Ufologia - No 13 - Juillet-Aout-Septembre 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: ufologia
Issue: N° 13
Date: July-August-September 1978
Publisher: Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU)
Country: France
Type: Documentary and Information Review

Editorial Stance

The editorial by Marc THIROUIN highlights the challenge of publishing the vast amount of information received, leading to the exceptional decision to release two issues (13 and 14) simultaneously. He emphasizes the importance of reader support through subscriptions to ensure the magazine's continued publication and improvement. The editorial also points out that while the magazine aims to provide new information, it relies on reader contributions and financial support, as "miracles do not exist" and the best work remains unpublished without necessary funds.

Key Articles and Features

"Faut-il remiser nos mètres, balances et autres magnétomètres ?" by J.P. CANCEL

This article questions whether science is the most reliable tool for understanding UFOs. It posits that while the existence of UFOs and their intelligence are certain, the focus should be on the latter. The author uses the concept of "thought" as an example, arguing that its materialization (e.g., a slogan) is more significant than counting demonstrators. The article suggests that UFOs have always adapted to human evolution, implying a real connection between humans and UFOs, but acknowledges an internal barrier to understanding. It urges vigilance and openness to all clues, cautioning against relying solely on science and advocating for going "beyond the facts."

"UFOLOGIE: Actualités / Échos de la presse..."

This section presents various news items and reports:

• Alsace Sighting: An account from Bantzenheim, France, where eleven people witnessed a luminous object described as a large ball of light, then a cigar, and finally a half-sphere, with red and orange lights, moving in the sky. The object changed shape and emitted lights.
• American Sky Meteor: A report from Dallas, Texas, about a giant fireball, possibly a meteor, observed across several US states. Authorities provided conflicting testimonies regarding its disintegration or impact.
• "Human Extra-terrestrials" on UFOs: A statement by a NASA scientist, Charles Kubokawa, suggesting that UFOs might be piloted by humans whose ancestors left Earth long ago, or by advanced beings from space visiting Earth.

"L'énigme de Tungus (Sibérie)" by J.P. CANCEL

This article explores the 1908 Tunguska event, presenting the theory of a Russian geologist, Alexis Zolotov, that the explosion was caused by a nuclear event, possibly from an extraterrestrial spacecraft. The article discusses the scientific debate, including the possibility of a 'black hole' or a comet fragment, and highlights the ongoing mystery of the event's cause and the lack of a crater.

"France : le Conseil scientifique du GEPAN recommande de continuer l'étude des objets volants non identifiés (OVNI)"

This report details the recommendations of the GEPAN scientific council. The council found it impossible to exclude or confirm the anomalous nature of reported UFO facts but recommended continuing GEPAN's activities within CNES. They suggested forming a multidisciplinary intervention team and improving data collection and statistical analysis. The article notes the council's secrecy regarding its members and the GEPAN group's composition, which is seen as regrettable given public interest.

"ENQUETE EN MOSELLE" by Michel TURCO

This is a detailed report of an observation made on January 30, 1974, in the Moselle region of France. Witnesses observed a luminous object that moved rapidly, changed color from red-copper to brilliant yellow, and appeared to be a light beam without a visible support. The object appeared cyclically every nine minutes, seemingly orbiting the EUROPE-I transmitter antennas. Military aircraft were also observed in the vicinity, leading to confusion.

Other Sections:

• "Questions Connexes": Includes articles on the "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind" film, UFOs and the UN, and a dossier on "Archaeology."
• "Le bloc-notes UFOLOGIA/CFRU": A section for news and updates from the organization.
• "Chronique de l'Etrange: 'LA LUNE'": An article by R. LIENHARDT.
• "Le courrier des Lecteurs": Letters from readers.
• "1977: observations diverses": A compilation of observations by JL. PROUST.
• "Check-List de l'Enquêteur": A guide for investigators.
• "La bibliothèque des GRANDES ENIGMES": A review of books.
• "DOSSIER ESPACE": Short reports on space-related topics, including Soviet satellites (Molniya 3-9, Cosmos 986), the Fleetsatcom satellite, Voyager's Jupiter flyby, the Ariane rocket's second stage test, and the Hughes AMRAAM missile.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Ufologia are the investigation of UFO sightings, the scientific approach to understanding these phenomena, and the challenges faced by researchers in gathering and disseminating information. The magazine positions itself as a precursor, aiming to "clear the terrain" for future scientific study, while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific methods and the need for public support. There is a clear emphasis on detailed case studies, international reports, and the paranormal aspects often associated with UFOs. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of the UFO phenomenon beyond conventional scientific explanations.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, Volume XI, Number 13, dated January 1974, focuses on UFO/UAP sightings and international policy regarding the phenomenon. The cover prominently features the title 'RENCONTRES DU TROISIEME TYPE' (Close Encounters of the Third Kind), highlighting a review of Steven Spielberg's film.

Observations of 1974-1975

Tromborn-Valmunster-Boulay (January 30, 1974)

Two observers reported a luminous object at 19:30 with the moon behind them and no clouds. Trajectory I began with a dark, blinking red-copper light (slow speed) that transformed into a bright yellow, similar to a car headlight, with increasing speed. A red point appeared, and the object eventually disappeared. Trajectory II involved a yellow light with a red point appearing below it, and sometimes two red points. The observers noted that sometimes the light had a different trajectory.

Tromborn (May 21, 1975)

Two anonymous witnesses observed an object appearing rapidly above the church in Tromborn, moving towards Dalen and then returning, seemingly rotating above the church. The object, estimated to be 30 meters high, had a perfect triangular shape with sharp edges. Its color shifted rapidly from bright red to light green, like blinking lights, but the entire surface maintained a uniform hue. No sound was reported. The object's surface was described as relatively superior to the moon's and capable of masking it.

Falck (Moselle) (May 31, 1975)

At 22:30, two witnesses, Monsieur and Madame Granjean, observed a strange light. Initially observed through binoculars for five minutes, the object then disappeared. It reappeared at 23:30, remaining immobile for 15 minutes. The object was described as rectangular or elongated, with a bright light green color, and a series of 5 to 8 lights alternating between red and blue along its length. When the red lights intensified, the blue ones dimmed, and vice versa, but they never went out.

Vaudreching (Bouzonville 57) (July 8, 1975)

Between 02:30 and 03:30, Monsieur Gay, while preparing to fish by the Nied river, saw a yellow light reflected in the water, coming from the direction of Tromborn (110-115° magnetic north). Later, the light returned from a different direction (approx. 310°), and a second light crossed the first. A third yellow light, following the same trajectory as the first, also appeared from Tromborn. No sound was perceived.

Tromborn-Berus (57) (June 2, 1975)

First Observation (21:25 - 21:35): At sunset, with a dark blue sky and no clouds, a very bright yellow-copper light appeared, scintillating faster than a star and appearing to rotate. Through binoculars, the village streetlights seemed as large as the object, which was indiscernible without magnification. The light then extinguished from top to bottom, like a gas burner flame diminishing.

Second Observation (approx. 22:00): A 'frozen mist' was observed, like a net between pylons. A small white light appeared, moving slowly from left to right for 8 seconds, then becoming invisible for 4 seconds when it reached a pylon, before reappearing and continuing its path. After 15 seconds, a large yellow light appeared lower down on the left, moving slowly for 4-5 seconds before abruptly extinguishing. This cycle repeated until 23:30. The movement of a civilian aircraft caused the yellow light to momentarily immobilize.

International UFO Policy: The Grenada Initiative at the UN

The article details the efforts of Grenada, spearheaded by Prime Minister Sir Eric Gairy, to have the United Nations establish an agency for the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The initiative was to be presented at the 33rd UN General Assembly in September 1978.

Opposition from Major Powers

Both the USA and the USSR were strongly opposed to this proposal. The primary US reason cited was the significant financial interests tied to the military-industrial complex, which relies on substantial government budgets. The fear was that public pressure, fueled by media attention to UFOs, could lead to budget cuts for the military.

The USSR's stance was attributed to its belief that UFOs are a capitalist ploy to deceive the public and distract from reality. Both superpowers were also concerned about a potential loss of prestige if they could not control or explain the phenomenon.

Diplomatic Maneuvers

Dr. Wellington Friday, Ambassador-at-large for Grenada, and Ambassador Franklin Dolland worked with ufologist Leonard H. Stringfield to prepare the proposal. Stringfield provided a 45-page text, incorporating historical UN reports from 1960 and 1966 concerning UFOs.

Despite initial support from a US delegate, Commandant Feigle, who brought a message of US 'sympathy' but no official backing, the US delegation ultimately cited 'contestable' points in the resolution and referred to the Condon Report as a basis for their position. The US support eventually evaporated.

The UN General Assembly session was adjourned to allow member states to consult their governments. The article suggests that the USA engaged in diplomatic efforts to influence the outcome, possibly hoping to change Prime Minister Gairy's views before the crucial vote in September 1978.

Historical Context

The article references previous UN involvement, including a 1966 memorandum by Colman Von Keviczky and a statement by former UN Secretary-General U Thant in 1960 expressing interest in UFOs. It also mentions Kurt Waldheim's tenure as Secretary-General and a text he sent via the Voyager space probe, which some interpreted as an allusion to extraterrestrial intelligence.

Film Review: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

The Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU) awarded its 'Prix Magonia 1978' to Steven Spielberg's 1977 film, 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. The award, also retrospectively given to '2001: A Space Odyssey' and 'The Day the Earth Stood Still', aims to honor filmmakers who best address the issue of extraterrestrial life. The review includes a highly laudatory quote from René Barjavel in 'Le Journal du Dimanche', calling it the greatest film ever made.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes sections for reader correspondence, announcements of other ufological publications and services such as 'Astrometeo', 'Astrolabe', 'MEVA', 'B. Winter', 'Idees Pour Tous', 'AGET-SERVICE', 'Octazine', 'UFO-Quebec', 'Facettes', 'Requiem', 'Eruditionda', 'FDF', 'Bibliomax', and 'La Nouvelle Ere'. A rectification regarding an article in a previous issue of UFOLOGIA is also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO/UAP sightings, the political and diplomatic efforts to address the phenomenon on an international level, and the cultural impact of UFOs as seen through film reviews. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena and advocacy for official study, while also acknowledging the cultural significance of UFOs in popular media.

This issue of "archéologie" from 1977, published by CFRU, explores a diverse range of historical and mysterious topics, including ancient structures, paleontological finds, astronomical anomalies, and UFO sightings. The magazine aims to provide readers with information on subjects that are "not always easy" and touch upon the "mystery and the unknown."

The Colosseum's Foundations

The article "Les dessous du Colisée" reveals that the Colosseum's stability over twenty centuries is attributed to its massive "tire"-like foundation, composed of lime and flint blocks. This elliptical ring, thirteen meters thick and 188 meters in diameter, supports the amphitheater's structure. Dr. Claudio Meccheggiani Carpano, a Roman specialist, highlighted that this unusual foundation was necessary due to the unstable, lacustrine clay soil beneath Rome, which had been eroded by ancient streams. Without these foundations, the Colosseum might have faced a fate similar to the Tower of Pisa.

Ancient Discoveries

"Il y a 230 millions d'années..." reports on the discovery of 116 animal fossils in Antarctica by an American-Australian expedition. These fossils belong to vertebrates and amphibians/reptiles, with some species previously unknown in Antarctica, dating back to the Triassic period.

Another significant find is detailed in "Des Européens depuis 240.000 ans?". Prehistoric human remains dredged from the seabed near Zeeland, Denmark, are suggested to be 240,000 years old, predating Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon humans. These remains were found under 12-14 meters of gravel and stones, in a layer of peat.

In France, "Une fresque du XIVe siècle découverte dans une chapelle de Réding" describes the discovery of a 14th-century fresco in the St. Ulrich chapel in Réding. Dr. Marcel Lutz, an archaeologist, identified the fresco as possibly symbolizing St. Mark the Evangelist, depicting an animal resembling a lion. The chapel itself dates back to 1306.

"Les surprises de Ramses II" details findings related to the mummy of Ramses II. After its return to Cairo, research at the Musée de l'Homme in Paris revealed that the pharaoh likely died between 85 and 95 years old due to an abscess from a dental cavity. The mummy was treated with gamma irradiation to eliminate 60 species of fungi. Most surprisingly, fragments of tobacco leaves and nicotine were found in the mummy's abdominal filling, challenging the established timeline for tobacco's introduction to Europe.

Lunar Mysteries

"LA LUNE - QUE S'Y PASSE-T-IL? QUI CONSTRUIT SUR NOTRE SATELLITE? QUI EST LA-BAS ?..." is a multi-part investigation into lunar anomalies. It begins by recounting observations from the late 18th century, starting with Sir William Herschell in 1783, who noted luminous points on the lunar surface. Subsequent observations by astronomers like Schroeter and John Herschell reported more luminous points, a rotating bright object, and a large, bright clarity on the Moon. Specific locations like the Messier crater and Aristarchus crater are mentioned. The Royal Astronomical Society of Great Britain launched an inquiry, receiving 150 reports describing crosses, triangles, and squares. The article notes a period of quiet followed by more sightings, including a brilliant object moving away from the Moon in 1874. It also mentions observations of changing craters, luminous patches, and a strange "highway"-like feature near the Piccolomini crater. The Soviet probe Lunik 2's impact on the Moon was reportedly accompanied by an independent luminous effect. In 1959, V. Komarov announced the discovery of an active volcano on the Moon, suggesting internal water and oxygen. The article concludes this section by mentioning a 1958 observation of the letters "PYAX" and "JWA" appearing on the Sea of Tranquility.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

"UN OVNI A CHOLET" reports on a sighting by Olivier Guinodeau, who observed a bright, silent disk, approximately 3-4 meters in height, hovering over a field. The object disappeared quickly, leaving a circular area of flattened grass.

"MYSTERE A BRESSUIRE" mentions a loud noise and a strange light observed by residents in Moncoutant, speculated to be a falling rocket or meteorite.

"UN OVNI PRES DE NIORT" describes three witnesses seeing a very luminous object that moved erratically in the sky.

"OVNI A ARCACHON" recounts two young men witnessing a large, orange luminous glow that moved and then vanished.

"Check-List de l'enquêteur" provides a detailed checklist for UFO investigators, covering aspects like witness details, observation conditions, object characteristics (shape, color, trajectory, size, altitude), electromagnetic phenomena, physical traces, and animal reactions.

Reader Contributions and Organizations

Daniel Girard from Canada responds to an article by Jean Sider, arguing that the focus should be on why UFOs are interested in Earth, rather than just analyzing orthotenic lines or megalithic structures. He emphasizes the need for a thorough understanding of the subject matter in ufology and suggests that for more in-depth investigations, ufology would need to be recognized as a formal profession by governments.

The issue also lists contact information for various ufological organizations and clubs, including MESSIER in Forbach, C.E.R.P.I. in Brussels, CFRU-ESSONNE, and L'INSOLITE bulletin in Macon.

Bibliography

A comprehensive bibliography lists numerous books on UFOs, extraterrestrials, ancient mysteries, and related topics, with publisher information provided for each entry. Titles include "LES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES, AFFAIRE SERIEUSE," "LES MYSTERIEUX OVNI," "LES DIEUX VENUS D'AILLEURS," "LES S.V. AUX FRONTIERES DE L'IMPOSSIBLE," "LES POUVOIRS INCONNUS DE L'HOMME," and works by authors like Frank Edwards, Henry Durrant, Peter Kolosimo, Jacques Vallée, Aimé Michel, and Erich von Däniken.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unexplained, ancient mysteries, and potential extraterrestrial influences on human history and the cosmos. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various phenomena and witness accounts for the reader to consider, while also encouraging rigorous investigation and data collection, as evidenced by the detailed checklist for UFO researchers. The inclusion of reader contributions and a comprehensive bibliography suggests a commitment to engaging the readership and providing resources for further study.