Ouranos - No 02 - 1952 10

Magazine Overview

Title: OURANOS
Issue: Numero 2
Date: Octobre, 1952
Type: Revue Internationale pour l'étude des Soucoupes Volantes et problèmes connexes (International Review for the Study of Flying Saucers and Related Problems).
Founders/Editors: Marc Thirouin (Bondy, France) and Eric Biddle (London, England).
Language: French

Editorial and Presentation

The editorial section on page 4 expresses gratitude for the positive reception of the first issue and announces the doubling of the magazine's format and an increase in pages, along with presentation improvements. The editors thank those who contributed to this growth, specifically mentioning M. P. Le Cour, founder of the revue Atlantis, writer Ivan Fournier, Mlle L. Hediard, M. G. Bordas, and M. J.-G. Brosset, as well as international correspondents. They encourage readers to continue spreading the word about OURANOS, with the subscription price remaining at 150 fr. They also mention having 'vast projects' and invite critiques and suggestions.

Book Reviews and Listings

Pages 2 and 3 feature a section titled "OUVRAGES SUR LES SV" (Works on Flying Saucers) and "OUVRAGES DIVERS" (Miscellaneous Works), listing books available for purchase through the magazine. These include:

• Les Soucoupes Volantes de quelle planète viennent-elles? qui les pilote? by Gerald Heard (232 p., 14 x 19, 390 fr.) - described as fundamental elements of the question by a BBC chronicler.
• Les Soucoupes Volantes existent by D. Keyhoe (232 p., 12 x 19, 360 fr.) - an in-depth investigation of nearly 400 testimonies, including a study of official American reports by a naval aviation specialist and former collaborator of Charles Lindbergh.
• Le Mystère des Soucoupes Volantes by Frank Scully (208 p., 14 x 19, 255 fr.) - covering the serious and fanciful aspects of the subject, with data and bibliographic references.
• C'est arrivé après-demain by Prof. A. M. Low (252 p., 14 x 19, 660 fr.) - a scientific anticipation essay on the future of human society.
• Almanach des Sciences 1952 (256 p., 14 x 19, 525 fr.) - a comprehensive scientific almanac edited by Louis de Broglie and 30 members of the Institut, covering recent scientific progress in astronomy, physics, atmosphere, and more.
• Les Habitants des autres planètes by Kenneth Heuer (224 p., 12 x 19, 540 fr.) - exploring possibilities of life on other worlds.

Orders for these books are to be sent to M. Marc THIROUIN, 27, rue Etienne Dolet, Bondy (Seine), France, with payment via CCP (Paris 966.42).

Atlantis Publication

Page 3 also announces "ATLANTIS: ATLANTIDE ET QUESTIONS CONNEXES" (Atlantis and Related Questions), directed by Paul LE COUR, a bimonthly publication. Subscription rates are 500 fr. for France and 600 fr. for other countries, with CCP ATLANTIS, PARIS 1159.91.

Feature Article: "LES PHOTOS DE LUBBOCK ET DE RIO SONT-ELLES AUTHENTIQUES ?" (Are the Lubbock and Rio Photos Authentic?)

By Marc Thirouin (Page 5-6-7-8-9-10)

This extensive article critically examines two series of photographs of alleged flying saucers published by the international press: one from Lubbock, Texas (USA), published in Life magazine (July 4, 1952), and another from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, published in O Cruzeiro (May 8, 1952).

• Lubbock Photos:
• The Lubbock series consists of 3 photos taken on August 30, 1951, by an 18-year-old student, Carl Hari, allegedly showing V-shaped luminous objects.
• The article notes that Life magazine stated the lights were too bright to be reflections and that the U.S. Air Force had examined the photos, acquiring the documents for 8 million.
• The article suggests that the authenticity guarantees for the Lubbock documents are stronger than those for the Rio photos.

• Rio Photos:
• The Rio series comprises 5 photos taken on May 7, 1952, by O Cruzeiro, showing a disk above the Bay of Tijuca.
• The article highlights significant differences between the Lubbock and Rio photos in terms of object appearance (luminous spots, disk, opaque) and the circumstances of observation.
• The Rio photos were taken in a deserted area by professional photographers who were the sole witnesses, raising questions about potential manipulation.
• Paris-Match (May 24-31, 1952) noted a slight discrepancy in the shadows cast by the Rio object compared to the ground and sun position.
• Thirouin finds the framing of the Rio photos remarkably perfect, which he considers unusual given the unexpected and rapid nature of such sightings.
• The photos were submitted to O Cruzeiro just as the magazine was going to print.
• The disk in the Rio photos appears unusually sharp and opaque compared to previous observations.

• Analysis and Conclusion:
• Thirouin states that while he doesn't want to systematically doubt the good faith of the Rio operators, objectivity compels him to note that the authenticity guarantees are much weaker than for Lubbock.
• He points out that if a hoax were possible, the conditions in Rio would have offered the best chances for realization.
• The article mentions that the Rio photos were developed in the magazine's laboratory, away from the reporters, and that the reproductions showed no visible 'raccord' (joining or editing).
• Despite the U.S. Air Force reportedly acquiring the Lubbock documents, Thirouin urges caution regarding the Rio photographic evidence until more precise corroborating observations emerge.

NOTA (Note): The article "La Montagne" recently published 4 photos of a disk observed near Lake Chavet, whose authenticity would confirm the Rio findings. However, the conditions are similar to the Brazilian case, with few witnesses besides the operator. Thirouin has written to the author of these photos seeking clarification.

"LES S.V. DU SPITZBERG" (UFOs of Spitzberg)

This section reports on information published by the German revue "Der Elleger" and confirmed by Dr. Waldemar Beck in the Swedish daily "Svenska Dagbladet." It states that a UFO reportedly crashed at Spitzberg, and others were observed over the region and photographed. These are attributed to a German invention perfected by the USSR during the last war. Further information is being examined for a study on "Current Data."

"LES DONNEES ACTUELLES DU PROBLEME DES S.V. (SUITE II & III)"

By Marc Thirouin (Page 8-10)

This continuation of an earlier study discusses the shift in the U.S. Air Force's attitude towards UFOs in April of the current year (1952).

• Background: The "Saucer Watch" (Commission Soucoupe) had officially closed its work in December 1949, leaving many phenomena unexplained. New observations continued to be gathered, leading to the formation of a new commission, "Commission Grudge."
• Shifting Attitudes: At that time, observations averaged one per day. An American intelligence officer stated that the higher one goes in the Air Force hierarchy, the more seriously the UFO problem is taken. The increasing number and quality of testimonies made a systematic denial or simple skepticism untenable.
• Key Factor: The article suggests that the solid and concordant testimonies from bomber crews in Korea were a significant factor in this shift. Two such incidents on January 29 of that year (1952) over Wonsan and Sunchon are mentioned, corroborating reports of "Foo-Fighters" from World War II.
• Other Evidence: The article also refers to the 3 Lubbock photos and the Rio photos, as well as the "twinkle" dossier opened in 1948 concerning observations by astronomer Tombaugh of objects appearing in Arizona, flying at high speed, and exploding without sound.
• Commission Ruppelt: Captain Ruppelt of the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson (Dayton, Ohio), who heads the commission examining UFO reports, estimates that about 15% of observations over the past four years remain unexplained. This implies they cannot be dismissed as hallucinations or observational errors (like weather balloons).
• General Sanford: Contrary to a Parisian newspaper article, General Sanford, head of U.S. Air Force intelligence, has not denied the existence of UFOs but has only limited his statements to their existence.

• Summary of Data:
• Thousands of testimonies concerning UFOs have been collected.
• Often, the celestial phenomenon is observed simultaneously from different points in the same region.
• Collective testimonies are noted (e.g., Tarbes, 100 people; Malaga, thousands of people).
• Works by G. Heard and D. Keyhoe contain varied observations from the USA (1947-1950).
• European press has reported hundreds of similar sightings, mainly since 1950.
• Ruppelt's estimate of 15% unexplained cases is sufficient to counter the belief that all UFO phenomena can be explained by sensory errors.

Nota en Esperanto

A brief note in Esperanto thanks readers for sending articles and expresses interest in information for a future article on the basis of Yugoslavian reviews.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a serious, investigative approach to the phenomenon of flying saucers, aiming for international scope and scientific rigor. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena and the need for further study, the editors maintain a cautious yet open stance, critically evaluating evidence such as photographs and testimonies. The publication serves as a platform for disseminating information, discussing theories, and encouraging a deeper understanding of UFOs, positioning itself as a key resource for enthusiasts and researchers in the field. The editorial stance is one of dedicated inquiry and a commitment to presenting diverse perspectives and documented evidence.

Title: OURANOS
Issue: 22
Date: 1952
Language: French
Country: France

This issue of OURANOS, a French-language magazine focused on ufology, delves into the ongoing investigations and public discourse surrounding "soucoupes volantes" (flying saucers or S.V.) in 1952. The content reflects a period of intense public interest and official scrutiny of these phenomena.

Official Statements and Shifting Stances

The magazine opens by discussing the initial indications that phenomena observed were often natural refractions, as reported by "Ce Matin" and the American press on July 31/52 and July 30/52, respectively. However, it highlights that the technical center at Wright-Patterson was well-positioned to assess these facts. Crucially, it notes that the Secretary of the Air, Thomas Finletter, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Hoyt Vandenberg, both acknowledged that a significant proportion of observations remained unexplained (News Chronicle, June 17/52). This initial openness is contrasted with a subsequent "mysterious about-face" by General Vandenberg in August 1952, a sentiment echoed by General Ramey. The article questions the speed of this reversal, suggesting that the Air Force's technical commission, after months of work, would not have been able to overturn its April 7th declaration, which was based on five years of study and concluded on the reality of observed phenomena.

US Investigations and Data Collection

The United States is described as having systematically organized research efforts, employing general vigilance, photography, radar, fighter jets, and spectrography to analyze light emissions from S.V. The period of the second and third quarters of the year saw an unprecedented number of observations, with Wright-Patterson receiving an average of over a hundred reports per month. A specific incident is mentioned: on July 16th, a coast guard in Salem, Massachusetts, photographed four luminous discs. Furthermore, a combined radar and air force operation in the Washington region reportedly allowed for the precise determination of the altitude and speed of these apparitions through triangulation.

International Perspectives and Conferences

The magazine notes that such rapid shifts in official statements are not uncommon in the United States. It references D. Keyhoe's work in analyzing the motives behind these changes. A conference held on July 11th at the London Esperanto Club by Eric Biddle, titled "Flying Saucers, Astronauts from Another World?", is highlighted. Biddle, relying on precise data, presented reasons for considering the extraterrestrial hypothesis for S.V. and related phenomena, while emphasizing his pursuit of truth over adherence to any single theory. The discussion following his presentation was animated, and the magazine expresses hope for an article on the topic by N.R. Smith, B.Sc., the club's secretary. The issue also mentions receiving a large batch of F.S. material from Mr. Egerton Sykes, Chairman of the Atlantis Research Centre in London, published by the Borderland Sciences Research Association of San Diego, California, which offers a different approach to the problem.

Bibliography and Article Mentions

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a bibliography of articles and publications concerning flying saucers from various international sources, including France, Spain, Brazil, Australia, Denmark, USA, Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Cochin-China, England, Gabon, Tunisia, Malta, Argentina, Finland, and Holland. These entries provide dates, publication names, and brief summaries or titles of articles, indicating a widespread global interest in the topic.

Notable mentions include articles discussing the possibility of S.V. being related to atomic bomb explosions, their origin from other planets, and their presence since the 18th century. The bibliography also lists observations from specific locations and dates, such as Salem (Mass.) with a photograph on July 16, 1952, and radar and air force tracking in the Washington area. The issue also references a "continued next page" note, suggesting further details on some topics.

English Section and Editorial Comments

The "English Section" is introduced by E. BIDDLE, who notes that the first issue of OURANOS was experimental and that the interest it generated is encouraging, with a growing nucleus of subscribers, mainly in France. He acknowledges the small format of the first issue as a defect that has now been remedied. The magazine aims for a settled policy to make its review interesting and valuable to serious students of the problem. Biddle stresses the importance of avoiding dogmatic assertions, given the limited knowledge available, and the need to modify opinions as new facts emerge. He criticizes the inconsistency of American Air Force authorities, contrasting their statement to "Life" with General Vandenberg's assertion that investigations since the war have found nothing to substantiate the existence of such things.

New Theories and Observations

The magazine presents a new theory by American physicist Noel W. Scott, which attempts to explain the saucer phenomenon as luminous anomalies caused by air ionization at high altitudes. However, the article points out that this theory faces significant objections, particularly regarding the observed altitudes of S.V., which are generally reported to be much lower than the 300 km proposed by Scott's interpretation.

Recent Observations

A section titled "OBSERVATIONS RECENTES" lists numerous recent sightings across France, Algeria, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Cochin-China, England, Gabon, Tunisia, Malta, Argentina, Finland, and Holland, with specific dates and locations. For Algeria, an observation in Mostaganem is detailed, with witnesses describing the object as unlike any known aircraft, balloon, or meteor, and noting its high speed.

Cinema Section

The issue concludes with a "CINEMA" section reviewing three American films: "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951), "24 Hours with the Martians" (1950), and "The War of the Worlds." The reviews offer brief opinions on their content, acting, and special effects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OURANOS are the scientific investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and flying saucers (S.V.), the analysis of official statements and their potential inconsistencies, the presentation of various theories attempting to explain the phenomenon, and the compilation of global sighting reports. The editorial stance, as expressed by E. Biddle, is one of cautious inquiry, emphasizing the need for empirical evidence, open-mindedness, and a willingness to revise conclusions as new data becomes available. There is a clear skepticism towards dogmatic assertions and a focus on presenting a balanced view of the available information.