Extraterrestres, Les - Series 2 - No 08 - octobre 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: Les EXTRATERRESTRES
Issue: TS (October 1978)
Publisher: LA REVUE DE L'UNIVERS OVNI
Country: FRANCE
Language: French
ISSN: 0399-5216
Price: 10 Frs (France) / 15 Frs (Other countries)

This issue of 'Les EXTRATERRESTRES' delves into the realm of unidentified flying objects (OVNIs) with a focus on witness accounts, photographic evidence, and systematic methods for analysis. The cover prominently features the title and the subtitle '-Objets Volants Non Identifiés-', set against a striking graphic design.

Key Articles and Features

"A propos de la nuit d'observation" (About the Night of Observation) This section details a large-scale UFO observation event held on June 3, 1978. The preparation involved extensive communication with the local commune of Doue, near Coulommiers, and significant media outreach. The event itself saw a large public turnout, with telescopes and radio equipment available for demonstration. The media coverage was extensive, reaching thousands of people. While no specific sightings were reported during the night itself, the event served to raise awareness and generated numerous requests for documentation. The article also briefly mentions the discovery of interesting older cases, including one near Orléans and Etampes where an automobilist was followed by a UFO.

"Nos Enquêtes: Photographie près de Laon" (Our Investigations: Photograph near Laon) This article presents a case from July 23, 1975, near Laon, Aisne, France. Jean Bonnet, a 60-year-old retired air force commander, and his wife witnessed a luminous red object approximately 1 km away, estimated to be 6mm long at arm's length and about 200 meters above the ground. Mr. Bonnet managed to take five photographs with a Zeiss Ikon 1947 camera, two of which were deemed publishable. The object was observed moving eastward and then westward. The analysis of the photograph, conducted by Didier Safranionek and Jacky Guittet, notes potential issues with the negative due to handling and processing but concludes that the photograph is not a fabrication. Measurements of the object's size are estimated at 40 meters in diameter and 10 meters in height. The article also notes the proximity of a "PLUTON" weapons depot to the observation site.

"Premiers éléments sur Gomécourt" (First Elements on Gomécourt) This report, by Didier Safranionek and Patrick Seray, details a sighting on March 8, 1978, near Gomécourt. Mme Huguet observed a large, mushroom-shaped object on the ground in a field, emitting rapidly blinking red and blue lights. The object was estimated to be 7 meters in diameter and 2 meters high. She reported feeling fear and experiencing physical discomfort, including a hot head. Upon returning to the site with colleagues, she found traces left by the object. The report also mentions that another witness saw a similar object with lights at 4:45 AM that morning. Investigations at the site revealed flattened vegetation and detected radioactivity, with measurements varying across the area. The report discusses two hypotheses for the radioactivity: contamination by radioactive dust or the presence of a radioactive body emitting radiation. The article also mentions a germination test where beans grown in soil from the site showed slower growth compared to those grown in normal soil.

"Méthode de reconnaissance et d'identification de l'apparence des OVNI" (Method for Recognition and Identification of UFO Appearances) Authored by Dr. Richard F. Haines, this section outlines a systematic 7-step method for analyzing UFO sightings. The process begins with the witness drawing the OVNI, followed by drawing simple shapes (circle, square, triangle) for comparison. The witness then identifies shapes from provided diagrams that best match the observed object. Subsequent steps involve recognizing details, determining dimensions and proportions, and finally, assigning a definitive code to the object's appearance. The method aims to standardize data collection and facilitate statistical analysis of UFO characteristics. It emphasizes using memory-based drawings and standardized visual aids to overcome the limitations of human memory.

"DOSSIER ONU" (UN Dossier) This brief update reports that Sir Eric Gairy met with UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim on May 12th to discuss Grenada's position on UFOs. Gairy intended to present evidence of UFO existence at the September 1978 session.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, investigative approach to the UFO phenomenon. It encourages reader participation in reporting sightings and contributing to research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to understand the nature of UFOs through rigorous data collection and scientific analysis, while acknowledging the current lack of definitive explanations. The emphasis on systematic methods for recording observations suggests a desire to move beyond anecdotal evidence towards more quantifiable data. The inclusion of scientific analysis, such as the radioactivity study, highlights a commitment to exploring potential physical aspects of the phenomenon. The magazine also serves as a platform for various UFO research groups and their activities, fostering a community of interest.

Other Sections

• CHERCHEURS ET GROUPEMENTS: A section for researchers and groups to announce their activities and contact information.
• AVIS AUX LECTEURS: An appeal for reader collaboration in writing articles and sending press clippings related to UFOs.
• CONDITIONS D'ABONNEMENT: Information on subscription rates and how to subscribe.
• CONFERENCES ET REUNIONS DU GEOS: Announcements for public meetings and private work sessions organized by the GEOS group, detailing topics and locations.
• ANCIENS NUMEROS: An offer to purchase back issues of the magazine.

This issue underscores the ongoing effort within the UFO research community to systematically document, analyze, and understand the complex phenomenon of unidentified aerial phenomena.

This issue of LES EXTRATERRESTRES, dated 1978, focuses on the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, with a particular emphasis on the analysis of photographic evidence and the development of systematic methods for recording and interpreting sightings. The cover prominently features the headline 'Avec cet appareil vous pouvez contrôler la PENSÉE' (With this device you can control THOUGHT), hinting at the exploration of parapsychological and technological advancements.

The Falkville Affair: Analysis of Photographs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed examination of the Falkville photographs, which purportedly show a humanoid creature. The article "L'AFFAIRE DE FALKVILLE" by Henry Durrant presents a critical review of an analysis conducted by William Spaulding of the GSW (Ground Saucer Watch), which utilized computer-aided techniques such as contour enhancement, color separation, PIXEL distortion analysis, and digitalization. Durrant, along with analysts from ICUFON (USA) and DUIST (West Germany), strongly disputes Spaulding's conclusions, arguing that the GSW analysis is flawed due to its psychological bias, factual errors, and lack of concrete evidence. They contend that the photographs likely depict a hoax involving a firefighter's suit, not an extraterrestrial being.

Durrant and his colleagues present their own analysis, highlighting inconsistencies in the GSW's findings and suggesting that the computer analysis misinterpreted details, such as reflections and the nature of the suit's material. They emphasize that a thorough examination, even with simple tools like a magnifying glass, can reveal the true nature of the images, questioning the necessity of complex computer analysis for such a task.

UFO Coding Technique

Page 1 and 2 introduce a detailed UFO coding technique developed by Richard F. Haine, a Doctor of Physics. This method, presented as a way to enhance the reliability of UFO identification, involves a seven-step process for investigators to systematically record and code various aspects of a sighting, including shape, details, orientation, and angle of vision. The article stresses the importance of accuracy and cross-verification in this coding process.

Montluçon UFO Conference 1978

Pages 3 and 8 cover the 1978 UFO conference held in Montluçon, France. The report, written by Gilles Siemena, details the proceedings over three days. The first day was dedicated to discussions among local UFO associations, primarily focusing on financial issues. The subsequent days featured presentations by various ufologists on diverse topics, including the sociology of ufology, critical analysis of research, cataloging of close encounters, the use of sophrology in witness interviews, scientific hypotheses, comparative analysis of UFOs and folklore, and the potential link between religious apparitions and UFO phenomena. The conference concluded with the drafting and signing of an agreement outlining fundamental principles of UFO research, acknowledging the existence of unique phenomena and the specific case of UFOs within that framework.

BIOCONTROLE Device

Pages 10 and 11 introduce the BIOCONTROLE, an electronic device marketed for its ability to facilitate communication with plants, detect lies, and enhance self-mastery. The article highlights its potential for parapsychological experiments, claiming it can help users achieve deeper states of relaxation and meditation, and develop inner powers. The device is offered for a 15-day free trial.

Other Content

The magazine also includes a section on slide series available from G.E.O.S. (Service de Documentation du Groupe d'Etudes des Objets Spaciaux de France), detailing series on historical UFO events, extraterrestrials, and humanoids. A brief note also solicits press clippings from readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rigorous scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the critical analysis of evidence (particularly photographic), and the exploration of advanced technologies and parapsychological capabilities. The editorial stance appears to favor a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO research, emphasizing the need for verifiable data and systematic methodology. There is a clear critique of analyses perceived as lacking scientific rigor or being influenced by bias, as exemplified by the detailed refutation of the GSW's Falkville photo analysis. The magazine also promotes the idea that UFOs are intelligent phenomena that require deep, often empirical, study, and that our current understanding is limited by anthropomorphism.