Phenomene OVNI - No 04 - 3e trim 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'le phénomène OVNI' (The OVNI Phenomenon), issue number 4, published by CSERU (Comité Savoyard d'études et de Recherches Ufologiques) in the third quarter of 1978, is dedicated to exploring various facets of the OVNI phenomenon. The cover prominently displays the title and the CSERU logo. The magazine features articles, editorials, and research analyses, with a strong emphasis on the official French OVNI research body, GEPAN.

Editorial: A Look at GEPAN

The editorial, written by Nicolas Greslou, discusses the official French OVNI research group, GEPAN (Groupe d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aerospatiaux Non identifiés), which is part of the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales. Greslou notes that GEPAN has been working diligently and calmly. A significant event highlighted is a working meeting held in Toulouse on September 12th, bringing together GEPAN and private French ufological groups. This meeting is described as unique, marking the first time official and private researchers convened to discuss ufology in France, a country unique for having an official OVNI research team.

Claude Poher, the head of GEPAN, and its scientific council are thanked for organizing the meeting. The day's agenda included presentations by GEPAN members on their research, results, and ongoing projects. GEPAN's structure is detailed: two full-time staff members (Poher and his secretary), approximately forty engineers and researchers working part-time, and a number of volunteer consultants. The group is overseen by a Scientific Council of seven members, chosen by the CNES president from neutral scientists, who provide opinions and recommendations. While the council members' names are kept confidential to avoid pressure, their advice has been influential, with one opinion being reported by the press, giving the green light for GEPAN's work while requesting methodological refinement and more exhaustive theoretical research.

GEPAN operates through several groups:

1. Rapid Intervention Group: Six people respond to requests from local gendarmeries or the Gendarmerie's General Staff in Paris. They are dispatched with adequate equipment for important observations. Since March 1978, six such requests have been made.
2. Trace Analysis Group: Seven engineers study physical traces (vegetation, soil, vehicle interaction) and have extensive sampling equipment. They follow procedures for sampling, storage, and analysis, with the latter handled by specialized laboratories. This group has not yet been able to intervene due to late notification or traces being disturbed.
3. Radar Alert Group: This group of four people acts only upon request from the intervention team or air traffic control, collaborating with military and civil surveillance networks. Statistics suggest a high percentage of pilots have observed OVNI.
4. Expertise Group: About twenty people from various disciplines analyze and judge observation reports. GEPAN possesses 15,000 reports (3,000 foreign). Observations are classified by two experts into four categories (A-B-C-D), with category D representing the strictest OVNI cases. These are then processed by the National File and Statistics Group, involving CNES mathematicians who code observations for computer analysis and correlation.
5. Optical Group: This group is developing an 'optical simulator' to help witnesses reconstruct object shape, angular dimensions, colors, brightness, positions, trajectory, and duration of observation.
6. Psychology Group: This group studies witness personality, addressing an aspect often neglected by ufologists.

The editorial concludes that GEPAN's work, despite functioning for only about a year (since October 1977), has been largely positive. The teams are prepared, and the desire to achieve results is evident. The editorial dismisses past criticisms of GEPAN as unfounded and highlights the positive aspect of this initial contact with the official group. It also touches upon the potential for collaboration between GEPAN and serious private groups, expressing hope for functional cohabitation starting in 1979.

Vagues d'OVNI et Inquiétudes...

This section, authored by Nicolas Greslou, critically examines Pierre Vieroudy's theory linking OVNI waves to population anxiety and distress, as presented in his book "ces ovni qui annoncent le surhomme." Vieroudy's work has been contested by Claude Poher and Jacques Scornaux on statistical grounds. Greslou, with a background in history, investigates the historical and economic aspects of Vieroudy's theory.

Vieroudy's core hypothesis is that OVNI phenomena are manifestations of an unknown human mental faculty, appearing during periods of population anxiety or distress. He proposes searching for correlations between OVNI waves and periods of public unease.

Greslou challenges Vieroudy's choice of indicators for anxiety. Vieroudy dismisses suicides (arguing they decrease during wartime) and industrial production indices (claiming they are lost in productivity expansion). He focuses primarily on the yield of state bonds and stock market indices as reflections of economic activity.

Greslou argues against these exclusions:

• Wars, though not directly used by Vieroudy, are significant causes of population anxiety.
• Industrial production indices are crucial, as evidenced by the 1929 crisis which drastically reduced production.
• Price indices are also important; falling prices can indicate recession and economic distress.

Furthermore, Greslou questions the reliance on stock market indices, noting that they only represent a small fraction of household wealth and do not always reflect the true economic situation, being influenced by political factors or credit abundance.

The article then analyzes three periods proposed by Vieroudy:

A) The Period 1800-1900:

Vieroudy identifies two OVNI waves in 1883 and 1897. The 1883 wave, primarily observed in North America, coincided with a long economic recession (1873-1895). However, Greslou points out that French state bond prices rose during this period, contradicting the idea of widespread economic distress. He concludes that the 1883 wave cannot be explained by economic crisis.

The 1897 wave, also noted by Vieroudy, is linked to a fall in French prices. However, Greslou highlights that the US experienced a severe crisis from 1892-1895, but the recovery began in early 1896. He argues that if economic anxiety were the sole driver, OVNI waves should have occurred in 1893-1894, not 1897. The press coverage of the 1897 wave is noted as being significant.

B) The Period 1900-1940:

Vieroudy identifies three waves: 1905 (Wales), 1909 (England and Scandinavia), and 1933-1934 (Scandinavia). Greslou questions Vieroudy's use of 'short-term stock interest variations' as an indicator, especially after he previously dismissed similar statistical approaches.

He finds it odd that these waves primarily affected England and Scandinavia, while Ireland, facing a more severe political, religious, economic, and social crisis, did not report similar waves. The 1905 and 1909 waves occurred during a period of economic decline, but Greslou argues that the maximum economic downturn was not in 1905 or 1909 but later, in 1907-1908, and then again in 1911-1912.

Greslou criticizes Vieroudy for dismissing the 1921-1923 European crisis due to a lack of 'more consistent statistics,' calling it a convenient way to avoid inconvenient data. He then focuses on the 1929 depression, calling it the most significant economic crisis the world had known.

The 1933-1934 wave in Scandinavia is examined in the context of this global depression. Greslou details the economic collapse: stock market crash, bank failures, agricultural decline, industrial slump (e.g., US industrial index falling from 113 in 1929 to 52 in 1932), and a drastic drop in exports. Socially, unemployment soared, and wages fell significantly while prices dropped less, creating negative purchasing power. Politically, the crisis led to major shifts, such as the rise of Roosevelt in the US and Hitler in Germany. Greslou emphasizes that this period was characterized by 'prodigious' economic crisis and unprecedented public anxiety.

However, Greslou then questions the geographical selectivity of Vieroudy's theory. He argues that logically, the entire world, especially Europe and the USA during their 'golden age' of capitalism, should have experienced significant OVNI waves. The fact that only Scandinavia reported a wave in 1933-1934, while the US, Germany, and England were heavily impacted by the depression, makes Vieroudy's reasoning geographically selective and illogical.

Greslou concludes by pointing out that Vieroudy's own data, when analyzed objectively, shows that economic downturns in 1892, 1914, 1919, and 1929 were *not* followed by OVNI waves, while OVNI 'booms' in 1898-1899, 1911, and 1944-1945 corresponded with *high* stock market indices. He accuses Vieroudy of intellectual dishonesty and selective presentation of statistics.

Test: OVNI Knowledge Quiz

This section presents a quiz designed to test readers' knowledge of ufological and literary commentary on the OVNI phenomenon. It features 32 quotes, and readers are challenged to attribute each quote to its correct author. The answers are provided on page 34.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of OVNI phenomena, particularly through the lens of official bodies like GEPAN and private research groups like CSERU. There's a strong emphasis on critical analysis of theories, as demonstrated in the detailed refutation of Pierre Vieroudy's economic correlation hypothesis. The magazine promotes a rigorous, evidence-based approach to ufology, encouraging scientific inquiry while remaining skeptical of unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding official research efforts and a commitment to thorough, objective analysis of the OVNI subject.

This issue of 'amerique SUD' (issue 17, dated June 1978) is a French publication focusing on UFO phenomena and broader philosophical inquiries. The cover features a stark contrast between an extraterrestrial and a human, with the headline 'NE PAS CONFONDRE : UN EXTRA-TERRESTRE ET .... UN "EXTRA" TERRESTRE'. The issue delves into numerous UFO reports, particularly from South America, and explores complex themes related to consciousness, science, and the human condition.

UFO Reports from South America

The magazine presents a series of UFO sightings and encounters, primarily from 1978. A correspondent from Argentina, Cristina Bianchi, reports on an event in San Luis on February 6, 1978, where four fishermen observed a human-like extraterrestrial, about two meters tall, descending from a 20-meter diameter flying saucer. The craft was described as having a transparent helmet and emitting a strong light. Another report details an incident on January 31, 1978, near La Florida, Argentina, where a 20-meter saucer landed, and an occupant emerged. The police in La Florida conducted an investigation, photographing ground traces consistent with an object landing.

In February 1978, an 'escadrille' of at least 50 UFOs was reportedly seen over Villa Mercedes, Argentina, and later over Chile. These objects, described as oval-shaped, emitted powerful, soft lights and caused television and radio interference. On May 10, 1978, five soldiers and a non-commissioned officer in the Andes (San Juan, Argentina) claimed to have seen two formations of flying saucers in a triangle formation.

Further reports include a sighting on June 16, 1978, near Valparaiso, Chile, where fishermen observed a luminous object for half an hour, and a reference to a spectacular case in Chile in 1977 involving a corporal named VALUES.

The issue also touches upon UFO incidents in Central America, citing reports from Mexico (a UFO crash in Sierra Madre in July 1977 and another near Villahermosa in November 1977) and Guatemala, where television technicians reportedly filmed a flying saucer.

Philosophical Explorations and the Ideas of Aimé Michel

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an in-depth profile and exploration of the ideas of Aimé Michel, presented as a 'soft idea agitator' and an 'incarnated ufologist' (noted as the inspiration for François Truffaut's character in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'). The article defines 'soft ideas' as those that are flexible and eventually become rigid. Michel is portrayed as someone who shuns public attention, preferring a secluded life, yet engages in profound intellectual pursuits.

His work is described as being concerned with fundamental questions about humanity's place in the universe and the potential for a 'superhuman' consciousness. He advocates for a 'meta-logic' to address complex problems beyond current human comprehension. Michel believes that UFOs are not just phenomena but are actively guiding humanity to overcome its limitations and transcend its current state, potentially 'killing off obtuse scientism' and leading to a post-human evolution.

He expresses skepticism towards psychoanalysis, calling it a superstition and a sect, and criticizes 'new philosophers' for their abstract language and detachment from reality. Michel emphasizes the importance of experimental science as the 'royal road' to understanding the spirit and matter, suggesting that physics is on the verge of discovering how thought integrates with the body and how consciousness operates universally.

Regarding the 'beyond reason,' Michel posits that future humanity will move beyond reason, embracing virtues taught by religions. He also discusses the concept of predation, suggesting that the absence of extraterrestrial predators in space implies a fundamental evolutionary hurdle for interstellar travel, requiring a complete metamorphosis of the living being to shed its predatory nature.

Michel is quoted on the limitations of rationalism, stating that it can lead to a 'barbarization' of the mind, and that true understanding requires looking beyond purely scientific or materialistic frameworks. He finds solace in the 'eternal silence of infinite spaces,' contrasting it with the inherent predation of life on Earth.

Notable Quotes and Editorial Stance

Several quotes from Aimé Michel are highlighted, including his assertion that UFOs are pushing humanity to surpass itself and lead it 'beyond man.' Another quote emphasizes that ideas are spread by their refutation, not just by their propagation.

The issue includes a section of 'NOTES' referencing various sources, including 'L'INCONNU,' 'FC-E,' and publications like 'La Science face aux Extraterrestres.' It also provides a translation of the Greek word 'Logos' as intelligence, reason, and ordering principle.

A concluding note clarifies that Aimé Michel is the inspiration for the character in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and recommends his book 'MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and significance of UFO sightings, particularly in South America, and a deep philosophical exploration of consciousness, the limits of human reason, and the potential evolution of humanity. The editorial stance appears to be one that embraces unconventional ideas, critically examines established scientific and philosophical paradigms, and views UFO phenomena as potentially transformative for human understanding and development. There is a clear emphasis on looking beyond conventional explanations and embracing a more holistic or 'meta-logical' perspective.

This issue of "PETITE BIBLIOTHÈQUE" (Volume 3, Issue 2, dated December 1977) focuses on "ABC OVNI" (UFOs), aiming to provide readers with fundamental astronomical knowledge to better understand the phenomenon. The content is primarily in French, with a strong emphasis on scientific explanation and reported sightings.

Astronomy and the Universe

The introductory articles by Jacques BOSSO lay the groundwork by explaining astronomical distances and units. The kilometer is deemed impractical for cosmic scales, leading to the introduction of the Astronomical Unit (U.A.), defined as the Earth-Sun distance (approximately 149.597.871 km). For intergalactic distances, the light-year (A.L.) is used, representing the distance light travels in a year, equating to about 9.500 trillion km. The nearest star, Proxima Centauri, is about 4 A.L. away. The parsec, equal to 3.26 light-years, is also mentioned.

The magazine then describes "Our Galaxy," the Milky Way, as a disk with a central bulge, containing approximately 100 billion stars and interstellar matter. Its diameter is estimated at 100,000 A.L., with a thickness ranging from 500 to 10,000 A.L., making it not among the largest galaxies. For comparison, Centaurus A spans a Megaparsec (1 million parsecs or 3.26 million A.L.). The sun is presented as a relatively small star, located about 30,000 A.L. from the galactic center, orbiting at 240 km/s with a rotation period of 250 million years.

The vastness of the universe is emphasized, with the most distant known radio source being 30295, about 1400 Megaparsecs away (4.5 billion light-years). Galaxies are often found in groups or clusters. Astronomical observations suggest that most stars are accompanied by planets, leading to the conclusion that it is mathematically impossible for Earth to be the sole planet harboring intelligent life. The possibility of extraterrestrial visitors is raised, along with the challenges posed by immense interstellar distances.

UFO Sightings and Cases

The issue presents several UFO case studies:

1. Dimanche 26 Septembre 1954 / Observation du Dr Martinet: This classic case, published by Aimo Michel, describes an observation near the Col du Chat, Savoie. At approximately 17h12, Dr. Martinet, his wife, three students, and occupants of three other cars witnessed a grey aluminum object at an altitude of about 2,000 meters. The object descended in a "dead leaf motion," then presented itself as a perfect disk, exhibiting a lighter center and darker spots. It accelerated and disappeared like lightning around 17h18. The report notes the object's color changed from dark grey aluminum to lighter grey. The estimated duration was just over 4 minutes. The report critically analyzes a proposed explanation of a flock of starlings, highlighting the speed and complex trajectory required, concluding it's impossible to escape the dilemma presented by the witness accounts.

2. Automne-Hiver 1954: 4 Témoins, en Tarentaise: This previously unpublished observation occurred around 18h in the Tarentaise region. Four high-ranking PTT officials returning from a mission saw a "luminous object moving at blinding speed." Described as cigar-shaped or a disk seen from the side, it was very luminous and moved perpendicular to the valley, from NW to SE, at an altitude likely exceeding 2,500 meters. Its color was orange-red at the rear and emerald green at the front. Its apparent size was 3 cm at arm's length, corresponding to a minimum dimension of about 100 meters. The witnesses were astonished, noting it couldn't have been a rocket. The report emphasizes the credibility of the witnesses, including a politician and an experienced artist-peintre.

3. Juillet 1976: Un OVNI sur Aix les Bains (Savoie): This case, investigated by MM Bec, Marcel, and Jean Pierre Petit, involves a witness, Mr. F.A., who observed four luminous objects on a summer evening around 22h30. While in his weekend cabin, he saw a bright light on the grass. Approaching a hedge, he noticed four "objects that were looking at me." He perceived them as flat, with a yellow color similar to truck headlights but emitting no beams. He noted a central light source in each, giving the impression of a 220V bulb on a 110V circuit. Two larger lights were perceived as bigger than the full moon and shaped like an ordinary plate. He estimated their distance and separation. He felt a sense of absolute darkness and silence during the observation, which lasted a few seconds. When he returned with binoculars, the objects were gone.

A Fictional Account: "La Nouvelle"

This section features a short story by Marc DERIVE titled "La Nouvelle," which is presented as a literary experiment in ufological press. The story follows Mick LANGERMONT, a businessman who experiences a strange disorientation while driving home one evening. He finds himself on an unfamiliar road, unable to recognize his surroundings, and experiences a sense of unease. The narrative builds suspense as he questions his perception and the reality of his situation. The story culminates in his disappearance, with his wife, Monique, reporting that he was abducted by "people from elsewhere" after watching a science fiction film on television. The report notes that no such film was broadcast, raising questions about simulation or a breakdown of reason.

Petite Bibliothèque: Recommended Reading

The "Petite Bibliothèque" section offers a curated list of affordable books on UFOs and related topics, aimed at the "non-initiated" reader. The selection is categorized into:

• Life in the Universe - Astrophysics - Tentatives of "Contacts": Recommends two books by astrophysicists, including "Le dossier des civilisations extraterrestres" by Biraud and Ribes.
• Initiation to Ufology - Synthesis Works: Lists books like "Les OVNI, mythe ou réalité?" by Allen Hynek and "La nouvelle vague des soucoupes volantes" by JC Bourret.
• History and UFOs: Includes "Les OVNI du passé" by Ch. Piens.
• Catalogues and Specialized Books: Features "Le nouveau défi des OVNI" by JC Bourret and "Les étrangers de l'espace" by Keyhoe.
• Humanoids: Recommends "En quête des humanoides" by Ch. Bowen.
• Initiation to Parapsychology: Suggests "Histoire naturelle du surnaturel" by Lyall Watson and "La vie après la mort?" by Nils O'Jacobson.
• Science Fiction: Includes anthologies of "Histoires d'extraterrestres."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific approach to understanding UFO phenomena, grounding discussions in astronomy and physics. It challenges skepticism by presenting detailed witness accounts and expert analyses, while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific knowledge. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial life and visitation based on the vastness of the cosmos and the nature of reported sightings. The publication also actively seeks reader contributions and bibliographical information, fostering a community of interest in ufology. The inclusion of a fictional story highlights the imaginative and speculative aspects of the UFO topic, while the bibliography provides resources for further study.

This issue of "Phénomène OVNI" is dated the 3rd trimester of 1978 and was published by CSERU in France. The magazine focuses on ufological research and features a "Vitrine du Libraire" section reviewing books, an investigator's report, and organizational information.

A LA VITRINE DU LIBRAIRE (Book Reviews)

This section critically examines three books on UFOs:

1. "Les Intraterrestres" ("Ils existent, je les ai vus 1") by Marie Thérèse Guinchard and Pierre Paolantoni: The reviewer expresses skepticism, noting the lack of specific names, locations, or dates, and the authors' reliance on a supposed encounter with a Hungarian named "Yan." The reviewer questions the authenticity of the narrative, particularly the claim of discovering a link between Hungarian and Jivaro cultures and gaining access to a sacred Jivaro sanctuary. The book's discussion of flying saucers, hollow earth theories, and its lack of bibliography or photos are criticized as superficial and lacking rigor. The reviewer concludes it's a "vast deception" and "grandguignolesque," suggesting the "intraterrestres" message is a fabricated attempt to create a new sensational topic.

2. "Les OVNI, la fin du secret" (or "Les dossiers confidentiels de l'armée de l'air") by Robert Roussel: This book is praised for being honest and serious, though not revolutionary. It is noted for presenting recent UFO observations from 1975-1977 and, importantly, for including reports from the Air Force and Army, which are often withheld. The book also addresses "misidentifications, hoaxes, and mystifications" with specific examples, such as the "Thillot UFO" and the "Giant UFO of Maubeuge." The reviewer recommends it for those seeking to stay informed about UFO developments, despite the title being considered a bit sensationalist.

3. "Le Dossier Secret des OVNI" by Schneider and Malthaner: Published in Germany in 1976, this book is highlighted for its extensive photographic evidence of UFOs, featuring around 180 photos that demonstrate the variety of shapes and colors observed. The reviewer notes that while the book's title is sensational, it is primarily a "photographic testimony." The book also discusses the challenges in authenticating UFO photos, stating that about 70% are fakes. The reviewer points out specific instances where the book allegedly presents a known fake ("photo corse") as authentic, while questioning some decisions regarding the classification of photos as fake or authentic.

Investigator's Report: Witness Testimony

A witness describes a UFO sighting involving yellow, flat discs observed in complete darkness and silence. The witness experienced a physical reaction, feeling goosebumps, which lasted for a few days. The witness's wife confirmed he rushed in claiming to have seen a "saucer" and noted his abnormally somber mood. The witness also reported that a cherry tree and a quince tree near the observation site yielded very little fruit that year and appear to be dying, though they are old trees.

The investigators found the witness to be credible and excluded the possibility of a hoax. The witness is well-known in the region and has a good reputation. He is not an avid reader of UFO literature and has no prior knowledge of the phenomenon beyond what he reads in newspapers. The witness owns a telescope, which the investigators believe rules out confusion with stars or aircraft. The witness was deeply affected by the "face to face" encounter and the sense of total darkness and silence.

Investigators noted the observation occurred in a location with good visibility of urban lights and that the witness did not search for physical traces. They suggest checking with the local electricity company (EDF) and the neighboring field for any anomalies. The exact date of the observation could not be determined, which is unfortunate as it might have correlated with another observation in July 1976 that the witness refuses to discuss.

CSERU Organization Details

The issue provides a detailed breakdown of the CSERU's structure, including:

• Bureau Members: Nicolas Greslou (President), Jacques Roulet (Vice-President), Jacques Bosso (Vice-President), Marc Derive (Secretary), Jean Louis Boubet (Treasurer), Antoine Bartolo (Technical Material), and Serge Chazottes (Archivist).
• Board Members: A list of additional members.
• Regional Delegates: Contact information for delegates in various regions of France (Montmélian, Pont de Beauvoisin, Aix les Bains, Bauges, Annecy, Grenoble).
• Headquarters and Correspondence: The address and phone number for CSERU in Chambéry.
• Permanences: Scheduled meeting times at the Chambéry office.

The CSERU is also noted as a member of the European Committee for the Coordination of Ufological Research (CEC.R.U.).

Bloc-Notes (Publication Information)

This section details the publication's policies:

• Contributors: All collaborators are volunteers, and profits are reinvested in research and the review.
• Article Responsibility: Publication of articles does not imply endorsement by CSERU; responsibility lies with the author.
• Copyright: Articles, photos, and drawings are protected by copyright law (1957). Partial reproduction requires written authorization from CSERU.
• Printing Details: Printed in France by CSERU, Director of Publication: Nicolas Greslou. Legal deposit: 3rd trimester 1978.
• Subscriptions and Memberships: Details on subscription fees (20 fcs for 4 issues, 30 fcs for foreign), support subscriptions, and membership benefits (access to library, conferences, anonymous inquiries, participation in the organization).
• Payment Methods: Bank check or postal order to CSERU.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine demonstrates a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. The book reviews are particularly analytical, dissecting claims and scrutinizing evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and factual reporting, as evidenced by the detailed investigator's report and the emphasis on authenticating photographic evidence. There is a clear distinction made between sensationalist or unsubstantiated claims and credible reports. The organization, CSERU, is presented as a serious entity dedicated to advancing ufological knowledge through research, publication, and member participation.