UFO Informations - No 08 - mai-juin 1975

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO INFORMATIONS
Issue: Bimestriel nº 8
Date: Mai-Juin 1975
Publisher: Bulletin de L'Association des Amis de Marc THIROUIN COMMISSION D'ENQUETES SUR LES
Country: France
Price: 2,50 F

This issue of UFO Informations, the 8th bulletin from the Association des Amis de Marc THIROUIN (A.A.M.T.), covers a period of May-June 1975. The cover features a striking illustration of a UFO with rays and a hand pointing towards it, under the prominent title 'UFO INFORMATIONS'. The publication is priced at 2,50 F and is based in France.

Editorial (I - EDITORIAL)

The editorial section begins by wishing readers a happy and restful vacation, noting that for ufologists, this period is ideal for observing unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP), referred to as O.V.N.I. in French. It encourages participation in common sky observation vigils organized by A.D.E.P.S., Lumières dans la Nuit, and the A.A.M.T. throughout July and August. The editorial highlights the importance of collecting observations for the National Campaign of Summer 1975 and urges members to return completed observation forms. It also mentions various upcoming activities, including debates and exhibitions in towns like Die, St-Pied-de-Valle, Bourg-St-Andeol, Lamastre, Vernoux, and Antibes, as well as an O.V.N.I. exhibition in Montélimar. The editorial emphasizes the motto 'Make yourself known and make us known' for the summer season. It recounts recent O.V.N.I. tours, including conferences in Valreas and Carpentras, noting the varying success of these events. A positive reception was received from tourists in Chambon/Lignon, the seat of the L.D.L.N. review. The editorial also mentions a gathering of 70 people, including M. VEILLITH and his family, and the inauguration of a new ufological research group in Langeac, animated by Gilbert PERET. The editorial concludes with well wishes for this new group.

Joint Meeting of A.D.E.P.S. and A.A.M.T. (II - REUNION COMMUNE A.D.E.P.S. - A.A.M.T.)

This section details a joint meeting held in Carpentras on June 21 and 22, 1975, between the A.D.E.P.S. and A.A.M.T. associations. The meeting had four main objectives: 1) Presentation of an audio-visual exposé on 'O.V.N.I. - A Serious Affair' to the Vaucluse public, A.D.E.P.S., and S.V.E.F.S. 2) Contact with M. CREBELY, a representative of S.V.E.F.S. 3) An annual information meeting with A.D.E.P.S. 4) A meeting of L.D.L.N. investigators from Vaucluse to establish a future regional delegation. While the Saturday evening event was not as successful as hoped despite extensive preparation, it was significant as it brought together three groups. M. CREBELY, vice-president of S.V.E.P.S., shared details about his society's activities in the Var region, including recruitment, investigation methods, mobile detection laboratory, and conference organization. The meeting also discussed the expansion of the A.D.E.P.S. detection network across national and European territory, with the A.A.M.T.'s assistance in placing detectors in Drôme, Ardèche, and Vaucluse. Plans were made to maximize detection posts and to develop intervention equipment for A.D.E.P.S. The adoption of a questionnaire for sky observation vigils by A.D.E.P.S. was noted, with both groups agreeing to share results. A.A.M.T. plans to present its audio-visual exposé in southern France under the auspices of A.D.E.P.S. and will acquire detection equipment. The section also mentions the response to a previous bulletin regarding the formation of an L.D.L.N. delegation in Vaucluse, with a follow-up meeting planned after the summer holidays. The meeting was attended by representatives from both A.D.E.P.S. and A.A.M.T., including MM. ALOS, JULIEN, MIELION, PALA, VANDINI, Mme JULIEN for A.D.E.P.S., and MM. BONNAVENTURE, DUQUESNOY, Mme BONNAVENTURE, and Mme DUQUESNOY for A.A.M.T.

Library (III - BIBLIOTHEQUE)

The library section lists a variety of periodicals and articles available for reading. These include articles from 'Sciences et Avenir' (June and July 1975) covering topics such as particle physics, space, archaeology, and extraterrestrials. 'Sciences et Vie' (May and July 1975) features articles on the solar system, ancient electrical capacitors, Russian space bases, intelligent missiles, and Jupiter's hurricanes. 'La Recherche' (June and July 1975) presents topics like fossil reactors in Africa, the search for Martian life, galactic centers, and quantum mechanics. The section also lists received ufological reviews, including 'Lumières dans la nuit' (May 1975) with cases of humanoids, an investigation in Aveyron, and advice on sampling landing sites. Other entries include 'Lumières dans la nuit' (June-July 1975) with a critique of an article on flying saucers and reports of landings in Laune and the Pyrenees. 'Vues nouvelles' (July 1975) discusses UAP judgment and seismic effects. Bulletin A.D.E.P.S. (No. 12) covers UAP news in Var and the 1973 detection network. Approche de la S.V.E.P.S. (No. 5) addresses the Carcès affair and psychic research. Inforespace (No. 21) reports on the Falcon Lake case. The section also lists books published, such as Jacques Vallee's 'The Invisible College', a practical guide for amateur astronomers, books on psychic healing and plant life, and Uri Geller's 'My Life is Fantastic'. Finally, it mentions photographs of France from space with commentary.

Books and Publications

This section highlights publications from Editions Grammont and Laffont, presenting major themes of contemporary humanity in a hundred volumes. It lists titles relevant to the domain, including 'The formation of the Earth', 'The origin of man', 'The origin of life', 'The solar system', 'Stars and galaxies', and 'Artificial satellites'.

Notable Quote

"If we have the scientific duty to practice Cartesian doubt and to mercilessly stigmatize lying accounts, we must, on the other hand, reject any attitude of skepticism or systematic negation, remembering that the history of science is that of yesterday's impossibilities becoming today's truths and tomorrow's commonplaces."

Speaker: Marc Thirouin (1954)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, the organization and collaboration between ufological groups (A.D.E.P.S., A.A.M.T., L.D.L.N.), and the dissemination of information through publications and conferences. The editorial stance, as articulated by Marc Thirouin's quote, advocates for a scientific yet open-minded approach to UAP, encouraging rigorous investigation while cautioning against outright dismissal of phenomena that may seem improbable.

This issue of TRIBUNE LIBRE, Volume IV, Issue 9, published by L.D.L.N. in France, features a critical analysis of Claude Vorilhon's book "Le livre qui dit la vérité" (The Book That Tells The Truth) and a dossier of regional UFO observations.

Critical Analysis of "Le livre qui dit la vérité"

The article "QUELQUES VERITES SUR LE 'LIVRE QUI DIT LA VERITE' (I)" by Michel DORIER scrutinizes Vorilhon's work, which claims to present a unique revelation from extraterrestrials. The author expresses disappointment, stating that despite claims of superior logic from the supposed "contactees," the explanations provided do not surpass human reasoning and leave the reader wanting more knowledge. The review questions the book's explanations for the creation of man, noting that it simply shifts the question of origin to the extraterrestrials themselves. It points out inconsistencies in the timeline presented, such as the duration of the flood. The article also highlights the paradox of immortal extraterrestrials who fear destruction, and the mysterious disappearance of their own creators despite elaborate precautions. The physical description of the extraterrestrials is noted as unoriginal, and their method of sustenance is described as relying on scientific means to extract nutrients from offerings.

The critique continues by examining Vorilhon's "scientific" reinterpretations of biblical events. The author argues that Vorilhon frequently uses the term "scientific" to replace miraculous elements of religious stories, likening it to a substitute for divine intervention. Examples include explaining the parting of the Red Sea with a scientific process, the multiplication of loaves with dehydrated synthetic food, and the Tower of Babel as a rocket. The article suggests that Vorilhon's explanations for Christ's miracles, such as healing at a distance via "concentrated rays," are a letdown for those seeking genuine spiritual phenomena. The author also criticizes the book for its limited scope, focusing solely on the Bible and neglecting other civilizations, and for the extraterrestrials' request for gold and precious stones, questioning why they cannot synthesize these materials themselves.

Furthermore, the article points out that many of Vorilhon's interpretations of the Bible, such as the plural form of "Elohim" and the "sons of God" marrying human women, have been previously discussed by other authors like Jean SENDY, D. HEMMERT, A. ROUDENE, and Professor AGREST. Ideas about extraterrestrial influence on biblical events, including the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah by extraterrestrial atomic bombs, and the identification of the Star of Bethlehem as a UFO, are also noted as having been explored by others. The article concludes that Vorilhon's book adds nothing new to the hypothesis of biblical contacts with extraterrestrial civilizations, beyond its numerous spelling errors. It questions whether Vorilhon's extraterrestrial sources merely plagiarized existing human works or if Vorilhon himself is inventing truths.

Dossier: Regional Observations

This section presents a collection of UFO sighting reports from various regions in France, compiled by investigators from L.D.L.N. and other associated groups.

Orange (Vaucluse) - February 16, 1975

At 7:50 PM, M. F.P. observed two strange lights in the sky, described as large egg-shaped red objects. Through binoculars, they appeared rectangular and green with halos. One object moved west at a high speed, followed by the second.

Vailon Pont d'Arc (Ardèche) - May 1, 1975

Five investigators observed a strange blinking light from 10:55 PM to 11:05 PM. The object, viewed through binoculars, had a row of white rectangular hublights, a red light below, and pulsating white lights above. It moved slowly and silently.

Romans (Drôme) - May 23, 1975

Two night workers witnessed a lenticular orange object with a luminous halo moving south to north. A second identical object appeared shortly after, and both then diminished and disappeared westward.

Orange (Vaucluse) - April 6, 1975

MM. J.P.T. and M.B. observed a grey cigar-shaped object hovering motionless. They then noticed two other identical objects. These three objects rotated and disappeared.

Maymans (Drôme) - June 5-7, 1975

A woman reported seeing a white neon lens-shaped light for three consecutive nights, appearing to fill the width of her window.

Romans (Drôme) - June 10, 1975

M. C. observed a luminous sphere, red on two-thirds and green on the remainder, which disappeared suddenly.

Vaison-la-Romaine (Vaucluse) - June 28, 1974

An agricultural worker, Gérard G., reported seeing a diamond-shaped object with four orange lights at the extremities. The object was approximately 20 meters wide and ascended without noise, leaving no trace. His father also reported seeing the object.

Compiègne (Oise) - Summer 1937

M. Daniel V.D.B. observed a violet-blue, cigar-shaped object with blurred contours moving rapidly from east to west. The object was estimated to be a hundred meters long and made no sound. It was reportedly seen by 70 witnesses.

Vaucluse - 1699-1700

A historical account from the "Histoire du Diocèse d'Avignon" by Abbé GRANGET describes three globes of fire appearing in the sky, with two more joining them before they disappeared, illuminating a chapel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of claims of extraterrestrial contact and the reinterpretation of religious texts through a UFO lens. The magazine appears to maintain a skeptical yet open-minded stance, presenting detailed investigations of UFO sightings while simultaneously dissecting and questioning the validity of sensational claims made by authors like Claude Vorilhon. The editorial stance leans towards a rational and evidence-based approach, encouraging readers to critically assess information and demanding logical consistency in explanations, whether they pertain to ancient texts or modern sightings.

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), dated August 1975, is a French publication from the "Association des Amis de Marc Thirouin." It focuses on ufology, with a significant portion dedicated to exploring the potential of a 'magneplane' as an explanation for UFO phenomena and a future transportation technology. The magazine also provides practical advice for amateur skywatchers on conducting night surveillance and photographic observation of the sky.

Dossier Recherche: La Propulsion des S.V.

The issue delves into the history and mystery of UFOs, noting that the 2nd anniversary of the 1954 'grand wave' and the 30th anniversary of UFO existence were recently celebrated. It recalls that during World War II, pilots first became aware of UFOs, initially attributing them to secret military prototypes. After the war, this interpretation proved erroneous, and 'flying saucers' entered the public domain, leading to theories of extraterrestrial origin and subsequent skepticism.

The article highlights the 20 years that have passed since 1954, a period marked by mockery and evolving certainties, leaving behind a multitude of questions: What are UFOs? Where do they come from? How do they work?

While in the past UFOs were simply considered 'spacecraft,' current understanding admits a more complex reality. Some Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) undeniably appear as material craft, sometimes leaving traces on the ground, while others manifest as immaterial phenomena like 'fireballs.' The question of their origin remains open, with theories ranging from time travel to parallel universes.

The article emphasizes the profound ignorance surrounding how UFOs function. Despite numerous hypotheses, no concrete answers have emerged after a quarter-century of research. It suggests that UFOs are comprehensible only to the technological level that produces them, posing the question of whether humanity's own technological evolution might already have produced such craft, perhaps in advanced research laboratories.

The Magneplane Concept

A significant portion of the dossier introduces the 'magneplane,' a novel machine developed at MIT. This craft, devoid of wheels, wings, propellers, or rocket engines, floats silently above the ground. It is described as something entirely new, not an application of air-cushion technology. The project is supported by major financial groups and the American government through the 'National Science Foundation.'

The magneplane is presented not as a direct result of UFO research but as a future solution for transportation problems, envisioned to replace cars, trains, and planes within decades. A 1:25 scale model at MIT, though currently only moving a few centimeters above the ground, represents a significant step. A larger testing center is being developed in Pueblo, Colorado, where a machine will undergo trials in 1975, reaching speeds of 300-400 km/h while hovering.

The name 'magneplane' is a portmanteau of 'magnetic' and 'planeur' (glider). The concept originated in 1966 with physicists POWELL and R. DANBY, who were studying powerful electromagnets used in particle accelerators. The forces generated by these magnets, capable of nearly bursting coils, can be applied to create an upward force exceeding 4 kg/cm², enabling silent, ground-hovering transport.

The magneplane's potential applications are vast, extending beyond a simple 'train without rails' to all-terrain vehicles, and even craft capable of traversing oceans and air. The saucer shape of some UFOs is hypothesized to stem from the 'hypertrophy' of their electromagnet coils, dictating the external appearance of the craft.

Applied to ufology, the characteristics of the magneplane are claimed to explain over 90% of UFO enigmas, including silent flight, rapid acceleration, luminosity, shape, and the absence of sonic booms. The article concludes that the magneplane and its evolutionary lineage are to ufology what aerodynamics is to aviation, offering a simple, rational explanation for many UFO mysteries.

Night Surveillance Photography

This section provides practical guidance for amateur astronomers and ufologists interested in night sky observation and photography. It acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining sustained attention during night vigils and suggests accompanying the surveillance with other activities like astronomy study or nocturnal animal observation.

Using a Camera for Surveillance

The article proposes using a camera to monitor the sky for extended periods. It recommends wide-angle lenses for covering a large surface area, suggesting a 28mm lens for 24x36 format cameras as a good compromise, while deeming fisheye lenses less useful. If a wide-angle lens is unavailable, a standard lens can also yield excellent results.

Film and Settings

For sustained surveillance, a moderate amount of black and white film with a sensitivity of 100 to 200 ASA is recommended. The choice of film speed and exposure time depends heavily on ambient light conditions, such as moonlight or artificial lighting. In a large city, a 5-minute exposure might completely fog the film, whereas on a clear mountain night, exposures of up to 5 hours might be possible.

Star trails, caused by Earth's rotation, will appear on night photographs. The length of these trails is proportional to the exposure time. Finding a balance is crucial to avoid an overly cluttered image. The article suggests initial exposures of thirty to sixty minutes with the diaphragm fully open, encouraging personal experimentation to determine optimal settings based on specific conditions.

It advises adjusting exposure time and diaphragm to manage light. For instance, a one-hour exposure at f/4 yields the same film blackening as a half-hour exposure at f/2.8. The diaphragm should not be closed below f/8 to maintain definition. The aperture scale (f-numbers) is explained as a convention representing the ratio of focal length to diameter, with each step dividing the light by two.

Setup and Utility

The camera should be securely mounted on a tripod and directed towards the zenith (straight up) for the clearest atmospheric view. If the zenith is inaccessible, aim as close to it as possible. Settings should be infinity focus, diaphragm between f/8 and maximum, and the camera set to 'B' (Bulb) or 'T' (Time) mode. A cable release with a locking mechanism is recommended for long exposures.

While a few long exposures might not yield a 'photo of the century,' systematic series can provide valuable statistics and cross-references. These photos can help clarify reported observations during regional or national events and also serve astronomical purposes, capturing meteors and satellites, and contributing to the association's cataloging efforts.

Other Content

Incident Report

A luminous phenomenon was observed on Wednesday, July 16, 1975, by numerous people in the Drôme, Ardèche, and Haute Loire departments, as well as in Southern France. Visible from 8:45 PM to 10:00 PM, the phenomenon appeared as a point rising vertically, leaving a large spiral trail. The article suggests it might be a missile fired from the Landes military base, similar to an event on June 12, 1974.

Correspondence and Association Information

The issue includes a note thanking readers for their limited responses to a survey and urging them to return questionnaires promptly. It emphasizes the importance of reader participation in keeping the bulletin alive.

It also lists the regional delegation "Lumières dans la Nuit" for Drôme, Ardèche, and Vaucluse, and provides the composition of the bureau for the year 1975: DUQUESNOY David (President), REVEILLARD Marc (Vice-President), BONNAVENTURE Raymond (General Secretary), BLACHER Noêl (Assistant Secretary), BONNAVENTURE Chantal (Treasurer), PEYRENT Claude (Assistant Treasurer), and CHALOIN André (Honorary Member).

The bulletin was printed in France by the Association on a duplicator, with R. BONNAVENTURE as Director of Publication. The legal deposit was made in the second quarter of 1975. The "Association des Amis de Marc Thirouin" has its headquarters at 29, rue Berthelot in Valence, with a permanence every Wednesday from 6 PM.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific exploration of UFO phenomena, particularly through theoretical frameworks like the magneplane, and the practical encouragement of amateur scientific observation, specifically night sky photography. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking rational explanations for unexplained events while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge. There is a strong emphasis on reader participation and the collective effort required to advance understanding in the field of ufology and related scientific pursuits.