LES OVNI DEVANT LA SCIENCE

Magazine Overview

This issue of Paris-Match, dated May 5, 1978, features a prominent cover story titled "LES OVNI DEVANT LA SCIENCE" (UFOs Before Science). The main visual is a striking black and white photograph of astronomer Claude Poher, director of Gepan, standing before a radio telescope. The headline boldly asserts the magazine's focus on the scientific investigation of UFOs.

Interview with Claude Poher

The core of the issue is an extensive interview with Claude Poher, a doctor in astronomy and the officially appointed head of Gepan (Groupe d'étude des phénomènes aérospatiaux non identifiés), the French government's official UFO research body. Poher explains that France is unique in having such an organization, which is based in Toulouse and affiliated with the Cnes (Centre national d'études spatiales). He expresses surprise that other countries do not engage in similar official investigations, noting that scientists and engineers abroad find it unthinkable.

Poher's interest in UFOs stems from two main sources: encountering reliable witnesses who observed inexplicable phenomena and his interactions with J. Allen Hynek in 1969 while working with the Skylab program. Hynek, a professor of astronomy, shared his extensive files on UFOs from the U.S. Air Force, convincing Poher that some testimonies warranted serious scientific attention. Upon returning to France, Poher discovered that the French Air Force had collected about sixty cases in 1954 before ceasing their efforts in 1958, deeming the phenomenon not a threat to national defense and the data insufficient.

Gepan's Methodology and Findings

Poher describes Gepan's current operations, which involve collecting tens of thousands of witness testimonies, primarily through the gendarmerie, who systematically investigate sightings since late 1974. He emphasizes that Gepan employs a diverse team of about fifty scientific and technical experts, including psychologists, astronomers, meteorologists, and atmospheric physicists, who analyze the reports without preconceived notions. The organization also collaborates with other scientific bodies.

Gepan categorizes reported phenomena: Category A for well-known objects (satellites, weather balloons), Category B for 'probably identified' phenomena, Category C for imprecise reports, and Category D for genuinely unidentified phenomena. Poher states that Category D represents 20-25% of the cases, suggesting a significant number of unexplained events.

He details Gepan's investigative methods, which include comparing reports, conducting detailed interviews (often separately to avoid collusion), and bringing witnesses to the observation site. They use tools like theodolites to establish angles and directions, and compare witness descriptions to standardized color charts and object sizes. Poher highlights the 'internal coherence' of these reports, noting that even when witnesses lack scientific vocabulary, their accounts often display a consistent internal logic. He also mentions the importance of considering meteorological conditions and human vision limitations.

Nature of UFOs and Extraterrestrial Hypothesis

Poher expresses that many reported UFOs are described as 'vehicles' with unusual shapes and behaviors, not always the classic 'flying saucer.' He is open to the idea of unknown natural phenomena, such as ball lightning, but is skeptical of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, particularly the concept of 'mother ships' and small craft. He argues that the physics required for interstellar travel would likely involve much larger vessels than typically reported, and the observed behaviors are sometimes 'aberrant' compared to what would be expected from piloted missions.

He suggests that UFO phenomena might encompass multiple unknown natural phenomena, possibly related to atmospheric physics, geophysics, or electromagnetism. Poher also touches upon the psychological aspect, noting that witnesses are often intelligent and educated individuals, and their descriptions can be influenced by their background and cultural context (e.g., comparing objects to familiar items like a gearbox or a basin).

Scientific Community and Future Prospects

Poher acknowledges that the scientific community's reaction to UFOs has historically been dismissive, though he notes a slight shift towards less skepticism. He mentions that Gepan's scientific advisors have given positive feedback on their work. However, he laments the scarcity of researchers interested in the field. He also discusses the financial aspect, stating that establishing a comprehensive automatic detection network would require a budget far exceeding France's current capabilities, with Gepan's annual budget being 300,000 French Francs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance, as conveyed through the interview, is one of serious, scientific inquiry into UFO phenomena. It positions Gepan as a credible, official body undertaking rigorous research. The article implicitly challenges the sensationalist or dismissive attitudes often associated with UFOs, advocating for an objective, evidence-based approach. The recurring theme is the tension between the unexplained nature of many sightings and the scientific imperative to find rational explanations, whether they be unknown natural phenomena or, more speculatively, something else entirely.

The issue also includes a list of 'experts' and 'audiovisual shops' across France, suggesting a broader engagement with technology and perhaps a nod to the public's interest in audio-visual recording of phenomena. A small photo caption mentions bizarre cloud formations as potential sources of UFO misidentification. The overall tone is one of cautious exploration and a commitment to scientific methodology in the face of a persistent and intriguing mystery.