Extraterrestres, Les - Series 1 - No 24 - janv-fevr 1973

Magazine Overview

This issue of LES EXTRATERRESTRES, identified as number 24 and dated January-February 1973, is a review published by the CERCLE FRANÇAIS DE RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES and the FEDERATION SUISSE D'UFOLOGIE, aiming for European coordination of research. It is a documentary and informational review on Unidentified Flying Objects and related phenomena. The cover prominently features a photograph of a UFO and highlights lead articles on an unusual object above the Haute-Provence Observatory, possible ambiguities regarding UFOs, and the future of ufology.

Editorial Content

The editorial section, titled "EDITORIAL," reflects on the magazine's fifth year of existence and the growth of the C.F.R.U. (Centre Français de Recherche Ufologique). It announces the merger of CIES OURANOS with CFRU and the relaunch of their publication under the new title "OURANOS," succeeding "Phénomènes Inconnus." The editorial emphasizes the importance of international research coordination, noting a successful European colloquium in May 1972 and expressing hope for broader French participation in future meetings. It thanks numerous collaborators for their voluntary contributions and highlights the organization's commitment to methodical and effective work. The editorial also mentions public meetings and conferences held in November, including one in Lyon attended by approximately 400 people.

Key Articles and Reports

A PROPOS D'UN DOCUMENT PHOTOGRAPHIQUE EXCEPTIONNEL

This article by Philippe TOURNIER analyzes a photograph taken in Corsica on February 12, 1971. The object appears to be a disk with possible hypothetical windows. The analysis focuses on a bright spot on the lower front edge, potentially an observation apparatus or a sub-dome, and the presence of radial lines emanating from the disk's edge. The author discusses the possibility of a hoax but finds the photographic sequence and the object's slight rotation suggestive of authenticity, proposing that it should be studied as a genuine sighting.

RAPPORTS D'OBSERVATIONS

This section presents several UFO sighting reports:

• Germany, May 23, 1971: Monsieur Rudi NAGORA, a 25-year-old musician and Siemens employee, reports a disc-shaped object with a pendulum motion near Deutschlandsberg. He photographed the object, estimating its diameter at 12-15 meters and its altitude at 1000-1500 meters. The object emitted an orange and blue light and a humming sound that varied with its distance.
• France, July 1971: An investigation by J. Castelli of CFRU Lille details an incident where two brothers reported an egg-shaped object, described as the size of a large washing machine, plunging into the sea near Blériot and Sangatte. The object emitted orange and blue light and was observed at an altitude of about fifty meters and a distance of one hundred meters.
• Haute-Provence Observatory, September 16, 1971: G. GÉRARD reports on an unusual luminous object observed by observatory staff and numerous other witnesses. The object was described as moving rapidly, with a change in aspect and direction inconsistent with known aircraft or satellites. Radar at Marignane airport reportedly tracked multiple fast-moving objects in the area.

REMARQUES GENERALES SUR LES OVNI

This section by G. GÉRARD categorizes general observations about UFOs and proposes possible explanations. Observed characteristics include high speed, silence, sudden stops, sub-luminal velocity, and unusual physical effects like scorched vegetation. Possible explanations range from magnetic fields and ionization to advanced technology and unknown energy sources. Secondary effects reported include vehicle ignition failures, radio interference, and effects on animals and witnesses.

L'UFOLOGIE A-T-ELLE UN AVENIR ?

This multi-part article by Francis CONSOLIN delves into the nature of evolution. The third part, "Que savons-nous de l'évolution ? L'évolution: hasard ou planification ?", questions the neo-Darwinian theory. It argues that the development of complex biological structures, such as the mammalian middle ear, suggests a degree of planning rather than purely random chance and natural selection. The author cites the discovery of the fossil Diarthrognathus as evidence of intermediate forms that appear to have been designed for a specific function. The article also touches upon the development of the human brain and the emergence of language and writing, suggesting that evolution involves the appearance of faculties that beings then discover and master.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena with a scientific and analytical approach, as evidenced by the detailed case studies and the "General Remarks on UFOs" section. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous analysis, as seen in the photographic case study and the statistical quality assessment of observations. The publication also engages with broader scientific and philosophical questions, particularly concerning the nature of evolution, suggesting a belief in a more directed or planned process rather than pure randomness. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained phenomena, aiming to inform the public and foster international cooperation in ufological research. The magazine also expresses a desire to move beyond the previous publication "Phénomènes Inconnus" to a new era with "OURANOS."

This issue of 'Ouranos' magazine, dated November 1972, is dedicated to exploring the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related topics, including parapsychology and human consciousness. The publication aims to provide documentary-style research and investigations into these subjects.

Key Articles and Investigations

Observation d'un OVNI au Télescope (Observation of a UFO through a Telescope)

This section details two observations of a UFO made by Patrick Labit, a 15-year-old amateur astronomer, on September 28 and 30, 1972, in Talence, France. Using a 760mm focal length telescope with magnifications of 35x and 117x, Labit observed a spherical, metallic object with intermittent white lights. On the second occasion, a smaller satellite object was also observed orbiting the main craft. The object's trajectory changed, moving horizontally and then disappearing. The report includes detailed sketches (Croquis N°1 and N°2) and estimates the object's altitude at 17-18,000 meters and its diameter at 5 meters. The observations are linked to a potential 'Axe 2' trajectory identified in previous cases in the Gironde region.

Une Mystérieuse Boule de Feu (A Mysterious Fireball)

This article reports on an investigation into an incident involving a 'mysterious fireball' experienced by a witness, Jean F., on October 25, 1972, near Chouvigny, France. The witness described a fireball descending towards his car, which then exploded into a blinding flash, causing a burning sensation in his left eye. The investigation notes that the witness's face was red and swollen, and he experienced pain. The article suggests the incident might be related to 'radiation' and mentions the collection of dust samples from the car's windshield for analysis. The author expresses conviction that this is not the end of the story and that the witness may be part of ongoing experiments by UFO occupants.

L'Étonnante Observation de M. Vuillien (The Astonishing Observation of Mr. Vuillien)

This report details an observation made by Georges Vuillien on November 2, 1972, in Val-Dessus, Jura, France. Vuillien observed luminous, smoke-like volutes in the sky, followed by a stationary object described as a lenticular disk with a dome, approximately 20 meters in diameter and 4 meters thick, hovering about 8 meters above the ground. The object then tilted vertically and ascended slowly, disappearing at an altitude of about 50 meters. The investigation team measured magnetic remanence in the area, confirming the presence of a magnetic field. The witness initially feared aggression and retrieved a rifle, but the object departed silently.

Ambiguïtés Possibles à Propos d'OVNI (Possible Ambiguities Regarding UFOs)

Authored by S.-R. Lamarche, this article discusses the challenges in studying UFO phenomena due to potential ambiguities. It categorizes these ambiguities into four main areas: psychological phenomena (consciousness, perception, memory, hallucination), parapsychological phenomena (telepathy, clairvoyance, levitation), physical phenomena (meteorological, astronomical, experimental), and miscellaneous phenomena (reflections, high-altitude birds, hoaxes, radar issues). The article emphasizes the need for a filtering system to ensure the veracity of UFO cases and suggests that many phenomena, while not necessarily fraudulent, may be misidentified natural or artificial occurrences.

Phénomènes Paranormaux (Paranormal Phenomena)

Written by Elyan Cohin, this section explores the connection between paranormal phenomena and the fourth dimension. It posits that many aspects of ufology, such as the instantaneous appearance and disappearance of UFOs, could be explained if they operate in a 'subspace' or a fourth dimension. The author suggests that humans might possess a latent 'sixth sense' capable of perceiving this fourth dimension, linking it to parapsychological faculties like telepathy, telekinesis, and ectoplasm. The article references the work of Dr. Carl Gustav Jung and Dr. Eugène Osty, highlighting the potential for a synthesis between parapsychology, physics, and biology.

Parapsychologie et Ufologie (Parapsychology and Ufology)

This section, written by E. Cohin, explains the rationale for including a parapsychology department within a UFO study society. It defines parapsychology as the study of supranormal phenomena and discusses its connection to intelligence and will. The article references Allan Kardec and Charles Richet, outlining concepts like telekinesis, psychokinesis, and ectoplasm. It suggests that UFO occupants are likely highly developed psychically, capable of manipulating parapsychological forces, while humans may be more susceptible to these influences. The goal is to understand and develop latent human powers for potential contact with these intelligences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes a scientific approach to UFO research, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding and the potential role of psychological and parapsychological factors. There is a clear interest in detailed case studies, witness testimonies, and the collection of evidence such as photographs and magnetic readings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to demystify UFO phenomena by categorizing and analyzing them, while also leaving room for the extraordinary and the unknown. The publication encourages reader participation and collaboration in its research efforts.

Other Sections

Bibliographie (Bibliography)

This section lists several books and articles cited in the magazine, covering topics from evolutionary biology and zoology to the physics of mysticism and prehistoric religions.

Activités des Sections Régionales (Activities of Regional Sections)

This part of the magazine details the activities of various regional sections of the French UFO Research Center (CFRU) and the Swiss Ufology Federation (FSU). It reports on conferences, meetings, and the establishment of new sections in regions like Val-de-Travers (Switzerland), Drôme-Ardèche, Aix-en-Provence, and Bordeaux (France).

Service de Documentation (Documentation Service)

This section advertises the magazine's documentation service, offering a list of books and publications related to UFOs and related topics for sale. It also promotes 'UFO Posters' and the CFRU's self-adhesive logo.

Notes and Communications

There are notes for collaborators regarding submission deadlines and formatting, as well as a general appeal to readers and subscribers to support the magazine. A communique also reminds readers to include a stamped envelope for replies to their correspondence.

Product Advertisements

Advertisements for a pocket magnetometer and a radioactivity detector patch are included, suggesting tools used in UFO investigations.