Inforespace - No 27 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: Inforespace
Issue: 28
Date: July 1976
Volume: 5th year
Publisher: SOBEPS asbl (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux)
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of Inforespace, a bimonthly review dedicated to ufology and spatial phenomena, explores a range of intriguing topics, from maritime mysteries to the scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Articles and Content

L'étrange triangle des Bermudes (3) - The Strange Bermuda Triangle (3)

This article begins an investigation into the phenomenon of disappearances, particularly of ships, in the Bermuda Triangle. It notes that the term 'missing' is more appropriate for these events and that they have always existed, not being limited to this specific zone. The piece recounts several instances of sailing vessel disappearances:

• October 5, 1924: The sailing vessel 'Firecrest' was struck by a larger ship at night, with its bowsprit being bent, suggesting a collision that went unnoticed by the larger vessel.
• 1957: The 'Slocum Society' recorded twenty-one solo or two-person transoceanic cruises in the previous year, indicating a rise in such voyages.
• December 1945: The New York Times reported the disappearance of two sailing vessels, the 'Voyager II' and the schooner 'Valmore'. The 'Voyager II' was carrying an officer and his three children, and no trace was found along its route.
• September 1955: The 'Connemara IV' was found adrift and without a crew, having broken its moorings during a hurricane. It had not sunk but had drifted and was later found by the tanker 'Olympic Cloud'.

The article also touches upon the historical context of maritime travel, referencing navigators like Alain Gerbault and Joshua Slocum, and the dangers faced by sailors before modern navigation aids.

Des pirates en 1974 - Pirates in 1974

This section discusses a report from August 29, 1974, in a Belgian newspaper, which cited a US representative from New York, John M. Murphy. According to Murphy, hundreds of fishing and pleasure boats, along with their crews, had disappeared between 1971 and 1974, suggesting a new form of piracy. Coast Guard reports, however, indicated a much lower number of disappearances. The article explores the hypothesis that these boats might have been diverted by drug traffickers to transport illegal substances. While this hypothesis was confirmed in only three cases, the article notes that investigations into drug trafficking networks are rarely publicized.

Les épaves flottantes - Floating Wrecks

This article, referencing a 1903 author, discusses the phenomenon of 'derelicts' – abandoned, floating vessels that pose a constant danger to navigation. It cites statistics from the Hydrographic Office in Washington, which recorded numerous derelicts between 1887 and 1893. The piece also presents statistics from Lloyd's of London on ships reported missing between 1891 and 1893, showing a significant number of both steamships and sailing vessels lost. The article suggests that many of these disappearances might be attributed to collisions with these derelicts, especially since many vessels at the time lacked radio equipment.

It also mentions specific cases, such as the English steamer 'Strathearn' disappearing in 1890 and the Italian ship 'Silvio' in the same year. The challenging passage around Cape Horn is described as a perilous experience.

L'étrange histoire de la Mary-Céleste - The Strange Story of the Mary Celeste

This article delves into the enduring mystery of the 'Mary Celeste', a brigantine found abandoned at sea on December 4, 1872. The author discusses various proposed solutions to the enigma, including the theory put forth by Laurence J. Keating in 1929. Keating suggested that the captain of the 'Dei Gratia', Moorhouse, who knew the captain of the 'Mary Celeste', Briggs, had lent some of his crew to Briggs. Later, after alleged incidents aboard the 'Mary Celeste', Moorhouse supposedly took back his men and the cook, John Pemberton, and the 'Mary Celeste' was found adrift. Keating claimed to have found Pemberton in Liverpool, who corroborated the story. However, historian Alain Decaux questioned Keating's account, suggesting Pemberton was not the cook's real name and that the story might be a fabrication.

The article also explores E. F. Russel's 1957 theory, inspired by a food poisoning incident in Pont-Saint-Esprit, France, in 1951. This theory posits that the crew of the 'Mary Celeste' might have suffered from ergotism, a form of food poisoning caused by ergot fungus in rye, which can induce severe psychological disturbances, hallucinations, and a dangerous overestimation of one's abilities. The article notes that ergotism can occur when rye is heavily contaminated and that regular consumption can lead to severe symptoms.

La radio reste muette - The Radio Remains Silent

This section highlights the absence of SOS signals during maritime disappearances as a puzzling aspect. It uses the example of the banana carrier 'Frubel Maria' in December 1965, which sailed through rough seas in the Caribbean. The article suggests that even if a ship were in distress, the radio operator might be incapacitated by seasickness, making it difficult to send a distress signal. It also points out that, apart from the radio officer, few crew members know how to operate the radio equipment, making a distress call unlikely in many scenarios.

L'aventure cosmique de l'humanité (3) - The Cosmic Adventure of Humanity (3)

This article examines the possibility of communication with extraterrestrial civilizations. It introduces the Green Bank Equation, developed at a 1961 colloquium at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) in Green Bank, Virginia. The equation aims to estimate the number of technologically advanced civilizations in our galaxy capable of interstellar communication. The article breaks down the equation's parameters:

• R: Average number of new stars per year in the Milky Way.
• fp: Percentage of stars with planetary systems.
• f: Percentage of planets where life has appeared.
• fi: Percentage of planets where intelligent life has emerged.
• fc: Percentage of planets with technologically evolved civilizations capable of communication.
• L: Average lifespan of such civilizations.

Using estimations for these parameters, the equation suggests there could be one million inhabited worlds in our galaxy capable of interstellar communication. Extrapolating to the estimated number of galaxies, the universe could contain 10^11 technologically evolved worlds. The article then discusses the implications of these numbers for potential contact.

Pourquoi Sagan n'accepte pas les OVNI en tant que capsules spatiales - Why Sagan Doesn't Accept UFOs as Spacecraft

This section presents the arguments of Dr. C. Sagan, a prominent exobiologist, against the idea that UFOs are alien spacecraft. Sagan's reasoning is based on the Green Bank Equation and the vastness of space. He calculates that for Earth to receive one visit per year from an extraterrestrial civilization, each of the N civilizations would need to send 10,000 spacecraft annually. Conversely, this implies that we could expect a visit only once every 10,000 years. Sagan concludes that while UFO sightings may represent a phenomenon, the sheer number of reported cases annually is difficult to reconcile with the low probability of such frequent visits, given the immense scale of the universe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly those related to ufology and maritime mysteries. There is a clear interest in presenting both historical accounts and scientific perspectives, often questioning conventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various hypotheses, from the mundane (piracy, natural phenomena) to the extraordinary (extraterrestrial contact). The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussion and analysis of these complex subjects, often drawing on historical records and scientific calculations to support its investigations.

This issue of Inforespace, a French publication focused on ufology and related phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles. The main cover headline, "La forme humaine est-elle universelle ?" (Is the Human Form Universal?), suggests a deep dive into the scientific and philosophical implications of extraterrestrial life. The issue also features detailed reports on specific UFO incidents and the mysterious phenomenon of animal mutilations.

Sagan's Calculations and Ufological Interpretation

The issue begins by examining Carl Sagan's argument against the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, which is based on calculations of the material required for interstellar travel. The article presents Sagan's hypothesis that if a large number of civilizations were launching numerous spacecraft annually, the amount of matter needed would be astronomical, potentially requiring the resources of a significant percentage of stars in the galaxy. The author notes that Sagan's calculations were performed by a NASA physicist, Hong-Yee Chiu, who estimated that each spaceship would require metal comparable to an Apollo rocket's departure weight. This would necessitate extracting material from approximately 500,000 stars per year, or about 1% of the galaxy's stars, even with limited extraction depths.

However, the article critically analyzes this demonstration, suggesting it highlights a disconnect between exobiologists/astrophysicists and ufologists. It introduces Stanton T. Friedman's analysis from a MUFON symposium, which offers a counter-perspective. Friedman suggests that Sagan's conclusions could imply two opposing ideas: either UFOs are not extraterrestrial, or they are extraterrestrial but operate in ways we cannot currently conceive.

Friedman argues that as observational data on UFOs accumulates, certain characteristics emerge that do not align with the expected behavior of "mere" visitors. He uses the example of the Fatima apparitions to illustrate this point. While not taking a definitive stance, Friedman emphasizes the danger of instability in initial hypotheses and the need to rigorously examine all possibilities.

He presents two main interpretations for UFOs:

1. Non-extraterrestrial origin: This aligns with a growing number of ufologists who, driven by evidence, are beginning to defend this idea.
2. Extraterrestrial origin, but with unconventional methods: This is the thesis of classical ufology, suggesting that our current understanding of physics and technology is insufficient to grasp how extraterrestrial craft arrive on Earth. This contrasts with the known methods of launching space rockets.

The article also points out potential inaccuracies in Sagan's calculations, such as the weight of the Apollo rocket and the estimated number of stars in the galaxy. It suggests that Sagan's argument about plastic spacecraft might be a misdirection, as the material still needs to come from somewhere.

The Tolosa, Argentina Incident (November 26, 1974)

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a detailed account of a UFO landing in Tolosa, a suburban area of La Plata, Argentina. The incident involved two families: the Nicolini family (Rosario Segura Vve Perique, her daughter Lidia Graciela Perique, and her husband Ruben Horacio Nicolini) and the Deluchi family.

Around 11:30 PM, the Nicolini family heard a loud, jet-like noise. Shortly after, their property was illuminated by a silvery-grey light. They observed an object in the sky, described differently by witnesses. Mr. Nicolini saw an object ascending rapidly over a nearby field, disappearing behind a willow tree. Lidia described it as a sphere or dome, yellowish-pale with a red base, approximately 1.80m in diameter and 2m high, moving rapidly towards the NNE and transforming into an indistinct light.

Mrs. Rosario Segura described the object as being much higher, about 45 degrees above the horizon, and about 150m away. She saw it move like a dart and disappear. She described it as an egg-shaped or round globe, orange in color, transparent like glass, with internal blue-sky tones and an orange glow around the perimeter. She was very impressed by its appearance.

The Deluchi family also reported strange traces in their garden: a perfectly circular ring 3.40m in diameter with a 0.05m wide edge, and numerous triangular marks, 10cm on each side, radiating from the circular trace. These traces were calcined and covered with a fine silver powder.

Investigators established a high credibility coefficient for the witnesses and noted the strange nature of the phenomenon. The article discusses the discrepancies in witness descriptions, attributing them partly to age differences and visual perception. It also notes the absence of chromatic discrimination in Mrs. Rosario's description, suggesting she perceived the colors as integrated into a single orange radiation. The lack of structural details might be due to the witnesses' initial disorientation or the object's brightness.

The article also addresses the determination of the object's diameter, with Mrs. Rosario estimating it as the size of a small car, while her daughter gave specific dimensions. This difference is explained by the witnesses' proximity to the phenomenon. Despite reservations, the article concludes that the event, perceived close to the ground, provides valuable data.

The ground marks were analyzed and showed a remarkable abundance of calcium oxide, which is chemically unstable and caustic. This suggests the marks were a result of the object's combustion system rather than a high-temperature landing. The absence of damage to a nearby wire fence indicated the object did not land. The presence of calcium oxide is attributed to the energy source of the object or the presence of calcareous rocks in the soil, implying temperatures around 900-950°C.

Similar triangular marks were found in a case in Coldwater, Kansas, in September 1954, where a small humanoid was seen interacting with a discoidal craft. The article notes that the triangular traces in the Tolosa case correspond to human footprints, but with a strange conformation.

This report was compiled by M. Roberto E. Banchs, who has published extensively on UFOs.

UFOs and Mysterious Animal Deaths

This section details a series of mysterious animal deaths reported in Puerto Rico in 1975, coinciding with numerous UFO sightings. The phenomenon gained notoriety with the "Vampire of Moca" cases.

Investigations by herpetologist M. Juan Rivero concluded that snakes were not responsible for the deaths of birds, goats, and cows. The authorities initially suspected a disturbed individual, but no one was ever charged. A veterinarian from the Federal Department of Agriculture could not determine the cause of the "bizarre injuries."

The article lists several characteristics of these animal deaths:

• Deaths primarily occurred at dawn.
• Owners, even when nearby, heard no sounds of alarm from the animals.
• In some cases, owners reported hearing a piercing cry or the sound of large wings, or even glimpsing a "strange animal" fleeing.
• The deaths resulted from injuries inflicted by a pointed object, destroying organs or bones. The wounds varied in size depending on the animal, from about a quarter-inch in birds to an inch in goats.
• Notably, there was an absence of blood around the wounds, which remained open.
• The injuries were often located in the chest or heart region.
• Some animals had broken necks or were missing organs.
• In some instances, only one species in an enclosure was affected, with others showing no signs of injury.

A statistical table shows that poultry (chickens, roosters) accounted for the largest percentage of deaths (57.80%), followed by ducks, goats, and rabbits. The majority of these incidents occurred in rural or suburban areas.

Five specific cases are highlighted where owners reported seeing a "strange hairy animal" or hearing a "piercing cry" or "loud buzzing." One detailed case involved M. Cecilio Hernandez losing 35 chickens over several nights, with one chicken found with its upper part severed as if by a sharp instrument.

In another case, M. Buenaventura Bello of Los Angeles found 10 geese and 3 chickens dead in a circle. The geese had wounds from a pointed object, and one goose's upper part was severed. His dogs exhibited unusual fear during the event.

An autopsy on one of the geese revealed deep wounds that destroyed surrounding organs, with the wounds healing in a way that prevented bleeding. The article notes the absence of radioactivity at the scene.

The issue also includes reports of strange animal sightings, such as a "condor or giant vulture" and a "terrible gray animal" attacking a man. The police investigated many of these incidents but published no results.

Enigmatic Cases

This section details further animal mutilation cases from Moca, Puerto Rico, in March 1975. M. Vega found two goats dead with wounds to the neck and chest. The next day, he found 10 more goats dead, 7 injured, and 10 missing. Traces of radioactivity were initially reported but later found to be normal.

The article questions how a person or group could inflict so many injuries and cause disappearances in a single night, suggesting the involvement of something beyond human capabilities.

Flying Saucer Review

A brief review of the international journal "Flying Saucer Review" is included, recommending it to readers seeking a wider perspective on ufology. It highlights the journal's long experience and its role as a hub for exchanging ideas in the field.

The Human Form: Universal or Not?

The final section, "La forme humaine est-elle universelle ?" (Is the Human Form Universal?), explores the exobiological question of whether extraterrestrial life, particularly intelligent life, would resemble humans. It discusses the views of biologists like George G. Simpson, who argues that the human form is not a general outcome of evolution. Simpson believes that evolution is not repeatable and that the chances of life evolving in parallel ways on other planets, leading to human-like beings, are extremely slim, equating it to the planet having an identical history to Earth over billions of years.

Simpson's pessimistic view suggests that evolution often stops at the pre-biological stage (formation of macromolecules) due to minor differences in environmental conditions. He acknowledges the possibility of life existing on many planets but doubts that intelligence is an inevitable outcome.

However, this view is contested by other scientists. Ecologist Robert Bieri suggests that evolutionary pathways are limited by available energy and environmental conditions, leading to certain common forms, such as bilateral symmetry in mobile organisms. He argues that the complexity of nervous systems and the need for efficient feeding and waste elimination mechanisms would likely favor similar body plans.

The article concludes by noting that while Simpson's arguments are based on scientific rigor, his dismissal of UFO evidence and his strong pessimism are questioned. It suggests that his views might be influenced by an unconscious religious bias. The article acknowledges the difficulty of interstellar communication and the possibility that civilizations may not have long durations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Inforespace consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, presenting scientific arguments against UFOs (like Sagan's calculations) while also giving significant weight to eyewitness accounts and evidence of anomalous events (like the Tolosa incident and animal mutilations). There's a clear effort to bridge the gap between mainstream science and ufology, acknowledging the limitations of current scientific understanding when faced with unexplained phenomena. The magazine seems to advocate for a more open-minded, yet rigorous, approach to studying UFOs, encouraging further investigation rather than outright dismissal. The recurring theme is the challenge posed by UFO phenomena to conventional scientific paradigms and the need for a broader perspective on the possibilities of life and intelligence beyond Earth.

This issue of "Inforespace" (Volume 13, Issue 25, September 1975) focuses on UFO phenomena, scientific analysis, and theoretical discussions about extraterrestrial life. The magazine, published in Belgium, features several articles exploring specific sightings, photographic evidence, and the potential evolutionary pathways for intelligent beings.

Article: Analysis of the Recorded Sound of a UFO Observation

This article details the scientific analysis of a sound recording made during a UFO observation in Dampremy, Belgium, on August 15, 1974. Alain Hannot recorded the sound as the UFO moved away. The recording, presented at a SOBEPS meeting in Liège, was analyzed using an oscilloscope. The signal was identified as a modulated whistle with significant background noise, making detailed analysis challenging but lending credibility to its authenticity. The fundamental frequency averaged around 1100 Hz, with variations in frequency and amplitude. The analysis ruled out terrestrial sources like police sirens or rotating machinery due to the lack of periodicity in the modulations. The article discusses potential functions for such a sound, favoring the hypothesis of an acoustic warning system to alert the UFO to the presence of living beings, especially at low altitudes, and suggesting the sound stopped once the object reached a sufficient height to avoid collisions.

Article: The Warminster Photo

This section revisits the famous photograph taken in Warminster, United Kingdom, on August 29, 1965, by Gordon Faulkner. The article describes the events leading to the photograph, including the numerous UFO sightings reported in the town. It details how Faulkner captured an image of a 'Thing' in the sky. The photograph was later enhanced, revealing a more detailed image than the original film. The article touches upon the financial aspects of the photo and the subsequent emigration of Faulkner. It also notes the lack of extensive official investigations in the area despite the numerous reports, suggesting a regrettable loss of information. The article concludes that while the photo is intriguing, its surrounding information is too imprecise to definitively determine its value or authenticity, but it serves as an illustration of the phenomena that have disturbed residents.

Article: UFO Above a Landing Strip

This investigative report details a UFO sighting that occurred on March 14, 1974, near Chièvres, Belgium. A witness, M.P.B., observed a luminous red point that followed his car. The object then transformed into a disc-shaped craft with a dome on its underside. The witness, a topographer, made a sketch of the object. The UFO hovered at an altitude of approximately 175 meters before ascending rapidly and disappearing. The investigation confirmed the witness's account with two soldiers from the SHAPE base. The article also mentions a similar sighting in the Hérault region of France. The presence of a repair crew at the landing strip shortly after the incident is noted, though its connection to the sighting is not confirmed.

Article: Bassilly: The Round of Nocturnal Lights Identified

This article describes an observation in Bassilly, Belgium, on the night of December 21, 1974. Witnesses observed a circle of lights rotating slowly a few meters above a field. The lights, described as about twenty in number, moved in unison before aligning and flying off towards a radio beacon. They then reunited to form a bright, dazzling beacon that illuminated the countryside before disappearing. The article speculates on the significance of the date and the possibility of ritualistic activities, but ultimately suggests the lights were part of a group performing a ritual related to the sun, rather than extraterrestrial visitors.

Article: The Scientific Catalyst of UFOs?

This piece discusses the broader impact of UFO phenomena on human thought and scientific progress. It argues that societal crises often spur profound changes in human thinking, citing historical examples. The author suggests that UFO observations, by posing fundamental questions about intelligent life beyond Earth, can act as a catalyst for new concepts and advancements across various scientific and philosophical domains. The article posits that the study of UFOs can stimulate new ideas and potentially help humanity evolve, drawing parallels to the transformative impact of fire in human history. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of ufology, requiring expertise from physics, biology, psychology, and philosophy.

Article: Analysis of the Recorded Sound of a UFO Observation (Continued)

This section continues the analysis of the Dampremy sound recording, focusing on the characteristics of the sound waves as seen on an oscilloscope. It describes the 'wave trains' and their composition. The discussion reiterates that the sound cannot be explained by known terrestrial phenomena and supports the witness's account. The article emphasizes the rarity of such sound recordings and the potential for future advancements with more accessible recording technology. It concludes by expressing hope that future witnesses will have the reflex to record sounds, similar to the Dampremy incident.

Article: The Humanoid Hypothesis

This article explores the hypothesis that intelligent extraterrestrial beings might resemble humans. It cites the principle of evolutionary convergence, suggesting that similar environmental challenges and biological necessities lead to similar solutions across different species. The authors, referencing scientists like Cyril D. Darlington and Fred Hoyle, argue that the humanoid form, with its upright posture, bipedal locomotion, and the development of a protective skull for the brain, is a highly favorable structure for intelligent life and technological advancement. They suggest that extraterrestrials encountered are likely to be humanoid, or at least share significant similarities with Homo sapiens, rather than being abstract shapes like spheres or cubes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of evidence (photographic and acoustic), and theoretical discussions about the nature and origin of UFOs and potential extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging rigorous scientific study while acknowledging the limitations of current evidence. The magazine promotes the idea that UFO research can serve as a catalyst for scientific and philosophical progress, pushing the boundaries of human understanding and potentially aiding in the evolution of consciousness. There's a clear emphasis on the potential for extraterrestrial life to be humanoid, based on evolutionary principles.

This issue of Inforespace, dated March 1976, features a significant review of James M. McCampbell's book "Ufology." The magazine is published in French and focuses on UFO phenomena from a scientific perspective.

Review of "Ufology" by James M. McCampbell

The review begins by introducing James M. McCampbell as a physicist with a background in nuclear technology, noting his credentials and the importance of his scientific perspective on the UFO subject. The article highlights McCampbell's unconventional methodology: instead of scrutinizing individual reports for flaws, he assumes witnesses are generally truthful and looks for correlations across numerous independent accounts. This approach, he argues, helps to overcome the chaos of individual reports and build a more complete picture.

Author and Method

McCampbell's background as a nuclear physicist lends weight to his investigation. His method prioritizes the collective evidence from multiple, independent reports, believing that omissions in individual accounts will not be consistent, thus allowing a complete description to emerge when assembled. He justifies this by stating that any hypothesis that brings order to chaos gains credibility.

Critiques of McCampbell's Conclusions

The review points out that McCampbell sometimes bases conclusions on a small number of cases. For instance, he cites two famous false cases – a crashed saucer in Spitzberg (1952) and one found in New Mexico (1950) – to support his claim that UFOs are subject to accidents. He also uses contactee cases to support the idea of mixed-species crews.

Physiological Effects

Chapter VI of McCampbell's book explores physiological effects, proposing that microwaves could explain the paralysis experienced by witnesses. He suggests that microwave pulses could induce electrical potentials in nerve fibers, disrupting their normal function and leading to muscle immobilization. The review questions whether psychosomatic explanations might be simpler, but McCampbell acknowledges the hypothetical nature of his microwave theory, noting the lack of experimental data. He also suggests microwaves could cause heat sensations, loss of consciousness, and temporary blindness.

Animal Reactions

McCampbell posits that animals' extreme fear of UFOs is also due to microwave action. He dismisses the ultra-sound perception theory and suggests that animals' highly developed sense of smell might detect gases near landing sites. He also considers emotional shock as a potential cause for paralysis in animals.

Flight and Propulsion

Discussing UFO flight characteristics, McCampbell notes that they defy gravity without visible means of sustentation. He proposes that their effective mass must be reduced to the volume of displaced air. A key challenge in understanding UFOs, he states, is their ability to achieve enormous accelerations without apparent propulsion systems. McCampbell suggests that if UFOs annul their mass, their inertia is also eliminated, allowing for extreme maneuvers with minimal force. He dismisses occult or mystical explanations for sudden disappearances, favoring scientific ones. He also touches upon the absence of sonic booms at trans-transonic speeds, suggesting electromagnetic fields might modify airflow. For UFO rotation, he hypothesizes a stabilization system. He explores two possibilities for UFOs lifting heavy objects: electrical attraction acting selectively on conductive materials, or an unknown anti-gravity mechanism.

Humanoids: Pilots and Passengers

McCampbell categorizes humanoids primarily by size, identifying three main groups: dwarfs, normal-sized, and giants, with distinct height distributions. He notes similarities between small humanoids and human dwarfs. He discusses their potential origins, suggesting a common ancestor or divergent evolution from a shared group. He also addresses their apparent ability to breathe Earth's atmosphere without helmets, proposing that their native atmosphere might have lower oxygen partial pressure and total pressure. The review questions this, noting that lower pressure could cause decompression sickness upon return. McCampbell suggests that humanoids might live under lower oxygen pressure and higher total pressure than humans. The review raises concerns about the feasibility of interbreeding between humans and humanoids, suggesting that if it occurred, it would imply a very close genetic relationship, possibly indicating that the humanoids are derived from humans subjected to biological manipulation or mental enslavement.

Attitudes Towards Humanity and Activities on Earth

McCampbell observes that UFOs generally avoid humans, preferring to appear over oceans or in remote areas at night. He suggests this might be due to poor adaptation to daylight intensity, though the review questions why they wouldn't wear protective eyewear. He describes their behavior towards witnesses as generally indifferent but sometimes friendly, with defensive weapons like light-emitting tubes or flash-lamps. The review notes the effectiveness and humanitarian nature of these weapons.

Regarding UFO activities on Earth, McCampbell suggests they are part of a planned scientific investigation, collecting samples of rocks, plants, and animals. However, the review finds these actions more indicative of random curiosity than organized study, suggesting our inability to comprehend their true motivations.

Conclusion and Proposed Research

In his concluding chapter, McCampbell reiterates his hypothesis and proposes a three-phase research program. Phase I, costing $4 million and taking one year, would involve confirming UFO existence scientifically, identifying advanced technologies, and establishing a flexible computer database for analysis. It would include a team of 6-10 researchers and consultants. Phase II, estimated at $75-100 million over three years, would investigate new technologies and potential applications, expand information sources, and conduct field studies. Phase III would focus on the theoretical study of a prototype.

Scientific Information: Is Water Indispensable to Life?

This section discusses the fundamental role of water in life. It highlights that water constitutes 20-95% of living organisms and is crucial for cellular functions, housing organelles like mitochondria and lysosomes. Water's unique physical and chemical properties, such as its high heat capacity and ability to form hydrogen bonds, are essential for maintaining stable temperatures and facilitating chemical reactions. The article contrasts water with other potential solvents like carbon and silicon, arguing that water's properties make it uniquely suited for complex biological processes. It concludes that water is likely a universal requirement for life, both on Earth and potentially elsewhere in the universe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a scientific and analytical approach to the UFO phenomenon, as exemplified by its detailed review of McCampbell's book. It emphasizes critical evaluation, the importance of evidence, and the pursuit of rational explanations over sensationalism or mysticism. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous research and the exploration of scientific hypotheses, even those that are unconventional. The inclusion of a scientific article on the role of water in life further underscores the magazine's commitment to exploring fundamental scientific questions relevant to the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The magazine also features a section for reader correspondence and book reviews, indicating an engagement with its readership and the broader ufological community.

This issue of "Chronique des OVNI" is the second part of a series focusing on UFOs during the "Age of Enlightenment" (Siècle des lumières), covering historical sightings primarily from the 18th century. The magazine aims to inform readers and provide material for researchers.

The Adamski Photo and the "Flying Saucer" Hoax

The issue begins by recounting the story of the famous Adamski UFO photograph. George Adamski claimed to have photographed a UFO in California. However, during a TV broadcast, Ken Rogers suggested the photo was a hoax. Further investigation by engineer Frank Nicholson of Wingham revealed that he had designed a beer bottle cooler in the shape of a flying saucer, inspired by Adamski's photo. Nicholson patented his design in 1959, while the photo dated back to 1952, suggesting a potential fabrication.

Jean-Claude Bourret's Work on UFOs

The magazine highlights the work of Jean-Claude Bourret, an author and investigator dedicated to informing the public about UFO phenomena. His extensive radio broadcasts and books, including "La nouvelle vague des soucoupes volantes," aim to bring scientific attention to the subject. This issue features his second book, which includes original investigations.

Bourret's research includes unprecedented access to French gendarmerie reports on UFOs since 1954, some marked "secret-confidential." These reports detail sightings by gendarmes, including alleged landings and low-altitude passages. Bourret also interviewed experts like Jean-Pierre Chapel, who designed an early UFO detection station, and Claude Poher, who analyzed the R.B. 47 incident. He also consulted Pierre Guérin from CNRS, who presented judicial proof of UFOs, and physicist Jean-Pierre Petit, who discussed propulsion methods for these craft. Petit's theories are presented as a significant contribution to ufology.

The price for the book is 365 FB, with payment details provided for orders within France, Canada, and internationally.

Historical UFO Sightings from the 18th Century

The core of this issue is a detailed chronicle of UFO sightings from the 18th century:

• October 10, 1759: Objects resembling balls with a bluish light and performing a loop were seen over Mendips, UK.
• May 10, 1760: A noisy "fire sphere" flew over New England, USA, casting shadows even in daylight.
• November 2, 1761: A large luminous globe was observed over Switzerland.
• December 5, 1762: A "twisting serpent" descended slowly over Bidelord, Devon, UK.
• April 1767: An oblong, sulfurous cloud passed over Germany.
• September 1767: A "house of fire" approached the ground in Coupar Angus, Scotland, causing damage, carrying a cart, and destroying a house and bridge.
• October 24, 1769: "Fire houses" were observed near Oxford, UK.
• January 27, 1770: A luminous object the size of the full moon was seen flying erratically in Helsingör, Denmark.
• June 17, 1777: Astronomer Charles Messier observed numerous dark discs in the sky.
• June 7, 1779: A flight of luminous discs passed over Boulogne, France.
• December 9, 1781: A procession of luminous discs was reported over Florence, Italy.
• August 30, 1783: A sphere with a cone-shaped appendage flew over Greenwich, UK.
• October 18, 1783: Tiberius Cavallo observed a luminous object near Windsor Castle, UK, which appeared bluish, then pale, before moving east and disappearing.
• December 26, 1785: A luminous sphere with a conical appendage was observed over Edimbourgh, UK.
• June 21, 1787: An ellipsoidal object flew over Edimbourgh again.
• 1790: Near Alençon, France, an enormous globe surrounded by flames descended, crashed, and ejected a person before exploding. The event was investigated by Inspector M. Liabeuf and reported to the Academy of Sciences.
• November 28, 1793: A "boyard" reported an event in Romania where the moon seemed to flee from east to west.
• 1795: Gazettes from Lyon, France, reported fireballs moving at high speeds over the city.
• September 10, 1798: A cylindrical object resembling an "apothecary's pestle" emerged from a cloud over Alnwick, UK, and split into two semi-circles.
• September 19, 1799: A blue-white, flamboyant ball flew silently over England.
• November 12, 1799: A "large red pillar" flew over Hereford, UK.
• November 19, 1799: Flashes were emitted by a sparkling sphere over Huncoates, Lincolnshire, UK.

Goethe's Encounter

The issue also includes an account from the autobiography of the writer Goethe, who, at 16 years old in September 1768, witnessed a strange phenomenon near Leipzig, Germany. He described an amphitheater-like space with countless small, moving lights that were dazzlingly bright.

Editorial Stance and Future Content

The author acknowledges that some historical cases might be explained by natural phenomena but argues against dismissing all older accounts. The study of these ancient observations is deemed crucial for understanding the total phenomenon of UFOs. The magazine intends to continue this series by examining significant cases from the 20th century prior to 1947, aiming to provide researchers with valuable information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical documentation of UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the scientific approach to understanding them. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and analysis of data, while also acknowledging the potential for hoaxes and natural explanations. The magazine emphasizes the importance of historical context in the study of UFOs, suggesting that a comprehensive understanding requires looking beyond recent decades.