Extraterrestres, Les - Series 1 - No 10 - janv-fevr 1971

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Les Extraterrestres" (Issue No. 10, January-February 1971) is an international review published by the Groupe d'Études des Objets Spatiaux de France (G.E.O.S.). It is edited by Gérard LEBAT and features a table of contents with various articles and reports.

Editorial

The editorial, written by Gérard LEBAT, begins by extending New Year's wishes to the members, readers, and friends of the group. It expresses gratitude to those who contributed through press clippings or other forms of assistance, as well as to the written, spoken, and televised press for mentioning the group. The editorial then discusses the progress of the revue, noting that its financial situation is good. It mentions the inauguration of a new title, which has been well-received, and expresses a hope to transition to offset printing in 1971, though acknowledging that the group's size and resources currently limit this. A new, more convenient binding system is also being introduced.

Featured Articles and Reports

Un Objet Volant Non Identifié dans le Ciel Messellan

This section reports a sighting in Metz, France, by Jean-Claude NEVEU, a 15-year-old apprentice welder. He observed an unidentified flying object at a very high altitude for approximately three minutes. The object was described as saucer-shaped with two rudder-like appendices. After remaining stationary for a moment, it moved rapidly north and disappeared.

Un Corps Mystérieux dans le Ciel Brabançon

This report describes a mysterious object seen in the Ardennes region of Belgium. It was described as a foreign body, moving irregularly and slowly towards the north, appearing much larger than stars and emitting a bright, sparkling light. It was seen moving from the direction of Bever-Galmaarden and disappeared over Oudenberg towards Ninove.

Tests de Laboratoire

This section details laboratory analyses of substances allegedly related to UFO incidents:

I. Analysis of the material from Baleia:
A substance found on a football field in Baleia, Brazil, consisted of light black grains with a nauseating odor. Spectrographic analysis revealed its main constituents to be iron, aluminum, magnesium, and silica, with traces of copper, phosphorus, zinc, cobalt, zirconium, and titanium. Radiation tests were negative.

II. Analysis of the material found at LariPO GRANDE:
This case, reported by Otaviano A. Souza Bueno, involved a UFO sighting near LAFIFO GRANDE, Brazil, in 1948. Three small creatures emerged from a round object and collected soil samples. Analysis of the collected material (sample number 79.528) showed it to be 61% silica, 19% alumina, and 11% magnesium, with traces of iron and other elements.

III. Analysis of the material found in FLORENCE, Italy:
An incident on October 27, 1954, near Florence, Italy, involved the observation of a large formation of flying saucers. Luminous flakes were seen falling and landing around a football field. Microscopic and spectrographic analysis at the University of Milan indicated a fibrous substance with mechanical resistance, which ignited when wet, leaving a transparent residue. The residue's composition included iron, silicone, magnesium, calcium, and other elements, suggesting a similarity to borosilicate glass.

IV. Analysis of the material found in CONSTITUCION, Argentina:
Analysis of soil from Constitucion, Argentina, revealed it to be highly radioactive, dark in color, with a sulfurous odor. Its elemental constituents included carbon, magnesium, iron, nickel, and aluminum, with traces of other elements.

The report also references a hypothesis by M. Antonio MAGALHAES of GEOANI suggesting that magnesium might be of interest to UFO crews, based on analyses of dolomite and mica deposits.

Commission Scientifique

This section announces the creation of a scientific commission within the Fédération Française et Européenne du Commerce, de l'Industrie et de l'Epargne. Its goals are to foster collaboration between researchers, attract public attention to technical advancements, and assist inventors. Several working groups have been formed, including one for space, involving M. LEBAT and COURT.DÉ.

Necrologie

This section marks the passing of General d'Armée Aérienne Lionel CLASSIN, who was reportedly very interested in the UFO problem and had prefaced Aimé Michel's book "Mystérieux Objets Célestes." He had also agreed to preside over G.E.P. in 1964. The magazine extends condolences to his family and friends.

Au Sujet des Soucoupes Volantes

This article, written by Bernard PINSOLLE, discusses the book "Les extraterrestres dans l'histoire." While appreciating the book's exploration of extraterrestrial interventions in prehistory and history, the author notes with surprise that the book's author does not believe in flying saucers. PINSOLLE argues that flying saucers should be seen not as the end goal of a civilization's evolution, but as a transitional means of displacement. He posits that civilizations with advanced powers but lacking moral sense may self-destruct, and that civilizations may evolve to possess diverse means of travel, including potentially transferring human organisms via vibrations. The article then recounts a sighting of a "spatial vessel" observed over a center dedicated to extra-sensory experimentation, which was reportedly witnessed by numerous individuals and followed by a telepathic emission.

Letter from the Ministry of Defence (UK)

This is a letter from the UK Ministry of Defence, dated (likely 1970 based on context), responding to an inquiry about unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The Ministry states that it investigates UFO reports for air defence implications and receives them from various sources, including the public, police, and military units. Reports are examined by experienced staff with open minds, who have access to all available information and can consult experts. The letter asserts that the vast majority of UFO reports have mundane explanations and do not represent an air defence threat to the UK. It includes an analysis of UFO reports received since 1959, noting that incidents are varied, with aircraft being the most common source, followed by satellites and debris, balloons, meteorological phenomena, unusual celestial objects, and miscellaneous sightings including hoaxes. The letter concludes that the small number of unexplained reports lack sufficient information for positive identification, but there is nothing to suggest they differ from identified incidents.

Statistical Analysis of UFO Reports (1959-1969)

This page presents a table detailing UFO statistics from January 1959 to December 1969, compiled by the UK Ministry of Defence. A total of 1,316 reports were received. The categories include: Satellites and debris (313), Balloons (111), Celestial Objects (123), Meteorological and Natural Phenomena (94), Aircraft (441), Divers (110), and Unidentified (insufficient information) (124). A note clarifies that 'Divers' includes phenomena like mis-identifications, reflections, luminous effects, and hoaxes.

Acknowledgements

The magazine expresses "A GRAND MERCI!" to its readers who have provided press clippings about UFOs or translated foreign language texts, specifically mentioning M. Noël ARPIN, M. Henri COURT DE, M. Julien DECM IS, M. Christian HOSSELEYRE, M. Gilles MORIN, H. Philippe de GUILLEREY, and M. VAN SINTJN.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, including material analysis of alleged UFO debris, statistical compilation of sightings, and official government perspectives on UFOs. The editorial stance, as expressed by Gérard LEBAT and Bernard PINSOLLE, is one of open inquiry and a commitment to studying UFOs as a serious subject, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous analysis and distinguishing between speculation and evidence. The inclusion of the UK Ministry of Defence letter suggests an effort to engage with official findings and provide a balanced perspective. The magazine appears to be dedicated to advancing the understanding of UFOs through research, reporting, and analysis.

Title: NOS ENQUETES
Issue Date: October 7, 1961
Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'NOS ENQUETES' focuses on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) or UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports and related discussions.

Report: Sighting near Saint-Hippolyte (Charente-Maritime)

On the evening of October 7, 1961, around 7:45 PM TU, M. Tom Deride, residing in Saint-Hippolyte, was with his family and friends on a deserted road. While conversing and walking, they observed the clear, starry sky. At one point, M. Deride noticed a "brilliant white disk" coming from the north and pointed it out to the others.

The object was described as round or oval, "twice as large as the full moon at its peak." It was positioned about 35 degrees above the horizon and moved very slowly and silently towards the northeast. M. Deride noted a slight color change from brilliant white to light grey. The phenomenon lasted for approximately 45 minutes before the object disappeared. The investigation was conducted in the spring of 1962 by Jean-Michel Ferrari.

Catalogue Mondial - Year 1967 (Part 2)

This section presents a catalogue of unidentified flying object sightings from 1967, listing the date, time, location, country, and a description of the object or its characteristics. Examples include:

• January 6: Malta, USA - Rectangular, light.
• January 8: Senlis, France - Egg-shaped.
• January 10: Chambon, France - Circular object.
• January 16: In flight, USA - Round.
• January 18: Oxford, England - Luminous.
• February 4: Ciel Picard, France - Conical shape.
• March 4: Chicago, USA - Round, 7 whitish objects.
• March 9: Wilhelmina, Sweden - Round, 30-40m diameter disk.
• March 11: Eloyes, France - 15 objects at low altitude, very luminous, illuminating the road.
• March 26: Bernay-en-Dry, France - Luminous object, followed an airplane.

Historical Cases

'Les Annales' - April 23, 1905: "Mysterious Lights"

An article from 'Les Annales' dated April 23, 1905, discusses mysterious lights observed in Cherbourg. The author, Henri de Parville, suggests that the phenomenon, which was widely discussed, might have been a mass hallucination. He lists various hypotheses proposed at the time, including signals, balloons, celestial bodies, and luminous projections. Parville himself theorized it could be a conjunction of the moon, Venus, and Jupiter seen through evening mist. He concludes that such phenomena are simple and natural and have occurred before.

'Les Faits Maudits' - Fantastic Images and Unusual Photos (continued)

• December 2, 1891, New Albany, Indiana, USA: The image of a deceased woman, Mrs. Sophia Scharf, appeared on her house window after her funeral and remained visible for about a week before reappearing later. It was described as a faithful reproduction of her face and attempts to remove it were unsuccessful until her son wiped it away with his handkerchief.
• 1903, Washington, USA: "Fantastic photographic images" were discovered fixed in the glass of a large window at a dinner party. These images depicted a robust man and an old, fragile-looking woman. They were identified as the former owners' deceased father and grandmother, who had often watched storms from behind that window. The Smithsonian Institution investigated and found the phenomenon "totally inexplicable," attributing it possibly to lightning.

Report on the Spacelink Symposium

The Spacelink held its first congress on July 18, 1970, in Kensington, focusing on "practical UFO research." The event aimed to examine the current state of UFO research, define objectives, and plan for the future. Visitors could observe UFO detection equipment and a display of UFO-related magazines and reports.

Key speakers and their contributions included:

• Lionel Beer (Editor of SPACELINK): Welcomed attendees and explained the congress's purpose.
• Roger Stanway: Chaired the first session. He introduced Graham Knewstul and discussed the definition of "Ufology" and "UFO" (Unidentified Flying Object).
• UFO definition: "flying object that the observer cannot identify."
• Ufology definition: "systematic comparison of data provided by UFO observers with data related to conventional flying objects and data from disciplines like meteorology, psychiatry, astronomy, biology, etc."
• This definition acknowledges that some cases remain unexplained.
• Geoffrey Doel (President of Bufora): His paper, read by Peter Wain, warned against the dangers of UFO cults based on ignorance and superstition, advocating for scientific investigation methods.
• Gerry Brown: Presented "Reflections on Definitions," categorizing "soucoupistes" (UFO enthusiasts) and demonstrating an electronic machine capable of learning, suggesting it could form the basis of a mechanical life form.
• David R.J. Niewing (Bedfordshire UFO Study Group): Argued that electronic equipment could perform 24-hour surveillance and record significant data, potentially recording 10,000 significant observations without human intervention.
• Anthony Pace: Discussed photographic equipment for sky scanning, mentioning the "U.S.A. Prairie Network."

Other points discussed:

• The difficulty in cooperating with scientific organizations due to the negative image of UFO research.
• The need for a central organization to clarify UFO information.
• The potential for cooperation on UFO research projects, provided there is a clear plan and funding.
• A discussion on the practical value of historical research in ufology.

Mysterious Appearance in the Caribbean

On July 1st, a "flying saucer" was clearly seen in the Caribbean Sea by thousands of island inhabitants and navigators, including those on the raft "Ra II" with explorer Thor Heyerdahl, and the crew of the oceanographic ship "Calamara." The object was observed for about ten minutes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO and UAP phenomena, presenting both contemporary sightings and historical cases. There's a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and a cautious approach to avoid superstition, as highlighted by the discussions at the Spacelink symposium. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based perspective.

This issue of "NOUVELLES DU MONDE ENTIER" (News of the World) focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring international reports and expert opinions. The main cover headline highlights Professor Stanton Friedman's assertion that UFOs are extraterrestrial.

Professor Stanton Friedman: "UFOs are Extraterrestrial"

In a conference held on March 18, 1970, at "Mira Costa High School," physicist Professor Stanton T. Friedman declared that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft. He had previously testified before the U.S. Congress in 1968, urging continued study into the nature and origin of UFOs. Friedman stated that after 11 years of studying the subject, he is convinced that Earth is visited by intelligently controlled extraterrestrial craft. While acknowledging this thesis is not provable to 100%, he emphasized that the indications are overwhelming and urged skeptics to conduct thorough examinations rather than ridicule the subject. Since 1967, Friedman has given about a hundred lectures on UFOs to both technical and lay audiences.

Canada

The creation of the Canadian Circle of Studies of Unknown Phenomena (CCEPI) is announced. This new organization is the result of a merger between the "Clan de l'Insolite," directed by André Bergeron in Arthabaska, and the research center "PROXETER," directed by André Roy in Thetford Mines. The publication expresses satisfaction with this collaboration of dynamic entities. André Roy has been elected to lead this new group, and the CCEPI publishes a monthly bulletin available by writing to André Roy at 684 St Alphonse, Thetford Mines, Quebec, Canada.

United States: Professor Henderson - "It is forbidden for astronauts to talk about UFOs."

Professor Garry C. Henderson, a prominent American scientist, stated during a conference at the Calgary planetarium in Alberta that American astronauts are not permitted to speak about any UFOs they have observed. Photos of UFOs taken by astronauts have reportedly been confiscated by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). Henderson, a space investigator for "General Dynamics," claimed to have spoken with an astronaut who confirmed this prohibition. Henderson believes NASA issued this order out of concern that the U.S. Congress might lose patience with the UFO topic and reduce NASA's funding. Henderson had previously stated in a July 29, 1968, symposium in Washington before the House of Representatives' "science and astronautics" section that UFOs still merit study. His written speech also noted that most members of Congress he had spoken with believed UFOs had been sufficiently studied and did not exist. According to "SPACELINK," this aligns with Henderson's previous statements made at the Calgary Planetarium.

Reprint Request

A notice announces a second printing of the "UFO ANALYSIS & RESEARCH BULLETIN SPECIAL ISSUE: A REPORT OF OVER 1,000 WORLDWIDE 1968 UFO SIGHTINGS" due to continuing demand. This issue provides a complete chronological listing and analysis, including date, location, number of reports, witnesses, objects, and report types, with graphs, maps, and charts. It is printed on better quality paper and costs $1.00 per copy, available from Patrick A. Huyghe, 72 Jefferys Drive, Newport News, VA 23601, USA.

United States: Professor Rothberg - "Something is happening"

Professor Rothberg, a former member of the Condon investigation, wrote in "Physics Today" (December 1969) that the Condon investigation did not prove that UFOs do not originate from outside Earth. He expressed interest in the small percentage of observations that were dismissed by Condon but mentioned in the "Condon Report." Rothberg believes a renewed study of these cases is justified. Regarding UFOs, he finds it hard to believe that nothing is happening, having recently met a credible family who reported seeing a saucer-shaped object hovering in the air.

Russia

In early September 1970, numerous inhabitants near Lake Issyk-Kul in Kirghizia (Russia) observed a football-shaped object of fiery color. It moved above the "Tersky Alatan" mountains, stopped, and disappeared over the snow-capped peaks in a shower of sparks.

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 1970: Over a thousand people in northern Brazil observed an unidentified flying object. It was circular and moved slowly, following the horizon. Police and a local radio station were alerted. Two planes from a local aero-club were dispatched but found nothing. Pilots reported the object emitted red and blue rays.

Rio de Janeiro, September 8, 1970: An unidentified flying object was observed by four sentinels and a police officer in Itataia. Brazilian aeronautical authorities investigated and detected traces of radioactivity at the landing site and surrounding areas.

Japan

A formation of "flying saucers" was observed in Hakodate Harbour, Hokkaido, around 1:30 AM on January 7, 1970. The captain of a ship witnessed an orange object moving very rapidly, which was soon joined by a group of four other objects moving in formation.

New Zealand

A mysterious celestial object was observed in the skies of New Zealand. A resident of Wesley, a village south of Dargaville, witnessed the phenomenon at 6:55 PM. He saw an object over Mahuta Beach that changed from red to blue, then to a very bright white. The witness estimated the object's size at 700 meters. Suddenly, it ascended rapidly, emitted bright flashes, and disappeared into space. (Source: New Zealand Herald, July 10, 1970).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently presents UFOs as a serious subject worthy of scientific investigation, often linked to extraterrestrial origins. It highlights expert opinions, government involvement (or lack thereof), and reported sightings from around the globe. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and reporting on these phenomena, encouraging further study and challenging skepticism. There is a recurring theme of potential government cover-ups or secrecy surrounding UFO information, particularly concerning NASA and military astronauts.