Ovni 43 - No 08 - mars 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI.43
Issue: N° 8
Date: March 1979
Publisher: GLRU
Price: 5

This bimonthly publication, OVNI.43, issue number 8 from March 1979, is edited by GLRU and printed by the students of s. weill. The cover features a stylized graphic with the number '43' and the word 'ANNEE' (year), set against a green background.

Editorial and Reader Engagement

The editorial section emphasizes that the review is open to all and welcomes suggestions from readers, potentially publishing their articles. However, it clarifies that published articles are the sole responsibility of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of GLRU. The publication also notes that the source of press clippings will be cited at the end of each article.

UFO Observations in Haute-Loire

Observation in Haute-Loire in 1970

This section details a sighting on Wednesday evening at 18:55 near Queyrières. M. Antonin Chapuis, a farmer from Monedeyres, observed what he initially thought was an airplane with flashing lights. Suddenly, a mysterious object, described as a dark disc slightly smaller than the moon, appeared and traversed the sky rapidly from north to south, disappearing without a trace. M. Chapuis described its appearance as a 'rocket entering the atmosphere' with a long, luminous trail, white in the center and orange on the fringes. He believes others may have witnessed the object and asks that it not be referred to as a 'flying saucer'.

Another witness, a reader who contacted the publication, reported a similar observation from the descent of Tireboeuf, describing the object as luminous and multi-colored. A slight discrepancy in the reported time of the sighting between the two witnesses is noted.

Nine Years Later (1970 Sighting Revisited)

An anonymized witness, referred to as M. X., a 56-year-old mechanic from Le Puy, recounts his experience from 1970. He describes an event on October 25, 1970, at 19:15, where he and his wife observed a luminous object while driving. Initially mistaken for a shooting star, the object was described as a white tube, about one meter long, moving across the sky. M. X., who has experience with aircraft, realized it was not a plane. The object then executed a steep dive, appearing to be a giant funnel, before leveling off at low altitude. The object was white with a blue flame at its rear, and an orange tip. It was estimated to be 25 meters long and 4 meters in diameter. The object moved horizontally westward and disappeared. The observation lasted about 1 minute and 30 seconds and is believed to be related to the earlier sighting by the farmer.

Other Observations in Haute-Loire in Recent Years

August 29, 1975: A report details an observation made at 06:20 near Chavaniac-Lafayette. The witness, a 24-year-old welder, described an elongated, luminous object moving eastwards, emitting sparks. The object appeared larger than a jet plane and moved at a speed that seemed superior to that of an aircraft. The observation lasted less than five minutes. The witness made a declaration to the gendarmerie.

April 8, 1976: Two children from the Centre d'Action Sanitaire et Sociale in Chavaniac-Lafayette reported seeing a bright orange ball around 21:45. The object, described as having a diameter of 3 to 4 cm (like a watch face), moved directly towards them before abruptly changing direction and moving away towards the northeast. The phenomenon lasted about ten seconds, causing a brief fright. The observation was made near a fluorite mine.

GEPAN and Optical Networks

This section includes a letter from GEPAN (Groupement d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aériens Non identifiés) dated November 30, 1978, addressed to private groups. GEPAN is initiating a new phase in UFO study, seeking participation from the public and private groups. The initiative involves the systematic use of simple and inexpensive optical networks to analyze photographed luminous sources. The goal is to collect 20% of the emitted light. The technical challenges of mass production have been resolved by an industrial partner, JOBIN-YVON. The investment required is significant, and GEPAN is seeking commitments from groups regarding the purchase of these networks, with an estimated unit price of 70F. Alain Esterle, Head of CEPAN, thanks recipients for their collaboration.

Other Sections

Table of Contents

• The table of contents lists various articles, including:
• Observation in Haute-Loire in 1970 (p. 3)
• In Haute-Loire in recent years (p. 4)
• News from GEPAN (p. 6)
• From the side of space (p. 8)
• The conquest of space (p. 9)
• Q.R.Z. - Q.R.Z. - Q.R.Z. (p. 13)
• Astronomy (p. 14)
• Humor (p. 17)
• Games (p. 19)
• New (p. 20)
• Surveillance Nights (p. 22)
• Library (p. 23)
• Press Service (p. 23)
• CECRU, press review (p. 24)

GLRU Bureau and Pricing

• The Groupement Langeadois de Recherches Ufologiques (GLRU) is presented as an association declared in 1977. Its bureau consists of:
• President: PEYRET Gilbert
• Vice-President: PEYROT Pierre
• Secretary: ACHARD Jean
• Treasurer: MOUILHADE François
• Honorary Members: VEILLITH Raymond, VIDAL Daniel

• The publication is titled "O.V.N.I.43" with legal deposit number 60173, printed by Lycée d'Etat Simone Weil in Le Puy. The sale prices are:
• Single issue: 5.00
• Ordinary subscription (6 issues per year): 25.00
• Support subscription (6 issues per year): 50.00

Correspondence should be addressed to M. PEYRET Gilbert at Rés. Le Poitou, Bât.F, Vals-Près-Le Puy, 43000 LE PUY.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings and ufology, with a particular focus on observations made in the Haute-Loire region of France. The editorial stance is open to reader contributions and aims to foster a community of researchers interested in unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine also touches upon broader themes of space exploration and astronomy. The publication actively promotes the work of organizations like GEPAN and CECRU in the field of ufology.

This issue of "Le Monde de l'Inexpliqué" (The World of the Unexplained), identified as issue number 6, explores a range of topics from the technicalities of UFO observation to the grand scale of space exploration and the fundamental processes of stellar evolution. The magazine appears to be French in origin, with a focus on scientific and investigative reporting.

Technical Aspects of UFO Photography

The lead article, "ANKENE TECHNIQUE," discusses the rarity and difficulty of obtaining scientifically useful photographic evidence of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). It highlights that a simple spectrograph, recently made available by the company JOBIN-YVON, can allow amateur photographers to capture the emission spectrum of a phenomenon's light. This system, which uses a diffraction grating, can be fitted to standard cameras, particularly 24x36 reflex cameras with 50mm lenses. The process involves taking photos at night, with exposure times adjusted based on aperture and film sensitivity. The article emphasizes that while amateurs can capture the data, the precise scientific analysis of the spectral information requires a physicist, with the organization CEPAN offering to facilitate such analysis through specialized laboratories.

Space Exploration: Voyager and Venus

The section "DU COTE DE L'ESPACE" (From the Space Side) covers recent developments in space exploration. Voyager-1 is reported to be approaching Jupiter, having begun transmitting from its vicinity sixteen months after its launch. The probe is expected to get as close as 280,000 kilometers from the planet, allowing for detailed imaging and the study of Jupiter's atmosphere and composition. The article also mentions the upcoming examination of Jupiter's moons: Amalthea, Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Voyager-2 is following a similar trajectory and is scheduled to reach Jupiter in July. The NASA Voyager mission, costing $500 million, aims to provide insights into Earth's climate by studying the simpler atmospheres of other planets.

Another report details discoveries made by two Soviet space probes exploring Venus. Using a specially designed camera, the probes provided new information about Venus's gaseous envelope. Notably, carbon monoxide was detected in the atmosphere, confirming previous Soviet scientific data on its composition, which includes carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Argon was also found, considered an important discovery for understanding the planet's evolution. The probes also detected sulfides. The article mentions that the Soviet gas chromatograph used for these discoveries weighed only 10 kilograms, significantly lighter than typical equipment.

The Conquest of Space: Saturn V and Apollo Program

"LA CONQUETE DE L'ESPACE" (The Conquest of Space) revisits the Apollo program and the Saturn V rocket. An article, originally written ten years prior for the launch of Apollo X, describes the Saturn V as a colossal vehicle, 111 meters tall and weighing 2,900 tons at liftoff. It comprises over two million parts, with its countdown controlled to the millionth of a second. The F-1 engines, manufactured by Rocketdyne, are highlighted for their immense power and complex cooling systems, involving intricate networks of tubes. The article details the assembly process, from the F-1 engines produced in Canoga Park to the S1-C base stage assembled in Louisiana, and the upper stages (SII and SIV-B) with their J-2 engines. The challenges of handling liquid hydrogen as a fuel are discussed, emphasizing its extreme lightness and the need for specialized, super-insulated tanks and cryogenic storage at -253°C. The article also touches upon the development of the Centaur rocket, an early hydrogen-fueled vehicle, and the precision required for space missions, noting the extensive modifications made to the Apollo command module.

The lunar module (LM), also known as the Lunar Excursion Module, is described as a complex vehicle built by Grumman, designed for landing on the Moon. It features a descent and ascent stage and is equipped to sustain two astronauts for several hours. The LM's thermal protection is crucial, with its exterior covered in a plastic coating designed to withstand extreme temperatures, including up to 10,000°C during atmospheric re-entry. The interior is a compact laboratory and living space. The article also mentions the "crawlerway" used to transport the Saturn-Apollo assembly to the launch pad, symbolizing the final terrestrial stage before the journey to space.

Amateur Radio and Ufology

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the role of amateur radio operators ("Amateurs Radio") within the ufology community. The article "Pourquoi la présence d'Amateurs Radio au sein de notre groupement ?" (Why the presence of Amateur Radio operators within our group?) explains that radio communication is vital for connecting various ufology groups, especially during monthly meetings held in remote locations. The limitations of French broadcasting regulations are mentioned, necessitating careful site selection for effective transmission. The article notes the growing popularity of "Citizen Band" radio, which originated in the US for truckers, and its widespread adoption. It posits that amateur radio operators can serve as a conduit for information, potentially alerting ufologists to interesting phenomena and facilitating rapid communication.

An appendix provides a list of common amateur radio abbreviations (QRA, QRG, QRM, QRP, etc.) and their meanings, along with a brief explanation of the RST code for signal reporting.

Astronomy: The Birth and Death of Stars

The article "Nous sommes frères des plus vieilles roches et cousins des nuages" (We are brothers of the oldest rocks and cousins of the clouds), quoting Harlow Shapley, begins a series on stellar evolution. It focuses on the birth of stars, explaining that they form from immense, tenuous clouds of hydrogen. Gravitational forces cause these clouds to contract, increasing their temperature until nuclear fusion begins. This process, where hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium, marks the birth of a star and is the longest phase of its existence, lasting for billions of years. The article also touches upon the theory of the "first three minutes of the Universe" by physicist Steven Weinberg, suggesting that the evolution of stars is intertwined with the early moments of the cosmos. The article details the process of stellar contraction, temperature increase, and the fusion of hydrogen into helium, which is the primary energy source for stars and represents 99% of their lifespan. It also briefly introduces the concept of stars aging and changing color, leading to their eventual death.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently bridges the gap between technical scientific inquiry and the more speculative aspects of unexplained phenomena. There's a clear emphasis on providing detailed, factual information, whether it's about the engineering of rockets, the physics of stars, or the practicalities of amateur observation. The inclusion of amateur radio operators in ufology suggests an editorial stance that values grassroots investigation and community involvement. The articles on space exploration highlight humanity's drive to understand the cosmos, while the astronomical pieces ground these endeavors in fundamental scientific principles. The overall tone is informative and investigative, aiming to educate readers on both established scientific knowledge and ongoing research into unexplained phenomena.

This issue of "L'ÉCHO DES MYSTÈRES" (Issue 16) delves into the fascinating realms of astronomy and unexplained phenomena, covering topics from stellar evolution and pulsars to black holes and numerous UFO sightings. The content spans a range of articles, a science fiction story, and a collection of news briefs and reviews.

Stellar Evolution and Cosmic Phenomena

The issue begins with an explanation of stellar evolution, differentiating between white dwarfs and giant stars. White dwarfs are described as stars that have exhausted their carbon fuel, appearing white-hot before cooling down. Giant stars, due to their considerable mass, experience higher temperatures during collapse, leading to the burning of carbon and a subsequent explosion. These explosions can result in novas or supernovas, characterized by immense temperature increases, leaving behind a gaseous cloud of debris. The text uses the analogy of a candle being doused with gasoline to illustrate the scale of these explosions.

A significant portion is dedicated to the discovery of pulsars in 1967 by a Cambridge student. Initially thought to be signals from extraterrestrial civilizations (L.G.M. - Little Green Men), these rapid radio bursts were later identified as originating from incredibly small stars, termed pulsars. These mini-stars, composed primarily of neutrons and with a radius of about 15 km, are the collapsed cores of giant stars. The theory posits that the intense pressure during a star's collapse fuses protons and electrons into neutrons. The regular radio emissions are explained by the pulsar's rapid rotation, sweeping across space like a lighthouse beam. The confirmation of this theory came with the observation that the intervals between emissions slightly increased, indicating a normal slowing of the star's rotation.

The concept of black holes is also explored, describing them as the ultimate stage of stellar collapse where an object becomes so dense that nothing, not even light, can escape its surface. The text highlights the immense pressure and density involved, using the analogy of a planet's matter compressed into the size of a pinhead.

Science Fiction: A Journey to a Black Hole

A science fiction story follows the astronaut Barnett on a mission aboard a spacecraft. The narrative describes the ship's journey through space, powered by advanced propulsion systems. Barnett reflects on the vastness of space and the potential for life beyond Earth. The mission's objective is to approach a dying giant star and its associated black hole. The story emphasizes the incredible speed of the spacecraft and the dangers of being pulled into the black hole. Barnett's curiosity is presented as his primary motivation for undertaking such a perilous journey. The story concludes with the spacecraft, powered by atomic engines from 300 years prior, reappearing after a long absence, piloted by an ancient but wise individual who has witnessed wonders beyond comprehension.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine compiles numerous UFO sightings reported between 1950 and 1950. These reports detail observations of luminous objects, described as flying saucers, in various locations across Europe:

• Venice, Italy (February 28, 1950): A flying saucer was reportedly seen moving rapidly in a vertical position near Chioggia.
• Lake Garda, Italy (March 28, 1950): A silver-colored flying saucer hovered motionless for over an hour at an altitude of 4,000 meters before disappearing, leaving a whitish trail.
• Balearic Islands, Spain (April 6, 1950): Spanish press published photos of a flying saucer taken by a correspondent, showing a luminous phenomenon resembling an eclipse surrounded by luminous branches.
• Israel (April 8-10, 1950): Two silver flying saucers were observed over Jericho and Ramallah, moving rapidly south. A whitish, spherical object was also seen near Piacenza, Italy.
• Saint-Pierre, France (April 17, 1950): Three luminous objects were seen flying towards Saint-Pierre, pausing in the sky before disappearing at high speed.
• Metz, France (April 26, 1950): A large, circular, golden-colored object was observed moving at high speed over Metz, eventually falling into the undergrowth.
• Plombières, France (February 20, 1950): A luminous object, described as a flying saucer, was seen moving slowly and changing color from red to violet, then green and blue, before disappearing. Its speed was estimated at 15 km/second at an altitude of 33 km.
• Jura, France (February 20, 1950): An elongated fireball was seen moving from east to west, turning red then violet before crashing.

Space Conquest Quiz and Publications

The issue includes a quiz on the conquest of space, featuring questions about the launch of Sputnik, Russian lunar probes, early cosmonauts like Yuri Gagarin and Gherman Titov, the first satellite television broadcast, and the first woman in space. It also lists various publications and press services related to ufology and parapsychology, including "Inforespace," "Recherches Ufologiques," "Info OVNI," "Ufologia," "Bizarre," "OVNI n°2," "Phénomène OVNI n°5," "Vaucluse Ufologie," "UFO Québec," and "Le Jacquelin." Other listed publications include "UFO-INFO," "PARAPSICOLOGIA," "Les extraterrestres," "Revue du CERPI," "Réalité ou fiction," "Les chroniques de la CLEU," "OVNI-INFO34," "Bulletin de l'AESV," and "La revue des soucoupes volantes."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the mysteries of the cosmos, including stellar phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, as well as the ongoing investigation into UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting scientific explanations for astronomical events while also documenting and reporting on unexplained phenomena like UFOs. The inclusion of a science fiction story suggests an appreciation for imaginative exploration of space and its possibilities. The magazine also seems to foster a sense of community among researchers and enthusiasts through its listings of organizations and publications.

This issue of Liberté de l'Est, dated Friday, January 26, 1979, focuses heavily on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and other aerial phenomena observed in France and internationally. The cover headline, "Des soucoupes volantes à Eloyes?" (Flying saucers in Eloyes?), sets the tone for the issue's primary theme.

Reports from France

The magazine details several sightings across France:

• Eloyes: Several inhabitants reported seeing two flying saucers on a Thursday evening. The objects were described as having characteristics that matched common descriptions, with one appearing lower and slower than the other. Both disappeared, leaving a luminous trail towards the west.
• Mulhouse: Two sportsmen and a high school professor in Mulhouse observed an oblong, brilliant, and silent object descending at high speed over the Markstein. It left a jet of flame, similar to an exhaust pot. The professor identified it as a meteor of exceptional luminosity, which, if seen at night, would have illuminated the entire sky. It was not considered a metallic or saucer-shaped craft due to its silence.
• Jussarupt: M. Villaume reported seeing a black, fast-moving ball leaving a smoke trail, accompanied by a whistling sound, in the sky near his commune.
• Château-Gontier (Mayenne): A moving object shaped like a crescent, emitting a greenish glow, was observed. Several people witnessed it, noting that it seemed to momentarily suspend its movement.
• Paris Region: A rare refraction phenomenon illuminated the sky with colors ranging from rose-violet to yellow-orange. Shortly after, the sky became overcast, and snow fell on the capital.
• Nice and surrounding region: Over a dozen people reported unusual and luminous phenomena in the sky along the Côte-d'Azur, including sightings near Cimiez, Estérel, Antibes, and Fabrón.

International Reports

The issue also includes reports from outside France:

• Italy (Rome): A luminous object caused panic in Ascoli Peceno. The celestial body was recovered from a crater several meters in diameter and is thought to be a fragment of a meteor seen over the capital.
• Bulgaria: The magazine mentions that photographs of mysterious phenomena were published in a Bulgarian newspaper. The article states that Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) are once again a topic of discussion, not just in France but worldwide. In Bulgaria, the magazine "Otetchestovo" (Patriot), published by the National Council of the "Fatherland Front," featured a page on observations made in the country on December 29 and 30, 1978. This is noted as rare, as Eastern Bloc countries generally maintain silence on such "sensitive" topics.
• First Bulgarian Observation (Pleven): An employee of an industrial poultry farm near Pleven reported seeing a luminous source to the south at 5:25 AM on December 28. He described it as not being a star, but an object that descended to eye level, preceding the bus for several minutes. At his stop, he saw the object hovering over a field, emitting blue and yellow light. He alerted the police. Around 8 AM, a second luminous object passed near the first, which was still hovering. Later, the first object moved towards Pleven and remained over the city until 11 AM, while the second stayed over the field until the same time. The object was described as oval-shaped and slightly serrated.
• Second Bulgarian Observation (Pleven): The deputy chief of the Pleven police reported seeing the object and confirmed it was not a radar echo. He observed it through binoculars above the city, describing it as an imperfect egg with white, blue, and green colors before it departed southwest.
• Third Bulgarian Observation (Dolņamitropolia): A technician at the Dolņamitropolia airport reported seeing a "small moon or large star" moving slightly around 7:50 PM on December 30, coinciding with a power outage. He called his wife and neighbors to observe. The object disappeared and reappeared, its light blinking white, blue, or green. A smaller object emerged from the larger one and moved to its side. The larger object was described as red, and the phenomenon lasted for half an hour. The smaller object then moved southwest towards Krouchovitza, while the larger one ascended and disappeared.
• Photographs: The photographs of these phenomena were taken by M. Borislav Anguelov Balevski on December 31, 1978, in Sofia, using a sophisticated camera with a 300mm telephoto lens. He took photos at three-minute intervals, capturing a luminous ball that appeared to move slightly and leave a white trace.

Official French Investigation: GEPAN

The article highlights France's continued scientific and official interest in unidentified aerial phenomena. The Groupe d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aériens Non identifiés (GEPAN), established within the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) about a year and a half prior, is continuing its research.

• Leadership Change: The head of GEPAN is no longer M. Claude Poher (considered its creator) but M. Alain Estérlé, a 31-year-old researcher at CNES since 1973. Estérlé has worked on geostationary satellites and the Ariane launcher.
• GEPAN's Role: Estérlé, a member since GEPAN's creation, contributes to developing a general observation file and implementing investigation and analysis methods.
• Collaboration with Private Groups: Following a meeting in Toulouse in September, GEPAN requested French private groups to seek collaborative solutions. The January issue of GEOS (Groupe d'Etudes des Objets Spatiaux) revealed proposals from these private groups to GEPAN:
• Establishing a meeting schedule to compare official and private research.
• Implementing GEPAN-led investigator courses to standardize methods and structure private research for greater efficiency, including measures to protect UFO landing traces and advise gendarmes.
• Developing precise work plans and studies on UFO phenomena.
• Determining how information disseminated by private groups should be presented.

Other Mentions

• House of Lords: The Earl of Clancarty raised concerns in the House of Lords about the threat of extraterrestrial attack, stating that Earth's airspace was at risk and preparedness was necessary.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the widespread reporting and increasing official interest in UFO phenomena. The magazine presents these reports factually, often quoting witnesses and noting the scientific investigations being undertaken, particularly by GEPAN in France. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, documenting sightings and the efforts to understand them, while acknowledging the international nature of the phenomenon and the challenges in definitive identification. The inclusion of Bulgarian reports and the mention of the House of Lords debate underscore the global scope of UFO interest.