Ouranos - No 26 - juillet 1961

Magazine Overview

Title: Ouzanos
Issue: No. 26
Volume: 10th Year
Date: July 1961
Publisher: COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE D'ENQUÊTES SCIENTIFIQUES (C.I.E.S.)
Country: France
Language: French
Price: France 1.50 NF, Foreign 1.80 NF

This issue marks a significant shift for Ouzanos, transitioning to a monthly publication from its previous bi-monthly schedule. The editorial team explains this change is to better keep pace with current events and ensure more regular delivery. The magazine also announces a return to its core focus: the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOS), now referred to as ESPI (Engins Spatiaux de Provenance Inconnue – Spacecraft of Unknown Origin). While other related topics like astronautics and cybernetics will be covered in separate information sheets, the primary content will center on ESPI.

Editorial and New Terminology

The editorial highlights the reasons for adopting the new term ESPI. The term 'flying saucer' is deemed too restrictive, as witnesses describe objects of various shapes (elliptical, conical, spherical, etc.). The term OVNI (Objet Volant Non Identifié – Unidentified Flying Object) is considered too broad and inaccurate, as the observed phenomena often exhibit characteristics of controlled craft, making them identifiable 'engines' rather than simply 'unidentified objects'. The term MOC (Mystérieux Objet Céleste – Mysterious Celestial Object) is also found to be too vague. ESPI is presented as the most rational and precise term.

The magazine also announces that Aimé Michel, who has long been involved with the study committee, will now serve as the scientific advisor.

Investigation: A Landing in Cérons (Gironde)

This section details an investigation into an incident that occurred in Cérons, France, on the night of July 18-19, 1958. The primary evidence consists of distinct traces found in a meadow belonging to Mme Claire Ducau. The traces were discovered by her workers on the morning of July 19th.

**Key Findings from the Cérons Investigation:

• Traces: Four concentric circles were observed, with impressions approximately 5 to 6 cm wide. Circle No. 3 showed impact points of about 15 mm deep, spaced regularly, suggesting small landing gear.
• Grass Condition: In some areas within the circles, the grass was flattened in a clockwise direction. In other areas, the grass was cut to about 2 cm from the ground. The grass was covered in dew, with a layer of soil dust on the flattened areas.
• Central Depression: At the center of the circles, an oval-shaped area, approximately 50 cm by 30 cm, was completely devoid of grass, with the earth heavily compressed. Within this oval, a conical hole was found, measuring 10 cm in opening and 15 cm deep.
• Witnesses: The discovery was reported to the local gendarmerie. The mayor of Barsac, Jean Bernadet, and Louis Lacoste, an investigator for C.I.E.S. Ouranos, were involved in the on-site examination.
• Alternative Explanations: A local explanation suggested an 'attelage' (horse-drawn carriage) rotating around a blocked wheel, with the animal's legs and the carriage parts creating the circles. However, this was dismissed by the investigators and local residents.
• Newspaper Coverage: The newspaper 'Sud-Ouest' also covered the event, noting that the traces were fresh and that no nomadic encampment or unusual activity had been observed, leaving the mystery unresolved.

Investigator Reports:

• M. Louis Lacoste: Confirmed the absence of magnetic anomalies. Described the circles, impact points, flattened and cut grass, and the central oval depression with a hole. He noted the grass was cut to 2 cm and that the details suggested small landing gear.
• M. Jean Bernadet: Corroborated Lacoste's findings. He noted that the grass was simply flattened in the concentric circles but cut in a specific area. He also mentioned that the traces of two wheels near the circles were not very clear and did not indicate a vehicle turning. He later learned that these specific wheel traces might have been caused by a hay rake, and therefore should be disregarded. He emphasized that the central pivot and the details on the third circle were unique and could not be explained by conventional vehicles. He also noted the lack of police reports on small impacts.

Observations Across France (Early 1961)

This section compiles numerous UFO sightings reported across metropolitan France during January, February, and March 1961.

• January 1961:
• Muncq-Nieurlet (P.-de-C.): A large red ball, turning pink, hovered for 10 minutes before disappearing in a burst of sparks.
• Cestas-Gazinet (Gironde): An oblong, orange 'fluorescent' object was observed. The witness, a Bordeaux University professor, reported his car's ignition failing during the sighting. Three instructors also saw a luminous triangular object that rose, dimmed, and vanished.
• Cestas-Magnage (Gironde): Two round objects, 'flame-orange' in color, were seen at high altitude.
• Saucat (Gironde): An elongated object appeared at low altitude, surrounded by a red-orange glow.
• Parentis (Gironde): A bright, stationary light was seen in the sky.
• Caudos and Sanguinet (Gironde): A moving light was observed.
• Calviac (Dordogne): A red disc, moving slowly or rapidly, was seen nightly.
• Preignac: A large, luminous 'comet' moved at medium altitude, split into two, and disappeared.
• Trappes-La Boissière (S.-et-O.): A very bright white point was observed, changing intensity and direction, appearing faster than a jet.
• Saint-Omer (P.-de-C.): An oval, bright red object was seen, followed by a green star hovering over the town, emitting 'flashing lights'.
• Lille (Nord): A luminous point grew rapidly, stopped, appeared as a flattened yellow-orange disc, then moved away with a sharp turn.
• Guise (Nord): An unusually bright 'star' was observed.
• Entzheim (Bas-Rhin): A fireball exploded on the road, shattering a car's windshield with intense smoke, but leaving no trace of the projectile.
• Palalda (Pyr.-Or.): An oval luminous object moved at high speed, estimated at over 1,000 km/h.

Subscriptions and Donations

The magazine thanks its readers for their continued support through subscriptions and donations, listing several contributors and the amounts received. It also notes that subscribers who renewed before April 30, 1960, will receive extra issues due to the increased publication frequency.

Announcements and Communications

• Marc Thirouin's Recovery: The director, Marc Thirouin, is recovering well and expects to return soon.
• Publication Schedule: Ouzanos will now be published monthly. Subscribers will receive double the number of issues remaining on their subscription.
• Future Content: A project is being considered to cover topics like Astronautics, Antigravitation, Satellites, Cosmic Rockets, Astronomy, Cybernetics, Cosmic Civilization, and Space Law in a separate publication, contingent on reader interest.
• Press Clippings: Readers are urged to send in press clippings related to UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena.
• Contest Results: Results for Contest No. 25 are delayed due to postal issues and will be published in the August issue.
• Book Announcement: A new book by M. René Samson, 'Les Habitants des Autres Mondes' (Inhabitants of Other Worlds), is available for pre-order at a special price until October 1, 1961.
• Address Changes: Readers are reminded to include a stamped envelope for address changes.

Book Review

A section advertises 'FACE AUX SOUPCOUPES VOLANTES' (Facing the Flying Saucers) by Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, translated by R. Jouan. It highlights Ruppelt's authority as the former head of the U.S. Air Force's UFO research (Project Blue Book).

Radar Observation

An account of a radar observation on February 5, 1961, near Paris, describes a stationary, immobile plot of constant shape. The object showed brilliance fluctuations and faded completely. Technical limitations prevented precise altitude measurements, but extreme altitudes were estimated between 8,500 m and 14,000 m. The observation ruled out weather balloons and meteorological phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of physical evidence of UFO landings, the classification and terminology of unidentified aerial phenomena, and the compilation of numerous sightings across France. The editorial stance is one of rigorous investigation, aiming for precise terminology (ESPI) and encouraging reader participation through reports and subscriptions. The magazine positions itself as a serious platform for studying these phenomena, distinct from sensationalism, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the 'idea of interplanetary travel'. The commitment to detailed reporting and scientific inquiry is evident throughout the issue.