Nos enquêtes

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Nos enquêtes" delves into detailed investigations of UFO (OVNI) sightings, focusing on "Observations rapprochées à Silly" (Close Observations in Silly) and other significant cases.

Observations rapprochées à Silly

Observation du jeudi 21 mars 1974

On the night of March 21, 1974, near Silly, Belgium, a motorist named Mme Demierbe was driving when she observed several red and green lights above the trees. Initially mistaking them for an aircraft, she slowed down and then stopped as the lights approached the road. She realized it was not an airplane or helicopter but a large, bell-shaped object with red and green lights at the top and a row of white, blinking 'portholes' around its lower circumference. The object moved slowly and silently, describing a wide curve towards her car before heading towards the woods. The observation lasted about five to six minutes. Her car's systems were unaffected.

Observation du jeudi 5 septembre 1974

On September 5, 1974, around 8:00 PM, a neighbor of Mme Demierbe observed blinking white and red lights high in the sky moving slowly and rectilinearly. Later that evening, Mme Demierbe's husband, M. Demierbe, driving on the same road, noticed green flashes emanating from the foliage of the woods bordering the road. His wife observed what appeared to be a 'rocket of light' ascending rapidly from the woods. The object emitted a 'whirring' sound that masked the car's engine noise. The light illuminated the trees, and the couple later returned with friends. They observed a strong green light in the woods, described as a rotating police light. The phenomenon was intermittent and seemed to move around. The witnesses compared the light to tracer bullets. They noted that the lights diminished in intensity as they approached and intensified as they moved away.

Demierbe Family's Subsequent Observations

M. Demierbe and his wife returned to the woods. While driving, they observed a powerful, dazzling green flash that illuminated the road and trees, causing the driver of another car to momentarily lose control. The light was described as magnificent, like a park lit by projectors, and then abruptly extinguished.

Mme Demierbe reported experiencing itching and fatigue for about fifteen days following her March observation. Her mother, Mme Vandercappellen, also suffered from insomnia and anxiety.

Additional Witness Accounts and Details

Several witnesses reported hearing a 'humming' sound independent of the visual phenomena. Mme Wilmus described it as a light whistling, while the Richez sisters compared it to a faint engine noise. Others confirmed hearing a sound resembling distant thunder. The witnesses also reported eye strain and a feeling of being observed.

The "Repair" of a UFO in the USA

Incident in New Berlin, New York (November 25, 1964)

This section details an incident that occurred between 00:45 and 04:55 AM on November 25, 1964, near New Berlin, New York. Marianne H. and her husband Richard were visiting her parents. Marianne, unable to sleep, went outside and observed what she initially thought were two shooting stars. These lights descended directly towards the road, exhibiting exceptional brightness. She heard a 'dull humming' sound. As she watched, an object descended slowly, hovering near the road. Several figures, described as being about 5 to 6 feet tall, wearing dark, wetsuit-like garments, and having pale skin, emerged from the object. They appeared to be working on the object, carrying toolboxes. Marianne described their heads and necks, noting their skin was as pale as their hands and that they had short hair. She estimated their height to be between 1.98 and 2.45 meters.

The "Repair" Process

Two UFOs were involved. The first object hovered, and figures emerged to work on it. A second object arrived, and more figures joined. They were seen cutting and manipulating what appeared to be long cables and a 'motor' or 'energy source'. The operation involved about 10-12 individuals. The object then ascended vertically and disappeared. The entire process lasted approximately from 1:00 AM to 4:54 AM.

Physical Traces

Later that afternoon, Marianne and her mother returned to the site and found triangular marks on the ground, forming a triangle measuring 4.5 to 6.1 meters per side. One of the landing 'feet' had apparently broken a rock. They also discovered a piece of 'cable' about 7.5 cm long, described as having a dark outer layer and an inner band of shredded aluminum-like material. The object itself was described as having a round front and a conical base.

The Photo Dossier of Inforespace

Calgary, Alberta, Canada (July 3, 1967)

This section discusses photos taken by M. Warren Smith on July 3, 1967, near Calgary. The photos were studied by Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Edward U. Condon. Smith and two friends were returning from a mining expedition when they observed an object. The object was initially seen at an altitude of 610 meters and descended regularly. It was described as having no visible wings and emitting no sound. Smith took several photos of the object as it descended and then ascended. The object was estimated to be between 12 and 15 meters in diameter and 3.50 to 4 meters thick.

Analysis of the Calgary Photos

The photos were analyzed by the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Condon Commission. The analysis suggested the cloud formations in the photos were consistent with the reported circumstances. Dr. Hynek concluded that the photos likely depicted real images. However, the Condon Commission suggested the images could have been produced by a model. The photos showed a descending and then ascending object. Some debris, identified as a compound of melted aluminum and magnesium, was reportedly recovered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are close encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), detailed witness testimonies, physical evidence left behind, and the scientific analysis of these events. The magazine presents these cases with a focus on factual reporting and investigation, aiming to explore the unexplained aspects of UAP sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and expert opinions while acknowledging the complexities and differing interpretations within the UFO research community.

This issue of "Nouvelles internationales" focuses on international UFO (OVNI) reports from 1974 and 1975, presenting detailed accounts and analyses of sightings and encounters. The magazine aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these phenomena, drawing from witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and scientific investigations.

Hergies, France: Borderland UFOs

The article "OVNI frontaliers..." details several incidents in Hergies, France, near the Belgian border. In September 1974, a car experienced electrical failures (lights, engine, radio) after entering a dark, circular area described as a 'fog.' The systems returned to normal upon exiting. Earlier, in March 1974, a similar incident occurred, and in August 1974, a perfectly circular area in a wheat field was found with the wheat completely flattened. A more detailed observation on September 4, 1974, described a dark, metallic object with a dome and eight 'windows' emitting white light, which later emitted blue flashes and moved away. On September 7, 1974, three discs were observed hovering, with two departing rapidly. The investigation was conducted by "Lumières Dans La Nuit."

The Condon Report and Dr. Hynek's Analysis

A section discusses the differing opinions between Dr. Condon and Dr. Hynek regarding a specific UFO case, likely related to photographic analysis. Dr. Hynek disagreed with the RCAF's interpretation of a photo, suggesting it showed an object with a specific shape. A specialist, M. Fred Beckmann, analyzed original negatives and concluded the images were of a 'real' object. However, the Condon Commission maintained that the photos could be from a model and lacked sufficient evidence for identification. The article highlights the contrasting conclusions published in two books by Condon and Hynek, presenting this dossier to compare their viewpoints.

Carcès, France: Physical Effects of a UFO Encounter

On February 10, 1975, near Carcès, France, M. Fraisse observed a strange object emitting bright white light. The object was described as dark, approximately 15 meters long and 2 meters high, with six 'windows' and a conical light at the rear. The object emitted powerful blue flashes. During the observation, the witness's car radio crackled and stopped working, and his television experienced frequent disruptions around the time of the sighting. Investigations at the site revealed unusual soil resistivity and negative ionization, but no significant infrared radiation. However, a remanent magnetic field was detected, suggesting a possible physical interaction with the object.

Icelandic 'Fireballs'

The HIRON (Icelandic Institute for the Research of Unknown Natural Phenomena) was founded in November 1974. The institute has reported observations of 'fireballs' over Iceland, including a large, bright sphere observed on January 9, 1975, near Vopnafjord, which moved rapidly and slowly. Similar phenomena were reported in Akureyri and Husavik.

United States: New Jersey and Maryland Sightings

On July 4, 1975, in New Jersey, M. Cahill and Mlle Tiger observed a UFO estimated to be twenty meters in diameter, moving slowly and emitting intense light. The object ascended rapidly and disappeared. A similar sighting was reported by a private pilot. On July 27, 1975, a Navy employee observed a silent, luminous object descend, joined by a second similar object. The second object then ascended rapidly and disappeared. These cases were investigated by NICAP.

Brazil: Minibus Incident and Physical Traces

On May 17, 1968, in Brazil, a minibus carrying MM. José Da Silva, Manuel Gonzalez, Flavio, and Moises was lifted off the ground by a luminous, circular object. The vehicle was suspended briefly before being dropped back down. The object then accelerated and disappeared. Witnesses reported a loud noise, similar to a drill, and a feeling of heat and lack of air. Secondary effects included violent vomiting, itching, and hair loss. A burnt patch was found on the minibus roof. Later, in June 1974, near Prainha Sao Miguel, fishermen observed a strange object crash into the sea. On July 2, 1974, tourists in Gravata observed a 'flying saucer' hovering over the sea. The article also mentions the 'Ubatuba case' from 1957, where metallic debris, identified as highly pure magnesium, was recovered, considered a significant piece of evidence in ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the diverse nature of UFO sightings across different continents, the presence of physical and electromagnetic traces, and the challenges in interpreting these phenomena. The magazine presents detailed witness accounts and investigative findings, suggesting a serious approach to the study of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and differing expert opinions without definitive conclusions, encouraging further investigation and reporting. The article highlights the rarity of physical evidence and the importance of such cases for ufological research.