Recherches Ufologiques - No 04 - 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue, Bulletin N° 4, of "GROUPEMENT NORDISTE D'ETUDES - RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES" was published in the first quarter of 1978. The organization, GNEOVNI, founded in 1965, operates under French association law and aims to inform the public about unusual phenomena in Northern France, studying them rationally. The bulletin serves as their primary communication tool. GNEOVNI also holds the delegation for "CUFOS-France" for the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments and is affiliated with the "CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES" (CUFOS) in Illinois.

Editorial Information and Activities

The GNEOVNI's headquarters are located at 40 avenue du 18 juin, 59750 Ronchin, with the secretariat at Route de Béthune, 62136 Lestrem. The bulletin is published quarterly, with this issue dated for the first trimester of 1978 and priced at 3 French Francs. Subscriptions for four issues cost 12 Francs, payable by bank check or CCP to GNEOVNI. The organization holds quarterly information meetings at the Centre Social deüns-en-Barceul at 3 PM, with scheduled dates for 1978 including February 12, May 7, September 24, and December 10.

Table of Contents

The issue features a variety of articles and reports:

• Nouvelles régionales (Regional News)
• Soirées d'observations (Observation Evenings)
• Catalogue régional by Jean Leborgne
• A propos du détecteur à relais a lames souples by A. Verbrugge
• Le défi de l'antigravitation by J.P. Hillewaere
• Le défi de la lumière by Ph. Finet
• Qu'est devenu la Tougouska en 1977 by Ph. Finet
• Communiqué de la société Varoise d'étude des phénomènes Spatiaux
• L'étrange - l'étrange - l'étrange - by Ph. Finet
• Dossier Photovni by Dominique Caudron
• Science et extra-science by Ph. Finet
• Enquête à Dottignies (Belgique) by Alain Verbrugge
• Autopsie d'une confusion by Dominique Caudron
• Et si les Ufologues n'existaient pas ? by Dominique Caudron

Regional News (Nouvelles Régionales)

Several recent sightings are detailed:

• September 1977, Rosendael: A witness observed a luminous vertical cylinder that rapidly ascended, obliqued, and moved horizontally away.
• December 17, 1977, Arras: Four witnesses reported a luminous white oval with red rear lights, appearing the size of the full moon, moving descendingly west of the horizon before disappearing.
• December 30, 1977, Houdain: A witness observed a blinking red half-sphere at low altitude moving slowly. The witness's walkie-talkie malfunctioned during the observation. The object then disappeared abruptly.
• January 14, 1978, Houdain: The same witness observed a round yellow object with a red ring, moving in a straight line then a circle, leaving a trail of 'smoke'.

Observation Evenings (Soirées d'Observation)

The bulletin lists the scheduled observation evenings for 1978: January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 6, June 3, July 1, July 29, August 26, September 23, October 21, November 18, and December 16. Instructions for these events were provided in Bulletin N° 2.

Regional Observation Catalog (Suite du Catalogue des Observations Régionales)

This section continues a catalog of past UFO sightings:

• September 10, 1954, Erüay-Thiers: A yellow object stopped vertically over the town before accelerating at high speed.
• September 15, 1954, Roubaix: A bright red disc with a white spot and a green luminous halo was observed ascending vertically at high speed and disappearing.
• September 1954, Wulverdinghe: A metallic, buzzing structure emitting intermittent lights was observed and then disappeared.
• October 1, 1954, Bry: A luminous white object descended and then ascended, paralyzing a man and his dog.
• October 1, 1954, Saint-Hilaire-les-Camerai: An elliptical object of coral rose color with a trailing white light was seen.
• October 2, 1954, Jeumont: A bizarre saucer-shaped craft ascended vertically and disappeared.
• October 2, 1954, Ambieteuse-Wimereux: A photograph was taken of an object moving at high speed from West to East.
• October 2, 1954, Ablain-Saint-Nazaire: An object that appeared to split into two parts, with the lower part descending and then rejoining the upper part, before departing rapidly.
• October 3, 1954, La Chapelle-d'Armentières: A golden demi-lune shaped object with a greenish bar stopped overhead, then departed at high speed.
• October 3, 1954, Lievin: A luminous object, rounded from above, balanced and then detached a part that descended, stopped, and rejoined the main object before departing South.
• October 3, 1954, M/Rcoing: A very bright fireball was observed, suspended from which was a second ball shaped like a nacelle. These transformed into a cigar shape and then a spinning top before disappearing.
• October 3, 1954, Chereng: A luminous oblong object stopped, emitted sparks, and descended before rapidly ascending again.
• October 3, 1964, Annoeullin: Over a hundred witnesses observed a star-like object that landed in a garden. It was a dome-shaped object, about three meters high, that then departed with a whistling sound. Other similar objects were seen.
• October 8, 1954, Auxi-le-Château: Saucer-shaped objects described as red discs were observed.
• October 10, 1954, Qu/rouble: A disc-shaped object landed, from which seven small men emerged. The object then disappeared.
• October 15, 1954, Isbergues: A luminous circular object descended and landed, emitting powerful lights that illuminated the sky.

Technical Article: Magnetic Field Detector

Pages 7-10 detail a magnetic field detector designed to detect the presence of magnetic induction (B) in Tesla. The apparatus uses a relay with flexible blades (LS) and a coil. When a sufficient external magnetic induction is present, the contact opens, causing the coil to close the contact, resulting in a 'beating' of the contacts. A permanent magnet (Ao) is used to increase sensitivity. The article discusses the detector's principles, schematics, critiques (directivity, ambient temperature), and calculations regarding its detection range. The conclusion states that the detector reacts to an induction superior to 0.00002 T, comparable to the Earth's horizontal magnetic field. The cost of components is estimated at 100 Francs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic collection and reporting of UFO sightings, particularly in the Nord region of France. The GNEOVNI adopts a rational and scientific approach to studying these phenomena, aiming to inform the public and encourage further investigation. The inclusion of a technical article on a detection device underscores their commitment to scientific methodology within the field of ufology. The publication emphasizes the importance of detailed observation reports and provides a platform for sharing these findings.

This issue of LE DEFI DE L'ANTIGRAVITATION delves into the complex and often controversial topics of antigravitation, UFO propulsion, and unexplained aerial phenomena. It features articles that challenge established scientific paradigms and explore the work of independent researchers.

The Challenge of Antigravitation

The lead article introduces the concept of antigravitation as a long-standing dream of humanity, with numerous researchers and amateurs dedicating themselves to its study. Since 1947, UFOs and their extraordinary evolutions have defied conventional scientific explanations, prompting various theories about their propulsion systems. The article highlights the work of Marcel Jean Joseph Pages, author of "Le Défi de L'Antigravitation," published by CHIRON. Pages' book recounts his struggles with governments and his research journey, culminating in a theory of antigravitation that, according to the author of this article, raises more questions than it answers. Pages' theory challenges fundamental scientific dogmas, including General Relativity.

Pages' core concept is that space is not empty but an energetic medium with a density of approximately 10^27 joules/cm³. This energy density, when converted to mass, equates to 10,000,000 tonnes/cm³, a view shared by physicists like De Broglie, Bohm, Vigier, and Heim. Pages posits that this energy density is not uniform throughout the universe, affecting physical constants such as the speed of light ('c'). He proposes that a particle with an energy density lower than its surrounding space will be in a state of antigravitation, being repelled towards areas of lower energy gradients. This phenomenon is termed the 'Archimedean effect,' analogous to Archimedes' principle.

Pages further explores the equations of the electromagnetic hydrodynamics of physical space, from which hydrostatic laws, including Archimedes' principle, can be derived. He investigated whether particles naturally exhibit antigravitation within our local energy gradient, focusing on protons and electrons. His calculations suggest that electrons are in a natural state of antigravitation within the local energy space. He also calculated the mass of hydrogen, noting a 'de-gravitational' effect due to the electron's rotation around the proton, independent of nuclear cohesion forces.

Based on these considerations, Pages imagined a cosmic craft, dubbed 'énergostat,' patented in Paris on January 5, 1960. This craft is described as a torus with a vacuum, containing electrons rotating at near-light speeds around a positively charged spherical surface. The entire assembly is enclosed in a revolution ellipsoid, similar in shape to discoid UFOs. Secondary effects like air ionization, light emission, and a strong magnetic field are predicted. The suppression of mass and inertia would allow for UFO-like maneuvers. Extending this principle, Pages suggested that toroidal electronic engines could lead to craft resembling 'cigars,' often seen with discoid UFOs. Pages' work challenges General Relativity and the formula of De Broglie (c²=c'c''), which describes wave-particle duality.

The Tunguska Enigma Revisited

The issue also revisits the Tunguska event of June 30, 1906, an explosion 800 kilometers northwest of Lake Baikal, considered the greatest scientific enigma of the century. In 1977, the scientific community, particularly the Institute of Geophysics of Kiev, proposed that the event was caused by a comet with a nucleus of about 40 meters in diameter, traveling at 180,000 kilometers per hour. The comet allegedly exploded at an altitude of 8500 meters upon colliding with air, releasing a power of 12.5 megatons and immense heat. The comet was not visible because it approached from the direction of the sun.

The article, however, expresses skepticism about this explanation, drawing parallels between the Tunguska event and UFO incidents. It questions how a comet of such small diameter could produce such a powerful explosion. Furthermore, it notes that twenty years after the event, no vegetation had regrown in the affected area, suggesting a deep burning of the soil, a phenomenon often observed after UFO landings. The 40-meter diameter is also considered a common size for UFOs, particularly reconnaissance craft or 'mother ships.' The article suggests that scientists, by classifying the event as 'ordinary,' may be trying to dismiss a genuine enigma.

UFO Sightings and Electromagnetic Phenomena

The magazine reports on several UFO observations from September 16, 1977, collected from various ufological groups and independent observers. These include:

• A white luminous point observed by OURANOS Marseille.
• An orange sphere with an éclat comparable to Venus, observed by ADEPS near Biot, which moved 10° to the left.
• Mr. Cenac and his son in Levignac observed an orange luminous ball with an oscillating, non-rectilinear trajectory, estimated at 300-400 km/h.
• PALMOS members in Montpellier observed a white luminous ball.

A particularly interesting case involved an object observed by SOVEPS that appeared in the South and disappeared in the East. Simultaneously, radio communications were jammed, a compass needle was deflected, and a Geiger-Muller counter registered an exposure of 0.5 R/H, indicating significant ionizing radiation. This event is presented as a positive result, combining visual observation with unusual electromagnetic manifestations. The article speculates whether UFOs might be sources of X-ray or Gamma radiation, which, if proven, could lead to new hypotheses about their propulsion.

Photographic Anomalies and Scientific Skepticism

Another section, 'DOSSIER PHOTOVNI,' discusses a case from March 25, 1973, where a photographer from Aniche (Nord) sent two photos to the Association Astronomique du Nord. One photo, taken of the moon and stars, appeared to show an unidentified object. Despite analysis by photography experts, the object was not deemed an artifact. The photos themselves were of poor quality, with the moon overexposed and stars appearing as 'spaghetti' trails, making identification difficult. The analysis of the lunar diameter and star positions led to discrepancies, suggesting potential errors in the reported date or focal length. However, by identifying constellations and considering the position of Saturn, the photographer's location and equipment were estimated, revealing a focal length of 58 mm.

Alien Contact and Skepticism

The issue includes a narrative about an alleged encounter between an Italian Supreme Court lawyer, Fernando Rizzi, and an extraterrestrial named Cai-Re-Nos from a planet called M'Ser (mistakenly identified as Mars). Cai-Re-Nos claimed his spacecraft had crashed and that he needed to contact Rizzi to confide the purpose of his mission. He communicated telepathically and offered Rizzi a way to prolong his life by three centuries in exchange for a diamond. The encounter ended abruptly when Cai-Re-Nos fled from approaching police officers, leaving Rizzi to question whether he was dealing with a genuine alien or an impostor.

The article concludes this section with a skeptical tone, suggesting that such stories, along with 'mystical' books and alleged magical artifacts, are often the product of elaborate hoaxes and commercial exploitation, similar to how some official religions might operate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the limitations of current scientific understanding, particularly concerning gravity and space-time, and the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs. The magazine appears to champion independent research and alternative theories, such as Marcel Pages' antigravitation concept, while maintaining a critical stance towards overly sensationalized or unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance seems to encourage open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena but also emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation and a distinction between genuine research and fraudulent claims. The publication also highlights the importance of collaboration among ufological groups and the dissemination of information through bulletins and media channels.

Title: Science et Extra-Science
Issue Date: June 1974 (for the Dottignies case), May 25, 1977 (for the Hem case, mentioned as a follow-up to a previous bulletin).
Content Type: Investigative articles on alleged UFO (OVNI) sightings.

Investigation at Dottignies (Belgium) - June 1974

This section details an observation by Mr. and Mrs. H. in Dottignies, Belgium, which occurred around June 1974, likely between the 1st and 15th. The phenomenon was witnessed at dusk, after the TV had finished, around 10:30 PM. Mr. H. was the first to notice an 'ellipse of a beautiful orange' detaching itself from the night sky. The contour was imprecise, described as 'cloudy,' but the interior was 'very precise, very full.' The object was perceived to be at a significant distance, in front of them, at eye level.

The witnesses were looking towards Kooigem, west of Mont de l'Enclus, an area with fields and meadows. The object's apparent size was compared to that of a rugby ball, and it exhibited an 'elasticity' and a rapid, rhythmic movement, described as a 'muscle working on a very precise cardiac rhythm.'

Mrs. H. reported experiencing 'prickling in the eyes' and feeling tears rolling down her cheeks, questioning if it was an 'effect of visual disturbance' or 'emotion.' She felt a 'disagreeable sensation of being observed.' Mr. H. corroborated this feeling. After the observation, Mrs. H. went inside, too impressed to stay outside, while Mr. H. remained on the lawn for another 10 minutes until the object moved away. He returned with a severe headache.

Notably, Mr. H. had not experienced headaches before this observation. Subsequently, around mid-June 1974, he received a 15-day leave from work due to headaches attributed to sinusitis. His condition did not improve, leading to further medical investigation, including a referral to an otorhynolaryngologist and a neuro-psychiatrist, who diagnosed a nervous depression. The article mentions that his 'loss of consciousness' was not due to syncope because his heart rate accelerated and his complexion did not pale, but the falls were violent. This condition lasted for three months.

The investigation, conducted by Mr. A. Verbrugge, included a site visit and interviews. The object's movement was described as remarkable, with apparent changes in volume at a rapid rhythm, 'tilting of the disc, variations in brightness.' It disappeared with a reduction in size and luminosity, the last appearance being a horizontal orange line.

The location was estimated to be between a church (E) and a hill (44m), with a small wood. The distance between the witnesses (I) and the object (2) was estimated at 2.5 to 3.5 kilometers.

Photographic Analysis and Interpretation

The article includes an analysis of photographic 'views' (Vue N°1, Vue N°2, Vue N°3) related to the Dottignies observation. Vue N°1, enlarged 6 times, shows a luminous mass at the bottom, identified as the Moon, overexposed and surrounded by light clouds. The overexposure and camera shake prevent clear identification of the Moon itself. The article suggests that the Moon's diameter on the cliché is only 3 mm. A second cliché, enlarged 100 times, showed the object as a vague saucer shape, not symmetrical.

Vue N°1, enlarged 10 times, is a schematic analysis. It notes that the object, with an apparent diameter of 80 minutes of arc, makes it impossible that the photographer did not see it. The stars show a characteristic 'stirrup' shape due to camera shake, approximately 25 minutes of arc. The date is confirmed by the stars of the constellation Aries, where the Moon was located. The time of the photo is estimated around 6:30 PM local time.

Vue N°2 (detail, 16x enlargement) shows a 'spaghetti' trace left by the star Aldebaran, attributed to camera shake reaching 1°10'. This shake is not solely due to diurnal motion but also perpendicular to it.

Vue N°3 (10x enlargement) shows the Moon's appearance due to superimposed images from camera shake. The shake reaches 2°, which is considered significant, implying the operator used a handheld camera without a tripod.

The analysis of Vue N°1 suggests the object's image is irregular, appearing as two side-by-side luminous bands, affected by shake. The width of the object is barely larger than the shake. Without shake, the image would have been narrow and elongated (55'). The article posits that the object might be a luminous point moving regularly, bright enough to leave a thick trace. The shake shows three thickenings, corresponding to groups of poses. The final trace resembles a 'magnificent saucer.'

Dominique Caudron, the author, concludes that the 'plane or brilliant satellite, our UFO has transformed into a simple luminous point moving slowly in the viewfinder.' The photographer, an apprentice, apparently found no particular interest in it at the time, only realizing the surprise upon developing the photos.

Follow-up Investigation at Hem (France) - May 25, 1977

This section reports on an investigation into a UFO sighting in Hem, France, on May 25, 1977. The witnesses are Hélène Leblanc (18, lycée student), her sister Anne Leblanc (24, professor), and their mother, Madame Leblanc (57).

The observation took place from a first-floor bow-window overlooking the North-West. The time was from 1:30 AM to 4:30 AM, with the main object observed between 1:30 AM and 1:45 AM. The sky was clear.

Hélène Leblanc, waking up around 1:30 AM, saw an 'unusual light' through the window. She then saw an 'elongated orange object, pirouetting on itself' to her left. Initially thinking she was dreaming, she compared it to a contorting person. The object moved to the right, slowing its movements, and then became stationary for about 10-20 seconds. She woke her mother, who arrived ten minutes later.

During this time, Hélène continued to observe the light, which appeared for about twenty seconds and then disappeared for 2-3 minutes. When her mother arrived, her initial reaction was to say, 'It's the Moon,' but she simultaneously felt it couldn't be the Moon, which should be smaller. She confirmed this the next day when observing the Moon at its first quarter.

The witnesses noticed the object moving slowly and appearing to shrink. Five minutes after her mother arrived, the object 'melted into the horizon.' At this point, Anne Leblanc, who had been called, arrived. She saw an object shaped like a 'boomerang' that seemed to tilt and move, initially vertical with the top to the left, then pivoting clockwise. This movement was only partially visible as the object 'extinguished' after about ten seconds.

Other witnesses could not see the object. The witnesses then observed another light, or two lights, appearing and disappearing where Hélène had first seen the object. They continued observing until 4:30 AM.

Object Description: The main object was described as having an apparent diameter equivalent to three times that of the Moon, with a 'little saturated' orange color, compared to sodium vapor lamps. During its pirouettes, protuberances were visible, possibly due to rapid rotation around an inclined axis. The luminescence was measured at approximately 200 nits. The 'boomerang' was described as very small, perhaps 10 times smaller than the Moon (6 minutes of arc).

Trajectory: The magnetic declination was calculated, and the object's azimuth was noted at different times, ranging from 274° to 289° (geographic). Its height on the horizon at immobilization was about 2°.

Analysis and Conclusions: The author, Dominique Caudron, analyzes the morphology (banana or crescent shape), behavior (pirouettes, slowing down), and final appearance, suggesting it could be a UFO. However, he then proposes a more complex explanation involving 'mimicry.'

He calculates the Moon's position for the night in question and finds it was visible low on the horizon, around 0°42' to 2°46' altitude. The object's position was also low on the horizon (around 2°).

The scenario proposed is that Hélène, waking up, saw the Moon, whose image was distorted by atmospheric turbulence near the horizon. This distortion, combined with the object's movement and the witness's subjective perception, created the impression of a UFO. The movement towards the right was explained by the witness shifting her position relative to the visual field. The apparent shrinking was due to the Moon's decreasing luminosity as it set.

When Anne arrived, she saw an airplane with its lights forming a triangle, giving the impression of a boomerang. The changing disposition of the lights made it appear to move. Reflected lampposts also contributed to the visual confusion.

Caudron concludes that no other witnesses observed UFOs because either they were not looking at the same time, or they saw the Moon itself, or they observed it through the same turbulent zone. He suggests the explanation is 'banal' but the ufological interpretation makes it 'strangely complicated,' calling it 'the Moon disguised as a UFO, itself disguised as the Moon, itself disguised as a UFO! Inverted mimicry of the third degree!'

He hopes that 'mimétologues' (experts in mimicry) will understand the effects of inverted mimicry (airplanes, lights, lampposts disguised as saucers) and concludes by suggesting that if not, we are left to assume they are disguised as ufologists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on investigating and explaining UFO (OVNI) sightings. The editorial stance, as demonstrated by Dominique Caudron's analysis, leans towards rational explanations, often involving misidentification of natural phenomena (like the Moon), atmospheric effects, or artifacts of photography and observation (like camera shake). The articles meticulously analyze witness testimonies, photographic evidence, and astronomical data to debunk or demystify alleged UFO encounters, often concluding with a 'banal' explanation behind the seemingly extraordinary event. The concept of 'inverted mimicry' is a key theme, suggesting that natural or man-made objects can be mistaken for UFOs due to various perceptual and environmental factors.

Title: Le Dauphin
Issue: 11
Volume: 1
Date: October 1978
Publisher: GNEOVNI
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of Le Dauphin is heavily focused on a critical examination of ufology, with the cover headline posing the provocative question: "ET SI LES UFOLOGUES N' EXISTAIENT PAS ?" (What if Ufologists Didn't Exist?). The content delves into the psychological, sociological, and methodological underpinnings of UFO research, suggesting that many phenomena and the field itself might be products of human perception, societal anxieties, and flawed scientific approaches.

Cartography and Interpretation of Lunar Images

The first page features a map detailing "CARTE DES LIEUX D'OBSERVATION" (Map of Observation Sites) in the Roubaix, Wasquehal, Croix, Lannoy, and Hem areas of France. It marks locations like "Parc Barbieux" and a specific "lieu de l'observation" (observation site). Below the map is a section titled "EXPLICATION PAR REINTERPRETATION DE L'IMAGE DE LA LUNE" (Explanation by Reinterpretation of the Moon Image). This section presents diagrams illustrating different interpretations of lunar observations. One diagram shows the "forme exacte de la lune" (exact shape of the moon) contrasted with the "forme de l'objet reconnue après plusieurs essais" (shape of the object recognized after several attempts). Another diagram depicts "mouvement que le témoin pense représenter au mieux celui de l'objet" (movement that the witness thinks best represents that of the object), and a final image shows "image lunaire déformée par des turbulences" (lunar image distorted by turbulence).

Cartoons and Social Commentary

Page 2 contains two cartoons. The first depicts a group of people holding signs like "NOUS AUSSI SOMMES INQUIETS" (We are also worried), "A BAS LE CHOMAGE" (Down with unemployment), and "NOUS NE SOMMES PAS MORIBONDS" (We are not dying). They are confronting a person labeled "L.D.L.N. LOIRET" who is entering a room. A speech bubble from the confronting group says, "Mr. Vieroudy! There are representatives of popular unease who want to see you..."

The second cartoon shows two people inside a room labeled "UNION RATIONALISTE" (Rationalist Union). One person, seemingly a new member, is being congratulated by another for their conversion from ufology. The congratulator says, "Dear new member, let me congratulate you again, it's not every day we witness the conversion of a ufologist." The other person whispers, "Shhh! Don't tell anyone." A third person, looking out from behind a door, remarks, "Another one who is no longer dangerous for us." A thought bubble from this person says, "Indeed! The chief is right to only send us to Earth during periods of psychosis."

Critical Analysis of Ufology: "ET SI LES UFOLOGUES N' EXISTAIENT PAS ?"

Pages 3 through 9 are dedicated to a lengthy and critical essay by D. Caudron, titled "ET SI LES UFOLOGUES N' EXISTAIENT PAS ?" (And what if ufologists didn't exist?). The essay dissects the field of ufology, its theories, and its practitioners.

The Rise of New Ufological Theories

Caudron begins by noting a surge in ufological literature, with authors like Pierre Vieroudy ("Ces OVNI qui annoncent le surhomme" - These UFOs that announce the superman) and Michel Monnerie ("Et si les OVNI n'existaient-pas?" - What if UFOs didn't exist?) presenting new interpretations. These researchers propose that UFOs are either temporary materializations responding to the public's unconscious anxiety or are products of 'waking dreams' stemming from the misidentification of ordinary objects.

Critique of Objective Reality and Psychological Explanations

The author challenges the notion of objective reality for UFOs, suggesting that they are instead 'waking dreams' or psychological phenomena. He notes that the 'extraterrestrial myth' is declining among researchers but remains strong in the public imagination. Caudron criticizes the methods used, such as the "Loi de Guérin" (Law of Guérin), which he argues are theoretically refutable by the very facts they are based on. He also points out the paradox that less credible witnesses are sometimes taken more seriously.

The "Model" Approach and its Limitations

Caudron discusses the trend of creating "models" to explain UFO phenomena. He critiques the idea that UFOs are objective realities, proposing instead that they are products of psychological processes. He analyzes works that attempt to explain UFOs through methods like autohypnosis and the interpretation of light points. The author highlights the limitations of such models, particularly when they fail to account for all available information or when they are overly simplistic.

The Role of Perception and Subjectivity

A significant portion of the essay focuses on the role of perception and subjectivity in UFO sightings. Caudron argues that the way witnesses perceive and interpret events is crucial. He suggests that the "identification mechanism" is often based on matching perceived shapes to known categories, and that the adult mind "labels" these perceptions. This leads to a situation where the witness's unconscious places information onto an object that may not be identifiable, potentially leading to misidentification.

The "Waking Dream" and Socio-Psychological Models

The concept of the "waking dream" is explored as a potential explanation for some sightings, including the misidentification of the moon as a large UFO. Caudron also discusses socio-psychological models, suggesting that the collective behavior and anxieties of society can influence the interpretation of phenomena. He posits that the field of ufology itself might be a product of socio-psychological dynamics rather than a direct study of physical objects.

Critique of Ufologists and Scientific Method

Caudron expresses skepticism towards many ufologists, whom he characterizes as being driven by personal theories and a desire to establish their own 'models.' He questions whether ufologists are truly applying scientific methods, suggesting that their work can be influenced by illusions and biases. He proposes that a true scientist must be able to verify their findings and acknowledge when a model is incomplete or incorrect. The essay concludes with a series of "laws" that critique non-scientific research and the nature of scientific models, culminating in the assertion that "UFOs exist, ufologists do not exist!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critique of ufology as a discipline, the exploration of psychological explanations for anomalous phenomena, and the importance of rigorous scientific methodology. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of many established ufological theories and practitioners, advocating for a more grounded, scientific approach that acknowledges the role of human perception and societal factors in shaping our understanding of unexplained events. The issue challenges the very existence and validity of the 'ufologist' as a distinct scientific researcher, suggesting that the phenomena attributed to them are better understood through psychology and sociology.