Ovni 43 - No 03 - mars 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 3 of O.V.N.I. 43, dated March 1978, marks a significant change in its publication format. The magazine, previously monthly, will now be published bimonthly. This decision was made at the request of readers, indicating continued interest in the subject matter. The publication is produced by the Groupement Langeadois de Recherches Ufologiques (GLRU), based in Moutoulon, France. The cover features an illustration related to UFOs and a tractor, with the issue number '43' prominently displayed.

Editorial and Publication Details

The Groupement Langeadois de Recherches Ufologiques is an association declared in Brioude, France, in 1977. It also holds regional delegation status for "Lumières Dans La Nuit" and "CUFOS France" for the Haute-Loire department. The bureau consists of Gilbert PEYRET (President), André GOUTRATEL (Vice-President), Annie JOUSSOUYS (Secretary), and Adrienne ANTHORE (Treasurer). Honorary members include Raymond VEILLITH and Daniel VIDAL. The magazine's legal deposit number is 60173, printed by Imprimerie Jeanne d'Arc in Le Puy. The price per issue is 4.00 F, with ordinary subscriptions at 40.00 F and supporting subscriptions at 60.00 F. Correspondence should be addressed to M. Gilbert PEYRET at Moutoulon, 43300 Langeac.

New Publication Formula

The editorial "Communiqué" announces the transition to a bimonthly schedule starting March 1978. This change is not due to a lack of reader interest but rather a response to demand for a more substantial publication. Future issues will be thicker, featuring a "group's life" section and potentially a "readers' mail" section. Subscription prices will be adjusted according to production costs. Additionally, members and interested subscribers will receive a bi-monthly bulletin announcing conferences, debates, and observation vigils related to the GLRU and ufological research. The editorial team expresses hope that this new format will be well-received and welcomes suggestions.

Witness Accounts and Case Reports

The Gérenton Observation (September or October 1954)

This section presents a detailed report from M. Gérenton, a trusted witness, about an observation made with his wife and a peasant woman. While driving to St-Etienne, they observed a perfect oval-shaped object, aluminum-colored and immobile, at cloud height. Gérenton initially thought it was a weather balloon but dismissed the idea due to its immense size, estimating it to be around 200 meters long. The object then moved at high speed, traversed a cloud, and reappeared, stopping again without any noise. Immediately after, a second identical object appeared, moving slowly before accelerating and making a sharp right turn to rejoin the first. Both objects then disappeared into the clouds. The peasant woman also witnessed the event. Gérenton attempted to photograph the objects but was unable to capture them clearly due to surprise and the speed of the event. Later, they recounted the story to an appliance supplier, M. X, who then shared a related incident about a young girl who was traumatized after seeing strange beings near a landed object. The witness recalls the event vividly even twenty-four years later.

Anonymous Observation (August or September 1977)

Another witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounts an observation made in the Lozère region around 9:00 PM. They saw two orange lights, side-by-side, moving slowly and silently in the sky, appearing to be the size of public light bulbs. The lights moved for about two to three minutes before extinguishing. The witness, who has military experience with helicopters, ruled out aircraft, helicopters, or weather balloons due to the object's size and lack of noise. They also investigated the area the next day, finding no evidence of ground vehicles or agricultural machinery that could have produced such lights. The witness's father, a skeptic of UFOs, found the phenomenon "curious." The report also mentions a peasant who confirmed that such phenomena are not common in the area, and another person who described a blinding light seen at night.

UFOs and Military Maneuvers

A report from Lisbon's "A Capital" newspaper suggests that mysterious UFOs were observed near the coast during NATO's "Safari" maneuvers, leading to speculation about extraterrestrial interest in military activities.

Extraterrestrial Contact

According to M. Wellington Friday, a representative from Grenada, inhabitants of Earth should prepare for psychological and philosophical contact with extraterrestrial intelligences.

Luminous Phenomena in the Sky

• Several reports describe unusual aerial phenomena:
• A "fireball" was observed in the Creuse and Puy-de-Dôme regions, described as a luminous ball or flame of fire that moved silently across the sky. Some observers noted luminous trails or sparks. This phenomenon was also reportedly seen in La Brosse.
• In Dun-le-Palestel, a witness and his family observed a round, orange-yellow object moving at low altitude and silently. The object disappeared quickly. An agricultural worker also witnessed the apparition.
• Near Clermont-Ferrand, a witness saw a strange light, described as a tongue of fire with yellowish sparks, moving horizontally in the sky. This phenomenon was also observed by colleagues from the Michelin factory.

Specialists consulted suggested the possibility of a satellite debris burning up in the atmosphere.

The "O.V.N.I." and the Brazilian Abduction Case

Manuel Roberto, an 11-year-old boy from Rondonopolis, Brazil, claims he and his cousin Paulo were abducted by an unidentified flying object on January 20th. He described being taken aboard a "noisy locomotive" inhabited by eight small men in red clothing with iron rings on their chests. The beings communicated through eye movements and offered the children a liquid to drink. The boy was found 500 kilometers from his home. While some residents are skeptical, others reported seeing a strange luminous object in the sky at the time of the alleged abduction. A total power outage in the local area at the same time is also noted. An engineer who interviewed the boy found his account coherent.

Scientific Investigation of UFOs

Seven French scientists have advocated for the continuation of research into UFOs within the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (C.N.E.S.). An independent scientific council was formed to review the work of the G.E.P.A.N. (study group for unidentified aerospace phenomena). The council recommended improving data collection, potentially forming a multidisciplinary intervention team, and maintaining discretion in the dissemination of findings. They stated they could not yet pronounce on the "scientific interest" of the facts but recommended studying unexplained physical phenomena.

Philosophical and Scientific Perspectives on Extraterrestrial Life

The Search for Extraterrestrial Life

The article "Les soucoupes volantes" (Flying Saucers) discusses the possibility of life beyond Earth. It highlights that meteorites contain amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, suggesting that life exists on other planets. The theory of "panspermia" by Arrhenius is mentioned, proposing that life's spores travel through space to seed other planets. The article posits that life on Earth is based on the carbon cycle, but other forms of life might exist using silicon or boron.

Historical Precedents of UFO Sightings

The text traces the history of UFO-like sightings, noting that they are as old as humanity. Ancient traditions and legends mention aerial objects. Examples include rock paintings in Tassili depicting figures with helmets, Egyptian chronicles describing fiery circles in the sky, and the Hindu epic Ramayana mentioning celestial chariots. The Roman writer Pliny the Elder described "fireballs" and "beams" in the sky. Irish chronicles mention "demonic ships," and a 15th-century account describes an object the size of "half a moon" over Paris. The article concludes that virtually all civilizations have accounts of unidentified flying objects, with contemporary reports dating back to the 19th century and continuing through World War II.

Martian Attack?

A report from Alaonastor la Real, Spain, describes an alleged "hold-up" by two strange beings dressed in brilliant, luminous costumes who stole an identity card and a watch from a village inhabitant. The witness, who was hospitalized in shock, described the beings as women, one very tall and the other minuscule. Several villagers also reported seeing a strange object hovering in the sky.

Film Review: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

This section reviews Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," describing it as a "cosmic fairy tale." The reviewer praises the film for its depiction of UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters, calling it a "magnificent work." The film is noted for posing the question of whether humanity is alone in the universe and for its marvelous execution. The review mentions the "Devils Tower" in Wyoming as a key location for an extraterrestrial encounter and highlights the film's use of special effects, including a large saucer-shaped craft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the theme of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It presents a mix of witness testimonies, news reports, and scientific discussions. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging the study of unexplained phenomena while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and scientific rigor. The publication aims to inform its readers about ufological developments both locally and internationally, fostering a community of interest through its new bimonthly format and supplementary bulletins. The review of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" reflects the magazine's engagement with popular culture's portrayal of UFOs.

Title: O.V.N.I. 43
Issue: N° 2
Date: Undetermined, but likely from the 1970s based on content and style.
Publisher: Comité Savoyard d'Etudes et de Recherches Ufologiques (C.S.R.U.)
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of the bulletin 'O.V.N.I. 43' (N°2) from the Comité Savoyard d'Etudes et de Recherches Ufologiques (C.S.R.U.) provides a glimpse into the ufology community in France during the period it was published. The content includes acknowledgments, library updates, and information about ufology-related books and events.

Contents

Acknowledgments and Library Updates

The issue begins with extensive "REMERCIEMENTS" (Acknowledgments) to various individuals and groups for their contributions. Notably, a young correspondent from Vias, Daniel Vidal, is thanked for sending the book "Les O.V.M.I. du passé" by Christiane Picnsparu to the group's library. The bulletin highlights that Daniel is only about thirteen years old, emphasizing that ufology is not solely an endeavor for adults or academics. The library is presented as a resource that will be enriched by such contributions.

A section dedicated to the "BIBLIOTHEQUE" (Library) lists several books and their authors, serving as a supplement to a previous list in issue N°2 of 'O.V.N.I. 43'. The books and their authors mentioned are:

• "La nouvelle vague des soucoupes-volantes" by Jean-Claude Bourret.
• "Ce que les gouvernements vous cachent sur les soucoupes volantes" by S. Dello Strologo.
• "Terriens ou extra-terrestres? Merveilles et mystères de la nature humaine." by Michel Granger.
• "Le livre qui dit la vérité (?), A lire absolument pour savoir comment gagner de l'argent sans se fatiguer." by Claude Vorhilon, also known as "Rael".

The bulletin notes that a further supplement to this list will appear in issue N°4.

Contact Information

Contact details are provided for several ufology-related entities:

• Le Phénomène O.V., I, Bulletin du C.3.8.U. N° 2: Located at 16 Quai Charles Revet, 73 CHAMBERY.
• La Revue des Soucoupes Volantes №3: Edited by Michol MOUTET, located at 83630 REGUS.
• Contact Info O.V.V.I. du groupo 03100: Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture, BP 03401, 03100 MONTLUCON.
• Les Extraterrestres: Located at St Denis-les-Rebais, 77510 RERAIS.
• M. BONNAVENTURE R.: Domaine de Montval, 5 Allée A, Sisley, 78150 MANLY-le-Roi, who also sent articles.

Conference by Jean-Claude Bourret

The issue features several photographs related to a conference by Jean-Claude Bourret. One image shows Bourret signing books, with the caption "Dédicace de Jean-Claude Bourret." Another photo depicts a meal with members of the "Bureau du G.L.R.U. avant la Conférence." A significant photograph shows a crowded auditorium, with the caption "Lors de la conférence de Jean-Claude Bourret, le Théâtre du Puy faisait salle comble, 300 personnes ont été refusées." This indicates a highly successful event with substantial public interest. A final photo shows Bourret speaking at a podium, with the caption "Jean-Claude Bourret aurait-il vu passer un O.V.N.I. au cours de sa conférence." Additional photos on later pages show Bourret signing books with an assistant, and a "permanence tenue par les membres du G.L.R.U. dans le hall du Théâtre lors de la conférence de Jean-Claude Bourrei a eu un réel succès."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the promotion and discussion of ufology, with a particular focus on books and authors within the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouragement for young researchers and a commitment to sharing knowledge through the group's library and publications. While the bulletin reviews books, it maintains a neutral stance on their content, stating that "the fact that a work is found in the group's library does not mean we approve of it totally or even in part. The reader will be able to judge the quality of the work and the credit that can be given to the author."

The issue highlights the accessibility of ufology, as demonstrated by the young correspondent Daniel Vidal. It also underscores the public's strong interest in the subject, evidenced by the sold-out conference by Jean-Claude Bourret. The inclusion of contact information for various groups suggests an effort to foster a network within the French ufology community.