UFOmania - No 80

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: 80
Volume: 21st year
Date: November 2014 (Quarterly)
Publisher: Planète OVNI
Country: France
ISSN: 1254 5112

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 80, marks a significant point as it announces the impending cessation of the publication. The editorial by Didier Gomez, the magazine's director, reveals that issue #81, due in Spring 2015, will be the final one. This decision stems from persistent financial difficulties, a general lack of interest in ufological magazines, and a declining subscriber base. Gomez expresses gratitude to the organizers of the 'Rencontres du Razès' conference and to the readers who have supported the magazine over the years.

Key Articles and Features

The 2nd 'Rencontres du Razès' Conference

The cover story and a detailed report on pages 6-7 cover the '2èmes rencontres du Razès' held in Rennes-le-Château on September 6, 2014. The event, organized by 'L'Œil du Sphinx' and Philippe Marlin, attracted about sixty participants and featured several speakers, including Didier Gomez, Jean-Luc Rivéra, and Thibaut Canuti. The conference was described as a success, fostering an atmosphere of ufological camaraderie. The mayor of Rennes-le-Château, Alexandre Painco, acknowledged ufology as a serious discipline.

Ufology and Credibility: The 'Solid Case' Debate

Jean-Luc Rivéra, a featured speaker, addressed the concept of a 'solid case' in ufology on page 7. He emphasized the importance of thorough field investigations and detailed reporting. Rivéra acknowledged that while hoaxes and misidentifications exist, they represent a minority of cases. He presented several historically significant cases as examples of credible sightings.

Didier Gomez, in a note on page 9, offered a critical perspective on the famous McMinville, Oregon photos from 1950. He cited the analysis by François Louange and Antoine Cousyn, presented at CAIPAN, which suggested the photos depicted a model suspended by a thin wire, implying a potential hoax or misinterpretation that had fooled the public and media for decades. Gomez stressed the need for ufologists to critically examine cases and avoid promoting unsubstantiated claims to maintain the field's credibility.

Historical Case Studies

Several well-documented historical UFO cases were discussed:

• Kenneth Arnold Sighting (June 24, 1947): Presented on page 7, this is considered a landmark event that popularized the term "flying saucer." Arnold, a pilot, reported seeing nine unusual, fast-moving objects near Mount Rainier, USA.
• Lonnie Zamora Incident (April 24, 1964): Detailed on page 8, this case involved a police officer in Socorro, New Mexico, USA, who reported seeing a metallic, oval object and two humanoid figures. Despite attempts by Donald Menzel to debunk it, the case is still considered credible.
• Other Cases: The magazine briefly mentions other significant cases like the Valensole landing (Maurice Masse, 1965), Cussac (1967), Travis Walton (1975), and incidents in Tehran (1976) and near New York (Moriches Bay, 1989) on pages 8 and 10, highlighting their continued relevance in ufological discussions.

'Opérations Suricate' and Sky Surveillance

Pages 4 and 10 mention 'Opérations Suricate,' a network of sky observers in France established in 2005. This initiative aims to create a surveillance network across the country to improve UFO/PAN detection and research. The program is open to enthusiasts and provides tools for observation and reporting, encouraging collective study of the skies.

Other Content

• Editorial Stance: The magazine's editorial policy, as outlined on page 2, is to present information on Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena (UAP) and unusual apparitions, aiming to foster constructive debate and advance the study of the subject through witness testimonies and research.
• Book Reviews and Publications: The issue includes mentions of other ufological publications, such as 'Inexploré n°25' (page 4) and 'Parasciences' (page 5), and promotes the magazine's own back issues and books available through 'Planète OVNI'.
• Interviews and Contributions: Didier Gomez's personal reflection on his 21-year involvement with UFOmania is included on page 3. Gilles Thomas, an ufologist, discusses the prevalence of misidentifications and hoaxes in ufology on page 10.
• GEIPAN Data: Page 5 notes the addition of new D1 classified cases to the GEIPAN database, which correspond to unexplained phenomena without photographic or video evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFOmania magazine consistently focuses on presenting a wide range of ufological phenomena, from historical sightings to contemporary research and conferences. The editorial stance, as articulated by Didier Gomez, is to treat ufology as a serious field of study requiring rigorous investigation and open-mindedness, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by misidentifications, hoaxes, and the financial realities of publishing. The magazine aims to be a platform for enthusiasts and researchers to share information and contribute to the understanding of unexplained aerial phenomena. The closure of the magazine signifies a potential shift in the landscape of French ufological publications.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 80, dated November 2014, features a cover story on the CRUN (Centre de Recherche Ufologique Niçois) and its approach to ufology, along with articles on exoplanets, the Phoenix Lights, and various UFO cases.

Articles and Features

The Phoenix Lights and Related Phenomena

The magazine discusses the 'Phoenix Lights' (Lumières de Phoenix), a series of luminous celestial phenomena observed over Phoenix, Arizona, on March 13, 1997, and recurring on February 6, 2007, and April 21, 2008. While some attribute these to decoy balloons, the article notes the persistent nature of such sightings.

CRUN: More Than an Association, a State of Mind

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with the Centre de Recherche Ufologique Niçois (CRUN). Philippe Mazzo, President of CRUN, and Eric Zurcher, its secretary general, detail the organization's history, activities, and philosophy. CRUN, founded in the mid-1970s, aims to centralize ufological information in its sector and present findings to the public with a convivial, non-serious approach. Their key project, ELIOS (Exploitation Locale des Informations sur les Objets Spaciaux), is a database and GIS system designed to map and analyze UFO sightings in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. They emphasize rigorous information control and a focus on friendship within the group. The interview also touches upon the challenges of maintaining their blog and the evolution of online ufological platforms.

Exoplanets and the Search for Life

Vincent James presents a talk on exoplanets, discussing the search for extraterrestrial life. He highlights the discovery of 'Nova Terra' (Kepler-186f), an Earth-sized planet within its star's habitable zone, noting its significance as the first exoplanet to meet these criteria. James also suggests that extraterrestrial visitors might be only a couple of centuries ahead of humanity technologically.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The magazine reports on several UFO sightings and investigations:

• Moriches Bay, Long Island, USA: In late September, residents reported electrical disturbances and TV interference following the appearance of army helicopters. Some also witnessed strange lights and triangular, silent objects.
• The CRUN's Work: The CRUN has compiled a database of sightings, including the tracking of a 'ball' object moving between Nice and Puget sur Argens on February 8, 1996. They also investigate close encounters, such as the 1977 Beausoleil case involving a translucent egg-shaped object with entities.
• Other Cases: The article mentions the Barrême double saucer sighting (winter 1993) and the Maurice Masse case in Valensole (July 1965) as significant French UFO incidents.

ODH TV and the History of Ufology

Gilles Thomas, founder of ODH TV (Ovni Dans l'Histoire TV), discusses his work in documenting the history of ufology across France. He interviews key figures and researchers, visits significant UFO sites, and aims to create a comprehensive video archive. Thomas emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research, including astronomy and sciences, and highlights his encounters with astronauts and astronomers. He also mentions his involvement in various ufological groups and his commitment to sharing information without necessarily endorsing every theory presented.

UFO Shapes and Characteristics

CRUN's archives indicate that the most common UFO shapes reported are balls/spheres (39%) and saucers/disks (20%), followed by cigars (14%) and triangles/rectangles (14%). Other shapes like eggs and 'round hats' are also noted. Sightings often involve unusual electrical or TV interference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes rigorous ufological research, emphasizing the importance of credible sources, detailed investigation, and open discussion. There's a strong focus on French ufology, with CRUN and ODH TV being prominent examples of organizations dedicated to documenting and analyzing UFO phenomena within France. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, encouraging a scientific yet open-minded approach to the subject, while also acknowledging the need for collaboration and mutual respect among researchers. The theme of 'thinking outside the box' and avoiding 'groupthink' is also evident, particularly in the CRUN interview.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, dated November 2014, is issue number 80 and is published by UFOmania magazine. The cover prominently features the title "LES OBJETS SOUS-MARINS NON IDENTIFIES" (Unidentified Submarine Objects).

Key Articles and Interviews

Didier Gomez: "Pourquoi je stoppe l'aventure UFOmania..."

Didier Gomez, the publisher and editor of UFOmania, announces the planned cessation of the magazine in Spring 2015 after 22 years of publication. He cites lassitude after more than 25 years of interest in ufology, the increasing difficulty of finding interesting content, and economic factors such as rising postal costs and declining subscriptions. Gomez explains that the magazine's mission was to advance research, not to be a profit-making machine, and expresses disappointment with the lack of engagement from many in the ufological community. He thanks the numerous authors and collaborators who contributed to the magazine over the years and notes that the website ufomania.fr will remain active.

Interview with Sylvain Matisse: "Les Objets Aquatiques Non Identifiés"

Sylvain Matisse discusses his interest in aquatic UFOs (OANIS - Objets Aquatiques Non Identifiés) since 2008. He emphasizes a rigorous, technico-scientific approach, incorporating knowledge from various fields like aeronautics, oceanography, and robotics. Matisse highlights the importance of filtering out sensationalism and focusing on rational investigations. He notes that the marine environment is as relevant to ufology as the aerial and spatial realms, and that his website, Investigation Océanographique et OANIS, aims to fill a gap in French-language resources on this topic. He mentions that credible cases are being compiled for a book due in 2015 and that military cases are particularly significant.

Claude Calderon: "HUMAINS ET AUTRES BIPEDES DU COSMOS"

Claude Calderon presents a speculative essay on the origins of humanity and extraterrestrial life. He questions the conventional evolutionary narrative and suggests that Earth might be a 'spaceship' carrying its inhabitants. Calderon proposes that humanoids, possibly originating from elsewhere in the cosmos, could be adapted versions of a common extraterrestrial type, rather than solely terrestrial evolution. He discusses the characteristics of reported humanoids, suggesting they are variations of the human form adapted to different environments. He also touches upon the Big Bang theory and the vastness of the universe, arguing against the idea that humanity is alone.

Unidentified Submarine Objects (USOs)

The magazine features a significant section dedicated to Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs), drawing from historical accounts and scientific observations. The article highlights the challenges in studying these phenomena, often dismissed as misidentifications or sensationalism. It references reports from the US Navy and Soviet research, detailing observations of luminous, oblong, or circular objects in deep-sea environments. Specific historical cases are recounted, including:

• An encounter in the Baltic Sea in 1975 involving a thirty-meter-long object with bluish luminescence.
• A sighting in the Strait of Malacca in 1909 of a brightly lit USO.
• An encounter with a ring-shaped USO by the Navy submersible Herald II in 1959.
• An observation near Oualan Island of an elongated, opalescent mass.
• Incidents in the Bay of Buenos Aires in 1960 and near Itouroup in 1969 involving evasive unidentified submersibles.

The article suggests that these phenomena might be related to advanced technology, potentially extraterrestrial in origin, and that the marine environment is a significant area for UAP research.

Other Content

• ODH TV and "Mémoires de l'ufologie": The magazine discusses the project "Mémoires de l'ufologie" (Memories of Ufology) by ODH TV, which aims to create a digital archive of interviews with ufologists to preserve their knowledge for future generations. Francine Fouéré, a centenarian ufologist, is mentioned as being interviewed.
• Ufological Misidentifications: Sylvain Matisse provides an example of how atmospheric conditions and light pollution can lead to misidentifications, using a photograph taken near Nice as an illustration. He recommends using radar and marine traffic software to avoid such errors.
• Book Recommendation: Eric Zürcher's "Les apparitions d'humanoïdes" is recommended for its statistical analysis of humanoid encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rigorous, scientific, and rational approach to ufology, discouraging sensationalism and speculation. There is a strong emphasis on collecting and preserving data, as evidenced by the "Mémoires de l'ufologie" project. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness towards various theories, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based methodology. The challenges faced by the ufological community, including internal conflicts and public skepticism, are frequently addressed. The decision to cease publication reflects a perceived decline in reader interest and the growing difficulties in producing a quality magazine in the current media landscape.

This issue of UFOmania magazine, number 80, dated November 2014, announces the cessation of its print publication after 22 years, with the content transitioning to its website, ufomania.fr. The magazine's publisher cites a significant decline in readership and subscriptions as the primary reason for this decision, expressing disappointment in the ufological community's passive support.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Sighting in Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes)

A luminous, white, rectangular phenomenon with red blinking lights was observed in the sky over Charleville-Mézières on the night of August 27-28, 2014. The witness, Jean-Luc Lemaire, described it as a "luminous bar" moving from northeast to southwest without perceptible noise. No conventional explanation has been found, and Lemaire invites other witnesses to contact him.

UFO Sighting in Digne-les-Bains (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)

Charles and Guillaume Bosshardt reported observing a dark, unlit object resembling a star with six or eight branches on the evening of August 9, 2014. The object, estimated to be six to eight meters long, was seen at an altitude of about 80 meters, moving linearly at approximately 30 km/h. The observation lasted about ten minutes, and the object disappeared into the night without making any noise. The case has been classified as 'Inexplicable' by GEIPAN.

Other Observations in the Ardennes

Another report details a luminous tube observed for 40 minutes in the Ardennes on October 1, 2014. Initially immobile, the object later moved obliquely and slowly. The phenomenon was also observed in Warcq, and the investigation concluded it was inexplicable.

UFO-Related Events

Repas Ufologique à Castres: The magazine reports on a monthly UFO gathering in Castres, organized by Gilles Balayer, which discusses various UFO-related topics and mysteries.

Rencontre Estivale à Serres-Ponçon: Daniel Benaroya is working on a website dedicated to the works of researcher Aimé Michel, making his articles and texts available online.

1st Festival of Astronomy: An event in Challans featured discussions on ufology, including a conference by Laurent Boulanger on "close encounters of UFOs in Bresse."

Conference: Marc Saint-Germain and "Les Gardiens du Silence"

Marc Saint-Germain, a Quebecois ufologist, presented his book "Les Gardiens du Silence" during a UFO meeting in Languedoc. He discussed his research into UFOs, government secrecy, and the alleged cover-up of extraterrestrial presence. Saint-Germain highlighted projects like Magnet and the role of organizations like Majestic 12, the CIA, and the NSA in controlling information. He also touched upon the Roswell incident and the potential for extraterrestrial technology.

Book Reviews

"Zone 51 Menaces extraterrestres?" by Jean-Claude Sidoun: This book is presented as a comprehensive work on the mythical location of Area 51 and its connection to UFOs and advanced human techniques.

"RR3 Le dossier des Rencontres du Troisième Type en France" by Julien Gonzalez: This book is described as the first encyclopedia of Close Encounters of the Third Kind in France, cataloging 360 cases.

"Les Gardiens du Silence" by Marc Saint-Germain: This book is highlighted for its evidence of US government involvement in censoring UFO information and the presence of extraterrestrials, based on declassified documents and testimonies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, research, and the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. A recurring theme is the alleged government secrecy and disinformation surrounding the UFO phenomenon, with specific focus on US government agencies and projects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging critical thinking while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding. The magazine also touches upon philosophical aspects, such as humanity's place in the universe and the nature of consciousness, as seen in Philippe Laporte's contribution. The end of the print edition signifies a shift in how this information will be disseminated, moving towards a digital platform.

Title: UFOmania magazine
Issue: n°78
Date: April 2014

This issue of UFOmania magazine delves into the enigmatic world of UFOs and paranormal phenomena, with a strong focus on cases originating from the former Soviet Union. The cover prominently features "BOB VOUS DIT TOUTE LA VERITE" (Bob Tells You All the Truth), promoting a web radio and web TV service dedicated to uncovering hidden information. The magazine also advertises a 20% discount on subscriptions with the code "UFOMANIA" for a limited time.

Le Roswell russe - Révélations sur les mystères ufologiques de l'Union Soviétique

This section reviews the book "Russia's Roswell Incident" by Paul Stonehill and Philip Mantle, which is a translation of their earlier works "UFO Case Files of Russia" and "Russia's Roswell Incident." The book reportedly compiles mysterious UFO-related events from the ex-USSR, including testimonies from Russian cosmonauts and members of the Red Army. Paul Stonehill, born in Kiev in 1959 and emigrated to the US in 1973, is presented as an expert in former Soviet Union ufology with access to significant sources. Philip Mantle is described as the former director of investigations for the British UFO Research Association and a representative for Mutual UFO Network. The review highlights two key incidents:

• Dalnegorsk Incident (1986): A mysterious object allegedly crashed on a hill near Dalnegorsk. Recovered metal fragments are said to have intriguing anti-gravity properties and can 'vanish' when heated, being replaced by others.
• Tunguska Event (1908): This event in Siberia involved an explosion that destroyed 60 million trees. Witnesses reported seeing a fireball that exploded at an altitude of 5 to 10 kilometers, with a shockwave hundreds of times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.

The book is presented as an urgent read for those interested in Russian UFO phenomena.

UFOMANIA 812-46 DINER UFOLOGIQUE EN TARN, LOT ET AVEYRON: explications...

This section announces an initiative to organize informal UFOlogical gatherings in the Tarn, Lot, and Aveyron regions of France. The goal is to foster local UFO enthusiasts, share data, and discuss UFO phenomena. Didier Gomez, the publication manager of UFOmania magazine, is identified as the contact person for these departments. The initiative aims to create a local network, potentially by building a database of UFO cases in the region and establishing contact with local media.

La boutique « UFO »... logique

This section acts as a catalog for UFO-related books and media available for purchase. It lists several items:

• OVNI 50 ans d'enquêtes dans le Tarn: A catalog of 103 UFO cases in the Tarn region from 1952 to 2005 by Didier Gomez.
• Le Guide pratique de l'enquêteur de terrain: A guide on UFO investigation methodology, updated in May 2008.
• OVNI Contacts (DVD): Interviews from the first European UFO meetings in Châlons-en-Champagne in October 2005.
• OVNI Contacts « first encounters » (double DVD): From Artcastle-productions, November 2005.
• 2èmes Rencontres Rapprochées, Gaillac 8 mars 2008 (DVD): Featuring a conference by Bertrand Méheust and radio broadcasts.
• 2èmes Rencontres Rapprochées, Graulhet, 2006: Another DVD from a UFO meeting.
• L'Eure des OVNIS: A book by Didier Gomez from 2001.

It also lists past issues of UFOmania magazine, with brief descriptions of their contents, and offers a promotional package for 10 back issues.

SOMMAIRE DES ANCIENS NUMÉROS...

This is a detailed listing of past issues of UFOmania magazine, from Hors-série n°1 (March 2004) to n°77 (December 2013), and also mentions n°79 (July 2014) and n°80 (November 2014). Each entry provides a brief summary of the main topics and articles covered in that issue, often highlighting special dossiers on specific countries (Belgium, Quebec, Switzerland, Spain), organizations (MUFON), or phenomena.

UFOmania magazine n°81 À paraître en avril 2015 DERNIER NUMERO !!!

This section previews the upcoming issue, n°81, which is announced as the final issue. It highlights two books:

• La grande mystification: By Jean Sider, this book is presented as the second volume exploring how an unknown intelligence manipulates humanity through various manifestations. It delves into aquatic phenomena, ball lightning, strange animals, and the catastrophic consequences of encounters with unknown intelligences. Sider also critiques media disinformation regarding UFOs.
• CHASSEUR D'OVNI: By Jean-Marie Bigorne, this book is described as the memoirs of a field investigator who has observed aerial anomalies since 1954 and conducted meticulous investigations since 1970. It covers encounters of the "third kind" and summarizes his findings.

The section also provides contact information for JMG éditions, the publisher of these books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFOmania magazine consistently covers a wide range of topics within ufology and the paranormal, including alleged UFO sightings, crashes, investigations, and historical cases. There is a clear interest in international cases, particularly those from Russia and the former Soviet Union, as evidenced by the featured book review. The magazine also promotes direct engagement with its readership through events, publications, and online platforms like web radio and TV. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and information dissemination, encouraging readers to explore these phenomena and contribute to the field. The mention of "Bob Vous Dit Toute La Verite" suggests an interest in uncovering hidden truths and challenging conventional narratives. The preview of the final issue, n°81, indicates a focus on deeper analysis and personal accounts of UFO investigations.