GEPO No 06 - Siecle Inconnu - No 6 - avril 1977 (GEPI)

Magazine Overview

This is the April 1973 issue (N°6, 2F) of the French magazine "Siècle", a monthly publication covering a variety of topics including astronomy, parapsychology, mysteries, and ufology.

Table of Contents

The table of contents lists the following articles:

• Astronomy: "What is a planet?"
• Parapsychology: "The Case of Matthew Manning"
• Radio-TV - Condensed: "Easter Island: No Mystery"
• Mystery: "Magical Stories from the History of France"
• Pages 9-12: "The Savage Planet"
• Page 16: "One Year: 1973 - The Observation of Concorde"

Additionally, the issue includes:

• A section on "The sea, a dream... now a reality" concerning a mobile marine house.
• A note about "The sea, says an engineer from this little NASA... it's our space."
• A mention of "new additions to the library" (page 15).
• "Fantastic film of the month" (page 17) and "Fantastic films released in Paris" (page 19).
• "Radio, information (ufology), etc."
• An announcement for a survey and a request to return it quickly via delegates.

Astronomy: What is a planet?

This article, the first in a series of definitions, explains that a planet is a celestial body of considerable size that orbits the sun and lacks its own light. It distinguishes planets from stars, which were historically considered fixed due to their lack of apparent movement. The definition is refined to describe an object orbiting the sun on an elliptical path that differs little from a circle and whose plane is close to the Earth's orbital plane. The article notes the existence of numerous small planets between Mars and Jupiter, some with highly eccentric and inclined orbits, similar to comets. Planets are further distinguished by their greater mass and density compared to comets. The principal planets are listed in order of increasing distance from the sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. It also mentions the small planet EROS located between Earth and Mars, and asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, which are much smaller and sometimes angular and irregular.

The article also touches on the astrological belief that one is born under the influence of a planet, affecting one's success. It mentions that the grouping of celestial bodies around an annulus, exhibiting maximum density, led to the hypothesis that they were debris from an ancient planet. The discovery of another asteroid, Hidalgo, between Jupiter and Saturn is noted. The existence of a trans-Plutonian planet is suggested, and the entire system of these celestial bodies and their satellites, along with the sun at the center, is defined as the solar system, which also includes periodic comets and meteor showers.

Parapsychology: The Case of Matthew Manning

This section details the experiences of Matthew Manning, a young Englishman who, by the age of twenty, had reportedly experienced more paranormal phenomena than anyone in history. Parapsychology is defined as the study of paranormal phenomena like extrasensory perception (ESP), including clairvoyance, telepathy, premonition, and presentiment. The article acknowledges that fraud has discredited the field, but notes that researchers from various disciplines (psychologists, doctors, physicists, mathematicians) are now experimentally verifying these phenomena. It cites work by Professor B. Servadio in Italy, Dr. L.T. Benait in England, and professors JB. Ehine and BF. Riens in the USA, which reportedly establish the reality of ESP, though the process remains unexplained.

The case of Matthew Manning is presented as having generated intense curiosity in scientific circles. His "gifts" are described as the unintentional cause of bizarre phenomena, not just simple object displacement, but "devastating forces." A specific incident is recounted from Easter Sunday 1971, where after a calm night, Manning's wardrobe moved, his bed oscillated, and a chair was found in the doorway upon waking. The article describes the state of his room as a "real construction site," with furniture piled up, objects scattered, and even a kettle missing. These events continued for several days, with objects appearing in unusual places, like the kettle in the freezer. It was concluded that Manning's "supernormal gifts" were the cause. After being sent to college, similar incidents occurred in his dormitory, with beds moving on their own, disturbing other students. These phenomena reportedly ceased when Manning began practicing automatic writing, which he used to master and discipline these "devastating forces."

Evelyne Cote is credited as the author of this section, and it is noted that Matthew Manning recounts his experiences in a book published by Albin Michel titled "Where do these strange powers come from?"

Radio-TV - Condensed: Easter Island: No Mystery

This article debunks the "mystery" of Easter Island, attributing it to publicity designed to sell books that promote theories of extraterrestrial intervention or cataclysms. The author states that the history of the civilization is interesting but that it destroyed itself without external aid. The narrative begins with a Polynesian tribe being driven from their island and eventually settling on what is now Easter Island. Starting with 36 people, the population grew to a "true people" by the 18th century. They developed laws and worshipped a god, as evidenced by the statues carved from rock. However, the island's resources became depleted, leading to internal conflict, war, massacres, and ultimately the disappearance of their civilization. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to preserve our planet, as escape is not currently an option. The source is cited as "L'événement" TF1, by J.Y. Cousteau.

Mystery: Magical Stories from the History of France

This section recounts a story about Mr. P., who, driving home late one Tuesday night, encounters a young woman on the side of the road in a village near Macon. He offers her a ride. She is dressed in an evening gown and is wet from the rain. She directs him to her home, the last house on the right at the edge of the village. Mr. P. drops her off and promises to pick up his raincoat the next day. When he returns, he asks for the raincoat from an elderly woman who claims no young girl lives there, only she and her husband, whose daughter died two years prior. Intrigued, Mr. P. inquires further and learns that the deceased daughter used to go to balls in an evening gown and often wore a cage, and that she was blonde with blue eyes, matching the description of the woman he drove. A search of the house with gendarmes yields nothing. Mr. P. then goes to the cemetery and finds his raincoat on the grave of the deceased daughter. He realizes he transported a person who did not live there and who perfectly matched the description of the girl who had died two years ago. The article concludes by posing the question of whether this was a "trick" or something else.

The Savage Planet

This article, spanning pages 9-12, is titled "The Savage Planet."

One Year: 1973 - The Observation of Concorde

This article, on page 16, discusses "The Observation of Concorde" in 1973.

Other Features

• "Habiter la mer... un rêve... désormaís une réalité": This piece describes the GALLATTEC, a versatile mobile marine house constructed with the participation of the ERTEC design and realization bureau, directed by Hubert Colas. It measures 7m long, 6.60m wide, and 4.75m high, with a total volume of 40 m³. France is highlighted as one of the two major global players in oceanography.
• UFOs: Facts About UFOs: This section presents a list of frequently asked questions about UFOs, including: 1. Are many UFOs eventually explained? 2. What objects are most often reported as UFOs but are later identified? 3. Who sees UFOs? 4. Is it true that no astronomer has ever seen a UFO? 5. Where are UFOs seen? 6. What time of day are they most frequently reported? 7. What do UFOs look like? 8. Have UFOs been photographed? 9. Have there been any reports of occupants? 10. What do the occupants look like? 11. Do they appear adaptable to earth conditions – can they breathe our air? The section is illustrated with drawings of UFOs and an alien, and concludes with the statement "UFO... FACT NOT FICTION!" by gaillard-delille.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "Siècle" appears to have a broad interest in the unexplained and the frontiers of knowledge, covering topics such as astronomy, parapsychology, and mysteries. There is a clear stance against sensationalism regarding Easter Island, aiming to demystify the subject. The inclusion of a case study on Matthew Manning suggests an interest in psychic phenomena and the paranormal. The UFO section indicates an engagement with contemporary ufological discussions. The magazine also touches upon scientific and technological advancements, such as oceanography and the Concorde aircraft, and includes elements of popular culture like fantastic films. The overall tone seems to be one of exploration and critical examination of various phenomena, with a particular focus on the unusual and the unexplained, presented in a format accessible to a general audience.

This issue of GEPI magazine, dated May 1977, features a prominent cover story on the animated film "La Planète Sauvage" (The Wild Planet) by director René Laloux. The magazine also delves into various topics including ufology, astronomy, science fiction, and historical mysteries.

Cover Story: La Planète Sauvage

The magazine highlights "La Planète Sauvage" as the "Film of the Month." It describes the film as a grand animated feature, a truly French production offering genuine fantastic adventures. The film's original graphic design is by Roland Topor, and it has received critical acclaim, including a special prize at the Cannes festival and the grand prize for science fiction film. The narrative is set on the planet Ygam, where giant, twelve-meter-tall creatures called Draags, with red eyes and blue skin, rule and enslave smaller beings known as Oms. The story follows Terr, a small Om and pet of a Draag leader's daughter, who revolts and leads his companions in a rebellion against the Draags, signaling their impending downfall. The review concludes that "La Planète Sauvage" is a film that "man will find himself and recognize himself in the Om," making it visible and relevant for everyone, despite its somewhat sad ending.

Special Report: Underwater Pyramid in the Bermuda Triangle

An article reports on the discovery of an intact pyramid submerged hundreds of meters deep in the Bermuda Triangle. This find is presented as potential material evidence, suggesting the existence of an unknown civilization that was swallowed by the sea. The report indicates that more details will follow in the May issue (N°7).

UFO Observation: Concorde Incident

A significant section details a UFO observation event involving the Concorde supersonic jet in June 1973. While on a mission to observe a solar eclipse at speeds exceeding Mach 2, the crew and a team of astrophysicists witnessed a large, luminous, phosphorescent object, red at the top and green at the base, at a distance of 17.5 km. Numerous photographs were taken, but the incident was kept secret. By February 1974, information had leaked, and those involved attempted to minimize the event, attributing it to atmospheric haze. However, Serge Koutchmy, an astrophysicist at the Centre National de Recherches Spatiales, confirmed that the object was entirely unknown, not a meteor, weather balloon, or satellite, and possessed a geometric shape, characteristic of a constructed object. He estimated its diameter to be around 200 meters. Koutchmy concluded that the secrecy was likely due to the scientists' inability to identify the object, suggesting it was a significant event that was deliberately suppressed. This account is condensed from a 14-page dossier titled "OVNI GEPI."

Music Selection: Trans Europe Express

The "SIECLE INCONNU" section features a music selection, highlighting the album "Trans Europe Express" by the German group Kraftwerk as the best science-fiction music choice for April. While acknowledging it might not be their masterpiece in terms of instrumental composition, the review praises it as the "MUSIC SF MASTERPIECE" of the last three months. The album is noted as being available in a 45 RPM format.

Film and Book Reviews

The magazine includes several reviews and listings of new releases in science fiction and fantasy:

• Films:
• "La Planète Sauvage" (discussed above).
• "Cosmos 1999" (Space 1999) is mentioned as a new British science-fiction television series featuring a time-traveling doctor and an alien companion, exploring space and alien planets.
• "King Kong" is noted for its giant ape, measuring thirteen meters tall, with its fur made from Argentine horsehair. A special three-meter-long remote-controlled hand was built for a scene.
• "L'Esprit de la Colmena" (The Spirit of the Beehive), a 1974 Spanish film, is described as a fantastic adventure with an intervention in an adolescent's life.
• "Metropolis," a 1926 German film by Fritz Lang, is being re-released, depicting a city where the populace lives underground.
• "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad," a 1958 English color film, is a fantasy adventure involving Sinbad's attack on a cyclops.
• "L'Appel de la Chair" (The Call of the Flesh), an Italian color horror film, features a lord who remarries, leading to strange phenomena during the ceremony.
• "La Créature Invisible" (The Invisible Creature), a 1968 British film, is a reprise of a story about a young man hypnotized into committing crimes.
• "La Maison Qui Tue" (The House That Kills) is mentioned without further details.

• Books:
• "Soleil Vert" (Green Sun) by Harry Harrison is described as a journey into a possible future.
• "Histoires Galactiques" (Galactic Stories) is a collection of science fiction short stories.

• Magazines:
• "Science-fiction Magazine" N°5 is mentioned, featuring a new story, "L'horloge du temps" (The Time Clock), and coverage of the Paris SF festival and parallel worlds.
• "Scientific American" is reviewed for its articles on missiles and Mars satellites, as well as a mention of Vindolonda, a Roman city in Great Britain.
• "CinéPLUS" N°3 is noted for covering actors like Belmondo, Adjani, Dutronc, Jodie Foster, and Romy Schneider.
• "Première" N°4 is mentioned with actors Robert Redford, Adjani, and Ursula Andress.
• "L'autre Monde" N°7 covers UFOs, history, legends, alchemy, reincarnation, and healers.
• "Lumières de la Nuit" N°163 is a specialized UFO review discussing mimicry, UFO landing traces, and investigations.
• "INAG" is a review from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifiques (CNRS).

Other Sections

• "LA PAGE VENTES" (Sales Page): Offers special deals on science fiction posters and "IDIN" stickers, including maxi observation cards of UFOs from 1954 and a goniometer. It also announces the international film festival in Metz from September 19-25, 1977.

• "FLASHS" (News Flashes):
• American Space Observatory: NASA is preparing to launch three 3-ton satellites for high-energy astronomy between 1977 and 1979.
• Ancient Shipyard in Canton: A shipyard dating back over 2000 years, from the Chin dynasty (255-206 BC), has been discovered, capable of building three wooden ships simultaneously using methods comparable to modern techniques.
• NASA Director Resignation: James Fletch, director of the National Administration for Space & Aeronautics, announced his resignation effective May 1, 1977.
• Rare Operation in England: British surgeons successfully saved a three-month-old baby with two extra legs.

• "A NE PAS MANQUER!" (Not to be Missed!): Promotes "SIECLE N°7," a special issue on UFOs with 10 central pages, described as an unpublished document from GEPI. It covers graphology, astronomy, archaeology, ufology, and mentions "LES MESSAGERS DU COSMOS" and "LE TELEPHONE DE L'AN 2000." It also lists sections on music, cinema, science fiction, and bibliography, offering 30 pages for only 3 Francs.

• "SOUDASD" (Editorial/Reader Feedback): An editorial encouraging readers to contribute to improving the journal by filling out a bulletin. It lists preferred topics for "SIECLE INCONNU," including energy, health, parapsychology, UFOs, astronomy, astrology, mysterious history, secret societies, art, fantastic spectacles, interviews, and investigations. Readers are also invited to suggest other topics. A section asks which article from S.I. N°6 was most interesting. It also requests reader information (name, address, profession) and mentions that returning the bulletin via a delegate can earn rewards like books and posters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the unexplained, the speculative, and the futuristic, with a strong emphasis on UFO phenomena, science fiction literature and film, and astronomical discoveries. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and open-mindedness towards these subjects, presenting information and encouraging reader participation. There is a clear interest in promoting new releases within the science fiction genre and in investigating mysterious events. The magazine acts as a hub for enthusiasts of these topics, providing news, reviews, and a platform for discussion and discovery.

The document provided is the cover of a magazine identified as 'Tdas'. The issue number and date are indicated as '1'. The publisher is also 'Tdas', and the country of publication is unknown. The original language is English.

Cover Details

The cover features a prominent graphic element: a stylized, abstract outline of a human face drawn in purple. To the left of the face graphic, the word 'Tdas' is printed in a similar purple font, serving as the magazine's title. The background is plain white.

Content Summary

Due to the nature of the provided scan, which appears to be only the cover page, no specific articles, themes, or detailed content can be extracted. The primary visual elements are the title and the artistic representation of a face.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

No information regarding recurring themes or the editorial stance of 'Tdas' magazine can be determined from the cover alone.