Ovni Presence - No 29 - Mars 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: Ovni Présence
Issue: No. 29
Date: March 1984
Publisher: Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes (AESV)
Country: France
Language: French
Price: 20 FF / 5 FS

This issue of Ovni Présence, a quarterly bulletin from the Association d'Etude sur les Soucoupes Volantes, is dedicated to exploring the scientific aspects of UFO research, with a particular focus on the French agency GEPAN and the application of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD).

Editorial Stance and Key Themes

The editorial stance of Ovni Présence is clearly in favor of objective, rational, and scientific study of UFO phenomena. The magazine aims to present rigorous analyses based on facts, rather than hypothetical constructions or beliefs. This issue highlights the work of Jean-Pierre Petit, a researcher who champions a rationalist approach to ufology.

GEPAN: A Scientific Endeavor

The cover story, "gepan: une manip de trop," suggests a critical look at the French UFO research group GEPAN. The issue delves into the history, structure, and challenges faced by GEPAN. Jean-Pierre Petit, in an extensive interview, details his involvement and perspective on the agency.

The Demise and Restructuring of GEPAN

Petit explains that GEPAN, originally founded in 1974 as a non-profit association to study UFOs objectively, faced significant challenges. He recounts how, in July 1983, a meeting at CNES led to the dismantling of GEPAN, with its engineers being reassigned. The agency was reduced to just two people, and there were fears of its complete suppression.

Petit felt compelled to act to prevent this, believing that the research was finally yielding promising results. He aimed to reveal the truth about GEPAN's situation, even if it meant addressing uncomfortable realities and potential internal conflicts.

The Scientific Rationale for UFO Study

Petit argues that scientific organizations have often used the lack of physical evidence or the absence of sonic booms as reasons to dismiss UFOs. However, he posits that Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) provides a theoretical framework that can explain many observed UFO characteristics, such as unusual light phenomena and electromagnetic effects. This, he contends, removes a key argument for skeptics who deny the physical existence of UFOs.

The Origins and Functioning of GEPAN

Petit traces the origins of GEPAN back to 1976, influenced by a report from IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale) following an analysis of Claude POHER's work. CNES was tasked with creating a study group, with POHER playing a significant role. Petit himself was brought in, initially as an external collaborator.

He describes the early days, working discreetly with colleagues like M. VITON at the Laboratoire d'Astronomie Spatiale (LAS) in Marseille. The formation of GEPAN involved a scientific council, whose members included figures from various scientific and academic fields, such as physics, cosmology, meteorology, and psychiatry. The council's role was to review and approve GEPAN's research proposals and findings.

Challenges and Collaborations

Petit recounts a rupture with POHER in 1977, partly due to differing approaches and a physical accident that limited his ability to conduct fieldwork. Despite this, he continued his research, securing a contract with the Ministry of Industry for MHD-related projects. He highlights significant findings in hydraulics and plasma physics, including work presented at an international MHD conference in Moscow.

He also details his collaboration with ESTERLE, who took over GEPAN's operational aspects. Petit expresses reservations about ESTERLE's motivations, suggesting that UFOs might have been a mere pretext for him. He also mentions the involvement of military research bodies like DRET, indicating a broader interest in the potential applications of the research.

Scientific Contributions and Skepticism

The issue features a document (Document A) from the Scientific Council of GEPAN, dated October 30, 1980. The council expresses satisfaction with GEPAN's objective approach and its role as a coordinator. It recommends focusing on Human Sciences initially, but then emphasizes the importance of advancing research in Physical Sciences, particularly highlighting the potential of MHD. The council also suggests investigating specific phenomena like truncated light beams.

Document B details a collaboration proposal with DRET, involving material and financial support for research. The article also touches upon the scientific debate surrounding UFOs, referencing figures like Professor SCHATZMANN, an astrophysicist who initially dismissed Petit's MHD models but later acknowledged their potential after a demonstration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for a scientific, evidence-based approach to ufology. It critiques the tendency of some scientists to dismiss UFOs without thorough investigation and highlights the potential of fields like MHD to provide rational explanations. The magazine positions itself as a platform for publishing rigorous research, even if it challenges conventional scientific views. The recurring theme is the pursuit of truth through scientific inquiry, even in the face of institutional resistance and skepticism.

This document, titled 'Document C', appears to be an internal report or a personal account detailing research activities and internal dynamics related to the GEPAN (Groupement d'Études et de Recherches en Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés) and broader scientific research in France, particularly in the fields of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and plasma physics. The content spans from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, highlighting scientific collaborations, disputes, funding challenges, and the personal experiences of researchers involved.

GEPAN's Research Strategy and Internal Dynamics

The document begins with a note regarding GEPAN's research strategy, which involves identifying new research avenues in physical sciences, potentially supporting existing research, or initiating new ones. GEPAN aimed to collaborate with external laboratories and institutes, including those within the CNES, and to involve organizations like DRET for potential funding and support. The report mentions the planned addition of a physicist to GEPAN in January 1981 for coordination and follow-up.

Jean-Pierre PETIT's Research and Conflicts

A significant portion of the document focuses on the experiences and research of Jean-Pierre PETIT. PETIT recounts his involvement with GEPAN and his subsequent conflicts with individuals like ESTERLE and ZAPPOLI. He describes how his ideas and contributions were initially overlooked or appropriated, leading to a strained relationship. PETIT expresses frustration over the lack of recognition and the perceived 'scientific pillage' occurring within GEPAN.

PETIT details his attempts to establish a more 'comfortable' position within the collaboration and his desire for guarantees, which were denied. He describes a period of 'strike' where he refused to attend the defense of student work based on his MHD hydraulic manipulation designs. This action was poorly received by GEPAN, and ESTERLE's response, conveyed in a letter, was critical, accusing PETIT of an attitude incompatible with GEPAN's approach and distancing GEPAN from 'ufologists' and 'soucoupistes' (those who believe in flying saucers).

MHD Research and Collaboration

The document extensively discusses the field of MHD, particularly PETIT's work on it. He explains his early studies in MHD with VITON in 1976, emphasizing the need for strong magnetic fields. PETIT recounts his efforts to secure equipment, including an electromagnet from DERMO, and how these experiments led to significant results, such as the suppression of the 'wave of the bow' effect, detailed in his book 'LE MUR DU SILENCE'.

PETIT describes his proposal to extend MHD manipulation to gases and the suggestion of using microwaves for ionization control, which he had outlined in a report for GEPAN. He notes that ZAPPOLI later attempted to build a project based on this idea.

Contract Disputes and Institutional Involvement

The narrative details the development of a contract between CNES-GEPAN and CERT (Centre d'Études et de Recherches) for an MHD study, amounting to 200,000 F. PETIT expresses his dissatisfaction with the way this contract was handled, feeling that his role and contributions were not adequately acknowledged. He mentions attempts to communicate with various partners of the contract, including PELLEGRIN (director of CERT), CLAIROUIN (SUPAERO), THOUREL (DERMO), and GRUAU (CNES/GEPAN secretary general), but received no significant response.

Scientific Setbacks and Personal Endeavors

PETIT recounts a significant setback when the electromagnet he had borrowed from THOUREL was taken back by people from DERMO without his knowledge, effectively ending his hydraulic experiments that required strong magnetic fields. He describes this as a catastrophe, as he could not afford to replace such equipment, which would cost around 70,000 F.

Despite these challenges, PETIT remained determined. He purchased a local space in Aix-en-Provence with his own funds to set up a laboratory. He sought support from the Regional Council, receiving a credit of 40,000 F, and also received assistance from PELLAT, who intervened with various organizations.

Support from PELLAT and CNRS

René PELLAT, identified as a Director of Research at CNRS and a former professor of PETIT, writes a letter in February 1982 supporting PETIT's work. PELLAT describes PETIT as an imaginative and original researcher specializing in MHD, who has identified fundamental properties of these flows. He notes that PETIT's ideas were being appropriated by engineers at CNES/TOULOUSE and ONERA/TOULOUSE, who had the financial means for contracts, while PETIT lacked material aid. PELLAT advocates for a contract to support PETIT's group and test his ideas, suggesting future collaboration with organizations like ONERA or CEA.

Later, in March 1983, Monsieur LANGEVIN, a Regional Advisor, writes to Monsieur René PELLAT, supporting PETIT's new equipment request. LANGEVIN highlights that MHD research had been abandoned in France around 1970-1972 but that PETIT had new ideas and was demonstrating credible work with limited resources. CNRS had provided a first grant in 1982, and they were encouraging his efforts. PETIT, despite being handicapped by a work accident, had purchased a laboratory space and was seeking further support from the Regional Council and CNRS to acquire necessary working means.

Collaboration with Aix-en-Provence

A document from the École Polytechnique in June 1983 indicates a planned collaboration involving the region of Aix-en-Provence. The Director of the École des Beaux Arts, Monsieur BOULLIER, had approached the Mayor of Aix to obtain a space for scientific research in physics and informatics, as well as to create an arts-sciences meeting point. CNRS was interested, and a research unit was to be created in Aix, coordinated by Jean-Pierre PETIT, focusing on the mechanics of ionized fluid flows (magnetohydrodynamics). An agreement for the transfer of materials from CEA was also envisioned.

Experimental Setups and Results

The document includes descriptions and diagrams of experimental setups, such as the MANIP MHD at CERT, involving a waveguide, solenoids, and a nozzle. It details the use of a powerful microwave generator and the challenges encountered, such as the inability of microwaves to penetrate the air flowing in the nozzle, leading to ionization being confined to a few millimeters near a Teflon window. ZAPPOLI's confusion over these results is noted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are scientific research, particularly in MHD and plasma physics, institutional collaborations, funding challenges, and personal conflicts within the scientific community. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for PETIT's research and highlighting the bureaucratic and interpersonal obstacles he faced. There's a clear critique of how research ideas were handled and the perceived lack of support for original scientific endeavors within established institutions like GEPAN and CNES. The document also touches upon the broader context of MHD research in France and internationally, noting its decline in France compared to the US and USSR.

This issue of OVNI-PRESENCE, identified as issue number 29, delves deeply into the internal workings, challenges, and eventual dissolution of the GEPAN (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés), a French government-funded research group focused on unidentified aerospace phenomena (UAP).

The Demise of GEPAN

The articles detail the internal politics and decisions that led to the dismantling of the GEPAN. Key figures like THOUREL, ZAPPOLI, ESTERLE, and PELLAT are mentioned in the context of the group's operations and its eventual fate. ZAPPOLI is described as being effaré by the financial implications of the research, while PELLAT is portrayed as instrumental in pushing for the closure of GEPAN. The narrative suggests that GEPAN, which had operated with significant autonomy within CNES, was restructured to remove this independence. Decisions were made in council meetings in July 1983 to change GEPAN's status, effectively ending its independent research capabilities. Engineers like ESTERLE, ZAPPOLI, and CAUBEL were reassigned to other departments and instructed to cease their involvement with UAP investigations.

Scientific Research and Obstacles

The issue highlights the difficulties faced by researchers in the field of UAP. The article discusses how attempts to secure funding or publish research related to UAP were often met with resistance or outright rejection by scientific institutions and journals. The case of the Trans-en-Provence incident is presented as a prime example of a well-documented case that presented objective evidence, yet faced skepticism and institutional inertia. The article contrasts the scientific community's willingness to explore speculative theories in other fields with its reluctance to seriously consider UAP.

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and UAP Propulsion

A significant portion of the content explores the potential connection between Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and UAP propulsion. The author, Jean-Pierre PETIT, argues that MHD technology, which deals with the behavior of electrically conducting fluids in magnetic fields, could offer a plausible explanation for the advanced propulsion systems of UAP. He recounts his own research and attempts to publish work on MHD, noting that while his findings were recognized internationally (e.g., at a conference in Moscow), they were often dismissed or sidelined within France, particularly when linked to UAP research. The article suggests that the scientific community's resistance to UAP might be a deliberate effort to avoid exploring fundamental research areas, such as advanced energy generation and propulsion, that could be relevant to understanding UAP.

Specific Cases and Investigations

The issue references several specific cases and research efforts:

• Trans-en-Provence: This case is presented as a crucial piece of evidence, involving a credible witness and objective physical traces. The investigation by BOUNIAS is noted for its thoroughness in ruling out conventional explanations.
• The Amarante case: This incident also involved biochemical effects, but the collection of plant samples was problematic, hindering definitive analysis.
• Plasma research: The possibility of naturally forming plasmas in the atmosphere is discussed, linking it to potential UAP phenomena.

Institutional Response and Secrecy

The role of various institutions, including the CNES, CNRS, and the Ministry of Defense, is examined. Letters from officials, such as Roger LESGARDS from the Ministry of Industry and Research, indicate a shift in GEPAN's role, focusing on information collection and expertise rather than independent research. The author expresses skepticism about the sincerity of these reassurances, suggesting a deliberate effort to downplay or control the investigation of UAP. The article implies that a desire for secrecy or a reluctance to confront potentially paradigm-shifting discoveries may have driven these institutional decisions.

Personal Accounts and Appeals

The author shares personal experiences of trying to bring attention to UAP research, including attempts to alert the media and ufologists. He recounts being asked to keep a low profile by PELLAT, but later deciding to speak out more freely as GEPAN's future became uncertain. An appeal is made for a closed location in the Aix-Marseille region to store scientific equipment that is currently exposed to the elements and deteriorating.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the suppression of UAP research, the institutional barriers faced by scientists in this field, and the potential for advanced technologies like MHD to explain UAP phenomena. The editorial stance is critical of the scientific establishment's resistance to unconventional ideas and suggests a pattern of obfuscation and dismissal when it comes to UAP. The issue advocates for a more open and rigorous scientific approach to UAP, emphasizing the need for competent and motivated researchers to analyze the available data. The author expresses a belief that the scientific community's avoidance of the UAP problem is a significant missed opportunity, potentially hindering progress in fundamental areas of science and technology.

This issue of OVNI-PRESENCE, dated January 3, 1984, is a French-language publication focusing on ufology, advanced science, and geopolitical concerns, particularly the arms race and the potential consequences of nuclear war. The central figure and primary contributor is Jean-Pierre Petit, who discusses his research and broader societal observations.

Research and Experiments in Plasma Physics and MHD

Jean-Pierre Petit details his work on ionization by microwaves, aiming to create a plasma sphere around a 'maquette' (model). He critiques previous experiments, particularly those at Toulouse, for their flawed methodology in achieving air penetration for microwaves. Petit proposes that the maquette itself should generate the microwaves, using its structure as a waveguide. He describes a small-scale experiment using a Rhumkoff coil and a one-megahertz source, where he achieved ionization in rarefied air. He notes that while a plasma was obtained, it was confined to the waveguide exit and did not surround the maquette, and increasing power led to electrical arcs.

Annex I details experiments conducted in 1977 on a disk-shaped machine with a central anode and three cathodes, operating at low pressure air (0.8 Torr). The experiments explored the cancellation of Velikhov instability by magnetic confinement. In a non-homogeneous magnetic field, a spiral electric current pattern was observed, guided by the field. This guidance was found to be stronger than the Hall effect itself, capable of almost suppressing the transverse electric current. The study suggests that magnetic confinement can control the current density pattern and potentially reverse the spiral angle. Further experiments in a linear geometry (Faraday converter) with a non-homogeneous magnetic field also showed distinct electric streamers without ionization instability.

Directed Energy Weapons and the Arms Race

Petit links the development of UFOs to advanced technology, suggesting they operate outside current physical laws. He then pivots to the alarming progress in directed energy weapons, particularly lasers. He notes that in 1976, lasers at Livermore produced one terawatt, while Sandia sources produced ten terawatts. By 1981, X-ray lasers were reported to develop one hundred terawatts. He explains that these lasers are powered by 'small' atomic bombs and that the technology for igniting fusion bombs (H-bombs) has been refined since the 1970s. The scale of energy involved is immense, with lasers potentially exceeding thousands of terawatts, requiring mirror surfaces comparable to the size of France to focus such energy. This arms race, involving the US, Russia, and China, is described as destabilizing and leading towards catastrophe.

Nuclear War and Climate Catastrophe

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the climatic consequences of a nuclear war, based on a report by two Russian scientists, Alexandrov and Stenchikov. The report, sent to Anne Sinclair, details how a massive nuclear attack on the Northern Hemisphere would disperse dust into the stratosphere, plunging the Earth into complete darkness. This would cause a drastic temperature drop, estimated at -56°C in the USSR and -40°C in the USA. The atmospheric dust would absorb solar radiation, preventing the ground from heating up. Paradoxically, the upper atmosphere would heat abnormally, potentially causing the melting of snow and ice in mountainous regions, leading to devastating floods. The report suggests that the atmosphere would then pump moisture from the ground, resulting in extreme drought and a 'super-stable' cold ground layer, halting convection, cloud formation, and rainfall. This would create a sterile, pestilential environment with toxic gas accumulation and permanent, destructive coastal storms. The return to a 'normal' climate would take years, with the immediate effects of the bombs being less significant than the long-term climatic changes.

The UFO Phenomenon and Non-Contact

Petit posits that if UFOs are extraterrestrial machines, their advanced technology would represent a significant leap beyond current human scientific understanding, particularly in energy conservation principles. He argues that a direct contact with extraterrestrials would inevitably lead to a massive technological transfer, potentially accelerating human progress by centuries. However, he suggests that visitors are likely avoiding direct contact to prevent humanity from immediately weaponizing such advanced knowledge, citing the historical precedence of weapons development preceding energy applications (e.g., H-bombs before nuclear reactors).

Societal and Psychological Factors

Petit expresses frustration with the lack of awareness and engagement regarding these critical issues. He criticizes the scientific community and governments for their 'blindness' and 'psychological-sociological mechanisms' that lead to a focus on trivial matters or self-interest. He notes that while the Pope has called for scientific caution, the media often trivializes or politicizes the issues. He describes a general societal 'fear' of confronting the unknown or the future, leading to a collective avoidance of critical problems.

Funding Research and Future Plans

To address the lack of resources for UFO research, Petit is in the process of establishing an association called 'Association pour la Promotion de l'Etude et la Recherche Scientifique sur les OVNI' (APERSO). The aim is to collect private funds to purchase equipment and support research. He plans to publish books, with royalties going to APERSO, and to distribute other media like video cassettes. He believes this approach of offering something in return for support is more effective than simply asking for donations. He also hopes to attract private sponsors, suggesting that if UFO research can offer positive publicity or image enhancement for corporations, they might invest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is critical and cautionary, highlighting perceived societal blindness and the urgent dangers posed by unchecked technological advancement, particularly in weaponry and the potential for nuclear annihilation. There is a strong undercurrent of frustration with the scientific establishment and governmental inaction. The editorial perspective champions independent research and advocates for a more profound understanding of phenomena like UFOs, not as mere curiosities, but as potential indicators of advanced science and technology that could offer insights into humanity's future, or its potential demise. The issue emphasizes the interconnectedness of scientific progress, military applications, and existential threats.

This issue of Les Cahiers de l'Unexplained, identified by issue number 41, focuses on the scientific and technological exploration of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and its potential applications, particularly in the realm of advanced aerospace propulsion. The cover prominently features a French headline, "NE BROYEZ PLUS DU NOIR pour faire une rencontre du 3ème type !" (Don't see black anymore to have a third type encounter!), alongside promotions for "Ovni Présence" and subscription offers, suggesting a blend of scientific inquiry and ufology.

MHD and Supersonic Flight Without Shock Waves

The central theme of the issue revolves around the research of Jean-Pierre Petit, affiliated with the Laboratoire de Magnetohydrodynamique CNRS in Aix-en-Provence. His work, presented in an article titled "IS SUPERSONIC FLIGHT, WITHOUT SHOCK WAVE, POSSIBLE?", explores the application of MHD principles to achieve supersonic flight without the generation of shock waves. Petit's discussion is supported by analogic results from hydraulics, demonstrating how Lorentz forces can potentially annihilate surface waves and turbulent wakes around moving objects.

MHD Acceleration and Flow Control

The article details experiments with MHD accelerators, both in theoretical disk and linear configurations. It explains how magnetic fields, when interacting with electric currents within a conductive fluid, generate Lorentz forces that can influence flow patterns. The research highlights the use of hydraulic simulations to visualize these effects, showing how MHD actions can balance compression and expansion phenomena, leading to a regularized flow. Specific figures illustrate concepts like the disk generator, alternating magnetic patterns, and wall accelerators.

Hydraulic Analogies and Parameters

Petit's experiments utilized water with added acid to achieve sufficient electrical conductivity, simulating a Mach number of 1.3. The interaction parameter (S = 2JBL/PV²) is identified as a critical factor; when it exceeds unity, the Lorentz force can significantly alter wave patterns. The research indicates that a net thrust can be achieved, and a more sophisticated model involving both acceleration and slowing down processes can lead to complete wave annihilation.

Extension to Gas Experiments and Challenges

The issue also addresses the potential extension of these principles to gas experiments. A major challenge identified is thermal blocking, which occurs because air at normal conditions is a poor conductor. To overcome this, large electric current densities would be required, potentially leading to increased gas pressure that could counteract the Lorentz force. The article suggests that achieving supersonic flight without shock waves requires moderate currents and high electrical conductivity, possibly enhanced by seed emission or microwaves. Future experiments are planned using shock tubes with hot Argon and then with the natural conductivity of fluids.

Large Hall Parameter Aerodynes

Further discussion touches upon the design of "aerodynes" (flying machines) that utilize MHD principles. It is noted that for large Hall parameters, disk-shaped configurations with spiral electric current patterns are optimal, contrasting with designs suitable for smaller Hall parameters.

References and Publications

The article includes an extensive list of references, primarily to works by J.P. Petit and his collaborators, published in various scientific journals and conference proceedings between 1967 and 1980. These references cover topics such as MHD converters, accelerators, instability suppression, and general perspectives on magnetohydrodynamics.

Contact Information and Copyright

The final pages provide contact information for the Observatoire des Parasciences and related websites, including "Ovni-Présence" and "Anomalies." A strong copyright notice is included, emphasizing that unauthorized digital reproduction and online distribution of the publication are prohibited and will be subject to legal action.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the cutting-edge scientific exploration of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), its theoretical and experimental applications in aerospace (specifically supersonic flight without shock waves), and the use of hydraulic simulations as an analogic tool. There is a clear emphasis on the research conducted by Jean-Pierre Petit and his colleagues, highlighting their contributions to the field. The editorial stance appears to be one of scientific curiosity and forward-thinking, exploring advanced concepts that push the boundaries of current technology. The inclusion of "Ovni Présence" and the cover headline suggest an interest in unexplained phenomena, potentially linking advanced scientific concepts to UFO research or the broader study of anomalies.