Ufologia - No 15 - Octobre-Novembre-Decembre 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: ufologia
Issue: 15
Date: October - November - December 1978
Publisher: CERCLE FRANCAIS DE RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES (CFRU)
Country: France
ISSN: 0399-8274

This issue of 'Ufologia', the quarterly review for ufologists, delves into various aspects of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. It features a mix of news, investigations, and articles, with a focus on reports from France and international cases.

Editorial Stance

The editorial, penned by Francis Schaefer, emphasizes the enduring mystery of UFOs and the importance of maintaining an attentive, lucid, and open mind towards new solutions, while cautioning against the automatic dismissal of established facts or the tendency to over-explain phenomena. Schaefer notes that the issue includes articles on "MIB" (Men in Black) and "Black-out" in the USA, as well as an investigation into the OVNI of Uzès. He expresses his intention to publish more in-depth articles in future issues.

Contents Overview

Space: Brief News (ESPACE: Nouvelles brèves)

This section, curated by Roland LIENHARDT, provides brief updates on space-related news:

• U.R.S.S.: Cosmonaut Alexandre IVANTCHENKO (37) exited the Saliout 6 space station on July 29, 1978, to perform repairs. The mission was filmed by commander Vladimir KOVALIONOK (36). Saliout 6 is resupplied by the Progress spacecraft.
• U.S.A.: The Voyager 1 and 2 probes, launched in September and August 1977, are en route to Jupiter (expected March 1979 and July 1979 respectively) and Saturn (November 1980 and August 1981). Their current speed is approximately 44,000 km/sec.
• West Germany: MESSERSCHMITT-BOIKOW-BLOHM paid NASA $100,000 to fly its SPAS 1 satellite prototype on the Space Shuttle.
• France: The European satellite OTS 2 is functioning perfectly and will be made available to EUTELSAT for telecommunication and television relay.
• China: An American delegation visited China on July 6 for space cooperation.
• U.S.A.: Soviet radars have been jamming the US TDRSS satellite for two years, necessitating a redesign of future US satellites.
• U.S.A.: The US launched its first oceanographic satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base on June 26, 1976. The satellite, weighing 2300 kg, uses microwave instruments to monitor the sea, including wave height and winds.
• France: Difficulties have been encountered with the nozzle collars of the ARIANE rocket, but solutions are being sought. These collars are part of the VIKING engine.
• U.S.A.: In 1979, the US will spend $25 million to begin development of a large orbital station, potentially costing billions if realized from 1980 onwards, aiming to provide future energy.
• U.S.A.: NASA launched PIONEER-VENUS 2, which is expected to reach Venus on December 9, 1978, five days after PIONEER-VENUS 1, launched on May 20.

UFO Sightings and Reports

• OVNI in the Sky of the Gironde (LE PARISIEN, June 21, 1978): Two young men in Arcachon reported seeing an oval object, larger than a red phosphorescent plane, surrounded by white flames, moving upwards. A similar object was reported six months prior near Biganos.
• Congress on UFOs in Ardèche (LE PARISIEN, June 7, 1978): The European Committee for Coordination of Ufological Research (CECRU) held a congress in Imbours, Ardèche. They adopted a new standardized investigation report format for private groups and announced a future meeting in Paris.
• Pont-de-Cervières (Hautes-Alpes): Numerous inhabitants reported observing two luminous objects of unknown origin for nearly an hour.
• Encounters of the 3rd Kind in Poland (REPLORRAIN, July 7, 1978): A Polish farmer claims to have spent time aboard a UFO, invited by extraterrestrials. The encounter involved strange creatures with green faces and oblique eyes, and a vehicle that moved by hopping. Villagers noted rectangular traces on the ground.
• Mysterious Phenomena on a Canadian Farm (N/A): A farm in Central Butte, Saskatchewan, experienced unusual events including the death of a cat, tremors, and physical ailments, leading the Bradford family to abandon their property. Experts have been unable to explain the phenomena.
• OVNI in the Sky of Strasbourg (DERNIERES NOUVELLES D'ALSACE, July 21, 1978): On the evening of July 9, 1978, a triangular yellow object with a black center was observed by multiple witnesses, including UFO specialists Roland Lienhardt and M. Cotolano. The object moved rapidly in a zig-zag pattern. Investigations by the Strasbourg CFRU section confirmed no satellite or weather balloon activity, and local radars detected nothing unusual.
• OVNI in the Sky of Sauzet (46) (LA DEPECHE DU MIDI, February 20, 1978): A farmer in Sauzet reported seeing a very luminous object with a tail of sparks, moving south to north for about a minute.
• ...and in the Gard (Nimes): Residents of Alès, Salindres, and Besseges observed an oval object from which a luminous beam detached.
• "I Affirm I Saw and Filmed Flying Saucers" (LE PARISIEN, January 3, 1978): Professor Marley Rutledge of the University of Missouri claims to have seen and filmed UFOs, describing them as performing incredible maneuvers. He detailed an encounter with a large object with four lights (two red, two white) and a metallic envelope.
• OVNI in Appaméen Sky (ABIEGE: DEP DU MIDI, February 16, 1978): A train station master in Remblon, Argentina, was hospitalized after witnessing an intense light from an object that illuminated the station.
• A Space Station Perturbed by UFOs (LE PARISIEN, January 13, 1978): The American-Spanish tracking station at Puigmajor, Majorca, reportedly experienced malfunctions, with radio receivers jamming and activating spontaneously, and radars detecting an unprecedented number of UFOs moving at supersonic speed.
• Four Young Alsatians on the Road to Langres, When Suddenly, an OVNI... (L'ALSACE, February 19, 1978): Four young individuals reported seeing an intensely bright, incandescent orange light on the plateau of Langres on September 19, 1977. They photographed the phenomenon, which appeared as a flying saucer in the enlarged images.

Other Articles

• A Pocket Submarine to Unravel the Mystery of the Bermuda Pyramid: An expedition is planned for August to investigate a pyramid-shaped object located 100 meters deep in the sea near the Bahamas. The object is described as 150m high and 300m at the base, with two lateral openings where water enters at high speed. The expedition will use a pocket submarine and take samples. The article also touches upon potential links between this discovery and the Bermuda Triangle mysteries, citing unusual electromagnetic phenomena.
• UFO Phenomenon and Solar Eruptions (HOUSTON): A US commission studying UFOs has noted a significant increase in UFO activity coinciding with major solar eruptions. This correlation has been observed over fifty years of case studies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations into these phenomena, and the broader implications for our understanding of the universe. The magazine consistently highlights eyewitness accounts, expert analyses, and the ongoing mystery surrounding UFOs. The editorial stance, as articulated by Francis Schaefer, is one of open-minded scientific inquiry, urging readers to remain observant and analytical rather than resorting to simplistic explanations or dismissals. The publication also covers related topics such as space exploration and potential extraterrestrial contact, reflecting a broad interest in the unexplained and the frontiers of human knowledge.

Title: UFOLOGIA
Issue: N°14
Volume: 3
Issue Date: June 1978
Publisher: CFRU
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of UFOLOGIA magazine, published by CFRU, delves into the intriguing world of ufology, with a prominent focus on the mysterious 'Men in Black' (MIB) phenomenon and a detailed investigation into a specific UFO sighting case.

The Mysterious 'Men in Black' Are They Real?

The lead article, "LES MYSTERIEUX HOMMES EN NOIR SONT-ILS REELS ?" by Jérôme CLARK, translated by Jean SIDER, explores the disconcerting phenomenon of MIB. The article notes that while serious ufologists once dismissed such accounts, the regularity of reports, dating back to 1905, lends them a degree of credibility. It recounts a case from September 1965 in Damon, Texas, where two police officers encountered a 'first type' encounter, followed by two unknown individuals warning a witness not to discuss the affair. Another case from Minot, North Dakota, involved MIB intervening after a supposed sighting of a UFO occupant. The article describes MIB as sometimes having an 'oriental air' and possessing the ability to obtain information about UFO activities, often through clandestine means. It acknowledges that some MIB cases might be hoaxes or the product of unbalanced individuals, while others could be agents of a governmental agency, possibly linked to the CIA's involvement in UFO affairs. The author highlights the difficulty in investigating MIB cases due to the fear and embarrassment they generate, and the reluctance of researchers to discuss the subject, which has led to sensationalized literature based on gossip. The article recommends John Keel's book, "The Mothman Prophecies," for further insights.

The editorial commentary expresses surprise at the article's direct assertion that MIB are directly linked to UFOs, comparing it to claiming that giant excavators are digging craters on the Moon. The commentary suggests a more cautious approach, while also noting the potential for theories involving religious groups concerned about the rise of ufology as a 'religion of tomorrow.'

A PROPOS DE L'OVNI D'UZES...

This section addresses a previous report in "UFOLOGIA" N°14 regarding an observation near St-Chaptes on April 27, 1978. The article clarifies inaccuracies that appeared in the "Républicain Lorrain" newspaper, based on an investigation by the VERONICA group. The VERONICA group, through Lieutenant-Colonel Roger Michel, provides several rectifications:

1. The population was not in an uproar; inhabitants are accustomed to seeing unidentified flying objects.
2. The craft was not described as enormous, but rather seen at an angle of 6 degrees from about 500 meters, suggesting a probable wingspan of 54 meters, not 200 meters.
3. The gendarmerie did not conduct a separate investigation but was involved through telephone communications.
4. The base did not state that no helicopters were flying; instead, three helicopters on a mission from Nîmes to Harcoule were en route, and if witnesses saw four blinking lights, they could not have been these helicopters, which were seen and heard further east.
5. The VERONICA group is not searching for another witness but is conducting a counter-investigation through CRUN.

The Investigation of the VERONICA Group (St-Chaptes Case)

This detailed report describes the St-Chaptes sighting on April 27, 1978, involving Mr. and Mrs. Dousset. They observed a luminous phenomenon appearing stationary, described as four blinking red lights aligned on an imaginary bar. They reported it to the gendarmerie, who then accompanied them to the observation site. Simultaneously, Roland Peladan, a farmer, also observed the phenomenon from his attic, describing it as having three blinking lights.

The gendarmes and the Dousset couple pursued the phenomenon, which moved towards Garrigues and then slowly towards Uzès. Florence Dousset also saw lights near Garrigues. Later that evening, Marie-Ange Galizzi, aged 21, pursued the phenomenon on a moped and saw it move towards Uzès, appearing to incline and rise before disappearing.

Other witnesses, including gendarmes, M. Peladan, and M. Barnoyer, described the phenomenon with four or three blinking lights. The lights were perceived as larger than the full moon, with varying blinking frequencies. Witnesses consistently described the color as 'Warm Red' from the Pantone 'LETRASET' range. The constant spacing between the lights suggested it was not a conventional aircraft. The gendarmes and M. Peladan estimated the angular separation of the lights, leading to a potential wingspan of 54 meters if at 500 meters. Witnesses could not determine a specific shape but felt it was a compact block, with Peladan suggesting the lights might rotate like a lighthouse beam.

Further accounts include Daniel Marconnet, who observed three blinking red lights on the plateau of Cesar, moving horizontally and with a longer extinction period for the rightmost light. He described the lights as large and bright, moving at low altitude. Four witnesses observed a phenomenon moving slowly towards Narbonne. Four individuals from a holiday camp near Tarasteix reported seeing four UFOs, including a spherical object that became oval, a cigar-shaped object, and a rectangular object hovering low to the ground emitting a yellow light.

Mlle Christine Vignal and Alain Michelet reported seeing three blinking red lights near Beaucaire, moving in unison. The phenomenon was observed at an angle of approximately 20 degrees on the horizon and maintained a constant distance of 1000 meters. It then turned towards Aramon and later towards the Nord-Ouest. They heard no noise.

M. Ducros observed intermittent yellow and red lights in the undergrowth near the N 106, Nîmes-Alès, and Nîmes-Anduze roads.

Other UFO Sightings and Publications

The magazine also includes brief reports on various other UFO sightings:

• Galan: An unidentified flying object was observed on December 13, 1977, by two people, described as a 50-meter long object emitting a bluish glow.
• Petrozavodsk: A giant glow illuminated the sky for about ten minutes, with its origin and nature remaining a mystery.
• Apt: Several testimonies reported a UFO on New Year's Eve, described as a red-orange spherical object leaving a white trail of smoke.
• Parenes: Two individuals observed phenomena on January 16, 1978, including a cigar-shaped light and two circular objects.
• Estirac: On January 3, 1973, three luminous points (green, orange, and red) were seen, which then made a U-turn and disappeared towards Tarbes.
• Couches-du-Rhône: Gendarmes received reports of luminous, cylindrical UFOs moving at low altitude and speed.
• La Réole: A luminous, red-orange, cylindrical object was observed without noise.
• Creuse & Puy-de-Dôme: Three witnesses reported a circular, red object leaving an orange trail, moving slowly at low altitude.
• Sarthe: A luminous disk was observed, which immobilized and then disappeared.
• Vouillé: A luminous ball moved silently, described as if the atmosphere was burning around it.
• Montagne Noire: Several people reported UFOs, including a large ball (blue, green, or red) or a triangular/funnel-shaped object, and a mysterious explosion of a green-orange object.
• Poitiers: A large, voluminous object was seen moving above rooftops, described as a 'succession of lights.'
• Perpignan: An automobilist reported seeing several UFOs, including a luminous object from which thin, dazzling rays emerged.
• Bilbao: Several hundred witnesses observed a yellow, cigar-shaped craft that hovered at low altitude before disappearing at high speed.
• Milan: A UFO was observed by air traffic control but did not appear on radar screens.
• Cordillère des Andes: Five soldiers and a non-commissioned officer reported seeing two 'flying saucer' formations.

The issue also announces new publications, including "HYPOTHESE OVNI" and lists various fanzines and journals related to science fiction and ufology, such as "OCTAZINE," "UFO-QUEBEC," "FACETTES," "REQUIEM," "FDF," "BIBLIOMAX," and "LA NOUVELLE ERE," encouraging readers to subscribe or request specimen copies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs/OVNIs) and the mysterious 'Men in Black' (MIB). The editorial stance, particularly in the commentary section, emphasizes a cautious and evidence-based approach to ufology, questioning direct causal links between MIB and UFOs without sufficient proof. The magazine actively promotes ufological research by highlighting investigations by groups like VERONICA and by providing a platform for reporting diverse sightings and related publications. There's a clear effort to distinguish between factual reporting and sensationalism, as seen in the detailed rectifications of the St-Chaptes case.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, dated May 25, 1978, is a French-language publication from the CFRU, focusing on unidentified flying objects (UFOs), astronautics, archaeology, parapsychology, and unusual phenomena. The cover story, 'LA SITUATION DEVIENT CRITIQUE' (The Situation Becomes Critical), highlights a significant UFO incident over Tehran.

Key Articles and Reports

The Tehran UFO Incident

On the night of Sunday, July 16, 1978, the crew and passengers of a DC 10 aircraft sighted a red, hexagonal UFO as it approached the Tehran airport. Numerous small flying bodies detached from the main object and then rejoined it. The UFO caused critical communication disruptions for the aircraft. Witnesses on the ground also observed the 'aerial ballet.' Two night fighter jets were dispatched but could not intercept the craft, which disappeared after about 10 minutes. The government decided to form a study commission. The article notes a similar incident on September 18, 1976, where two Iranian fighter jets were reportedly paralyzed by a UFO.

The Abominable Snowman Has a Cousin in Siberia

The article suggests that the 'abominable snowman' or 'Yeti' seen in the Himalayas may have relatives in Yakutia, Siberia. Local inhabitants warn visitors to stay away from mountains and rivers at night, where they might encounter the 'Choutchounaa' (Yakut name for Yeti). These beings are described as wild men, over two meters tall, thin, hiding in mountains, eating raw meat and berries, wearing deer skins, and communicating with whistles. Soviet scientists theorize they might be descendants of indigenous Siberians who took refuge in inaccessible regions.

Nessie is Back...

Nessie, the famous monster of Loch Ness, reportedly made its first public appearance of 1978 on a Friday, witnessed by a Scottish fisherman, Bill Wright. Wright described the creature as black, resembling a boat hull, with a neck about 4 meters long and a head like a football. The monster quickly submerged after Wright dropped pebbles into the water. Wright plans to detail his sighting for marine biologists.

The North American Yeti Exists...

A 16-second American film from 1967, showing a 'Sasquatch' (the North American equivalent of the Yeti), has been authenticated by two Soviet scientists. The film depicts a hairy female creature walking along a California stream. The scientists, Dimitri Bayanov and Igor Bounsev, stated the creature resembled a monkey too much to be human and too human to be a monkey, finding its gait and footprints convincing.

Sea Monster off Montevideo

An unknown marine monster, weighing one ton, was caught in Uruguayan fishing nets in the Rio de la Plata, about 70 km east of Montevideo. The creature, which was towed to shore and was moribund, measured two meters long and one meter wide, possessing a turtle-like shell, large fins, and a fan-shaped tail.

A Defiance to Science: The Case of Leda Maria de Jesus

A 23-year-old Brazilian woman, Leda Maria de Jesus, has been challenging science and exorcism for 12 months by periodically expelling various objects from her body, including needles, pins, hairpins, paper clips, and even screws. Doctors are unable to explain this phenomenon, and exorcists have been unsuccessful. Her case has attracted considerable attention, with religious figures, spiritists, doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists examining her. Many believe she is possessed by a demon, especially given her family history, including her father's suicide after a pact with the devil. Leda describes experiencing intense pain as if being pricked by needles, followed by the expulsion of objects. Despite several operations, the phenomenon persists. Exorcist Doriel has made significant efforts, including inter-denominational consultations, but without success. Doctors are baffled; X-rays show foreign bodies in her abdomen, but she shows no signs of infection or peritonitis. Dr. Amilcar Quadrado suggests that if science cannot prove she ingested the objects unconsciously, it might point to magic. Another doctor, Dr. Jose Marques Ramos, who witnessed Doriel extract a nail from Leda's stomach, noted symptoms of self-flagellation and suggested further controlled psychiatric and medical observation.

The Curse of the Pharaohs

Japanese teams building a small pyramid near the Great Pyramid of Giza have reportedly experienced three inexplicable accidents, leading to speculation about the curse of the pharaohs. These incidents include a foreman suffering a stroke, the head archaeologist being hit by a falling lever, and an engineer being injured by an elevator. The article humorously suggests not falling into the 'griffes de la momie' (claws of the mummy).

Satan Wasn't at the Rendezvous

In Bavaria, the body of a young woman, dead for nineteen months, was exhumed at her parents' request to confirm she was not possessed by the devil. The autopsy revealed normal decomposition, indicating Satan's absence.

Ice Blocks Fall from the Sky... on Marcoing

A 20 kg block of ice fell onto a sports field in Marcoing, near Cambrai, during a children's training session, narrowly missing them. The ice block exploded on impact, scattering fragments. A similar phenomenon occurred on March 11 in the Somme, where a 25 kg ice block created a small crater. Meteorological services suggest it was not hail and might have come from a high-altitude aircraft, though airport officials doubt this, citing the size of the ice fragments.

Our Father the Superhuman

Robin Collins, a New Zealand researcher, proposes that humans are the product of genetic manipulation by 'superhumans.' His theory is based on the discovery of skulls of 'pre-human' beings with larger brains in Boskop, South Africa. Previously, extraterrestrials were suspected of such manipulations.

Is There a US Government Black-Out on UFO Affairs?

This section investigates claims of a US government cover-up regarding UFO observations. It references the 'Special Report N°14' by the Air Force and the growing number of ex-government agents claiming to have witnessed UFOs. Researchers Todd Zechel and Bruce Maccabee are credited with uncovering official documents suggesting government interest in UFOs. Zechel's upcoming book, 'Under Intelligence Control,' will reportedly analyze the CIA's role. The article contrasts a CIA declaration stating they were not involved in UFO investigations with a 1952 memorandum from Ralph L. Clairk, Director of Special Intelligence (SI), indicating a special study group was formed to review UFO subject matter. A subsequent memorandum from Edward Tauss in August 1952 recommended maintaining a 'black-out' on the subject to prevent the spread of alarmist rumors about 'unpublished facts' held by the US government.

Debunking Policy and UFOs

The article discusses the long-standing 'debunking' policy regarding UFO testimonies. It cites a US Air Force regulation from August 1953 (AF 200-2) that mandates reducing the percentage of unidentified objects to a minimum. This regulation, along with JANAP-146, made the disclosure of UFO information at air bases an offense punishable by imprisonment and fines. The incident at Falkville, Alabama, on October 17, 1973, is presented as an example of a setup against an honest citizen, Brigadier Greenhaw.

The Dolmens of Lozère and UFOs

A reader, M. Brunot, shares his thoughts on the megalithic sites in Lozère, France, and their potential connection to UFOs. He describes visiting a dolmen and contemplating its possible use for human sacrifices, though he attributes the marks to erosion. He also discusses his fascination with Aubrac and the mysterious lines and megalithic monuments in the region, suggesting they might be related to extraterrestrial activity or ancient transport routes. He mentions Maurice Chatelain's book 'Nos ancêtres venus du cosmos' (Our Ancestors from the Cosmos), which posits that France has mysterious lines, including megalithic monuments, that are regularly followed by UFOs, possibly indicating magnetic or telluric currents.

Ballet of UFOs in Argentina

Thirty unidentified flying objects were sighted over Mendoza, Argentina, on a Wednesday, before disappearing into the Andes foothills. This was the second group UFO event in Argentina since May 7, with a similar sighting of forty UFOs in the San Luis region the previous week.

Investigator's Checklist

The CFRU provides a detailed checklist for UFO investigators, covering essential points such as witness details, date, time, location, weather conditions, object descriptions (direction, shape, color, duration, size, altitude), electromagnetic phenomena, physical traces, and any contact with authorities or media.

Directory of UFO and Related Organizations

The issue includes contact information for several organizations: MESSIER (for amateur astronomers in Moselle), C.E.R.PI. (for serious UFO research in Belgium), CFRU-ESSONNE, and L'INSOLITE (a bulletin for enthusiasts of the unusual).

Bibliography

A comprehensive bibliography of books related to UFOs, extraterrestrials, ancient mysteries, and parapsychology is provided, listing titles and publishers, primarily from French publishers like R. Laffont, A. Michel, and J'ai Lu.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, paranormal events, and ancient mysteries, with a critical yet open-minded approach. There is a recurring theme of government secrecy and potential cover-ups regarding UFO information. The editorial stance appears to favor investigating these phenomena seriously, providing detailed reports, and encouraging reader participation in data collection. The inclusion of a bibliography and an investigator's checklist suggests a commitment to rigorous study within the field of ufology and related subjects. The magazine seems to position itself as a source for information on topics often dismissed by mainstream science, encouraging readers to question conventional explanations and explore alternative theories about our past and the universe.