Extraterrestres, Les - Series 1 - No 23 - nov-dec 1972

Magazine Overview

Title: LES EXTRATERRESTRES
Issue: 23
Date: November - December 1972
Publisher: CERCLE FRANÇAIS DE RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES (French Circle of Ufological Research) and FEDERATION SUISSE D'UFOLOGIE (Swiss Ufology Federation)
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "Les Extraterrestres" is a review dedicated to documenting and informing about Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. It highlights international cooperation in ufological research and features various reports and analyses.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the growing trend towards international coordination and the fusion of efforts among ufological groups. It announces the merger of the Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU) and the Groupe d'études d'Objets Spatiaux de France (GEOS France), creating a significant commission in France. This union extends to a European level with the Swiss Ufology Federation (FSU), with which CFRU has always collaborated closely. The editorial notes that this collaboration aims to increase the effectiveness of research and information dissemination.

It also mentions the revival of the review "OURANOS," founded in 1951 by Marc Thirouin, which will absorb "Phénomènes Inconnus," "Ciel Insolite," and "Les Extra-Terrestres" starting with the next issue. This move signifies a return to the roots of ufological publication and a commitment to serious, objective research.

Death of Marc Thirouin

The issue commemorates the passing of Marc Thirouin, the founder of CIES OURANOS, on July 24, 1972. CIES OURANOS, established in 1951, was the first private UFO investigation commission in France and a pioneer in the study of the phenomenon. The editorial acknowledges Thirouin's profound knowledge of ufology and his passionate dedication to research. His health had declined, impacting CIES OURANOS and its review. The article emphasizes Thirouin's role as a true pioneer who paved the way for coordinated private research, a legacy that continues.

Reports of Investigations

This section presents three interesting observations:

"Luminous Stick" in the Sky of Chatellerault

On April 2, an observation was made by Mlle R. de Saint-Seine in Chatellerault. She reported seeing a pinkish-white, luminous object, inclined at 60 degrees, moving slowly northward. Later, a second, thinner object of similar shape appeared, moving southward. Her brother-in-law, Yves de Forestier, also witnessed the event but did not see the second object.

A "Flying Cigar" Slices Through the Sky of the Var

On July 28, an object was observed near Pignans in the Var region. The witness, a respected municipal councilor, described a very bright, cigar-shaped object moving at high speed. He estimated its altitude at around 6,000 meters. Based on its apparent size, he calculated its length to be approximately 260 meters and its width 26 meters, concluding it was neither a balloon, meteor, nor airplane.

"Landing" and Gigantic "Cigar" Spotted in Verona (Italy)

This report details two events near Verona. First, an investigation into a perfectly circular imprint, five meters in diameter with a rectangular protuberance, found in a field. Radioactivity measurements were negative. The official explanation of a falling high-tension cable was deemed illogical. Second, on June 23, two meteorologists observed a large, whitish, cigar-shaped object at an estimated altitude of 12,000 meters. It moved silently and at high speed (estimated at 3000 km/h) before disappearing. The observation was initially published but later denied, which the report suggests may have been due to pressure.

Seminar on UFOs

A seminar on UFOs was held at the Meudon Observatory on April 25, 1972, attended by about a hundred scientists, mostly astronomers. J.C. Ribes and Pierre Guérin presented information on UFOs. The seminar aimed to inform colleagues about the subject and counter the skepticism prevalent among astronomers. It highlighted that while official UFO research labs are far from established, private research has been ongoing for decades, often facing ridicule. The seminar sought to legitimize ufological research and encourage open inquiry.

A New Phenomenon in the Sky

This article by André Reymond discusses the phenomenon of anti-hail systems and their potential to be mistaken for UFOs. The Swiss Ufology Federation investigated a group in Duillier, Vaud, that uses a new anti-hail method involving torches that release silver iodide. These torches, burning with a bright white flame, are dropped from aircraft or fixed under wings. The article explains that while these systems are designed to prevent hail by increasing cloud temperature, their visual effects, especially at night, could be misinterpreted by inexperienced observers as UFOs. The author warns that distinguishing between these phenomena and actual UFOs requires careful observation and analysis.

"Is Ufology Here to Stay?" by Francis Consolin (Part 2)

This section delves into the history and future of ufology. It begins by referencing Eric Frank Russell's 1950 novel "War in the Skies," which explored the idea of "Vitons" (entities) controlling humanity. The author uses this as a springboard to discuss early ufological thought, particularly the work of Major Donald Keyhoe and his book "Flying Saucers Are Real," which highlighted the ancient nature of UFO observations. The article touches upon the idea of interplanetary travel and the advanced technology of UFO creators.

It poses the question of why UFOs do not seem to follow the same exponential progress in technology as human development. Aimé Michel is credited with suggesting that the incomprehensible nature of UFOs might stem from their superior psychic development, making their actions difficult to discern at our current level of understanding. The article also mentions the historical context of UFO sightings, referencing ancient texts and prehistoric art that may depict UFOs.

Participation in Activities

This section is a call for volunteers to join the organization's activities. It seeks collaborators for translation (English, German, Dutch, Spanish), investigation (interviewing witnesses, analyzing evidence), technical drawing, and secretarial work. The organization emphasizes that any contribution, however small, is valuable and that regular participation is key to their success.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for international cooperation and the unification of ufological research efforts. It champions the cause of private research while acknowledging the growing interest from the scientific community. The magazine maintains a serious and investigative stance, aiming to provide objective and well-documented information on UFOs and related phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine UFO sightings and misidentified phenomena, such as the anti-hail system discussed. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry and a desire to advance the understanding of the UFO phenomenon through rigorous investigation and collaboration.

This issue of "Phénomènes inconnus" (Unknown Phenomena), identified as N° 1 of Vol. 1, published in December 1972, focuses on themes of evolution, mathematics, UFOs, ancient civilizations, and paranormal phenomena. The cover prominently features "CIVILISATIONS INCONNUES" (Unknown Civilizations) and an article on "LES EFFETS KIRLIAN" (Kirlian Effects).

Evolution and Mathematics

The article "3. DIVERTISSEMENT MATHEMATIQUE" explores the concept of exponential growth in relation to the evolution of life and technology. It uses the paradox of "Achilles and the tortoise" by Zenon d'Elea and the legend of the invention of chess to illustrate geometric progressions. The author posits that the development of life and technology follows an exponential curve, suggesting that humanity is approaching a point of infinite potential.

"4. LES « LOIS » DE L'EVOLUTION" further elaborates on this, presenting a timeline of evolutionary stages from the origin of life to modern humans, based on the work of Professor André de Cayeux. This timeline, referred to as "L'ECHELLE DE JACOB" (Jacob's Ladder) in Figure I on page 11, shows a decreasing duration for each successive evolutionary stage. The article notes the correlation between biological evolution and technological advancement, citing the rapid development of human technique as a basis for calculating the timeline.

Kirlian Photography

"LES EFFETS KIRLIAN" details the work of Soviet researchers Walentina and Senjon Kirlian, who developed a method to visualize bioluminescence, or the 'aura,' and to detect a "subtle body" or "bioplasmic body" in living organisms. The article suggests that this subtle body is the primary organizer of the physical body and that diseases manifest in it before appearing on the physical level. It also mentions experiments demonstrating that this energetic body is sensitive to thoughts, emotions, sounds, and cosmic influences, leading to the study of "cosmic biology."

UFO Sightings and Ancient Civilizations

Several articles report on UFO sightings and related phenomena. "NOUVELLES INTERNATIONALES" includes reports from Quebec, Canada, detailing observations of luminous objects and unexplained traces. The "OBSERVATION FAITE A ORSAINVILLE (QUEBEC)" describes a fireball sighting, while "OBSERVATION FAITE A QUEBEC (QUEBEC)" recounts the observation of a luminous object with unusual movement.

"CURIEUSES GRAVURES DECOUVERTES AU MEXIQUE" discusses the discovery of ancient rock carvings in San Pedro de las Colonias, Mexico, some of which depict figures resembling astronauts and UFOs. It also mentions the discovery of tombs containing the remains of tall, blonde individuals. The article "PIERRES A CUPULES" discusses ancient cup-marked stones found in the Swiss Alps, suggesting a global civilization with a shared symbolism.

Other Sections

The "SERVICE DE DOCUMENTATION" section lists various books and publications related to UFOs and paranormal phenomena available for purchase or order. This includes works by authors like Jacques Vallée, Franck Edward, and Jimmy Guieu. The "Note importante aux collaborateurs de la revue" provides guidelines for submitting articles and photographs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interconnectedness of evolution, mathematics, and consciousness, the potential existence of non-physical bodies and energies (as explored through Kirlian photography), and the ongoing mystery of UFOs and ancient civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting research and reports from various sources while encouraging further investigation. The publication aims to inform its readers about a wide range of unexplained phenomena, bridging scientific, historical, and even spiritual perspectives.