L'ASSOCIATION D'ÉTUDE SUR LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES

Magazine Overview

This issue of "L'ASSOCIATION D'ÉTUDE SUR LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" (AESV), published quarterly in July 1979, is the 11th issue of its 4th year. The cover features a portrait of a man and highlights several key articles, including an investigation into Jean Migueres, an interview with Michel Figuet, and a piece on the French organization G.E.P.A.N.

Key Articles and Features

Interview: Michel Figuet

The magazine features an interview with Michel Figuet, author of a new book. Figuet describes his work as a "ufological index" rather than a typical UFO book, stating he began compiling observations on index cards in 1972. The book aims to be a comprehensive dictionary of ufological events in France. He explains that his book is structured into sections: an introduction by Jean-Louis Ruchon, a section on "fragments of the Past" covering events before 1906, and a detailed section on close encounters from 1906 to January 1977, citing 591 cases. He emphasizes that the book does not present hypotheses but allows readers to draw their own conclusions. Figuet also discusses the book's methodology, including citing sources, witness details, and observations, and mentions that it includes a part on physical and physiological effects on humans and animals. He clarifies that his book focuses on France and does not delve into extraterrestrial contact, though he mentions one case of contact investigated by a serious group.

Jean Migueres: Mise au Point

This section addresses the ongoing controversy surrounding Jean Migueres. The publication acknowledges receiving threats and insults following their previous coverage of the Migueres case. They express gratitude for letters of support from various personalities and organizations. The article mentions that Migueres' lawyer contacted individuals who had previously been involved with the case, and the former bureau of the association resigned due to related issues. The author apologizes to Monsieur and Madame Migueres for any misinterpretations or potential damage caused by their previous writings. They also mention an oversight regarding the "Cabinet Olive" in Perpignan. The publication reiterates that other points of their investigation remain verifiable and express doubt about Migueres' claimed extraterrestrial contact, while acknowledging his accident. They also note Migueres' alleged attempts to discourage their investigation and mention a potential lawsuit against AESV and Guy Tarrade.

Le G.E.P.A.N. (Groupe d'Étude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés)

This article details the creation and purpose of GEPAN, a French governmental agency established in May 1977 under the National Space Studies Centre (CNES). GEPAN was formed due to government interest, public curiosity, and the involvement of CNES engineers. The article outlines the agency's structure, including a full-time responsible person and secretary, dozens of volunteer agents, and a Scientific Council composed of high-level scientists. GEPAN's information sources include the Gendarmerie Nationale, Aviation Civile, the Air Force, and the Navy, as well as private ufological groups. The article discusses GEPAN's initial tasks in 1977-1978, which focused on improving investigation methods and statistical analysis of witness testimonies. It highlights two key aspects of the phenomenon: the non-reducibility of certain "non-identified" phenomena to classical physical or psychological explanations, and the strong presumption of a physical component. GEPAN's methods for collecting objective physical data include radar data, environmental trace analysis, and optical diffraction networks. The article also touches upon the psychological component, discussing witness perception, memory, and the potential for rumor and distortion.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a "Rubrique littéraire ufologique" (Ufological Literary Section) reviewing Brad Steiger's book "Projet Blue Book," which analyzes the historical UFO investigations conducted by the U.S. Air Force. The review critically examines the conclusions of the Blue Book project, highlighting its tendency to dismiss sightings as misidentifications or hoaxes. It quotes extensively from the project's conclusions, emphasizing the skepticism towards the existence of UFOs. The issue also contains a list of ufological groups and publications from various countries, including France, Switzerland, Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg, Great Britain, New Jersey, and Denmark. An announcement regarding the upcoming Skylab re-entry is also present, along with information about a UFO conference organized by BUFORA in London.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rigorous investigation of UFO phenomena, the critical analysis of official reports (like Project Blue Book), and the importance of scientific methodology in ufology. The AESV positions itself as a serious research organization, aiming to provide detailed accounts and analyses of cases. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between factual evidence and speculation, and on understanding both the physical and psychological aspects of reported sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, tempered with scientific skepticism and a commitment to thorough investigation, as exemplified by their approach to the Migueres case and their support for GEPAN's work.

This issue, number 19, of 'Les Cahiers de l'Extraordinaire' delves into the methodological approach for investigating unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). The content is primarily in French, with some contact information and notes also provided in English.

Editorial Stance and Approach to UAP Investigation

The editorial content, particularly the concluding sections, outlines a structured and scientific approach to understanding UAP. Alain Esterle, Chief of GEPAN, emphasizes that the goal is not to apprehend these phenomena globally from the outset, but rather to study them point by point. Common recurring themes in UAP reports are identified, including truncated or angled luminous beams, silent movements without aerodynamic effects, and interactions with the environment such as engine stalls or witness malaise. These points are to be addressed separately, first in terms of their compatibility with existing theories and then their technological feasibility, though the latter is considered less immediately important.

The core question driving the research is whether the described phenomena are truly as 'aberrant' as they are made out to be. The response to this question, whether negative or positive, will guide further research. A negative answer would mean that real phenomena are not necessarily those described, while a positive answer would necessitate a re-evaluation of theoretical frameworks and psychological components. Regardless of the outcome, these conclusions are deemed valuable for situating the UAP phenomenon in relation to known physical theories.

The issue stresses that a clear, coherent methodology is essential before demanding significant resources. It advocates for a balanced approach, avoiding both the neglect of the problem due to insufficient means and the demand for excessive resources without a defined strategy. This path is presented as the condition for future progress in understanding UAP.

Key Articles and Sections

Conclusion: Towards a Global Approach

This section reiterates that UAP pose a problem, and that both physical and psychological components are present. The current phase of study aims to 'situate' the problem within the context of physical and human sciences. This will be achieved through systematic data collection, the development of specific studies, and a global reflection based on the results. The approach is described as a logical progression towards a better understanding of unidentified aerospace phenomena.

Infos Section

This section provides a list of recently published books related to UAP and extraterrestrial phenomena, including titles like 'OVNI: L'Armée Parle' by Jean-Claude Bourret, 'Extraterrestres ou Vayageurs du Temps ?' by Hervé Laronde, and 'OVNI: Le premier dossier complet des Rencontres rapprochées en France' by Michel Piguet and Jean-Louis Kuchon. It also mentions other relevant books and collections.

Calls for Information and Associations

An appeal is made by the A.E.S.V. Suisse for systematic ufological information concerning Switzerland to enhance their observation catalog. The creation of the Association Suisse de Coordination de la Recherche Ufologique (ASCRU) is announced, along with details of its upcoming meeting. Mentions are also made of 'Enigmes' magazine and 'UFO NACHRICHTEN' from Germany, and 'UFO QUEBEC' from Canada.

Events and Publications

An upcoming 'quinzaine de l'OVNI' (UAP fortnight) in Bulle, Switzerland, is announced, organized by the CUB. The section also lists two 'forgotten' books: 'Le monde de l'inconnu - Tout sur les OVNI' and 'Le Guide des Soucoupes Volantes'.

Acknowledgements

The publication expresses willingness to exchange with similar publications and thanks various correspondents from France, Switzerland, Russia, Italy, and Spain.

Contact Information

The 'Contact Information' section provides the address for the 'Observatoire des Parasciences' in Marseille, France, along with email addresses and website links for 'Ovni-Présence' and 'Anomalies'. A strong copyright notice is included, prohibiting the unauthorized online retrieval or distribution of the publication's digital version, with the only authorized online presence being on the AFU (Archives for the Unexplained) website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the systematic, scientific, and interdisciplinary investigation of UAP. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, emphasizing rigorous data collection and analysis over sensationalism. There is a clear focus on establishing a solid methodology before scaling up research efforts. The importance of integrating physical and psychological sciences is a central tenet. The publication also serves as a hub for information exchange within the ufological community, highlighting new books, associations, and events.