Ouranos - Nouvelle Serie - no 11 - 2e trim 1974

Magazine Overview

This issue of OURANOS, identified as No 11 of the Nouvelle série Bimestrielle (New Bi-monthly Series), is the 21st year of publication. The cover prominently features the title "OURANOS" with the subtitle "OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES" (Unidentified Flying Objects) and the main headline "PHENOMENES INEXPLIQUES ET PARAPSYCHOLOGIE" (Unexplained Phenomena and Parapsychology). The issue is dated the second quarter of 1974, with a legal deposit date of "2ème trimestre 1974". The price is listed as 5 F.F. for France and Switzerland, and 6 F.F. for other countries.

Editorial Stance and Publisher Information

OURANOS was founded in 1951 and is published by the UNION DES GROUPEMENTS D'ETUDE DES PHENOMENES INEXPLIQUES (U.G.E.P.I.), an association declared under the law of July 1, 1901. Its registered office is at 22, bd de l'Esplanade, 38000 Grenoble. The magazine is edited by Pierre Delval, who is also the director of publication and chief editor. The assistant editors-in-chief are Francis Schaefer and Yvan Bozzonetti. The secretariat includes Bernard Ambert, Gérard Bonnet, and Pierre Caruana, with photography by Marcel Sanchez. The magazine aims to serve the truth and provide positive explanations for phenomena, rejecting pure skepticism and systematic negation. The editorial emphasizes the importance of solving the mystery of "flying saucers".

Contents and Articles

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

The issue features an editorial, reports on conferences, observation reports, and several articles:

• Editorial: Discusses the magazine's new direction while maintaining its core mission, acknowledging the challenges of continuing the publication after the founder's health issues and financial constraints.
• Nos conférences (Our Conferences): Details a series of conferences given by the magazine's representatives and correspondents across France (Bourg-En-Bresse, Montluçon, Nice, Grenoble), highlighting audience engagement and discussions.
• Rapports d'observations (Observation Reports): A summary of recent UFO sightings from March and April 1974, including detailed accounts from various locations in France and Belgium.
• Présence insolite dans une chambre (Unusual Presence in a Room): An account of a witness experiencing a luminous white ball in his bedroom.
• Les contactés (The Contactees), by Pierre Ensia: This article begins a series exploring individuals who claim to have contact with extraterrestrials, discussing the challenges of communication and the need for objective analysis.
• Dossier photo No 1 & No 2: Features photographs of alleged UFOs.
• OVNI ou ballon? Le cas de Banat (UFO or Balloon? The Banat Case): An article examining a specific case.
• Chronique du paranormal, by René Perot: A regular column on paranormal events.
• OVNI au-dessus d'une ferme (UFO Above a Farm): A report on a sighting.
• Nouvelles internationales de nos correspondants (International News from Our Correspondents): Updates from international contacts.
• Mystérieux objet sur la Lune (Mysterious Object on the Moon): An article discussing a lunar anomaly.
• Un cas peu banal, by G.A.B.R.I.E.L. (An Unusual Case): A specific case study.
• Echos de la presse, communications diverses (Echoes from the Press, Various Communications): A section compiling news and reader communications.

Detailed Article Summaries

Rapports d'observations (Pages 5-7): This section provides a detailed recap of UFO sightings. A wave of observations that began in August-September 1973 ended around April 15, 1974. The reports include:

• March 5, 1974: A disc-shaped object with black spots near Foix, France.
• March 10, 1974: A triangular object with rounded ends and white luminosity near Dudelange, Luxembourg.
• March 11, 1974: Luminous green and orange balls over Enimes, Belgium.
• March 14, 1974: A luminous disc, 5-6 meters in diameter, with a red border, observed near St Nazaire en Royans, France.
• March 19, 1974: An object resembling a luminous daisy with golden petals near Menzac, France.
• March 23, 1974: Five red balls resembling balloons over Lille, France.
• April 13, 1974: An object with varying colors observed near Privas, Ardèche, France.
• April 14, 1974: A dark, solid object shaped like a rugby ball, with multi-colored lights, observed near Courrière-Maillen, Belgium.
• April 16, 1974: A luminous, round object that followed a car near Rouen, France.
• April 18, 1974: A luminous body, about three meters in diameter, observed over Beja, Portugal.
• April 20, 1974: A disc-shaped object with a dome observed over Charleroi, Belgium.
• May 1, 1974: A "red sun" that transformed into a ball and then a cigar shape over Baraque Michel, Belgium.
• May 11, 1974: A cigar-shaped object with three white lights observed over Mont-sur-Marchienne, Belgium.
• May 12, 1974: Multiple objects observed over Ste Agnès, France.

Enquête effectuée par M. H. Depireux (April 14, 1974): A witness near Namur, Belgium, observed a fixed "star" that changed color from yellow to blue to red, which then transformed into a solid, dark mass resembling a rugby ball with red, yellow, and green lights, and a yellow headlight. The object hovered at an estimated 50 meters altitude and moved silently.

Enquête effectuée par M. P. Richard (April 16, 1974): A driver near Rouen, France, observed a perfectly round, incandescent red object, appearing the size of a football, which followed his car for about ten kilometers before disappearing. The driver experienced intense fear and anxiety during the sighting.

Enquête réalisée par MM. Pégon et Delval (May 12, 1974): Near Grenoble, France, witnesses observed three luminous objects. The first two were described as luminous balls, and the third as an oval object with a luminous upper part. These objects moved in formation and disappeared.

Enquête effectuée par M. Jean Nicoll (February 4, 1974): In Carignan, Ardennes, France, a witness observed an immobile cylindrical object emitting a bluish light from its underside and a similar light from its upper part, appearing to rotate like a lighthouse beam. The object then launched "flashes" and departed rapidly in a curve without noise.

Présence insolite dans une chambre (Unusual Presence in a Room): A witness reported experiencing a sharp pain in his back, followed by the appearance of a luminous white ball with blurred contours in his bedroom. The ball moved towards the window, then back towards him, causing another pain, before disappearing. The witness was in a semi-conscious state during the event, and the reality of the experience remains uncertain.

Les contactés (The Contactees), by Pierre Ensia: This article initiates a discussion on individuals who claim to have contact with extraterrestrials. It acknowledges the controversial nature of the topic but argues for objective investigation. The author references George Adamski and his claims of contact with "Venusians," noting similarities with other reported contactee experiences, such as telepathic communication and alleged knowledge of advanced science. The article also mentions other purported contactees and the possibility of psychic influence or manipulation.

Dossier photo No 1: A photograph taken in August 1973 at Pierrefont, France, showing a luminous ball in motion with a visible trail.

Dossier photo No 2: An astronomer observed six unidentified objects moving above a mountain near Saint Vallier de Thiey, France, on January 7, 1974. The objects appeared circular and orange when viewed through a telescope.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and parapsychology. The magazine maintains a stance of objective investigation, seeking positive explanations for these phenomena rather than outright skepticism or denial. It emphasizes the importance of understanding "flying saucers" as a significant issue facing humanity. The articles highlight the global nature of UFO reports and the growing interest in the subject, even among academic and scientific circles, as evidenced by the conferences and detailed investigations presented.

This issue of 'Chronique du Paranormal' (Volume 30, Issue 11, dated March 1968) focuses on the intriguing 'OVNI ou BALLON?' (UFO or Balloon?) question, presenting a detailed case study from Romania and exploring related phenomena.

The Banat Case (Romania 1968)

The central piece of this issue is "LE CAS DE BANAT" by M. Dan Mihailesco, an assistant engineer at the University of Bucharest. The article details numerous OVNI sightings reported in Romania between 1967 and 1969, with a particular focus on events in 1968. Residents of Berzasca reported a triangular OVNI stationary for about an hour. The most significant observations occurred in March 1968, with multiple sightings and photographic evidence captured by meteorologists. The object's behavior was described as bizarre, and it was tracked using theodolites.

Several specific observations from March 29th and 30th, 1968, are meticulously documented:

• March 29, 1968:
• La Montagne de Semenic (4:30 PM): A meteorologist and skiers observed a stationary, sparkling object.
• Tîrgul Jiù (7:50 PM): Two schoolchildren saw a bright, blue-green object moving slowly towards the Southeast. Radio receivers experienced strong interference.
• Semenic Mountains (5:30 PM - 6 PM): Observations of a cone-shaped object, intensely silver, shining in the sun, disappearing into the sunset.
• Tismana Gorj (8:50 PM - 9 PM): Footballers observed a brilliant, blue-green object at high altitude, estimated at 7-8 times the magnitude of Vega. It moved slowly East-Southeast, causing radio disturbances.
• Cuidanovita (10 PM): Engineer Georges Tanase noted a "luminous body" persisting towards the East until the next day.

• March 30, 1968:
• Oravita (2:30 AM): The OVNI was noticed near dawn.
• Oravita (6:10 AM): The object was stationary at an altitude of 45-40° above the horizon.
• Oravita (8 AM): The OVNI was photographed.
• Anina (5 PM): Witnesses observed the OVNI's evolution for two hours.
• Semenic Mountains (5 PM): Its movements differed from the previous day, with a 45° inclination.
• Berzasca (11 AM): The OVNI was stationary for nearly an hour, about 3 km from the Danube.
• Marila: The object appeared from the Southwest, moved South, then reappeared elsewhere, suggesting two objects.
• Cuidanovita (6:30 AM): Employees observed a geometric, cone-shaped object moving in a zig-zag pattern towards the Southwest.
• La Montagne de Semenic (7:50 AM): Tracked by multiple meteorological stations.
• Resita (10 AM): Observed as an isosceles trapezoid, illuminated by the sun.
• Le sommet du Tarcu (10 AM): Slow movement with vertical variations.
• La Montagne de Semenic (4 PM): Reappeared in the same location as March 29th.

The article notes that the analysis of the OVNI's itinerary revealed variations in trajectory, altitude, shape, and color, as well as electromagnetic influences on electronic devices.

Argumentation: OVNI vs. Balloon

Pages 3 and 10 present arguments for and against the identification of the observed phenomena as balloons.

Arguments "POUR" (For Balloon):

1. Convexity: Photos show outward convexity on the triangle's sides, attributed to pressure differences within the balloon and the envelope's resistance.
2. Nighttime Appearance: Superior dimensions at night suggest altitude loss due to cooling gas.
3. Star-like Aspect: The object's appearance at night suggests an intense light source.
4. Altitude and Dimensions: Observed altitudes of up to 40 km and the dimensions of tetrahedral balloons are comparable to calculated OVNI dimensions.

Arguments "CONTRE" (Against Balloon):

1. Prolonged Stationarity: The object remained stationary in atmospheric layers with strong air currents (up to 100 km/h).
2. Variable Direction: Changes in speed and direction, influenced by West-East air currents.
3. Zig-zag Movement: Complex, non-linear movements.
4. Return to Previous Positions: The object returned to previous locations after long, complicated journeys.
5. Superior Altitude: Observed OVNI altitudes were significantly higher than those of tetrahedral balloons.
6. Shape Modification: The object's form changed.
7. Star-like Aspect (Night): The star-like appearance at night suggests an intense light source.
8. Image Distortion: The triangular shape might appear "rounded" due to excessive enlargement of the image on the photograph.

The conclusion leaves the question open: "It remains for us to weigh the pros and cons, in order to identify an OVNI with a stratospheric tetrahedral balloon."

Aura and Kirlian Photography

Pages 4 and 5 feature an article by René PEROT titled "L'AURA" (The Aura), discussing the concept of human auras and the photographic techniques developed to capture them.

• Historical Perspectives: The article references early theories on auras, including those by Caslant (complex visual/auditory sensations), Hascher (oxidation of excretion products), and Hofmann (optical accommodation or retinal fatigue).
• Kilner's Work: It discusses the experiments of Walter Kilner and his attempts to photograph the aura. Monsieur de Fontenay's experiments with Kilner's equipment, however, yielded no results, leading to questions about whether the observed aura was physical or of another order (psychic, calorific, or hygrometric).
• O'Donnel's "Vital Sigh": The article recounts an account from the French magazine "Esculape" (January 1912) about Dr. Patrick O'Donnel claiming to have photographed the "vital sigh" leaving a dying patient's body, describing it as an electrical radiation.
• Kirlian Photography: The development of the Kirlian effect by the Russian couple Kirlian is highlighted. Their method, initially for medical purposes, allowed for the visualization of what is believed to be the aura. The article notes that the Kirlian technique was compared to an electroencephalogram by physicist parapsychologist Adamenko, suggesting potential future applications in natural phenomena research.
• Other Researchers: Mentions of Sir William Barret's findings on sensitives seeing human bodies and movements in darkness, and Pététin's observations of magnetism and crystal attraction on catalepsy patients.
• Personal Reflection: René Perot shares his personal experience with phantom limb pain, attributing it to nerve impulses rather than aura phenomena.

International News

• Argentina: The strange adventure of truck driver Dionisio Yanca is reported. Under hypnosis, Yanca claimed to have spent an hour inside a UFO, experiencing conversations transmitted by a loudspeaker. He stated the craft came from another galaxy and that contact had been established since 1960.
• USA: The discovery of a curious steel sphere on a Florida lawn is mentioned. The US Navy examined it, finding it emitted high-frequency radio waves and was surrounded by a magnetic field. The sphere reportedly rolled and changed direction erratically.
• Canada: Claude Mac Duff, a correspondent from Quebec, is noted for his ongoing work in informing the public about UFOs.
• Antilles: An article from "France-Antilles" discusses local legends about "Soucougnans" or "volants" (flying beings) is referenced, linking them to UFO sightings.
• Côte d'Ivoire: A visit from correspondent M. Estival is mentioned, noting that UFO reports are rare in Africa due to a lack of public awareness.

A Peculiar Case (UN CAS PEU BANAL!)

By G.A.B.R.I.E.L., this section details an observation on the night of February 22, 1974, near Sauvagny (Allier), France. A couple driving on Route N. 694 encountered a perfectly clear area amidst dense fog. They observed a luminous object on the ground, described as a cylinder with a disk on top, about 8 meters high and 3 meters in diameter. The object emitted an intense, dry, white light that did not radiate or illuminate the surroundings, and was not blinding. Inside the illuminated zone, dark, pipe-like forms were observed moving.

The witness reported an intense cold and violent trembling. His wife, sensing danger, urged him to flee. The car accelerated without issue, and the object was last seen about 500-600 meters away before disappearing behind a hill. The area where the object was observed was the only clear spot for 200 km along the route. The couple later filed a report with the gendarmerie, who found no trace at the scene. The article analyzes the para-luminous, para-colored, and para-sensitive phenomena associated with the observation.

Mysterious Object on the Moon

This section briefly discusses a curiosity observed on a photograph from the Apollo 8 mission, showing a long "canon"-like structure on the far side of the Moon, estimated to be 26 km long. The nature of this structure, whether artificial or natural, remains a subject of debate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the paranormal, with a strong focus on UFOs and related phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed accounts, witness testimonies, and scientific or pseudo-scientific analyses. There is a clear effort to document sightings, investigate potential explanations (both conventional and unconventional), and encourage further research. The inclusion of arguments for and against balloon explanations for UFOs, as well as discussions on auras and Kirlian photography, reflects a broad interest in phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. The magazine aims to inform its readers about these occurrences, often presenting them as unexplained mysteries that warrant further investigation.

This issue of OURANOS, a French publication focused on ufology and parapsychology, presents a diverse range of content. The cover story, "COMMENT OBSERVER LES ÉTOILES ?", invites readers to learn about observing celestial bodies. The magazine includes a detailed bibliography of works related to UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, as well as articles on environmental topics and historical mysteries.

Article: The Nature of Para-Luminous Radiation

The first article discusses observations of an object that emitted a "para-luminous" radiation. The author posits that this radiation obeyed the laws of rectilinear propagation and geometric optics, similar to ordinary light. The witnesses' crystalline lenses acted like magnifying glasses. Crucially, this radiation was neither blinding nor dazzling, suggesting that the rhodopsin in the retinal pigment could reconstitute rapidly. The radiation could also penetrate glass, as evidenced by an observation made through a car's windshield. The light emitted did not illuminate surrounding objects, implying it was either absorbed or passed through them. The article concludes that the radiation was completely absorbed by the objects it touched. The text indicates this is a continuation of a previous article.

Bibliography

A comprehensive bibliography is provided, listing 28 books available through the magazine's documentation service. Titles cover a wide spectrum of UFO-related literature, including works by authors such as Jimmy Guieu, Jacques Lob, Jacques Vallee, Charles Fort, and Hyneck. Prices are listed in French Francs (F.) and are stated to be postage-free.

Reader Services and Communications

Several sections cater to reader engagement:

• Subscription Request: A form is provided for readers to subscribe to OURANOS, with options for payment via C.C.P. (bank account), bank check, money order, or postal order. Subscription costs are indicated for six issues, plus an additional amount for two special issues.
• Address Change: Readers are urged to notify the magazine of any address changes to ensure timely delivery.
• Correspondence: Readers are requested to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with their letters to expedite responses.
• Representatives: Contact information for representatives in Switzerland (MM. Jean Wachs) and Belgium (M. Henri Depireux) is provided.
• Communication from F.S.U. Section of Geneva: This section lists tobacco shops in Geneva where the OURANOS magazine can be purchased.
• "LA DALLE DE PALLENQUE": An advertisement for a reproduction of the Palenque slab, depicting a pilot in a "rocket," available in a 50 x 80 cm format for 15 F.
• "RECHERCHONS...": The magazine is seeking back issues, specifically Nos. 1 to 5 of the old formula (1952-1954) and Nos. 1 to 4 of OURANOS-ACTUALITÉS.
• "POUR MIEUX FAIRE CONNAITRE NOTRE REVUE": The magazine is looking for distributors and offers posters.
• COMMUNIQUÉ: Monsieur P. DOMINATI is asked to contact the magazine.

"NOTRE ENVIRONNEMENT" Section

This section previews the contents of the "Les Cévennes" issue, dated April-May. Topics include the electric car, future oil deserts, biological water, replacing petroleum, and infra-sons. A specimen copy is available for 2.00 F. in postage stamps.

"LA VÉRITÉ SUR L'AFFAIRE FATIMA"

This announcement details a planned re-edition of a 1968 fascicule on the Fatima incident. The brochure will be 35 pages, 210 x 270 mm, and is available for a pre-subscription price of 6.00 F., with publication expected in September.

"LA PARALYSIE ET LE MIMÉTISME" Special Issue

OURANOS Special Issue No. 1, a 32-page synthesis of research by the GABRIEL team on the OVNI phenomenon, is still available for 10 F.

LE SIGLE AUTOCOLLANT OURANOS

An advertisement for the triangular red OURANOS sticker, described as a rallying sign for the magazine's friends. It is available for 5 F. for two copies at the magazine's headquarters or through Swiss and Belgian representatives.

Advertising in OURANOS

This section promotes advertising in OURANOS, highlighting its readership of thousands across various demographics and international locations. It emphasizes that the magazine is kept by readers, becoming a valuable reference work, thus offering a good return on investment for advertisers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers ufology, parapsychology, and related mysteries, often presenting detailed research and bibliographies. There is a clear interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, as seen in the articles on para-luminous radiation and the Fatima case. The magazine also engages with contemporary issues like environmental concerns and technological advancements. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, providing readers with information and resources for further exploration.