Ovni 43 - No 07 - janv 1979

Magazine Overview

This document is issue number 43 of the magazine "O.V.N.I.", published bi-monthly by LE GLRU (Groupement Local de Recherches Ufologiques) in January 1979. The cover features an illustration of an alien figure at a control panel, with flying saucers and a planet in the background, set against an orange backdrop. The price is 5.00 French Francs.

Editorial Communications

The editorial section begins with a communication from the editorial staff, emphasizing that the review is open to all readers and welcomes suggestions and articles. They clarify that any published article represents only the author's responsibility, not that of the GLRU. They also state that when known, the source of press clippings used in "O.V.N.I. 43" is indicated.

Observation Nights

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "Observation Nights". The GLRU participated in a national observation night on October 21, 1978, organized by SVEPS (Société Varoise d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux). Members gathered at Mont Denise, near Puy-en-Velay, equipped with generators, tents, radios, and telescopes. However, overcast weather prevented astronomical observations. The event, advertised through the press, attracted about ten visitors who engaged in discussions with the members about their activities. The article quotes a colleague explaining the importance of these nights: "If we don't have observation nights, we have practically 0.0001% chance of seeing a UFO; on the other hand, if we organize these nights, the percentage of chance increases and easily reaches 0.01%."

These nights are also seen as opportunities for members to reconnect, share friendship, and review their research. The article highlights the positive atmosphere and the strengthening of bonds within the group.

UFO Observation Report: Le Monastier

An investigation report details an observation made on November 2, 1978, at 7:00 PM near Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille (Haute-Loire). The witness, identified as M. X, observed a bright point in the sky, comparable to a star but three times its apparent diameter. Initially thinking it was an airplane, he noted the complete silence, unlike typical aircraft. Using binoculars (8x26), he and his wife, Mme X, observed the object, which was actually two distinct points: one white and one smaller red point, connected by an "orange haze". The object moved west, then turned east, always silently. As it approached, they noticed the two points blinking slightly with a "turbulence movement", as if one was absorbing energy from the other. The observation lasted about ten minutes before the object disappeared eastward. The witness could not provide precise altitude or speed estimates but was certain it was not an airplane. He later learned of a similar observation in the Stéphanoise region and reported it to the gendarmerie. GLRU is seeking more information about the Stéphanoise incident.

CECRIU Meeting in Dourdan

The magazine reports on the fourth meeting of the CECRIU (Comité Européen de Coordination de la Recherche Ufologique) held in Dourdan on November 14, 1978. The meeting, organized by S.P.E.P.S.E., brought together ufologists from various groups. The event began with a speech by Michel Monnerie, author of "Si les O.V.N.I. n'existaient pas", who emphasized the need for better coordination within French ufology to create an international study organization. He stressed objectivity and warned against creating a propaganda-driven "mode".

• Several working commissions were formed:
• Commission Enquêtes (Investigations): Developed a more detailed investigation questionnaire, which will be processed by computer, and will extend the scope to include humanoid observations and psychological studies of witnesses and investigators.
• Commission Détection (Detection): Aims to establish a standardized detection network, moving away from individual group "DIY" detectors, and will study residual radioactivity at landing sites.
• Commission Gestion des Groupements (Group Management): Focused on addressing financial difficulties faced by groups, seeking viable solutions.
• Commission Contactés (Contactees): Will study correlations between witnesses claiming contact with extraterrestrial intelligences over several years.
• Commission CECRIU: Defined rules for inter-group relations and membership criteria for CECRIU, and discussed potential exchanges with GEPAN (Groupement d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aériens Non identifiés).

The meeting concluded with a final meal, and participants departed around 2:30 PM, having traveled a total of 1,100 km for the round trip.

UFO Simulator

A schematic diagram illustrates a UFO simulator developed by M. Gaudron. It's a projector using pre-cut plates for shape, tinted film for color, and a potentiometer to adjust light intensity and simulate blinking. This device is used during investigations to help witnesses recreate their observed object.

Reader Contributions

Aymeric Sassier's Observation

Aymeric Sassier, from Puy-en-Velay, reports an observation made on the evening of October 31st in the Val d'Aoste, Italy. While hiking near Pré-Saint-Didier, he observed a "whitish vehicle, elongated, with rounded extremities, without windows or external lights." It emitted a slight rumble and moved with a slightly sinusoidal trajectory at an estimated altitude of 2500-3000 meters, at a speed double that of a normal airplane. He estimated its length at 30-50 meters. He was certain it was not an airplane. Later, around 5:00 AM, a second, different object appeared: "round, small, barely luminous, perfectly silent, and at a slower speed." This observation lasted 4 to 6 minutes. The witness noted that locals confirmed the second object was likely a satellite, but he believed the first was a UFO.

Lecture on M. Vorilhon

The magazine includes a critical account of a lecture given by the delegate of M. Vorilhon (also known as Raël), who claims to have been abducted by extraterrestrials. The lecturer presented a series of alleged "proofs" linking Vorilhon's 33rd birthday (August 6, 1978) to the death of Pope Paul VI, a 33° temperature in Rome, the 33rd anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, and the 33-day reign of Pope John Paul I. The article dismisses these connections as coincidental and mocks the lecturer's explanation of extraterrestrial travel through "luminous spectrum" allowing for faster-than-light speeds. The author of this section expresses skepticism and humor regarding the lecture's content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the organization of ufological research in France. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific approach to studying UFO phenomena, as highlighted by the CECRIU's efforts to standardize methods and improve coordination. The editorial stance appears to be open to reporting diverse accounts, including personal observations and lectures, while maintaining a critical perspective, particularly towards claims that lack strong evidence or rely on questionable interpretations, as seen in the critique of the M. Vorilhon lecture. The importance of collective effort and scientific rigor in the field of ufology is a recurring theme.

This issue of "Le Monde Inconnu" (The Unknown World) appears to be a French publication focused on ufology, astronomy, and speculative science. The content is primarily composed of articles detailing UFO sightings, scientific discussions about space exploration and planetary science, and a critical commentary on a conference presented by an individual named M. Vorilhon.

Conference Report: M. Vorilhon's Claims

The issue begins with a detailed, albeit skeptical, account of a conference given by M. Vorilhon. He reportedly visited a planet inhabited by "autochthones" who have discovered a method for achieving immortality by extracting a cell from the forehead of a dying person and regenerating the entire individual for a thousand years. This process can be renewed indefinitely. He also described a "geniocracy" where those deemed not to be geniuses are transformed into "biological robots" through operations on their nervous systems. Vorilhon also interpreted passages from the Bible and discussed the concept of the Last Judgment, suggesting that extraterrestrials would gather living humans and recreate the dead from preserved cells. The "good" would be shown "paradise" and the "wicked" would be "disintegrated" without suffering. The article notes that Vorilhon dined with figures like Jesus, Buddha, and Mahomet, drawing a parallel to "The Last Supper." The author of this section expresses strong skepticism, calling the conference "ineptitudes" and mentioning that Vorilhon has written several books on the subject. It is also revealed that Vorilhon founded a "sect" with a symbol combining the Star of David and a swastika, which seeks donations for "great projects," likening it to the activities of "M. Moon."

Space Exploration and Astronomy

Soviet and American Space Programs

An article from "Aviation Week and Space Technology" discusses the potential development of a Soviet space shuttle, "Raketoplan," by 1985. The initial phase, starting in 1975, involves a vertical launch similar to the American shuttle, using a delta-winged vehicle and a multi-stage rocket. Subsequent missions might involve a recoverable rocket with a shuttle mounted on top, launching like a conventional aircraft. The article cites "La Montagne" from November 8, 1978.

Venus Probes

Washington is reported to be the source of news about two American probes, "Venus 1" and "Venus 2," approaching the planet Venus, with two Soviet probes following closely. These probes carry autonomous sondes and are expected to reach Venus within eight million kilometers, aiming to uncover its secrets. The mission is described as a "first global study of a planet," with potential implications for understanding Earth's atmosphere and the risk of it becoming a desolate planet like Venus, which has surface temperatures around 500 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure 100 times that of Earth. The article notes that "La Montagne" reported this on December 3, 1978.

Solar System Exploration

This section provides an overview of the solar system, starting with our immediate environment, the Sun. It describes the Sun as an ordinary star, a massive sphere of hot gas with a mass 300,000 times that of Earth, and temperatures defying imagination due to thermonuclear reactions. The energy output is equivalent to 30 billion hydrogen bombs per second. The article then moves to the planets:

• Mercury: The closest and smallest planet, with a surface temperature of 400°C on the illuminated side and -260°C on the dark side, making it inhospitable.
• Venus: Described as Earth's "sister planet" in terms of weight and size. Despite receiving twice as much solar heat as Earth, its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere creates a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and leading to a surface temperature of 425°C. Life is considered improbable, though some theories suggest possibilities.
• Mars: Referred to as the "Red Planet," it is similar to Earth but lacks water vapor and oxygen. Its atmospheric pressure and average temperature (-25°C) are lower than Earth's, and its thin atmosphere offers little protection from harmful radiation (X-rays, ultraviolet rays). The possibility of life, perhaps vegetative, is considered, referencing a plant found in Siberia that survived extreme conditions.
• Giant Planets: Jupiter and Saturn are discussed. Jupiter is 1,300 times larger than Earth, with a surface temperature below -118°C and a potential liquid hydrogen ocean beneath its atmosphere. Saturn is noted for its rings and its low density, being light enough to float on water. The article mentions Jupiter's four visible satellites.

Outer Planets

Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are briefly mentioned as orbiting at the system's edge, in a twilight environment. The author emphasizes the good fortune of living on Earth, which possesses the right conditions for life, unlike the extreme heat of planets closer to the Sun or the insufficient heat of those further away.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

UFOs in France

Several reports detail UFO sightings across various regions of France:

• Saint-Fiacre: A witness reported seeing a UFO similar to one observed by children, described as a "mysterious UFO."
• Moselle: An automobilist and a schoolboy reported a strange flying object with green and red lights. Another witness, M. Alain Masson, observed three UFOs emitting bright white lights, one of which followed him for two kilometers.
• Nimes: Historical texts from 1621 and 1589 are cited, describing "terrifying aerial signs" and "marvelous signs" appearing in the sky over cities like Lyon, Nismes, Montpellier, Blois, Paris, and Saint-Denis, including "fiery arrows and lances."
• Paris: A group of French scientists, including physicists whose names are withheld, have formed an independent Scientific Council at the request of the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) to study UFOs. They recommend improving data collection and potentially forming a multidisciplinary intervention team, emphasizing discretion.
• Alès, Salindres, Bessèges: Three witnesses observed a strange, egg-shaped object emitting a luminous beam, described as bright at the front and orange where the beam detached.
• Cévennes: A large, silent, triangular craft with a wingspan of nearly 200 meters was seen near Uzès, described as having orange blinking lights.
• Montagne Noire: Several witnesses reported the mysterious explosion of a strange green-orange object. Aviators described a blue-green craft with an orange tail. Investigations by gendarmes ruled out an airplane accident.
• Vaucluse: A 50-meter diameter flying saucer was observed near Orange, emitting a sound similar to a generator.
• Milan, Italy: The control tower of Milan airport and other witnesses observed a strange luminous object flying horizontally, which then changed course and hovered vertically over the "Pirelli" skyscraper before disappearing north.

UFOs in South America

• Andes Mountains: Five soldiers and a non-commissioned officer in Argentina reported seeing two formations of flying saucers, described as intense lights arriving from the Andes, followed by about fifteen luminous spots flying at high altitude in a triangle formation, disappearing towards the southwest. A similar formation reappeared and followed the same direction. The article notes that South America, particularly Argentina, seems to be a base of operations for UFOs.
• Argentina/Bolivia Border: A metallic object, described as an artificial satellite, was found in the border zone between Bolivia and Argentina. The object, described as an ovoïde steel sphere 3 to 4 meters in diameter, fell on May 6th. Scientists from the University of Tarija are investigating.
• Catamarca, Argentina: A group of young people observed a "flotilla" of UFOs flying in formation at high speed, emitting green scintillations.

Other UFO Reports

• Seine-Maritime, France: A green-blue ball with an orange perimeter, several times larger than Polaris, was observed for nearly two hours over the sea near Le Tréport.
• Saint-Étienne, France: A couple reported seeing a bright red light followed by a very bright light from outside, revealing a "luminous comet-like tail" above their building, described as "fireworks of all colors."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unknown, particularly in the realms of space and unidentified flying objects. There's a clear interest in scientific advancements, from space probes to astronomical observations, but also a significant focus on eyewitness accounts of UFOs and speculative theories about extraterrestrial life and advanced civilizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting information from various sources, including scientific reports and personal testimonies, while also maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in the commentary on M. Vorilhon's conference. The magazine seems to aim at informing its readers about both established scientific endeavors and the more mysterious phenomena reported globally.

Title: Le Monde Inexpliqué
Issue: 23
Date: April 20, 1978
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Le Monde Inexpliqué focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, primarily UFO sightings and associated events, reported from different locations in Europe during April and May 1978, with some older reports also included.

Article 1: Mysterious Traces in Saône-et-Loire

In Saône-et-Loire, France, a cultivator named Ernest Joly discovered significant traces in a barley field. The traces consisted of a furrow 8.60 meters long and 2 meters wide, with a depth of 40 cm at its center, and pointed ends. Around this central feature, several cylindrical anchor points, measuring six to eight centimeters in diameter and twelve to fourteen centimeters in depth, were found. The surfaces of the furrow and anchor points were described as having an extraordinary polish, with a gray substance present. Gendarmerie took samples. Notably, there were no footprints or burn marks, and the site was located 400 meters from the nearest communication route and far from any habitation.

Article 2: Gigantic UFO Over Bilbao

On a recent Sunday night, hundreds of people in Bilbao, Spain, witnessed a gigantic cigar-shaped UFO. The object, described as having a brilliant yellow color with a red light at one end, hovered stationary at a low altitude over the Bilbao airport for approximately 20 minutes before disappearing. Sightings were reported from Santurce, Sestao, Baracaldo, Algorta, Lejona, Las Arenas, and Deusto.

Article 3: Contact with Extraterrestrials in Dos Hermanas

Maria Dolores Armario, a young girl from Dos Hermanas (Seville), claims to have been in contact with extraterrestrials for five years. She describes them as blond, wearing tight, fine, shiny suits resembling a blue uniform with boots. According to her, these beings come from the fifth dimension, from a galaxy called 'Celius Compution' composed of twenty inhabited planets. They travel in small, faster-than-light vessels. She states their galaxy is at war and she is to join them with three other girls for a mission, while remaining on Earth due to a concept of 'doubles' or dual spirits and bodies. Strange marks have appeared on her body, seemingly from requests for proof from the space beings. Her notebook contains unknown symbols, English, and Spanish text, which she claims not to understand.

Article 4: Two UFOs Over Mont-Prorel

On a recent evening, inhabitants of Pont-de-Cervières (Briançon) observed two UFOs near the small chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, close to Mont-Prorel. The objects hovered for nearly an hour before disappearing into the sky after a rapid course marked by numerous variations in direction and speed.

Article 5: Five UFOs Over Ayamonte

On a recent Friday evening, between 10:30 PM and 10:34 PM, five UFOs resembling artificial satellites passed over Ayamonte in the province of Huelva, Spain. Three moved from north to south at an altitude of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 meters, while the other two followed a southwest to northwest line. Their estimated speed was around fifty thousand kilometers per hour.

Article 6: Flying Saucer in Téhéran

An airport in Téhéran confirmed that a Lufthansa pilot and local inhabitants reported a flying object over the city. The object was described as moving from east to west. Hundreds of Iranians reportedly saw the 'flying saucer'.

Article 7: UFO Photographed on the Ivory Coast

A seventeen-year-old camper named Pierre Duvoisin, near Bierre-les-Scmeurs (Côte-d'Or), observed a fire-red, elongated UFO resembling an upside-down plate. The object immobilized itself at a distance of three to four kilometers and an altitude of 200 to 300 meters. Duvoisin managed to take three photos before it disappeared southwest. The police were informed.

Article 8: UFO Observed Over Strasbourg

The French UFO Research Circle (C.F.R.U.) investigated a sighting of a UFO over Strasbourg on a Sunday evening. Several people, including two C.F.R.U. specialists, observed a yellow triangular object with a black point in its center. Using binoculars, they watched the object, which was at an altitude of 2,000 meters, move away rapidly in a zigzag pattern. Radar at the Strasbourg airport detected nothing unusual during the time of the sighting, and it was confirmed that no satellites, weather balloons, or other aircraft were in the air.

Article 9: UFO Battle in Béarn

Specialists from the National Center for Space Studies in Toulouse investigated reports from several young people in the Hautes-Pyrénées who observed about twenty UFOs for over three hours on the night of July 9-10. The UFOs performed a 'ballet' in the sky between 1 AM and 4 AM. The youths first saw a small object emitting a blinding yellow light near the ground. Then, an object about ten meters in diameter with multiple colored light sources appeared, tilted, and took on the shape of a saucer before moving towards the Pyrenees. Over the next two hours, they witnessed a 'chase-and-cross' of objects of various shapes, sizes, and colors, seemingly engaged in a battle, with many projecting brilliant, multicolored flashes.

Article 10: UFO Over Sfax and Power Outage

The population of Sfax, Tunisia, is questioning whether their skies have become a testing ground for UFOs, following two sightings in four weeks, both on Mondays around 10 PM. On Monday, August 7th, a general power outage lasting about 10 minutes occurred. During this outage, the sky lit up with an intense light, described as varying between red and orange. Witnesses saw an object of indeterminate shape, varying between circular and oval, moving rapidly and erratically. The light vanished, and power was restored. The incident was linked to a potential interference of current affecting a 150 kv substation. A similar phenomenon was observed on Monday, July 17th, also around 10 PM.

Publications and References

The issue also lists several books and publications related to ufology, including works by Erich Von Daniken, Jacques Pottier, and A. Ribera. It also provides contact information for various ufological organizations and bulletins such as Bizarre, INFORESPACE, L'Insolito, UFO-QUEBEC, and UFOLOGIE CONTACT.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and potential extraterrestrial contact. The magazine presents a collection of eyewitness accounts and reports from various sources, including newspapers and ufological organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting and investigating these phenomena, without necessarily endorsing any specific explanation, as indicated by the disclaimer about not necessarily approving the content of listed works. The inclusion of technical details like speeds, altitudes, and electromagnetic effects suggests a serious approach to documenting these events.