Ouranos Actualites - No 1 - 1953

Magazine Overview

This issue of OURANOS ACTUALITE, identified as N° I and dated May-June 1953, is the French edition of 'OURANOS', an international review dedicated to the study of flying saucers and related problems. Founded by Marc Thirouin and Eric Biddle, the magazine is based in France and England, with subscription details provided for France, the UK, and the USA. The issue's primary focus is on the 'Fantastic Revelations of Professor George Adamski, Astronomer at the Mt Palomar Observatory,' as reported by Marc Thirouin.

Main Article: Professor George Adamski's Revelations

The editorial board of OURANOS asserts its commitment to objectivity, stating they are not merely echoing sensationalist or biased information. They are reporting on Professor Adamski's claims because of his prominent role and because the documents originate from the 'BORDERLAND SCIENCE RESEARCH ASSOCIATES,' an American study group, whom they have no reason to suspect of bad faith. The magazine promises to continue its own investigations and publish further results.

The article details events that allegedly occurred on January 3, 1953, at Palomar Gardens, California. During a three-hour meeting attended by about a dozen personalities, including Professor Karl Hunrath (specialist in magnetic questions), Sgt Jerrold Baker of the U.S. Air Force (specialist in electronic questions), Dr Scott Nearing (economist and writer), and Dr George Hunt Williamson (anthropologist), Professor Adamski made significant declarations.

Professor Adamski stated that on November 20, 1952, he witnessed the landing of a disk near Desert Center, California. Subsequently, on December 13, he observed another disk hovering about 4 meters above the ground. Adamski claimed to have made contact with a passenger from these disks and received a message. The passenger was described as a man about 1.70 meters tall and left unusually deep footprints on the ground.

Sgt Baker reportedly photographed one of the craft, described as a large globe with three rounded parts for landing. Adamski was initially not allowed to approach the craft, but upon doing so, his arm was drawn towards the disk's edge, causing him to strike it violently. This resulted in a paralysis of his arm for three days, with lingering discomfort reported on January 3. The mysterious visitor, according to Adamski, understood and spoke some English and indicated he came from Venus.

Dr G.H. Williamson corroborated the account, stating he witnessed the first encounter and made a plaster cast of the footprints, which bore symbols that also appeared to be a message. Both Adamski and Williamson seemed hesitant to reveal all their information, but assured that the visitors were not hostile, though they were particularly interested in human 'explosives.'

The article suggests that this might not be the first time extraterrestrials have visited Earth, and some may have integrated among humans unnoticed. Dr. Williamson also mentioned legendary accounts among North American Indians of flying disks, and recounted radio experiments since 1925 where communications were allegedly exchanged with mysterious correspondents.

Adamski speculated that the American government might be aware of disk landings and radio communications but is keeping it secret. The landing on November 20 was reportedly observed by U.S. Air Force planes. The magazine notes that the stenographic notes of the meeting comprise seven typed pages plus an appendix, containing too many details to transcribe fully, but offers to publish excerpts if readers express interest.

Article: "GLASTÉROIDES" by R. Boclet

This section, authored by R. Boclet, discusses unusual phenomena involving falling ice, citing several newspaper reports from late 1952 and early 1953. These include a 5 kg hailstone in Nièvre, ice blocks falling in Eure and near Toulouse, and even one crushing a tree. Another report mentions radioactive dust over Vancouver.

Boclet questions the nature of these falling ice blocks, noting their size and weight are unusual for hailstones. He dismisses the idea of them being from aircraft icing, presenting a calculation (labeled (I)) that suggests a block of ice falling from high altitude would reach terminal velocity due to air resistance, balancing its weight. The calculation estimates this velocity at 74.64 m/s (270 Km/h) for a 0.20m cube of ice, and 200 Km/h for a 1 dm cube. He notes that only one piece of ice is typically found, not multiple fragments, and questions the varying colors (white, brown, amber) which he attributes, with some reluctance, to wing dirt, but finds it implausible that such ice could break a tree branch.

Boclet then connects these phenomena to the advent of atomic bombs, suggesting that human 'experiments' are unleashing incalculable energies into the atmosphere. He speculates that persistent heat might charge clouds to immense voltages, and that solar rays could be converted to heat and light. He posits that these conditions, combined with our limited sensory perception of energy, could lead to abnormal phenomena, such as falling ice, fireballs, strange powders, or ectoplasmic flakes.

He concludes by referencing biblical prophecies of signs in the sky and suggests that humanity's 'sorcerer's apprentice' experiments might be the cause of these apocalyptic events, rather than divine intervention.

• Calculation (I): Details the physics of terminal velocity for falling objects, calculating it for ice blocks of different sizes. The formula used is R (Kg) = Cx. (S.V.² / 2g) * ρ (air density), where R is resistance, P is weight, Cx is drag coefficient, S is surface area, V is velocity, and ρ is air density. For a 0.20m cube of ice (density 0.918, Cx=0.5, S=0.04 m²), the weight P is 7.344 Kg, resulting in a terminal velocity of 74.64 m/s or 270 Km/h. For a 1 dm cube, the velocity is 200 Km/h.
• References: Mentions "Le Jour de la Colère" by Guy Tassigny, and biblical passages from Apocalypse, Zechariah, and Ezekiel.

• NOTA: A note directs readers interested in abnormal precipitation to the journal "LA NATURE" (7-289) and other publications detailing historical accounts of unusual hailstones and atmospheric phenomena.

Article: "DU NOUVEAU SUR LE 'METEORE' DU MAROC" (21 Sept) by M. Holkar

This section reports on a phenomenon observed in Morocco, with a testimony from M. Holkar, director of the review "CHANCE." The event, initially discussed in Cahier N° 3 of OURANOS, is analyzed by M. Debarach of the Institute of Physics of the Globe in Casablanca, who attempts to establish its meteoric nature. M. Holkar describes witnessing a luminous globe descending slowly over Tanger with no change in shape, size, or brightness. After a few seconds, the mass vibrated intensely and then disappeared instantly, without any sound.

The author argues that these facts demonstrate the phenomenon was not a meteorite, given its trajectory. Instead, it is presented as a classic S.V. (Soucoupe Volante - Flying Saucer). This conclusion is supported by other testimonies, including those of MM. Creze, De Duclas, and Carton, who reportedly saw the object pass over the Titt-Mellil aerodrome at an altitude of 450 meters and a speed of approximately 500 Km/h.

Section: LES ENQUETES DE Jimmy GUIEU

This section details investigations by Jimmy Gieu, an investigator and correspondent for OURANOS.

• AGDE (6 Nov. 1952): Two anonymous individuals, a fighter pilot and a lieutenant from the Z.D.A. 502, 4th Air Region, reported observing an oblong "craft" above Agde, Hérault, at 9:05 AM. It resembled a rugby ball, with a bright silver glow, particularly around the edges, and a more intense glow on one side, as if from an exhaust nozzle. The object initially appeared as a first-magnitude star in the South, moving North, growing larger until it reached an oval shape. Its apparent speed was estimated at 2,500 to 3,000 Km/h. It executed a wide turn, changed course to North-South, ascended obliquely, and disappeared rapidly. The witnesses categorically stated it was not a meteor or an airplane, and the sky was clear. They had previously been skeptical of UFOs but now believe these are extraterrestrial craft.

Courrier des Lecteurs (Readers' Mail)

• Hypothesis on UFO Visibility: R. Boclet proposes a hypothesis that UFOs might not be visible to everyone, or only perceptible in the peripheral field of vision, similar to how faint stars are seen. The magazine requests readers who have observed similar phenomena to share their remarks.

• Anonymity: The magazine assures readers of absolute discretion for those who wish to remain anonymous when submitting communications.

• Future Content: The magazine promises to dedicate entire pages in its next issue (N° 2) to interesting remarks and observations from its collaborators R. Dou, C. Farnier, G. Honore, A. Nordstern, G. Pailliez, Mme Luneau, and Miss Lessner.

Observations (List of Sightings)

This section provides a chronological list of reported UFO sightings from January to November 1952, with locations across various countries including Canada, Malaya, Switzerland, Australia, France, Algeria, England, Cuba, Italy, Morocco, USA, South Africa, Holland, Japan, Peru, Spitzberg, Newfoundland, Turkey, Denmark, Finland, Senegal, Sweden, and New Zealand. The entries include dates, locations, and sometimes brief details like 'radar,' 'photo,' or 'numerous observations.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting of extraordinary claims, particularly those made by Professor George Adamski regarding extraterrestrial contact. The magazine positions itself as a serious investigator of these phenomena, emphasizing objectivity and a commitment to truth, even when dealing with sensational topics. It contrasts these modern reports with historical accounts and biblical prophecies, suggesting a potential link between advanced human technology (like atomic bombs) and unusual atmospheric events. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, encouraging reader participation and promising further in-depth reporting on UFO-related matters. The inclusion of detailed lists of sightings and scientific calculations (like the terminal velocity of falling ice) aims to lend a scientific credibility to the subject matter, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of some of the claims.

This document, identified as issue 'II' of an unspecified publication, focuses on the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), referred to as 'S.V.' (Sujets Volants). The primary article, 'LES OBSERVATIONS DE S.V. EN 1952' by Marc THIROUIN, provides a statistical analysis of reported sightings during that year. The cover date is indicated as 1952, and the price for 'LES AILES' magazine is listed as 30 French Francs.

Statistical Analysis of 1952 UFO Sightings

Marc THIROUIN's article begins by estimating that 223 UFO observations were published in the French press or reported by correspondents in 1952. These observations are broken down geographically:

• Europe: 146
• North America: 33
• Asia: 24
• Africa: 6
• South America: 6
• Central America: 3
• Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand: 6

THIROUIN explains that the compilation considers observations as a single phenomenon if they occurred simultaneously or under similar conditions in different locations, even if those locations are separated by significant distances. The article acknowledges that some reported observations might be dubious and could potentially be rejected.

Detailed Observations and Discussions

The article then delves into specific cases and regions:

• Dubious Observations: Examples include encounters near Florence (July) and Castel-Franco (Italy), as well as discussions surrounding sightings in Gabon (June), Morocco (September), and Mont-de-Marsan (October).

• France: Several detailed reports are mentioned:
• July: Observations in Lille, Calais, Wimereux, and La Panne, particularly between the 15th and 25th in the Lille region, with specific mentions of the 17th and 21st.
• November: Sightings in the Gambais region, Paray-Douaville, and surrounding areas in Eure-et-Loir and Loiret, occurring at various times on the 22nd. It remains unclear if these were part of a single S.V.'s circuit or multiple craft.

• Algeria: Approximately fifteen observations were reported in the Oran region during July.

• Korea: Two observations published by the U.S. Air Force in January are noted, with the suggestion that these were not the only ones made by military crews in the sector.

• U.S.A.: The article suggests that American research services have not published all the testimonies they received, estimating hundreds of reports. It is difficult to ascertain the proportion of genuine observations, but the centralized research and vast territory of the U.S. likely result in a significantly higher number of sightings than in Europe.

• Australia and New Zealand: Several S.V.s were reportedly sighted, possibly in considerable numbers, especially in October over New Zealand. However, the article cautions that these sightings might be confused with experimental craft from the British base at Woomera, a topic to be discussed further.

• Other Locations: Two undated observations are mentioned: one in Porto Rico (prior to October 7, 1952) and another in East Germany at Hasselbach, which is considered highly doubtful and potentially predates 1952 (linked to the Oskar Linke account).

• Eastern Europe (U.S.S.R. and neighbors): No S.V. observations have been reported from this region, though some information is available for a future article.

Future Statistical Analysis

THIROUIN states that in the next issue, a series of statistics will be published to detail the spatial and temporal distribution of observations from the past year, the shapes observed (disks, cigars, balls, etc.), and the credibility and number of collected testimonies.

Bibliography

The article includes a section on bibliography, specifically praising the aviation weekly 'LES AILES' for its objective coverage of the S.V. question. The magazine, directed by Georges HOUARD, is commended for its specialists' open-minded approach to aerial phenomena. The article notes that 'LES AILES' has published about a dozen articles on the S.V. problem since 1947, authored by individuals such as Edmond BLANC, Jean GRAMPAIX, J.SERRIER, Paul SCHMITT, Paul-Henri MONAND, Hubert GARRIGUES, R.G. DESGRANSCHAMPS, and R.CLAUSSE. The magazine has also highlighted the efforts of the publication in question on two occasions (October 2, 1952, and February 14, 1953).

'LES AILES' is located at 77, bld. Malosherbes, Paris (8), with a single issue costing 30 Francs.

The publication offers bibliographic information and documentation services to its subscribers, with a stamped envelope required for requests and documentation work undertaken at the subscriber's expense.

Latest News (DERNIERES NOUVELLES)

• "Boule de feu" at Rosengart factories (April 27): Investigations are underway; it appears to have been an explosion due to a gas leak.
• "Boule d'feu" at St Symphorien (April 14): This incident seems serious, with a written testimony received from M. Perrin. No meteoritic debris or impact traces have been found.
• D.H. Menzel's Publication: Astrophysicist D.H. Menzel (U.S.A.) has published a voluminous work attempting to demonstrate that UFOs are simply the result of misinterpreted observations.
• "GROUPE d'ETUDES OURANOS": An invitation is extended to participate in their research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic collection and analysis of UFO sightings. The publication aims to provide a comprehensive overview of reported phenomena, acknowledging the need for statistical rigor and critical evaluation of evidence. There is a clear interest in global UFO activity, with a particular focus on European reports but also encompassing data from North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting data and expert opinions (like Menzel's) while encouraging further investigation and participation from readers and researchers.