Frontieres de la Science - no 4 - 1977

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Frontières de la Science," identified as Bulletin N°4, published in September-October 1977, is dedicated to ufological research. The cover prominently displays the magazine's title and the subtitle "Recherches Ufologiques." The issue includes a table of contents listing articles such as "EDITORIAL," "Renseignements Généraux," "POURQUOI JY CROIS," "UN O.V.N.I. IDENTIFIE," "INFORMATION," and "A PROPOS DES CONTACTES," along with a section for "BULLETIN D'ADHESION."

Editorial

The editorial, signed by "Le D.I.," expresses concern about the generally low value and lack of scientific rigor among UFO investigators. It attributes this to the absence of a scientific approach in selecting competent individuals and the lack of support from specialized information magazines. The author argues that training an investigator requires a minimum knowledge of astronomy, geography, photography, or psychology, and that organizations should prioritize this. Currently, investigators are described as mere reporters of fantastic tales, useful for generating hypotheses. The editorial criticizes the lack of seriousness, citing the example of a 13/14-year-old presenting an investigator's card. This leads to most current testimonies being rejected. The editorial emphasizes that "FRONTIERES DE LA SCIENCE" demands more than just wanting to be an investigator; one must be capable, highlighting this as their strength and difference from other associations.

Key Articles and Features

POURQUOI, J'Y CROIS! (Why I Believe!)

This section introduces a new rubric created by the Investigations Department to allow members and friends to share their first contact with the ufological world. The goal is to provide a psychological portrait, bringing readers closer to the individuals involved. The first entry features Patrice Seray, born May 27, 1957. He is described as a critical thinker with a strong desire to understand everything, currently serving in the army but actively contributing to the review. His passions include urology and related problems. Seray recounts his interest in UFOs beginning seven years prior, sparked by a science fiction book titled "Le mystère des Soucoupes" by an unnamed author. This led him to explore more science fiction and eventually to a book by Franck Edwards, "Les soucoupes volantes affaire sérieuse." Initially skeptical, he became intrigued by the presented cases and photographs, questioning the nature of these objects. His curiosity led him to seek more information, delving into books and eventually becoming an investigator himself. He recounts early negative experiences, including being dismissed, which reinforced his skepticism about the motives of witnesses seeking publicity. However, a later experience involving a witness describing a meteor-like object, which he identified as a UFO, shifted his perspective. He acknowledges that while many witnesses may be sincere, a large degree of prudence is necessary. He concludes by stating his belief in UFOs, thanking "Lumières dans la nuit," science fiction, and Adamski for sparking his curiosity and prompting his investigation.

UN OVNI... IDENTIFIE? (A UFO... Identified?)

This article, dated June 12, 1974, reports on a mysterious luminous phenomenon observed across Southwest France and Northern Spain. Numerous newspaper articles, reviews, and broadcast communications reported the event. While many photos were taken, the magazine presents three previously unpublished color photographs (though reproduced here in black and white). The object is described as gigantic and orange, surrounded by flames, moving in a zig-zag pattern with large spirals. Witnesses described it as a rotating object, like a 'fire wheel,' and saw it for one to two minutes before it disintegrated into a swirling, luminous trail that lasted for a significant time. The article notes that while the press coverage was extensive, the details provided were minimal. However, the available information was sufficient to deduce a high probability of identification. The locations mentioned include Pyrénées, Roussillon, Languedoc, Aquitaine, Pyrénées Atlantique, Bouches-du-Rhône, Ariège, Aude, Tarn, Gard, Hérault, and Pyrénées Orientales in France, as well as a part of Northern Spain. The event occurred between 9 and 10 PM on June 12, 1974. The photographs were taken from the Pau barracks, with soldiers, a colonel, a commander, and two captains as witnesses. Another photo was taken in Toulouse by M. Ouduy, showing the object moving from north to southwest. A third photo depicts the object disintegrating with a luminous trail. In Spain, G. Ambroise observed a white, oval-shaped object near Guadalajara emitting a spiral-shaped smoke.

An explanation is offered: the Prevence observatory provided no explanation. A meteorologist from Montpellier suggested an atmospheric phenomenon due to ice crystals in clouds. At Floracion, it was thought to be a rocket from a satellite, and the official explanation was a Russian rocket that exploded. The authors express regret that newspapers and magazines that reported the affair did not publish the official explanation's denial. They feel it is their duty to clarify this, preventing potential confusion and fulfilling the mission of "FRONTIERES DE LA SCIENCE."

INFORMATION

This section details the organizational progress of "Frontières de la Science." Since its creation, the group has focused on objective and efficient work. The previous year saw the establishment of the Investigations Department, headed by President M. Safranionek Didier. The year 1976 also marked the creation of numerous ideas and the launch of the ufological information bulletin, with the author playing a significant role in its investigative aspects. The editorial team consists of M. Safranionek Didier (President), M. Jean-Serge Safranionek (Secretary General), M. Jacky Guittet (General Documentation), and the author. The work accomplished is described as enormous. In 1977, the ufological bulletin is established, and the Parapsychology bulletin is created under the President's initiative. M. Guittet Jacky took charge of the General Documentation Department, collecting various information, reviews, and books. The section concludes by noting the significant amount of work done and the numerous projects planned for the year, including the creation of a detector, the installation of panels, and preparations for conferences.

Another "INFORMATION" section announces the passing of Monsieur SAFRANIONEK Alexandre, the president and secretary general's father, due to a serious car accident in Poland. He is remembered for his dedication to the association, which enabled the publication of its ufological and parapsychological bulletins. The text expresses deep sympathy and condolences to the family from the Bureau Directeur and the Conseil d'administration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the importance of rigorous investigative methods, and the organizational development of the "Frontières de la Science" association. The editorial stance is one of seeking factual evidence and scientific credibility, while acknowledging the role of personal belief and the challenges of separating genuine sightings from misidentifications or hoaxes. There is a clear emphasis on professionalism and dedication within the organization, contrasted with a critique of less serious approaches to ufology. The magazine also serves as a platform for personal testimonies and organizational updates, aiming to inform and engage its readership in the ongoing study of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of "frontieres de la science," dated July 1981, is identified as issue number 9. The magazine focuses on ufology and parapsychology, featuring a prominent cover story about the alleged extraterrestrial contact case of Antonio Villa Boas.

The Antonio Villa Boas Case

The article details the events of the night of October 15-16, 1957, when Antonio Villa Boas reportedly claimed to have been abducted by extraterrestrials. According to the report, he was taken aboard an alien craft and subjected to medical examinations by beings approximately 1.40 meters tall. He was also allegedly compelled to impregnate a female of the same alien type. The magazine presents this as a brief summary, directing readers to a more complete report in their "SPECIAL UFOLOGIE" issue. The case is described as highly troubling and has been a subject of intense study by ufologists worldwide. The conclusion, reached after several years, is that it is practically impossible for Antonio Villa Boas to have fabricated the story, citing the physical marks on his body as evidence of the veracity of his claims. The article notes that even 20 years later, the memory of these events remains striking for ufologists.

"Frontieres de la Science" Association

The magazine also provides information about the "Frontieres de la Science" association, established under the French law of July 1, 1901. Its headquarters are located at 62 Avenue de la République, 93300 Aubervilliers, France. The association, founded in 1975, aims to bring together those interested in ufological and parapsychological research. Its objectives include fostering a closer understanding of ufological issues in alignment with scientific disciplines such as Astronomy, Astronautics, Parapsychology, History, and spiritual phenomena. A key goal is to encourage collaboration among various ufological research groups.

International Branches and Collaboration

The association highlights its international reach and collaborative efforts. It mentions its French, Spanish, and Italian branches:

• FRANÇAIS: Founded in 1975, the group aims to advance ufological research in conjunction with sciences like Astronomy, Astronautics, Parapsychology, History, and spiritual phenomena, and to promote collaboration between ufological research groups.
• ESPAGNOLE (FRONTERAS DE LA CIENSIA): Founded in 1975, this group seeks to address ufological problems in agreement with sciences such as Astronomy, Astronautics, Parapsychology, History, and spiritual phenomena, and to facilitate collaboration among ufological groups.
• ITALIAN (FRONTIERE DELLA SCIENZA): Founded in 1975, this group aims to deepen the study of ufological phenomena in relation to sciences like Astronomy, Astronautics, Parapsychology, History, and spiritual phenomena, and to encourage collaboration among ufological research groups.

Readers are invited to write for further information, with specific instructions for French, Spanish, and Italian inquiries.

Membership and Contact Information

The magazine includes a form for membership, requesting details such as name, surname, date of birth, nationality, and address. It also specifies that membership fees should be paid via ordinary bank transfer or a unique letter transfer to the association's registered address. A signature is required, with a note for legal guardians to sign on behalf of individuals under 18 years of age.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are extraterrestrial contact, ufology, and parapsychology. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and promotion of these subjects, encouraging scientific rigor and international cooperation. The detailed presentation of the Antonio Villa Boas case suggests a belief in the validity of such phenomena and a commitment to disseminating information about them to a dedicated audience.