1980 04 00 Science et Vie No 751

Magazine Overview

This issue of SCIENCE & VIE, identified as issue number 751, delves into the complex and often sensationalized topic of UFOs (OVNI in French). The cover prominently features the headline "OVNI: LA FOI QUI VIENT DU VIDE" (UFO: The Faith That Comes From the Void), suggesting a critical examination of belief systems surrounding unidentified flying objects. Other cover stories include "Des fils électriques sans métal" (Electric wires without metal), "Les problèmes techniques de l'armée rouge" (Technical problems of the Red Army), and "'CB': 30.000 émetteurs clandestins" ('CB': 30,000 clandestine transmitters), indicating a diverse range of topics beyond ufology.

G.E.P.A.N. DONC JE SUIS!

The lead article critically analyzes the GEPAN (Groupe d'étude des phénomènes aérospatiaux non identifiés), a French official and scientific organization tasked with investigating UFO cases. The article questions the public perception that GEPAN's existence implies the reality of UFOs, stating, "just as one swallow does not make a spring, GEPAN does not make a saucer!" It highlights how GEPAN's official status, backed by the CNES (Centre national d'études spatiales) and involving numerous engineers and researchers, lends an air of credibility that the public readily accepts. The article contrasts a fictionalized TV depiction of GEPAN's efficient investigation with the reality, suggesting that GEPAN's work is often more about confirming the existence of UFOs than objectively investigating them.

UN INCOERCIBLE BESOIN D'IRRATIONNEL

This section explores the psychological and societal factors contributing to the belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters. It posits that humanity has an "incoercible need for the irrational," leading people to embrace myths and science fiction when faced with unexplained events, rather than waiting for scientific explanations. The article draws parallels between historical beliefs in angels and modern beliefs in aliens, suggesting that each era creates its own celestial beings. It recounts several alleged abduction cases, including that of Franck Fontaine, Antonio Villas Boas, Barney and Betty Hills, and Jenny Waddington, highlighting the extraordinary nature of these claims and the public's willingness to credit them.

The author criticizes the media's role in amplifying these stories, noting that "encountering extraterrestrials sells well." The article also points out the simplistic reasoning that if GEPAN cannot explain a phenomenon, it must be extraterrestrial, thus validating the existence of UFOs.

The GEPAN's "Scientific" Work

The article scrutinizes GEPAN's investigative methods and conclusions. It notes that GEPAN often concludes that objects are "unidentified" without providing concrete explanations, which the public interprets as confirmation of UFO existence. The author argues that GEPAN, despite its claims of scientific rigor, has never publicly presented a detailed analysis of its own investigations. While voluminous, confidential reports are mentioned, their existence is largely based on faith. The article highlights a specific case from Luçon (Vendée) in 1976, where GEPAN classified an observation as "close" (under 200m) and concluded that witnesses had observed a metallic, discoidal object over ten meters in diameter. However, the article implies that GEPAN's conclusions are often based on flawed data and selective interpretation.

Debunking UFOs: Natural Phenomena and Hoaxes

Several articles within the issue aim to debunk common UFO sightings by attributing them to known phenomena or hoaxes.

The "Autopsy" of a UFO

This section analyzes a reported UFO sighting near Le Mans in September 1969, where witnesses described seeing "ten to twelve luminous points connected by a trail." The article reveals that this event was actually the premature atmospheric re-entry of the Soviet satellite Cosmos 300. It emphasizes that the witnesses observed a real, material phenomenon, but due to its unrecognized nature, it was mythologized into a UFO sighting. The analysis by M. Eggen of Cospar 4138 is cited as evidence for the satellite explanation.

Luminous Clouds Explained

Another section addresses photographs of luminous clouds, often mistaken for UFOs. It explains that these are the result of experiments involving the ejection of alkaline metals (barium or sodium) into the upper atmosphere from the Landes test center. When illuminated by the setting sun, these clouds form unusual shapes. The article criticizes the sensationalist use of such photographs in the media, suggesting that authors are aware of the scientific explanation but promote the UFO narrative for profit.

The Fragile Saucer: A Case of Photographic Trickery

This piece examines a photograph taken by a 14-year-old boy in 1975, which he claimed showed a UFO. The analysis points out inconsistencies in the photograph's focus and exposure, suggesting that the object is not at the claimed altitude of 1000 meters but much closer, around 4-5 meters. The object's appearance is likened to the light from an lampshade, and the luminous point to a bulb. The conclusion is that the image is a classic example of a superimposed hoax.

The Dialectic of the Judoka

This article discusses the psychological tactics employed by some UFO proponents, likening them to judo. Instead of directly confronting skepticism, they draw in their critics by admitting to uncertainties or even minor