Ouranos - No 12 - 4e trim 1954

Magazine Overview

Title: Ouranos
Issue: 12
Date: 1954 (implied by content and cover designation "NUMÉRO 12")
Publisher: COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE D'ENQUÊTE sur les SOUCOUPES VOLANTES et problèmes connexes
Type: International Review

Editorial Introduction: "Ou en sommes-nous ?" by Marc THIROUIN

Marc Thirouin, Director General of the International Commission of Inquiry on Flying Saucers (C.I.E.O.), addresses the readers in the editorial "Ou en sommes-nous ?" (Where do we stand?). He acknowledges the vastness of the question concerning both the organization's activity and the unidentified objects (UFOs) that have been increasingly visible in the sky and press. He explains that this issue is the first in a new, larger, and more comfortable series, designed to better address the growing global interest in the UFO problem. He reassures readers that the organization has overcome material and psychological obstacles and has fulfilled its promises, even exceeding them.

Thirouin outlines the reasons for the delay since the last publication: annual holidays, a sudden increase in UFO manifestations requiring immediate investigation, the reorganization of services including the establishment of a General Secretariat and the expansion of their network of correspondents, the transformation of their publications to align with current events, the need to respond to thousands of letters from around the world to provide objective information and avoid both scientific skepticism and sensationalism, the updating of statistics on thousands of observations, and the preparation of conferences and documentation exchanges.

He appeals to readers for support, both through active participation in services (statistics, accounting, information dissemination, etc.) and financial contributions, as subscriptions alone are insufficient to cover the growing budget.

Recrudescence of UFO Activity

Thirouin reports a significant increase in UFO sightings over France in the past four months, with reports also emerging from Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, England, Italy, Egypt, and overseas territories. He notes that this surge contrasts with the situation in 1952 and 1953, suggesting a cyclical pattern possibly linked to the planet Mars's orbital position relative to Earth. He predicts that 1955 might be a quieter year, with 1956 potentially marking a peak, assuming the correlation with Mars's proximity holds true.

He also identifies contributing factors to the increase in reports: the "snowball effect" where more sightings encourage more observers; an increase in people actively looking for phenomena, leading to misidentifications (aircraft, meteors, balloons, planets, stars, clouds) and deliberate mystifications; and the media's amplification of sensationalist accounts.

Despite these factors, Thirouin asserts that the 1954 increase is not a myth. He states that after eliminating erroneous and doubtful testimonies, the number of actual observations in 1954 was double that of 1952 for the same period.

UFO Landings

A prominent aspect of recent months has been the multiplication of UFO landing reports, particularly in France. The C.I.E.O.'s role is to verify these claims impartially. While acknowledging that some reports are due to imagination or hoaxing, the organization is convinced of the possibility of landings. They cite two specific cases: one from October 27, 1902, at the Marignane aerodrome, and another on January 4 of the current year at the same location, both investigated by Jimmy Gieu.

The Problem of Origin and Extraterrestrial Beings

Thirouin discusses the implications of UFOs being controlled by an intelligence not of terrestrial origin. He posits that if this intelligence is physical, it's plausible that extraterrestrial beings, similar to humans, could be involved. He argues that our current understanding of astrophysics is too limited to rule out intelligent life on other planets, even those considered inhospitable, or that advanced civilizations could create habitable conditions.

He then addresses the more complex question of the origin of these beings. If they come from a planet within our solar system, their physiology would likely differ significantly from ours due to different environmental conditions. If they originate from another solar system, the probability of finding a planet with conditions similar to Earth, especially one close enough for travel, is extremely low. This leads to a paradox: the high improbability of encountering such beings, unless the number of Earth-like planets is far greater than assumed, or more audacious concepts are considered.

"Rapport d'Enquête" on a UFO Landing at Hennezis (Eure)

This section presents a detailed report by Henry BUCH, a correspondent, concerning a UFO landing and occupant observation on October 7, 1954, at Hennezis (Eure). The witnesses were Claude Lansselin (10 years old) and his sister Françoise (9 years old). They described a red and black disc-shaped object, with a dome, resting on a black base, which landed in a field at dusk. They observed two men in black clothing descend from the object.

The report includes an interview with the children's father, the local gamekeeper, who confirmed the children's account and stated that nothing remained at the landing site upon his arrival. The article notes that a regional newspaper had reported a "flying cigar" landing, but the children's description clarified it was a circular object with a dome.

Claude Lansselin described the object as "egg-shaped" and red, resting on a black "cover." He saw two men descend, who were of normal height and dressed in black. He could not determine if they opened a door, and they did not speak. The object was not illuminated, and the red color was attributed to the paint. The ground was recently rolled, leaving no tracks.

"Ou en est la France?" by Marc THIROUIN

Marc Thirouin discusses the growing official interest in France regarding UFOs. He notes that while French official services were likely monitoring American investigations, the increasing number and strangeness of UFO observations prompted a more active response. He mentions various incidents, including military and police investigations, and even a mayor's humorous ordinance forbidding unidentified craft from flying over his commune.

Thirouin highlights the significant step of parliamentary inquiries. He details three written questions submitted by Deputies M. de LÉOTARD, M. Jean NOCHER, and M. René DEJEAN. These deputies sought information on whether systematic observations were being conducted, if UFOs posed a security risk, whether France had investigated UFOs as extensively as the US and USSR, and if a commission had been formed to study the phenomenon. They also inquired about the possibility of foreign state involvement or extraterrestrial origin.

Thirouin expresses satisfaction with these official initiatives, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts and information sharing to address public concern and resolve the mystery scientifically. He notes that attempts to intercept UFOs have often resulted in their disappearance or accidents, but also mentions an instance near Washington where aircraft tracked a UFO, confirming its physical presence and non-terrestrial origin.

He concludes by referencing the establishment of the C.I.E.O. and its ongoing work, supported by scientific circles and public information services.

"L'Heure des premiers contacts Interplanétaires a-t-elle sonné ?" by Charles GARREAU

Charles Garreau discusses the announcement by the US aviation that Earth possesses two new artificial satellites, one at 600 km and another at 1,000 km altitude. While specialists initially suggested they were natural meteors, Major Donald Keyhoe of the Air Force had previously stated that artificial satellites were being tracked. The article notes that the Wac Corporal rocket was used to carry an electronic camera to study these satellites, whose orbits were highly irregular.

Garreau links these events to the hypothesis of giant bases located near Earth, from which UFOs might conduct observations. He recalls the case of Captain Mantell, who died in 1948 while pursuing a UFO described as being made of polished metal and of immense size. He also references two European observations from the previous year, reported by Jimmy Gieu: a luminous disc over Albacete (Spain) on June 26, and a bright disc over Burgundy (France) on August 17, both appearing to follow Earth's rotation. More recently, on October 2 and 3, similar phenomena were observed over Avignon and Briançonnais in France, involving a brilliant sphere and a cigar-shaped object, respectively.

Garreau then explores the possibility that the Moon might serve as a "first stepping stone" for these extraterrestrial explorers. He references a 1950 hypothesis by Professor Walter Riedel that the hidden hemisphere of the Moon could be used as a relay base for UFOs. He also mentions strange observations on the visible lunar hemisphere, including dark spots and a three-kilometer-long arch, which scientists have dismissed as natural terrain features.

He concludes by posing the question of whether these new satellites signal the beginning of interplanetary contact and suggests that their appearance coincides with the observation of giant spacecraft from which smaller "saucers" have been seen to emerge.

"De la 'Parebrisite' aux Soucoupes Volantes" by Jimmy GUIEU

Jimmy Gieu addresses the phenomenon of "parebrisite" (windshield disease), which he claims scientists obstinately deny, attributing it to simple breakage from pebbles, vibrations, or other mundane causes. He cites numerous cases of car windshields shattering inexplicably in the US (Everett, Bellingham, Seattle), with thousands of incidents reported in short periods. Analyses of these broken windshields revealed the presence of magnetic particles, leading Gieu to question how common road gravel could be magnetic.

Gieu then recounts a strange incident on July 17 involving a merchant and his wife driving near Istres, France. A bizarre blueish glow appeared, and their windshield shattered. Simultaneously, a strange white fog filled the vehicle, and the wife felt an inexplicable warmth. Her white nylon blouse inexplicably turned yellow.

He challenges scientists to explain these phenomena, criticizing their tendency to deny anything that contradicts established knowledge, drawing parallels with historical scientific resistance to new ideas like Galileo's heliocentrism or the existence of meteorites and fossils.

Gieu asserts that UFOs are an absolute reality, despite many scientists dismissing witnesses as deluded or fantasists. He distinguishes between larger UFOs, possibly interplanetary craft, and smaller reconnaissance craft that can land and take off discreetly. He suggests these smaller craft are used for clandestine observation and study of human behavior.

He then explores a potential correlation between UFOs and the "glass cancer" phenomenon, proposing that cosmic clouds composed of calcium, hydrogen, and iron might contain spores. He theorizes that these spores, potentially made of silicon, could travel through space and, upon encountering a suitable atmosphere, become active. He suggests that these silicon-based spores might attack glass, extracting energy and causing it to break, similar to how enzymes break down organic matter.

Gieu concludes by questioning whether UFOs themselves could be carriers of these spores, drawing an analogy to ships and cargo spreading epidemics. He suggests that UFOs, having traveled through these spore clouds, might inadvertently bring them to Earth, potentially explaining the "glass cancer" phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Ouranos are the increasing frequency and international scope of UFO sightings, the need for rigorous scientific investigation, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and the exploration of unusual phenomena like UFO landings and the "glass cancer." The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, advocating for the acceptance of evidence beyond conventional scientific skepticism, while emphasizing the importance of methodical investigation and data collection. The magazine positions itself as a platform for disseminating information and fostering a scientific yet open-minded approach to the UFO mystery.

Title: OURANOS
Issue: 4
Volume: 1
Date: November 1954
Publisher: C.I.E. OURANOS
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of OURANOS magazine, a publication focused on unidentified flying objects (UFOs), presents a comprehensive look at the phenomenon in November 1954. It features a striking cover image of a flying saucer with the bold headline "Les Soucoupes Volantes Diennent d'un Autre Monde!" (Flying Saucers Come from Another World!). The magazine emphasizes scientific investigation, international reports, and a call for calm and rational observation among its readership.

Scientific Investigations and Hypotheses

The issue opens with a discussion on the potential extraterrestrial origin of flying saucers, exploring the hypothesis that spores from alien spacecraft might be responsible for a mysterious "glass cancer" or degradation observed on glass surfaces. The author, while acknowledging this as a hypothesis, calls for rigorous scientific analysis, including electron microscopy, to understand the phenomenon. The article "LE «CANCER DU VERRE » EXISTE" asserts the reality of both glass cancer and flying saucers, urging scientists to study them. It quotes Henri Poincaré's philosophy of critical thinking: "To doubt everything or believe everything are two equally convenient solutions which, from one to the other, dispense us from thinking."

Regional Correspondent Reports

A significant feature is the photograph taken by M. Jacques Baccard, regional correspondent for the Grenoble area (Zone 2), on September 24, 1954. The report details the sighting of a flying saucer, described as dark and ovöid with a fluorescent white perimeter, estimated to be 80 meters in diameter and observed at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,200 meters. The object left a condensation trail and exhibited remarkable speed and maneuverability, reportedly moving at approximately seven times the speed of a supersonic aircraft during its vertical ascent. The object's trajectory and behavior, including a sudden deceleration and the appearance of a trail, are meticulously described, suggesting a propulsion system incompatible with reaction propulsion.

Collaborations and Organizational News

The magazine highlights the growing cooperation between scientific organizations. The Centre de Recherches Scientifiques in Grenoble, led by engineer Jacques Baccard, has established a close collaboration with C.I.E. OURANOS. This partnership aims to pool information and investigative resources, avoiding the dispersion of efforts. The Centre de Recherches Scientifiques itself is a private group focused on Astronomy and Astronautics, with a network extending across several French regions and into Cameroon. They train their collaborators in astronomy and astronautics and maintain a documentation service on related subjects.

Another significant collaboration is with the Institut des Sciences Historiques, represented by its Director-Founder, M. Jean-Pascal Romain. This institute focuses on the historical aspect of UFO sightings, aiming to document and scientifically establish cases from centuries prior to the aviation era. They will leave technical, biological, and esoteric problems to OURANOS, while directing interested individuals to collaborate with the latter.

A conference is announced for December 8, 1954, in Paris, where M. Aimé Michel will speak on "The Problem of S.V. in History and Science" at the Institut des Sciences Historiques. The magazine notes the seriousness with which this historical research body is treating the UFO question.

International Sightings and News

The "Nouvelles Internationales" section provides a roundup of UFO activity across the globe:

• Europe Centrale: Reports emerge from Austria, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia, with observations in Styria, Graz, and Vienna. Prague radio reported loud detonations during the passage of several craft.
• Italie: Sightings along the Adriatic coast and in Mantua are noted. Professor Antonio Eula of the University of Rome suggested they could be experimental military craft, while Professor Giorgio Umani described a "flying cigar" observed in Rimini, ruling out it being a meteorite or a V2 rocket due to its parallel trajectory and maneuverability.
• Pays-Bas: Five observations in September and one in October are reported.
• Portugal: A doubtful observation of two 'Ouraniens' on the Spanish-Portuguese border.
• Suisse: The Federal Council is collecting press clippings and information on UFOs. The aviation and air defense services are also gathering documentation. The general opinion aligns with the conclusions of the American Commission's report. The magazine notes the increased public interest and media coverage in Switzerland.
• Afrique Orientale: Sightings above Dar-es-Salaam, Mombasa, and Nairobi are reported. An astronomer suggests these are visitors from another world, possibly mapping the planet, with increased visits correlating with atomic bomb explosions.
• Egypte: Observations in Cairo, Simblawein, Dékerness, and Alexandria are detailed. A report mentions hundreds observing a spindle-shaped object near Méhalla-el-Kobra. Lieutenant Fahmi Tewrik Azer captured four photos of a turning S.V. above Kantara-Est.
• Canada: The closure of the Shirley-Bay observation post is announced, with the Minister of Transport stating no new expenses are justified. However, it's suggested that Wilbert Smith, the chief electronic engineer, will continue his research independently.

Bibliography and Publications

The "Bibliographie" section lists numerous articles and publications related to UFOs from various French and international newspapers and magazines during October 1954. These include reports from "La Praktiko," "Le Petit Sétifien," "Radio-Je vois tout," "Paris-Match," "Radar," "France-Dimanche," "Ici Paris," "France-Soir," "Paris-Normandie," "Samedi-Soir," "L'Express," "Le Matin" (Brussels), and "Le Témoin du Christ."

Several books are also reviewed or mentioned:

• "Résumé d'une philosophie indépendante et créatrice" by Professor Alfred Nahon.
• "Cours de graphologie intégrale, intuitive, symboliste, logique" by Professor A. Nahon.
• "Recueil des conférences du Professeur A. Nahon."
• "Montségur, la montagne inspirée" by Fernand Niel.
• "Les fantômes que j'ai vus" by Violet Tweedale.
• "Acte de foi" poems by Jean Auvray.
• "Nature et Santé" by D Fougerat.
• "Les troupeaux de la Lune" novel by Léopold Massièra.
• "Fiction" magazine, featuring science fiction and the supernatural.
• "En Vol," the organ of the Aéro-Club du Maroc.
• "Alpha," the organ of the S.F. Fan Club d'Anvers.
• "L'Amitié par la Plume," a literary review.
• "La Voix de l'Artisan, du Commerçant et de l'Industriel."
• "Le Tocsin."

Reader Services and Announcements

The "Avis important concernant le Courrier" section addresses the large volume of letters received, informing readers that the secretariat is being reorganized and that responses will be provided as soon as possible. Readers are asked to include a stamped envelope or international coupon for replies. Orders for the documentation service are processed within eight days.

It is noted that books by Gerald Heard ("Les S. V.") and Donald Keyhoe ("Los S. V. existent") are now out of print. A table of equivalence is provided for current subscriptions to "Ouranos" and "Ouranos-Actualité," which are now merged into a single, denser publication called "OURANOS."

New subscriptions are priced at 800 French francs for France and the French Union, and 1,100 French francs for abroad, effective from September 1st. Back issues are available for purchase.

An announcement regarding "Insignes" (badges) for C.I.E.O. is made, with production contingent on sufficient demand.

Upcoming articles are listed, including "The observations of Vernon," "The USSR and the question of S.V.," "Do German engineers hold the secret of S.V.?", and "S.V. and strange disappearances."

Editorial Stance: "Restez calmes, s. v. p. !" (Stay Calm, Please!)

This section addresses the public's growing panic and misidentification of flying saucers, citing incidents of individuals firing at perceived "Martians" or barricading themselves in fear. The editorial emphasizes several key points:

1. Objects similar to S.V.s have been observed for centuries, and their increased number does not necessarily imply greater danger.
2. No S.V. has ever attacked an aircraft or a person, though accidents may have occurred due to imprudence.
3. Observations of "Ouraniens" suggest their attitude is peaceful and their reactions are defensive.

The advice given is to remain calm, observe precisely, and avoid provocation. Readers are encouraged to enter into contact verbally or through gestures if an S.V. is seen. They are urged to send detailed, objective reports to C.I.E.O. and to protest any misrepresentation of their testimonies in the press. The editorial concludes by advising against mystification and urging readers to use the term "Ouraniens" (meaning "visitors from any part of the sky") instead of "Martians."

Book Promotion: "Les Soucoupes Volantes viennent d'un autre Monde!"

The back cover features a promotion for Jimmy GUIEU's book, "Les Soucoupes Volantes viennent d'un autre Monde!" published by Editions FLEUVE NOIR. The book is described as a logical yet astonishing revelation, presenting the most captivating mystery of all time. It includes 21 photographs and illustrations. The promotion highlights that this is the first French-authored book on the subject to incorporate European observations, particularly from France, alongside Anglo-Saxon and North American data. GUIEU's hypothesis of "visitors from another world" is presented as a well-founded working hypothesis. The book is available through C.I.E.O. and is being translated into English.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFOs, the reporting of international sightings, and the promotion of a rational, non-panicked approach to the phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, emphasizing evidence-based analysis and discouraging sensationalism and fear-mongering. The magazine positions itself as a platform for disseminating information and fostering a community of researchers and interested individuals, advocating for a scientific and historical understanding of UFOs, referred to as "Ouraniens."