Ouranos - No 06

Magazine Overview

Title: OURANOS
Issue: NUMERO 6
Type: International Review for the Study of Flying Saucers and Related Problems.
Language: French (with an English section previously, now merged with Flying Saucer News).
Founders/Directors: Marc Thirouin (Bondy, France) and Eric Biddle (London, UK).

Cover Story

The cover features a photograph of writer Jimmy Guieu, who also serves as the Scientific Assistant and Investigator-Correspondent for Ouranos. He is shown at the microphone of Radio Monte-Carlo during one of his recent broadcasts dedicated to flying saucers. To his right is Fernand Pelatan, a chronicler and radio producer. The image highlights the magazine's engagement with media and its focus on UFO phenomena.

Article: The Astronomers' Point of View (Conclusion)

This section, written by Marc Thirouin, continues the discussion on the nature of flying saucers (S.V.) from an astronomical perspective. Thirouin addresses the argument of 'silence' often used to dismiss the reality of S.V. He draws parallels to the early days of automobiles like Panhard and Léon Bollée, which were initially noisy but evolved to be quieter. He suggests that current understanding of aerodynamics and propulsion is limited, and that future advancements, such as absorbing air rather than expelling it, or using electromagnetic propulsion, could lead to silent flight.

Thirouin argues that the silence of S.V. cannot be explained by high altitude or low speed, as these hypotheses are contradicted by pilot observations and theodolite data. He posits that S.V. might be composed of a much lighter and less coherent form of matter than what is commonly understood, potentially with unique molecular or atomic arrangements that alter density. He references the concept of 'condensed' or 'dispersed' states of matter, citing the extreme densities of white dwarf stars as an example.

The article critiques the astronomical community's tendency to dismiss S.V. based on the argument that 'none of them have ever seen one.' Thirouin counters that this is an insufficient reason to reject the testimony of thousands of credible witnesses, drawing parallels to how the existence of Pluto or distant galaxies are accepted based on limited observations.

Several historical and contemporary observations are presented to support the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena:

• 1948: Astronomer Clyde Tombaug observed a silent, oval, luminous object in New Mexico.
• 1948 onwards: Dr. Lincoln La Paz observed 'green fireballs' in New Mexico, ruling out meteors or electrostatic phenomena.
• May 22, 1950: Dr. Seymour L. Hess observed a bright, discoidal object moving at 300 km/h.
• Multiple observations: Dr. Walter Lee Moore observed S.V. moving towards Venus.
• July 10, 1947: A well-known astronomer observed an elliptical, luminous white object in New Mexico.
• November 17, 1882: Astronomer Walter Maunder observed a luminous elliptical object in Greenwich.
• November 1, 1885: A round object with short wings was observed in Andrinople.
• April 9-16, 1897: An enormous 'cigar' shaped object was observed over the Midwest and Virginia.
• January 27, 1912: Dr. F. B. Harris reported a very dark, large object passing in front of the moon.
• August 12-13, 1883: José A. Bonilla reported numerous luminous, winged objects in Mexico.

Thirouin also mentions observations by Lord Brabazon, William F. Denning, a member of the Royal Astronomical Society, and Herschell, who observed round, oval, or discoid objects.

The article notes that the French Astronomical Society (Sté Astronomique de France) has frequently recorded observations of celestial objects whose behavior is impossible to attribute to meteorites, listing several such sightings from 1952.

Thirouin concludes by urging astronomers to consider these phenomena seriously, quoting Camille Flammarion's advice to be neither credulous nor incredulous, and to investigate facts without preconceived ideas, emphasizing that the unknown is vast and that systematic negation hinders scientific progress.

Subscription and Publication Information

The magazine provides details on annual subscriptions for 'OURANOS' and 'OURANOS-ACTUALITE', as well as a combined subscription. It also lists subscription rates for the English publication, 'FLYING SAUCER NEWS'. Contact information for subscriptions in France (via C.C.P. to Marc Thirouin) and the UK (payable to E. Biddle) is provided. Agents for the US and Canada are also listed. A note informs subscribers that the English part of 'OURANOS' has ceased and merged with 'FLYING SAUCER NEWS' to avoid duplication and offer better value.

Groupe d'Étude "OURANOS"

Information is provided about the 'Groupe d'Etudes OURANOS' (Ouranos Study Group), inviting interested individuals to inquire about admission conditions and member benefits by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for a serious, scientific approach to the study of flying saucers, moving beyond dismissal and skepticism. The editorial stance is one of open-minded investigation, encouraging the exploration of unconventional hypotheses regarding the nature of matter, energy, and propulsion. The magazine emphasizes the importance of credible witness testimony and historical records, aligning with a rational yet open-minded pursuit of truth, as espoused by Camille Flammarion. The focus is on presenting evidence and reasoned arguments to challenge conventional scientific paradigms when confronted with unexplained phenomena.

This issue of OURANOS (Volume 1952-53, Issue 3) from 1953, published in France, focuses on the evolving stance of the US government regarding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), referred to as 'S.V.' (Sujets Volants). The cover headline boldly asks, "Does the U.S.A. Government Know the Truth about UFOs?"

Government's Attitude Towards UFOs

The lead article suggests that significant information has come to light concerning the current attitude of American official circles towards the UFO problem. This shift is attributed to several factors: statements from the U.S. Ministry of Defense, recent agreements between British and American authorities, and the prohibition of certain private American groups dedicated to studying UFOs. These indicators, along with others, suggest a decisive turning point in the history of UFOs.

To avoid delaying the current issue, the magazine has decided to dedicate a portion of the upcoming issue, No. 3 of OURANOS-ACTUALITÉ, to these new developments. Our friend Eric BIDDLE, whose diligence provided this information, has published a lengthy article on the subject in French.

Subscribers to OURANOS-ACTUALITÉ can exceptionally order a copy of this issue. The magazine also announces that if significant events occur between publications, special information sheets will be released and sent to readers who request them in advance. The price for issue No. 3 of OURANOS-ACTUALITÉ is 75 Fr. (payment with order), and the special information sheets will cost 50 Fr. (payment after receipt), with payment accepted via stamps or bank transfer.

Upcoming Articles and Publications

OURANOS outlines several forthcoming articles:

• "Does the USSR hold the secret to flying saucers?"
• "The USSR and the UFO question: Can the photo, theodolite, spectrograph, and chase now resolve the UFO problem?"
• "Have there really been UFO landings and contacts with their occupants?"
• "What can old traditions teach us about the origin of UFOs?"

OURANOS-ACTUALITÉ's No. 3 will feature:

• Anglo-American news (by Eric Biddle)
• The evolution of official opinion in the USA, Great Britain, Canada, and France (by Marc Thirouin)
• Remarks on an observation in Kent (November 3rd) (by M.T.)
• Statistics for 1952 (continued)
• Recent observations
• An Ouranos friend: Léopold Massièra of the Society of Men of Letters
• Reader mail
• Investigations
• Bibliography
• Miscellaneous news: UFO Congress in Hollywood

The magazine apologizes for delays in the delivery of OURANOS and OUR.-AC., attributing them to strikes in August. They assure readers that the normal publication rhythm will resume with upcoming issues.

New Releases and Books

Vient de paraitre (Just Released):

• "A l'Assaut de l'Atlantide" by LEOPOLD MASSIERA, from the Society of Men of Letters. It features 200 illustrations by Yves MONDET, is 32 pages, measures 21 x 27 cm, and costs 65 Fr. (80 Fr. including postage).
• "La Dimension X" by Jimmy GUIEU, published by Edit. Fleuve Noir, Paris. It costs 270 Fr. (postage included).

A paraitre en FEVRIER (To be released in February):

• "NOUS, LES MARTIENS" by Jimmy GUIEU, from Edit. Fleuve Noir, Paris. Price: 270 Fr.
• "L'INVASION de la TERRE" (reprint) by Jimmy GUIEU. Price: 270 Fr.

The magazine states they can quickly procure all these works.

Recent News

Following a conference in London on December 12th, involving Ouranos, the Flying Saucer Club, and the B.F.S.B., a close collaboration was established. This agreement, which complements the existing convention for sharing French and English publications between OURANOS and Flying Saucer News, aims to facilitate smooth coordination of work between the two countries.

The magazine extends its best wishes for 1954 to its correspondents and friends, thanking them for their diverse and effective collaboration. They express hope to soon present the results of their planned projects.

Marseille Magazine Feature

A photograph from MARSEILLE MAGAZINE shows customs officer GACHIGNARD explaining to one of his superiors the circumstances under which he witnessed a "Cigar" landing at the Marignane aerodrome. The article refers to a previous article on this event in Ouranos, No. 3, page 48.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, international investigations, and the dissemination of information from various sources, including official statements, eyewitness accounts, and literary works. There is a clear emphasis on reporting on UFO sightings and related events, as well as promoting UFO-related literature and research. The editorial stance appears to be one of active investigation and information sharing within the UFO community, fostering collaboration between different organizations and countries.