Extraterrestres, Les - Series 2 - No 04 - octobre 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: Les EXTRATERRESTRES
Issue Date: October 1977
Issue Number: 4
Price: 10 Frs (France), 15 Frs (Other countries)

This issue of Les EXTRATERRESTRES, a quarterly publication dedicated to UFOs (Objets Volants Non Identifiés), features a detailed exploration of Jacques Vallée's classification system for UFO sightings. The cover prominently displays the title and a subtitle referencing unidentified flying objects, with a striking graphic of a sunburst and a central bright light.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The magazine is published and administered from Saint-Denis-Les-Rebais, France. Key personnel include Gerard Lebat as Director of Publication, Henri Dizier as Editor-in-Chief, and Gilles Richard and Pierre-Noèl Paulin for artistic direction. The editorial team also includes Guy Capet, Thierry Pinvidic, and Bernard Charbonnier. The publication is registered with a commission paritaire number and has a legal deposit number.

Table of Contents

• The table of contents outlines the issue's main articles:
• Researchers and Groups
• Editorial
• The Vallée Classification by Gilles Smiena
• Science Facing UFOs: Interview with Prof. Hyneck by J.L. Brochard
• Laboratory Station for UFO Detection
• The Air Force Facing UFOs
• Book Reviews by Gilles Smiena
• Notices to Researchers
• INCA T Catalogue of International Observations of TYPE 1
• Survey Questionnaire
• Documentation Service
• Advertisers

Reader Contributions and Subscriptions

Les EXTRATERRESTRES actively seeks collaboration from its readers, encouraging contributions from investigators, researchers, technicians, and scientists to advance ufological studies. Submissions are welcomed for publication without return, and reproduction is permitted with proper source attribution. The magazine also requests press clippings related to UFO phenomena. Subscription information is provided, with options for normal and support subscriptions, as well as a package including membership to GEOS. Information on how to change addresses is also included.

Public Meetings

The publication organizes public meetings in Paris on the UFO phenomenon, covering its history, characteristics, and specialized research. These meetings are followed by private working sessions to discuss the magazine's organization and ufological research. They are held at the Centre Culturel du 10ème, 31 rue de Chateau Landon, Paris 10ème, on specific dates.

Editorial: One Year Later

The editorial, written by Henri Dizier, reflects on the first year of "Les EXTRATERRESTRES." It highlights the initial ambitious project to create a dynamic team in Paris to disseminate technical and scientific information on UFOs. The magazine aims to connect readers with those actively researching the phenomenon. The editorial acknowledges the vastness of UFO-related data and the challenge of keeping pace with new events. It introduces a questionnaire-enquête to gather reader feedback and guide the magazine's future direction. The editorial expresses gratitude for reader support and hopes for continued engagement in 1978.

The Vallée Classification System

This section, authored by Gilles Smiena, details Jacques Vallée's classification system for UFO observations. Vallée, a well-known ufologist, developed this system in 1961. The article explains that the system is necessary due to the large volume of UFO data collected globally. Vallée's system categorizes sightings into five main types:

• TYPE 1: Unusual images of objects on or near the ground, spherical, discoidal, or complex, possibly with physical effects.
• TYPE 2: Cylindrical formations in the atmosphere, associated with diffuse clouds (termed "flying cigar").
• TYPE 3: Anomalous objects observed stationary in the atmosphere, regardless of shape (spherical, discoidal, elliptical).
• TYPE 4: Anomalous objects in continuous translation in the atmosphere, with any accelerations, rotations, or luminous variations.
• TYPE 5: Luminous phenomena presented as related to UFOs.

Each of these five types is further divided into secondary categories designated by letters (A, B, C, D, E). The article provides detailed descriptions for Type 1 and Type 2 secondary categories, including variations like objects near water (1B) or objects showing interest in witnesses or vehicles (1C, 1D).

Secondary Characteristics

Vallée's system also incorporates secondary characteristics, divided into two groups: external to the observation and internal to the phenomenon. These are coded using six-letter or six-digit combinations. External characteristics include the country, number of witnesses, general observation conditions, and associated physical effects. Internal characteristics describe the observation type, class, number of objects, object shape, color, and dimensions.

Examples of Coded Observations

The article provides examples of coded observations, illustrating how the classification system is applied. For instance, "GB3LBC - 2B8CV7 + F" is presented as a coded observation.

Limitations of the Classification

The article notes that Type 5 sightings can be confused with artificial satellites or aircraft. It also discusses the limitations of the classification, such as the omission of the date and exact location of the observation, and a perceived illogical progression from specific to general categories.

Science Facing UFOs: Interview with Dr. J. Allen Hynek

This section features an interview with Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Center for UFO Studies. Dr. Hynek, a renowned astrophysicist, discusses his views on UFOs, suggesting a "meta-terrestrial" reality rather than a purely extraterrestrial hypothesis due to the sheer volume of sightings. He expresses concern about the potential link between UFOs and psychic phenomena but emphasizes the importance of studying them through the lens of physical sciences. He also comments on the Acapulco convention, describing it as a "fiasco" due to a lack of seriousness from some participants.

UFO Detection Station Project

An article by Henri Dizier introduces a project by the Société Varoise d'Etude des phénomènes Spatiaux (SVEPS) to build an automatic UFO detection station. The station is designed to rigorously study unexplained phenomena using advanced technology. The project aims to move beyond historical case analysis to real-time, comparative data collection. The station will utilize various sensors, including magnetic, gravimetric, infrasonic, and spectrometric detectors, along with meteorological sensors. It will be controlled by a central computer capable of processing a large volume of data and potentially responding to UFOs visually.

The Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS)

The magazine provides information about the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) in Evanston, Illinois, founded by Dr. J. Allen Hynek. It highlights the center's scientific approach and its collaborations with organizations like the FBI, CIA, and NASA. The French section of CUFOS, established in September 1976, aims to promote scientific ufological research in France and Europe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes a scientific and analytical approach to the study of UFOs. The detailed breakdown of Jacques Vallée's classification system underscores the effort to bring order and rigor to a complex field. The interview with Dr. J. Allen Hynek and the article on the proposed detection station further reinforce the magazine's commitment to scientific investigation, moving away from purely speculative or anecdotal accounts. The editorial stance is one of encouraging serious research, reader participation, and the development of systematic methods for understanding the UFO phenomenon. The magazine positions itself as a platform for disseminating technical and scientific information, aiming to foster a more structured and credible approach to ufology.

Title: LES EXTRATERRESTRES
Issue: 9
Volume: 1
Date: April 1976
Publisher: MICHEL MOUTET EDITEUR
Country: France
Cover Headline: l'armée de l'air face aux o.v.n.i. (The Air Force faces UFOs)

This issue of LES EXTRATERRESTRES focuses on the French Air Force's approach to the UFO phenomenon, featuring a detailed report of a conference given by Colonel Alexis, who is in charge of the UFO dossier at the Ministry of Air. The magazine also includes a comprehensive catalog of UFO sightings and reviews of relevant books.

The Air Force and UFOs: Colonel Alexis's Conference

The article begins by highlighting the growing public interest in UFOs since 1975, noting that this interest had previously peaked in 1954. Colonel Alexis, presented as an expert on the UFO phenomenon in France, delivered a conference in Troyes.

Historical Context and Mission

Colonel Alexis explained that since the end of World War II, a "scientific bureau" was established within the Ministry of Air to monitor aerospace technologies. In 1951, this bureau opened a specific file on UFOs to better understand the nature and location of these aerial apparitions. In 1954, the Secretary of State for Armed Forces officially tasked the Air Force with monitoring this issue. An instruction from the Air Force Staff mandated all major commands to transmit UFO testimonies to the scientific bureau.

Air Force's Role and Limitations

The Air Force's mission is strictly defined: to examine UFO testimonies solely for information relevant to national defense. Colonel Alexis stated that, in most cases, UFO reports do not present such implications. Therefore, the Air Force's role does not extend to pronouncing on the origin of these phenomena or questioning the veracity of official reports from the gendarmerie or territorial commands. However, the Air Force does correlate observations with known aerospace or atmospheric phenomena that might be misinterpreted by non-specialists.

Analysis of UFO Reports

After being examined for national defense relevance, UFO dossiers are sent to the CNES for scientific analysis. A review of reports collected by the Air Force over twenty-five years (since 1976) yielded the following findings:

From a National Defense Perspective:
1. No acts of aggression against civilian or military property have been observed.
2. These strange manifestations do not alter the Earth's geophysical balance, and no atmospheric disturbances have been noted after their passage.
3. Air defense systems (radar and combat aircraft) do not detect UFOs in 99.2% of cases.
4. To date, no witness has successfully captured photos of stationary UFOs with or without occupants, nor recovered any physical fragments.
5. Apart from ground traces, no object has been reported that conclusively proves the materiality of UFOs.

From a Scientific Perspective:
Colonel Alexis noted that the observation of unidentified aerial phenomena is not unique to modern civilization and has historical precedents. He acknowledged that while some ufologists interpret ancient graphics and sculptures as evidence of early sightings, the phenomenon is rarely detected by scientific instruments, with visual observations being abundant. The Air Force's analysis of reports, particularly those correlated with known aerospace or physical events, suggests that in 80% of cases, the 'strange' observations are indeed due to known phenomena. However, the remaining unexplained cases are considered significant.

Witness Demographics and Characteristics

The article presents statistics on French UFO witnesses, showing a distribution across various social activities, with no single social class being privileged. Pilots (civil and military), engineers, technicians, military personnel, workers, and farmers are among the most frequent witnesses. Abroad, observations are more frequent among civilian and military pilots, while less so among laborers, technicians, and farmers. The age distribution of witnesses is also presented, with the majority falling between 21 and 59 years old.

Analysis of Testimonies

Testimonies are generally considered to be from good faith witnesses, with their identity known in three-quarters of cases. Since 1954, reports have been filed with the Air Force staff via the gendarmerie. Observations are typically made by more than two adults. The number of testimonies is proportional to population density across France. Descriptions of phenomena have improved, allowing for better correlation with known events. The analysis indicates that 80% of cases can be explained by known aerospace or physical phenomena, suggesting that unexplained cases are likely not fabricated.

Characteristics of Observed Phenomena

The issue provides detailed tables on various aspects of observed phenomena:

• Duration of Observation: Ranging from less than 10 seconds to over a day.
• Meteorological Conditions: Occurring under various conditions, including clear skies, clouds, and precipitation.
• Distance: Observed at distances ranging from less than 10 meters to over 3 km.
• Form: Diverse shapes including discs, ovoids, cupolas, cigar-cylinders, and spheres.
• Color: Varying from metallic and white to orange and red.
• Dimensions: Highly dispersed, with some cases indicating diameters of around one meter, and others up to seven to ten meters.
• Speed and Trajectory: Including supersonic, rapid, mobile, and immobile movements, with trajectories described as straight lines, abnormal, or involving stops and arabesques.
• Luminosity: Ranging from non-luminous to brilliant and dazzling.
• Observed Effects: Including sounds (divers, whistling, humming), thermal effects (no observed effect, effects noted, effects with traces), luminous and thermal effects (paralyzing luminous rays, correlation of odor/speed, no specific odor), and odors (divers, none).

Effects on Humans and the Environment

Observed effects on humans are generally minor, with no reports of trauma or psychological modification. Some medical professionals suggest strong emotion as a cause for phenomena like skin disease, headaches, temporary paralysis, or fainting. Deaths, nausea, aggression, and loss of willpower are also mentioned, though rare. Effects on domestic animals are minimal, with only a 5.46% incidence of fear noted. The phenomena are considered not to pose a danger to humans or the environment.

Book Reviews

The magazine includes reviews of several books related to UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena:

• LE LIVRE NOIR DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES by Henry DURRAND: A comprehensive historical overview of UFOs, analyzing contemporary manifestations and public/authority reactions.
• LES DOSSIERS DES OVNI by Henry DURRAND: A more rigorous investigation of contemporary UFO cases, focusing on the craft, their influences, and ground traces.
• LA BIBLE ET LES EXTRATERRESTRES by Pierre Jean MOATI: Explores the possibility of extraterrestrial intervention in biblical events, though criticized for speculative interpretations and a modernizing tone.
• LA SCIENCE FACE AUX EXTRATERRESTRES by Jean-Claude BOURRET: The author's third book on the subject.
• LA CHRONIQUE DES OVNI by Michel BOUGARD: A scientific approach to UFOs.

Catalog of UFO Sightings (INCAT)

The magazine presents the first part of the INCAT catalog, compiled by Peter Rogerson and updated with French contributions. This section lists numerous UFO sightings from 1940 onwards, detailing the date, location, witnesses, object description, and any observed effects or traces. Examples include:

• June 1940, Oak Ridge, USA: A hovering object expelling blue vapor.
• July/August 1940, Jutland, Denmark: Encounters with strange beings and a hemispherical object.
• August 1940, Bata, Hungary: A fiery wheel-like object.
• Summer 1942, Tasmanian Peninsula: A large metallic object descending into the sea.
• July 1942, Bucey le Grand, France: A rotating oval object with lights and sound.
• October 1942, Radway Green, UK: A fusiform object leaving a carbonized surface and footprints.
• 1942, USA South Coast: An object diving into the sea and reappearing.
• 1942, Rusananc, Yugoslavia: A brilliant, flaming object causing panic.
• September 1943, Oncatino, Argentina: A luminous discoidal object moving at high speed.

Documentation Service and Book Recommendations

The issue concludes with a "Documentation Service" section offering a list of available books on UFOs and related topics for purchase. It also lists other relevant magazines and publications, such as "LES CAHIERS DU RÉALISME FANTASTIQUE" and "LA REVUE DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFOs, the analysis of eyewitness testimonies, the historical documentation of sightings, and the exploration of potential extraterrestrial involvement. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, aiming to provide factual information and analysis rather than sensationalism, while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding. The magazine encourages readers to contribute their own findings and research.