Ouranos - No 21 - 3e trim 1957

Magazine Overview

Title: OURANOS REVUE INTERNATIONALE

Issue: N° 21

Publisher: COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE D'ENQUÊTE SUR LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES

Country: France

Language: French

Description: Ouranos is presented as the sole French-language, international, documentary, and scientific review dedicated to the study of 'flying saucers' and associated issues. The magazine is published by the Commission Internationale d'Enquête sur les Soucoupes Volantes (C.I.E. OURANOS), an organization comprising top experts in the field, supported by a global network of investigators.

Key Articles and Investigations

This issue prominently features detailed reports on three significant "unidentified flying object" (UFO) landing incidents that occurred in France during April and May 1957.

1. Vins-sur-Caramy (Var), April 14, 1957

Investigated by Jimmy Guieu, head of the C.I.E. OURANOS investigation service, and assisted by Pierre Ayraud from Radio Monte-Carlo. Three local residents, Mesdames Garcin and Rami, and Mr. Jules Boglio, reported witnessing a metallic, cone-shaped object land on the road. The object, described as resembling a large spinning top, was approximately 1.50 meters high and 1 meter in diameter. Upon landing, a loud, metallic noise was heard, which seemed to emanate from a nearby road sign that vibrated intensely. The object then lifted off, tanguing side to side, and landed again briefly in a dirt path. During the event, magnetic deviations were detected on the road signs and an irrigation valve, but not on the ground at the landing sites. The investigation included interviews with witnesses and a review of the gendarmerie's report, which vouched for the credibility of the witnesses.

2. Palalda (Pyr.-Orient.), April 22, 1957

This case was investigated by Jimmy Guieu, Dr. Marcel Pagès, and Jacques Verpillot. The primary witnesses, Mr. and Mrs. Firmin Basou, reported hearing an unusual noise and then seeing a large vortex of red and blue flames descending over their vineyard. The object, described as conical with a diameter of about 5 meters at its top, hovered at a low altitude, causing the surrounding vegetation to agitate violently. The ground beneath the object was described as being "swept" by a powerful force. The object then ascended rapidly and disappeared. Magnetic tests conducted later revealed significant magnetic deviations on a metal fence post near the landing site, with a deviation of 30 degrees. An addendum notes that a subsequent magnetic examination a month later revealed an inverted magnetic deviation on one of the posts.

3. Beaucourt-sur-Ancre (Somme), May 10, 1957

Investigated by Marc Thirouin, director general of C.I.E. Ouranos, Y. de Saint-Aubin, and Jules Becquet. Witnesses, including Michel Fekete, René and Renée Lepot, and René and Renée Iklef, reported seeing a bright light on the road accompanied by three human-like silhouettes, shorter than 1.50 meters, dressed in grey-beige. The light pulsed between white and red. After a car passed, the light reappeared higher in the sky and moved away silently. Following the event, investigators found about a dozen black, tar-like stains on the road, forming a circular area. These substances were analyzed and preliminarily identified as asphalt, though their presence and characteristics were unusual. The investigation also noted the silence of the phenomenon and the magnetic effects observed in the previous cases.

Supporting Information and Editorial Stance

The magazine includes a catalog of "Ouranos" documentation center, listing books and publications related to flying saucers, with prices indicated in French Francs (FF). It also provides subscription details for the review, including annual rates for France and abroad, and single issue prices. The editorial stance is encapsulated by a quote from Spinoza: "It is neither to affirm nor to deny, but to understand."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Ouranos strongly emphasizes a scientific and investigative approach to the phenomenon of flying saucers. The detailed case reports, including witness testimonies, technical measurements (magnetic deviations), and analysis of physical evidence (traces on the ground), underscore the magazine's commitment to rigorous documentation. The recurring theme is the exploration of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a focus on gathering and analyzing data to understand their nature. The editorial stance, as indicated by the Spinoza quote, is one of objective inquiry, seeking to comprehend rather than to immediately accept or dismiss the phenomena. The magazine also highlights the international scope of its investigations and the involvement of experts from various fields, including engineering, science, and law enforcement.

This issue of Ouranos, dated the 3rd quarter of 1957, is primarily focused on the investigation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related scientific theories. It features detailed reports on specific incidents, theoretical physics discussions, and updates on astronautics and planetary research.

Beaucourt Incident Investigation

The magazine dedicates significant space to the Beaucourt incident, presenting a critical analysis of the official explanation provided by Mayor Maurice Châtelain. The official version, which attributed the sightings to cows and a storm lantern, is challenged by the publication of photos, diagrams, and explanations that demonstrate the implausibility of such confusion, especially for experienced railway workers who are familiar with lights. The article emphasizes the credibility of the eyewitnesses, describing them as respectable and honest individuals. It also notes the mayor's apparent embarrassment and his reliance on the gendarmerie's report, while acknowledging the witnesses' sincerity.

A separate observation by Mr. and Mrs. Laine, who reported an orange glow in a field near the Decuperr farm, is presented as more significant and less likely to be a prank. This observation, made on the night of May 11-12, adds another layer to the Beaucourt mystery.

Magnetic Measurements

An investigation into magnetic measurements in Beaucourt revealed no significant deviations near the observed spots. However, iron T-stakes bordering a hill did show magnetic properties. The report, authored by engineer Jean Champbeyrat, stresses the complexity of interpreting such findings and the need for further expertise to analyze the alloy composition of examined metallic parts and consider local magnetic influences.

Theoretical Physics Discussions

The issue delves into theoretical physics, presenting hypotheses on space, gravity, and quantum mechanics.

Space, Gravity, and Life

Maurice Lenoir, an engineer and member of the C.I.E. OURANOS's Anti-Gravity Study Commission, presents his 'space-energy' hypothesis. This theory suggests that space is a vibrating medium, and its characteristics (wavelength, frequency) define its properties. He proposes that gravity is a reaction of this space to the presence of an inert body, causing compression and depression in the surrounding space, which in turn resists movement (inertia).

Lenoir also discusses Marco Todeschini's 'space-substance' theory, which views space as a substantialized fluid whose movements create physical phenomena. He contrasts this with the 'space-time' concept of Einstein, highlighting the limitations of relativity and the need for a more unified theory.

Quantum Mechanics and Wave Mechanics

The article touches upon quantum physics, referencing Max Planck's 'quantum of action' and the concept of discontinuous energy transfer through 'photon bonds.' It also references L. de Broglie's work on wave mechanics and his difficulties in explaining its probabilistic interpretation, suggesting a potential for a new unified physics that bridges quantum and relativistic theories.

International News and Research

Soviet Mars Observations

Results from Soviet observations of Mars in August-September 1956 are discussed. Professor A.-I. Lebedenski suggests Mars is more conducive to life than previously thought, noting abundant water and the possibility of algae causing red coloration. Observations of bright clouds on Mars are compared to terrestrial clouds, and the polar caps are identified as clouds of suspended particles. The potential for life in sheltered valleys is also mentioned.

Paris 'Flying Boat' Incident

A report by François Couten investigates an incident on June 3, 1957, where an orange and green object was observed in Paris. The press attributed it to reflections from 'bateaux-mouches' (sightseeing boats) on the Seine. However, Couten's investigation, including interviews with boat personnel and witnesses, refutes this explanation, noting the object's characteristics did not match the boats' lights and that the object was also seen in other locations.

Japanese Mars Observations

Japanese astronomers, led by Shotaro Miyamoto, conducted observations of Martian clouds, noting changes in their coloration from whitish to orange and then yellow. Their study provided new data on atmospheric pressure distribution on Mars, drawing parallels to tropical storms on Earth.

New Perspectives in Astronautics

François Couten reports on five conferences held in Paris concerning astronautics. Key conclusions include the inadequacy of conventional rocket technology for interplanetary travel and the necessity of atomic propulsion. The recent discovery by physicists T. D. Lee and C. N. Yang is highlighted as making direct atomic propulsion for spacecraft a realistic possibility.

Bulletin Interieur

This section details the activities of the C.I.E. OURANOS, including the Study Committee's meeting, which focused on investigations in Vins, Palalda, and Beaucourt. Marc Thirouin expresses gratitude to members and correspondents and outlines new organizational projects aimed at improving investigation services and accelerating the use of acquired results. The general director's availability is noted as being by appointment only.

Call for Support

The magazine concludes with a call for support for the C.I.E. OURANOS's action to gather and verify information on UFOs. It outlines the considerable resources required for this task, including optical equipment, material analysis, on-site investigations, and communication. The organization relies on its members and donations, and a subscription is opened to fund its efforts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), the critical examination of official explanations, and the exploration of theoretical physics concepts related to space, gravity, and matter. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards conventional explanations and a commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry, encouraging public support for their research efforts. The magazine also demonstrates an interest in international scientific developments, particularly in astronomy and physics.