Extraterrestres, Les - Series 2 - No 09 - janv 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: LES EXTRATERRESTRES
Issue Date: January 1979
Publisher: LA REVUE DE L'UNIVERS OVNI
Country: France
Price: 10 Frs (France) / 15 Frs (Other countries)

This issue of 'Les Extraterrestres' delves into the world of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) with a focus on investigations, official reports, and theoretical discussions. The cover features a striking graphic of radiating lines converging on a dark circle, with the title 'Les EXTRATERRESTRES' and the subtitle '-Objets Volants Non Identifiés-'.

Editorial and Staff

The magazine is published and administered by LA REVUE DE L'UNIVERS OVNI, with its editorial and administrative offices located in Saint-Denis Les Rebais, France. The publication is directed by GERARD LEBAT. The magazine acknowledges the contributions of various individuals and organizations, including the printing press PROVINS IMPRESSION, artistic direction by Noèl PAULIN and Daniel DELORME, and diffusion by Jean-Pierre DUHAMELLE. Several staff members are listed with their roles, such as Romaine BARILLOT (Secretary to the editor), Jean-James MIGNOT (Audio-visual service), Gilles SMIENA (Literary section), Jean SIDER (Translations - Foreign relations), Benjamen LISAN (Relations with scientists), and Guy BERTAUX (Legal questions).

The magazine also lists the administration of GEOS (Groupement d'Etudes des Phénomènes Spatiaux) France, with Gérard LEBAT as President, Guy CAPET as Vice-President, Bernard CHARBONNIER as Secretary General, and Marie-Hélène DUHAMELLE as Treasurer.

Table of Contents

The issue's table of contents highlights several key articles and sections:

• Groupements et associations (Groups and associations)
• Mésinterprétation ou réalité : vague d'OVNI détectée au radar ! (Misinterpretation or reality: wave of UFOs detected by radar!)
• Les enquêtes Inédites: Atterrissage à Mallefougasse. (Unpublished investigations: Landing at Mallefougasse.)
• Réunion au GEPAN. (Meeting at GEPAN.)
• L'extraterrestre, cet inconnu.. (The extraterrestrial, this unknown..)
• Alain Peyrefitte paraine la conférence du GEOS à Provins. (Alain Peyrefitte sponsors the GEOS conference in Provins.)
• Les grands spectacles célestes.. (The great celestial spectacles..)
• Parmi les livres parus, nous avons lu pour vous.. (Among the books published, we have read for you..)
• Informations. (Information.)
• Documentation Service.
• L'histoire des soucoupes volantes en diapositives.. (The history of flying saucers in slides..)

Avis aux Lecteurs (Notice to Readers)

The magazine solicits contributions from its readers, including investigators, researchers, technicians, and academics, to submit serious articles on the UFO phenomenon to advance ufology. Submissions should be sent to the magazine's headquarters and will be published freely, with the editorial team disclaiming responsibility for their content. Reproduction of articles is permitted with proper attribution to the source, author, and magazine. Readers are also encouraged to send press clippings related to UFOs and to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for replies.

Conferences and GEOS Meetings

The magazine's organizers host public meetings on the UFO phenomenon, covering its history and specialized research. These meetings are followed by private working sessions on the magazine's organization and ufological research. Interested individuals are invited to attend these sessions, held at the cultural center at 10ème, 31, rue de Chateau Landon in Paris 10ème, at 3 PM on specific dates: January 13, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, and June 16. A night observation of the sky is scheduled for June 9th. Public conferences are held weekly in the Paris region; a program is available upon request.

Subscription Conditions

Subscriptions and renewals should be sent to the magazine's headquarters. Subscribers receive issues starting from January 1st. A fee of 3 Francs is required for address changes. Readers are encouraged to help promote the magazine by informing friends and colleagues. Subscription rates are: Normal 1 year: 40 Francs; Support 1 year: 60 Francs; Foreign 1 year: 50 Francs. A subscription plus GEOS membership costs 80 Francs, which includes a membership card and four liaison bulletins.

Misinterpretation or Reality: Wave of UFOs Detected by Radar!

This article discusses UFO sightings and radar detections that occurred between October 11-13, 1978, in the Champagne region of France. Official services and civilian witnesses reported observing UFOs, and radar systems detected them, leading to aircraft being diverted. The article expresses skepticism about the possibility of private investigations yielding concrete information due to official secrecy, but highlights the role of GEPAN in gathering information from witnesses. It details an observation by a witness, referred to as 'Monsieur X', who described an immobile, oval object about the size of a car, emitting red and green lights. Radar data from the base 112 and Paris Control at Athis Mons confirmed the detection of unidentified plots above the Toussicourt woods. While controllers focused on safety, two planes diverted to observe the phenomenon, describing it as a luminous phenomenon. A third plane diverted on the second day but provided no further details.

Unpublished Investigations: Landing at Mallefougasse

This section presents an in-depth investigation by GRIPHOM into an alleged UFO landing that occurred on July 24, 1977, near Cruis in the Alpes haute Provence. The witnesses, Mr. and Mrs. Gairaud, describe seeing an intense, luminous object on the side of the road, emitting white and blue light. They also reported seeing two human-like figures standing beside the object, estimated to be about 1.60-1.67 meters tall, wearing what appeared to be mechanic's overalls or pilot suits. The object was described as bowl-shaped or like an inverted umbrella, about 7-8 meters long and 2-2.5 meters high. The Gairauds experienced fear and curiosity during the encounter. The investigators visited the site and identified three possible locations matching the description. They also noted a potential geological anomaly, including a water source and a fault line, near one of the possible landing sites.

Meeting at GEPAN

This article reports on a meeting held on September 12, 1978, in Toulouse, where GEPAN (Groupe d'Etude des phénomènes aérospatiaux non Identifiés), an official organization within CNES, hosted representatives from over 40 private ufological research groups. GEPAN's director, Claude POHER, outlined the organization's history, goals, and future intentions, emphasizing its embryonic stage and the long-term nature of its research. He highlighted collaborations with the Air Force, Navy, and national meteorological services. GEPAN currently has about fifty people working part-time and two full-time. The meeting detailed the activities of GEPAN's seven working groups:

• Rapid Intervention Group: A multidisciplinary team of 6 (5 engineers) that initiates investigations in three phases: alert, decision, and inquiry. They use a 'Rapid Intervention Suitcase'.
• Trace Collection Group: Consists of 7 engineers who focus on collecting physical traces from vegetation, ground, and electrical equipment. Their priority is to preserve evidence for accurate mission completion and analysis.
• Radar Alert Group: Composed of 7 people, this group operates upon request from the Rapid Intervention Group and maintains contact with radar stations (civilian, military, and meteorological) to gather information on object speed, acceleration, and behavior. They also collect testimonies from radar operators.
• Expertise Group: The first group created, with 20 CNES scientists dedicating 10% of their time to GEPAN. They classify observations into four categories: identified, probable known, non-identified with low interest, and non-identified with high interest. Each case receives an expertise report.
• National File and Statistics Group: Utilizes CNES's advanced computer equipment for statistical analysis of observations, aiming for information homogeneity and providing data to researchers. They plan to create a file for witnesses and a general external file.
• Coding File Group: Fifteen people, including 5 computer scientists, code each observation and store it in a computer. The personnel in this group are rotated to ensure objectivity.
• Optical Group: This group analyzes the luminous aspects of phenomena, photographic evidence (excluding night photos), shape, angular dimensions, colors, and trajectory. They are developing an optical simulator to reconstruct observations based on witness visual memory.

Claude POHER also discussed the importance of collaboration with the National Gendarmerie, noting that while they assist, they are not obligated to alert GEPAN. He stressed the need for private groups to continue their role in gathering initial information and preserving sites, as Gendarmerie brigades are often overwhelmed.

GEPAN's 1978 Report

Claude POHER presented GEPAN's annual report for 1978, which focused on observations and statistical analyses of gendarmerie reports and researchers' studies. The report concluded that:

1. Witnesses of observed phenomena generally did witness what they described (except in one case).
2. Most observed phenomena could not be identified (except in one case).
3. Witnesses appeared to have observed material phenomena related to flying machines with propulsion or sustentation modes entirely foreign to current knowledge.
4. These conclusions were reached after eliminating doubtful cases and misinterpretations.
5. The study of such phenomena is deemed capable of providing new knowledge for technological advancement.

The report was met with applause. Mr. GRUAU, Principal Inspector of CNES and Secretary of the Scientific Council, detailed the council's role in overseeing GEPAN's work and its recommendations for 1977 and 1978. He mentioned plans for a documentary film and an illustrated descriptive collection on rare phenomena.

Claude POHER also discussed his proposal for a UN resolution on UFOs, which he felt was inopportune due to the UN's non-scientific mandate. He announced a two-year leave of absence, during which a replacement would be appointed. He emphasized the importance of annual meetings between official and private researchers.

UFO: The Phenomenon of Landing

This section reviews the book 'OVNI: EL FENOMENO ATERRIZADE' by Juan Ballester Olmos, a well-known ufologist. The book is described as a comprehensive analysis of landing cases, with endorsements from Jacques Vallée. The reviewer recommends the book for its thoroughness and seriousness.

The Extraterrestrial, This Unknown!

This article by YVES GERSANT from CEPI (Cercle d'Etudes des Phénomènes Insolites) explores the reasons behind the perceived ostracism of the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs. Gersant argues that while current knowledge is limited, the extraterrestrial hypothesis remains a valid area of inquiry, despite facing criticism. He proposes examining various hypotheses, including spatio-temporal and parapsychological explanations, to understand the phenomenon. The article critiques the vagueness of 'parallel universe' theories and discusses the complexities of 'psi' phenomena associated with UFO sightings.

The P.T.T. and UFOs!

This brief note mentions that the problem of UFOs is gaining popularity, with Equatorial Guinea issuing a postage stamp featuring the 'Adamski saucer' design, suggesting the possibility of similar stamps appearing in France.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently advocates for rigorous scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, encouraging reader participation and the submission of credible evidence. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between misinterpretations and genuine unexplained events. The publication supports the official efforts of GEPAN while also valuing the contributions of private research groups. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet critical, seeking factual data and reasoned analysis rather than speculation. The issue highlights the challenges of official secrecy, the importance of witness testimony, and the ongoing debate surrounding the various hypotheses attempting to explain UFOs.

This issue of "L'Histoire des Soucoupes Volantes" (The History of Flying Saucers) focuses on the documentation and analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly through a series of slides and articles. It explores various hypotheses, historical sightings, and the symbolic interpretation of these events.

The PSI Hypothesis and the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

The article begins by discussing the 'PSI hypothesis,' which suggests that psychic abilities ('PSI') of witnesses play a role in UFO perception, potentially making them 'privileged' observers. It notes that PSI faculties and UFOs might exist independently, with PSI enabling the witness to perceive the UFO, thus explaining variations in descriptions. The article also touches upon Pierre Viéroudy's theory that UFOs are materializations of the collective human unconscious or 'phantoms of saucers.'

However, the author emphasizes that the 'extraterrestrial hypothesis' (HET) is the most plausible and economical explanation for UFOs, especially those leaving physical traces. The article contrasts the 'para-psychological' hypothesis, which acknowledges the reality of PSI phenomena but suggests they account for only a small fraction of cases, with the HET, which is considered highly probable by scientists.

Value and Critique of the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

The article argues that the HET is the simplest and most direct explanation, despite some ufologists' reluctance to link UFOs with extraterrestrials. It addresses the common argument that the vast distances of space make interstellar travel improbable, countering that our understanding of physics is incomplete. The author criticizes the 'intergalactic racism' that leads to a priori rejection of the HET, suggesting that preconceived notions about what an extraterrestrial should be prevent objective analysis.

Examples are given of how witnesses' descriptions of extraterrestrials are often anthropomorphic, drawing from their own minds or cultural influences. The author questions why UFOs are expected to behave according to human logic or concerns, suggesting that their actions might be driven by different motivations, including simple 'tourism' or even pranks.

Historical Sightings and Interpretations

The issue delves into historical accounts of aerial phenomena, starting with the 'Great Celestial Spectacles' and the 'Battle of the Clyde' in 1686. This event, described by Walter Scott, involved numerous witnesses seeing a celestial battle with falling objects and marching figures, while a third of the witnesses saw nothing. Scott's interpretation suggests a real, unidentified physical phenomenon that was transformed into a supernatural event by the witnesses' fears and fantasies.

The article then examines the interpretation of comets, noting how they were often associated with war and ill omens. It analyzes the physical characteristics of comets and how they were depicted in historical records, such as the Bayeux Tapestry and later illustrations. The 'Nuremberg spectacle' of April 14, 1561, is described as a frightening event involving numerous aerial objects fighting each other, which the author interprets not as a battle but as a complex phenomenon.

Symbolism and Perception

The text explores the symbolic universe where celestial phenomena are interpreted through myths and human psychology. It discusses how ancient cultures, and even modern interpretations, blend scientific observation with mythological imagery. The article highlights how human perception shapes the understanding of these events, leading to varied interpretations, from zoological figures to warrior-like apparitions.

UFOs as Objects and Phenomena

The issue distinguishes between 'battles' composed of terrestrial elements projected into the sky (false identifications) and 'convoys' of unidentified objects perceived in the sky (true UFOs). The Nuremberg event and other sightings like those in Oloron, Gaillac, Vernon, and Saint-Prouant are presented as examples of 'convoys' characterized by geometric shapes (balls, discs, tubes) and specific behaviors. The author suggests that these phenomena, due to their structured nature and the consistency of observations, represent 'maximal observations' of unidentified aerial phenomena.

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several books related to UFOs:

• "La Mémoire des OVNI" by Jean Bastide: Praised for its extensive research into ancient texts and folklore, but criticized for excessive 'saucer-mania' and a tendency to catalog examples without deep analysis.
• "Ils ont rencontré des Extraterrestres" by René Pacant: Described as a more accessible, testimonial account by a journalist who conducted personal investigations into UFO cases, contrasting with more intellectual approaches.

Documentation Service and Resources

The GEOS (Groupe d'Etudes des Objets Spaciaux de France) offers a documentation service with a vast archive of UFO-related materials. They also provide slide series on the history of flying saucers and humanoids, as well as giant format photo enlargements and celestial maps. The service aims to make these resources accessible to researchers and enthusiasts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the multifaceted nature of UFO phenomena, the ongoing debate between psychological and extraterrestrial explanations, the importance of historical analysis, and the role of human perception and symbolism in interpreting these events. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, open-minded investigation of UFOs, particularly the extraterrestrial hypothesis, while acknowledging the complexities and potential for misinterpretation. The publication promotes its own documentation service and related products as resources for the UFO research community.