SCIENCES ET MECANIQUES

Magazine Overview

This issue of SCIENCES ET MECANIQUES, number 248, dated January 1967, is published by MÉCANIQUE POPULAIRE. It is priced at 2 French Francs (S) and 35 US cents. The cover features a dynamic illustration of a jet fighter, with prominent headlines about American warplanes in Vietnam and a question regarding the misdeeds of flying saucers.

The Great Northeast Blackout of 1965 and UFOs

The central theme of this issue appears to be the mysterious and widespread power outage that affected the northeastern United States on November 9, 1965. The magazine explores the possibility that unidentified flying objects (UFOs) might be connected to this event, particularly their observed proximity to high-tension power lines.

Eyewitness Accounts and Investigations

The article details numerous eyewitness accounts from various individuals, including police officers, civilians, and even engineers. Police officers Bertrand and Muscarello reported observing a silent, brilliant, round object hovering near high-tension lines in Exeter, New Hampshire. Another officer, David Hunt, described an object moving in an unusual, undulating manner.

Mrs. Lillian Pearce reported seeing UFOs near high-tension lines, and described one instance where an object descended to about 1.20 to 1.50 meters above her car, displaying orange, red, and white lights.

The investigation extended to the area around Bessie's Lunch restaurant near Frémont, where multiple sightings of objects near high-tension lines were reported. A local mechanic, M. Heselton, recounted an incident where a friend's saw machine stopped working when a UFO passed overhead.

Mrs. Jalbert and her family also reported seeing a bright red, round, incandescent mass hovering near high-tension lines. Joseph Jalbert described seeing a reddish cigar-shaped object, from which a smaller orange-red disc detached and descended towards the high-tension lines. This disc then extended a silver-colored tube to touch the cables for about a minute before retracting and ascending rapidly.

Further accounts include Mrs. Parker Blodgett of Shaw Hill, who saw a dazzling ball-shaped object over trees near her home, close to high-tension lines. James Lucci, a 17-year-old from near Pittsburgh, also provided testimony.

The High-Tension Line Connection

A recurring observation across many testimonies is the frequent sighting of UFOs in the vicinity of high-tension power lines. Engineers from the Exeter and Hampton Electric Co. suggested that the electromagnetic fields generated by these lines might attract UFOs. One witness, Joseph, proposed a theory that UFOs might follow these lines to recharge their batteries.

The magazine notes that the words "ligne de haute tension" (high-tension line) and "ligne de force" (power line) appeared 73 times in the recorded testimonies, highlighting the significance of this connection.

The Blackout Itself

The article describes the massive power outage as an inexplicable event that plunged millions into darkness, immobilizing elevators and trains, and grounding aircraft due to non-functional electrical lighting at aerodromes. The New York Times reported that the situation was returning to normal but authorities could not guarantee it wouldn't happen again.

Other Articles

American Warplanes in Vietnam: The cover headline indicates a section dedicated to American warplanes in Vietnam, though details are not provided in the OCR text.

The Camaro, the new Chevrolet bolide: This section reviews the new Chevrolet Camaro, comparing it favorably to the Mustang and highlighting its balanced performance, comfort, and sporty appeal.

Filters: A technical article discusses the importance and types of oil filters and air filters for vehicles. It explains how they work, the materials used, and the recommended maintenance schedule, emphasizing the need for regular replacement to ensure engine longevity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, and their potential impact on everyday life, such as large-scale power outages. It presents eyewitness testimony with a degree of seriousness, suggesting that scientific skepticism towards such reports might be unwarranted. The connection between UFOs and high-tension power lines is a central investigative thread, exploring both observational data and speculative theories. The inclusion of articles on military aviation and automotive technology indicates a broad interest in science and mechanics.