Hypotheses Extraterrestres - No 15 - juillet 1980

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Hypothèses EXTRATERRESTRES" (ISSN 0399-5216), dated July 1980 (N° 15), published in France, focuses on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. The cover features a striking graphic of radiating lines from a central red circle and the headline "-Objets Volants Non Identifiés-". The issue includes articles on a landing in South Africa, a mysterious disappearance of a military regiment, and an encounter in Spain involving a Caravelle aircraft.

Redaction and Administration

The editorial and administrative details are provided, with Gérard LEBAT listed as the Director of Publication. The magazine relies on the contributions of various individuals for its artistic direction, editorial work, investigations, and local representation. The administration of GEOS, an organization likely related to the magazine's focus, is also detailed, with Gérard LEBAT as president.

Call for Collaboration

The magazine solicits collaboration from readers, including investigators, technicians, scientists, and university professors, to submit serious articles on UFO phenomena to advance ufology. Submitted documents are for publication and are not returned. Partial reproduction is allowed with proper attribution. Readers are also asked to send press clippings related to UFOs and to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for responses.

Subscription Information

Details for subscriptions and renewals are provided, with options for normal, supporting, and international subscriptions. An additional option includes membership in GEOS, which provides a membership card and a newsletter called "ENTRE-NOUS".

Back Issues

Information is available for purchasing back issues from 1977, 1978, and 1979.

Conferences and Meetings

The GEOS group organizes conferences and meetings, with details to be provided by phone. Information sessions are also held at the Centre Culturel du 10ème in Paris, resuming in September.

Article 1: Atterrissage en Afrique du Sud avec humanoïdes

This article details an encounter that occurred on the night of January 3-4, 1979, in Mindalore, South Africa, involving Meagan Quezet and her 12-year-old son, André. Their dog's agitated barking alerted them to an unusual pinkish-rose light on an elevated road. They observed an object described as egg-shaped, supported by four legs resembling those of a spider, with a total height of approximately 3.50 meters. The object emitted a bright pink light.

From the craft, five or six humanoid figures emerged. Two approached the witnesses, while others moved towards the left. The description of the figures is vague, with one having dark hair and a beard, and another wearing a white suit. Their speech was unintelligible, sounding like monosyllables or Chinese. The figures seemed to be examining the area, with one picking up sand. The witnesses described the figures as thin, with dark hair and eyes, and wearing tight-fitting suits. Meagan estimated their height to be around 1.50 meters.

After a brief interaction, the figures returned to the craft, which then took off vertically with a humming sound. The legs retracted, and the object ascended rapidly into the clouds, leaving them with a pinkish hue. The entire event lasted about ten minutes. The witnesses did not report any physical or psychological distress. The article notes some discrepancies, such as the lack of any trace at the landing site and the fact that only the Quezet's dog and neighboring dogs reacted, while other nearby residents heard nothing.

Article 2: Le Régiment Disparu: Mort D'une Enigme!

This article investigates the alleged disappearance of the 5th Norfolk regiment in 1915 during the Gallipoli campaign. The author, Christiane Piens, questions the OVNI-related explanations often attributed to this event, citing sources like the New Zealand magazine "Spaceview" and Sir Ian Hamilton's earlier work. The article highlights inconsistencies in the unit designation (1-4 Norfolk vs. 1-5 Norfolk) and the date of the incident (August 21st vs. August 28th).

Official historical accounts, such as those by Brigadier General Sir Aspinal-Oglander, mention the disappearance of 15 officers and 250 men of the 1-5 battalion of the 5th Norfolk regiment. The author argues that this was likely a consequence of the intense fighting during the Dardanelles campaign, rather than an alien abduction.

Excerpts from the 1-4 Norfolk's campaign journal for August 21st and 28th, 1915, are provided. These entries describe troop movements, combat, and heavy bombardment, but make no mention of mysterious clouds or disappearances. The article suggests that the rumor might have originated from a misinterpretation of events or a confusion with other units involved in the battles around the Côte 60.

The author concludes that there is no mystery to be classified as "IDENTIFIED" in the Gallipoli affair, implying that the disappearances were due to the harsh realities of war. The article also mentions a potential connection to the "sun of Austerlitz" phenomenon and the recovery of the 5th Norfolk regiment's remains on September 23, 1919.

Article 3: ESPAGNE: à propos de la caravelle poursuivie par un o.v.n.i.

This article, written by Juan José Benitez and translated by Louis De Troya, details an incident that occurred on November 11, 1979, involving a Supercaravelle aircraft of TAE (Transportes Aéreos Españoles) near Valencia, Spain. The flight crew received a distress call on the emergency frequency, and shortly after, observed strange red lights approaching their aircraft at high speed.

The lights, described as being on either side of an indistinct object, were initially mistaken for another aircraft but their unusual color and rapid movement caused concern. The control tower confirmed no other aircraft were in the vicinity. The object remained near the Supercaravelle for about eight minutes, approaching and then moving away. The pilot, Xavier Lerdo De Tejada, decided to divert to Valencia due to the unsettling nature of the encounter, despite no immediate danger to the passengers.

Some reports suggested the diversion was due to a mechanical failure, but the article refutes this, stating the aircraft was in perfect condition. The pilot estimated the object's dimensions to be larger than their aircraft. Radar systems, including the military 'Pegase' radar, reportedly detected the object. The article notes that while many passengers may not have seen the object due to being served lunch or the limited visibility from the Caravelle's windows, at least twenty witnesses reportedly observed the lights.

Upon approaching Valencia, the Supercaravelle had to circle to burn fuel before landing. During this maneuver, the object reportedly descended 9,000 feet in thirty seconds, a feat deemed impossible for conventional aircraft. The object was observed by numerous witnesses on the ground, including airport personnel. The incident prompted an investigation by the Spanish Ministry of Air.

Following the Supercaravelle incident, other UFOs were reportedly sighted over Madrid, Bilbao, and Granada. A Mirage F1 fighter jet was scrambled from Albacete to investigate, but the pilot's observations remain classified military information. The article includes a diagram illustrating the trajectory of the Caravelle and the OVNI.

Article 4: PARMI LES MESINTERPRETATIONS COURANTES : LES FUSEES SONDES.

This section briefly addresses common misinterpretations of UFO sightings, specifically mentioning "sounding rockets." It includes a photograph of the Tibere rocket, launched on February 25, 1971, as an example of such phenomena. The article suggests that while many sightings can be explained, the possibility of extraterrestrial spacecraft remains.

Document Photo

A photograph is presented, described as "DOCUMENT: Photographie prise le 5 août 1973 à Montréal (CANADA)". The image shows a series of lights in the sky, possibly a formation of aircraft or other aerial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, UFO sightings, and potential extraterrestrial encounters. It aims to present documented cases, investigate mysteries, and analyze witness testimonies. While acknowledging the possibility of misinterpretations and providing explanations for some phenomena (like sounding rockets), the publication maintains an open stance towards the existence of UFOs and the potential for alien visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the subject, encouraging reader participation and aiming to uncover the truth behind these events, even when official information is classified or scarce. The magazine also touches upon historical mysteries and the challenges of ufological research.

This issue of "Informations du Monde Entier" focuses on UFO observations, particularly those involving electromagnetic (E.M.) effects, with a significant portion dedicated to events in Italy during 1978. The magazine explores various sightings, attempted abductions, and the broader implications of the UFO phenomenon.

Observations with E.M. Effects

The issue highlights a surge in UFO sightings in Italy in 1978, peaking in December and January 1979. Hundreds of Type I and III cases were reported. Notable incidents include two attempted abductions of Monsieur Fortunato Zanfretta in Torriglia, near Genoa. Sightings were also reported near Milan and Cosenza. Police and military personnel also reported observing and photographing strange luminous objects. A military base at Porto-Potenza-Picena detected an unidentified flying object on radar for 25 minutes, estimating its speed at 9000 km/h. Other significant observations were made on radar screens in Brindisi and at the Gioia del Colle base. The village of Sassello, near Savona, was the site of particularly interesting phenomena in early September, including E.M. effects associated with observations.

First Observation: Presumed Landing!

On September 5th, an anonymous worker in Sassello reported seeing dark objects in the pre-dawn hours. Awakened by an unusual sound, he observed two dark, round shapes attached together, resembling an '8', about 10 meters away. The objects emitted a muffled, radio-like sound. The observation lasted about six minutes. Two versions of the object's departure exist: one for the press stated it took off suddenly with a strong wind sound, while an investigation by Mr. Mantero Piere of the CIRCULO group suggested the witness momentarily lost sight of it, and when he looked again, it had vanished. The following day, two circular traces were found imprinted in the asphalt, with gravel accumulated as if sucked up.

E.M. Effect (?)

On September 6th, around 9 PM, in the same hotel in La Carta, unusual electrical phenomena occurred. Lights in some rooms went out completely, while in others they flickered, and in some, they remained normal. In one room, four lamps lit normally, but the central 200W bulb glowed red. This lasted over two hours, with a brief three-minute blackout before returning to normal. During this time, a guest's TV displayed distorted images with a red circle in the center of the screen. The hotel owner confirmed similar anomalies on another TV. The lights in Sassello and surrounding areas dimmed, and some homes experienced voltage drops. The red circle on the TV screens is noted as strange, possibly a hoax, but the witnesses appeared sincere. The article suggests that these E.M. effects might not be definitively attributable to a UFO and could have other origins.

New Phenomenon

On September 7th at 9 PM, several people in Sassello saw a strange, large sphere in the sky that remained stationary before moving south towards the sea. It was white with red-pink reflections and appeared as large as the moon. The same evening, a woman's car stopped inexplicably, and her dog barked unusually until the sphere moved away.

Another Affair

On September 8th at 9:30 PM, in the Mont Alberola region, a bizarrely maneuvering, red, pulsating globe was observed. A vehicle carrying witnesses lost speed, crawling at 25 km/h for 500 meters before regaining speed as the object disappeared behind a mountain. Two young men from La Carta, arriving at the summit by motorcycle, witnessed the object still in motion. Their motorcycle's headlights intensified abnormally, causing them to turn back, and the lights returned to normal as they retreated.

Numerous observations of low-altitude luminous globes, appearing larger than the full moon and predominantly red, were reported in the evenings. On September 9th, Monsieur Fluvio Lubiani and Monsieur Roberto Boeri saw a globe leaving a yellow trail, descending slowly towards Piedmont. On September 11th at 1:30 AM, anonymous witnesses observed a large red object that changed direction and descended towards the ground before disappearing.

UFO Lands and Takes Off Again

This section reports on a mysterious object observed in Pescara, Italy, on December 20, 1978. A postal official, Giuseppe Colasante, described an object similar to a spaceship, about two meters in diameter, that hovered near his car. It emitted a bluish, rotating light before ascending rapidly. He reported seeing the object's shape and illuminated windows. His cousins also witnessed the object ascending at high speed. In Avezzano, three students reported seeing a flaming UFO at dawn, during which their watches stopped at 9:15 AM, though the actual time was 6:30 AM. In Chieti, a 14-year-old boy photographed a luminous body in the night sky that appeared as a large, eclipsing spot emitting colored lights.

Conclusions

In Italy, E.M. effects are frequently associated with UFO observations. Exceptional cases include Pietracamela on December 24, 1978, where a power plant ceased functioning due to a UFO's passage, while another part of the same plant started automatically. Over 270 such cases have been cataloged in Italy for this period.

The Kremlin Incident

An interesting phenomenon was observed in 1977 from the Kremlin in Moscow. On August 5th, a spherical incandescent object, about one meter in diameter, appeared 200 meters above the Kremlin Palace. It then split into three smaller spheres. One descended towards Ivanovskaya Square, another towards Tainitski Garden, and the third, a yellowish sphere about 5 cm in diameter, moved towards the Cathedral of Archangel. This sphere entered the cathedral, passed between a guard and a supervisor, moved silently, and exploded against the iconostasis, causing only a slight burn mark on the woodwork. The investigation involved witness interrogations and measurements. The object's behavior is contrasted with the Kremlin's advanced lightning protection system. A similar event was reported to have occurred 400 years prior.

Gordon Cooper and UFOs

Former astronaut Gordon Cooper has publicly stated his belief in the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial visitors. He has spoken about seeing "unusual" things in space during his flights. Cooper believes that intelligent beings from other planets are visiting Earth and trying to make contact. He has called for a global study of UFOs, ideally under the auspices of the UN. He also expressed disappointment that UFO research is not prioritized, citing an example of significant funding allocated to studying why children fall off three-wheeled bicycles.

UFOs at the United Nations

This section details the efforts of Sir Eric Gairy, former Prime Minister of Grenada, to have the existence of UFOs recognized by the UN. Despite facing opposition, Gairy consistently raised the issue. His efforts were cut short when he was overthrown and destituted in the spring of 1979. The article questions the future of the UFO dossier at the UN. It also mentions a statement by a US official calling Gairy a "despot and a madman." The text notes that Bishop, who led the coup, took power with little resistance. The article acknowledges Gairy's contribution to raising global awareness about UFOs, despite his unconventional approach that sometimes mixed religious beliefs with UFOs.

Dr. Friday, an advisor from Grenada, addressed the UN General Assembly on November 28, 1977, emphasizing the need for a global approach to UFO research. He suggested that a smaller, ad hoc committee might be more feasible than a full UN institution. The article highlights that the issue of extraterrestrial life and UFOs was considered a significant global problem by some, even during the Middle East crisis. The UN's Division of Outer Space Affairs confirmed that scientists like James Mc Donald and Allen Hyneck had met with division officials, but the overall UN stance remained largely dismissive, influenced by reports like the Condon Report.

Several proposals from the organization ICUFON (International Committee for UFO Investigations) to the UN, starting in 1966, are detailed. These proposals aimed to establish a global research program for UFOs, including their phenomena, extraterrestrial beings, and potential contact strategies. Despite receiving some positive responses and acknowledgments, these proposals did not lead to a formal UN investigation. The article notes that the US Air Force terminated its Project Blue Book in 1969, concluding that no UFO reports indicated a threat to national security or proved the existence of extraterrestrial technology.

Documentation Service

This section lists various books and publications related to UFOs available for purchase through the magazine's documentation service. Titles cover a wide range of topics, from historical sightings and scientific investigations to extraterrestrial encounters and ufological theories. The service also offers a series of 12-slide color diapositive presentations on different UFO-related themes, such as "The Mystery of Baian Kara Oula," "NICE 1608: UFOs Overflown," "UFO Diaporama," "Extraterrestrials: A Problem of Our Time," "UFOs Exist!," "Humanoids," and "Engines and Their Forms."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a serious subject worthy of investigation, contrasting this stance with the often dismissive or cautious approach of official bodies like the UN and governments. There's a clear emphasis on witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The articles advocate for a more open and global approach to UFO research, highlighting the work of individuals and organizations pushing for official recognition and study. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and the implications for humanity.