AI Magazine Summary
Approche - no 09 - Printemps 1976
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AI-Generated Summary
This issue of APPROCHE magazine, identified as number 9 and dated Spring 1976, is published by the SOCIETE VAROISE D'ETUDE DES PHENOMENES SPATIAUX (S.V.E.P.S.). The cover prominently features the headline "OVNI en SUISSE" (UFOs in Switzerland), suggesting a focus on sightings…
Magazine Overview
This issue of APPROCHE magazine, identified as number 9 and dated Spring 1976, is published by the SOCIETE VAROISE D'ETUDE DES PHENOMENES SPATIAUX (S.V.E.P.S.). The cover prominently features the headline "OVNI en SUISSE" (UFOs in Switzerland), suggesting a focus on sightings and phenomena within that country. A quote from R. HARDY states, "These unexplained phenomena are the prefiguration of our future."
Editorial Stance and Methodology
The editorial, titled "LA DOCTRINE DE LA SVEPS," outlines the organization's approach to studying UFO phenomena. It criticizes the limitations of narrow scientific specializations, advocating for a "nexialist" approach that coordinates elements from different fields. The editorial emphasizes that science should not become a refuge from the unknown but rather an adventurous exploration. It calls for scientists who are both human and adventurous, capable of moving beyond strict dogma and embracing curiosity. The S.V.E.P.S. believes that the UFO-human relationship is likely one of intelligence to intelligence, not merely a radar-to-automatic probe interaction. They stress the importance of rigorous research methods, acknowledging the psycho-sociological aspects of their studies.
Activities and Collaborations
The magazine highlights the activities of the S.V.E.P.S., including its informatics section, which is working on structuring and computerizing the organization's data, such as accounting, files, and UFO observation cases. This work is facilitated by the Banque Populaire du Var, which provides access to their IBM 370/125 computer. The S.V.E.P.S. also seeks professional contributions in analysis, programming, and data entry.
Eyewitness Testimonies from Switzerland
A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to "TEMOIGNAGES EN SUISSE" (Testimonies from Switzerland).
Soucoupe à Zurich (Saucer in Zurich)
This report details an observation made on August 7, 1954, in Zurich. An observer, a civil servant and first lieutenant in aviation, described seeing a dark, straight line that resolved into a disc-shaped object, resembling an upside-down saucer. Its thickness was about one-sixth of its diameter, with a circular rim and a central surface. The object's color shifted between silver and blue, and it exhibited a slight wobble. A faint brown smoke was observed behind it. The object's size was estimated to be around 15 meters in diameter, and it moved at an altitude difficult to determine precisely.
Un Curieux Zeppelin (A Curious Zeppelin)
This testimony comes from Madame Raymonde Pillet and Monsieur Raymond Borloz, who observed an object on August 7, 1970, near Bex, Switzerland. They described a Zeppelin-like form without a gondola, approximately 12 meters long, with silvery-white to grey coloring and ogive-shaped windows. Although initially mistaken for a dirigible, the witness later realized zeppelins have gondolas and the timing didn't match. The object was observed at a low altitude and moved towards the mountains.
Médecin et Règle Volante (Doctor and Flying Ruler)
This account, observed by Dr. G. A. Farner in Port Zurich-Riesbach in the summer of 1952, describes a flying object. The details are brief, referencing an article from "In freien Stunden."
Des Centaines de Témoins (Hundreds of Witnesses)
This section reports on an observation on May 12, 1951, in Neuchatel, where hundreds of people reportedly saw a scintillating disc for about fifteen minutes, moving in jerky motions. This case is referenced from Maurice Santos' book "Les soucoupes volantes aux frontières de l'impossible."
Le Colonel et l'OVNI (The Colonel and the UFO)
Reported by Colonel Eggenberger in Payerne on September 6, 1949, this incident describes a clear, metallic, circular object observed during a flight training exercise. The object emitted clear rays and moved rapidly from northeast to southwest at an altitude of approximately 2000 meters, with an estimated speed of at least 1200 km/h. The report is considered one of the most reliable Swiss UFO observations due to the observer's credibility as an officer and meteorologist.
Boule Brillante (Brilliant Sphere)
Observed by Pastor Siegfried Joss Seeberg near the lake of Burgäschi around July 1950, this phenomenon was described as a brilliant, circular, metallic body, larger than the sun, appearing suddenly. It was completely immobile for 15-20 seconds before moving away at a very high speed without noise or leaving a condensation trail.
UFOs Announced Under Hypnosis
Une Affaire Bien Singulière dans le Vaucluse (A Very Peculiar Affair in Vaucluse)
This case, reported by a priest named Father M., involves a 14-15 year old boy who, under hypnosis, predicted the landing of UFOs in the region. The prediction was later refined by another subject under hypnosis, specifying a landing in St-Gilles three days later, between 11 PM and midnight. An expedition, including Father M. and several others, went to St-Gilles to observe. They witnessed a large, electric blue sphere descending, followed by four smaller spheres. The objects moved in a coordinated manner and descended vertically behind the town's buildings. The witnesses, particularly the adults, experienced significant fear during the observation. The report notes that Father M. is an experienced army officer with a good understanding of natural phenomena.
Congresses and Research
Congrès de Montluçon (Montluçon Congress)
The S.V.E.P.S. participated in a UFO congress in Montluçon from March 26-28, 1976. The congress, organized by E.P.I., focused on the integration of parapsychology into UFO research. The S.V.E.P.S. presented its new OVTEC III detector. The issue notes a perceived inferiority complex among private UFO research societies and a disconnect between scientific and non-scientific researchers, highlighted by a comment about computers being solely for scientists. The congress also discussed the idea of UFOs manipulating witnesses, a concept explored by Jean Giraud and Pierre Berthault.
The Problem of Perplexity
This section discusses the challenges in UFO research, including the difficulty in distinguishing between physical phenomena and psychological aspects. It touches upon the need for objective study, the elimination of hoaxes, and the potential for parapsychology to aid in understanding. The S.V.E.P.S. advocates for unifying inquiry questionnaires to facilitate archiving and correlation of cases. The issue also mentions the rejection of participation by Monsieur Poher in the Montluçon congress and the limited representation from various organizations, reducing it to a small colloquium.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, particularly within Switzerland, and the scientific investigation of these phenomena. The S.V.E.P.S. advocates for a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach, integrating scientific methodology with an open mind to explore the unknown. There's a clear emphasis on eyewitness testimony, case analysis, and the challenges faced by independent research groups. The integration of parapsychology into ufology is presented as a significant area of discussion. The editorial stance is one of promoting serious, rigorous research, pushing beyond established scientific dogma, and encouraging a holistic understanding of UFO phenomena.
This issue of Revue ufologique, dated May 10, 1970, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, parapsychology, and related scientific and historical inquiries. The cover features a stylized graphic and the headline "Le dieu blanc de l'année un de roseaux" (The White God of the Year of Reeds).
Articles and Content
The Nature of UFOs and EPI's Stance
The issue begins by exploring the perspective of the EPI (presumably an organization) members regarding UFOs. A journalist asks about their beliefs, and they affirm it's a 'new religion.' Their core belief is that material UFOs do not exist. Instead, they propose that experiences with the International Metapsychic Institute suggest that a medium, possibly unaware, can create an entity of unknown nature. However, the physical manifestations of UFOs repeatedly observed indicate aspects beyond mere immaterial creation. Jean Giraud, an animator from Montluçon, offers a slightly different view, suggesting that UFOs exist and maintain EPI members under constant mental control, referring to 'System X' as a 'super pedagogue' from which they are students.
The Montluçon Congress
The article discusses a congress in Montluçon where the 'System X' concept was presented. The methodology was criticized as vague and lacking rigor. A dialogue between R. Bonnaventure (TAAMT) and J. Giraud highlights the ambiguity, with Giraud admitting he doesn't know how to find the solution to the 'System X' problem. The congress concluded with the idea of a free federation of French groups, emphasizing internal autonomy, a concept developed by SVEPS jurists. The authors also stress the need for scientists to be more accessible and rigorous in their approach to ufology.
Scientific Support for UFO Existence
Dr. R.J. Hardy, a Doctor of Sciences from the New York Academy of Sciences, is featured, with his 1970 declaration that 'LES UFO EXISTENT!' (UFOs EXIST!). His text is presented as particularly interesting for its clear stance and explanation of the fundamental equation of the UFO phenomenon: its importance, indicated by J. Mac Donald's statement and the credibility of eminent scientists, supported by a particularly interesting case used in international research. Hardy recounts his 15 years of interest in UFOs, his affiliation with NICAP and APRO, and his study of US Air Force dossiers. He notes the growing number of scientists in the US and other countries openly interested in UFOs.
Symposiums and Prominent Researchers
The issue details a significant symposium held in the USA on July 29, 1968, where renowned scientists took a stand for the study of UFOs. They presented evidence from thousands of cases over 20 years, after eliminating hoaxes and explainable observations, leaving thousands of credible reports from competent witnesses, including pilots and radar detections. Key figures mentioned include Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Astrophysicist, Northwestern University), Dr. James E. McDonald (Physicist, University of Arizona), Dr. Carl Sagan (Physicist and Astrophysicist, Cornell University), Dr. Robert L. Hall (Socio-Psychologist, University of Illinois), Dr. James A. Harder (Mechanics of Fluids, University of California), and Dr. Robert M.-L. Barker (Physicist Mathematician, System Sciences Corp.).
A Typical UFO Case: The RB-47 Incident
A detailed account is given of a typical UFO case: the visual and radar observation of a UFO by an RB-47 aircraft on September 19, 1957. The aircraft, equipped with ECM countermeasures, was followed for over 600 miles by the UFO, which was detected by multiple systems (cockpit visual, ECM, ground radar). The UFO's sudden and simultaneous disappearance from all detection systems, followed by its reappearance, is described. This case, with its extensive documentation, is presented as strong evidence for the objective reality of the UFO phenomenon and its potential connection to Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (ETI).
Historical Context: Quetzalcoatl
The article "Le dieu blanc de l'année un de roseaux" (The White God of the Year of Reeds) explores the mystery of Quetzalcoatl. It questions how a small group of men could conquer a vast empire, suggesting that the legend of Quetzalcoatl, described as a man with a white skin and beard, might have been influenced by external factors. Hypotheses include a Viking visitor around the year 1000 or a European navigator who discovered the 'new world' before Columbus. The article also entertains the possibility of an extraterrestrial instructor or a time traveler.
Parapsychology and Psychokinesis (PK)
Denise Gerin's article "Expériences en PSYCHOKINESIE" (Experiments in Psychokinesis) discusses the activities of a parapsychology research group. It outlines three main areas of study: perception (ESP), action (psychokinesis), and psychic states like hypnosis. The article explains the process of PK experimentation, focusing on the manipulation of dice. It describes the roles of the subject and the experimenter, the use of a single die, and the importance of a relaxed mental state to avoid 'wandering thoughts.' The statistical comparison of results to chance is also mentioned.
Introduction to Micro-Computers and Sensors
Marc Marinello's "INTRODUCTION AUX MICRO-ORDINATEURS" (Introduction to Micro-Computers) series continues, focusing on the selection of sensors and measurements. This part (4th) discusses sensors that measure physical and meteorological phenomena, converting them into electrical signals. It lists various scientific sensors (magnetic field, electrostatic field, gravity, infrasound, ultrasound, radioactivity, spectral analysis, seismic phenomena) and meteorological sensors (atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed). Auxiliary sensors for radio waves and image recording are also mentioned. The goal is to monitor phenomena within a 50 km radius and record their evolution over time. The concept of multiplexing, where a single station scans multiple sensors, is explained, along with different types of multiplexers (mechanical, electromechanical, electronic).
Book Reviews
The issue includes several book reviews:
- LES ETRANGERS VENUS DE L'ESPACE by Major Donald Keyhoe: A report on UFO cases from the 1960s in America, based on 15 years of work by NICAP.
- CONNAISSANCE DES MEGALITHES by Fernand Niel: A general presentation of megaliths, their distribution, forms, and hypotheses about their use and origin.
- LES TEMPS MESSIANIQUES by Jean Sendy: A critical review, finding the book humorous but tedious, with an apparent animosity towards ufologists.
- A LA RECHERCHE DES OVNI by Jacques Scornaux and Christiane Piens: A simple and accessible introduction to UFOs, hypotheses, and related facts, recommended as a good starting point for ufology.
- DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES AUX OVNIS by Michel Bougard and SOBEPS: An excellent and comprehensive work covering UFO phenomena, historical cases, and scientific studies, though it suggests further electronic and human approaches beyond radar.
- LES OVNI EN URSS ET DANS LES PAYS DE L'EST by Ion Hobana and Julien Weverbergh: A long-awaited work on UFO research and testimonies from Eastern Bloc countries, featuring drawings and photos, with studies on the Tunguska explosion and photos from Cluj.
- Science-Fiction reviews include: "LES WALKYRIES DES PLEIADES" by Jan de FAST, "LES BATISSEURS DE MONDE" by P.-J. Herault, and "LES TRANSLUCIDES" by B.-R. Bruss.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFOs, the exploration of parapsychological phenomena like psychokinesis, and the technological aspects of monitoring such events. There's a clear editorial stance favoring rigorous scientific inquiry, as evidenced by the critique of the Montluçon congress's methodology and the emphasis on credible research by scientists. The publication also engages with historical mysteries and science fiction, suggesting a broad interest in the unexplained and speculative. The authors advocate for a more open and scientifically grounded approach to understanding UFOs and related phenomena.
This issue of 'Approche' magazine focuses on the activities and perspectives of ufologist Jean-Claude Bourret, featuring reports on his conferences and his approach to the study of UFO phenomena. It also includes organizational updates, subscription information, and advertisements for related products and services.