GEPO No 04 - Siecle Inconnu - No 4 (Special Viking) - fevr 1977 (GEPI)

Magazine Overview

Title: SIECLE INCONNU
Issue: N°4-2F (February)
Publisher: Groupe d'étude des phénomènes insolites (Private group studying unusual phenomena)
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "Siècle Inconnu" (Unknown Century) presents a diverse range of topics, from space exploration and paranormal phenomena to UFO sightings and historical mysteries. The magazine aims to inform its readers about unusual events and is entirely produced by a private study group.

EDITO

The editorial notes that "Siècle Inconnu" is returning with renewed vigor, offering more comprehensive and detailed content, which should satisfy its critics. It emphasizes that the publication is from a private group dedicated solely to informing the public about unusual phenomena.

Cover Story: VIKING Missions to Mars

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to the Viking missions to Mars. It details the launch and landing of Viking I on July 20, 1975, in the Chryse Planitia basin. The article describes the initial photographic findings, revealing a flat landscape with distant hills, a soft soil, and scattered gravel and rocks. Instruments measured atmospheric pressure and wind, with temperatures ranging from -85°C at dawn to a maximum of -6°C. The sky was noted as reddish, and specialists from JPL Pasadena were analyzing the data. The sismograph initially malfunctioned but was later repaired. The article also mentions the challenges faced, such as a dust cloud and the need to repair the excavator arm. The soil samples were analyzed by three distinct laboratories using methods like 'Pyrolitic Release,' 'labeled release,' and 'gas exchange' to detect signs of life or biological activity.

Viking 2, launched on September 9, 1975, reached Mars orbit with an apogee of 35,600 km and perigee of 1,500 km. It began photographic reconnaissance of the 'Cydonia' region. The article notes that the conclusions from Viking 2's studies were similar to those of Viking I. Mysterious figures, including a 'B,' a 'G,' and the number '2,' were observed in transmitted television images, prompting further computer analysis.

Paranormal: PK Effect

This section addresses the phenomenon of psychokinesis (PK), inspired by reader interest. It highlights the televised feats of Uri Geller, who could reportedly bend metal spoons without touching them. The article also mentions Jean Pierre Girard, a Frenchman who achieved similar results. It suggests that scientists have long had evidence of paranormal phenomena, such as bending steel bars, deflecting compass needles, stopping elevators, and disrupting computers. The case of Ted Serras in Chicago in 1964 is also cited, where a professor named Eisenbud filmed a demonstration of telekinesis. The article concludes by musing on the idea that everyone might possess paranormal abilities.

UFO Sightings

Several UFO sightings are reported:

• Chabreuil, Drome (January 1, 1975): A couple reported seeing a large, luminous, egg-shaped craft hovering over a field before disappearing at incredible speed. The sighting caused eye discomfort and stopped one of their watches.
• Le Puy (approx. 10 days in January): Pensioners from a Dominican sisters' retirement home observed an unidentified flying object hovering at about 1000m altitude, appearing to sway like a boat in rough seas.
• St Symphorien de Lay region: Following a luminous form sighting in November 1975, a distinct flying saucer was reportedly seen on January 19, 1976, between St Symphorien de Lay and Neulise.

UFO: Danger

English astronomer Sir Martin Ryle is quoted warning about UFOs, stating that there is no proof that extraterrestrials have good intentions. He suggests that a superior civilization could destroy ours, and that any civilization contacting a more advanced one is inevitably heading for destruction. The article encourages vigilance and caution.

Telluric Currents: The Blood of the Earth

This section briefly touches upon telluric currents, referencing Chinese proverbs about the 'dragon veins' of the earth and advising against building houses and cemeteries on them, as neither the living nor the dead can rest in peace.

Series: Extra-Terrestrials and Humans - Fort Knox

This installment recounts the incident of January 7, 1848, near Madisonville, Kentucky, where a round object, approximately 70m in diameter, was sighted heading towards Fort Knox. A patrol of three F-51 fighter jets was dispatched to intercept it. Captain Thomas Mantell led the pursuit. At around 14:48, Mantell reported approaching the object, describing it as metallic and enormous. Two other pilots abandoned the chase, but Mantell continued. At 15:15, he stated he could not catch up and would abandon the pursuit if the object ascended further, citing a lack of oxygen. This was his last message. Around 16:00, his plane's wreckage was found scattered over several kilometers. The report on the incident allegedly concluded that Captain Thomas Mantell died while pursuing Venus, implying a misidentification or a cover-up.

Unknown Ice Block

An unusual event occurred on January 3rd in Bourbon-lancy, Haute Loire, France. A loud noise was heard, and witnesses found large ice debris on the ground. The fallen object had cut through a gutter and damaged roof tiles, indicating a violent impact. It is speculated to be a hydrometeorite or a detached piece of an airplane.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unknown, the unexplained, and potential extraterrestrial or paranormal influences on human affairs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and information dissemination regarding these phenomena, encouraging reader participation through submissions of curious or unusual events. There is a clear interest in UFOs, space exploration, and the possibility of non-human intelligence, alongside a cautious warning about potential dangers associated with advanced extraterrestrial contact.

This issue, titled 'SPECIAL PLANETE DES SINGES N°5', published in Avoriaz in 1977, is a French-language magazine focusing on ufology, science fiction, parapsychology, and related mysteries. It is presented as a publication from GEPI, with a price of 2F.

Contents and Articles

Front Cover and Editorial

The cover prominently features 'SPECIAL PLANETE DES SINGES' with 'N°5' and '2F'. It announces a 'SPECIAL APE STORY' written by Carole Dupuis and a 'FIRST INQUIRY by GEPI'. Other elements include 'MAROILLE: PASSAGE OF A VOLUNTARY SAUCER' and 'AVORIAZ 1977'.

'Le Coin des Ventes' (Sales Corner)

This section lists available publications from 'Siècle Inconnu' (issues N°1, N°2, SPECIAL N°2, N°3), 'Infovni Supplement AUNB', 'Infouni Goil N°1', 'Etude GEPI: OUNI: FORMS', 'Dossier OUNI: 15 GEANT PAGES', and 'Posters S-F'. Prices are listed for each item.

'Annonces Gratuites' (Free Ads)

A section for free advertisements is present.

'Diffusion Science Fiction - L'Eldorado'

This section, also associated with Carole Dupuis, announces that starting in February, Solange Passot is available for contact with Albert Thomas. It also includes a section to 'WRITE TO US' for critiques and suggestions, to be given to GEPI delegates.

Contact Information for GEPI

Contact details are provided for GEPI: Anneke, Carole Dupuis, 5, rue de l'Arc, Hably-Bours, 62 300 Roanne, France.

News Briefs

• Several short news items are presented:
• A report from the China News agency about a meteorite shower in Kirin province, China.
• The candidacy of Tom Clitheron, a 45-year-old Englishman from the English Communist Party, for the succession of Pope Paul VI.
• The discovery of a 14-year-old feral child in a Chilean forest in the 1960s who lived on herbs and roots.
• A statement that aerosols are more polluting than Concorde and other supersonic aircraft.

'L'autre Monde' Magazine

'L'autre Monde' is described as a magazine of the strange and supernatural, offering 68 pages of information monthly. It is recommended by GEPI and costs 7 francs.

'Le Saviez-Vous?' (Did You Know?)

This section highlights 'Dimension PSI', an international parapsychology review published in four languages, with its address provided as 'Dimension PSI, Via Puegia 47, 16131 Genova (ital.)'.

Library New Arrivals

• This section lists recent additions to the library:
• 'SCIENCE FICTION MAGAZINE N°3': Features superheroes in comic strips and science fiction before Verne, with an exclusive interview with Th. Sturgeon.
• 'L'AUTRE MONDE N°5': Covers topics such as healers, Sicilian ritual ceremonies, past lives research, a 3000-year-old computer, and a journey into space under hypnosis.
• 'L'AUTRE MONDE N°6': Discusses the conspiracy of silence, living mummies, vestiges of Atlantis, a living goddess, and fourth-dimensional yoga.
• 'FICTION N°276'
• 'L'INCONNU N°13': Features a mysterious mass of druids and sorcerers in France.
• 'NOSTRA N°249': Includes articles on psychical painters, prehistoric telepathy, the Holy Grail, UFO dossiers, healing stones, the full moon killer, and the virtues of honey.
• 'LIVRES' (Books):
• 'LES EXTRA-TERRSTRES DANS L'HISTOIRE' by J. Bergier (marked 'j'ai lu' - I have read).
• 'A LA RECHERCHE DES EXTRA-TERRSTRES' by A. Roulet (marked 'j'ai lu' - I have read).

Film Reviews

#### 'King Kong'

A review of the King Kong remake discusses its cinematic significance, comparing it to the 1933 version. It details the plot of the expedition, the discovery of the gorilla, its capture, and its eventual death in New York. The review praises both the 1933 and 1976 versions as events and masterpieces.

#### 'Cinéma Fantastique: Nouvelles-Nouveautés' (Fantastic Cinema: News-New Releases)

• This section reviews several films:
• 'Les Culbuteurs de l'Enfer' (Damnation Alley), directed by Jack Smight, based on R. Zelazny's work, about a post-atomic American continent.
• Announced films: 'Bug Jack Barron' (Jack Barron and Eternity), 'When Worlds Collides', and a remake of 'The Island of Dr. Moreau' starring Burt Lancaster.
• Upcoming releases mentioned: 'The Exorcist' (second part), 'Star Trek' remake, 'War of the Worlds' remake, 'The Sorcerer' (Universal prod.), 'The Day the World Ended' (20th Century Fox), 'Frankenstein' (Italian style), 'Piranha' (Jaws style), and 'The Lake of Dracula'.
• Japanese cinema is highlighted for its shocking, gory, and disgusting productions.
• A werewolf film in Washington is also mentioned.
• 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (directed by Steven Spielberg), described as a contact with extraterrestrials in traditional saucers. It stars Richard Dreyffus and features François Truffaut as a French scientist.
• 'L'Age de Cristal' (MGM-Logan's Run), a futuristic vision of overpopulated America where mandatory death is imposed when a crystal turns black. It received a high rating and was a box office success.
• Hammer Films is planning a series of 13 films in 1977 based on great fantasy myths.

'Mystère: La Disparition des Mammouths' (Mystery: The Disappearance of the Mammoths)

This article discusses the mystery of mammoth extinction. It notes that mammoths were not the largest elephant species and that their disappearance is unexplained. The presence of intact food in their stomachs suggests they were surprised by death and frozen. Theories include a sudden cataclysm that moved Siberia to glacial zones. The author, JB, concludes that the mystery remains complete.

'Lumières Dans La Nuit' (Lights in the Night)

This section promotes 'Lumières Dans La Nuit' as a specialized bulletin for UFO study, stating there is nothing better for this purpose. Contact information is provided: 'LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT', 43 400 Le-Chambon-sur-Lignon, France.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained phenomena, extraterrestrial life, science fiction, and speculative topics. There is a clear interest in UFOs, as evidenced by the GEPI's involvement and the promotion of specialized bulletins. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and inquiry into mysteries, with a particular emphasis on ufology and the fringes of science and history. The inclusion of film reviews suggests an interest in how these themes are portrayed in popular culture. The magazine also seems to act as a hub for enthusiasts, providing contact information and listing available publications.