Ouranos - No 05 - 1953 07

Magazine Overview

Title: OURANOS
Issue: No. 5
Volume: 2e année
Date: Juillet, 1953 (Summer 1953)
Publisher: T. WERNER LAURIE, Ltd.
Country: France
Language: French (also published in English)
Price: 12s 6d

This issue of OURANOS, a quarterly magazine dedicated to the serious study of flying saucers, prominently features the article "FLYING SAUCERS HAVE LANDED!" by Desmond Leslie and George Adamski. The magazine is published in both English and French.

Contents and Articles

Ouvrages Reçus (Books Received)

The magazine reviews two books by Jimmy Guieu: "Le Pionnier de l'Atome" (reprint) and "L'Univers vivant" (published by Editions Fleuve Noir, 1953). The reviewer notes that both books are passionate and take the reader from the microcosm to the macrocosm, adhering to the ancient principle that "as above, so below." The reviewer praises Guieu's scientific coherence and imagination, stating that the books make the atomic world and the cosmic plane accessible, making it difficult to dismiss them as mere fiction. Guieu's mastery is highlighted, elevating his works above simple science fiction. Another book by Guieu, "L'Invasion de la Terre" (reprint), is announced for upcoming release.

A review of "FLYING SAUCERS" by D.H. Menzel, a professor of astrophysics at Harvard University (1953), is also presented. The book is in English and includes photos and diagrams. It is available for 2,200 French Francs.

Ouranos-Actualité

This section is a supplement to the Revue and is in French. It celebrates the success of the first issue, with subscriptions quickly exhausting the initial stock and necessitating a second printing. The table of contents for issue No. 2 (to be published at the end of August) is provided, featuring articles such as "Les S.V. terrestres.. et les autres" by Jimmy Guieu, "Les 'boules de feu'" by Marc Thirouin, and "Les enquêtes de Jimmy Guieu: Aix-en-Prov. 11 Nov. 1952." It also includes reader correspondence, recent observations, statistics for 1952 by Marc Thirouin, and a bibliography for 1953.

Subscription information is provided for France, with options for combined subscriptions with the Revue OURANOS. UK and USA subscription rates are also listed.

Groupe d'Etudes "Ouranos" (G.E.O.)

This group consists of specialists from various scientific and technical fields and is open to anyone wishing to contribute to the study of flying saucers and related issues. Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month. Inquiries for admission should be sent to M. Thirouin.

Radio Monte-Carlo Segment

A segment titled "OURANOS" is frequently cited on RADIO MONTE-CARLO, broadcast daily at 14:45 as part of the "ZIG-ZAG" program, resuming in October. This segment is a collaboration between Jimmy Guieu and Fernand Pelatan. Listeners are encouraged to support the efforts by sending approvals, suggestions, opinions, or testimony accounts to Jimmy Guieu at Radio Monte-Carlo (Principality of Monaco).

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

By Marc Thirouin, this article discusses the scientific perspective on flying saucers (S.V.). It quotes Sir H. Spencer Jones, who suggests that the current state of science on Earth does not permit attributing the paternity of S.V. to humans, and that the use of an experimental weapon over a foreign country in peacetime is inconceivable. Jones questions the utility of such observation instruments, suggesting that radio, balloons, photography, and agents can provide sufficient information.

The article acknowledges M. Danjon's observation that several countries are conducting guided missile tests, but these are typically observed near their testing bases and differ from the "objects" observed more widely since 1947. The article references Jimmy Guieu's study "Les S.V. terrestres et les autres" from Ouranos-Actualité No. 2.

Possibility of Life on Mars

The article then shifts to the possibility of life on other planets, focusing on Mars. It details the Martian atmosphere (80-190 km thick, lower pressure, less oxygen, higher carbon dioxide), temperatures (ranging from +10° to +15° in summer at the equator, down to -70° at the poles in winter), seasons (about 2 Earth years per Martian year), and gravity (about one-third of Earth's).

Physicist Paul Becquerel of the Academy of Sciences concludes that Martian atmospheric pressure could support liquid water, essential for life. He suggests that chlorophyll assimilation and carbon/solar energy uptake would be possible, and that Mars possesses a UV-protective layer more effective than Earth's ozone layer. Becquerel believes that vegetation and fauna could exist on Mars, despite seasonal dryness.

Other scientists, including Professor George Adamski, astronomers from the U.S. Air Force, and astrophysicists, are cited as believing that life exists on Mars and Venus, possibly in forms that allow for animal life and intelligence. The possibility of intelligent beings on Mars is considered, though the authors urge caution.

The article broadens the scope to the probability of life on planets in other star systems, noting the vast number of stars and planetary systems. It discusses the adaptability of life, citing examples like fish and birds, to argue against rigid assumptions about the conditions required for life.

M. Audouin Dollfus, an astronomer at the Meudon Observatory, suggests that life on Mars might be imagined but would be very different from human life. M. H. Garrigue remains convinced that highly evolved beings could exist under different physical conditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the serious study of flying saucers and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting scientific viewpoints alongside speculative possibilities. There is a clear interest in bridging scientific observation with phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The publication promotes a community of researchers and enthusiasts through its articles, reviews, and the "Groupe d'Etudes 'Ouranos'." The emphasis is on encouraging reflection and investigation rather than outright belief or dismissal, as suggested by the quote from Henri Poincaré.

Title: OURANOS
Issue: No. 5
Date: Summer 1953
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "OURANOS", a quarterly review devoted to Flying Saucers, etc., delves into the ongoing debate surrounding UFO sightings and the explanations offered by various experts. The magazine adopts a critical stance towards conventional scientific and military explanations, advocating for a more open-minded approach to the phenomenon.

Life's Adaptability and Extraterrestrial Possibilities

The issue begins by reflecting on the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth and its remarkable adaptation to various environmental conditions, including altitude, pressure, temperature, and hydrography. It cites examples like polar creatures, high-altitude condors, deep-sea slugs, and the adaptations of camels, cacti, whales, and Siberian conifers. The text also notes the existence of analogous organs across divergent evolutionary lines (e.g., insect wings vs. bird wings, vertebrate eyes vs. mollusk eyes) and how similar organs can form from different tissues. Furthermore, it points out that the chemical composition of tissues serving identical roles can vary significantly (e.g., calcified skeletons vs. chitinous carapaces, iron-based blood vs. copper-based blood). This leads to the logical conclusion that life is adaptable and capable of utilizing diverse means to exist and can modify its mode of existence when the environment demands it. The article extends this reasoning to suggest that life might be capable of adapting to other environments and physical conditions found on other worlds. It quotes Sir H. Spencer Jones, who speculated that on planets like Venus or Mercury, beings with silicon-based cells might exist, capable of withstanding temperatures incompatible with carbon-based life.

The "Flying Saucers and the Experts" Debate

The core of the issue focuses on the explanations provided by various "experts" for the numerous flying saucer sightings. The magazine expresses skepticism towards the "debunking" efforts, particularly those from intelligence chiefs and scientists. It highlights that these experts, including astronomers, physicists, psychologists, meteorologists, medical men, and military authorities, often propose explanations that are not only varied but also contradictory.

Critiques of Expert Explanations

The article criticizes the tendency of experts to dismiss sightings as natural phenomena or illusions. It mentions D. H. Menzel, a professor of astrophysics at Harvard, who in his book "Flying Saucers" attempts to explain sightings as mirages, reflections, refractions, magnetic phenomena related to auroras, or unusual shooting stars. The magazine finds these explanations insufficient, particularly for cases that are well-documented and observed by multiple credible witnesses.

Several specific theories are presented and then refuted or questioned:

• "Errors of the senses" and "mystifications": The magazine dismisses these as explanations for the majority of sightings, contrasting them with "real observations" that remain unexplained.
• Mirage, reflection, or refraction: While acknowledged as possible for some cases, the magazine questions their ability to explain all phenomena.
• Suggestibility and collective illusion: A psychologist's theory that seeing a flying saucer is a matter of intense desire and the mind's ability to create the illusion is presented with sarcasm. The article questions if this applies to phenomena like the Loch Ness Monster or the Angels of Mons.
• "Blood corpuscle" theory: This theory, proposed by a U.S. Army medical chief and others, suggests that disc-like objects are seen due to small objects in the eye, behind the lens, or the movement of red corpuscles in the retina. The magazine finds this explanation naive, as not all reported flying saucers are round or oval; many are described as long, airship-like, triangular, or cone-shaped.
• Spiders' webs: An experienced observer in Ontario reported seeing spherical objects that were identified as cobwebs of about a foot in diameter, with long threads and thistledown. These were visible only when light struck at a certain angle.
• Perseids meteor shower: An explanation that descriptions of saucers could apply to the Perseids meteor shower, visible up to August 16th, is also mentioned.

The magazine argues that these theories, while potentially explaining isolated incidents, fail to cover the totality of known facts, which include numerous detailed observations and photographic evidence.

Notable Cases and Witness Accounts

The issue recounts several specific incidents to challenge the simplistic explanations:

• Captain Thomas Mantell's chase: The article questions whether Mantell's pursuit of a flying saucer near Fort Knox, Kentucky, was due to "suggestibility" or if his fighter's disintegration was a result of a collision with spiders' webs or dust specks.
• Madisonville sighting (1947): Hundreds of people saw an object at Madisonville, which then appeared ninety miles away at Godman Airfield thirty minutes later, observed by every man present. The magazine asks if these witnesses were all "crackpots, religious cranks, publicity hounds, or practical jokers."
• Boise, Idaho sighting (1948): E.G. Hall obtained a theodolite observation of a flying saucer approximately 4000 feet up, the size of a smallish plane, travelling too fast to calculate its speed.
• White Sands sighting (1949): An official reported photo-theodolite observations of an F.S. thirty-five to forty miles high, described as an egg-shaped craft of fantastic size, travelling at three to four miles per second.
• Vancouver sighting (April 1950): Airport officials saw an object two hundred feet long, shaped like an ice-cream cone, flying at seven hundred miles an hour.
• Barrow-in-Furness sighting (November): Two men saw "something like a Zeppelin, with a transparent centre... a cross between a submarine and a barrage balloon."
• Doncaster sighting: An observer saw a cigar-shaped object, as long as the width of a full moon, about a thousand feet up, with blunt dark ends and a transparent middle.
• Macon, Georgia sighting (July 1948): Ground staff at Robbins Air Force Base saw a huge, cigar-shaped machine with a brilliant exhaust of multi-coloured flame. This was later seen by two pilots in an aeroplane.
• Greenwich sighting (November 1882): Astronomer E.W.Maunder observed a strange celestial object with a large telescope, described as "cigar-shaped, like a torpedo."
• Dutch East Indies sightings (1890): Several large aerial phenomena were observed, described as "roughly triangular, about one hundred feet on the base, and two hundred feet on the sides."
• Mount Vernon, Virginia sighting: Captain Sperry reported his machine being encircled by something described as a "submarine with lights," while his own plane was travelling at three hundred miles an hour.

The article concludes that theories like the "blood corpuscle" theory or others of a similar facile nature cannot adequately explain these diverse and significant facts. It calls for experts to either produce a single, comprehensive theory that covers all known facts, including theodolite observations and photographs, or to remain silent.

Brief News from the Saucer World

This section provides brief updates on related publications and organizations:

• SPACE TIMES: A mimeographed amateur magazine published by the Nor'west Science-fantasy Club. The reviewer finds amateur magazines often more interesting than professional ones and notes that "Space Times" is well worth reading for those interested in science fiction.
• Science Fiction Themes: The reviewer expresses a waning interest in science fiction themes, finding many to be hackneyed. He particularly dislikes the "anti-human nightmare world of the future" often portrayed in s.-f. literature, preferring a human world ruled by the Christian Church, as advocated by Eric Gill.
• ATLANTIS: The organ of the Research Centre Group (Atlantis Research Centre, Hörbiger Institute, Avalon Society). The May 1953 issue is mentioned, which includes an advertisement for "Ouranos." The contents of "ATLANTIS" include articles on Flood Myths and History, a revised Hörbiger Theory, Plato and the Critias, the possibility of ice on the Moon, and a New System of Weights and Measures. Membership in the Research Centre Group costs £2.2.0 per annum and includes "ATLANTIS" and free admission to the group's activities.

Book Advertisement

An advertisement is included for Donald Keyhoe's book, "THE FLYING SAUCERS ARE REAL," published by MARKHAM HOUSE PRESS, Ltd. The book is described as factual, balanced, and non-sensational, suitable for students of "Saucery." The price for ordering the book is Two & twopence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of conventional explanations for flying saucer sightings. The magazine "OURANOS" adopts a skeptical stance towards "debunking" efforts by experts, arguing that these theories are often insufficient, contradictory, and fail to account for the full spectrum of observed phenomena. The editorial stance champions a more open-minded and comprehensive approach to understanding UFOs, suggesting that the adaptability of life implies the possibility of extraterrestrial life and that the phenomenon warrants serious investigation beyond simplistic explanations. The magazine also touches upon the broader landscape of science fiction and related research groups, indicating an interest in alternative theories and publications within the ufological and speculative science communities.

This issue of Ouranos, dated April 1953 (Issue No. 70), is primarily focused on the topic of flying saucers (F.S.). It includes reviews of various publications and organizations related to the subject, as well as an in-depth interpretation of Nostradamus' prophecies concerning aerial phenomena.

Editorial Content

Letters and Reviews

The issue begins by mentioning lectures held at Caxton Hall and reduced terms for excursions, with a subscription to 'Atlantis' costing 13/6 per annum. The Secretary of the Research Centre Group is identified as Mrs. K. E. Sykes. The Markham House Press, Ltd. is also noted.

Articles in 'B.S.R.A. ARTICLES in N° 4' reportedly received several letters of approbation and requests, but also one complaint that the content was too "occult." The author defends this by stating that while there might be references to mediumistic communications, there is a "solid core of real 'psychic' or paranormal phenomena" that can only be denied by the ignorant or prejudiced. The reliability of mediumistic information is presented as a separate matter requiring careful judgment.

R.R.S. News

The 'R.R.S. NEWS' section reviews the journal published by the Reaction Research Society. It highlights an article titled "Flying Saucers: Invective or Sanity?" which primarily discusses books on F.S. The review praises Donald H. Keyhoe's work as "a painstaking, thorough piece of reportage." However, it notes that the article treats Scully's "Behind the F.S." roughly, dismissing claims of F.S. being piloted by "little men from the planet Venus" and the tale of grounded disks as a hoax. The critique suggests that the measurement system used (feet and inches) being identical to Earth's was a giveaway.

Gerald Heard's book "Is Another World watching?" is also discussed, with the reviewer finding the criticism of it "unduly harsh." The book is credited with arousing interest in F.S.

Dr. Donald H. Menzel's 'Flying Saucers'

The writer then focuses on Dr. Donald H. Menzel's book, "Flying Saucers," published by Harvard University. Menzel, a professor of Astrophysics, is described as believing that all F.S. phenomena can be explained naturally and dismisses individuals who report sightings as "fools and knaves." The review states that Menzel interprets everything within his field, ignoring other possibilities, and only reproduces one photo (the Lubbock Lights) to explain. The article criticizes Menzel's "denunciatory" attitude towards the military, suggesting it's because military experts have testified to theories that his explanations cannot account for. His "amazing obtuseness" in interpreting plain language in Air Force documents is also noted.

E. Biddle reviews Menzel's book, acknowledging its usefulness in reminding readers that not all saucer observations are inexplicable, but criticizes Menzel for trying to explain all F.S. phenomena naturally, suggesting future experts will find his writings amusing.

The Flying Saucer Club and Journal

Since the last issue, Ouranos has discovered "THE FLYING SAUCER CLUB" and its journal, "FLYING SAUCER NEWS," published quarterly. The club has members across the UK and overseas. Membership, including the journal, costs 3s 6d per year, or 2s 0d for the magazine only. Readers are urged to contact the Secretary, Mr. Richd. Hughes, at 42, Rothbury Road, Hove 3, Sussex. The journal can also be ordered in France through M. Thirouin for 110 frs per year.

LES SOAUCOUPES VOLANTES ET Nostradamus

This section features an article by Me M. Alliaume, from Chartres, interpreting Nostradamus' prophecies in relation to flying saucers (S.V.). Alliaume responds to a question about whether the "Centuries" contain allusions to S.V. He states that Nostradamus predicted many events, including the coming of a "Great King of France" who will bring peace. Alliaume believes that Nostradamus, in an allegorical, occult, and cabalistic manner, predicted phenomena that concern us today. He specifically lists:

1. The invention of gunpowder, referred to as "fouldre à vierge" (lightning from a rod).
2. The invention of aerostats (balloons), referred to as "Istra de Montgaulfier."
3. The invention of submarines, called "poissons de fer" (iron fish).
4. Aircraft and seaplanes, called "sauterelles" (grasshoppers) and "locustes" (locusts) respectively.
5. Tanks, called "taons" (gadflies).
6. Atomic and nuclear explosives and their consequences.

Alliaume notes that Nostradamus predicted signs of an impending "orage" (storm), including unusual celestial and terrestrial events, hail, tempests, floods, devastations, and strikes, as well as a "crinite" star, which he interprets as a comet or a second sun. He states that he has not found any direct mention of "soucoupes volantes" (flying saucers) or interplanetary communication in Nostradamus' work.

He suggests classifying F.S. in a less imaginative category and believes the truth is elsewhere. Astronomers and aviation experts dismiss sightings as illusions, but Alliaume posits that they might be secret experiments with reaction-propelled, remotely controlled war machines. He draws a parallel to the medical community's initial skepticism towards Pasteur.

Alliaume then quotes Nostradamus' "CENTURIE II - QUATRAIN XV," which mentions a "crinite" star and a "Monarque trucidé" (slain monarch). He interprets this monarch as the "Grand Roi" and explains the anagrams and symbolism related to the Capet family and the stars Castor and Pollux.

He also quotes "CENTURIE VI - QUATRAIN VI," which he believes also relates to the Grand King and predicts events preceding his era, such as economic devaluation and troubles in Italy and France.

Alliaume concludes that the "Centuries" should be read with visual transparency, considering past, present, and future, using the algebraic and gematric keys of ancient Jewish cabala. He mentions that Me Alliaume, a former notary, is the publisher of his books: "MAGNUS REX de Nostradamus" and "PREDICTIONS VRAIES."

M. Alliaume's Conclusion

Alliaume reiterates his belief that the "astre crinite" will be seen soon. He interprets its meaning as "à rit serein" (serenely smiling) for believers and "car et sinistre" (fearful and sinister) for those involved in demagoguery.

Another Discovery!

This section introduces the "International Flying Saucer Bureau" (I.F.S.B.) based in Bridgeport, Conn., with a British representative, Capt. E. L. Plunkett. Ouranos will collaborate with this organization, as well as The Flying Saucer Club. The I.F.S.B. has representatives globally and publishes a quarterly magazine called "Space Review." The review praises "Space Review" and lists several articles from its July 1953 issue, including "The Mars Explosions and the F.S." by Lonzo Dove, and "A New Approach to the Saucer Problem" by Graham F. N. Knewstub. The subscription in Great Britain is 5/-, and Capt. Plunkett is happy to hear from interested readers.

AND YET ANOTHER..!

This final section introduces "FLYING SAUCERS INTERNATIONAL" (F.S.I.) based in Los Angeles, California. Ouranos has received a copy of their periodical "SAUCERS." The F.S.I. is organizing the "World's First Saucer Convention" in California from August 16-18th. Ouranos states they will collaborate fully with the F.S.I.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation and discussion of flying saucer phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded but critical, encouraging rigorous analysis of evidence and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while also acknowledging the possibility of genuine paranormal or unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in connecting current UFO sightings with historical prophecies, particularly those of Nostradamus. The magazine also actively promotes and collaborates with other organizations and publications in the field, such as The Flying Saucer Club and the International Flying Saucer Bureau.