Approche - no 10 - juin-Juillet 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: APPROCHE
Issue: Numéro 10
Date: Juin - Juillet 1976
Publisher: SOCIETE VAROISE D'ETUDE DES PHENOMENES SPATIAUX (SVEPS)
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: Ces phénomènes inexpliqués sont la préfiguration de notre devenir. (These unexplained phenomena are the prefiguration of our future.)

This issue of APPROCHE, the review of the SVEPS, is dedicated to the memory of Dr. René Hardy, a co-founder of the society who passed away on June 12, 1972. The magazine highlights his contributions to science and UFO research, emphasizing his forward-thinking perspective.

Editorial: René HARDY (11 Juillet 1908 - 12 Juin 1972)

The editorial, written by Albert Guilment (Co-Founder and Dean of SVEPS), commemorates the four-year anniversary of Dr. René Hardy's passing. Hardy is remembered as a man of duty and knowledge, whose work was cut short but left a remarkable legacy. He is credited with founding SVEPS in 1970 and was deeply interested in UFO problems for about fifteen years. The editorial emphasizes that SVEPS will continue his work, striving for scientific rigor, open-mindedness, and a balanced approach to ufology, avoiding the pitfalls of sensationalism and materialism.

The editorial also details Dr. Hardy's impressive background: born in Bordeaux, he studied at the Sorbonne and Collège de France, earning a doctorate in sciences with high honors. His career included directing research departments at LMT and ITT, working on French air force projects, and consulting for MATRA and the French National Space Study Center (CNES). He held numerous distinctions, including Grand Officer of the Order of Merit for Research and Intervention, and was a member of scientific academies in Paris, Rome, and New York. His inventive spirit led to 250 patents in fields like electronics, ultrasonics, and optics. He was also involved with the International Metapsychic Institute and NICAP.

SVEPS's Mission and Future

The editorial outlines the future direction of SVEPS, which includes relying on science, aiding scientists, providing robust scientific equipment, maintaining an open mind for experimentation (especially in parapsychology), and pursuing research without succumbing to sensationalism. SVEPS aims to be a center for balanced knowledge, not a 'chapel of materialism,' and promotes rigor in reasoning, whether scientific or philosophical. The goal is to foster ufology that is open to all, providing reliable information and serious training, a method inherited from Dr. Hardy.

Distinctions

The magazine also congratulates Monsieur Guy Hasenfratz, Director of "83" and an SVEPS investigator, who was awarded the Chevalier du Mérite Philanthropique for his numerous charitable actions.

Key Articles and Investigations

"NOS ENQUETES" (Our Investigations)

This section, compiled by Vincent CESA, presents several UFO case studies:

1. LES EVOLUTIONS D'UN CURIEUX SOLEIL (The Evolutions of a Curious Sun)

• Date: July 16, 1969, between 8 PM and 9:15 PM.
• Location: RN 428 Langres-Chatillon-Sur-Seine, France.
• Witness: Dr. Hélène Marichal.
• Description: Dr. Marichal observed a large, round, voluminous object with a reddish, glowing color above the forest. Initially thinking it was the setting sun, she realized it was impossible as the sun had already set. The object's size was estimated at 15 cm when held at arm's length. It moved slowly, its diameter decreasing as it moved away. At one point, it emitted sparks and seemed to disintegrate. The observation coincided with the Apollo XI mission, but the object was too close and large to be related.

2. BOULE LUMINEUSE A TOULON (Luminous Ball at Toulon)

• Date: November 6, 1975, at 6:05 PM.
• Location: Toulon, France.
• Witnesses: Jean Sicoll and his sister, Madame Bruni Marie-France.
• Description: A large, intensely bright white ball, comparable to a full moon, appeared in the northern sky, illuminating the landscape. It had a bluish and orange interior, like gas flames. The object descended slowly, then stabilized before ascending and disappearing. The phenomenon lasted for about 15-20 seconds. Later, it reappeared as a bright star in a nebula. A similar phenomenon was observed by the same witness on October 20, 1975. During the observation, the witness felt a progressive dimming of light behind him, causing a brief period of total darkness in the vicinity. Another witness, M. Bachelot Jules, reported seeing a fast-moving object from East to West in the same area around the same time.

Vague d'observations au Nord de l'Espagne (Wave of Observations in Northern Spain)

This study by the group A.A. OVNIS details several sightings in Northern Spain:

• November 1, 1974:
• An ARZA family observed a luminous object flying silently over the mountains near Llodio, causing dogs to bark.
• Children in Llodio saw two very luminous objects, described as 'plates,' with luminous halos.
• November 14, 1974:
• Between 10:30 PM and 10:45 PM, a brilliant, disc-shaped object was seen by hundreds of inhabitants of Llodio. Witnesses described it as a 'reversed soup plate' with intense white-yellow light, appearing immobile at first, then moving towards Mont Larrano Pequeno. It was observed for over three minutes. The factory workers of 'Villosa' also observed the object.
• November 28, 1974:
• Near Logrono, a vehicle carrying young people stopped suddenly. A spherical, luminous object appeared, hovering insistently over the car and emitting light beams before disappearing. The witnesses, frightened, refused to provide further details.
• November 29, 1974:
• A group of 10 schoolchildren observed a long, vertical, silver object shaped like a cigar with orange lights, resembling an airplane. It displayed 'letter-like' structures and moved in a zigzag pattern. It was followed by another red object.
• December 13, 1974:
• Between 9:30 PM and 9:45 PM, a spherical object with a halo, similar to Saturn, appeared over Arnedo. It had a deep red color and was at an altitude of 1000 meters. Its intense light caused one witness to remove his glasses and experience a sleepless night. The phenomenon was described as a 'fire of iodine' with blinding flashes. The object's appearance coincided with the temporary shutdown of a television receiver.

LE CAS DE BEDARRIDES (The Case of Bedarrides)

• Date: September 27, 1973, at 5:30 PM.
• Location: Mont Real, Bedarrides, Vaucluse, France.
• Witness: ANTOINE (a retired mechanic).
• Description: Antoine reported seeing two humanoid beings, approximately 1.20 meters tall, with pale complexions, round faces, and black berets, in a clearing. They were described as having a particular allure and were seen picking something off the ground. Antoine initially mistook them for children due to their size. The witness, who is considered serious and balanced, has been reluctant to discuss the event since due to ridicule from his community.

Graphic of Observations

A graph displays the number of UFO cases observed over twelve weeks, from November 1974 to January 1975, showing fluctuations in sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and the scientific investigation of these events. The magazine strongly advocates for a rigorous, scientific approach to ufology, as exemplified by the legacy of Dr. René Hardy and the ongoing work of SVEPS. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and a commitment to providing factual information and promoting serious research. The editorial emphasizes the importance of studying the phenomenon in its entirety, rather than selectively accepting parts of it, and highlights the potential for these unexplained phenomena to shape humanity's future.

This issue of APPROCHE, identified as issue 11, focuses on a variety of intriguing topics, including UFO phenomena, alchemical symbolism, parapsychology, and astronomy. The magazine presents itself as a platform for exploring subjects that extend beyond conventional ufology, embracing the 'bizarre' and the 'curious'.

UFO Sighting Near Ventoux

The issue details a significant UFO sighting reported by a witness named ANTOINE. The account begins with the observation of two humanoids, described as having human-like hands and feet, wearing a uniform beige outfit, and appearing perfectly alike. They emitted a sound similar to laughter before disappearing into the woods. Shortly after, an oval-shaped, grey-blue object, approximately 5 meters long and 2 meters high, rose vertically from behind a massif. It ascended to about 6 meters above the ground, appearing metallic and without any visible openings or lights. The object then moved horizontally at high speed towards the Ventoux mountain. The witness, ANTOINE, was not frightened by the event. He later observed that the object had rested in a small, invisible hollow, not directly on the ground but a few centimeters above it, leaving no trace of landing gear, calcination, or unknown material. The object's height was estimated to be around 2 meters. The report notes the proximity of a high-tension power line and a radio-amateur antenna to the sighting location. Interestingly, ANTOINE believed the UFOs were of terrestrial origin and piloted by Chinese, considering it a spy plane and the humanoids to be Chinese spies, despite having no prior knowledge of ufology.

Alchemical Symbolism in Cimiez Monastery Paintings

The magazine features an in-depth analysis of the enigmatic paintings found in the sacristy of the Franciscan monastery in Cimiez, Nice, dating back to 1585. These paintings are noted for their complex symbolism, which has been difficult to decipher. The article, drawing on the work of R.P. PASCAL and the writings of FULCANELLI, suggests that the paintings represent a double-coded message. The symbolism is interpreted as drawing from ancient esoteric traditions and Freemasonry, oriented towards Christian themes like the Virgin and Christ. The figures are presented in complementary couples, such as a dragon facing a radiant sun (representing the struggle between darkness and light), a pearl in a shell facing a precious stone (symbolizing the feminine principle and spiritual passage), and a lily on manure opposing a rose (representing Christ/Mary and the Mother of the Savior).

Parapsychology Research: Psychokinesis and Hypnosis

Another significant section of the magazine is dedicated to parapsychology. It includes an interview with Dr. LANTRUA, who presents his latest apparatus for studying psychokinesis (PK) effects. This machine is designed to record very low-amplitude PK effects while minimizing external perturbing factors like vibrations, air currents, and static electricity. The experiments involve subjects attempting to mentally influence a torsion pendulum. The results, though currently insufficient quantitatively, show significant variations depending on the subject and whether the water tank in the apparatus is empty or filled. The article also touches upon the broader field of parapsychology, with a review of Dominique WEBB's book on hypnosis and PSI phenomena, which provides a historical overview and synthesis of current knowledge, integrating hypnosis within the study of parapsychology. Additionally, an erratum is included regarding a previous article on psychokinesis.

Astronomical Perspectives: Life in the Universe

Jean RABUEL, President of the S.A.H.A., contributes an article discussing the existence of life in the universe. He reviews the history of astronomical discoveries, from the detection of obscure companions to stars like Sirius and Procyon to the identification of planets around Barnard's Star. Rabuel posits that planetary systems are common and estimates that a significant fraction of galaxies likely host planets with life. He suggests that replicas of Earth, favorable to life's development, are likely numerous.

Scientific Research: Gravitation and Radiation

Dr. R. HARDY presents a study on scientific research concerning gravitation and radiation in general relativity. The article explores the possibility of 'para-gravitation' and its potential application in future astronautics. It delves into the concept of 'para-normal' gravitation, suggesting that a body emitting total radiation of positive density in one direction and negative density in the opposite direction might experience a reaction that could lead to controlled movement, potentially overcoming gravitational constraints. The role of negative radiation in maintaining quantum order within atoms and its relation to the resistance of entropy in stable systems is also discussed.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews: "LE NOUVEAU DEFI DES OVNI" by Jean-Claude BOUURRET, which accesses Gendarmerie Nationale UFO files; "AKHENATION ET NEFERTITI, LE COUPLE SOLAIRE" by CHRISTIAN JAQ, focusing on the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten; "WANU PURA: Le Chemin des Sorciers des Andes" by Hector LOAIZA, exploring Andean philosophy; and "AUX ORIGINES DE L'EGYPTE" by Jean-Louis BERTRAND, which attempts to link ancient Egypt with India and Tantric yoga.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's editorial stance, as indicated by its title 'APPROCHE' and the cover slogan 'C'EST L'UFOLOGIE AU LOGIS!', is to explore a wide range of subjects, including those considered unusual or esoteric, such as ufology, alchemy, and parapsychology. The publication aims to provide a platform for scientific inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging readers to engage with complex ideas and challenging conventional perspectives. The inclusion of diverse topics suggests an editorial philosophy that values open-mindedness and a broad scope of investigation, connecting seemingly disparate fields like astronomy, ancient symbolism, and cutting-edge scientific theories.

This issue of OVTEC, dated 1971, focuses on the theoretical physics of Burkhard Heim and its potential applications, alongside reviews of science fiction literature and an advertisement for the OVTEC UFO detector.

Burkhard Heim's Theory of Antigravitation

The central theme is Burkhard Heim's exhaustive theory of force fields, which aims to unify quantum theory and general relativity. The article highlights that while quantum theory explains atomic phenomena and general relativity describes the macrocosm and gravity, neither alone is sufficient, and they are fundamentally incompatible. Heim's theory, developed with new mathematical methods, is presented as a general field theory that encompasses both as special cases, thus filling the gaps in contemporary physics.

A key characteristic of Heim's theory is its integration of gravitation with quantum mechanics, leading to a deeper understanding of the interaction between matter and gravity. Particularly striking is the relationship established between electromagnetic radiation and the force of inertial mechanics, which Einstein equated to gravity. Heim's operator, when applied to electromagnetic radiation under specific physical conditions, causes it to disappear and transform into a mechanical force.

This transformation of electromagnetic energy into kinetic energy occurs with minimal loss, unlike radiation pressure or reaction, where only a small fraction of energy is converted. Heim's principle ensures that almost all radiated electromagnetic energy is transformed into kinetic energy. He has physically interpreted the conditions for this transformation and developed an experimental device to demonstrate it, though currently on a limited scale. The development of new, sensitive equipment, such as a balance capable of measuring minute weight differences (10^-9 g), was necessary for these experiments. The goal is to extend this principle to electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelengths, such as ultraviolet and X-rays.

The article suggests that this transformation of electromagnetic energy into kinetic energy, providing immediate thrust and acceleration, opens vast possibilities for technological advancements, especially in vehicle construction and space navigation. It could enable the design of universal vehicles capable of maneuvers far surpassing current capabilities, making interstellar navigation a more tangible prospect.

Science Fiction Reviews

The issue includes several reviews of science fiction books:

• "Retour à O" by Stéphan Wul: Presented as a new, more 'Grand Public' offering from the Fleuve Noir collection, this re-edition features a writer popular in the 1950s. The reviewer finds the book charming despite its age.
• "Les Damnés de l'espace" by J.-P. Garen: An 'Anticipation Fiction' from Fleuve Noir. The story follows Captain West's escape and transformation into the pirate 'Black'. The reviewer notes a surprising ending and a consistently alert style, though the theme is not novel.
• "Trois pas dans l'éternité" by R.A. Heinlein: Described as three disappointing novellas, the reviewer suggests forgetting this work from Heinlein, who is known for better novels.
• "Les Lumières" by Yves Dermeze: This 'Masque Science Fiction' story depicts humans who become nearly blind but distinguish themselves by an 'aura' proportional to their intelligence. The narrative follows ambitious characters with red auras. The reviewer calls it a fascinating, non-space-based science fiction.
• "Appelez-moi Dieu" by Yann Menez: A Fleuve Noir 'Lendemains retrouvés' title, praised as an excellent and characteristically biting work from the author, offering adult science fiction.

OVTEC Detector Advertisement

An advertisement introduces the OVTEC, a modular UFO detector with an induction coil, marketed as a "Your individual laboratory at home!". It is described as sensitive, new, compact, and high-performing, detecting on all frequency ranges with a sensitivity of 2500 γ. It features autonomous power for extended periods, only consuming current during abnormal magnetic fields, and a powerful 1500 Hz loudspeaker. The device comes with a warranty and user manual. The advertisement also mentions the possibility of adapting modules for three-dimensional systems, calculating field intensity and frequency, and includes a clock. It notes that SVEPS, the organization behind it, is not a commercial company and is launching a subscription to gauge interest, with a unit price estimated between 150 and 200 francs. Subscriptions are requested via a simple letter, with no deposit required.

Other Content

Page 4 contains advertisements for "Paradis de la Lumière" (a home goods store in Toulon) and "maisons et piscines" (construction services). It also features information on "Facetttes", a publication described as a "Mirror of Curiosity" that publishes historical and cultural articles, and details on how to subscribe to "Approche" magazine and join SVEPS.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes theoretical physics, particularly Heim's ambitious attempt at a unified field theory, suggesting a forward-looking and scientifically curious editorial stance. The inclusion of science fiction reviews indicates an interest in speculative futures and imaginative storytelling, aligning with the broader themes of scientific advancement and exploration. The advertisement for the OVTEC detector, while presented as a product, also taps into the ufology interest often associated with science fiction and theoretical physics.