Extraterrestres, Les - Series 1 - No 12 - mai-juin 1971

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LES EXTRATERRESTRES REVUE INTERNATIONALE", issue number 12, published in May-June 1971, is edited by the Groupe d'Études des Objets Spatiaux de France (G.E.O.S.). The cover features a striking illustration of a flying saucer hovering near Earth and the moon, with the magazine's title prominently displayed.

Table of Contents

The table of contents outlines the issue's content, including "NOS ENQUÊTES inédites" (Our unpublished investigations), featuring reader investigations and ufological information from around the world. Specific articles include "Les enquêtes de nos lecteurs" (Our readers' investigations), "Information ufologiques dans le monde" (Ufological information worldwide), "Les livres du mois" (Books of the month) from the Documentation Service, "Un étrange phénomène lumineux sur la France" (A strange luminous phenomenon over France), "Informations Fortéennes" (Fortean Information), and "Spécial activités du GEOS FRANCE" (Special activities of GEOS FRANCE).

Key Articles and Reports

Observation d'un UFO, au-dessus de Napier, par les professeurs et les élèves d'un collège, le 7 mai 1970

This article, sourced from the "Daily Telegraph" of Napier, reports on an exceptional UFO sighting in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. On May 7, 1970, nine staff members and approximately 300 schoolchildren from "Richmond School" in Maraenui witnessed an object changing shape in the clear afternoon sky. The object was described as enormous, flying silently, and appearing solid, metallic, and brilliantly luminous. Witnesses, including the school's Director, M. W. Billing, and Professor M. A. Coveny, noted its unusual movements, including hovering and changing direction at right angles. The object was observed for about 25 minutes. Professor Coveny, initially skeptical, was convinced by the event. The report also mentions previous similar observations in the area.

Un étrange métal provenant d'un objet volant non identifié

This section details an incident in Pitipui, Colombia, on February 12, 1968. Following an explosion and the sighting of an object flying over the virgin forest, a 3-meter diameter metallic piece weighing 57 kg was discovered. The metal proved exceptionally hard to break or cut, even with tools. Its surface was covered in small grooves, possibly caused by high speed and atmospheric entry. Striking the metal produced a sound like ice. The report notes that indigenous people had seen bright balloons in the sky and recalled an object about 12 meters long and 6 meters high falling in the region in 1967.

La rentrée dans l'atmosphère d'une tête de fusée tirée depuis le Centre d'Essais des Landes

This article explains a luminous phenomenon observed across Europe on February 23, 1971. The event, witnessed by thousands, was identified by ONERA (Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales) as the reentry of the third stage of the "Tibère" rocket during operation "Electre". The operation aimed to study electrical phenomena during high-speed atmospheric reentry. The visible phenomenon was the ionized gas trail, illuminated by the setting sun, produced by the combustion of the rocket stage between 130 and 160 km altitude, descending to 60 km. The Tibère rocket was a three-stage vehicle, 14.50 meters long and weighing 4,800 kg.

Soucoupes dans le ciel lausannois

This report, transmitted by Philippe Tallichet of Switzerland and originally from "La Feuille d'avis de Lausanne" dated April 21, 1971, describes a sighting of at least ten "flying saucers" in Lausanne. The objects were seen in a squadron formation, moving in a large arc and disappearing behind the Cathedral. The luminosity was described as opaque and transparent, without much glare, and the objects appeared electromagnetically influenced. The witness emphasized the seriousness of the observation and denied seeking sensationalism.

Les Livres du Mois

This section recommends two books: "Retour aux Étoiles" by Erich von Däniken, which presents new arguments for his theory about ancient astronauts, and "La Terre Creuse" by Raymond Bernard, which explores the theory of a hollow Earth and subterranean world, suggesting flying saucers might be of intra-terrestrial origin. The magazine also highlights the "Centre Unico National" in Bologna, Italy, which publishes a review on UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and theories related to extraterrestrial intelligence. It presents eyewitness accounts, investigative reports, and scientific explanations (or lack thereof) for these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging reader participation and providing a platform for diverse perspectives, while also critically examining official explanations and speculative theories. The publication aims to document and analyze these events, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject.

Title: Informations Fortéennes
Issue: Chapter IV
Date: August 1970
Publisher: G.E.C.S. France
Document Type: Magazine Issue

The "Sea Monster" of the Cotentin

This issue of Informations Fortéennes, specifically Chapter IV, delves into the intriguing case of a mysterious marine creature sighted in the Cotentin region of France during August 1970. Dubbed "QUINE" by locals, the creature reportedly haunted the coast between Morsalines and Saint-Marcouf, attracting the attention of numerous vacationers, tourists, and fishermen.

Eyewitness Accounts and Initial Sightings

The first documented observation occurred on the morning of Sunday, August 2nd. Roger Vallognes, while fishing with another person, noticed a fellow boatman signaling urgently. Approaching, they saw a large protuberance emerge from the water, which slowly grew. Vallognes described it as a "beast" that was difficult to identify. The creature remained still, and they observed a jet of water erupting from its surface. Vallognes estimated the creature's body to be very voluminous and greyish, with a total length of 7 to 8 meters. The next day, August 3rd, Vallognes saw the creature again in the same location.

Further Observations and Media Attention

By August 8th or 9th, the story gained wider attention as other witnesses, including fishermen and vacationers like M. Robert Hérout, MM. Charles and Emile Barbe, observed the "monster" emerging from the water, leaping, and blowing. Journalist A. Lemesle of "Ouest-France" investigated the case, personally visiting Saint-Marcouf-les-Gougins on August 10th. He interviewed Constant Hérout, a fisherman, who claimed to have seen the creature multiple times with his son, estimating its length at 6 to 8 meters and its weight at 1.5 to 2 tons. Hérout stated it jumped like a dolphin but was not one, and its head was distinctly different.

Lemesle himself had a brief sighting on August 10th around 3:05 PM, observing a whitish foam and the creature's tail violently striking the water's surface about 700-800 meters from the shore. He was unable to take a photograph.

Detailed Descriptions and Photographic Evidence

Further testimonies were gathered. Jean Rungette, a professor of physical education, described the animal as being about 9 meters long, black, with a head resembling a dolphin's and a prominent dorsal fin and tail. Fisherman Louis Lehot also reported seeing the creature, describing it as having a "dolphin's beak" and measuring 7 to 8 meters, jumping several meters out of the water.

Jean Leprince, a sales representative, also reported seeing the mysterious fish about thirty meters from his boat.

The most significant contribution came from Philippe Leboyer, an apprentice sailor, who provided detailed accounts and six photographic negatives of the creature. Leboyer and his companions observed the animal on August 12th. His father saw it emerge entirely from the water. Later that day, they approached the creature in a motorboat. Leboyer described its head as enormous, resembling a dolphin's, and noted that it did not seem frightened. The creature revealed its entire body for over ten minutes, allowing Leboyer to estimate its length at approximately 10 meters. The sea was calm, and the sun was shining. Leboyer's brother took a color photograph (photo 1). The creature was visible throughout the day, and in the evening, Leboyer managed to take more photos as the animal dived about 8 to 15 meters from their boat.

Media Coverage and Speculation

Several newspapers reported on the sightings. "La Presse de la Manche" on August 13th, 1970, mentioned the creature, with the headline "A whale in Quineville?". Other papers, like "La France" and "Presse-Océan" on August 12th, used titles such as "Sea Monster in the Channel" and "Has the Loch Ness Monster emigrated to the Channel?". "Ouest-France" on August 12th ran the headline "The monster missed its date!".

Conclusion and Characteristics

By August 12th, the creature seemed to have disappeared. The article concludes by summarizing the collected testimonies into a "portrait-robot" of the animal:

1. Length: 6 to 8 meters (10 meters according to M. Leboyer).
2. Weight: 1.5 to 2 tons.
3. Color: Grey-dark (black according to one witness).
4. Behavior: Jumped like a dolphin, but not a dolphin.
5. Head: Flattened, resembling a dolphin's.
6. Other Features: Spouted water, had a dorsal fin, and an "impressive" tail.

Experts consulted, including the maritime laboratory of Luc-sur-Mer, could not definitively classify the animal as a fish or a cetacean, stating that more precise details were needed. However, the fact that it did not immediately return to the open sea intrigued the specialist.

Impact on Fishing

Interestingly, fishermen like M. Hérout noted that the creature's presence seemed to disrupt the mackerel fishing, as the fish were scared away. This suggests the creature may have been feeding on these mackerel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue focuses on a specific, well-documented case of a potential unidentified marine animal. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective reporting, presenting eyewitness accounts, journalistic investigations, and photographic evidence. The magazine aims to collect and analyze such phenomena, as indicated by the subsequent sections detailing the G.E.C.S. France's methodology for researching UFO cases. The recurring theme is the investigation of the unexplained, particularly in the realm of anomalous aerial and, in this case, marine phenomena. The magazine encourages reader participation in documenting such events, highlighting a commitment to gathering data for further analysis.

This document appears to be an issue of a publication titled "TIMES", dated 1971, with a volume designation of "1969-". The cover features a grid-based layout with handwritten entries, suggesting a data-logging or reporting format. The main headline on the cover is "BIENTOT ILS DEBARYYERONT SUR LA LUNE" (Soon they will land on the Moon), and a large handwritten word "EXEMPLE" is prominently displayed. The issue details various UFO sightings and related activities, alongside information about the operational aspects of a research group.

Content Analysis

The scanned pages reveal a structured approach to collecting and processing information, likely related to UFO phenomena. The first page presents a log with entries for dates (1, 2, 3, 30, 7), locations (Lune, Toulouse, Bolivie), and brief descriptions of alleged events.

• Entry 1: "BIENTOT ILS DEBARYYERONT SUR LA LUNE" (Soon they will land on the Moon).
• Entry 2: "ELLES EXISTENT" (They exist).
• Entry 3: "DES SOUTOU PES VOLANTES DANS LE CIEL TOULOUS" (Flying saucers in the sky over Toulouse).
• Entry 7: "PISTE D'ATTESAGE DANS LA PLAINE DE BOLIVIE" (Landing track in the plains of Bolivia).

These entries are accompanied by various codes and checkboxes, indicating a system for categorizing and analyzing sightings.

Pages 3 through 6 delve into the operational procedures and participation opportunities within the publishing organization, which seems to be the "Société d'astronomie Populaire" and potentially "G.E.O.S. (GROUPE D'ÉTUDES DES OBJETS SPATIAUX DE FRANCE)".

Data Processing and Verification:

The document outlines a detailed process for handling data, referred to as "FICHIER PARUTION 10sec&". This process involves:

• F) Codage (Coding): Assigning a direct-access code to keywords for computer processing.
• G. Vérification puis transcription sur bordereaux de perforation (Verification then transcription onto perforation slips): Verifying coding errors and transcribing them onto special sheets with sequences of numbers, signs, and letters.
• H. Verification: Verifying transcription errors from codes onto sheets.
• I. Perforation: Punching cards using special machines, with the possibility of soliciting individuals skilled in typing.
• J. Vérification: A second verification step to ensure similarity between given codes and perforations, and the immutability of card order.
• K. Enregistrement (Recording): Due to the volume of punched cards, they are recorded onto magnetic tape compatible with information processing centers.

Participation Opportunities:

The publication actively seeks contributions and participation from its readers and the public. Assistance is solicited for various tasks, including coding (A, B, C, F, G, H, J) and other processes (D, E, I).

III. TRAITEMENT ET UTILISATION DU FICHIER (File Processing and Utilization)

• A) Utilisation (Utilization): 1. Personnes et groupes ayant participé à son élaboration (Individuals and groups who participated in its development): Access to the file is free, excluding potential photocopy costs. 2. Personnes et groupes n'ayant pas participé (Individuals and groups who did not participate): The file is open to all, but non-participants will incur all processing costs, including special program creation and card perforation.

B. Traitement (Processing):

• 1. La question peut être traitée par le programme général (The question can be processed by the general program): The system handles questions, providing answers in the form of numbers, phrases, or observation cases. For new requesters, a file is created; for repeat requesters, existing case numbers are referenced.
• 2. La question est spéciale (The question is special): If the question cannot be handled by the general program, a special program is created, which takes longer.

IV. LES AUTRES POSSIBILITES DE PARTICIPATION (Other Participation Possibilities):

• A) Par votre activité au sein des "sections" (Through your activity within the "sections"): 1. Traduction (Translation): Need for translators in numerous languages (English, Italian, Spanish, German, Japanese, Portuguese, modern Hebrew, Icelandic, Dutch). This activity is rewarded by the enriching reading of documents. 4. Section scientifique (Scientific Section): Reserved for individuals with good knowledge in sciences like electronics, chemistry, nuclear energy, etc. 7. Recherche (Research): Requires similar conditions as the scientific section, plus ideas. 8. Enquêtes (Investigations): This section coordinates and conducts investigations, studying results to determine the need for further inquiry. It involves contacting the press, aerodromes, meteorological offices, and private entities. 9. Tri et agencement (Sorting and Arrangement): This service collects information before filing it according to a determined classification. Section 10 (typing) has been processed. Sections 2, 3, 5, 6 are dedicated to selling books (at reduced prices) and the library.

• B) Par un apport de matériel (Through material contribution): The association, being non-profit, faces financial difficulties. They seek contributions of material, such as office supplies (binders, notebooks, stationery) and electronic equipment for building detectors capable of detecting a wide range of radiation and particles.

• C) Par un apport d'idées (Through idea contribution): 1. Techniques: Ideas for improving detectors and the quality of the review. 2. Idées sur la gestion du groupe (Ideas on group management): Suggestions for new sections, expansion of existing ones, and different file utilization methods. 3. Idées sur l'organisation d'une fédération (Ideas on organizing a federation): Ideas for French, Francophone, and global federations.

• D) Par une propagande et un apport de membres (Through propaganda and member contribution): With a sufficient number of members, the publication can move beyond a closed circuit, allowing recovered funds to be invested in new developments.

• E) Par des Dons (Through Donations): The financial challenge for a non-profit association is highlighted, urging consideration for donations.

IV. POUR CLORE PROVISOIREMENT (To Conclude Provisionally):

The organization aims to be more than just a review publisher; it aspires to be a research group where all members actively participate. This active participation is seen as crucial for rapid emergence. A headquarters is planned to be established in Paris, offering a workspace and necessary documentation.

Contact and Membership:

The "Société d'astronomie Populaire" offers a monthly bulletin, practical astronomy courses, regional groups, and other activities. They provide documentation and have commissions for observations and UFOs (O.V.N.I.). The annual membership fee is 14 francs. Interested individuals are asked to contact Mr. Bury, the Secretary, via a simple card. The publication also encourages spreading awareness about extraterrestrials and finding new members and subscribers.

Page 7 features a large question mark and text encouraging readers to "Ecrivez et adhérez" (Write and join) G.E.O.S. (GROUPE D'ÉTUDES DES OBJETS SPATIAUX DE FRANCE), located at 77 Saint-Denis-les-Rebais. It poses questions about passion for the "insolites" (unusual), UFOs, origins, and the future of the human race.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, extraterrestrial existence, astronomical research, and the operational aspects of a dedicated research group. The editorial stance is one of active investigation, data collection, and community involvement. The publication emphasizes the importance of participation, whether through direct contributions to research, translation, technical expertise, or financial support. There is a clear call to action for readers to become involved in the group's efforts to understand and document phenomena related to UFOs and potentially broader questions about origins and humanity's future.