence."

Government Secrecy and UFOs

Regarding government secrecy, Vallée suggests that governments, particularly the US, withhold sensitive information, especially from military sources, believing it serves the population's interest and could lead to technological breakthroughs. However, he questions whether such breakthroughs have actually occurred, noting that the UFO phenomenon has likely resisted analysis and classification.

The Nature of UFO Phenomena

Vallée describes the UFO phenomenon as a "kaleidoscope" with distinct physical, sociological, and personal levels. He suggests that while the physical aspect might indicate an extraterrestrial origin, the sociological aspect relates to human mythology and anthropology. The personal, subliminal level, however, hints at a more complex, possibly terrestrial, manipulation. He believes that the phenomenon can manipulate its environment, including human perceptions, to conceal its true nature, going beyond simple bureaucratic cover-ups.

Miraculous Phenomena and Control Systems

Vallée discusses "miraculous phenomena" resulting from advanced technology, such as poltergeist activity and metal deformation. He connects these to the concept of non-locality and phenomena described by physicists like Yves Rocard. He also touches upon the influence of esoteric currents and figures like Aleister Crowley, suggesting a possible "control system" at play in human history.

Sectarian Movements and Ayahuasca

Vallée attributes the rise of sectarian movements in the 1970s to a new generation rebelling against Western societal norms. While acknowledging the potential of methods like ayahuasca for exploring consciousness, he finds them less reliable for his research compared to systematic data collection and calibration.

UFOs and the Human Condition

He views the UFO phenomenon as a form of "learning program" for humanity, akin to Skinner's "schedule of reinforcement." He criticizes official UFO investigations for their fragmented approach, missing the global evolutionary structure of the phenomenon. Vallée also expresses concern about the impact of "sectarian groups" and rumors on the collective unconscious, suggesting that the UFO phenomenon might be a form of "cinema" or a "devil's puppet" controlled by an unseen hand.

Cryptids and Historical Art

Vallée mentions his research into cryptid sightings, particularly in Utah, which he found to be serious and often co-located with documented UFO sightings. He also discusses historical art, referencing a painting by Michelangelo that allegedly depicted a triangular, luminous object with three tails, observed in Rome in 1513.

Other Contributors

The interview also includes contributions from Fabrice Bonvin (Swiss ufologist), Nagib Kary (Ovnis-Direct), Philippe Solal (physicist, cosmologist), and Daniel Robin (ufologist, author). They offer their perspectives on ufology, scientific research, and the nature of UFO phenomena.

Daniel Robin proposes the hypothesis that UFO manifestations correspond to a learning program for humanity, similar to Skinner's programmed learning, suggesting a pseudo-periodic sequence of stimuli leading to irreversible learning.

Book Review: Science Interdite Vol. 2

Bruno Bousquet reviews Jacques Vallée's book "Science Interdite Volume II: Journal 1970-1979." He praises the book for its comprehensive exploration of UFOs, parapsychology, and the work of American and Russian researchers. Bousquet agrees with Vallée's assertion that ufology is more than just "little gray aliens in spaceships" and that UFO beliefs are used by intelligence services to cover up terrestrial activities. He highlights Vallée's critical view of ufologists' infighting and his belief that the phenomenon is grander than simple extraterrestrial visitation, potentially involving a "control system" and "psychological manipulations."

Bousquet notes Vallée's critique of the French political establishment and his concerns about sectarian groups. He finds Vallée's description of the phenomenon as a "cinema" or a "devil's puppet" compelling. He also shares a personal anecdote about cloud formations and weather prediction, humorously correcting a detail in Vallée's book.

Conference: Mary Rodwell in Paris

The magazine announces an exceptional conference in Paris featuring Mary Rodwell, President of ACERN (Australian Close Encounter Resource Network). The event, organized by Les Rencontres Ufologiques d'OVNI Paris, will take place on September 2, 2014, at Espace Casino, La Défense. Rodwell, an Australian UFO specialist, hypnotherapist, and researcher, is recognized internationally for her work on UFOs and close encounters. She has conducted extensive research and published works on the subject, including the book "Awakening" and documentaries. The conference is free and open to the public.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOmania strongly emphasizes the importance of archiving ufological information and the scientific study of UFO phenomena. The interview with Jacques Vallée underscores a complex, multi-faceted view of UFOs, moving beyond simple extraterrestrial hypotheses to explore psychological, sociological, and potentially manipulative aspects. The magazine also highlights the role of organizations like AFU and MUFON in preserving and investigating UFO-related data. The inclusion of Mary Rodwell's conference suggests an interest in international perspectives and the personal impact of UFO encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging critical thinking and interdisciplinary research, while also acknowledging the challenges of government secrecy and internal conflicts within the ufological community.

UFOmania magazine, issue number 78, dated April 2014, is a French publication dedicated to ufology and related phenomena. This issue features a blend of comic strips, investigative reports, conference summaries, subscriber feedback, and book reviews.

Comic Strip: Mission Kimono n°15

The issue includes the fifteenth installment of the comic strip 'Mission Kimono', titled 'Quatre Scalp'. The story, created by Jean-Yves Brouard and Francis Nicole, follows French pilots who discover a mysterious bunker on an Arctic island, revealing a planetary threat linked to UFOs. The narrative depicts encounters with unidentified flying objects (UFOs) that cause technical malfunctions and display extraordinary capabilities.

Conference: Parisian Evening March 18, 2014 - UFOs: A Reality

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a conference held in Paris on March 18, 2014, focusing on the reality of UFOs. The event featured General Wilfried De Brouwer (former Chief of Operations at the Belgian Air Staff), Jean-François Clervoy (astronaut from the European Space Agency), and investigative journalist Leslie Kean. Kean presented her latest book, 'OVNIS - Des généraux, des pilotes et des officiels parlent', which details her ten-year investigation into UFO phenomena, supported by high-level authorities. The conference highlighted evidence of unidentified flying objects with metallic and luminous characteristics, capable of maneuvers defying known physics. The event also touched upon the official designation of these phenomena as 'PAN' (Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés).

Conference: Ovnis, quelles réalités? (June 7, 2014)

Another conference, organized by the association OVNI-Languedoc, is announced for June 7, 2014, in Pérols, France. Titled 'Ovnis, quelles réalités?', the event features lectures by Jean-Bruno Renard on the parallels between metapsychics and ufology, Thibaut Canuti on early ufologists and esoteric traditions, Thierry Gaulin on Mediterranean UFO cases, and Bernard Dupi on PALMOS investigations. A round table discussion is also scheduled.

Subscriber Feedback: "I LIKE IT, I DON'T LIKE IT... my ufomania and why I say so"

This section presents the results of a reader survey. The magazine received a limited number of responses, but the feedback was largely positive regarding the price and content. Readers expressed satisfaction with the quarterly publication schedule, though some desired more in-depth observation reports and field investigations. The magazine's price is justified by production and distribution costs, aiming to be accessible rather than profit-driven. The editorial team acknowledges the challenges of producing a magazine with limited resources and volunteer contributions, emphasizing the importance of reliable information and the need for more field investigators.

Article: "A 'fireball' in the sky of Bulle"

This article reports on a sighting of a 'fireball' by a resident of Bulle, Switzerland. The object was described as red and blue, luminous, silent, and leaving a white trail. While some suggested it was a meteorite or a shooting star, an astronomer clarified it was likely a bolide – a meteor of significant size that disintegrates in the atmosphere.

Article: "The speed of lightning"

This piece, part of the 'Parole d'Abonné' (Subscriber's Word) section, discusses the extreme speeds at which UFOs are reported to move and disappear. The author speculates on the physical constraints on the occupants of such craft and explores theories related to time dilation and 'hyper-space' travel as explanations for rapid accelerations and apparent dematerializations.

Book Review: "CHASSEUR D'OVNI" by Jean-Marie Bigorne

A review of Jean-Marie Bigorne's book 'Chasseur d'OVNI' (UFO Hunter) is featured. The book is described as the memoirs of a field investigator, detailing his decades of research, interviews with witnesses, and examination of physical traces related to UFO encounters, particularly 'close encounters of the third kind'. The review highlights Bigorne's impartial approach and the book's contribution to the collective memory of UFO phenomena.

Letters to the Editor

This section includes correspondence from readers. C. Calderon shares his interest in UFO phenomena and offers to contribute pages to the magazine. Guy Coatanroch comments on a potential satellite observation related to a UFO sighting. Thierry K. expresses his appreciation for the magazine and Leslie Kean's book. A subscriber named Régine Maso is introduced as the new centralizer for reader correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, investigations, and related scientific and historical aspects. There is a strong emphasis on presenting factual accounts and expert opinions, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and aiming to provide comprehensive information on the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by independent publications in the field, particularly concerning funding and the need for rigorous investigation.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 78, is dated April 2014. The cover prominently features the headline "BOB VOUS DIT TOUTE LA VERITE" with a website address, suggesting a focus on direct and potentially controversial revelations within ufology.

Reader Feedback and Community

The issue includes letters from readers offering their perspectives on the magazine. Claude Maugé (46) provides feedback on the magazine's price, periodicity, page count, and content, comparing it favorably to other publications like UfoLog and LDLN. He suggests that including more detailed case studies and unique investigations would be beneficial. He also recommends that the magazine adopt a consistent editorial stance, perhaps including a skeptical viewpoint alongside the ufological content.

Another reader, John Tomlinson (06), expresses his appreciation for the magazine and poses several questions regarding the mainstream scientific community's approach to the search for extraterrestrial life. He inquires about the existence of extraterrestrial life, scientific strategies for its discovery, the role of astrobiology, and whether human space exploration is driven by this search. He references specific NASA initiatives like the Orion project and the Curiosity rover, as well as the Voyager 1 plaque and the SETI program, questioning if these indicate a predetermined scientific position.

Didier Gomez, the publication manager, announces plans for ufological gatherings in the Tarn, Lot, and Aveyron regions of France. These meetings aim to foster a local network of enthusiasts, share data, and discuss UFO phenomena, with an emphasis on collaboration and potentially creating a database of local cases.

DVD and Book Reviews

The magazine features a promotion for the DVD series "Enquêtes Extraordinaires," highlighting its serious and innovative approach to exploring supernatural phenomena, including UFOs, energy, and reincarnation. The series is presented as providing scientific validation and touching testimonies.

Past Issues and Publications

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a catalog of past issues available for purchase, detailing the special dossiers and articles featured in each. This includes a comprehensive list of back issues from N°39 to N°76, as well as special editions like "Hors-série n°1" and specific DVDs related to ufological conferences and books.

Featured Content and Articles

An article discusses Jean Sider's book "La grande mystification," which explores the concept of an unknown intelligence manipulating human perception through various manifestations like gods, demons, and extraterrestrials. Sider's work delves into aquatic phenomena, ball lightning, strange animals, and the potentially catastrophic consequences of encounters with unknown intelligences.

Another section highlights "CHASSEUR D'OVNI" by Jean-Marie Bigorne, a book detailing his experiences as a UFO investigator since 1970, focusing on third-type encounters and the evidence gathered over decades.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The magazine consistently focuses on ufology, UFO sightings, and related unexplained phenomena. It aims to provide in-depth investigations, reader feedback, and information on available resources such as books and DVDs. The inclusion of reader letters and discussions on scientific perspectives suggests an editorial stance that encourages dialogue and critical thinking within the ufological community. While the cover headline suggests a direct truth-telling approach, the content also incorporates reader-submitted questions and diverse viewpoints, including a call for skeptical analysis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Recurring themes include detailed case studies, historical UFO events (such as the Tarn cases and Petit-Rechain), the methodology of UFO investigation, and the intersection of ufology with science, religion, and skepticism. The magazine appears to champion the work of independent researchers and publications like UFOmania itself, while also engaging with broader scientific and societal questions surrounding the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance encourages a serious and investigative approach to the subject matter, while also fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.