GEPO No 13 - GEPO Information - OVNI Informations - No 13 - 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of GEPO INFORMATION, dated 1978 and identified as issue number 13, is a French-language magazine focused on UFO phenomena. The cover boldly proclaims 'LES OVNI N'EXISTENT PAS...' (UFOs DO NOT EXIST...), attributed to Carl Sagan, setting a critical tone for the content. The magazine is published by GEPO, a group dedicated to the study of UFOs.

GEPO and its Mission

The GEPO group is described as a collective of young individuals whose primary goal is the study of UFOs through various scientific approaches, including statistics, cartography, observation, and investigation. They produce a bimonthly bulletin, with articles written voluntarily by members passionate about ufology. The group is actively seeking new delegates or correspondents and provides contact information for Dominique Detiile.

Key Articles and Themes

The Skeptical Stance: Carl Sagan

The prominent cover headline directly references Carl Sagan, suggesting a significant portion of the magazine engages with skeptical viewpoints on UFOs. The article associated with this headline, '(CARL SAGAN)', likely explores his arguments against the existence or conventional interpretation of UFOs.

Lights in the Night (LDLN) and UFOs Over Tarbes

Smaller headlines on the cover, 'LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT' (Lights in the Night) and 'OVNI SUR TARBES' (UFO Over Tarbes), indicate specific topics or reports covered within the issue. LDLN is later identified as 'LE GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT', a long-standing ufological research group.

Books and Publications Reviewed

• The magazine features several book advertisements and reviews, including:
• 'ALERTE AUX O.V.N.I.' by E. MARO EACON, described as an adventurous account based on official documents.
• 'en contact avec les ov.n.i.' (in contact with UFOs), a publication focusing on cosmic intelligences.
• 'LE MYSTÈRE DES O.V.N.I.' by A. JACK PERRIN, which discusses extraterrestrial contacts and UFOs, supported by numerous documents and illustrations.
• 'LE NOUVEAU DEFI DES OV.N.I.' (The New Challenge of UFOs), presented under the 'A LIRE' (To Read) section.
• 'DECOUVREZ l'autre monde' (Discover the Other World), a publication related to the strange and unusual.

The Moon: Habitable or Inhabited?

A detailed article titled 'LA LUNE EST - ELLE HABITEE ?' (Is the Moon Inhabited?) explores the possibility of lunar habitation. It discusses the Moon's rotation and revolution, historical observations of luminous points and circular shadows, and more recent observations of strange phenomena like fogs, luminous spots, and growing/diminishing taches. Some scientists have reportedly seen bridges, bizarre traces, and even gigantic machines or robots working in craters. The article also touches upon lunar missions and astronaut encounters with mysterious objects and traces on the Moon.

An accompanying diagram illustrates various lunar locations like the 'MER DE LA FECONDITE' (Sea of Fertility) and 'MER DE LA TRANQUILLITE' (Sea of Tranquility), with specific points marked 'PYAX JWA' and 'PYAX JWA' again, alongside names like MESSIER, AUTOLYCUS, ARCHIMEDE, LUNI 192, ERATOSTHENE, and MER DES PLOIES. A specific incident is noted: on September 29, 1958, a Japanese professor observed inscriptions (PYAX, JWA) on the Mer de la Sérénité. This leads to the hypothesis that UFOs might originate from the Moon.

Service de Presse: UFOLOGIA and LES EXTRA TERRESTRES

This section reviews two consecutive issues (13 and 14) of the journal 'UFOLOGIA', noting its consistent presentation and condensation of ufological information. It highlights an article by Leonard H. Stringfield on the unknown aspects of the Grenada mission concerning UFOs at the UN, and another well-documented article on the mystery of the Moon. Issue 14 features an interview with Francis Shaeffer of CFRU.

'LES EXTRA TERRESTRES' is described as a high-quality review covering unpublished investigations and ufological news. Issue 7 includes a dossier on the UN's stance on UFOs and a literary section. Subscription details and contact addresses are provided for both publications.

The End of CIJU

A poignant letter announces the dissolution of CIJU (Le Cercle International des Jeunes Ufologues). The author expresses regret at not finding enough committed individuals to sustain the action. The letter critiques ufology, stating that it often reflects a distorted mirror of society, revealing people's true nature. It argues that ufology must become a science, not a refuge for neurotics chasing fantasies or mythomaniacs inventing truths. The author criticizes 'amateur' ufologists and 'pseudo-scientific' methods, advocating for the adoption of genuine scientific methodologies. The CIJU was founded to help future ufologists establish ufology as a credible scientific discipline.

LE GROUPEMENT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHES LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT (LDLN)

Founded over twenty years prior by Raymond Veillith, LDLN is presented as the leading French ufological group and one of the first globally. Its activities are diverse, including an extensive network of investigators, a photo network (RESUFO), technical research (GTR LDLN) covering electronics and detection equipment, and a documentation archive (FIDUFO). LDLN publishes a monthly review of the same name.

Skepticism Towards UFOs and Ancient Astronauts

An article, possibly from 'PLAYBOY' based on the page numbering and style, critically examines the belief in UFOs and ancient astronauts. It dismisses many claims as lacking evidence and being rooted in superstition or religious frustration. The author argues that while the possibility of extraterrestrial life is intriguing, claims of ancient alien visitation are not supported by concrete proof. The article debunks the 'Jean-sait-tout' horse as an example of how apparent intelligence can be explained by subtle cues and conditioning. It also addresses the Triangle of the Bermuda, suggesting that disappearances are not uniquely mysterious and that the phenomenon is exaggerated.

The article contrasts the public's fascination with UFOs and ancient astronauts with the lack of scientific rigor in these fields. It points out that while scientific discoveries are often met with skepticism, pseudoscientific claims gain traction due to a lack of critical thinking. The author emphasizes that extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof and that many phenomena attributed to aliens can be explained by natural causes or advanced human technology.

The Nature of Belief and Pseudo-Science

The magazine delves into the psychology behind belief in the paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. It discusses how the public's limited understanding of science makes them susceptible to such ideas. The article mentions the 'Comité d'investigation sur des manifestations du Paranormal' in New York, which aims to investigate paranormal phenomena scientifically. It also touches upon the debate within this committee regarding whether to combat all pseudoscientific claims or to examine each case individually.

Carl Sagan is again mentioned as a professor of astronomy and space sciences, highlighting his role in promoting scientific understanding. The article suggests that while the idea of extraterrestrial life is scientifically valid, the specific claims made by ufologists and ancient astronaut theorists often lack verifiable evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the scientific approach to ufology, and the questioning of popular beliefs in extraterrestrial visitation and ancient alien intervention. There is a clear editorial stance favoring skepticism and scientific rigor over anecdotal evidence and pseudoscientific speculation. The magazine aims to debunk myths, encourage critical thinking, and promote a more grounded understanding of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and the mysteries of the Moon.

This special issue of "L'Autre Monde" (The Other World), titled "OVNI HYPOTHESES EXTRA TERRESTRES" (UFO Extra-Terrestrial Hypotheses), published as a "Hors Série" (Special Issue) and dated July-August 1978, delves into the enduring mysteries surrounding the construction of the Egyptian pyramids and explores the possibility of extraterrestrial influence or advanced ancient civilizations.

The Enigma of Pyramid Construction

The issue begins by addressing the profound mystery of how the pyramids of Egypt, built over 5000 years ago, were constructed. It highlights the immense scale of these monuments, particularly the Great Pyramid of Cheops, which consists of approximately 2,000,000 blocks weighing between 3 and 600 tons each. The precision with which these stones are fitted, leaving no space for a sheet of paper, is emphasized. Mathematical calculations reveal the Great Pyramid's total weight to be around 6.5 million tons. The article notes that despite considerable progress in modern technology, assembling such structures with equivalent precision would be impossible today. It questions traditional historical explanations, such as the use of tens of thousands of slaves and wooden logs for transport, pointing out logistical impossibilities like the lack of forests in Egypt and the insufficient capacity of ships to transport the necessary timber.

Advanced Ancient Civilizations and Atlantean Influence

Challenging conventional historical narratives, the magazine suggests that the pyramids are evidence of a science far advanced for the ancient world. Modern satellites have reportedly confirmed the accuracy of measurements discovered within the pyramids, including the Earth-Sun distance, planetary density, and gravitational acceleration. The pyramids are also suggested to have served as astronomical observatories, possibly using mirrors. The article posits that these monuments contained profound scientific secrets concerning astronomy, medicine, and mechanics. It criticizes researchers for being too focused on conventional interpretations of life and thought, thus failing to grasp the true purpose behind the pyramids.

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the theories of Edgar Cayce, the "sleeping prophet." Cayce's readings suggested that Atlantis was one of the earliest cradles of humanity, possessing a highly advanced civilization with unparalleled scientific knowledge. According to Cayce, during the initial phase of the Atlantean continent's dislocation, many Atlanteans migrated to regions of mixed race, leading to the lineage of Egyptian pharaohs and the Inca civilization. This migration, the article argues, explains the sophisticated techniques and mastery observed in ancient Egyptian, Inca, and other cultures in fields like medicine, architecture, and arts. Platon's theory of Atlantean colonization of various lands, including Egypt, Peru, Mexico, and Central America, is also cited.

The article further elaborates on Cayce's revelations, suggesting that the Atlanteans possessed "losers" (likely referring to advanced energy devices or tools, possibly crystal-based, akin to lasers) which the Egyptians later utilized. It is proposed that the plans and construction methods of the Atlanteans are submerged in the collapsed part of Atlantis. For transport, Egyptians allegedly used natural forces to make giant stones float.

Scientific Support and Modern Research

The article mentions that the mathematical calculations found in the architecture and astronomy of Egyptians, as well as in Central American cultures (Aztecs, Mayas), support the theory of Atlantean cultural influence, refuting historical hypotheses about the construction of these enduring pyramids. It cites modern scientific endeavors, such as experiments with magnetic pressures and plasma, as indicative of capabilities that could explain how ancient Egyptians moved massive blocks using gravitational waves.

UFO Sightings and Interplanetary Phenomena

Beyond the pyramid mysteries, the issue includes a report on UFO sightings. On the night of July 10th, near Tarbes, France, three young monitors at a holiday camp observed four unidentified flying objects. The objects were described as having various shapes—a sphere, an oval, and a rectangular form—and emitted blinking red and blue lights, as well as a dazzling yellow light. The witnesses reported their observations to the gendarmerie, and the CNES (National Center for Space Studies) in Toulouse investigated. While no physical traces were found, the CNES deemed the observations "interesting" due to the concordance of the accounts, the witnesses' credibility, and the details provided.

The magazine also promotes "L'Autre Monde"'s special publications on UFOs and extraterrestrial hypotheses, including a special issue titled "OVNI HYPOTHESES EXTRA TERRESTRES" and a subsequent issue on "Les Extra-Terrestres" (The Extra-Terrestrials), available for purchase.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the exploration of unconventional explanations for historical and contemporary mysteries, particularly concerning ancient civilizations and unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance leans towards questioning established historical and scientific paradigms, embracing theories of advanced ancient knowledge, extraterrestrial contact, and phenomena beyond current mainstream understanding. The article champions the idea that ancient peoples possessed scientific and technological capabilities far exceeding what is commonly acknowledged, and that UFOs may represent a continuation or echo of these advanced capabilities, possibly linked to extraterrestrial intelligence or remnants of lost civilizations like Atlantis.