Phenomene OVNI - No 05 - 4e trim 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 5, of the French ufology magazine "Phénomène OVNI" was published in the 4th trimester of 1978 by CSERU (Comité Savoyard d'études et de Recherches Ufologiques). The cover prominently features the title "le phénomène O.V.N.I." and the CSERU logo. The issue's price is 5 francs, and its ISSN is 01800-2011.

Editorial: Servitudes et Grandeurs Journalistiques

The editorial, written by Nicolas Greslou, addresses a letter from a member, Mr. Padey, who critiques the magazine's accessibility for the general public. Padey suggests that while the content is well-written, it can be too technical for readers who are not deeply versed in ufology, comparing them to casual readers of mainstream magazines. He also suggests improving the magazine's presentation to make it more luxurious. Greslou acknowledges these points, noting the challenge of balancing content for both initiated ufologists and the general public. He explains that the magazine is produced by a small team of amateurs with limited resources, requiring significant time and effort for each issue. Greslou defends the magazine's approach, stating that it aims to increase the reader's ufological knowledge over time, even if some articles are initially perceived as difficult. He thanks Mr. Padey for his constructive criticism and for 'daring to take up the pen'.

Contents Overview

The table of contents lists several articles:

• Editorial: "Servitudes et grandeurs journalistiques" by Nicolas Greslou (pages 2-3).
• The Bolivia Crash: An in-depth report by Jean Sider (pages 4-11).
• Enquêtes (Investigations): (pages 12-15).
• In the Press: A look at global cases (pages 16-18).
• ABC OVNI No. 3: Some figures by Nicolas Greslou (pages 19-20).
• Courrier (Mail): Amateur radio operators and UFOs (pages 21-22).
• UFO Waves and Public Anxiety: Part 2, by Nicolas Greslou (pages 23-26).
• Humor: A drawing by Jean Pierre Petit (page 27).
• Debate: Pierre Guérin and Pierre Alezard (pages 28-34).
• Structures: (page 35).
• Bloc-Notes (Notepad): (page 36).

A quote from Claude Levi-Strauss is featured: "The wise man is not the one who provides the answers, but the one who asks the right questions."

The Bolivia Crash

This extensive article by Jean Sider details the events surrounding a purported UFO crash in Bolivia on May 6, 1978. The report highlights the significant time lag (10 days) between the alleged crash and its initial reporting in a US newspaper. It describes how the US organization CAUS (Center for UFO Studies) contacted NASA and the State Department for information. Initially, officials were evasive or claimed to have no information, with some citing 'grippe' (flu) as a reason for unavailability. Debbie Rahn from the US Embassy in La Paz provided limited details, mentioning an unknown object crashing near the Argentine border, which the Bolivian Air Force (BAF) was investigating.

Colonel R. Eddington of the State Department suggested the object might have been a discarded rocket booster re-entering the atmosphere. However, Bob Pratt, a reporter for the National Esquirer, conducted his own investigation in Bolivia, interviewing numerous people who claimed to have seen the object perform maneuvers before exploding. Pratt noted that US officials seemed slow in their investigation, and he felt he obtained more information by speaking with locals.

The article details how the Bolivian press reported the event, describing an egg-shaped, metallic object approximately 4 meters in diameter. The Bolivian Air Force planned investigations. The US State Department eventually provided CAUS with six documents, five of which were photocopies. These documents indicated that the object crashed near the village of Padcaya. One message from the US Embassy in La Paz to the State Department, marked "IMMEDIATE" and classified, stated that Bolivian press reported the crash of a spatial object, described as egg-shaped and metallic, about 4 meters in diameter. The Bolivian Air Force intended to investigate its nature and origin.

The "Project MOONDUST" was also involved, an Air Force program dealing with foreign space debris. A confidential message from the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) mentioned the Bolivian incident. Further cables indicated that the BAF had surveyed the area but found no debris, and the Bolivian Army's investigations also yielded negative results.

Despite official denials, the article presents witness accounts suggesting a non-conventional object. One witness, Juan Orosco, described seeing a flaming object flying low before impact. Another account from the village of La Memora described a cylindrical, metallic object emitting red-orange lights and a bluish smoke, moving at about 350 km/h. The object reportedly crashed into the El Taire peak, causing a massive explosion and a tremor felt over a wide area. Arnold, an American journalist, investigated the site and described the terrain as extremely difficult and isolated. He noted that the impact created a large, unusual "crater" and that scorched rocks and vegetation were found. The article also mentions reports of telephone line problems in the Tarija region following the event, suggesting potential electromagnetic interference.

There are also mentions of a second, smaller object seen following the main object, and speculation about whether the object was Soviet or if it was an unknown space object. The article concludes by noting that the area was declared a "critical military sector" to prevent access, particularly for journalists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "Phénomène OVNI" strongly emphasizes the investigation of physical UFO incidents, particularly crashes. It highlights the challenges of obtaining credible information from official sources, the potential for government cover-ups, and the importance of independent journalistic and amateur research. The editorial stance, as expressed by Nicolas Greslou, is one of commitment to ufological research, even if it means presenting material that might be challenging for a general audience, with the ultimate goal of educating and advancing the field. The magazine positions itself as a platform for detailed case studies and critical analysis within the ufological community.

This issue of "ABC OVNI" focuses on UFO investigations, astronomical data, and international reports of unexplained phenomena. It includes detailed accounts of sightings, alleged crashes, and official responses, alongside a section dedicated to basic astronomical facts.

Investigations and Reports

Bolivian Crash and US Involvement

The magazine discusses the aftermath of a reported UFO crash in Bolivia on May 6, 1978. While the Bolivian embassy stated no official policy on UFOs, an American ufologist, Arnold, claimed that NASA personnel assisted the Bolivian Air Force (BAF) in their research and accessed recovered debris, which was then sent to the United States. The article notes a surge in UFO sightings following the alleged crash. It also mentions the involvement of Project MOONDAST, an organization tasked with analyzing debris from unknown spacecraft, suggesting that the US expected to find something significant.

Witness Testimonies from France

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an investigation conducted by R. Comte regarding a UFO observation near Annecy, France, in the winter of 1973. Two witnesses, J. and J. Ch. (father and son), independently observed a luminous object. The first witness described a "lampion" through the trees, which later appeared as a trapezoidal beam of light emanating from a white, pulsating ball that changed color from white to yellow and orange. The second witness, J.H. (the father), reported seeing a white luminous cone, similar to an electric lamp, illuminating the valley. He was particularly struck by a beam of light that "literally cut through the night." The witnesses also reported numerous power outages in the area around the time of the observation.

International UFO Sightings

The issue compiles reports from various countries:

• Kuweit (November 1978): A UFO reportedly landed near Kuweit city, described as a bright, disc-shaped object with a retractable landing gear and a red light on top. It was observed by station employees and company personnel. Communications were disrupted during its presence.
• Atlantic Crossing (November 1978): Skipper Guy Delage reported seeing a brilliant white disc above his sailboat, which emitted electrical discharges and changed color from blue-green to yellow-white before disappearing at high speed.
• Bulgaria (December 1978): Hundreds of witnesses reportedly saw two objects, described as identical and the size of the moon, hovering for several hours before ascending vertically. The objects emitted red and silver light. The Bulgarian committee for space protection dismissed the UFO hypothesis, suggesting a natural phenomenon.
• Italy (May 1978): The Italian Air Force confirmed a report of a luminous object sighted between 19:34 and 20:35 on March 9th. Military and commercial aircraft, as well as air traffic control, reported the object. Its speed was estimated to be impressive, covering a distance in minutes that would take a jet 35 minutes.
• London (June 1978): A British whisky producer offered a million sterling to anyone who could make contact with an extraterrestrial being or craft. The company also offered prizes for the best UFO research and the best selection of "emblematic objects" for interstellar communication.
• USSR (October 1978): Felix Zigel, a lecturer at the Moscow Aeronautical Institute, proposed that the 1908 Tunguska event was caused by an artificial interplanetary probe rather than a comet. He cited changes in trajectory, the chemical composition of comets, and increased radioactivity at the site as evidence. However, most Soviet scientists maintained the comet hypothesis.
• Chambery, France (September 1978): A hypothetical UFO was reported, later identified as a weather balloon with a large diameter and significant height, observed at an altitude of 40,000 meters.

United Nations and UFOs

An announcement from ufologist Henry Durrant highlights that subject number 126, concerning the creation of a UN agency for UFO research and publication, was to be discussed at the 33rd UN General Assembly session. ICUFON (Intercontinental UFO Research and Analytic Network) had sent a memorandum to UN member states to inform them about this subject.

Astronomical Facts (ABC OVNI - Part 3)

This section provides basic astronomical data to contextualize Earth's place in the universe:

• Quantities: Earth's life depends on the Sun. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, contains at least 100 billion stars, and there are billions of galaxies. Currently, 2,000 stars are visible to the naked eye, 2,700 star clusters are cataloged, and 12,000 galaxies are cataloged.
• Speeds: Earth rotates at 1,666 km/h. The Moon orbits Earth at 3,600 km/h. Earth orbits the Sun at 30 km/second (approximately 180,000 km/h), completing its orbit in one year. The entire solar system moves through the galaxy at 19 km/second, and our part of the galaxy moves at 270 km/second. Some galaxies move at 6,000 km/second.
• Distances: The Earth-Sun distance is 150 million km (8 light-minutes). One light-second is 300,000 km. One light-year is 9,500 billion km. Our solar system is 12,000 billion km across. The Milky Way galaxy is 100,000 light-years in diameter and 19,000 light-years thick. The nearest star is 4 light-years away.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as subjects worthy of serious investigation, often contrasting official explanations with witness accounts and ufological theories. There is a clear interest in documented cases, international reports, and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry into UFOs, encouraging readers to share their observations and supporting efforts to bring UFO research into the public and official spheres, as exemplified by the UN initiative. The inclusion of astronomical data suggests an attempt to provide a scientific framework for understanding humanity's place in the cosmos relative to potential extraterrestrial phenomena.

This issue of 'COURRIER', dated October 1978, presents a critical analysis of the hypothesis linking UFO waves to economic crises and public anxiety, authored by Nicolas Greslou. It also features a debate between scientists Pierre Alezard and Pierre Goorin on the scientific approach to UFO phenomena.

Analysis of UFO Waves and Economic Crises by Nicolas Greslou

Nicolas Greslou meticulously deconstructs the work of 'Vieroudy', who posits a correlation between economic downturns and increased UFO sightings. Greslou argues that Vieroudy's methodology is flawed from the outset, particularly his reliance on economic statistics that often cease in 1960, while the phenomena he analyzes extend much later.

Critique of Vieroudy's Economic Correlation

Greslou challenges Vieroudy's identification of four specific UFO waves (1947-1952, 1954, 1959) and their alleged alignment with global economic depressions. He points out inconsistencies, such as the 1947 wave primarily concerning the USA, which, according to Greslou, was experiencing economic prosperity, not a crisis. Similarly, the 1952 wave is presented as coinciding with high interest rates, contradicting the crisis hypothesis.

The 1954 wave, attributed to France and Spain, is also questioned. Greslou asks why only these countries would be affected if a global crisis were the cause, and notes that French economic indicators do not strongly support the idea of a crisis during that period.

The Role of 'Triggers' and Psychological Factors

Vieroudy's attempt to explain UFO waves through psychological triggers, such as media reports, is also scrutinized. Greslou cites the Kenneth Arnold sighting in the USA in 1947, arguing that numerous earlier cases existed that did not reach the press, thus invalidating the 'trigger' theory. He also references a study by JC Bourret on a 1973-1974 wave, which found no increase in testimonies despite significant media attention, suggesting that psychological preparation does not necessarily lead to more sightings.

Scientific Rigor and Selective Evidence

Greslou criticizes Vieroudy's selective use of data, highlighting instances where economic indicators contradict his claims (e.g., stock market indices rising during alleged crisis periods). He also points out that Vieroudy dismisses periods of economic hardship that did not coincide with UFO waves.

Conclusion on Vieroudy's Hypothesis

Greslou concludes that Vieroudy's chosen criteria are poorly selected, his arguments are often self-contradictory, and his demonstration is incomplete, subjective, and historically inaccurate, rendering it 'NULL'. He suggests that Vieroudy's own doubts are evident as he shifts to unemployment figures as another indicator of public anxiety.

Debate on UFOs Among Scientists

The issue also presents a correspondence between Pierre Alezard and Pierre Goorin, mediated by Nicolas Greslou. Pierre Guerin, a scientist, writes to Pierre Alezard, a critic of UFOs, to discuss the growing interest in the phenomenon among astronomers.

Growing Astronomical Interest

Guerin notes that many astronomers, including those at the Haute Provence observatory, are now actively seeking information about UFO sightings and theoretical models. He mentions that the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) has taken steps towards officializing UFO research with the creation of GEPAN.

Scientific Models and Research

Guerin highlights that research is underway, involving scientists from CNRS and mathematicians, exploring models for UFO propulsion, including magnetohydrodynamics and relativistic topological spaces. He acknowledges the proliferation of sensationalist literature but emphasizes the scientific community's move towards a more rigorous approach.

Challenges in Observation

Guerin points out the difficulties astronomers face in observing UFOs due to their professional equipment (telescopes under domes) and the nature of their work, which often keeps them shielded from external phenomena. He contrasts this with amateur astronomers who may have more opportunities for direct observation.

The 'Cascade' Effect of Testimonies

Guerin proposes that the 'cascade' or 'snowball' effect, where one sighting encourages others to report theirs, is a more plausible explanation for UFO waves than a single psychological trigger. He argues that this simultaneity of reports across distant regions does not invalidate the cascade theory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of scientific hypotheses, the correlation between societal phenomena (like economic crises and public anxiety) and unexplained events (UFO sightings), and the evolving stance of the scientific community towards the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of rigorous scientific inquiry, challenging unsubstantiated claims and promoting a more evidence-based approach to understanding complex issues.

This issue of STRUCTURES, published by CSERU, appears to be from 1978, based on the "BILAN DES ACTIVITES G'INFORMAT'INFORMATIONS du C.S.EG.R.U. pour 1978" section. The magazine focuses on ufology, presenting a detailed exchange of letters between Pierre Alezard and Pierre Guerin, dated April 1977. The issue also includes a list of CSERU's activities for 1978, organizational details, and subscription information.

Correspondence: Pierre Alezard and Pierre Guerin

The core of this issue is a debate between Pierre Alezard and Pierre Guerin concerning the nature and implications of UFO phenomena.

Pierre Alezard's Perspective (Letter dated April 2, 1977)

Alezard expresses gratitude for Guerin's detailed response to his previous letter. He clarifies his concern about "generalized intoxication" spread by mass media and scientific claims. Alezard adopts a pragmatic agnosticism, acknowledging the vastness of the universe and the possibility of superior intelligences. He suggests that these beings might be conducting reconnaissance missions, which would explain their fleeting appearances.

Alezard raises a critical question: if humans have traveled to the Moon, why do these advanced beings only make brief, furtive appearances on Earth, seemingly disappearing upon detection? He finds this lack of curiosity unusual for beings capable of interstellar travel. He questions their courage, contrasting their apparent timidity with the boldness of human explorers who have risked their lives to explore unknown territories. Alezard seeks clarification on this apparent lack of direct engagement, finding it primordial.

Pierre Guerin's Response (Letter dated April 4, 1977)

Guerin acknowledges Alezard's points, calling the "counter-argument" classic. He outlines his scientific approach: to examine facts, strip them of imprecision and confusion, and then understand their meaning. He states that the established facts confront us with something resembling manufactured objects or vehicles, which have been photographed and leave physical traces, including heating effects from Foucault currents. These phenomena also produce UHF emissions and affect electrical circuits, causing them to heat up. Luminous emissions along force tubes are observed, creating ionized air regions and halos.

Guerin suggests that these observations point towards magnetohydrodynamic propulsion, requiring significant energy, possibly from a fusion engine. He notes that the energy needed for a 10-ton UFO would be two to three times that of the Concorde. However, this propulsion model only explains atmospheric displacement. Guerin highlights descriptions of instantaneous travel, where UFOs appear to "dematerialize" and "rematerialize" elsewhere. He suggests that topological relativistic models in n-dimensions might explain these phenomena, drawing parallels to the counter-intuitive nature of Einstein's relativity and wave mechanics.

He argues that interstellar travel across vast distances is impractical without extraordinary means, possibly involving expanded spacetime. Guerin believes that UFOs might be utilizing such theoretical possibilities, even if humans cannot yet master them.

Guerin then addresses the psychological aspect, stating that UFOs are not solely a matter of parapsychology or psychiatry, but fundamentally a physics problem, partly classical and partly yet to be discovered. He asserts that UFOs exhibit all the appearances of non-human vehicles.

Further Discussion on Contact and Psychology

Guerin continues by refuting the idea that all UFO contactees are fabulators, citing examples like Adamsky and Vorhillon. He posits that contacts are not on an equal footing and often occur in a semi-hallucinatory or dreamlike state. The "messages" received are often primary and reflect the witness's unconscious, mixed with original elements. He suggests that in cases of proven contact, there's an attempt at communication that is often unsuccessful, possibly induced by the phenomenon itself, manipulating the witness as a subject in a trance-like state.

Guerin emphasizes that their approach is not to dismiss claims but to understand what is happening, seeking a better model as facts emerge. He poses the question of whether contact between different psychisms can occur on an equal footing, especially when one is demonstrably superior.

As a humanist, Guerin argues that with the evolution of reason, superior psychisms might exist. From a materialist perspective, if extraterrestrials possess vastly more neurons, their thought processes could be as far beyond ours as ours are to a dog's. He considers it anthropocentric to assume human intelligence is the pinnacle of evolution, given the age of the universe and the potential for life to have evolved to higher levels elsewhere.

He draws an analogy of an explorer in a jungle encountering monkeys. The explorer might interact with the monkeys, but the monkeys' logic cannot grasp the explorer's advanced understanding or technology. Similarly, Guerin suggests that our understanding of UFOs is limited by our anthropocentric viewpoint.

Guerin concludes that the gap between civilizations, if they are vastly different in evolution, means that direct contact is unlikely to be equal or easily comprehensible. He warns that imposing a more advanced civilization on a primitive one inevitably leads to the destruction of the latter, citing the example of indigenous peoples in New Guinea. He suggests that even NASA has considered the implications of contact, advising extreme discretion.

He draws a parallel to the cargo cults in New Guinea, where indigenous people built effigies of airplanes and worshipped pilots after encountering them. Guerin implies that our current understanding of UFO behavior might be similarly limited by our perspective.

He states that while these parallels might seem audacious, they are necessary for his response. His approach is not to dismiss UFOs because their behavior is psychologically incomprehensible, but rather to accept their physical reality and question his own understanding of their behavior.

Guerin believes that by analyzing messages, conducting psychiatric examinations (with or without hypnosis), and studying the sociological context of contactees, a better understanding of the problem might emerge. He criticizes the attitude of dismissing phenomena as "silly" and therefore false.

Postscript and CSERU Activities

Guerin adds a postscript reiterating that he is not claiming UFOs are definitively extraterrestrial vehicles but is exploring that hypothesis to address Alezard's arguments. He believes that psychological postulates, rather than humanistic or anthropocentric ones, can better account for the facts.

The issue then lists the "BILAN DES ACTIVITES G'INFORMAT'INFORMATIONS du C.S.EG.R.U. pour 1978," detailing conferences and participation in events from January to December 1978. These include lectures at lycées and universities, participation in radio programs, reunions, and information days organized by various ufological groups.

It also includes notes from an article by Jean Sider about a crash in Bolivia, referencing declassification schedules and UFO reports. A section titled "NOTA" provides contact information for the CAUS (Center for UFO Studies) in Virginia, USA.

Organizational Information

The magazine details the "MEMBRES DU BUREAU" (Members of the Bureau) of CSERU, listing their roles such as president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, archivist, and director of publication. It also lists other members of the administration council and regional delegates across France.

Contact information for the CSERU headquarters in Chambéry is provided, along with details about their regular office hours ("PERMANENCES"). It is noted that CSERU is a member of the "COMITE EUROPEEN DE COORDINATION DE LA RECHERCHE UFOLOGIQUE" (CECRU).

Bloc-Notes and Subscriptions

The "BLOC-NOTES" section emphasizes that CSERU collaborators are volunteers and that any profits are reinvested in ufological research and the review. It states that articles published in "Phénomène OVNI" (presumably the review) are the responsibility of their authors and that articles, photos, and drawings are protected by copyright law.

Subscription and membership details are provided, outlining costs for the revue, support subscriptions, and combined membership. Membership benefits include access to the library, attendance at conferences, consultation of anonymized investigations, participation in the association's life, and opportunities to train as an investigator.

Finally, information on how to make payments ("VERSEMENT") via bank check, postal account, or postage stamps is included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the psychological impact of alleged encounters, and the philosophical implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance, as represented by Guerin's contributions, is one of rigorous scientific inquiry, open to unconventional theories but grounded in empirical evidence and logical deduction. There is a clear emphasis on understanding UFOs as a physical phenomenon that challenges current human scientific paradigms and requires a re-evaluation of our anthropocentric view of intelligence and the universe. The magazine also promotes the activities of CSERU as a dedicated organization for ufological research.