GEPO No 07 - Siecle Inconnu - No 7 (Special OVNI) - mai - juin 1977 (GEPI)

Magazine Overview

Title: SIECLE INCONNU
Issue: N°7 (Special O.V.N.I)
Date: May-June 1977
Price: 3 FRS
Publisher: SIECLE INCONNU
Country: France
Language: French

This special issue, titled 'SPECIAL O.V.N.I', delves into various aspects of the unexplained, with a primary focus on UFOs (Objets Volants Non Identifiés).

Contents Overview

The magazine features a diverse range of articles, including:

Astronomy * "Les Messagers du Cosmos" (The Messengers of the Cosmos): This section explores meteors and their potential implications. It highlights the famous 1908 Siberian event, where a massive explosion devastated a forest. Professor Alexis Zolotov of the Moscow Academy of Sciences suggests it wasn't a meteorite but an atomic explosion, possibly from a spacecraft propelled by a nuclear reactor, implying extraterrestrial origin. He states, "These are probably intelligent beings from another planet. In any case, it is in this direction that we will pursue our research."

Music * "OXYGENE" by Jean-Michel Jarre: A review of Jean-Michel Jarre's album 'OXYGENE', described as a musical journey that seems to emerge from the depths of the cosmos. It is noted as a recipient of the Grand Prix from the Charles Cros Academy.

Parapsychology * "PARAPSYCHOLOGIE : Les Tables tournantes ou de la moquerie" (Parapsychology: The Turning Tables or Mockery): This article discusses the phenomenon of 'turning tables' (séances de spiritisme) and the acceptance of paranormal knowledge. It recounts an experience of a 19-year-old named P. who witnessed a table move seemingly on its own during a wedding ceremony, leading him to believe in paranormal phenomena. * "PARAPSYCHOLOGIE : Tables Tournantes (suite)": Continuing the discussion, the article details how P. posed precise questions to the table, which then provided accurate answers, convincing him of the paranormal nature of the event. The author commends the husband of the young woman, a scientist, for his open-mindedness. * Evelyne Cote (GEPI / Parapsychology): Evelyne Cote announces her availability for questions, suggestions, or reports of paranormal phenomena, providing contact details for GEPI PSI.

Graphology * "GRAPHOLOGIE : Juan Carlos révélé par son écriture" (Graphology: Juan Carlos Revealed by His Writing): This article explores graphology, the study of handwriting, as a method of understanding personality. It references the work of graphologists Adela Wieto de Tejedor and discusses the historical figures like Abbé JH Michon and J. Crepieux-Jamin. The article suggests that handwriting analysis can reveal personality traits, such as impatience, brusqueness, and passion. * "GRAPHOLOGIE (suite)": This continuation explains that graphology is used by commercial and industrial companies for professional orientation. It outlines the seven key points of analysis (form, dimension, direction, pressure, speed, continuity, and order) and how they relate to personality traits like aggressiveness or gentleness. It also notes that fatigue or illness can temporarily affect handwriting.

UFOs and Military Investigations * "L'armée de l'air et les OVNI" (The Air Force and UFOs): This article references a three-page article from 'PROBLEMES MILITAIRES' (late 1976) concerning the French Air Force's position on UFOs. The Air Force's official stance is that UFOs are not dangerous and there is no material proof of their existence or aggressive acts. However, the article notes that the Air Force indirectly admits to "believing" in UFO manifestations. It presents statistics from the French Air Force, including the social background of witnesses (ranging from astronomers and pilots to laborers and farmers), the duration of observations (41% between 1 and 19 minutes), conditions (50% in clear weather), distance from the object (often over 3 km), and the age of witnesses (64% between 21 and 59 years old).

Other Sections * "ARCHEOLOGIE MYSTERIEUSE : Il faut le savoir" (Mysterious Archaeology: It Must Be Known): A brief mention of an archaeology-related article. * "FLASHES": A section likely containing brief news items or updates. * "S. VOUS NE LE SAVIEZ PAS" (Did You Know?): A section for interesting facts. * "QUESTIONS UFOLOGIE": A section dedicated to UFO-related questions. * "UFOLOGIE NOUVELLES": UFO news. * "ENQUETE GEPI N°1" and "ENQUETE GEPI N°2": Investigation reports from GEPI. * "DOSSIER OVNI": A special dossier on UFO history and extraterrestrial life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, the paranormal, and extraterrestrial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and evidence, particularly concerning UFOs, while also acknowledging skepticism. The inclusion of scientific and expert opinions, alongside witness testimonies, suggests an attempt to provide a balanced, albeit speculative, view on these subjects. The publication encourages reader participation through reporting sightings and engaging with the GEPI organization. The recurring mention of 'SIECLE INCONNU' and its associated 'GEPI' suggests a consistent effort to document and investigate mysteries.

This issue of "UFO INFORMATIONS," dated November 1976, is a French publication dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), also referred to as OVNI (Objet Volant Non Identifié). The magazine features a cover headline focused on 'DEFINIR LES OVNI' (Defining UFOs) and includes contact information for the 'Commission d'enquêtes sur les ovnis' and the 'Association des Amis de Marc Thirouin' in Valence, France. The price for an annual subscription is 20F.

Statistical Analysis of Landing Cases

The issue begins with a statistical breakdown of 20 landing cases. Of these, 2 occurred in urban zones, 6 near isolated dwellings, and 12 in isolated regions without habitation. Regarding object shapes, 30% of cases reported round or circular forms. The colors observed were varied, with no single color predominating, including red, orange, white, metallic, changing, and 'fisces' (likely a misspelling or specific term). Luminosity was a significant factor, noted in 42% of cases. The objects' movement was described as both slow and fast in 42% of instances. Trajectories were anomalous in 45% of cases and straight in 35%. Notably, sound was absent in 70% of cases, and there were no thermal effects or odors reported.

The article is described as being well-concluded, stating that the 'problem of UFOs remains open like many others in the domain of space.'

Philosophical Reflections on Science and the Unknown

Two articles delve into the philosophical implications of UFO phenomena and the nature of scientific inquiry. One piece argues that the OVNI phenomenon could represent a fascinating domain of the future, offering glimpses into times to come. It criticizes narrow-mindedness that hinders scientific progress and highlights historical figures like Galileo, Copernicus, and Einstein who challenged established dogmas. The author emphasizes that despite advancements in knowledge and technology, human ignorance remains vast, comparing our understanding to a small pebble on the shore of an infinite ocean of truth.

Another section encourages liberation from a restrictive positivism that only accepts tangible facts, urging openness to the 'astonishing dimension of an unknown.' It suggests that considering the brevity of scientific inquiry requires imagination and that while certainty can be frightening, the pursuit of knowledge must continue.

Defining UFOs (OVNI)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to defining key terms related to UFOs. It provides definitions for:

• Phénomène OVNI: A broad term encompassing observations and the reports they generate.
• OVNI: The existential correlate, in hypothesis, of the UFO phenomenon itself.
• Observation ou expérience d'OVNI: The content of a report or notification.
• Rapport ou notification d'OVNI: A declaration from one or more responsible individuals with normal mental faculties, describing a vision of an object or light in the sky, including its material effects, which cannot be identified as a known event, object, or physical process.

The text also poses the question of UFO existence, suggesting it requires research rather than a simple postulate.

Case Studies and Investigations

ENQUETE N°1: St-Symphorien de Lay - November 1976

This investigation details a sighting by Marie-Thérèse T, a 30-year-old accountant secretary. On a November evening around 5 PM, while driving near Régny, she observed a large, orange, possibly flashing light. The observation lasted approximately two minutes, with the luminous mass moving between hills. The witness is described as enthusiastic and convinced.

ENQUETE N°2: St-Symphorien de Lay - January 1977

This report documents an incident involving the Cortey family. On January 18, 1977, around 10 PM, Mr. Cortey noticed a red, round object with an orange, flashing light. His wife and children also witnessed it. The object moved slowly and then disappeared behind the horizon. The witnesses stated that the object left no trace and they felt no secondary effects. A note indicates that the child, Yves, dreamed of a 'saucer' afterward.

SITUATION (ENQUETE N°2)

Diagrams illustrate the location of the sighting near St-Symphorien de Lay, showing the relative positions of the observed object, houses, and a forest. Distances of 800m and 1000m are indicated.

UFO News and Updates

Nouvelles (News)

• March 18: Three residents of Belleille/Saône reported seeing a UFO emitting blue flashes and an orange halo with an E-O trajectory. The object descended, stopped, and then disappeared. The gendarmerie recorded the testimony.
• March 22 (USA): Two men on a heliport near Los Angeles observed two objects surrounded by an intense orange light 40 km east of the city.
• March 22 (USA): Members of the USAF near Los Angeles reported seeing two UFOs near a blue light moving at high speed at an altitude of 1000m.

The article notes that Indonesia is taking UFOs seriously, having established a government bureau dedicated to their study.

Film Promotions

The issue also includes promotional material for films, specifically 'Tentacules' and 'Le 7e Voyage de Sinbad,' listing actors and release information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the statistical analysis of UFO sightings, the philosophical implications of the phenomenon for science and human understanding, the importance of precise definitions, and the reporting of specific case studies and news from around the world. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed investigation and critical thinking while remaining receptive to the possibility of phenomena beyond current scientific explanation. There is a clear emphasis on witness testimony and the collection of data, alongside a critique of overly rigid scientific positivism.

This issue of 'SPECIAL UFOLOGIE' (Issue No. 7, dated May 1980) is published by Editions de Vecchi and focuses on a wide range of topics related to the unexplained, UFOs, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine poses fundamental questions about belief in flying saucers, the nature and origin of UFOs, the existence of superior intelligence, and future predictions. It also includes a service for ordering books from Editions de Vecchi's 'Mystères' collection, covering subjects like magic, prophecies, occult sciences, and UFOs.

Key Articles and Content

Fundamental Questions in Ufology

The issue opens with a series of profound questions, including whether to believe in flying saucers, the nature and origin of UFOs, and the existence of beings more intelligent than humans. It quotes philosophers and scientists like Gide, Flammarion, Pascal, and Planck to frame these inquiries. A particular quote from Planck states, 'Truth never triumphs, its enemies are the ones who eventually die.' The section also references a book titled 'A la recherche des OVNI' by Haralout.

Scientific Discoveries and Cosmic Sounds

An article highlights research by the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in Nancay, France, where a device captured a sound originating from ten billion light-years away. This sound is speculated to be from the moment of the universe's creation. The text also defines a light-year as 9460 billion kilometers and describes the Virgo galaxy as the most beautiful 'saucer,' a massive collection of stars.

UFO Sightings and Theories

The magazine discusses the possibility of life on planets within the Virgo galaxy. It also addresses a reported discovery of a pyramid at the bottom of the sea in the Bermuda Triangle, which was later revealed by 'SCIENCE & VIE' magazine to be a hoax, possibly published on April 1st.

Paranormal and Strange Events

A section titled 'DRACULA REVIENT EN... AMERIQUE' reports on a person impersonating Dracula to terrorize children in Lauderhill, Florida, following a TV series about the vampire. Another segment, 'ETRANGE AFFAIRE,' details an incident where thousands of swallows attacked a house in San Francisco, resulting in many bird deaths, an event that has baffled scientists.

Book and Film Reviews

The 'LIVRES' section features reviews and recommendations. 'LE GOUFFRE DE LA LUNE' by Abraham Herritt is described as a story about an inner universe. 'L'Inconnu' and 'L'Autre Monde n°8' are listed as recent arrivals. 'Ciel et Espace' n°155 covers topics like interstellar matter and nebulae. 'Science Fiction Magazine' n°6 includes articles on masters of science fiction. 'SUB ESPACE' by Jerome Seriel, a recipient of the Verne Prize, is highlighted for its story of a mysterious sphere invasion.

Film Reviews

'LE FILM DU MOIS / SELECTION SIECLE INCONNU' selects 'LES EXTRA-TERRESTRES' as the film of the month. This film, inspired by Erich von Daniken's books, is described as a comprehensive reportage and investigation into extraterrestrial presence on Earth, suggesting humans are descendants of beings from another planet. It also mentions films in production, including 'DEMON SEED,' 'LES TENTACULES DE LA MORT,' and 'ROLLERCOASTER.'

Editorial and Publication Information

The 'LA REDACTION DE Siecle Inconnu' section provides an update on the journal 'Siècle Inconnu,' a private, non-profit publication focused on unusual phenomena. The editors acknowledge financial constraints but express commitment to providing exceptional articles. They announce a special issue summarizing past information and confirm that the next regular issue will be priced at 2 Francs, with future topics promising surprises.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of mystery, the unexplained, and the paranormal. It balances reporting on alleged phenomena with critical analysis, as seen in the debunking of the Bermuda Triangle pyramid story. There's a clear interest in ancient astronaut theories, as promoted by Erich von Daniken, and in the broader implications of UFO sightings and extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, while also acknowledging the need for evidence and critical evaluation. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting related books, films, and its own journal, 'Siècle Inconnu.'