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Magazine Overview

This issue of INFO-OVNI, dated January 1984, is the first part of a two-part series titled "OVNI-OVI: sur un certain état de la question" (UFO-UVI: On a Certain State of the Question). Authored by B. Meheust, it critically examines the complex nature of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Unidentified Identifiable Objects (UVI).

Introduction

The introduction begins by quoting B. Meheust from his earlier work, "Science-Fiction et Soucoupes Volantes," which highlights a fundamental paradox in UFO research: the impossibility of definitively refuting the phenomenon while simultaneously being unable to provide conclusive direct proof of its existence. This paradox, Meheust argues, is not a flaw in the phenomenon itself but rather a characteristic that creates a 'solipsistic circle' for those attempting to study it. While the second premise (impossibility of direct proof) is generally accepted, the first premise (impossibility of refutation) is being challenged by some ufologists who question whether UFOs possess an inherently unique structure or if they are simply inexplicable phenomena.

Meheust states his intention to provide a current overview of the situation, acknowledging it may not be exhaustive or entirely original.

1. Terminology

Meheust emphasizes the ambiguity surrounding the term "OVNI" (UFO), noting that it can signify different things to various individuals, from the skeptical to the believer. He identifies several interpretations: something unidentified but potentially reducible to known phenomena with more data, something inexplicable by current science but likely to be integrated later, something the witness or ufologist cannot categorize, something radically unidentifiable, or a spacecraft of unknown origin. To address this, Meheust stresses the need for precise vocabulary.

He critiques existing definitions, including that of the Condon Commission, for being too general, and others, like those by A. Hynek and PICUFOR, for being too restrictive, falsely implying the existence of fundamentally irreducible UFOs. Meheust notes attempts by authors like D.R. Price-Williams and J.P. Rospars to create multi-phase definitions, and mentions D. Caudron's complex system of acronyms (OVE, OVI, OVINE, OVNE, OVNI, OVSI) and M. Martin's 'relativized' definition.

Meheust finds the GEPAN's 'tetrahedral model' (with four observables and an internal stimulus) to be the most valid approach among proposed definitions. He references A. Schmitt's work, which builds upon the GEPAN model to analyze four levels involved in the UFO phenomenon: stimulus, witness, investigator/researcher, and the physical/sociopsychological environment.

Meheust proposes his own 'staged,' 'dynamic' definition, which avoids rejecting any possibility from the most reductive to the most fantastic. His model outlines:

1. Stimulus: An objective or subjective object or phenomenon.
2. Witness: The percipient who experiences or observes the stimulus, potentially leaving traces.
3. Report: The witness may keep the observation private, share it with a few, or report it to an official body, journalist, or private group. This report can also be an article written by a journalist or ufologist based on information received (or invented).
4. Pre-UFO (Presumed UFO): Any alleged observation, real or not, that intrigues the witness or is labeled as a 'UFO' by others.
5. UFO Phenomenon (Broad Sense): The collective body of 'pre-UFOs,' serving as the reference for sociologists, ethnologists, historians, etc. This broad phenomenon interacts with socio-cultural contexts, scientific paradigms, and other 'cursed facts' like parapsychology and cryptozoology.

An 'expert' then analyzes a 'pre-UFO' case, leading to one of three outcomes:

6. Unexploitable: Due to lack of data.
7. Identified (or Probable Identification): The case is deemed a 'false UFO' or 'UVI' (Unidentified Identifiable Object). This involves attributing the case to one of three classes: A) Misinterpretation of a natural or artificial human object/phenomenon; B) Known physiological, psychological, or psychopathological phenomenon; C) Hoax or mystification. Meheust notes the distinction between a 'UFO' and a 'UVI' (which was initially correctly identified but later integrated into the broad UFO phenomenon).
8. Unidentified: The case remains unexplained by competent experts, termed a 'quasi-UFO'.

This leads to:

9. UFO Phenomenon (Restricted Sense): The collection of 'quasi-UFOs,' serving as the physicist's reference. This is influenced by the broad sense and involves physical and psychological components.

A 'quasi-UFO' can become a 'UVI' through further investigation or scientific progress.

Meheust further categorizes phenomena into:

• Class D: Natural or psychic human phenomena, currently unknown but potentially integrable into science without major disruption (e.g., geophysical phenomena like ball lightning).
• Class E: Truly unknown or fundamentally unknowable phenomena, or non-human intelligence (e.g., extraterrestrials, time travelers).

He concludes this section by stating that while no hypothesis can be definitively ruled out, the existence of Class E phenomena is not proven. He also stresses that the UFO phenomenon is dual, comprising both potentially original physical phenomena and a significant sociopsychological component.

2. The Number of 'Observations'

This section attempts to quantify UFO sightings based on various data sources.

• Public Opinion Polls: Gallup polls in the US (1966, 1973, 1978) indicated 5-11% of the adult population reported seeing a 'flying saucer' or 'UFO.' In France, a 1981 SOFRES poll showed 7% of witnesses, while an earlier IFRES-Le Parisien Libéré poll in 1980 found only 0.3%. Meheust attributes these discrepancies to limitations in polling methods and differing interpretations of the term 'UFO.'
• Scientific Surveys: Surveys among astronomers and members of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) yielded a smaller percentage of witnesses (e.g., 4.6% of AAS members in 1977). A 1971 survey in Industrial Research magazine found 8% of respondents reported seeing a UFO, with 14% unsure. A 1979 follow-up showed 7% reporting UFOs and 11% unsure.
• Cataloged Cases: Meheust notes that UFO catalogs like UFOCAT contain hundreds of thousands of entries, suggesting millions of published cases worldwide. He estimates that only about 1-20% of 'real' cases are reported to authorities or ufologists, leading to an estimated 10 million 'real' cases since 1947, or even 100 million if a 1% reporting rate is used.

However, Meheust expresses skepticism about these high numbers, citing reasons such as:

• Sample Bias: Polls and surveys may not be representative.
• Varying Definitions: Different studies use different criteria for what constitutes a UFO.
• Reporting Rates: The percentage of reported cases is uncertain.
• Case Quality: Many cataloged cases are of dubious quality, lacking proper investigation or relying on unreliable sources.

He critically analyzes French cases from September-October 1954 listed in UFOCAT, finding that a large majority were either explained, doubtful, or inconclusive, with only a few appearing 'solid' but still lacking definitive proof.

3. Witnesses

This section focuses on the characteristics of UFO witnesses.

• General Population: Studies by M. Carrouges, A. Lee, R. Westrum, and A. Hynek suggest that UFO witnesses generally reflect the broader population in terms of demographics, with differences often attributable to profession or occupation rather than inherent psychological traits. The credibility of witnesses is generally not questioned, though their 'reliability' might be.
• Psychological Profiles: Meheust discusses research by P. Besse, which found no significant sociological differences between witnesses and the general population, except for a correlation between the number of witnesses and the nature of the location. He also references R. Westrum's findings that while age might be a factor, other aspects of witness profiles are less clear, with some studies suggesting potential psychological issues in those reporting 'encounters.'
• Contradictory Findings: Meheust highlights more concerning research by A. Keul, which suggested a high prevalence of psychological disorders among witnesses of unexplained UFO cases. Keul's studies indicated that the more bizarre the case, the greater the likelihood of witness psychopathology. Meheust calls for further analysis of Keul's methodology and similar research.

4. Brief Review of Hypotheses

Meheust dismisses several 'far-fetched' hypotheses (e.g., 'Intraterrestrials,' Atlantean survivors, Nazi secret weapons, atmospheric animals, astral entities, angelic/demonic manifestations) as lacking scientific basis.

He states that most ufologists agree that 80-99% of sightings can be explained by:

1. Misinterpretations of natural or artificial phenomena.
2. Hoaxes or mystifications.
3. Cases related to psychopathology.
4. Unknown natural phenomena integrable into current knowledge.

The debate then focuses on the remaining unexplained cases, leading to five main hypotheses:

• Socio-Psychological Hypothesis (HSP): All cases are reducible to psychological and sociological factors (e.g., transposition, cultural influences, group phenomena).
• Geophysical Hypothesis (HGP): Unexplained cases are due to unknown natural phenomena (e.g., ball lightning, plasmoids) with minimal impact on witnesses.
• Physico-Psycho-Sociological Hypothesis (HPPS): External physical causes (geophysical phenomena, solar activity) directly affect the central nervous system, leading to UFO 'visions' or increased susceptibility to rumors and hallucinations. This is supported by researchers like M. Persinger.
• Parapsychological Hypothesis (HPP): UFOs are transient energetic materializations of humanity's collective unconscious or interactions with a poorly defined 'something,' drawing parallels with apparitions and spiritualism. Meheust finds this hypothesis offers little beyond HSP and is incompatible with current physics and psychology.
• Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (HET): The phenomenon involves entities external to Earth. Meheust considers this the only hypothesis worth serious consideration among those involving external entities, noting that it is not necessarily incompatible with current physics, citing work by J. Mc Campbell and J.P. Petit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of precise terminology and rigorous methodology in research. The author expresses skepticism towards overly simplistic explanations and sensational claims, advocating for a balanced approach that considers both physical and psychological aspects. The recurring theme is the complexity and elusiveness of the UFO phenomenon, requiring careful examination of evidence, witness accounts, and theoretical frameworks. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded but critical inquiry, seeking to understand the phenomenon without succumbing to unfounded speculation.

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 42
Volume: 10
Date: July-August 1979
Publisher: Inforespace
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 0755-0753
Cover Headline: La peur et la censure dans les OVNI aux U.S.A. (Fear and censorship in UFOs in the USA)

Contents

This issue of Inforespace is primarily a comprehensive bibliography and discussion of UFO phenomena, with a significant focus on the psychological, sociological, and potential censorship aspects, particularly in the United States.

Bibliography of UFO Literature

The majority of the content consists of a detailed list of references, numbered from 32 to 59, covering a wide range of books, articles, and symposium proceedings related to UFOs. These references span various disciplines and perspectives:

• Psychological and Behavioral Aspects: Works by Michel Monnerie, Michael A. Persinger, Gyslaine F. Lafrenière, Michel Picard, Douglass R. Price-Williams, and A. Daniel Yarmey explore the psychological underpinnings of UFO experiences, eyewitness testimony, and the behavioral scientist's perspective on UFO phenomena.
• Geophysical and Environmental Factors: Several entries, particularly those by Michael A. Persinger, investigate potential links between geophysical variables (like earthquake activity) and UFO reports.
• Sociological Perspectives: Ron Westrum's contributions are highlighted for their sociological analysis of anomalies and UFO sightings, particularly among engineers and scientists.
• Specific UFO Cases and Projects: References include discussions on humanoid phenomena, specific UFO reports, and analyses of historical UFO investigations.
• French and International Research: The bibliography includes works published in French by French authors and organizations (e.g., Inforespace, LDLN, La Recherche, GEPAN) as well as international research.

Key Publications and Organizations Mentioned:

• Books: "Et si les OVNI n'existaient pas ?" by Michel Monnerie, "Spacetime transients and unusual events" by Persinger and Lafrenière, "Le nœud gordien ou la fantastique histoire des OVNI" by Thierry Pinvidic, "UFOs: A scientific debate" edited by Carl Sagan and Thornton Page, "Le message des OVNI" by Hubert Reeves, and "Project Blue Book" by Brad Steiger are among the cited works.
• Journals and Reviews: Inforespace, LDLN, La Recherche, Phénomènes Spatiaux, Astronautic and Aeronautic, Science, Social Studies of Science, and Zetetic Scholar are frequently referenced.
• Organizations: IFRES, MUFON, CUFOS, UPIAR, GEPAN, AIAA, and the Center for Scientific Anomalies Research are mentioned in relation to their publications or research activities.

UPIAR and Academic Reviews

Entry 50 and 51 discuss UPIAR (Union Internationale Pour la Promotion des Arts et des Sciences) and its publications, UFO Phenomena and URIP. These are described as university-type reviews intended to be comprehensive, with articles in multiple languages. The First International UPIAR Colloquium on Human Sciences and UFO Phenomena held in Salzburg in July 1982 is also mentioned, with proceedings expected to be published.

Book Announcement: "L'UFOLOGIE DOMAINE ORGANISE DE... L'ABSURDE."

An announcement is made for a limited edition book titled "L'UFOLOGIE DOMAINE ORGANISE DE... L'ABSURDE." (Ufology: An Organized Domain of... the Absurd). This book, with rare or unpublished photographs, requires a minimum of 50 subscriptions to be published. The subscription price is 440 FB (postage included), and interested parties are directed to contact Marc Hallet in Liège, Belgium.

Cover Story: Fear and Censorship in UFOs in the USA

Section III, titled "La peur et la censure dans les OVNI aux U.S.A." (Fear and censorship in UFOs in the USA), begins to explore this theme.

• Early Warnings and Observations: It starts with the "signal d'alerte" (warning signal) from an early witness and the general attitude of military and civilian observers who, despite professional training, were tasked with investigating UFOs. The text notes that these observers were often confronted with phenomena that challenged conventional understanding.
• New UFOs and Soviet/Chinese Threats: The context of the Cold War is implied, with the possibility of new UFOs being linked to Soviet or Chinese technology, adding a layer of geopolitical concern.
• Refoulement (Repression) and Secrecy: The section details how the US government, particularly the Air Force, created specific projects to centralize UFO information. Project Sign, followed by Project Blue Book (also known by nicknames like "Saucer"), aimed to collect and analyze reports. The text suggests that this centralization and the subsequent handling of information involved a degree of secrecy and a deliberate effort to reassure the public, potentially downplaying the significance of the problem.
• Censorship and Language Control: The narrative points to a pattern of censorship and a controlled use of language to manage public perception of the UFO issue. The underlying implication is that the terrestrial nature of the problem was often emphasized to avoid broader implications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes a scholarly and research-oriented approach to UFO phenomena, evidenced by the extensive bibliography and the inclusion of academic reviews and research papers. There is a clear interest in the psychological, sociological, and scientific aspects of UFO sightings, moving beyond mere anecdotal accounts. The cover story on censorship in the USA suggests a critical stance towards official handling of the UFO issue, implying a potential for government secrecy and public manipulation. The publication of UPIAR's academic reviews and the announcement of a book on ufology further underscore the magazine's commitment to serious, albeit sometimes unconventional, investigation of the subject.