Ovni 43 - No 06 - sept 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of O.V.N.I. magazine, identified as number 43 and dated September 1978, is published monthly by the Groupement Langeadois de Recherches Ufologiques (G.L.R.U.). The cover features an illustration of a tractor and two figures looking up at a large circular object in the sky, with the headline "O.V.N.I. 43". The price per issue is 4.00 French Francs, and the publication is directed by Gilbert PEYRET, with the editorial office located in Moutoulon, 43300 Langeac.

Editorial Stance and Communications

The "COMMUNIQUE DE LA REDACTION" section emphasizes that the review is open to all readers and welcomes suggestions and articles, though published articles are the sole responsibility of their authors and do not engage the G.L.R.U. It also states that the source of press clippings is specified when known.

G.L.R.U. Annual General Meeting

The magazine reports on the annual general meeting of the Groupement Langeadois de Recherches Ufologiques held on Sunday, September 2, 1977. The meeting included a presentation on the "mysterious craft" that evolved over the Bay of Nice in 1608 and the disappearance of Captain Mantell. A conference was given by MM. Peyret and Peyrot Alain, featuring discussions on UFOs and 'extraterrestrials'. The evening also involved an observation session with magnetic field variation detectors. The following morning, the members prepared the bulletin and discussed the material needs for 1979, issuing an appeal for a meeting space and printing resources. They also sought individuals with expertise in photography, astronomy, meteorology, radio, and electronics.

The meeting continued in the afternoon with the election of a new bureau: Peyret (President), Pierre Peyrot (Vice-President), Achard (Secretary), and Alain Peyrot (Treasurer). Tasks were redistributed, and a new telephone alert network was established. Amateur astronomer M. Raby joined the meeting to discuss forming an astronomy group and shared his progress on building a 210mm telescope.

The G.L.R.U. expressed gratitude to M. Deponthieu for his hospitality during the general assembly.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Several UFO sightings are detailed:

• Soviet Space Craft Fragment: A "saucepan"-like object, approximately 60 cm in diameter and weighing 25 kilos, was found in Garnat-sur-Engièvre (Allier). It emitted gas and bore Cyrillic characters, leading gendarmes to identify it as a fragment of a Soviet space craft. Experts from Aix-en-Provence were to conduct further examination.
• Dijon Sighting: In Huchey, near Dijon, residents reported a strange phenomenon with a buzzing sound. Witnesses observed a reddish mass with a green light hovering over pastures, which then moved away rapidly.
• Italian Sightings: For the second consecutive day, unidentified flying objects were seen over Italy. In Florence, a cigar-shaped object described as "fiery red" was observed. In the Alps, near Bolzano, railway workers reported a luminous triangular object with two light beams.
• Lons Sighting: A white UFO emitting red and green signals hovered for 30 minutes in Lons (Pyrénées Atlantiques). A smaller orange object detached from it and disappeared, followed by the main UFO.
• Grande-Motte Formation: Four individuals in a campsite at Grande-Motte observed nine UFOs in a diamond formation moving from southeast to northwest.
• St-Victor-sur-Loire Observation: Three members of C.E.M.O.C.P.I. and an L.D.L.N. investigator, along with friends, observed an object near St-Etienne. Initially appearing as a satellite, it resolved into an elongated object with multiple colored lights, moving rapidly. The observation lasted 1 minute and 30 seconds. The witnesses noted its speed and size compared to aircraft. The observation coincided with the testing of a new detection system, which had unfortunately been disconnected just before the phenomenon appeared.

Space Exploration News

The magazine includes reports on space missions:

• Soviet Venus Missions: The USSR launched a probe towards Venus, Vénus 11, on September 9, 1978, with Vénus 12 following. These probes are designed to send data about space back to Earth.
• American Venus-2 Mission: The US launched the Venus-2 probe from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on a 350 million kilometer journey to Venus. The mission, costing $225 million, includes a transport vehicle and four small probes designed to crash-land on the planet after transmitting data. Venus-2 is expected to reach its objective on December 9, 1978.

GE.PA.N. and Ufological Collaboration

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the activities of GE.PA.N. (Groupement d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aériens Non identifiés), the official French organization for UFO research, headed by Claude Poher. A meeting was held at the National Center for Space Studies in Toulouse, bringing together GE.PA.N. and various French ufology groups. The purpose was to foster collaboration and share methodologies. GE.PA.N. presented its work, including its technological capabilities and expensive equipment, which are not accessible to private groups. The organization proposed to train investigators, standardize terminology, and create a national case file. While most groups agreed on the need for collaboration, some expressed grievances. Claude Poher emphasized that GE.PA.N. did not intend to impose its will on other groups. The meeting concluded with a report from the scientific council, confirming the quality of GE.PA.N.'s work and its recognition of the reality of UFO phenomena.

Claude Poher's departure from GE.PA.N. was announced, a move that was met with regret by many.

GE.PA.N. Methodology

The article details GE.PA.N.'s operational methods, including case classification (Category A for explicable cases, B for probably identified, C for imprecise reports, and D for truly unidentified phenomena, representing 20-25% of cases). Their investigative teams include a rapid intervention group, a trace analysis group, and a radar alert group. They also manage an expertise group, a national file, statistics, a coding group, and an optical group developing a UFO simulator. The investigation process involves interviewing witnesses separately, allowing them to describe their observations freely, and using a palette of colors to refine descriptions. A psychologist conducts interviews to assess the witness's credibility. The magazine praises GE.PA.N.'s scientific rigor and seriousness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the scientific investigation of these phenomena, and the organization of ufological research in France. The magazine promotes collaboration between official bodies and private groups, emphasizing a rigorous and scientific approach to UFO studies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information, while maintaining a commitment to scientific methodology.

This issue of OVNI 43, dated September 1978, delves into astronomical discoveries and the broader field of ufology, with a particular focus on amateur contributions and communication.

Astronomy and Discoveries

The issue highlights the discovery of a new star, designated "Nova du Cygne 78," by amateur astronomer Michel Verdenet from Fourbon-Lancy, France. The discovery, made on a Sunday at 23:30, was confirmed by M. Dominique Proust, an astronomer at Meudon, and subsequently authenticated by the Cambridge Observatory in the USA. Verdenet, a 34-year-old science and technology professor, had previously received a "Vocation" scholarship in 1969 and operates his own observatory. The Nova du Cygne 78 is described as having a magnitude of 6.3, with specific coordinates provided: right ascension 21h 40' 5" and declination +43°48' (equinox 1950).

Beyond this specific discovery, a significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a new rubric on astronomy, written by an amateur astronomer who is also a member of the G.L.R.U. This section aims to demystify astronomy for the general public, using accessible language. The author begins by discussing the vastness of our immediate universe, the Milky Way galaxy, and the profound sense of perspective gained when contemplating the night sky. The text touches upon the scale of galaxies, the concept of light-years as a unit of distance, and the immense spaces between stars. It also references historical figures like General de Gaulle, who found solace and perspective in observing the night sky.

The astronomical discussion extends to the nature of galaxies, describing them as immense collections of stars, planets, and solar systems. The scale of our own galaxy, the Milky Way, is emphasized, with its diameter measured in hundreds of thousands of light-years. The movement of stars within a galaxy and the immense timescales involved are also mentioned. The text notes the limitations of even powerful telescopes like the one at Palomar, which can observe billions of galaxies, some similar to ours, others vastly different.

Amateur Radio and Communication

Another prominent theme is amateur radio communication, presented as a way for individuals to connect and collaborate. The article explains that amateur radio operators, often referred to as "amateur-radio," provide a response to why they are present during observation vigils. It highlights how amateur radio allows for the expansion of horizons and helps combat the moral solitude of modern life. The text points to the fantastic development of the CB (Citizen Band) as a social communication tool, offering a free and varied means of connection. This allows for the rapid deployment of services and provides a quick and efficient means of liaison, particularly relevant for ufological research.

The G.L.R.U. is mentioned as an organization that uses amateur radio to rapidly contact various groups across France and internationally. The article contrasts modern radio communication with older methods like carrier pigeons and the Chappe telegraph, emphasizing the mobility and simplicity of current systems. The density of the population on the 27 MHz band is noted as sometimes making it difficult to establish contact, but the system is presented as an effective tool for rapid intervention in cases of fire, catastrophe, or other diverse accidents, thereby contributing to ufological research.

Events and Activities

The magazine announces upcoming "Nights of Surveillance" organized by the G.L.R.U. in participation with S.V.E.P.S. and C.E.C.R.U. The dates for these events are listed as October 21st, November 18th, and December 16th. Readers are encouraged to contact the G.L.R.U. for more information.

A "Library" section is included, reminding readers that the presence of a book in the library does not imply endorsement of its content, and readers are encouraged to judge the quality for themselves. This section also provides supplementary information to previously published book lists on UFOs. Several books are listed, including "La chronique des O.V.N.I." by Michel Rougard, "Les O.V.N.I. mythe ou réalité?" by J. Allen Hynek, "Le mystère des O.V.N.I." by R. Jack Perrin, "Le mémoire des O.V.N.I." by Jean Bastide, and "Ils ont rencontré des extra-terrestres" by René Pacaut.

Press Service

The "Press Service" section lists various publications received by the magazine, including "Antenne 888," "Le mystérieux visiteur," "Ufologia," "UFO-INFO," "UFO-QUEBEC," "Limites," "Vaucluse Ufologie," "Loes Chroniques de la C.L.F.U.," "bulletin de l'A.E.S.V.," "Les Extraterrestres," "Entre Nous," "le revue des soucoupes volantes," "Bizarre," and "Bulletin du C.E.R.P.I." It also mentions "Vigilance," a review from SIDIP-DETECTOR. The magazine expresses gratitude to its readers for sending in press clippings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are astronomy, UFO phenomena, amateur scientific pursuits, and the importance of communication networks. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting scientific curiosity, particularly in the fields of astronomy and ufology, by making complex subjects accessible to a wider audience through amateur contributions and accessible explanations. There is a clear emphasis on the value of amateur observation and research, as well as the role of communication technologies like amateur radio in both social connection and scientific investigation.