Hypotheses Extraterrestres - No 13

Magazine Overview

This issue of "hypothèses EXTRATERRESTRES," identified as No. 13 and dated January 1980, is a French-language publication dedicated to the study of extraterrestrial hypotheses and unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The cover prominently features the title and the phrase "Objets Volants Non Identifiés" (Unidentified Flying Objects), with a striking red background and a central radiating light motif. The price is listed as 15 Frs. for France and other countries.

Editorial Stance and Content

The editorial, titled "ÉDITORIAL," reflects on the magazine's transition and its fourth year of publication. It acknowledges challenges, including resignations, but expresses a commitment to continue publishing "hypothèses EXTRATERRESTRES" in 1980. The editorial team aims to make the publication more welcoming to the public and scientists, emphasizing the extraterrestrial hypothesis as a valid explanation for UFO phenomena. The editorial calls for new subscribers and volunteers, particularly those in the Paris region, to help revitalize the team and ensure the magazine's financial stability, which relies heavily on subscriptions.

Key Articles and Reports

The Acevedo and Moya Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "INCIDENT AU COURS DU RALLYE," detailing an event involving Carlos Acevedo and Miguel Angel Moya during a South American rally in August 1978. While driving near Carmen de Patagones, Argentina, their car was enveloped by a bright, dense yellow-violet light. The witnesses reported a loss of time, with an estimated 110 minutes unaccounted for, and a discrepancy in the distance covered (71 km missing from the odometer). The car's systems appeared unaffected, but the witnesses experienced extreme fear, pressure, and trembling. The light phenomenon itself was described as having a cone-like shape as it moved away. The report highlights the credibility of the witnesses, the lack of physical evidence, and the temporal anomaly as key aspects of the case. The article suggests further investigation using hypnosis.

Hestroff-Hobling Case

Another detailed report, "HESTROFF-HOBLING (57) 24 OCTOBRE 76," describes an encounter by Monsieur Lucarelli and his daughter. While driving near Hestroff-Hobling, France, they observed two lights that turned out to be a strange craft about 100 meters above the ground. The object, described as two connected spheres with a rectangular structure and numerous colored lights, followed their car. Inside the craft, they perceived a window with a faint interior light and saw two silhouettes, one seated and one standing. The object's movement suggested a depth of about 7 meters for the cabin. The craft then positioned itself in front of the car, forcing Lucarelli to swerve into his driveway, where the object hovered over his garage. The object emitted a characteristic low hum before moving off towards the village of Trombom. The following day, traces were found on the ground: three marks in the shape of a figure eight, each about 15 meters long, created by an absence of grass. The report notes that these traces remained visible for at least five months. An investigation by the gendarmerie found no electrical anomalies on the car, and while they documented the report, they were cautious in their conclusions, suggesting a tractor might have caused the traces. The investigator, Michel Turco, however, found the traces to be geometric and unlike those left by a tractor.

Other Sightings and Reports

• Aiguillon sur Mer (Vendée): Two separate observations are reported. The first, on July 15, 1979, involved a yellow luminous 'stick' seen by multiple people at a campsite. The second, on July 22, 1979, described a luminous object that stopped, changed shape from a star-like object to a red incandescent rectangle, and then became transparent with four appendages.
• Acides Amines dans une Météorite: A brief report mentions the discovery of amino acids in a meteorite that fell in Jilin, China, on March 8, 1979, suggesting a link to extraterrestrial life.

GEOS Activities and Information

The magazine includes information about the "GEOS" group, detailing its organization, activities, and upcoming events. GEOS organizes conferences and information meetings in the Paris region, with scheduled events on January 5, March 1, April 26, and May 31. They also offer back issues of their publication and promote books by Jimmy Gieu.

Reader Contributions and Information

An "AVIS A NOS LECTEURS" section solicits collaboration from readers for future articles, encouraging serious submissions on UFO phenomena. It states that submitted documents will be published freely and that the magazine is not responsible for their content. Reproduction of articles is permitted with proper attribution. Readers are also asked to send press clippings related to UFOs and to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for replies.

The "CHERCHEURS ET GROUPEMENTS" section aims to connect private researchers and lists various UFO study groups in France, including ADRUP, GREPO, and S.L.U.B.

Technical and Procedural Information

Page 10 features the "MERINT RADIOTELEGRAPH PROCEDURE," a document from the U.S. Navy outlining how to report unidentified airborne and waterborne objects for early warning defense of the North American continent. It details what to report, how to send messages, and to whom, emphasizing the importance of immediate reporting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and the investigation of these events. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, particularly favoring the extraterrestrial hypothesis, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and credible evidence. The magazine actively seeks reader participation and aims to foster a community of researchers and enthusiasts. The emphasis on detailed case reports, witness testimonies, and the inclusion of technical and procedural documents like the MERINT procedure highlight a commitment to exploring the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles.

This issue of the "House of Lords Official Report" (Vol. 397, No. 23), dated Thursday, January 18, 1979, features a significant debate on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in the House of Lords, with the cover headline "Les OVNI à la Chambre des Lords" (UFOs in the House of Lords).

Debate in the House of Lords on UFOs (January 18, 1979)

The central event of this issue is the parliamentary debate initiated by Lord Clancarty at 7:07 PM. His motion aimed to "draw attention to the growing number of observations and landings of unidentified flying objects on a global scale, and the necessity for a study under the auspices of the government." Lord Clancarty presented a historical overview of UFO cases, including ancient Egyptian accounts and modern sightings like Kenneth Arnold's. He detailed the characteristics of UFOs: shape, size, luminosity, trajectories, and electromagnetic effects, citing specific cases from 1954 (a mother ship escorting a civilian plane), 1975 (visits to US nuclear sites), and 1976 (an incident in Tehran). He criticized the US government's handling of UFO investigations, mentioning the CIA's alleged control and the shelving of Soviet studies. He called for transparency, international cooperation, a televised interview with the Secretary of State for Defence, and the creation of an official government study body.

Several Lords contributed to the debate:

• Lord Trefgarne (Conservative) opposed the creation of an official body but favored informal exchanges between private groups and the RAF, meteorological services, and the Ministry of Defence. As a pilot, he did not believe in extraterrestrial visitors, suggesting UFOs would eventually be explained by science. He questioned the compatibility of other species with Christian principles.
• Lord Kimberley (Liberal) affirmed the existence of UFOs, independent of misinterpretations. He mentioned a purported 1971 convention between the USA and USSR to exchange UFO information to prevent nuclear alerts from radar misinterpretations. He also cited the case of balloonists in 1978 who were allegedly followed by UFOs for 12 hours and noted the UN's involvement. He criticized US commissions for being public relations exercises and stated that 10 countries officially admit the existence of UFOs. He speculated about telekinetic phenomena and suspected the British government knew why US presidents remained silent on UFOs. He pressed the government representative for explanations regarding UFO contacts.
• Lord Oxford (Conservative) explored hypotheses for UFO origins, ruling out terrestrial secret weapons and questioning the likelihood of intelligent life in our solar system due to vast distances. He suggested UFOs required a broader, global study.
• Lord Davies of Leek (Labour) mentioned laser-projected holograms and the non-supersonic nature of UFOs, referencing the Pascagoula abduction case. He called for an in-depth study so the world could understand what was happening.
• Lord Bishop of Norwich supported serious research but cautioned against conflating theology and ufology, emphasizing that the mystery of UFOs should not replace faith or obscure Christian truths. He stated that scriptures neither affirmed nor denied the existence of other intelligent species.
• Lord Gladwyn (Liberal) criticized the desire to believe in UFOs as a form of salvation during current difficulties. He discussed various hypotheses, including extraterrestrial origins and 'cosmic astronauts.' He suggested that people should seek salvation through charitable living and that extraterrestrials would contact humanity when they wished, negating the need for study.
• Lord Kings Norton stressed the seriousness of the UFO subject, suggesting they might be terrestrial. He advocated for an open inquiry by scientists and technicians, independent of government oversight to avoid censorship suspicions. He highlighted the "social danger" of silence on UFOs.
• Lord Rankeillour recounted a UFO 'carousel' observed in New Mexico and a confirmed radar sighting by four Italian Navy officers of a large, red, glowing UFO rising from the Adriatic Sea. He also mentioned the negative effects of UFOs.
• Lord Strabolgi (Government Representative) responded to the interventions, stating that UFOs were natural or human phenomena (meteorites, satellites, etc.) and that there was no evidence of alien spacecraft visits. He reiterated the arguments against extraterrestrial hypotheses based on distance and time, questioning why, if they existed, they hadn't been detected by radar.
• Lord Clancarty concluded by thanking participants and reaffirming his conviction in other intelligences, requesting the withdrawal of his motion. The debate did not involve a vote.

Commentary on the Debate

The article notes the predictable negative outcome, attributing it to Britain's alignment with the US on UFO secrecy. The debate's impact was likely diminished by economic difficulties and transport strikes. The author suggests that the arguments presented by anti-UFO speakers were weak. The article also mentions the formation of the "House of Lords All-Party UFO Study Group" shortly after, chaired by Lord Clancarty, with the aim of fostering dialogue with the UN and assisting private groups.

GEOS Activities

International Congress in Mainz, Germany

The GEOS (Groupement d'Etudes des Phénomènes Spatiaux) organization participated in an international congress in Mainz, Germany, where over 16 countries were represented. GEOS presented an audio-visual montage, noting the significant presence of older ufologists in Germany compared to the younger demographic in France. They were disappointed by the focus on the Adamski case and the claims of 'contactees,' finding their statements inconsistent and unfounded. They also viewed a film from New Zealand, suspecting it was faked.

GEOS Broadcast on FR3

GEOS France had an intervention on FR3 television, featuring information on their activities. A filming session took place on October 13, including the projection of their audio-visual montage and a reconstruction of observation nights. Radio amateurs were also represented.

TV Debate: "L'Avenir du Futur" (The Future of the Future)

A TV debate on September 24, 1979, titled "The Future of the Future," focused on "Extraterrestrial Life." The program included a film and a panel of guests: Lynn Margulis (biologist), Alain Esterle (engineer and head of GEPAN), Itchiaque Rasool (scientist from NASA), André Brahic (astronomer), Jean-Michel Jarre (composer), and presenter Robert Clarke. The absence of Hubert Reeves, usually tasked with steering the conversation away from extraterrestrial hypotheses, was noted as a positive surprise.

The film shown was criticized as unoriginal, poorly acted, and featuring a cliché plot of evil aliens wanting to exterminate humans, opposed by good aliens. The article suggests that authentic UFO cases were manipulated to fit the Hollywood narrative. Specific examples cited include a manipulated Antonio Villas-Boas case and a 'Betty Hill' figure. The film's special effects and combat scenes were deemed sleep-depriving.

The debate itself saw Alain Esterle explaining that his group investigates 'phenomena' rather than 'objects.' He presented a photo of the Eiffel Tower UFO, which the article calls a fake. He also presented photos of cloud formations, which Robert Clarke dismissed as dubious. Esterle countered that astronomers' telescopes are focused on distant space and are not suited for observing low-altitude phenomena like UFOs. He revealed that the Soviet Union had provided statistics on UFO observations, which he presented as evidence that scientists held definitive views on the subject. When asked about UFOs not landing in public places, Esterle responded that it was difficult for a 'terrestrial' to follow the thought process of potential extraterrestrials. He also stated that statistics proved UFOs were a physical phenomenon. Itchiaque Rasool from NASA stated that NASA does not deal with such matters, and that their work involves hypotheses and calculations based on evidence, implying a lack of proof for UFOs. The discussion then shifted to broader topics like planets and space probes, leaving Esterle feeling sidelined.

GEPAN at the Bourget Air Show

The GEPAΝ (Groupe d'Etudes et de Recherches sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés) was present at the Bourget Air Show. They displayed panels demonstrating how to investigate phenomena and avoid mistaking natural events for UFOs, including photos of UFOs. The article praises GEPAN's dynamism, attributing it to Mr. Esterle, and notes their efforts to inform the public through media appearances.

Documentation Service

The magazine includes a "Documentation Service" section offering a list of books related to UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena for sale, with prices listed in French Francs (F). It also advertises a collection of "LES GRANDS MYSTERES" (The Great Mysteries) from Le Livre de Paris, featuring sixteen volumes on various unexplained phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the serious investigation of UFO phenomena and criticizes government secrecy and the dismissal of evidence by mainstream science. The editorial stance is clearly pro-ufology, advocating for transparency, scientific inquiry, and public awareness. The article highlights the efforts of organizations like GEOS and GEPAN in disseminating information and challenging conventional views. There is a strong emphasis on debunking skepticism and presenting evidence, even if it means questioning established scientific or governmental narratives. The publication also seems to cater to a readership interested in a wide range of unexplained phenomena beyond just UFOs, as indicated by the "Documentation Service" and the "Les Grands Mystères" collection.