Ouranos - No 04 - 1953 04

Magazine Overview

Title: OURANOS
Issue Date: April, 1953
Issue Number: 4
Subtitle: Revue Internationale pour l'étude des SOUCOUPES VOLANTES et problèmes connexes (International Review for the Study of Flying Saucers and Related Problems)

This issue of OURANOS, a French-language international review dedicated to the study of flying saucers and related topics, presents a significant focus on the 'Etherian hypothesis' proposed by the American organization Borderland Sciences Research Associates (B.S.R.A.). The magazine aims to present different viewpoints on the phenomenon, and this particular issue delves into a theory that posits the existence of other dimensions or 'planes' of existence.

Points of View: The Etherian Hypothesis

The editorial, attributed to E.B., introduces the B.S.R.A. as an organization based in California that has spent six years studying the flying saucer (F.S.) problem. The core tenets of the B.S.R.A. theory are presented:

1. Other Planes of Existence: The belief that there are other dimensions or 'planes' co-existing with ours, operating at different vibrational rates and therefore normally imperceptible. One such plane, called 'Etheria,' is described as being composed of denser matter than ours, and it is from Etheria that the 'Discs' (flying saucers) are believed to originate.
2. Disturbance and Intervention: The B.S.R.A. theorizes that atomic explosions and supersonic speeds are gravely disturbing the 'Etherians.' Consequently, they may take defensive action. The organization also believes that an atomic war is a strong possibility, and that the Etherians would intervene if such a conflict were to begin.

The editorial notes that the B.S.R.A.'s claim of Etherians being technically advanced seems plausible given the available evidence. Two key points concerning the B.S.R.A. are highlighted as too important for brief discussion: the claim of recent contacts with the 'Disc-people' by individuals such as Meade Layne, Dr. G.H. Williamson, George Adamski, Prof. Karl Hunrath, Francis Ohm, and Sgt. Baker; and the information gathered through mediumistic channels over a long period.

Nature of the Aeroforms by BSR Assoc. R.M.H.

This section, written by R.M.H. of B.S.R.A., elaborates on the Etherian hypothesis from an engineer's perspective. R.M.H. finds the hypothesis plausible and not mystical, suggesting it provides a logical framework for connecting otherwise isolated events related to disc reports. The concept of 'planes' is explained as different vibrational frequencies rather than physical locations. The B.S.R.A. asserts that these beings are 'solid' and 'material' within their vibrational level, and that our senses are limited to lower frequencies, making them imperceptible to us.

The analogy is drawn to standard-broadcast radio being unaware of F-M broadcasts. The article references findings from sub-atomic research and thinkers like Einstein, stating that all forms of energy and matter are different forms of the same thing, distinguished by their vibrational frequencies. It is suggested that beings could exist at frequencies far beyond our awareness, yet still be 'real.' The B.S.R.A. believes these beings inhabit worlds that are as material as ours, some existing in what we perceive as empty space, others co-existing intradimensionally.

Materialisation and Dematerialisation

R.M.H. further explains that advanced 'unseen' peoples possess the ability to change their frequency level at will, allowing them to 'materialise' into or 'dematerialise' from any plane, including ours. This could be achieved through electronic mechanisms or mental power. Many mysterious objects seen in the sky are believed to be from 'etheric' levels, materialised here. The 'etheric doubles' of Venus and Mars are mentioned as potential sources. This theory could explain reliable witness accounts of discs appearing as vague 'blobs' before assuming definite shapes, or suddenly disappearing.

Radar detection of 'gizmos' when no object is visible to the human eye is also cited as evidence, suggesting an object tuned just above human awareness. The case of discs seen over Washington, D.C., where an object disappeared from visual and pilot view but remained on radar, is presented as an example. The article posits that the disc pilots might have briefly raised their frequency to avoid physical contact with the plane.

Rapid materialisation or dematerialisation could cause atmospheric explosions and shock waves, phenomena that orthodox science has struggled to explain.

Intervention by the Discs? B.S.R.A. Views on the Matter

This section consists of extracts from the B.S.R.A. publication 'ROUND ROBIN' (Jan.-Feb. 1953). It emphasizes the supreme importance of the visitation of Flying Discs and the 'etheric beings' operating them, referred to as 'Guardians.' The authors express conviction that the presence of these Guardians is known at high government levels and that personal contacts are increasing. They anticipate that the Guardians will issue an ultimatum to all governments within the year, likely to prevent a global war involving atomic and ultra-sonic weapons.

The article warns that failure to comply with the Guardians' wishes could lead to self-destruction. It suggests that if the Guardians demonstrate their power to deter nations from conflict and neutralize super-weapons, humanity might enter a 'new dawn.' The authors express hope that the Guardians will guide humanity.

E. Biddle's Commentary

E. Biddle, in his concluding remarks, aligns himself with the B.S.R.A.'s views, stating he can go 'at least 80%' with his American friends. He references his earlier article in OURANOS No. 1, 'What the F.S. may mean to Mankind.' Biddle reiterates the B.S.R.A.'s conviction that intervention by the Guardians is virtually certain and imminent, possibly within months. He stresses the vast power difference between the Guardians and humans, comparing it to an atomic bomb versus a bow and arrow. He concludes that if this intervention prevents humanity from destroying itself, it should be welcomed as the 'only hope.'

Advertising and Further Information

The issue includes subscription information for FRANCE, Great Britain, and the U.S.A. It also advertises Donald Keyhoe's book, 'The Flying Saucers are Real!', available for purchase. Additionally, readers interested in Archæology, Radiesthesia, Atlantis, and Mythology are directed to Markham House Press, Ltd., for book lists and information on lectures arranged by the Atlantis Research Centre, Avalon Society, and Hörbiger Institute.

The back page features contact details for the Borderland Sciences Research Associates, listing Directors Meade Layne and Max F. Long, with their address in San Diego, California.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unconventional scientific hypotheses regarding flying saucers, particularly the interdimensional Etherian hypothesis. The magazine adopts an open-minded stance, encouraging readers to consider various viewpoints, even those outside mainstream scientific acceptance. There is a strong undercurrent of concern about the potential for global atomic warfare and a hopeful outlook that extraterrestrial or interdimensional entities might intervene to save humanity. The editorial stance is one of presenting and analyzing these theories, rather than definitively endorsing them, though the authors clearly find merit in the B.S.R.A.'s propositions.

Title: OURANOS
Issue: N° 4
Volume: 2e année
Date: Avril 1953
Publisher: OURANOS
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of OURANOS presents a comprehensive bibliography of important items related to Flying Saucers (S.V.), emphasizing that it is a selection and not exhaustive. The magazine covers a range of topics including scientific articles, news reports, and public debates concerning unidentified aerial phenomena.

Bibliography of Articles and Reports

The bibliography lists numerous articles and reports from various publications between 1951 and 1953. These include:

• 1951: Articles in 'Revue de l'Aluminium' (Paris) discussing levitation experiences and the 'flying disc' at the 'Salon des arts ménagers'.
• 1952: Reports from 'Carnet de vol' (Casablanca), 'Der Flieger' (Munich) on 'Luftpolitische Monatsschau', 'Chance-Actualités' (Paris) on 'Les S.V.', and 'La Tribuna illustrata' (Rome) with 'Attenti al cielo!'. Illustrated articles on F.S. appeared in 'Coronet' and 'Fate' (USA). 'L'Hebdo' (Paris) reviewed press coverage of S.V., and the 'Bulletin de la Sté des Sc. Nat. du Maroc' published an article on a luminous meteor.
• 1953: 'Mister' (USA) questioned if Washington was afraid of F.S. 'Le Provençal' (Marseille) suggested S.V. might be related to a guardian of peace, while 'Le Parisien' (Paris) hosted a public debate on S.V. 'Carrefour' (Paris) also featured a public debate on S.V.
• Further entries detail debates and articles from 'Les Ailes, Hebdom. aéronaut.' (Paris), 'Point de Vue - Images du Monde' (Paris), and 'Petit Echo de la Mode' (Paris).

Brief News from the Saucer World

The Vatican & the F.S.: This section highlights the Vatican's acknowledgment of the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The Jesuit publication 'Civilta Catholica' stated that Catholics are free to believe or not in the existence of inhabitants on other planets, with theology adopting a 'wait and see' attitude. The article suggests this discussion may have involved Pope Pius XII and his scientific advisors. It notes that Father D. Grasso, the author, believes these beings could be human-like in constitution, differing in anatomy and physiology but composed of body and soul.

Correspondence and Notes

Misprints and Requests: The issue includes a note about a serious misprint on page 58, requesting readers to change '80%' to '50%'. There is also a request for 3 copies of 'OURANOS' No. 2 for American friends.

Captain K. F. Slater's Views: Captain K. F. Slater, in 'Operation Fantast', expressed regret that 'OURANOS' might be perceived as biased towards the spaceship theory for F.S. The editorial clarifies that 'OURANOS' is open to all viewpoints and that while the editorial team, including Monsieur Thirouin, regards F.S. as spaceships, they are not fanatics.

An Interesting Possibility: A subscriber suggests a link between the sightings of F.S. over America and the theory of Colonel Fawcett, who believed in a highly civilized race with advanced physical forces hidden in unexplored South America. The idea is to connect the presence of F.S. with this potential source.

Circulation of F.S. Material: Apologies are made for delays in circulating F.S. material, which is available only to UK subscribers. Members are asked to pass on the file within 7 days and bear postage costs. Information is requested on whether subscribers read French, German, or Spanish to include foreign cuttings.

Acknowledgements: Thanks are extended to Mr. John Gutteridge for keeping the magazine informed of F.S. mentions in science-fiction magazines.

Partie Française (French Section)

OURANOS, Avril 1953, N° 4

Quote from Descartes: The issue opens with a quote from Descartes' 'Discourse on Method'.

Editorial: D'un ciel à l'autre... Nos enquêtes: The editorial discusses the interest generated by previous investigations into Flying Saucers (S.V.), emphasizing OURANOS's role as a tool for truth rather than a sensational magazine. New investigations are underway, and further elements concerning previously studied cases will be reported.

Public Debate at the Aéro-Club de France (5 Feb.): A significant meeting was attended by many members. The debate focused on the Marignane affair, with regional correspondent Jimmy Guieu presenting findings from his investigation. The discussion aimed to address the question of the origin of S.V., which is considered the most pressing issue for the public. The debate was seen as a crucial introduction to a larger study. The article notes the absence of astronomers and praises the testimonies of witnesses like M. Veillot and reporter Latappy, who were not discredited by the 'jury'.

L'Aé.-C.F. Examination: The Aéro-Club de France (Aé.-C.F.) examined the Marignane affair, with Jimmy Guieu providing details from his investigation. The debate on the origin of S.V. was cut short due to time constraints but is considered vital. The refusal of astronomers to participate and M. Audouin Dollfus's attendance only in a personal capacity are deplored. The efforts of Colonel Dupérier and his collaborators are commended.

Reader Information: Readers are directed to the March 'Bulletin de l'Aé.-C.F.' for a report on the meeting. Details of stenographic notes by MM. Edmond Blanc and Jean Grampaix, published in 'Les Ailes', are also recommended. Information is provided on how to obtain these publications.

Activity of Our Friends: The magazine thanks its correspondents and friends for their collaboration, listing names from various locations including San Diego, Berlin, Dublin, Casablanca, and Vieillevigne.

Distinctions Honorifiques: Jean Gattefossé, OURANOS's General Correspondent for Morocco, has been promoted to Officer of Public Instruction. Paul Le Cour has been named Officer of the Academy. Both are congratulated for their scientific and literary activities.

Conference by Jimmy Guieu (Aix-en-Pce, 11 March): Jimmy Guieu, a novelist and OURANOS correspondent, gave a conference on the Mystery of S.V. He discussed past apparitions and how sorcery might evolve into technological realizations. He questioned the origin of this technology, linking it to Woomera and atomic bomb tests, and pondered if it relates to extraterrestrial civilizations and the speed of light as a limit.

Conference by Marc Thirouin (Paris, 19 March): Marc Thirouin presented a conference on S.V. at the Club de la Vie Intégrale. The event was originally scheduled to feature M. Guy Tassigny, but he was unable to attend. Thirouin discussed the reality of S.V. phenomena and their origins, answering questions from the audience and commenting on recent testimonies. Engineer Charles de Rougé also shared technical details and a personal observation of an S.V.

Le Point de Vue des Astronomes (The Astronomers' Point of View)

By Marc Thirouin

This section presents the skeptical views of prominent astronomers regarding Flying Saucers (S.V.).

• M. Danjon (Director of the Paris Observatory): Dismissed reports of flying saucers as sensationalism and a search for the marvelous, stating no scientific basis supports them.
• Sir Harold Spencer Jones (Greenwich Observatory): Categorically stated that S.V. are a product of ignorance and collective illusion, and from an astronomical perspective, they do not exist.
• Professor Ernest Esclangon (Honorary Director of the Paris Observatory): Considered the question of S.V. puerile, as there are no reliable observations.

Italian and Russian Astronomers: In Italy, Professor Giuseppe Armellini denied the existence of S.V. Professor Boris Koukarkine from Moscow suggested the phenomenon was a 'bellicose psychosis' fomented by those seeking war.

Basis for Skepticism: The article outlines the reasons for this international unanimity in denial:

1. Impossibility of Human Industry: Contemporary human industry cannot produce devices with the characteristics attributed to S.V. Sir H. Spencer Jones noted that such an advancement would surpass current scientific understanding.
2. Planetary Conditions: It is impossible for an 'engine' to originate from a solar system planet due to extreme conditions (heat, cold, lack of oxygen, water, light, or deleterious atmosphere) which are incompatible with life.

Despite the general skepticism, the article notes that various countries are experimenting with guided missiles, which might explain some public attention. It also touches upon the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations and the speed of light as a potential temporal barrier to interstellar travel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OURANOS are the investigation into Flying Saucers (S.V.), the scientific and public debate surrounding their existence, and the contrasting viewpoints between believers and skeptics, particularly astronomers. The editorial stance of OURANOS is presented as one of open inquiry, seeking truth rather than sensationalism, and providing a platform for various perspectives, even while acknowledging the editorial team's inclination towards the spaceship theory. The issue highlights the importance of rigorous investigation, witness testimonies, and the challenges of scientific verification in the study of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of "OURANOS - ACTUALITE", a supplement to the Revue, French Edition, dated May 1953, focuses on the prevailing skepticism among astronomers regarding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), referred to as S.V. (Objets Volants Non Identifiés).

Astronomical Skepticism Towards UFOs

The central theme of the issue is the scientific community's disbelief in UFOs. Several prominent astronomers present their arguments against the existence or terrestrial origin of these phenomena. Sir H. Spencer Jones is quoted stating that scientific and astronomical observations worldwide exclude the possibility of animal life on Mars and other planets, thus ruling out the launch of S.V. from them.

Professor Esclangon raises a point about the sound produced by supersonic objects. He argues that if a large S.V. were traveling at supersonic speeds, it would create a significant noise, which contradicts most witness testimonies describing silent and dizzying flights. He concludes that the two adjectives are contradictory.

M. Hubert Garrigue, from the Observatory of Puy-de-Dôme, expands on this, suggesting that if S.V. were special craft, they should be large, noisy, and visible to everyone. His position is noted as being more nuanced and will be examined further.

The most decisive argument for European astronomers, as stated by Professor Esclangon, is that French observatories, which constantly scan the sky, have never reported the passage of mysterious craft. Professor Koukarkine adds that no S.V. observations have been made in the vast territory of the U.R.S.S.

M. Hubert Garrigue reiterates that astronomers worldwide, using powerful means, have not observed any phenomena related to S.V.

Mme Camille Flammarion, director of the Juvisy Observatory and editor-in-chief of "L'Astronomie," conveyed the consensus of astronomers at the Rome congress. She stated that astronomers do not believe in S.V. because they have never seen one, despite thousands observing the sky constantly.

The issue summarizes the astronomers' points of disbelief:
1. S.V. cannot be a product of human technology.
2. They cannot come from another planet where animal life is impossible.
3. If they existed, they would make noise and be heard.
4. Astronomers have never detected them through their telescopes.

Consequently, astronomers deduce that the tens of thousands of global observations are likely due to misinterpretations of natural phenomena, sensory errors, or hallucinations. They attribute sightings to heat lightning, meteorites, sounding balloons, or experimental rockets. Professor Armellini's statement at the Rome Congress supports this, suggesting that most people mistake heat lightning or meteorites for S.V. and that the hypothesis of warcraft from any planet can be excluded.

Similar views were presented by MM. Paul Couderc, Audouin Dollfus (Paris Observatory), and Fernand Baldet (Meudon Observatory). The issue notes the preliminary declaration of the Congress's Secretary-General to focus only on positive facts related to astronomy, leading to the deliberate absence of Observatory representatives from meetings discussing S.V. phenomena.

Despite tens of thousands of collected testimonies, with at least 15% deemed irrefutable by the U.S. Air Force's severe study commission, these are not considered positive facts by the astronomical community. New interpretations of unusual celestial phenomena are dismissed as irrelevant to astronomy, regardless of the positivism claimed.

The article suggests that this attitude weakens the scientific position of astronomers, as the goal should be to seek truth rather than defend a dogma.

"OURANOS - ACTUALITE" Supplement

The magazine announces the publication of a new supplement titled "OURANOS - ACTUALITE," an edition entirely in French, to be published between the regular issues of the Revue. This decision is driven by the need to condense material to fit the limited pages of the main Revue, the constraint of not increasing page numbers to avoid publication delays, and the desire to include a large volume of correspondence and important foreign documents that cannot be omitted.

• The supplement will feature:
• S.V. News Worldwide
• Our Investigations
• Letters from our Readers and Free Tribune
• The Life of OURANOS
• A Complete Bibliography
• A List of Observations
• Miscellaneous Information, Debates, Conferences, Cinema, etc.

The Revue will focus on in-depth studies, while the supplement will provide comprehensive and continuous coverage of the S.V. question every six weeks.

To keep printing costs manageable, the supplement will be produced using a net and neat duplication process on a convenient format. The annual subscription is set at 200 French Francs, described as the price of an American cigarette pack. The initiative is presented as a serious commitment for OURANOS's treasury, relying on reader loyalty.

The first issue is planned for late May, with a limited print run. Readers are urged to send their subscriptions promptly to ensure the program's timely realization.

The first issue's table of contents includes "The fantastic revelations of Professor George Adamski, astronomer at the Palomar Observatory," and "What to think of hailstorms? Investigations by Jimmy Guieu."

Due to the limited print run, no free copies will be distributed.

S.V. Observations in 1952

The issue provides a statistical breakdown of S.V. observations published by the French press or reported by foreign correspondents in 1952, totaling 208. These are categorized by region: Europe (142), Africa (22), Asia (5), North America (29), South America (4), Central America (2), and Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand (4).

It is noted that these figures might be significantly underestimated for certain regions like the USA and Australia, where not all observations were published. Conversely, some observations are considered doubtful and have been excluded.

A detailed analysis is promised for the first issue of "Ouranos-Actualité." The article highlights that 1952 was particularly rich in S.V. reports, with observations continuing relatively abundantly through autumn and winter, contrary to common assumptions. It also points out that these hundreds of observations represent thousands of testimonies.

Books Received

The issue includes a section on "Books Received," reviewing several novels and science/technique books:

• Novels:
• "Hantise sur le Monde" by Jimmy Guieu (Fleuve Noir, 1953): Described as the third volume of a trilogy, it offers more than a passionate novel, presenting a philosophy of space and a cosmogony. Guieu is portrayed as an optimist who repensates and challenges scientific theories, offering a new plan for reflection and a vision of humanism.
• "Soucoupe Volante" by Jean de la Hire (André Jaeger, 1952): This book explores how Dr. Ahmed-bey, a master in psychic sciences, rescues four men and a young girl abducted by a flying saucer and lost on Mercury and Venus.

• Other novels reviewed include:
• "La Flamme Cosmique" (Souc. Vol.) by Vargo Statten
• "Sous Peine de mort" (Espionage and Souc. Vol.) by Jean Bruce
• "Frontières du Vide" (Intergalactic Voyages) by Jean-Gaston Vandel
• "Le Soleil sous la mer" (Anticipation) by Jean-Gaston Vandel
• "Eclair en Z" (Espionage) by Paul Kenny

• Science and Technique:
• "LA BOMBE H" by W.L. Laurence (Corrêa): This work by a scientific critic from the New York Times, specializing in atomic energy, discusses the hydrogen bomb, its functioning, power, effects, and future implications.

The section concludes by inviting readers to consult previous issues for more books and providing contact information for ordering these publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical and skeptical stance of the astronomical community towards UFO sightings. The magazine presents the arguments of astronomers who dismiss UFOs as misinterpretations or hallucinations, emphasizing the lack of scientific evidence and official sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these skeptical viewpoints while also acknowledging the vast number of reported sightings and the existence of a dedicated readership interested in the topic, as evidenced by the launch of the "OURANOS - ACTUALITE" supplement. The supplement itself aims to provide comprehensive coverage of UFO news and observations, suggesting an editorial interest in documenting the phenomenon, even if the main Revue leans towards scientific skepticism.