Ouranos - No 14 - 1er trim 1955

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Ouranos", a French international review dedicated to the investigation of flying saucers (Soucoupes Volantes) and related problems, presents a collection of reports, analyses, and discussions on the UFO phenomenon. The magazine, edited by the COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE D'ENQUÊTE sur les SOUCOUPES VOLANTES, features contributions from various investigators and observers, aiming to provide a serious and detailed account of sightings and related phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Marc THIROUIN, expresses gratitude to the subscribers and supporters of 'Ouranos' for their continued backing over the past four years. He acknowledges the financial challenges in printing but assures readers of the magazine's progress and its reputation for seriousness in the field of UFO research. THIROUIN highlights the organization's sound financial standing and its commitment to improving the presentation and regularity of the publication. He mentions internal reorganizations within the C.I.E.O. necessitated by the growing scope of their tasks. The editorial also promises a more balanced content in future issues, including more space for studies, international news, bibliography, and reader correspondence. THIROUIN concludes by wishing readers a good vacation and urging them to "watch the sky and be vigilant."

Key Articles and Sections

"Du Doux Rêveur au Farfelu" by Jimmy GUIEU

This article addresses the issue of hoaxes and misinterpretations surrounding UFO sightings. GUIEU discusses how some individuals deliberately create fake evidence, such as doctored photographs, while others, due to psychological factors, genuinely believe they have witnessed UFOs or extraterrestrial encounters. He recounts an anecdote about a man named Dupont who claimed to travel to other planets, highlighting the fine line between imagination and delusion. GUIEU criticizes those who mystify the public, whether intentionally or not, as they prejudice the search for truth. He notes that authorities, particularly in France, are beginning to take action against such mystifiers, citing fines issued in 1934 for similar incidents. The author encourages readers to report any UFO observations to the authorities and the Commission d'Enquête, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting for advancing research.

"Accélération et Champ de Forces" by J. N. AUBRUN

This technical article explores the physics behind the extraordinary maneuvers attributed to UFOs, particularly their ability to make sharp turns at high speeds and to stop or accelerate almost instantaneously. AUBRUN analyzes observations, including one by Charles B. Moore in 1949, which suggested speeds between 20,000 and 40,000 Km/hour. He calculates the immense deceleration forces involved in such maneuvers, noting that human pilots would likely not survive them without advanced anti-gravity (anti-g) devices. AUBRUN proposes that UFOs might utilize artificial gravity fields to achieve these feats, allowing the entire craft and its occupants to accelerate uniformly, thus negating the effects of inertia. He references Einstein's theories on relativity and the possibility of creating artificial gravity fields, suggesting that this might be the key to understanding UFO propulsion.

The article includes a 'NOTA' section with data on observed UFO speeds from various sources, including reports from White Sands, the U.S. Air Force, and radar observations. It also contrasts these with human tolerance for acceleration, citing the experiments of Lt. Col. John P. Stapp, who endured extreme g-forces.

"Nouvelles Internationales" (International News)

This section provides a comprehensive list of UFO sightings reported globally from November 1954 to June 1955. It details numerous observations from France (Vosne-Romance, Pont-de-Pany, Fécamp), England (Manche, Sidmouth, Chichester), Belgium, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and various locations in Africa (Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Congo Belge, Egypt, Gabon, Madagascar, Morocco, Tunisia) and the Americas (USA, Canada, Brazil, Venezuela, Guadeloupe, Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand). Each entry typically includes the date, location, and a brief description of the sighting, sometimes mentioning the number of objects or specific details like luminous effects or landing traces.

"Canada. - Le cas de Shirley Bay (suite)"

This report continues the discussion on the Shirley Bay case in Canada, referencing information from the Canadian magazine 'Canada Review' and 'Flying Saucer News'. It suggests that a UFO investigation station at Shirley Bay may have ceased operations, possibly due to the mission being considered complete or due to a lack of significant findings. The article notes the secrecy surrounding UFO investigations in Canada and mentions that the station's associates included individuals from the Ministry of Transport and the Bureau of Research for Defense. The report also draws parallels with an article in 'La Patrie' about a radar station, suggesting that such facilities might serve dual purposes, monitoring both conventional aircraft and UFOs. The author expresses skepticism about the mission being completed in just three months and hints that Wilbert Smith may continue his research independently.

"Rapports d'Enquêtes" (Investigation Reports)

This section details specific UFO encounters investigated by the commission:

• Poncey-sur-l'Ignon (C. d'Or, France) - October 4, 1954 - Landing: Mme Fourneret reported seeing a luminous object, about 3 meters in diameter, hovering and then landing in a field near her home. The object was described as yellow-orange and left a distinct, trapezoidal imprint on the ground, with fresh white worms agitated on the exposed earth.

• Fécamp (France): Mentioned in relation to the Pont-de-Pany report, suggesting an investigation was conducted there as well.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'Ouranos' revolve around the systematic collection and analysis of UFO sightings, the scientific investigation of their physical characteristics and potential propulsion systems, and the challenges posed by hoaxes, misinterpretations, and potential government secrecy. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry, aiming to present factual accounts and reasoned speculation, while acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding the UFO phenomenon. The magazine appears to advocate for open reporting and thorough investigation, contrasting with what it perceives as attempts to dismiss or suppress information.

Title: Ouranos
Issue Date: 1955 (Supplement No. 14)
Country of Publication: France
Language: French
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Ouranos, a French publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena, presents several detailed case studies and analyses from 1955. The magazine emphasizes rigorous investigation and scientific inquiry, while also exploring more speculative hypotheses.

Pont-de-Pany Observation (April 16, 1955)

The lead article details an observation made on April 16, 1955, at 9:05 PM near Pont-de-Pany, 20 km west of Dijon. Investigator M. Charles GARREAU, a member of the Study Committee and regional correspondent for C.I.E.O., documented the event. The object, appearing from the west at an upward angle of 60 degrees, was observed for 55 minutes. Its trajectory initially moved southwest with apparent descent, then shifted west. The object was described as a brilliant white point, larger than a star of the third magnitude, scintillating but without a trail or wake. Atmospheric conditions were clear, with a light wind. The object disappeared over the horizon around 10 PM.

François Bouiller, an 18-year-old, reported seeing the same object taking altitude and heading south, describing it as a "cigar-shaped fuselage of an airplane without wings" with a yellowish-green hue as it moved away. He experienced intense fear. His account corroborated earlier statements by M. Fourneret. Several other locals also reportedly saw the object depart.

The local gendarmerie, led by Captain Millet of the Saint-Seine brigade, conducted an investigation, collecting soil samples which were later tested by Geiger counters in Dijon and Paris, yielding negative results. Despite the lack of definitive evidence, the investigation concluded that a landing had occurred, ruling out a staged event.

M. Decker, Chief Engineer and Director of Special Air Force Equipment, was consulted and, while unable to offer a definitive explanation, considered the landing of an unknown craft "highly probable."

A follow-up observation by M. LENOIR, the mayor of Ste-Marie, on April 24th at 9:15 PM, described a similar object appearing in the same location but moving faster, from northeast to southwest over 30 minutes. The wind conditions at ground level were noted as similar for both observations.

Fécamp Observation (June 4, 1955)

Investigator Marc THIROUIN documented a sighting in Fécamp on June 4, 1955, between 7:40 PM and 7:55 PM. The witness, Captain Jean Ernest CAMUS, director of the Fécamp School of Fishing, described the object as disk or sphere-shaped. It initially appeared white, then orange, possibly due to the setting sun. Its apparent diameter was estimated at 1 to 1.5 feet. The object's trajectory was from the southwest (at about 30 degrees altitude) to the northeast. The observed duration was 15 minutes. The object's altitude was estimated between 4000 and 6000 meters. Its speed was estimated at about 10 degrees per minute. During the observation, a luminous beam, about twenty degrees wide, was perceived emanating from the center of the object on two occasions.

Analysis of the Fécamp Testimony:

Thirouin's analysis explored various speed calculations based on the witness's estimates of altitude, appearance, and disappearance points. Depending on the assumptions made, the calculated hourly speeds ranged from 67 km/h to 108 km/h. The analysis also calculated the average angular displacement per minute. If the object's movement was purely vertical, the speed was calculated at 97.50 meters per minute (14.0025 km in 15 minutes, or 56.250 km/h). If the object moved at 30 degrees above the horizon, the speed was calculated at 2250 meters per minute (33.700 km in 15 minutes, or 135 km/h).

Provisional Conclusion for Fécamp:

Given the object's relatively low speed, its spherical shape, white and then orange coloration, and trajectory, Marc THIROUIN concluded that it was "likely a sounding balloon illuminated by the setting sun, coming from the direction of St-Lot, Cherbourg, or Brest."

Bibliographie and Works

The magazine includes a bibliography section featuring reviews of relevant books and articles.

• "La propulsion des S. V. par action directe sur l'atome" by Lt-Pilot Jean PLANTIER: This work is praised for its scientific interpretation of observed phenomena, building upon previous articles. It is described as accessible to both scientific and lay readers.
• "Les soucoupes, leur provenance, leur but" by L. NOMIS: This book is presented as a metaphysical hypothesis on the nature of S.V. (Soucoupes Volantes) and the evolution of the cosmos.
• "Le Musée vivant" (Paris, March): This section mentions articles on "Soucoupes et des hommes" by M. POLLI FLIFT, "De la cybernétique à Héraclite" by Madeleine FousSEAU, and "Science Fiction" by R. NOVION.

Supplement No. 14: "Inside the Space Ships" by George Adamski

A supplement announces the upcoming publication of George Adamski's "Inside the Space Ships" in English, with 16 photos and illustrations. It encourages readers to place orders to expedite delivery.

Other News and Announcements

• Distinctions Honorifiques: The magazine congratulates its Director, Marc THIROUIN, and Chief of Investigation, Jimmy Guieu, on receiving awards (silver medal and bronze medal, respectively) for their contributions to Arts, Sciences, and Letters.
• Resignation: Marc THIROUIN announced his resignation as president of the French section of AMI (Lausanne) on May 21, 1955.
• Correspondents in Switzerland: The role of General Correspondent for C.I.E.O.-Ouranos in Switzerland, previously held by M. Alfred Nahon, was abolished and replaced by five regional correspondents in Berne, Zurich, Bâle, Geneva, and Coire.
• Conferences: The magazine promises to report on upcoming conferences by Marc THIROUIN and Jimmy Guieu in Paris and Montceau-les-Mines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings and investigations, presenting detailed witness testimonies and attempting to apply scientific analysis. While acknowledging the possibility of conventional explanations like weather balloons, there is an underlying openness to more extraordinary hypotheses, as evidenced by the promotion of Jimmy Guieu's "visitors from another world" theory and the review of Adamski's work. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation, data collection, and open-minded exploration of the UFO phenomenon, with a particular interest in European sightings.