Extraterrestres, Les - Series 2 - No 02 - avril 1977

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LES EXTRATERRESTRES" (The Extraterrestrials), number 2, dated April 1977, is a specialized magazine focused on UFO phenomena. The publication aims to be a serious platform for researchers, scientists, and academics, despite its science-fiction-like title, which was adopted for administrative reasons. The magazine is published in France by LES EXTRATERRESTRES and is priced at 10 French Francs within France and 15 Francs elsewhere. The editorial team is based in St Denis Les Rebais, France.

Editorial Stance and Content

The editorial, written by Henri Dizier, a member of the editorial committee, emphasizes the unique nature of each individual and the collective characteristic of ufologists: a multidimensionality of the spirit that allows them to explore the vast ocean of inexplicable phenomena. Dizier calls for a methodical research approach based on observation, reflection, and action, positioning the magazine as a forum for exchanging ideas and findings. He notes that while many researchers collaborate, some remain too discreet.

Key Articles and Features

Interview with Captain Kervendal

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Captain Kervendal of the Gendarmerie, conducted by Thierry Pindivic. Captain Kervendal clarifies that his views are strictly personal and do not officially represent the Gendarmerie or the Military Justice. He has been interested in UFOs for about ten years, initially writing an article for the Gendarmerie's internal review in 1971. He notes that since his article, UFO reports (procès-verbaux) have been submitted more systematically.

Kervendal explains that since late 1973, due to a surge in observations, all UFO reports are now sent to Claude Poher at the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) in Toulouse for study. He expresses disappointment with the Poitiers Congress, feeling that the Gendarmerie's official representation did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the issue. He advocates for a commission of scientists from various disciplines to study the phenomenon, rather than a single individual.

He discusses the challenges of accessing Gendarmerie documents, explaining that while they are not classified, they contain personal information about witnesses that must be protected. He proposes separating the 'moral' aspects of witness testimony from the factual report to facilitate communication. Kervendal believes the Gendarmerie, with its widespread presence, is well-positioned to collect UFO data but needs better motivation and clearer directives.

He also touches upon the difficulty of distinguishing genuine observations from misidentifications and the potential for sensationalism by certain media outlets. He mentions the work of James Mac Donald and Colman Von Keviczki in attempting to get the UN to study UFOs, but notes that these efforts have not yet succeeded.

List of UFO Research Groups

The magazine provides a comprehensive list of numerous UFO research groups in France, including their names, addresses, and sometimes contact persons. These groups include SVEPS, ADEPS, AAMT, LDLN, CNRE, CERPI, GENPI, CNEPE, GREPO, GERS, ARFA, CNROVNI, GROUPE VERONICA, GRS.OVNI, and GTR.OVNI.

"La Science prend-elle les OVNI au SERIEUX ?" (Does Science Take UFOs Seriously?)

This section features an interview with astrophysicist Pierre Guérin, a researcher at CNRS. Guérin, known for his pro-UFO research stance, discusses his long-standing interest in the phenomenon, dating back to the 1954 wave of sightings. He emphasizes the need for a scientific approach, characterized by prudence, method, and reason, even though some argue that UFOs are inherently irrational. Guérin estimates that a significant portion of reported sightings (around 20%) remain unexplained after eliminating misidentifications, forming the core 'UFO dossier'. He highlights the importance of testimonial evidence, particularly when multiple, independent witnesses provide consistent descriptions.

Other Sections

• A NOTER (Please Note): The editorial team is not responsible for the content of published texts, illustrations, drawings, and photos, which are the sole responsibility of their authors. Submission of documents implies consent for free reproduction.
• LA REDACTION (The Editorial Team): Lists the members of the editorial committee for 1977: Guy Capet, Henry Dizier, and Thierry Pindivic. It also details the technical and administrative staff.
• SOMMAIRE (Table of Contents): Outlines the articles in the issue, including the editorial, an interview with Captain Kervendal, discussions on scientific seriousness, group activities, and unpublished investigations.
• Public Meetings: The magazine announces public meetings and debate sessions organized in Paris at the CENTRE CULTUREL DU IO EME, providing dates for April, May, and June 1977.
• Collaboration: Readers are invited to contribute articles, observations, and theories to the magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, the role of official bodies like the Gendarmerie and scientific institutions in this research, and the importance of a rigorous, methodical approach. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and emphasizing the need for collaboration among researchers to advance the understanding of UFOs. There is a clear effort to legitimize ufology as a field of serious study, distinct from sensationalism or mere belief.

This issue of "LES ENQUETES INEDITES" focuses on UFO phenomena, scientific investigations, and related topics, featuring reports from correspondents and friends of the publication. The magazine explores various facets of UFO sightings, scientific explanations, and the psychological impact on witnesses.

Evidence for UFO Phenomena

The article "Cette preuve puissante est rare en ufologie" discusses three types of evidence supporting the existence of UFOs. The first type is powerful, well-documented sightings, exemplified by the Turin observation in 1963, where a luminous, intelligent object was tracked by radar and pilots. The second type involves comparing descriptions of objects seen at different times and locations by unrelated witnesses, revealing consistent details. The third type focuses on the intelligent behavior exhibited by UFOs. The author argues that these three types of evidence, when considered together, form a strong case.

Scientific Approaches to UFOs

The magazine explores the scientific perspective on UFOs, noting that some scientists are actively researching the phenomenon. It highlights the work of Jean-Pierre PETIT, a physicist at the University of Aix-en-Provence-Marseille, who has developed a magnetohydrodynamic model for UFO propulsion. This model suggests that UFOs might exploit fusion energy to ionize air, creating an intense electric field and using magnetic fields for propulsion, which could explain their ability to break the sound barrier without a sonic boom.

The article also touches upon the skepticism within the scientific community, suggesting that some scientists' disbelief stems from a fear of losing human autonomy and a preconceived notion that UFOs are impossible. This skepticism, the magazine argues, has forced researchers into clandestine work, slowing down progress.

Case Studies and Sightings

Several specific UFO incidents are detailed:

• Turin, 1963: A luminous, intelligent object was observed by radar and pilots, exhibiting unusual flight characteristics.
• Torvilliers, France (November 1976): Five witnesses reported seeing an ovoid, luminous object with an orange halo and trail. The object moved erratically, accelerated vertically, and disappeared. A notable detail was the malfunction of the car's cassette player during the sighting.
• Peralta, Uruguay (August 1976): Gorge Yhlenfeld observed a powerful white light and an inverted funnel-shaped object with a projector and red lights. The object landed, leaving behind burnt grass traces in a horseshoe shape.
• Lake Wellington, Australia (March 1974): Robert Nagles reported seeing a luminous, oval object with three stages that emitted a beam of light towards the ground. The object hovered and then moved away.

Parapsychology and the Unexplained

The issue includes a review of "L'UNIVERS DE LA PARAPSYCHOLOGIE" by Professor Hans BENDER. This book explores phenomena such as telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, and psychokinesis, positioning parapsychology as a science that studies unexplained human influences on matter.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• "LE GRAND LIVRE DES OVNI" by Pierre DELVAL: While praised for its extensive collection of cases and accessibility to the general reader, the review criticizes it for relying on outdated hypotheses and lacking depth on topics like humanoids and the psychological aspects of sightings.
• "CHASSEURS D'O.V.N.I." by François GARDES: This book is described as a personal account of the author's journey into ufology. While it offers insights and critiques of the field, the review notes its ironic tone and fragmented presentation, which may hinder comprehension for non-specialists.
• "CHRONIQUES DES CIVILISATIONS DISPARUES" by Patrick FERRYN and Ivan VERHEYDEN: This collective work, focusing on archaeology, briefly addresses UFOs primarily to debunk sensationalist claims. It acknowledges archaeological enigmas but avoids UFO-related explanations.
• "L'UNIVERS DE LA PARAPSYCHOLOGIE" by Hans BENDER: Reviewed positively, this book is highlighted for its rigorous scientific approach to parapsychological phenomena.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes sections on group activities (S.A.P.T., G.A.P.R.A., CEPI meetings), a necrology for Professor Donald H. Menzel, and a discussion on the Soviet Union's stance on UFOs. Advertisements for books, a subscription form for "LES EXTRATERRESTRES," and a section for submitting inventions are also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the evidence for UFOs, the scientific investigation of these phenomena, and the psychological aspects of sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging scientific rigor while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the skepticism faced by researchers in the field. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between physical evidence of UFOs and the psychological components of witness experiences. The magazine also promotes the idea that ufology is gradually emerging from its 'ghetto' and becoming a more legitimate area of scientific study.