Ovni 43 - No 09 - juin 1979

Magazine Overview

This issue of BIMESTRIEL, number 9, published in June 1979, is edited by GLRU (Groupement Langeadois de Recherches Ufologiques) and printed by the students of S. Weill. The cover prominently features the number '43' and abstract graphics, hinting at themes of mystery and exploration.

Key Articles and Content

Observation in Haute-Loire in 1970 (continued)

This section details an interview with Monsieur A.C., a 69-year-old farmer from Monedeyres, Haute-Loire, about his UFO sighting on the evening of October 25, 1970. Monsieur A.C., a man of open mind with some classical education, recounts his experience.

Around 7:00 PM, on a clear, cool autumn evening, while in his courtyard, he noticed a luminous object to his right, in the direction of Queyrières. The object, described as a sphere with distinct contours and the size of a full moon, appeared to be composed of three differently colored parts. It had a white 'tail' and emitted 'sparks' at the rear. Monsieur A.C. estimates the object's altitude to be between 150 and 200 meters and its minimum diameter to be 13 meters. The object moved in a North-South-West direction before disappearing behind Mont Chanis. He also reported hearing a faint, indistinct sound resembling a steam engine.

The article notes that other 'phenomena' may have been observed in the region, and Monsieur A.C. himself recalls seeing a similar 'fireball' about thirty years prior near Mont Chabrier, though without further details. The report suggests that the object seen in Monedeyres might be different from the one observed in Le Puy on the same day, as reported in a previous issue (OVNI.43 n°8), possibly due to different viewing angles.

A sketch illustrates the object's shape and colors: dark violet on one side, orange on the other, with a brilliant white tail fading towards the rear and emitting bright sparks. A map of the area around Queyrières, Monedeyres, and Mont Chanis is included, indicating the direction of the sighting and the location of the observation.

From the Side of Space

This section covers several topics related to space exploration:

• A French astronaut in space within the next decade: France plans to send a French astronaut on a Franco-Soviet mission within the next decade, possibly not before 1985. This mission is part of broader collaborations and discussions between France and the Soviet Union regarding space materials and automated space stations.
• Soyouz-33 Failure: The cancellation of the Soyouz-33 mission is described as a blow to Soviet prestige rather than a serious technical setback. The mission was aborted due to a malfunction in the engine control system during docking maneuvers with the Saliout-6 orbital station. The cosmonauts, Nikolai Rukavishnikov and Georgi Ivanov, were safe and returned to Earth. Experts believe this does not represent a major technical failure for the Soviet space program.
• Red Lake Solar Eclipse: Scientists are analyzing data collected during a total solar eclipse observed in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada. The program, costing over $300,000, aims to study atmospheric reactions to solar disturbances. Data from 35 instruments launched during the week, along with information from North American radio amateurs and NASA satellites, are being processed.
• On Board Saliout-6: The article touches upon the docking of Soyouz-32 with Saliout-6 and the operations on the station. It highlights the station's reliability and the success of international crews working together. It also mentions technological experiments conducted and a record of 140 days for a manned space flight. The article also notes improvements in hygiene on Saliout-6, including a shower and an 'ionization' system for air freshening.
• Voyager-1 and Jupiter: The Voyager-1 probe's flyby of Jupiter is mentioned, with scientists marveling at the planet's complex atmosphere, characterized by orange bands and gaseous, liquid-covered surfaces.

Advertisements

The magazine also features several advertisements:

• CREDIT AGRICOLE MUTUEL DE HAUTE LOIRE: Promoting various financial products like CAT 20, Carré Vert, Bons à 5 ans, and Emprunts.
• GARAGE TRESCARTE: An Opel Ascona concession in Le Puy, offering sales, after-sales service, and spare parts.
• AGENCE DE L'HOTEL DE VILLE: A real estate agency in Le Puy, specializing in property management and transactions.
• BIJOUTERIE FINET: A jewelry store in Le Puy.
• Meubles CHANUT: A furniture store located at 15 & 25 Boulevard St. Louis, emphasizing choice, decoration, advice, quality, and price.

Organization Information

Page 5 provides details about the GROUPEMENT LANGEADOIS DE RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES (GLRU). It is an association declared in Brioude (Haute-Loire) on September 29, 1977, and is a regional delegation for 'Lumières Dans La Fuit' and a member of the C.E.C.R.U. (European Committee for the Coordination of Ufological Research). The bureau members are listed: Gilbert PEYRET (President), Pierro PEYROT (Vice-President), Jean ACHARD (Secretary), and François MOUILHADE (Treasurer). Raymond VEILLITH and Daniel VIDAL are listed as Honorary Members. The publication 'O.V.N.I. 43' is mentioned, with a legal deposit number of 60173. Correspondence should be addressed to M. Gilbert PEYRET in Vals-près-le Puy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, space exploration, and astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO sightings, as evidenced by the detailed report and interview regarding the Monedeyres incident. There is also a clear interest in international space activities, particularly those involving France and the Soviet Union. The inclusion of local business advertisements suggests a regional focus for the publication.

Title: LA CONQUETE DE L'ESPACE
Issue: 13
Volume: 1
Date: 1979
Publisher: La Montagne
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "LA CONQUETE DE L'ESPACE" delves into significant advancements in space exploration, astronomical discoveries, and the world of amateur radio.

Space Exploration: Voyager, Luna, Surveyor, and Lunar Orbiter Programs

The magazine highlights the groundbreaking missions of the Voyager probes, detailing their observations of Jupiter's auroras and moons. Voyager-1 is on its way to Saturn, with Voyager-2 to follow. The issue also provides a comprehensive overview of the Soviet Luna program, chronicling its early successes like Luna 1 (first artificial planet) and Luna 2 (first lunar landing), through to its later missions focused on soft landings and sample collection. The American space program is covered through the Surveyor and Lunar Orbiter missions, which were crucial for studying the lunar surface, identifying landing sites for the Apollo missions, and transmitting detailed images and chemical analyses of the lunar soil.

Astronomical Discoveries

Beyond planetary exploration, the issue reports on significant astronomical findings. A giant galaxy, "NGC 1961," is described as being ten times larger than the Milky Way, located in the Camelopardalis constellation. Another discovery is a galaxy with a double nucleus, potentially formed by two black holes. The existence of a volcanic eruption's remnants on the Moon, including a crater and lava flow, is also noted.

Lunar Surface and Characteristics

Details about the Moon's surface are provided, noting that it is hard, not covered in dust, and scattered with stones and small craters. The composition of the lunar soil is described as similar to terrestrial rocks, and its resistance was measured by probes.

Amateur Radio (Citizen Band - CB)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the world of amateur radio, specifically the Citizen Band (CB). The author, "Papa Echo," emphasizes the importance of proper radio procedure, politeness, and auto-discipline. The article explains the use of the phonetic alphabet and the designated channels, particularly channels 9 (emergency) and 27 (general call). The author advocates for CB radio as a medium for leisure, freedom, and camaraderie, urging users to be considerate of others and avoid causing interference, especially on television frequencies.

Conferences and UFOs

The issue mentions a conference on UFOs held in Le Puy, animated by M. Figuet, and notes the public's interest, or lack thereof, in such topics, contrasting it with the popularity of speakers like Jean-Claude Bourret. The magazine also touches upon the idea of inviting celebrities to conferences to draw larger crowds, suggesting that public interest is often more in the personality than the subject matter.

Maritime Rescue

A brief report details a maritime rescue operation where a thirteen-year-old radio amateur, Michael Davis, played a crucial role in saving three American sailors whose boat was in distress off the coast of Jamaica. His quick actions in relaying messages and alerting the coast guard were instrumental in their rescue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the advancement of science and technology, particularly in space exploration and astronomy. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of knowledge, discovery, and the meticulous work of scientists and engineers. The editorial stance also values community and responsible communication, as seen in the detailed discussion on amateur radio etiquette. The magazine appears to be a proponent of both scientific progress and the positive social aspects of shared interests like radio communication.

This issue of L'Écho des Mystères, identified by its issue number 17, is primarily in French and covers a range of topics including astronomy, electronics, and humor. The cover prominently features "VELAY-PHOTO A. RABERIN" and "Labo noir et couleur Le Puy," suggesting a local connection, alongside illustrations and a photograph.

Astronomy and the Search for Intelligence

The magazine explores the long history of astronomical observation, starting with the Chaldean priests 6,000 years ago. It highlights the continuous human fascination with the stars and the evolution of observational tools, from the naked eye to giant telescopes and radio telescopes.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

A significant portion is dedicated to the search for intelligent life beyond Earth. It recounts Frank Drake's 1960 Project OZMA, which used the Green Bank radio telescope to listen for signals on the 21 cm wavelength, a fundamental frequency for hydrogen. Despite no results from OZMA, the article mentions Soviet claims of radio contact and the discovery of pulsars, initially nicknamed "Little Green Men" (LGM) by Anthony Hewish in 1967 due to their rhythmic emissions.

The Scale of the Universe

To contextualize humanity's place, the article uses a series of scale comparisons, starting with a sphere 24,000 km in diameter (slightly less than Earth's) and progressively multiplying its size by 40,000. These calculations illustrate spheres large enough to encompass the solar system, the galaxy, and eventually, a sphere whose diameter is one-third of the known universe, estimated at nearly 19 billion light-years across.

Evolution of Astronomical Instruments

The article traces the development of astronomical tools. It begins with the human eye and early instruments like Eudoxus of Cnidus's devices and Hipparchus's star catalog. The invention of the telescope is credited to Galileo, building on earlier Dutch innovations. The text mentions the discovery of Uranus by Herschel and the construction of large telescopes like the 2.54-meter mirror at Mount Wilson and the Russian 6-meter telescope. It also discusses the limitations of optical telescopes, such as their inability to see through Venus's clouds, and introduces the radio telescope as a solution for detecting objects that emit little visible light but significant radio waves.

Amateur Astronomy

For aspiring astronomers, the magazine offers advice on choosing between a refractor (lens-based) and a reflector (mirror-based) telescope, recommending the latter for better light gathering. It notes that a basic reflector telescope can cost around 2,000 francs and is sufficient for observing the Moon, Saturn's rings, and Jupiter's moons.

Electronics Project: Stabilized Power Supply

This section provides a practical guide for building a stabilized 12-volt power supply with a 1-ampere output. It details the components needed, including a transformer, rectifier, capacitors, Zener diodes, and transistors (2N 1711, 2N 3055). The article explains the circuit's operation, including voltage regulation using Zener diodes and transistor amplification. A schematic diagram and a complete parts list are included.

Humor and Puzzles

The issue also features humorous content, including a cartoon about a patient explaining to a psychiatrist that he created the heavens and the earth, and another with a joke about a driving test. There's also a satirical ecological slogan: "Eat a beaver, save a tree." A crossword puzzle and its solution from a previous issue are presented, along with a quiz on space exploration, with answers to be provided in the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in science, particularly astronomy and practical electronics, while also incorporating elements of humor and popular culture. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging curiosity and providing accessible information on complex topics, from the vastness of the universe to the construction of electronic devices. There's a recurring theme of placing humanity in perspective within the cosmos and celebrating human ingenuity in scientific discovery and technological advancement.

This issue of "NUITS DE SURVEILLANCE" (Surveillance Nights) is primarily focused on UFO phenomena, science fiction, and related topics, with a secondary section on first aid. The magazine includes a subscription form and details about upcoming surveillance events.

Surveillance Nights and G.L.R.U.

The issue opens with a reminder to readers about the G.L.R.U.'s participation in surveillance nights organized by S.V.E.P.S. and C.F.C.R.U. It lists upcoming dates for these events: June 2nd, June 30th, July 28th, August 25th, September 22nd, October 20th, November 17th, and December 15th. Readers are directed to contact G.L.R.U. via mail or phone for further information.

A subscription form is included, offering an ordinary subscription for 25 F and a support subscription for 50 F. The form requires Name, Address, and Profession, and is to be sent with payment to M. PEYRET Gilbert at Le Poitou, Vals-près-le Puy, 43000 LE PUY.

Le Jardinier des Etoiles (The Gardener of Stars)

This science fiction story, attributed to an unnamed author, centers on an elderly writer whose novels have an uncanny habit of predicting scientific breakthroughs. The protagonist, a successful science fiction author, is portrayed as having a profound impact on both literary and scientific circles. His first novel, "La cinquième porte" (The Fifth Door), described a spaceship landing on a tenth planet, and its details were later used by a young astronomer at Mount Palomar Observatory to discover Ceres, the tenth planet, which was already detailed on page 212 of the book. This event led to significant scientific attention and public curiosity.

The second novel, "Le Seigneur de Japet" (The Lord of Japet), dealt with an invasion of the solar system by aliens called Myrdas from the planet Adès. The novel described advanced technology, including engines and materials for their spaceships. A researcher from the Institute of Technology in Ohio, inspired by the book, managed to replicate the alien metal, which was resistant to extreme heat and radiation. This led to the development of a propulsion system capable of interstellar travel, fulfilling the novel's fantastical elements.

The author, who had previously been a physicist but kept it secret, continued to publish, with his novels influencing anti-gravity and relativistic theories. His work was so impactful that it caused significant public and scientific interest, sometimes requiring police intervention to manage enthusiastic visitors. The story highlights the author's humility and his belief that his books advanced human knowledge.

The final novel discussed, "Le Jardinier des Etoiles," posits the existence of unknown beings, "gardeners of the stars," who oversee the evolution of planets and civilizations. This concept, while not entirely new in science fiction, gained weight due to the author's proven track record of accurate predictions. The story concludes with a reflection on the divine spark within humanity and its potential to evolve into something god-like.

Evolution and Extraterrestrial Life

This section features an article discussing the theories of evolution, focusing on the work of French geneticist Pr. Jean de Grouchy, anthropologist Richard Leakey, and their American colleagues Don Johanson and Tim White. They examine the evidence for human evolution, particularly the concept of descent from apes as proposed by Darwin.

Pr. de Grouchy suggests that humans and great apes share a common ancestor, with differences arising from genetic mutations and the regulation of chromosomes rather than direct lineage. He argues that the barrier between species is not solely based on reproductive incompatibility but also on internal chromosomal organization and gene regulation.

He also contests Darwin's theory using the example of seagulls, where differences in eye color led to reproductive isolation, but painting the eyes of one variety to match another's resulted in interbreeding, suggesting that superficial differences can be overcome. The article also touches upon the possibility of extraterrestrial life, with Pr. de Grouchy stating that the probability of not being alone in the universe is far from zero, given the vast number of star systems and planets.

Secourisme (First Aid)

This new section, introduced by a monitor named G.P., aims to provide basic first aid knowledge to readers, emphasizing its importance in everyday life, especially with the increasing number of vehicles on the road. It stresses that this knowledge is accessible to everyone and does not require formal certification.

The article focuses on road accidents and the immediate actions required. It outlines three key steps: "Protéger" (Protect) by signaling the accident scene with beacons and disconnecting the battery; "Alerter" (Alert) by contacting the nearest gendarmerie or emergency services, providing details about the number of injured, location, and severity; and "Secourir" (Rescue) by assessing if the victim is conscious, breathing, and bleeding.

A radio amateur's role is also discussed, highlighting their ability to facilitate rapid communication and alerts due to their potential to contact someone with access to a telephone. The importance of seconds in saving a life is emphasized.

UFO Sightings Reports

The issue includes a "Revue de Presse" (Press Review) section detailing several UFO sightings:

• Denmark and Sweden: Luminous phenomena observed on a Wednesday evening, described as luminous balls with long tails, possibly meteorites or satellite debris.
• Bogota, Colombia: Reports of "flying saucers" and terrified farm animals, investigated by the Colombian Institute for UFO Research.
• Toulouse, France: A large, bright object, described as coin-shaped, was seen moving erratically, causing temporary vision disturbances.
• Montbeliard, France: Witnesses reported a luminous object moving vertically outside their apartment, after which their pet hamster died.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, particularly UFOs and extraterrestrial life, often linking them to speculative science and science fiction. There's a clear interest in predictive elements within science fiction, as exemplified by the story of "The Gardener of Stars." The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting reports and theories without immediate dismissal, while also providing practical information like first aid. The inclusion of the G.L.R.U. and their surveillance activities suggests a focus on active investigation and observation within the UFO community.

Title: L'ÉCHO DU MYSTÈRE
Issue: n° 13
Date: January 1979

This issue of L'ÉCHO DU MYSTÈRE focuses on UFO/OVNI sightings and related investigations, featuring reports from different regions of France.

UN O.V.N.I. dans le jardin du président...

The lead article details an encounter by M. Raymond Poppel, president of the Office du Tourisme of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. On a Tuesday around 12:30 PM, while in his garden, Poppel observed a white object, shaped like a balloon, descending slowly towards his house. Instead of landing, it abruptly ascended at a 'stupendous speed' and disappeared into the clouds at high altitude, heading towards Marseille. The incident was reported in 'L'Eclair' on January 10, 1979.

Following Poppel's testimony, the gendarmerie of Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer opened an investigation. A carbonized weather balloon was found in the power lines near the border of the Bouches-du-Rhône and Var departments, on the commune of Saint Cyr. According to EDF services, a power outage affecting the commune from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM was attributed to the fall of this balloon.

M. Poppel refuted this explanation, stating that at the moment the lights went out, the object was above his garden, not in the high-tension lines. He asserted that the power outage occurred at the same time he observed the object, and his wife corroborated his account. This part of the report references 'Le Montagne' from January 11, 1979.

Soucoupe Volante ?

This section reports on an observation made by six schoolchildren in Nîmes. On Tuesday, January 23, around 3:00 PM, the students from the C.E.S. Condorcet observed a strange, disk-shaped object in broad daylight. The object traversed the sky from north to south in approximately thirty seconds.

Described as metallic grey, it resembled 'two plates joined together.' The object's trajectory was horizontal, but it appeared to roll on itself, fall onto its side, right itself, and then fall again, all while continuing its path.

The article discusses possible explanations, dismissing the idea of a disintegrating satellite. It quotes the president of the Groupe Véronica, who stated that satellites disintegrate at very high altitudes, and on that day, the sky was covered with medium clouds at about three thousand meters. The wind was also weak (2 to 4 m/s). The Véronica president suggested that if the witnesses had seen debris from a weather balloon launched at Courbessac at 1:00 PM, they would not have observed a horizontal trajectory unless there was a storm.

The dimensions of the observed object seemed significant. One young witness, a member of Véronica, measured the angle under which it was seen, estimating it to be one degree and thirty minutes. This corresponds to an object twenty-five meters in diameter observed at a distance of one kilometer.

Given the object's size and the good visibility conditions, the article suggests that the six witnesses (Daniel Vidal, Nicole N', Ariane S., Emilia S., Angèlo P., and Janino M.) might not be the only ones who saw it. Readers who observed the phenomenon are asked to report it to Groupe Véronica at 1 Rue Vauban, 30000 Nîmes. This report is attributed to 'Midi-Libre' dated January 28, 1979.

Service de Presse

Page 2 lists various publications received by 'Service de Presse,' including UFO-related newsletters and magazines from France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. Notable publications include 'Inforespace,' 'Recherches Ufologiques,' 'Ufologia,' 'Bizarre,' 'Phénomène O.V.N.I.,' 'UFO QUEBEC,' 'Le Jacquelin,' 'UFO INFO,' 'les Extraterrestres,' 'Revue du C.E.R.P.I.,' 'Ufologic Contact,' 'Genymède,' 'Bulletin de l'AESV,' 'GEPO INFORMATIONS,' 'UFO INFORMATIONS,' and 'Bulletin de liaison des Amateurs d'Insolite.' This section indicates the magazine's engagement with the broader UFO research community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to be dedicated to reporting and investigating UFO/OVNI phenomena. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness testimonies and details of investigations, while also seeking to provide rational explanations or explore different hypotheses (e.g., weather balloons vs. unidentified objects). The inclusion of reports from various organizations and publications suggests a commitment to documenting the UFO field and encouraging public participation in reporting sightings. The emphasis on witness accounts, specific details of observations, and the request for reader input highlight a community-oriented approach to the subject matter.