SPICA - No 10 - 2007 Mai

Magazine Overview

Title: SPICA NEWS
Issue: N° 10
Date: May 2007
Publisher: Association SPICA
Country: France
Price: 1,80€

This issue of SPICA NEWS, published by the association SPICA, focuses on a variety of topics including ufology, scientific phenomena, and aeronautics. It features an in-depth interview with Michel Padrines, author of "Génération UFO," discussions on the Antikythera mechanism, and an exploration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Editorial and Association News

The editorial, written by the President, thanks readers for their timely contributions and announces the inclusion of new information found online. It highlights an exclusive interview with Michel Padrines following the release of his book. The editorial also mentions the cancellation of a sky observation night due to insufficient participation and discusses plans for future exhibitions. The association is preparing to participate in the "Fête de la Science" on October 13-14 in Wintzenheim, near Colmar, and is organizing ufological meals, with the first one in Colmar featuring notable personalities like Jean-Claude Bourret.

The publication schedule for SPICA NEWS is mentioned, with the next issue planned for September. The editorial team encourages readers to submit articles during their summer holidays. Contact information for the association SPICA is provided, including their address, phone number, and email.

Calendar of Events 2007

The magazine details the planned events for 2007, including:

• Statutory Meetings: May 12 and October 6, both at the Conseil d'Administration.
• Sky Observation Nights: May 12, June 9, July 7 (Perseids), August 11, September 15 (exceptional conjunction of the Moon/Saturn/Venus/Regulus), October 6, and November 10.
• Ufological Meetings: June 9 and November 10.
• Public Events: October 13-14, Fête de la Science in Wintzenheim (near Colmar).

Deadlines for article submissions for SPICA NEWS are also provided: August 1 for the September issue and December 3 for the January 2008 issue. The Conseil d'Administration meetings are communicated for informational purposes, allowing members to submit ideas.

The association plans to publish three issues of SPICA NEWS per year, with a possibility of increasing to four if more articles are received. Readers are reminded to note these dates as specific invitations will not be sent.

Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. The article explains that drones are aircraft capable of performing missions without a human pilot onboard, a characteristic derived from their English designation "Uninhabited" or "Unmanned" Aerial Vehicle. The term "drone" itself originates from the English word for "bee" or "buzzing sound." The article draws parallels between drones and aeromodelling, where small models are remotely controlled.

Drones are categorized into two types: those requiring ground-based pilot assistance for phases like takeoff and landing, and fully autonomous drones capable of making operational decisions. Their design is not constrained by the need to house a pilot, unlike conventional aircraft. The motorization of drones varies based on their mission, size, altitude, and flight duration, utilizing piston engines, turbines, or electric motors. The article notes that the US is evaluating a drone with a diesel engine. Military drones can be armed for ground attack missions.

Drones range in size from a few centimeters to tens of meters and in weight from tens of grams to fifteen tons. Their capabilities are determined by mission requirements and payload. The French Délégation Générale pour l'Armement (DGA), in collaboration with Onera, has launched a university competition for miniature drones capable of urban surveillance. Drones can operate at altitudes from 0 to 20,000 meters, reach speeds up to 150 km/h or Mach 0.8, and have a range exceeding 10,000 km, including trans-oceanic capabilities. It is estimated that 32 countries are developing or producing over 250 drone models, with 80 in military use by 41 nations. The US dominates production, but Israel and France are also significant players. The article cautions readers not to confuse these advanced aircraft with UFOs.

Interview with Michel Padrines

This section features an interview with Michel Padrines, an engineer and ufologist from Alsace, who authored the book "Génération UFO." He discusses his motivation for writing the book, focusing on the 1954 UFO wave. Padrines highlights the rich context of that year, noting apparent anomalies and media contamination. He mentions that only three French ufologists (Jean Sider, Jimmy Gieu, and Aimé Michel) had previously discussed these events, and their works date back to the 1960s. His book aims to honor the witnesses of that era by presenting real press archives and descriptions of the phenomenon.

Padrines expresses pleasant surprise at the interest his book has generated among French and foreign ufologists, attributing it to the current relevance of the topic and public curiosity. He explains his approach of presenting testimonies and archives to allow readers to form their own conclusions, while acknowledging the early days of the UFO era without delving into religious beliefs.

Regarding the cause of the 1954 UFO wave, Padrines points to four potential factors: observations near nuclear power plants, earthquakes in Algeria, a purported meeting between President Eisenhower and extraterrestrials, and a particularly harsh winter. He expresses skepticism about the Eisenhower encounter but believes governments may be hiding extraterrestrial technology to combat climate change.

Padrines notes that Alsace alone had about a hundred cases in 1954, including several RR2 and RR3 encounters, though many did not make headlines. He found it challenging to locate witnesses due to death or old age but managed to gather credible accounts. He also discusses an SPICA investigation from August 2002, which involved numerous witnesses reporting triangular phenomena, reinforcing the seriousness of the association's work.

He observes that in 1954, newspapers reported more on UFOs than they do today, suggesting that the media then gave more credibility to such phenomena, possibly due to the sheer volume of sightings. The absence of the internet at the time made newspapers the primary source of information. Padrines emphasizes that UFO phenomena are primarily based on human testimonies, which can be both certain and fragile. He questions the freedom of the press in France today, noting that general media often dismiss UFO reports or ridicule them, while specialized press offers more in-depth coverage.

Padrines describes the common characteristics of UFOs observed, including saucers, which he believes are the most frequent manifestation. These often exhibit impressive speed and acceleration, defy aerodynamics, are nearly silent, have variable luminous halos, and sometimes show portholes. He mentions that scientific research suggests the saucer shape might be the most suitable for 21st-century craft, based on MHD principles. He also notes the emergence of the triangular UFO shape since the 1990s, questioning whether it represents new extraterrestrial technology or a government conspiracy.

On the official stance that there is no proof of extraterrestrial craft, Padrines personally believes in the hypothesis, citing silent, non-turbulent, non-trailing craft that can make sharp turns and stop abruptly. He suggests these cannot be terrestrial and that science is ignoring this, as are authorities. He posits that UFOs challenge fluid dynamics physics and that interstellar propulsion will require understanding spacetime.

Padrines thanks Joël Duquesnoy, president of GERU, for the preface to his book, emphasizing the importance of raising public awareness about UFOs through various activities like meetings and investigations. He acknowledges that ufological associations often lack financial support beyond member contributions but stresses the need to gather and share information for researchers.

Les Repas Ufologiques Colmariens

This section is an invitation to the "1er Repas Ufologiques de Colmar" (1st Ufological Meal of Colmar) on June 12, 2007, at 6:30 PM at L'Auberge de du Dachsbuhl. The event will feature Jean Claude Bourret, former editor-in-chief of TF1 and TV presenter, as a special guest. Other notable attendees include Bruno Mancusi (Swiss Ufo), Jean Marc Roeder (Scientist and Physicist), Gérard Lebat (creator of ufological meals in France), Christian Contesse (responsible for Strasbourg's ufological meals), and Michel Padrines (author of "Ovni Générations Ufo"). Attendees are asked to confirm their presence by email or phone by May 20th, as places may be limited.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SPICA NEWS revolve around ufology, with a strong emphasis on historical cases (particularly the 1954 UFO wave) and contemporary sightings. The magazine also delves into technological aspects, such as the development and capabilities of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and explores scientific and historical mysteries like the Antikythera mechanism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging the collection and dissemination of information related to unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the challenges of public perception and media skepticism. There is a clear effort to legitimize ufology as a field of serious study and to foster a community through events and publications.

This issue of "Ciel & Espace" from May/June 2007 features a cover story on the constellation Boötes, also known as the Herdsman, and a detailed investigation into the Anticythera mechanism.

The Constellation of Boötes

The article "La constellation du Bouvier" introduces the constellation, its common and Latin names (Boötes and Boötis), and its international abbreviation (Boo). Visually, it evokes a kite when seen with the naked eye between Canes Venatici and Ursa Minor. The mythology surrounding Boötes is explored, including the legend of him being the son of Demeter and inventor of the plow, and another tale where he is the son of Zeus and Callisto, who was transformed into Ursa Major. The star Arcturus, meaning 'guardian of the bear,' is highlighted, with the text noting that Arcturus is sometimes depicted leading dogs. The article also points out notable stars within Boötes, such as the red giant Arcturus, described as the fourth brightest star in the sky and distinguished by its yellow-orange hue. Izar, a beautiful double star, and Tau Bootis, a star potentially harboring a giant planet, are also mentioned.

The Anticythera Mechanism: Science Strikes Back... and Wins

The main investigative piece, "La science contre attaque... et l'emporte," delves into the Anticythera mechanism, presenting a chronological account of its discovery and study. Discovered by sponge divers in 1900 in a Roman shipwreck off Antikythera (dating between 80 and 50 BC), the mechanism's toothed bronze fragments were first noted in 1902. Early attempts to understand it included Vice-Admiral Ioannis Theophanides' model in the 1920s-30s, which he believed was an astrolabe. Significant research in the 1970s by Derek de Solla Price and Charalampos Karakalos involved the first X-rays, leading to Price's influential book "Gears from the Greeks." Michael Wright began his study in 1983, and in 2005, new tomographic scans and photographs were conducted by the Antikythera Mechanism Research Project, with initial results published in 2006.

The article argues that pseudoscientific interpretations of the mechanism have created an aura of mystery, often using terms like 'cybernetic' to link it to modern technology and science fiction like "Terminator" or "Matrix." In contrast, the scientific community uses precise and understandable terminology such as 'Anticythera mechanism,' 'astronomical clock,' 'calendar,' or 'astrolabe.'

Comparative terminologies are discussed, highlighting how esoteric and New Age circles use mysterious language to describe the object, contrasting with the straightforward terms used by scientists. The article criticizes the tendency to label the mechanism as an 'Antikythera computer' or 'cybernetic device,' which it argues is misleading and exploits public fascination with the unknown.

Scientific research, however, has provided concrete results. The mechanism is described as a complex metallic device, too sophisticated for its time, potentially an 'Antikythera computer.' Its function is explored, with scientists suggesting it could calculate eclipse cycles, the movements of five planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn), and the Metonic cycle. The rear of the object was found to have two spiral dials with pointers, representing 223 divisions corresponding to the Saros cycle.

Historical Context and Potential Creators

The article traces the history of research, noting that the object was initially considered an astrolabe and then an astronomical clock. Derek de Solla Price's extensive research in the 1950s and 60s proposed a complex device with three dials on each side of a wooden box, connected by numerous gears, activated by a crank. The dials likely indicated zodiacal divisions and a 365-day calendar.

For scholars, the instrument could calculate the positions of the Sun and Moon for any given date. Price's 1959 article in Scientific American, calling it "An Ancient Greek Computer," sparked public imagination. Later research refined the understanding of its capabilities, including predicting eclipses and planetary movements.

Regarding its origin, the article discusses potential creators. Posidonius (135-51 BC), a Stoic philosopher and astronomer, is a candidate, as Cicero described an instrument by him capable of reproducing the movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets. Geminus, who wrote an introduction to astronomy around 55 BC, is also considered, as the 'parapegme' on the mechanism closely matches his text. Geminus is believed to be a disciple of Posidonius.

The dating of the mechanism is challenging, with Greek characters suggesting the early 1st century BC. Carbon dating is difficult due to the lack of original wood. The discovery of coins in the shipwreck by Jacques Cousteau in 1976 helped refine the date of the shipwreck to around 86 BC, indicating the cargo originated from Pergamum (modern Bergama, Turkey), a city known for its cultural wealth. This suggests the mechanism was a valuable item looted from Pergamum.

Michael Wright, a specialist in mechanical engineering and former curator of the Science Museum in London, built a full-scale replica and stated that the Anticythera mechanism is not a prototype but a fully realized device, indicating its creator knew exactly what they were doing. The article posits that the mechanism was a unique, 'model 001' creation by a genius.

Debunking Anomalistic Claims

The article strongly refutes pseudoscientific theories, such as extraterrestrial or lost civilization origins, arguing that the mechanism's function is perfectly explainable through scientific research. It proposes a new term, "Anticythera effect," for apparent UFO cases that are explainable upon simple investigation, advocating for the principle of economy of hypothesis.

Astronomical Ephemerides and Star Charts

The magazine includes detailed astronomical information for May to August 2007. This includes:

• Monthly Celestial Calendars (Spica): Listings for lunar phases, conjunctions, associations (like Ufological meetings), and notable events such as meteor showers (Bootides, Perseids) and planetary visibility (Vesta, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus).
• Planetary Ephemerides: Tables providing precise times for the rising and setting of the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn for specific dates in May, June, July, August, and September 2007.
• Twilight Times: Civil, aeronautical, and astronomical twilight times for the same periods.
• Celestial Maps (Carte du Ciel): Detailed star charts for May-June 2007 and July-August 2007, with specific coordinates and observational notes for different latitudes (Châlons en Champ and Odratzheim).

Glossary

A glossary at the end of the article defines terms such as Astrolabe, Cybernetic, Parapegme, Metonic Cycle, Saros, and Hipparchus.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and rational approach to understanding astronomical phenomena and historical artifacts. It actively debunks pseudoscientific theories, particularly those related to UFOs and ancient mysteries, by emphasizing rigorous research, evidence-based analysis, and clear terminology. The editorial stance is one of promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and rely on established scientific methods. The inclusion of detailed ephemerides and star charts underscores the magazine's commitment to practical astronomy and celestial observation.

This issue of the magazine, dated 2007, focuses on a 'Spatial Anniversary at the Cité de l'espace' in Toulouse. It commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Spoutnik satellite launch and the 10th anniversary of the Cité de l'espace itself. The magazine covers various space-related topics, including events at the Cité de l'espace, astronomical information about Mars, discoveries in exoplanetary atmospheres, and a review of ufological literature and recent UFO sightings.

Cité de l'espace Celebrates Anniversaries

The Cité de l'espace in Toulouse is celebrating two major anniversaries in 2007: 50 years since the first artificial satellite, Spoutnik, was launched into orbit, and 10 years since the opening of the Cité de l'espace park itself. To mark these events, the park, which expects its 3 millionth visitor this year, has organized a series of animations and events, presented with new developments. The mayor of Toulouse, Jean-Luc Moudenc, visited the park on April 6th to see these new features. The boutique has doubled its surface area, and the Astronaut'café has been renovated, displaying autographed photos of space personalities. The famous Ariane 5 rocket has been repainted, and a 'Guiana case' with a terrace and wooden awning evokes the Kourou launch site. The park is also hosting a grand contest, 'Les aventuriers de l'espace,' running from March 31st to January 6th, 2008, which takes visitors through 14 stages of space conquest history and offers prizes like trips to Kourou, Moscow, or Florida. For the first time, the Mir station is hosting a live show, 'Mir Cosmo Datcha,' a fun and educational performance. A new anniversary feature for children is the 'Zoo de l'espace,' a 7-step animation highlighting animals involved in space exploration. The park's large screens at the Astralia are showing three new films, including 'Les étoiles des pharaons' and 'Destiny in space.' The Cité de l'espace will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a festive weekend on July 7th and 8th, featuring shows, games, animations, collector's gifts, and the presence of astronauts.

Scotty Meets the Stars: The Last Wishes of the Star Trek Engineer

This article reports on the posthumous launch of the ashes of James Doohan, the actor who played Scotty in the original Star Trek series. Two years after his death at the age of 85, his remains were to be sent into space within a month. The company Space Services Inc., based in Houston, handled the arrangements. Doohan's ashes were packed into a rocket in New Mexico, with the launch planned for April 28th. Technical issues had previously delayed the launch. Susan Schonfeld of Space Services stated that Doohan's ashes would join those of 200 other people, including astronaut Gordon Cooper. The service costs $495 per person, and the capsule is returned to families for engraving. In 1997, the same company sent the ashes of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, into space.

Astronomy Course: Mars, a Planet Full of Mysteries

This section, extracted from the book "L'astronomie pour les nuls" by Stephen Maran and Pascal Bordé, and the website http://www.nirgal.net, provides a detailed overview of the planet Mars. A precise topographic map of Mars has been created using specialized instruments on exploration probes. Mars is described as cold, windy, and desolate, yet it was once similar to Earth. Its southern hemisphere preserves traces of its history, with highlands dating back billions of years. Evidence suggests that water once flowed on Mars when its atmosphere was denser and the planet warmer. Currently, the atmosphere is thin, and the planet is icy, with liquid water not existing on its surface. The northern hemisphere is generally at a lower altitude than the southern hemisphere, with the vast plains possibly being the bed of an ancient sea. The northern hemisphere also features younger, smoother terrains with numerous extinct volcanoes. Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, is 600 km in diameter and 24 km high. Mars also has a multitude of canyons, fractures, and valleys, the most remarkable being Valles Marineris, an extraordinary chasm discovered by Mariner 9, stretching 4000 km along the equator. This canyon has a tectonic origin, likely formed by the uplift of the Tharsis dome. Mars is currently cold and dry, with ice at the poles, enough to cover the planet in three meters of water if melted. Its atmosphere is primarily carbon dioxide, with nitrogen, argon, oxygen, carbon monoxide, and water vapor. Mars has two small natural satellites: Phobos and Deimos. The section also includes a table of Mars's physical characteristics and its orbital data. The name 'Mars' originates from the Roman god of war.

Meteorology on Mars

The article delves into the meteorology of Mars, based on a document by the ESA. It explains the processes of ascent, convection, and cloud formation. Water vapor is present in the atmosphere, condensing into liquid water droplets or ice crystals as air rises and cools. This process accelerates in the presence of aerosols. The ascent of air masses is responsible for cloud formation. The article also discusses different types of clouds, such as cirrus, cirrostratus, and cumulonimbus, and their association with warm and cold fronts. It distinguishes between cumulus clouds, associated with cold fronts, and stratus clouds, typically linked to warm fronts, classifying them by the altitude of their base.

News Briefs

Meteoritic Entry

A highly visible meteoritic entry occurred on March 26th, 2007, at 8:50 PM. The CENAP (Comité d'études et d'informations sur les phénomènes aérospatiaux non identifiés) provided a credible explanation, stating that a meteorite of a few centimeters (a bolide) exploded at about 20 km altitude before fragmenting and continuing its trajectory north. This event caused a bright flash and multiple trails, leading to numerous calls and concerns. CENAP clarified that it was not a UFO.

Water Detected on an Exoplanet

For the first time, water vapor has been detected in the atmosphere of a planet outside our solar system. This discovery, made using the Hubble Space Telescope and new theoretical models, was announced by astrophysicist Travis Barman of the Lowell Observatory in Arizona. Evidence indicates the absorption of water in the atmosphere of the exoplanet HD209458b, located 150 light-years from Earth. Barman suggests that other exoplanets may also contain water vapor. This research was supported by NASA.

Ufological Rubric and Recommended Works

This section reviews several books related to UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena:

• Projet Colorado by Nicolas Montigiani (2006): This book examines the 'Project Colorado,' a commission established to study UFOs under the US Air Force. The final report analyzed 91 cases, with a quarter remaining unexplained.
• Extra-Terrestres : L'Enquête by Stéphane Allix (2007): Praised as a powerful and moving work in French ufology, this book details Allix's three-year investigation into alleged alien abductions. It includes French cases, such as one involving Jack Krine, and an encounter with Professor John Mack, a Harvard specialist in abductions.
• OVNIS, Le Secret des Secrets by Fabrice Bonvin (2007): This book, prefaced by Didier Gomez, offers a comprehensive overview of ufological research, including official investigations, alleged manipulation, and secret projects like HAARP and chemtrails. It also discusses the 'Gaian hypothesis' of reality being a controlled simulation.
• Troubles dans le Ciel (Ovnis, la preuve par les radars) by Jean-Jacques Velasco and Nicolas Montigiani (2007): This revised and augmented edition of a previous work documents UFO sightings detected by civilian and military radars, along with witness accounts and scientific tests.
• Crop Circles: Signes et Contacts by Collin Andrew and Stephen Spignesi: This book, by a leading crop circle specialist, explores the mystery of crop circles, their nature, and origins. It was a scientific consultant for the film 'Signs.'

Latest Observations

This section compiles recent UFO observations reported to the SPICA association. These observations have not been verified.

• Furdenheim (67) - November 29, 2006: Two bright, non-blinking white points were observed moving slowly and then suddenly disappeared. The observer noted that no aircraft were visible in the area, despite its proximity to Entzheim airport.
• Paris (75) - December 2006: A "large ball of yellow-white light" was seen crossing the sky at a low altitude.
• Bordeaux (33) - December 18, 2006: An unusually bright object, initially appearing as a star, became immobile with a red point and later revealed six red lights in a diamond formation. The observer considered the possibility of a helicopter but found the object's characteristics unusual.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers topics related to space exploration, astronomy, and unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs). There is a clear interest in scientific discoveries, such as the detection of water on exoplanets and the detailed study of Mars. The publication also dedicates significant space to ufology, reviewing books and reporting on alleged sightings, suggesting an open-minded approach to these phenomena while also providing scientific explanations where available, as seen in the meteorite report. The editorial stance appears to be informative and investigative, aiming to present a broad spectrum of information within the realms of space science and the unexplained.

Title: Sciences et Phénomènes Insolites
Issue: 28
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: SPICA
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of 'Sciences et Phénomènes Insolites' focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) with multiple witness reports from across France, alongside significant scientific news regarding space exploration and exoplanet discovery.

Witness Accounts of Luminous Phenomena

The magazine presents a series of detailed accounts from individuals who observed unusual aerial phenomena:

• Bois Le Roi (December 24, 2006): A witness walking in a forest at dusk saw a luminous, spherical cone-shaped object approaching rapidly. The experience was frightening, and the object disappeared.
• Soultz-les-Bains (January 20, 2007): On a Saturday morning, a witness and her companion observed two pure, diffuse, non-flashing, static lights in the sky. They were described as being about 1km away, 60 degrees above the horizon, and the size of two ping-pong balls spaced 10 cm apart. The lights disappeared suddenly after a 10-second observation, and the witness ruled out an aircraft due to the object's characteristics and speed.
• Sarreguemines (January 23, 2006): A witness reported seeing a strange, almost immobile object above trees near the Sarre river at 5:44 AM. The witness managed to capture a photograph of the object using a Canon Powershot S1 IS camera.
• Lautenbach zell (February 3, 2006): Two witnesses observed two red luminous points rising from the ground in a forest. The lights moved very quickly horizontally, then ascended and remained stationary for a few seconds. They were accompanied by a whistling sound, described as similar to a remote-controlled device, but originating from the forest.
• Nolay and St Sernin du Bois (February 17, 2006): This section summarizes an article from 'Le Bien Public' about an automobilist who witnessed strange lights moving like a flock of starlings in the clouds between Nolay and St Sernin du Bois. The phenomenon was silent and moved erratically. The article notes that other villagers had also observed similar phenomena.
• Saint-Valery-En-Caux (February 23, 2006): A witness reported seeing an orange light crossing the sky from North to South. Later, using binoculars, the witness observed a beautiful ball of the same color moving from West to East at a moderate speed, without navigation lights or blinking. The witness, an experienced observer, concluded it was neither an airplane nor a satellite.
• Draguignan and Lorgues (March 21, 2007): A witness reported seeing a large luminous ball with three blinking lights on its sides. The phenomenon reportedly landed nearby, though the exact location could not be specified.

Scientific News

Ariane 5 Launch Success

The magazine reports on the successful launch of the Ariane 5 rocket on March 12, 2007, from Kourou, French Guiana. This was the 31st launch of an Ariane 5 and the first for 2007. The rocket carried the Skynet 5A (approximately 4.7 tons) for EADS-Astrium, providing secure telecommunications for British armed forces and NATO, and the INSAT 4B satellite (3 tons) for the Indian space agency ISRO. The launch was initially scheduled for Saturday but was postponed due to a problem with the launch pad.

Discovery of Exoplanet G 581c

Under the 'Dernière minute' (Last minute) section, the discovery of exoplanet G 581c is highlighted, based on an article by Caroline Lepage. This discovery is described as a significant event in astronomy. G 581c, located 20.5 light-years away, is a rocky planet or one potentially covered in oceans, and it is the least massive exoplanet known to date. Its characteristics suggest the possibility of life, with a habitable temperature range (0-40°C) and potential for liquid water. However, the planet orbits a red dwarf star, Gliese 581, which is less luminous and active than our Sun. The article notes that while G 581c could support liquid water, it might also receive harmful infrared radiation. Reaching this exoplanet with current technology would take an estimated 500,000 years.

SPICA Association Information

The final pages provide information about the SPICA association, which is dedicated to the scientific study of unusual phenomena, including ufology, astronomy, meteorology, and aeronautics. The association encourages members to share their knowledge and ideas, emphasizing a scientific and objective approach, free from dogmatism or sensationalism. SPICA offers to investigate reported phenomena and guarantees the anonymity of witnesses. Contact information for the association, including its address, phone number, email, and website, is provided. The magazine also outlines ways to support the association, such as sending articles, donating books or videos, reporting phenomena, or making financial contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the reporting and investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly luminous aerial objects. The magazine adopts a scientific and objective stance, encouraging detailed witness accounts and promoting research through the SPICA association. The inclusion of news on space exploration and exoplanet discovery reflects a broader interest in astronomical and scientific advancements. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational inquiry and evidence-based analysis, distinguishing itself from sensationalist or mystical interpretations.