Approche - no 04 - Automne 1974

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LA REVUE DES OVNI VORES APPROCHE" (The Review of UFO Eaters Approach), issue number 4, published in Autumn 1974 by the SOCIETE VAROISE D'ETUDE DES PHENOMENES SPATIAUX (SVEPS), is a 40-page magazine focused on UFO phenomena, alternative energy, and micro-computers. The cover features a bold "APPROCHE" title and a stylized illustration of a flying saucer. The price is 3 French Francs, with an annual subscription for 4 issues costing 10 Francs. The magazine is distributed free to SVEPS members.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "L'ENERGIE-VIE" (Life-Energy) by J. L. Forest, draws a parallel between the life cycle of a butterfly and humanity's potential future. It argues that humanity is facing an energy crisis due to reliance on precarious resources and outdated technologies. Forest suggests that unexplained phenomena, particularly those related to UFOs, may offer insights into new energy sources. He criticizes the current civilization's reliance on "death-energy" and atomic solutions, advocating for a shift towards "life-energy" that is freely available from natural sources like the sun, wind, and gravity. The editorial emphasizes the urgency of this transition for humanity's survival and evolution, urging readers to consider the scientific implications of ufology.

Key Articles and Sections

NOS ENQUETES (Our Investigations)

This section presents several witness accounts of UFO sightings investigated by SVEPS members:

• MAROC: NUIT : FEVRIER-MARS 1973: M. Roussel Pol, a lieutenant, reported seeing a large, yellowish-blue sphere with red and violet amplifications moving at high speed near El Ksiba, Morocco. The object stopped, appeared larger, and then vanished. Two other sections of Goumiers reportedly made similar observations that night.
• SAINT-TROPEZ: Septembre 1968: M. Ducati, a chauffeur, along with two employees, observed an oval object with a flat ring, illuminated from within, moving in a complex trajectory near Saint-Tropez. The object was described as metallic with visible rectangular "hublots."
• TOURTOUR: Var: 17-02-74:20 h 00: Mme Suzanne Verdier and M. Algenti reported seeing a dark, oval object with two luminous "banana" shaped zones at the bottom, hovering silently over a wooded area. They noted it was not an airplane or helicopter and that their dogs did not react.
• AISNE: 21 h 30-22h 00: Septembre-Octobre 1966: An anonymous witness and his wife observed a luminous mass, comparable in color and diameter to the full moon, moving rapidly from west to east near Gricourt. They initially mistook it for the moon but realized it was mobile and disappeared behind a hill.
• TOULON: 22 avril 1974: 20 h 00-20 h 05: Mme Martin reported hearing a loud noise and seeing a large, red, oval object moving at high speed over her garden. She described the object's color as similar to flares but not blinding. The experience caused her significant fear and subsequent eye itching.
• GIENS: 6-06-74:21 h 30: M. Renoux Philippe, a draftsman, observed a bright yellow-clear point moving uniformly, followed by a smaller point exhibiting disordered movements and rapid ascent. The phenomenon lasted about 40 seconds. Other witnesses corroborated the observation.
• FRANCE-SUD: 12-06-74 21 h-22h: Multiple witnesses, including M. Castel-Lana, reported seeing a large red sphere moving from west to east at high altitude (50-150 km) across Southern France and Northern Spain. The object appeared to recede and disappear behind buildings in Toulon.

DETECTIONS (Detections)

This section lists several detection events, primarily involving electronic detectors and brief visual observations:

• TOULON: Détection: 6-04-74: 4 h 00: M. Losa reported his detector activating, but a cloudy sky prevented visual observation. He experienced intense eye burning later that day.
• TOULON: Détection: 17-04-74:20 h 35-21 h 50: M. Fevre reported multiple detector activations. At 20:47, a red luminous point was observed moving in a zigzag pattern before disappearing into clouds.
• TOULON: Détection: 15-06-74 et 21 06-74: M. Losa's detector activated on both dates, but no visual observations were made.

INTRODUCTION AUX MICRO-ORDINATEURS (Introduction to Micro-Computers)

This series, authored by Mare Marinello (Ingénieur ETS, Conseiller technique SVEPS), aims to introduce readers to micro-computers and the SVEPS "Station-Laboratoire" project.

• Article 1: INTRODUCTION AU MICRO-COMPUTER: This article defines a micro-computer as a technological evolution of computers, outlining its three fundamental parts: the central unit, memory, and interface circuit. It states that these will be explained in future articles.
• Article 2: STATION LABORATOIRE - INFORMATIONS: This series will detail the progress of the SVEPS "Station-Laboratoire" project, including difficulties and successes, and will welcome reader input.
• Article 3: APPLICATIONS D'ELECTRONIQUE: This section will present simple electronic devices and experiments that readers can build, such as an electronic clock, a walkie-talkie, and high-fidelity circuits.

The author expresses hope that this electronics section will be of interest and offers to provide circuits to interested readers. Suggestions are welcomed by Monsieur Compain in Toulon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), the exploration of alternative energy sources (referred to as "life-energy"), and the burgeoning field of micro-computers. The editorial stance, as articulated by J. L. Forest, is one of open inquiry into these subjects, particularly advocating for the potential of "life-energy" as a solution to global energy needs and human survival. The magazine encourages scientific investigation and witness reporting, positioning ufology as a critical area of study for understanding humanity's future. The inclusion of the micro-computer section indicates SVEPS's forward-looking approach, integrating technological advancements with their broader research interests.

APPROCHE, Issue 10, Volume 1, dated July 1973, is a French-language magazine published by SVEPS. The cover prominently features the headline "OVNI ET METEORES" (UFOs and Meteors), suggesting a focus on these topics. The issue also includes technical information about the Intel 8080 microprocessor.

Technical Section: Intel 8080 Microprocessor

The first page is dedicated to a preliminary specification of the Intel 8080 Single Chip Eight-Bit Parallel Central Processor Unit. Key features highlighted include:

• 2µsec Instruction Cycle
• Directly Addresses 65k Bytes of Memory
• Unlimited Nesting of Subroutines
• Expanded I/O Port Capability (Maximum of 256 Input Ports and 256 Output Ports)
• Compatibility with Any Type or Speed Semiconductor Memory
• Contains Seven 8-Bit Registers
• Compatible with 8008 Software
• 74 Basic Processor Instructions (including all 48 8008 Instructions)
• Instruction Set includes Decimal and Binary Arithmetic, Indexed JUMP, and Double Length Operation in Data Registers.
• Multiple Interrupt Handling Capability
• DMA Capability
• Provision for Multiple Processing
• TTL Compatible (Except for Clocks)
• N Channel Silicon Gate, Packaged in 40 Pin DIP.

A note indicates that this specification is preliminary and subject to change.

Lexicon and Concepts (Page 2)

Page 2 provides a French lexicon of computer terms, including definitions for 'ePu' (Central Processing Unit), 'Byte', 'Bit', 'K Byte', 'Subroutines', 'I.O.' (Input-Output), 'Registers', 'Instructions', 'Interrupt', and 'DMA' (Direct Memory Access). It also explains binary, octal, and hexadecimal number bases, emphasizing the use of hexadecimal.

Thematic Articles

Atlantis and the Valley of the Nile

This section, authored by A. GUILMENT and Madame WEISSEN-SZUMLANSKA, delves into theories connecting Atlantis to ancient Egypt. It suggests that the Sahara was once a fertile region and that Atlanteans migrated to Egypt, influencing its civilization. The article traces a hypothetical route from Cap Soleïs (in what is now Western Ethiopia) to the Nile, referred to as the "Piste des grandes Nomades" (Path of the Great Nomads). It mentions findings such as rock engravings and ancient fluvial occupation traces, leading to Abydos. The narrative links the Atlantean civilization to the myth of Osiris, Isis, and Horus, portraying them as great initiates.

UFOs and Meteors

Authored by Bruno SAHM, President of the S.A.H.M. (Société Astronomique Hyéroise amateur), this section discusses the observation of UFOs and meteors. It emphasizes the need for scientific rigor in UFO observation and provides guidance on how to observe the night sky. The article distinguishes between two types of meteors:

• Meteors created by meteorites: These are part of meteor showers, like the Draconides observed on October 9, 1933, which result from the disintegration of a comet (Giacobini-Zimmer).
• Sporadic meteors: These are solitary meteors, like the 'bolide' shown in Photo 2.

The article also offers advice on how to avoid confusing UFOs with meteors, listing several characteristics of meteors (e.g., they light up and fade, cannot change speed or trajectory abruptly, can have varying brightness, and may be noisy).

Survey on Ufology

Pages 6 and 7 present the results of a survey conducted on June 25-26, 1974, in Toulon by the "Section jeunes" of SVEPS. The survey questioned 100 individuals (69 of whom responded) on their views regarding UFOs and ufology. Key questions and findings include:

• Belief in UFOs: 30.9% believe, 39.9% do not believe, 30% are undecided.
• Knowledge of Ufology: Only 6.5% know what ufology is.
• Attitude towards extraterrestrial civilization: 46.5% would be happy, 17.5% would be scared.
• Perceived information level: 17.9% feel informed, 41% do not.
• UFOs leaving traces: 41% believe they do.
• Reading ufology articles/books: 44% do.
• Belief in hidden information: 49% believe something is being hidden.
• Funding for ufology: 25% are aware of significant sums being allocated.
• Willingness to testify: 34% would testify if they witnessed a strange phenomenon.
• Desire to join a ufological society: 10% would join.

The survey notes that men and women have similar views, though women appear slightly more favorable to UFOs. It also observes that young people tend to be more skeptical, possibly due to a lack of information.

Book Reviews

• "Les Gadgets Électroniques": A simple, well-designed book for beginners and initiates, explaining various electronic assembly projects.
• "La Nouvelle Vague des Soucoupes Volantes" by J. Claude BOURRET: This book is reviewed critically for its commercial approach, which allegedly uses material from other ufological publications without attribution and sensationalizes the topic, potentially discrediting serious research.

Editorial and Organizational Information

• "Les Abonnés d'APPROCHE": An apology for delays in delivery due to the volunteer nature of the staff. It states that any profits will be reinvested in scientific research.
• "Plans d'Action": Outlines the operational principles of SVEPS, emphasizing research and collaboration. It mentions the upcoming library service and the need for members to contribute old paper.
• "Notre Méthode": SVEPS positions itself as a research-oriented society, not just a cultural one, and aims to be rigorous.
• "Escrocs!": A critical piece warning against exploitation by certain organizations that claim to collect UFO documents for publication but allegedly use them for commercial gain without crediting authors or publishing findings.
• "Le Magicien": A short fictional story about a magician and his son.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a rigorous, research-based approach to ufology, distinguishing itself from sensationalist or purely commercial ventures. There's an emphasis on scientific investigation, data collection, and the importance of informed public discourse. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging serious study of UFO phenomena while cautioning against misinformation and exploitation. The inclusion of technical articles like the Intel 8080 specification suggests a broader interest in science and technology alongside the ufological content. The survey results highlight a public that is largely uninformed but curious about UFOs, with a significant portion believing that information is being withheld.

This issue of the "BULLETIN" features a narrative centered around a magician and his son, Jean, who shares his name and artistic path. The story delves into themes of family, separation, loss, and the enduring legacy of art and performance. The issue also contains advertisements and membership information for organizations related to paranormal studies and local businesses.

The Magician's Story

The narrative begins by describing a simple, thoughtful woman who deeply loves her son. She is forced to separate from him temporarily, but her husband, a performer, promises to return for them. The outbreak of war in England separates them for many years. Upon his return, the magician finds his home and village destroyed. He is deeply affected by the war's devastation, having witnessed suffering and hardship among civilians and soldiers. His profession, which was to bring joy and wonder, now feels even more poignant.

He is reunited with his son, Jean, who he recognizes by his own name and resemblance. The story reveals that Jean's mother died at the end of the war, having struggled to raise their son alone. Before her death, she made Jean promise to find his father, who she described as a magician he would find in a circus or on stage.

Jean's Journey

Jean grows up with his mother's words as a constant reminder. He searches for his father and eventually finds him, describing him as an extraordinary father who brought wonder and joy to others. Jean learns the art of magic from his father, becoming an exceptional student. They share a profound bond, and Jean's father is proud of his son's talent, not resenting their eventual separation as Jean embarks on his own career.

Jean becomes a celebrated performer, touring Europe and then America, achieving great success. His wife, Nelly, who is also from a traveling family, accompanies him. She begins collecting stamps, noticing that letters from his father are all postmarked from different cities, a ruse to hide the fact that he was gravely ill and unable to travel.

A Final Reunion and Mysterious Encounter

Jean and Nelly travel to France upon learning of the magician's illness. They find him in a poor room, but he is happy to see his son and his daughter-in-law. He asks Jean to demonstrate his talent, and Nelly, with remarkable speed and skill, improvises a stage using their artist's trunk. Jean performs, transforming the room into a magical space. His father watches, smiling, and expresses his pride.

As the magician is dying, he gestures towards the window. Jean witnesses a series of oval-shaped objects, slightly flattened, descending and hovering near the window before ascending rapidly. He sees three such "flying saucers" in succession. He is overwhelmed by what he has seen. Turning, he finds his father, with his arm still extended towards the window, smiling. The magician then passes away. Jean never learns what his father's "second trick" was, implying the witnessed event was part of a final, mysterious performance.

Advertisements and Membership Information

The latter part of the issue contains advertisements for local businesses in Toulon, France, including a restaurant, a real estate agency, and electrical appliance stores. There is also information regarding "ADHESIONS A LA S.V.E.P.S." (Société Varoise d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux), detailing membership fees and requirements for joining this society dedicated to the study of spatial phenomena. This includes options for students, active members, and patrons, along with instructions for submitting photos and questionnaires. Subscription details for the "Bulletin" are also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the profound bond between a father and son, the transformative power of art and performance, the impact of war and loss, and the enduring mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena. The narrative emphasizes the importance of family, talent, and the pursuit of joy and wonder, even in the face of adversity. The inclusion of the S.V.E.P.S. advertisement suggests an editorial stance that is open to and supportive of investigations into UFOs and related topics.