OVNI INFO 34 - No 05 - 3e trim 1979

Magazine Overview

This document is the September 1979 issue (N° 05) of the French bi-monthly bulletin "Bulletin d'Information du GROUPE PALMOS", issue number 34. The cover prominently features the word "OVNI" in large letters surrounding a stylized circular graphic, with the magazine title "GROUPE PALMOS" and issue number "34" clearly visible. The price is listed as 30F.

Editorial Stance and Group Activities

The editorial, dated September 1, 1979, reflects on the end of summer and the upcoming return to more active group work. The president, Bernard DUPI, emphasizes the need for better organization and improved communication among members and subscribers. He mentions the upcoming cooperation between private UFO groups within the CUCRU, with an investigation commission meeting in Dijon and the general assembly in Avignon.

The "PALMOS ACTIVITES" section details the group's summer activities, including radio surveillance of the sky (SVEPS), parapsychological observation evenings, and conferences held in Palavas and Frontignan to present an objective view of the UFO phenomenon. Some members also participated in a week-long trip to the Corbières region to visit Cathar castles, including Montségur and Rennes le Château. These activities are described as providing interesting contacts and promoting the Groupe PALOS.

The bulletin also notes the existence of a section in Sète led by Michel Nougier and provides contact information for correspondence and telephone inquiries.

Key Articles and Features

Exclusive Report: IHEDN Study on UFOs

This issue presents an exclusive excerpt from a report by a commission of experts from the Institut des Hautes Etudes de Défense Nationale (IHEDN), titled "RAPPORT D'Etude sur les O.V.N.I.T." (Study Report on UFOs). Thierry PINDIVIC, an active French ufologist and member of SPEPSE, is credited with obtaining this report, which was previously classified as "CONFIDENTIEL DEFENSE". The report, compiled over 8 months and dated June 20, 1977, analyzes arguments for and against the reality of UFOs, examines government attitudes, and discusses the socio-psychological impact of the phenomenon. It suggests improvements for information dissemination and investigation procedures, including the need for more informed gendarmery reports and the potential for multidisciplinary teams to investigate "hot" cases. The IHEDN committee concludes that while the mystery of UFOs is significant, improvements are needed in how the problem is handled in France, particularly in ensuring that the public receives accurate information to avoid mass hysteria.

"Marie Claire" Magazine and Extraterrestrials

An article discusses a feature in the August issue of "Marie Claire" magazine titled "ET SI NOUS ETIONS SEULS AU MONDE" (What If We Were Alone in the World), which includes an IFOP poll on French attitudes towards extraterrestrials. The poll revealed that 28% of French people believe in extraterrestrials, while 58% do not, and 14% are undecided. When asked if they or someone they knew had encountered extraterrestrials, 21% said yes, and 77% said no.

Dossier Spécial: The Propulsion of UFOs (Part 1)

This section, authored by Daniel BONVILA, begins an in-depth exploration of UFO propulsion systems.

Witness Testimony: The Romeo Charlie Case

The bulletin includes a detailed account of the "Romeo Charlie Case" from October-November 1973, based on an investigation by J.P. CHARTON and B. DUPI. The testimony of Rose C. is published in full, recounting an extraordinary experience from 1952. While on vacation in the garrigue, she was awakened by her dogs' unusual behavior. Investigating, she encountered a large, dark, circular object hovering above the ground. She then met three beings, two of whom were described as very tall (over 2.50m) with dark features and a calm demeanor, and one who spoke French and identified himself as a former teacher. They explained they were from a planet with a larger moon and that their world was more peaceful. Rose C. shared reading material with them, and they demonstrated the ability to levitate large stones using a device. Despite initial fear, she felt no malice from them. The beings invited her to join them, but she declined. She later observed the craft ascend silently and disappear. Rose C. emphasizes the need for discretion due to her personal life and expresses a desire to connect with others who may have had similar experiences.

Other Content

The issue also includes an "Editorial", "Dossier Enquêtes" (Investigation Dossier), a section on "Que faire en cas d'observation d'OVNI : les conseils du GEPAN" (What to do in case of a UFO sighting: GEPAN's advice), a review of the "MIGUERES affair", and a list of upcoming meetings and observation evenings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the scientific and societal implications of the phenomenon. The Groupe Palmos positions itself as a serious research organization, seeking to provide objective information and debunk sensationalism. The inclusion of the IHEDN report highlights a desire to legitimize UFO research by linking it to official defense studies. The publication also emphasizes the importance of witness testimony, as seen in the detailed account of Rose C.'s experience, and encourages active participation from its members in observations and discussions. The editorial tone is one of cautious optimism and a call for collaboration within the ufological community.

This special dossier, issue number 9 and likely from the 1970s, titled 'DOSSIER SPECIAL', explores the enigmatic question of how Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), or O.V.N.I. in French, move. Authored by Daniel BONVILA, the issue aims to elucidate the mystery of UFOs by examining various hypotheses regarding their propulsion systems. The publication is from the AESV (Association pour l'Etude des Soucoupes Volantes) and is in French.

How UFOs Move: Propulsion Theories

The article begins by acknowledging the paradox: understanding how UFOs move would demystify them. It notes that many authors attribute UFOs to extraterrestrial origins due to their extraordinary structures and performances, implying unknown propulsion mechanisms. The dossier promises an objective review of hypotheses, aiming to shed light on these phenomena, referred to as P.A.N.I. (Phénomènes Aériens Non Identifiés).

Electromagnetic Phenomena

• Several observed phenomena are linked to UFO propulsion:
• Automobile Effects: Interruption of car ignition, electrical failures, and compass malfunctions.
• Sensory Effects: Tingling sensations (intense E-field) and animal agitation (E-field or ultrasound).
• Thermal Effects: Heat and burns, attributed to low-frequency electromagnetic radiation.
• Signal Interference: Perturbations of radio and television signals.

Luminous Phenomena

These include position lights, illuminated windows, headlights with truncated or curved beams, and fireballs (possibly ionizing radiation).

Radioactivity

This is noted as infrequent.

"Angel Hair"

This phenomenon is mentioned without further explanation.

Attractive Forces

Described as anti-gravity or artificial gravity, leading to immobilized aircraft with engines off, and levitating or stopped vehicles.

Extraordinary Performance

UFOs exhibit extraordinary performance, with an apparent absence of visible structure, suggesting an unknown propulsion mechanism.

Earth-Based Propulsion Limitations

The article contrasts these UFO capabilities with current human propulsion systems, particularly those using propellants like kerosene and hydrogen. It highlights that the energy released by burning hydrogen and oxygen is insufficient for the performance observed in UFOs, and the ejection velocity of gases is limited.

Potential UFO Propulsion Systems

I) Atomic Energy: Fission Reaction

This section explains the principle of nuclear fission, where a heavy nucleus like Uranium-235 is bombarded by a neutron, releasing energy and more neutrons, potentially leading to a chain reaction. While atomic energy is used in reactors for power generation, the article suggests it's unlikely for UFOs due to the need for heavy shielding, complex secondary systems, and the inherent dangers of radioactive sources. The mass of a UFO is deemed insufficient to house such a system.

II) Ionic Energy

This method involves ionizing matter (stripping electrons from atoms) and accelerating these ions using an electric field to high speeds (around 200 km/h). This process, when applied to gases, creates plasma, the fourth state of matter. The article describes how high temperatures and pressures can lead to ionization and the formation of plasma. It mentions that maintaining plasma requires a magnetic field. The Soviets reportedly launched an ionospheric station with a plasma-ion engine in 1966 to study high-altitude guided flights.

Plasma Engine Principle: A gas (like H2 or N) is heated to high temperatures via discharges, becoming plasma and ionized. Passing this plasma through a magnetic field accelerates its particles, generating thrust when directed through a nozzle.

Scornaux and Piens' Proposal: They suggest using ionization to mitigate air heating caused by friction at high speeds. The air's speed would be a function of the craft's distance from the ground and its own speed. Ionization energy could be supplied by electromagnetic radiation. The intense light observed around UFOs might be due to intense air ionization.

UFO Takeoff: It's proposed that UFOs require air ionization to initiate movement, followed by a force field to propel the ionized air. The Lorentz force is introduced as the fundamental principle governing the interaction of charged particles with magnetic and electric fields, explaining how a UFO might generate thrust.

Advanced Propulsion Concepts

Magneto Hydro Dynamics (MHD)

Jean-Pierre PETIT, a researcher at CNRS, is presented as having conducted laboratory experiments on a "flying saucer" propulsion theory based on MHD. This field studies the behavior of conductive fluids (like plasma) in magnetic fields. The proposed engine involves fusing deuterium and tritium atoms. The fusion reaction requires extremely high temperatures (100 million °K) and sufficient density-time confinement (Lawson criterion). The article describes two confinement methods: magnetic confinement (like TOKOĽAK) and inertial confinement using lasers to bombard a deuterium-heavy hydrogen pellet.

MHD Engine Design: A "diabolo" shaped engine with a spherical wall and two cones. Internal mirrors and electrodes alternate on the inner surface. A central electrode is connected to the crown electrodes via a capacitor. An axial magnetic field is created by a solenoid. Electrical discharge between electrodes ionizes the surrounding air, creating a luminous plasma. Lorentz forces are generated, causing radial and centripetal acceleration of the air, leading to lift and propulsion. The article suggests that stacking multiple saucers could enhance the magnetic and electric fields for efficient flight. It also notes that the rapid accelerations experienced by occupants would be pulsed (microseconds), making them more tolerable than continuous acceleration.

Quantum Energy: Matter to Energy Transformation

Referencing Einstein's theory of photons, this concept suggests transforming matter into energy (photons) to power propulsion. This energy could then be used to propel a craft at light speed. As the craft slows, the energy would revert to matter. The electromagnetic field produced would ionize surrounding air, preventing resistance. This principle is linked to the Soviet "Quantonef" project, which uses wave trains from the disintegration of matter.

GEPAN's Role and Advice

• The article includes advice from the Groupe d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés (GEPAN), a French organization dedicated to studying unidentified aerospace phenomena. They provide guidelines for observing and reporting UFOs:
• Attract Witnesses: Alert others to the phenomenon.
• Record Details: Note the precise time, duration, location, apparent shape, size, color, presence/absence of sound or odor, and distance.
• Document: Take photographs if possible, noting camera settings.
• Report: Contact the local gendarmerie to file a report. GEPAN is informed of the procedure and will be notified for urgent cases. Anonymity is respected.
• Alternative Contact: If unable to reach the gendarmerie, contact the Centre Spatial de Toulouse.

Private groups, including PALMOS, are also available to assist witnesses.

The Jean Miguéres Case

A significant portion of the dossier is dedicated to the Jean Miguéres case, which gained attention following the publication of his book. Miguéres, an ambulance driver, claimed to have survived a severe car accident that was allegedly caused by Extra-Terrestrials, who then intervened to save him and prove their existence. The article critically examines Miguéres' claims, noting that the AESV published a dossier on the case, which led to threats of legal action for defamation from individuals like Guieu and Tarade.

Critique of Miguéres' Account: The dossier questions the veracity of Miguéres' story, particularly his claims of miraculous healing and contact with aliens. It highlights inconsistencies, such as his description of the accident scene and his alleged teleportation with witnesses Guieu and Tarade. The article points out geographical inaccuracies in his account of traveling from Nîmes to Marseille.

Investigation by AESV: The AESV's investigation into the Miguéres case is presented as an effort to critically examine the claims, especially given the potential for similar uncertainties in ufology. The investigation aimed to verify Miguéres' account, as a truthful account would be a turning point for ufology, while a fabrication, especially one that victimized someone, needed to be exposed.

• Specific Criticisms:
• Witness Testimony: The article notes that many individuals cited in Miguéres' book are anonymous or deceased. It specifically questions the testimony of M. Pages, who reportedly stated that Miguéres' account of their relationship was "perfectly inexact" but confirmed a letter he wrote was authentic, though intended to be merely agreeable.
• Physical Impossibility: Miguéres claimed to have looked in his car's rearview mirror after the accident, but photos of the wreckage showed no rearview mirror or even a functional car.
• Teleportation Claim: Miguéres claimed to have been teleported with Guieu and Tarade, but his described route from Nîmes to Marseille was geographically inconsistent with the actual highway system.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this dossier are the scientific exploration of UFO propulsion, the potential for advanced technologies beyond current human understanding, and the critical examination of witness testimony and alleged contactee cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded scientific inquiry, seeking evidence-based explanations while also being critical of unsubstantiated claims, as exemplified by the detailed critique of the Jean Miguéres case. The inclusion of GEPAN's guidelines suggests an emphasis on proper reporting and investigation procedures within the field of ufology.

This issue of OVNI-INFO, bulletin of the GROUPE PALMOS, published in the 3rd Quarter of 1979, focuses heavily on the controversial case of Jean Miguéres. The magazine critically examines his claims of telepathic communication with extraterrestrials and the existence of an alien base.

The Jean Miguéres Case: Telepathy and Extraterrestrial Bases

The issue begins by addressing a legal dispute involving M. Guieu, who is suing for 15 million centimes in damages related to letters published in the magazine. The core of the discussion revolves around Miguéres' assertion that he received a telepathic message from extraterrestrials about a base on a planetoid named KRISTCHA, orbiting between Venus and Earth. The magazine notes that the official announcement of this celestial body's existence by astronomer Charles Kowal came later, and questions whether Miguéres had prior knowledge, possibly through an astronomer friend in Algeria specializing in planetoid detection.

The article expresses skepticism about the telepathic aspect of Miguéres' claims. It then delves into a broader analysis of "contact" cases in ufology, noting that many lack direct material proof. The typical pattern involves witnesses reporting profound distress and inexpressible experiences after a contact, which does not lend itself to commercial exploitation. The Miguéres affair, the magazine suggests, stands in stark contrast to this pattern.

Furthermore, the publication analyzes Miguéres' account as a constructed narrative, using a well-known schema for contact cases. This schema includes telepathy, a message to humanity, observation of the craft and humanoid beings, seasoned with humor, false modesty, and apparent, but intentional, clumsiness to enhance credibility.

Scientific Scrutiny and Ufological Research

The magazine questions the conclusion one can draw from these remarks, suggesting that in ufology, everything should be treated with the seriousness it deserves, as research and truth have no price. It references Miguéres' book "J'ai été le cobaye des Extra-Terrestres" and a special issue of the AESV bulletin.

An article from "LA RECHERCHE" magazine is cited, discussing the growing impossibility for scientists to ignore UFO phenomena. It highlights that while competent scientists have resources and advanced technology to explore space, no testimony or proof of UFO existence withstands rigorous scientific analysis. The article mentions studies by Michel Granger and James E. Oberg on unusual phenomena reported by American astronauts, previously presented as incontestable UFO sightings.

In France, a group called the "Groupe d'études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés" (Group for the Study of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena) was created under the aegis of the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). Its responsible, Alain Esterle, outlines the CNES's intentions. Vladimir Migouline, from the USSR Academy of Sciences, provides a Soviet perspective on UFO observations. Hubert Reeves is quoted explaining why the "message of UFOs" cannot be ignored from a psycho-sociological standpoint.

Groupe PALMOS Activities

The issue also includes practical information for members of the Groupe PALMOS. It provides the dates for meetings and observation nights for the 1979-1980 season. Meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month at the Centre International des Jeunes (C.I.J.) in Montpellier. Observation nights depart from the Place des Arceaux. The schedule lists specific dates for both meetings and observation nights throughout 1979 and 1980, noting that the General Assembly will be held on December 15, 1979.

Members are urged to submit any observations and information they gather and to help promote the Groupe PALMOS and its review, "OVNI INFO 34," to increase their effectiveness.

Puzzles and Classifieds

The final pages contain word puzzles (horizontal and vertical clues) and their solutions, as well as classified ads, including the sale of astronomical telescopes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO contact claims, the role of telepathy in alleged encounters, and the scientific approach to ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, emphasizing the need for rigorous evidence and analysis while acknowledging the public's interest in UFOs. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussion and research within the French ufological community, as evidenced by the activities of Groupe PALMOS.