Ouranos - No 29 - 3e trim 1963

Magazine Overview

Title: OURANOS
Issue: № 29
Volume: 12º Année
Publication Type: Monthly
Publisher: Commission Internationale d'Enquêtes Scientifiques (CIES)
Country: France
Language: French
Date: January 1963 (inferred from context of 1963-64 activities and previous issues mentioned)

Editorial: Resumption of Publication and Gratitude

The editorial, written by Marc THIROUIN, the Director, announces the resumption of the publication of OURANOS after a period of interruption. He apologizes for the temporary use of a mimeographed format, explaining that it was due to the printer's annual closure and the impossibility of producing the usual printed version before the end of September. This provisional format, though less attractive, allows for a quicker release and, in fact, contains more text than previous monthly issues.

Thirouin expresses his sincere gratitude to the friends of OURANOS for their messages of sympathy during the publication hiatus and for their unwavering loyalty. He acknowledges the new subscribers who have waited patiently and expresses his deep emotion at their confidence. He then proceeds to explain the reasons for the long interruption.

Reasons for the Interruption

Thirouin details two primary reasons for the extended break in publication:

1. Personal Illness: A prolonged illness progressively forced him to cease all activity. Despite being bedridden, he managed to produce issues 25bis to 28, but could not continue the effort alone.
2. Staffing and Logistical Challenges: Around the same time, the Chief Editor, Y.M. BORNECQUE, left for military service, and Jimmy GUIEU, overwhelmed with work, could not manage the entire burden of the magazine alone. The CIES continued its operations thanks to its correspondents, accumulating articles and information that could not be published.

Upon his recovery, Thirouin faced a massive task of reorganizing documents, updating files, managing accounting, and handling extensive correspondence. The creation of new services, such as PHOTO DOC, required hiring additional personnel, which took months.

Furthermore, the organization encountered severe difficulties in finding new premises. The search for suitable locations was a time-consuming and frustrating process, especially in the region of Southern France, which was experiencing an influx of refugees from Algeria.

Despite these challenges, the CIES managed to publish issue 29. Thirouin emphasizes that this was possible because the administrative work was completed, and they relied on the continued loyalty of their friends.

The Mission of OURANOS and the CIES

Thirouin states that OURANOS has a significant task that justifies its existence: to provide a comprehensive account of new facts, ongoing research, and investigations related to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), also referred to as "Engins Spatiaux de Provenance Inconnue" (ESPI).

He addresses the common perception that the "saucer season" is over, asserting that reports from correspondents worldwide continue to pour in, proving that the "strong-minded" camp has not surrendered. While acknowledging a slowdown in UAP appearances, he refers to a previous article in issue 20 (p. 47) that predicted a cyclical pattern of UAP activity, correlating it with the orbital mechanics of Mars and Earth. This prediction suggested a period of minimum observations between approximately 1957 and 1964, but not a complete absence.

He criticizes sensationalist journalism that exploits the UAP topic for fleeting public interest, alternating between generating wonder and ridicule. The CIES, he asserts, has a role to play in presenting objective truths without misleading the public.

CIES Activities and Future Plans

Over its twelve years of existence, the CIES has diligently gathered information on UAP observations. Its unique approach involves collaboration with leading experts and a permanent investigation service with a qualified network of correspondents who conduct direct interviews, site examinations, and sample analyses.

Due to financial limitations, the magazine cannot publish all the accumulated documentation, which fills three cubic meters of files. However, OURANOS aims to publish the most interesting reports and lesser-known information. The intention is to increase the number of pages published annually to provide a more complete account of new facts, ongoing work, and investigations, including historical observations and traditions from ancient civilizations.

Future research areas include oral traditions of Native Americans, the mysteries of Inca and Egyptian civilizations, and other topics that might shed light on extraterrestrial civilizations and UAP.

Thirouin reiterates that substantial progress has been made in understanding the nature, origin, propulsion, and trajectories of UAP, and it is now widely accepted that these craft are of extraterrestrial origin. He refers to issue 25 for a previous discussion on this topic.

The immediate program for 1963-64 involves synthesizing dispersed data to provide a general explanation of UAP and a theory that accounts for all acquired facts. Additionally, the CIES plans to establish an attitude towards extraterrestrials based on current knowledge, which falls under the branch of Space Law.

Financial Support and Subscription Drive

Thirouin addresses the financial realities of running the CIES and OURANOS. He states that the organization is entirely private and independent, relying solely on member contributions, subscriptions, and voluntary donations. The costs of publication and operation have increased significantly over the past five years, with manufacturing costs rising by approximately 50% and recent increases in typographers' wages. Operating expenses, including correspondence, travel, and administrative costs, also contribute substantially to the budget.

Despite the financial challenges, OURANOS refuses to compromise its mission for profit, believing that an enterprise dedicated to a high, scientific goal, crucial for humanity's destiny, can attract a dedicated elite readership.

To maintain the subscription price at the same level as five years ago, the magazine urgently needs the renewal of all expiring subscriptions. Thirouin thanks subscribers in advance for their prompt action.

He explains that the magazine's financial equilibrium is essential for its penetration into a wider public, which in turn facilitates its prospecting efforts. He also invites suggestions for improving the magazine's effectiveness.

Thirouin concludes by wishing readers happy holidays and a productive 1963-64, expressing his cordial sentiments.

Subscription and Membership Information

The issue includes details on subscription rates for France and abroad (15 F / 18 F for annual subscription, 1.50 F / 1.80 F per issue). It also outlines membership options for the CIES: Sympathizing Member (10 F), Active Member (20 F), and Benefactor Member (30 F). Membership includes an individual card, and meetings will be organized.

Service Mondial de Documentation "PHOTO DOC"

This section announces the creation of a new service, "PHOTO DOC," which offers periodic diffusion by photocopy of original documents related to UAP from French and foreign press, as well as unpublished materials. This monthly service provides approximately 500 documents per year. Special urgent dispatches can be sent if needed. The subscription cost is 200 F per year.

The "Service Librairie" offers a complete list of books on UAP and can procure English and American publications. It also announces the re-edition of OURANOS issues 1 to 7 (approximately 70 pages) for 18 F, available in November. Subscribers to René SAMSON's book "Les Habitants des autres mondes" can deduct their previous payment from this price.

Several quotes are included, notably from O. ANGELUCCI, Charles FORT, and La ROCHEFOUCAULD, reflecting on human resistance to the unknown, the nature of progress, and the limitations of mediocre minds.

Observations Section

This section presents a systematic compilation of UAP observations, excluding those easily confusable with known objects or natural phenomena. The observations are categorized by country:

France

• January 22, 1961 (Gironde): Unknown object's evolutions in the sky.
• July 1, 1961 (Cannes): Elongated object, silent, passing at 45º, turning east. Followed by a Caravelle and a Comet.
• November 1, 1961 (Nîmes): Lunar white disc, high speed, sudden disappearance.
• November 6, 1961 (Nîmes): White-silver oval object, immobile, then rocking and disappearing.
• December 14, 1961 (Nîmes): Two lunar white discs, succeeding each other at high speed.
• April 25, 1962 (Linard): Two luminous points of changing color evolving for 46 minutes.
• May 7, 1962 (Bikini, near Creysse): Large red ball with smaller spheres detaching and rejoining, lasting over an hour.
• May 11, 1962 (Nice): Small luminous disc, white, blue, red, initially immobile, then describing a semicircle and disappearing at low speed.
• July 19, 1962 (Mios, near Mérignac): Luminous point brighter than Echo I satellite, passing lower on the horizon for 5 minutes.
• August 1-2, 1962 (Castelsarrasin): Oval object changing color (red, orange, blue) at night.
• August 29, 1962 (Le Vauriat): Four hovering objects resembling a straw clump with beams, leaving white residue. Important observation.
• December 7, 1962 (St-Nazaire): Red rectangle leaving a luminous trail, moving slowly at high altitude.
• Undated (Toulouse Astronomy Society): "Apparition of engines moving slowly at low altitude, remaining stationary for over 30 seconds," not identifiable as conventional aircraft.
• January 18 or 19, 1963 (Clamart): Orange, hazy, cigar-shaped formation, descending slowly and disappearing behind houses. Possibly a sunlit cloud, but a similar object was observed in Nov. 1954.
• May 28, 1963 (St-Féliu-d'Avall): Three incandescent "stars" with a halo, immobile, followed by two smaller luminous balls detaching.
• July 8, 1963 (Nice): Three "stars" in a vertical line, rotating and projecting colored flashes, one moving southeast.

Additionally, M. André Castou, a CIES member, continues to report numerous observations of fixed or blinking luminous points, some appearing to return at fixed times.

South America

• 1962 Statistics: Argentina reported 33 diverse observations, 2 car flyovers, 7 landings, 2 passenger observations, and 4 photographed passages. Brazil reported 14 diverse observations, 1 car flyover, 1 landing, 1 passenger observation, and 1 photographed passage. One landing involved 7 ESPI, one left burn marks, and one left ground stains.
• Reported Effects: Some object passages coincided with radio receiver stoppage, motorcycle engine failure, truck immobilization, and a cypress park fire.
• Observed Forms: Group flights and various shapes were reported, including luminous points, balls, cigars, saucers, "little houses," and "demijohns with two necks."
• June 10, 1963 (General Roca, Argentina): A yellowish-green "little moon" object flew over the city for 5 minutes before disappearing. Authorities ruled out an airplane.

England

• May 20, 1962 (London): A luminous globe of irregular shape encountered a Viscount aircraft at high altitude (over 800 km/h).
• Bristol: Unidentified object observed south-west of the city.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of UAP observations despite public skepticism, the cyclical patterns predicted in UAP activity, and the scientific methodology employed by the CIES and OURANOS to study these phenomena. The editorial stance is one of serious, scientific inquiry, advocating for objective reporting and analysis, and appealing for continued reader support to sustain this crucial research. The magazine positions itself as a vital platform for disseminating information on UAP, aiming to contribute to a deeper understanding of these events and their potential implications for humanity.

Title: OURANOS
Issue: 34.198
Publication Date: 3rd quarter 1963 (dated September 30, 1963, for deposit)
Publisher: OURANOS
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of OURANOS, a French magazine focused on ufology and anomalous phenomena, presents a collection of recent and historical reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), strange aerial events, and related investigations. It includes detailed accounts from various locations, scientific speculation, and reader contributions.

Recent Sightings and Incidents

United Kingdom

Charlton, Wiltshire (July 14, 1963): A peculiar crater, approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and 0.3 meters deep, was discovered in a field. Four grooves extended from its edges, forming a sort of star. The surrounding rye was flattened, but there was no sign of fire. Army detectors indicated the presence of a metallic object. Captain John Rogers, an artificer, described the grooves as unlike any known projectile, suggesting a heavy circular object with four thick arms had impacted the ground and disappeared. Initially, the Army considered a delayed World War II bomb, but no explosion was heard. A meteorite was then considered. An astrophysicist from the Woomera missile testing center in Australia, Dr. Robert Randall, reportedly visited the site and suggested the excavation was caused by the forced landing of a 150-meter diameter, 600-ton ESPI (presumably a type of craft or object) that landed on four legs. The Royal Society claimed no knowledge of this Australian scientist. Local inhabitants reported seeing the sky ablaze on the evening of July 13th, the day before the crater's discovery. After ten days of excavation, the British Army found a metallic fragment the size of a hen's egg, which the British Museum identified as simple terrestrial pyrite. More recently, four other craters were reportedly discovered in Scotland. The magazine notes that obtaining official details would be difficult due to the Army's involvement and that two deputies planned to question the government in Parliament.

Bristol (July 30-31, 1963): During the night, an immobile orange fireball was observed in the sky for about 10 minutes. An hour later, a similar object traversed the sky at a fantastic speed.

Italy

Milan (December 1, 1961, 2 PM): A disc with a dome was observed hovering silently at low altitude, intermittently stopping, by three witnesses and photographed.

Near Casciano (around April 12, 1962): An approximately 10-meter diameter craft, brown in color and resembling two stacked saucers, hovered a few meters above the ground. A cylinder descended from it, and two beings about 1.50 meters tall, human-like in appearance, emerged. They wore a type of copper-colored armor and helmets with antennae. The witness, a local tailor, reported that the beings entered the craft, which then spoke to him in Italian. The magazine notes that further details are being sought.

Near Legnano (near Milan) (around April 12, 1962): An unknown craft with numerous lights flew over two cars, landed on the road, and then departed. The two couples in the cars stopped and heard no noise.

Milan (evening, April 25, 1962): A circular object with a dome, emitting a bright red glow, passed at low altitude for nearly a minute over witnesses (an American couple and their children).

Verone (around 1 AM, June 25, 1962): A whitish then greenish object was observed. From 1 AM to 3 AM, residents of a neighborhood felt intense cold. Three witnesses claimed to have seen in a room "an enormous thing surrounded by a greenish glow, extending its arms." One witness fainted.

Trente (night, August 1962): A "brilliant orange" object descended vertically over the town, hovered for about 15 minutes, then ascended, emitting green light signals before disappearing. Several witnesses.

Milan (night, December 19-20, 1962): A night watchman, Francesco Rizzi, heard a whistling sound while on duty in a textile factory courtyard. He saw a metallic, circular craft with a turret, hovering 5 meters above the ground. A small being, about one meter tall, with a dark face, wearing a luminescent bluish suit and a dark helmet, emerged from the turret. The being gestured for Rizzi to approach, but another being emerged from the craft and signaled the first to return. The craft then ascended and disappeared in white smoke. Rizzi reported the incident to the police.

Lake Maggiore (December 20, 1962): The captain and two sailors of the ferryboat "St-Gothard" observed a disc-shaped object hovering about 20 meters above the water. It then moved at high speed parallel to the lake surface before ascending slowly. At altitude, the object, about fifteen meters in diameter and resembling an English helmet, began to sparkle. It was then joined by another similar object, and they flew off towards Milan (Southeast).

Piove di Sacco (near Padua) (February 6, 1963): A disc surrounded by an aura landed, and a human-like being wearing a cellophane suit was observed nearby. The being entered the craft, which then took off. The witness, a 21-year-old painter, claimed to have taken four photos. The magazine notes that confirmation of this testimony could not be obtained.

Ancient Observations

Lyon (1793): An article in "Le Miroir de l'Histoire" (No. 107, Nov. 1958) by Georges BIDEAU mentions an annotation regarding Jacobins imprisoned in Lyon in May 1795. It states that "troubling observations: gazettes of that era report that the Lyonnais observed fireballs moving at prodigious speed in the sky above the city." The magazine requests readers with access to these gazettes to provide corroborating information.

Near St-Gervais (around October 1958): Two workers returning home were enveloped by a bright light. They saw an enormous star-like object directly overhead, which divided into several parts of different colors. The object extinguished before touching the ground, followed by several detonations resembling bombs. The men reported feeling intense heat. The description suggests a meteorite, but the extreme luminosity and heat suggest a very large one. The object's apparent size was described as enormous, but smaller than the sun. The report also recalls a significant temperature increase recorded at La Baule on August 18, 1961, by an infrared detector during the passage of an ESPI over the local climatological station.

Windshield Breakages (Parebrisite)

Denmark (Early 1963): Over a six-week period, about thirty motorists driving on a road between Kajeroed and Hoevelte on Sealand experienced their windshields shattering. The phenomenon, termed "parebrisite," is not new and has no satisfactory explanation. Two categories are identified: 1) destruction following what appears to be a fireball explosion in front of the car; 2) spontaneous destruction, isolated or in series, often on a specific road sector.

Scientific hypotheses for the first category include meteorite impact or ball lightning, but these are deemed unsatisfactory due to potential damage to the car and the lack of correlation with stormy weather for ball lightning. For the second category, explanations like car vibrations, road conditions, glass aging, atmospheric electromagnetism, and temperature have been proposed, but no definitive correlation has been established.

A report from the Teknologisk Institut in Copenhagen, provided by Palle Bang, suggests a theory for tempered safety-glass windshields: a stone lodged in a tire's tread could be ejected at high speed when the tire section reaches a certain velocity, striking the road and being projected upwards. If the stone hits the windshield at the right height, it could break the glass. This theory is supported by Bang's personal experience where a stone projected forward by his vehicle broke his laminated safety-glass windshield. The report notes that these accidents decreased in spring when gravel was less prevalent.

The magazine's author, Marc THIROUIN, finds this theory unlikely for several reasons, including the car's bodywork potentially preventing stones from being projected forward. He questions how a series of such aberrant cases could occur in a limited area within a short period, noting that these incidents happened primarily in winter. The report from the Danish Institute is criticized for omitting details like ambient temperature, atmospheric electrical state, terrain configuration, and proximity to high-tension lines, which could be relevant. THIROUIN concludes that physical terrestrial causes are unlikely and that this phenomenon remains as mysterious as spontaneous combustions, suggesting a common underlying mystery linking various unexplained events.

Reflections on Orthoteny

Yves VERNET discusses the theory of "orthoteny," suggested by Aimé MICHEL. This theory posits that UFOs follow pre-established flight paths, possibly guided by a system similar to radio direction finding, to systematically survey inhabited areas within a solar day. This program could be established from a high-altitude, possibly invisible, space-based observation platform. The system would involve identifying optimal takeoff points and flight lines. Networks of aerial photographs would be used to select suitable landing sites. The theory also considers experiments with various rays on humans and mobile objects, and the potential for identifying military bases and testing aircraft capabilities through simulated attacks. VERNET speculates that these activities could be preparations for a planetary invasion, possibly already in progress on other worlds.

He poses questions about defense capabilities against such advanced craft, mentioning reports of paralyzing waves capable of immobilizing living beings and equipment. He suggests that the secrecy surrounding "Ouranian" activity, maintained by official commissions, is part of this preparation. VERNET concludes with a sense of urgency, implying that humanity is unaware of an impending threat.

Soviet News

Life on Other Planets: The issue touches upon the scientific discussion regarding the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Professor Dimitry MARTYNOV of the State Astronomical Institute suggests that beings with physiologies vastly different from ours, such as those breathing ammonia and hydrogen, might exist on planets like Jupiter. Professor OPARINE of the Academy of Sciences opposes this, deeming it premature until it's understood if life can exist under conditions different from Earth's. The magazine notes the discovery of a petroleum-based fauna and fossilized microorganisms in meteorites, and the possibility of life existing within the Moon, where temperatures are more constant and gases and a suitable medium for vegetation and animal life might be present, as suggested by Alexandre DEITCH of the Poulkovo Observatory. The discovery of a lunar volcano (Alphonse) by Nicolas KOZYREV is cited as evidence of internal heat and gases on the Moon.

Mail and Bibliography

Courrier: This section includes brief notes from correspondents. M. ANSELMO reports a satellite possibly over Oran. M. H. PREVOST and M. LAUNSTORFER offer thanks and agreement on previous points. M. J. FABRY recalls a commission report about a landing and an ozone smell, relating it to his experience as an electrician seeing a fluorescent craft. The magazine appeals to correspondents worldwide to submit their 1963 observations to help complete their statistics.

• Bibliography:
• "Le Livre des Damnés" by Charles FORT is available again. Readers who previously ordered but did not receive it are asked to reorder.
• Two recent books are recommended: "LES EXTRATERRESTRES" by Paul THOMAS (MISRAKI) and "LES CAHIERS DE COURS DE MOISE" by Jean SENDY. These books reportedly deal with the origin of humanity and its possible original relationship with extraterrestrials.

Editions "France-Empire" and "Fleuve Noir" Reviews

This section reviews several books, primarily in the science fiction and thriller genres:

• "Les Forbans de l'espace" by Jimmy Guieu (Anticipation): Praised as one of Guieu's best novels, noted for its coherent plot, original ideas, suspense, scientific plausibility, and evocative power.
• "La Fièvre rouge" by M.A. Rayjean (Anticipation): Described as a simple yet effective story by Rayjean, painting vivid, realistic, and poetic depictions of an atmosphere influenced by realism and poetry. It tells of Incas allied with "Sidorians," involving a reporter and his fiancée.
• "La Saison des assassins" by Geoffrey Wagner (Grand Romans): Recommended for readers who enjoy adventure, war, and love stories, set during World War II commandos. The author is a professor of English literature at Columbia University.
• "Meurtre inclus" by M.G. Braun (Espionage): Introduces the dangerous character Nora in a jungle setting, posing the question of whether a tiger becomes a cat and if a secret mission succeeds.
• "L'Embuscade" by André Caroff (Spécial Police): Compared to a detective novel with a writer drawn into a diamond-related story, questioning which of three characters will best fulfill their promises. The writing is praised for its depth.
• "L'Ombre du vampire" by Maurice Limat (Angoisse): Praised for its evocative style in both horror and anticipation genres, creating a symphony of passion and sorcery in the Amazonian jungle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, historical accounts of similar events, and attempts at scientific or speculative explanations. There is a clear interest in UFOs, potential extraterrestrial contact, and the broader implications for humanity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and the collection of data, while also highlighting the mysterious and potentially unsettling nature of these phenomena. The publication seems to lean towards the more speculative and investigative aspects of ufology, as evidenced by the discussion of orthoteny and the Soviet news section on extraterrestrial life.