Ufologia - No 18 - Avril-Mai-Juin 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: ufologia
Issue: N°18
Date: April-June 1979
Publisher: CERCLE FRANCAIS DE RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES (CFRU)
Type: Documentary and Information Review

Editorial Stance and Content

This issue of "Ufologia" (N°18, April-June 1979) is presented as a quarterly review dedicated to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related questions. The editorial board emphasizes the magazine's independence, relying solely on its subscribers, editorial team, and collaborators for financial support. The primary goal is to provide objective information to the public, with all contributors working on a voluntary basis.

The editorial, signed by Francis Schaefer, highlights the publication of a record number of "offset" pages for this issue, made possible by timely subscription renewals. It addresses the growing number of "miscellaneous facts" related to the UFO phenomenon, dedicating six pages to "echoes from the press." The issue features investigations by MM. TURCO and MUNSCH, and a section on "INSOLITE" (the unusual).

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a critical analysis of Bertrand MEHEUST's book "SCIENCE-FICTION et SOUCOUPES VOLANTES." The editorial board, particularly through an article by Jean BASTIDE, argues that Meheust misuses science fiction and engages in "paranormalization" of UFO phenomena. The editorial stresses the importance of respecting observed facts and denounces the tendency to distort reality by overlooking or misrepresenting evidence. It suggests that Meheust may not have a thorough understanding of science fiction.

Key Articles and Themes

"D'un mauvais usage certain de la Science-Fiction" by Jean BASTIDE

This article critiques Bertrand Meheust's book, arguing that it misinterprets and misuses science fiction to support a 'paranormalization' of ufology. Bastide points out instances where Meheust allegedly distorts facts or relies on unreliable sources, including a case from Finland that was conflated with another observation. The author contends that Meheust's approach blurs the lines between science fiction and actual UFO observations, creating a "smokescreen" that hinders objective research.

"LA SCIENCE-FICTION, EN TANT QUE SUCCEDANE DE LA PARAPSYCHOLOGIE?"

This section questions whether science fiction serves as a substitute for parapsychology, potentially leading researchers astray due to its inherent subtlety. It suggests that science fiction might induce errors more readily than parapsychology.

"DE REGRETTABLES A PEU-PRES; L'EFFET POUR LA CAUSE"

This part of the critique focuses on Meheust's alleged tendency to confuse effect with cause. It highlights how Meheust links UFO sightings to the witnesses' professions, suggesting that witnesses compare UFOs to familiar objects rather than indicating a deeper, hidden connection. The article criticizes this as "mimetic" reasoning, devoid of scientific basis.

"L'ANTERIORITE UFOLOGIQUE"

This section refutes the idea that science fiction inspired UFOs or vice versa. It posits that folklore might have partially inspired science fiction themes, suggesting a more ancient origin for some concepts, possibly linked to extraterrestrial contact.

"LE CONCORDE, UNE REALITE "PSYCHO-PHYSIQUE" MEHEUSTIENNE ?"

This is a satirical comparison, suggesting that if one were to adopt Meheust's "psycho-physical" perspective, then the Concorde aircraft, deemed impossible by 19th-century scientists, could be considered a similar phenomenon.

"LATUS ... OU PATHOS ?"

This section further scrutinizes Meheust's arguments, labeling them as "lathus" (idle talk) or "pathos" (excessive emotion). It quotes Meheust's assertions about human thought being non-biodegradable and the symbolic nature of Hermes, contrasting them with rational consensus. The critique highlights Meheust's focus on the 20th-century representation of UFOs rather than their historical reality, and his suggestion that UFOs might be a product of human consciousness or retrocausality.

"FAUX RAISONNEMENTS & ANALOGIES BOITEUSES"

This section details Meheust's alleged logical fallacies and flawed analogies. It criticizes his reasoning about UFO abductions, the influence of witness professions, and his interpretation of specific cases like Pascagoula and the H. Fred Reagan incident. The author accuses Meheust of fabricating or distorting details and relying on inaccurate sources.

"CONTRADICTIONS INTERNES ET INCOHERENCES"

This part points out internal contradictions in Meheust's work, such as his acknowledgment that science fiction does not systematically feature the "elusiveness" of UFOs, a characteristic he attributes to real UFOs. It also notes Meheust's recognition that UFO phenomena cannot be fully explained by science fiction, yet he continues to link them.

"DES AFFIRMATIONS GRATUITES"

This section highlights Meheust's unsupported claims, such as the assertion that UFOs are not inhabited craft and that their imagery is rooted in 20th-century science fiction. It questions the coincidence of UFO appearances with the rise of science fiction and criticizes Meheust's focus on human psyche or prophecy as the source of UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of ufological theories, particularly those that lean towards the paranormal or are heavily influenced by science fiction. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rigorous, fact-based research, cautioning against the "paranormalization" of UFO phenomena and the conflation of fiction with reality. The magazine positions itself as a platform for objective information, encouraging readers to contribute their observations while maintaining a critical perspective on speculative interpretations. The emphasis is on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and imaginative constructs, advocating for a scientific approach grounded in evidence.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, dated May 1978, is primarily focused on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a critical yet engaged tone, as suggested by the editorial conclusion.

Editorial and Introduction

The introductory section, attributed to Jean Bastide in 1978, expresses a critical view of certain ufological circles, questioning the posthumous inclusion of figures like Carl Gustav Jung and Henri Bergson into ufology. It also quotes a sentiment that 'soucoupistes' (UFO enthusiasts) are naive, concluding with a sardonic "happy are the poor in spirit."

Cited Sources

The issue meticulously lists numerous cited sources, indicating a thorough research approach. These include various issues of "Phénomènes Spatiaux," "FSR Case Histories," and books by authors such as René Fouere, Elis W. Grahn, Meheust, Olof Fredrickson, Robert Tocquet, Carlos Castaneda, Richard de Mille, Monique Lebailly, J. Vallée, Jimmy Guieu, Aimé Michel, and Bernard Finch. The citations cover a range of topics from parapsychology and globular lightning to specific UFO cases in Finland and elsewhere.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Several detailed reports of UFO sightings are presented:

• Teterchen, France (March 6, 1978): Madame H. and her son observed a strange, immobile aluminum-colored rectangle with red-orange triangular extremities above a high-voltage pylon. The object ascended silently and moved horizontally, followed by a second similar object. A strange geometric burn mark was found on the ground where the first object was observed.
• Ham-sous-Varsberg, France (May 1-2, 1978): Monsieur René S. reported hearing a whistling sound and noticing an abnormal white clarity in the sky despite overcast and rainy weather. He then witnessed a flash, followed by darkness and silence, noting the unusually dim streetlamp.
• Cornimont, France (December 2, 1973): Yvette, André, Gérard, and Gilles Munsch observed a yellowish, elongated object in the southwest. It projected a cone of light downwards and moved horizontally before a second beam appeared, and it ascended vertically and disappeared silently. The object's speed was comparable to a high-altitude aircraft.
• Salta, Argentina (May 9, 1978): Gendarmerie patrols searched for a strange object that crashed on a hillside near the Bolivian border, accompanied by a strong explosion. Airport communications did not report any distressed aircraft.
• Mendoza, Argentina (July 14, 1978): An unidentified flying object caused panic, interrupting local television. Witnesses reported a mushroom-shaped form on screen and later observed a UFO projecting powerful light beams for two hours. The object was estimated to be between 5 and 10 kilometers away.

Other Reports and Articles

• The "Blue-Ringed" Octopus: A small, 50-gram octopus, less than 10 cm long, is identified as the cause of three deaths in fifty years and numerous other suspected fatalities in Australian waters. Its poison is similar to tetrodotoxin.
• Ice Block in Abbeville: A 2.5 kg block of ice fell in a field near Abbeville, France, creating a small crater and leaving a transparent block with a greenish bottom.
• "And the Sun Fell..." (Estonia): Estonian archaeologists interpreted a legend of Phaeton's fall as a catastrophic event around 600 BC on the island of Saaremaa, involving a large meteorite impact, a massive explosion, and a widespread fire that destroyed two villages.
• The "Adriatic Triangle": Magnetic and luminous phenomena were observed in the Adriatic Sea by fishermen and an Italian naval unit, including a red light appearing to emerge from the sea. Specialists could not explain its origin or the radar interference.
• Ice in Spinach (Belgium): A farmer found three blocks of ice in his spinach field near Louvain, Belgium. Meteorologists were unable to explain the phenomenon.
• "Deadly Hours": Dr. Stoppei's study suggests a correlation between deaths occurring in hospitals and geophysical phenomena like variations in the Earth's magnetic field and increased gamma ray emissions during solar eruptions.
• "The Prophecies of Malachy": This section discusses the prophecies attributed to Saint Malachy, noting their likely origin in the 16th century and their predictions regarding the number of popes and the end of the world.

Scientific and Theoretical Discussions

• "Is the Universe in a 'Black Hole'?": This article discusses Isaac Asimov's book on black holes, explaining the concept of these cosmic objects and their enigmatic role in the universe's formation and evolution. It touches upon the idea of mini-black holes and the potential for advanced technology to utilize the energy of black holes or "white holes" through "wormholes."
• "The Aeronef: Ion Propulsion of Major de Seversky": This article explores the forgotten invention of Major Alexis P. de Seversky, an "Aeronef" utilizing ion propulsion. The machine, demonstrated in 1964, was silent, had no moving parts, and could achieve high altitudes. The article details its operational principles, advantages over conventional aircraft (high altitude, variable dimensions, high speed, safety, silence), and potential power sources, including gas turbines, fuel cells, solar batteries, miniature nuclear reactors, and microwave energy transmission.

Information Services and Subscriptions

The latter part of the magazine provides a directory of "INFO-SERVICE" contacts for various specialized interests, including:

• ASTROMETEO: For those interested in astrometeorology, contact "ARFA."
• ASTROLABE: A publication from the European Group for Scientific Astrology Research.
• MESSIER: For amateur astronomers in the Moselle region, contact an astro-club.
• B. WINTER: A bookstore offering essential works for research in the Moselle region.
• IDEES POUR TOUS: Information and discussions on various topics, including readings, poetry, and culture.
• AGET-SERVICE: For "impossible" requests and unusual classified ads.
• OCTA-MAGAZINE: A science fiction magazine from Belgium.
• FACETTES: A publication connecting curious individuals, researchers, and collectors.
• CERPI: A serious ufological research publication from Belgium.
• ERUDITION: A catalog of old books for "UFOLOGIA" readers.
• KELTIA: A review on modern Celticism.
• BIBLIOMAX: Offering books, periodicals, documents, and historical items.
• LA NOUVELLE ERE: An unusual, original, and apolitical publication.

The issue concludes with a call to "ABONNEZ-VOUS" (Subscribe) to UFOLOGIA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, astronomical phenomena (black holes), theoretical propulsion systems (ion propulsion), and paranormal events. The editorial stance, particularly in the introduction, appears critical of certain aspects of ufology, questioning the "naive" approach of some enthusiasts while still presenting detailed reports and scientific discussions. The meticulous citation of sources suggests a commitment to research, even while expressing skepticism towards sensationalism.

This issue of "ACTUALITES" (Issue 349, dated 13.12.1978) is a French-language publication from CFRU, focusing on "Objets Volants Non Identifiés" (Unidentified Flying Objects). The magazine presents a collection of news articles and reports detailing various UFO sightings and related phenomena from late 1978 and early 1979, sourced from different newspapers and publications.

Key Articles and Reports

"Centrale électrique paralysée par un ovni en Italie"

This article, from "Rép. Lorrain" dated 30.12.1978, describes an incident where a UFO caused a small electrical power plant in the Grand Sasso mountains of Italy to malfunction. Two employees witnessed control panel needles go wild, and the plant eventually stopped. Shortly after, another witness saw a luminous sphere with red fins moving silently. The instruments of the power plant were rendered unusable, and investigators found no rational explanation, not even lightning.

"L'OVNI de Koweit s'est posé sept minutes"

Reported by "Est-Républ." on 13.11.1978, this piece details a UFO landing near Kuwait City. The object, described as a blinding mass of light with a disc shape, landed near a satellite listening station. It was observed by employees of the station and a nearby oil company. Four witnesses saw the object, described as jumbo-jet sized with retractable landing gear and a red light on top. During its seven-minute presence, all telephone and radio communications in the area were cut. The object then ascended vertically at incredible speed.

"OVNI vindicatif au Brésil"

From "3.1" dated 19.10.1978, this article recounts a strange incident in Brazil where a family was pursued by a circular, brightly shining object. They took refuge in a restaurant, but the UFO later returned and destroyed the restaurant's roof, injuring four people. The article notes the often strange and capricious behavior of UFOs.

"Première description d'un extra-terrestre"

Published in "Est-Républ." on 13.01.1979, this report details the testimony of Fortunato Zanfretta, a security guard in Genoa, Italy, who claimed to have been abducted twice by tall, green men in a triangular craft. His account, recorded under hypnosis, describes beings with pinkish skin and triangular yellow eyes. After one abduction, his car's roof was found burnt, despite the cold weather.

"Cargo encerclé par des OVNI"

This "Est-Républ." report from 09.02.1979 describes a Spanish cargo ship, the Tamames, being encircled by about fifty yellowish UFOs for nearly six hours in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Cartagena. Initially, the ship's radar did not detect any objects, but later began to signal multiple unidentified bodies.

"OVNI au-dessus des bases stratégiques US"

According to a "Est-Républ." article dated 22.01.1979, UFOs were sighted in November 1975 over several US Strategic Air Command (SAC) bases, including Malmstrom, Loring, and Wurtsmith. The "Ground Saucer Watch" association, citing CIA documents obtained through a freedom of information request, reported that these UFOs hovered meters above the ground near nuclear weapons storage centers before disappearing.

"Deux ovnis se sont écrasés avec leurs occupants"

This "Est-Républ." article from 04.10.1978, referencing CIA documents, reports that two US Air Force Phantom F4 fighter jets pursued two UFOs in Iran in 1976. The documents also allegedly contain sworn statements from two retired US Air Force colonels who described the bodies of the extraterrestrial occupants of two crashed UFOs. These beings were described as about 1.20 meters tall, with silvery skin and metallic suits.

"Un O.V.N.I. dans le ciel de Saverne"

From "B.N.Alsace" dated 07.01.1979, this report details a sighting by a couple in Saverne, France, of a luminous object hovering for an hour. They observed it with binoculars, noting it emitted lights and changed position, forming a triangle. The object then moved towards the mountains and disappeared. Gendarmerie investigations were initiated.

"Mêmes OVNI en France et en Italie"

Published in "Est-Républ." on 17.09.1978, this article notes the similarity of UFO sightings in France and Italy. Witnesses in Brignoles and Ginasservis (France) and near Turin and Milan (Italy) described elongated, cigar-shaped craft with luminous beams forming a triangle. These reports were officially recorded.

"Des O.V.N.I. dans la nuit à Brignoles et Ginasservis"

This "Var Matin République" report from 16.09.1978 describes two separate sightings in Southern France. In Brignoles, a witness saw a cigar-shaped object with luminous rays moving silently. In Ginasservis, two motorists observed a luminous crescent followed by a smoke trail. Both objects disappeared into the atmosphere.

"La nuit de l'OVNI"

Reported by "N.Alsace" on 10.01.1979, this piece describes a UFO sighting in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, France. An object resembling a white balloon descended towards the home of the tourism office president, coinciding with a general power outage in the commune. The object then rapidly ascended and disappeared into the clouds.

"Des O.V.N.I. dans le ciel bulgare ?"

From "Rép.Lor." dated 31.12.78, this article discusses reports from Bulgaria of two identical, luminous objects (red and silver) observed near Pleven. The objects remained stationary for a time before ascending vertically. A Bulgarian professor dismissed the idea of extraterrestrial origin, suggesting a natural, unexplained phenomenon.

"Ces objets non identifiés qui inquiètent les gens de l'Est"

This "Rép.Lor." article from 25.01.1979 compiles various UFO sightings from Eastern Europe, including Bulgaria. It mentions an employee near Pleven who observed a luminous, egg-shaped object. The article also notes that many witnesses are hesitant to report their sightings due to disbelief.

"Des témoignages de plus en plus nombreux"

This section details several sightings in France: a military contingent member, a nurse, and a worker in Dijon reported seeing a luminous, white object moving faster than a plane. Another witness in Côte-d'Or reported unusual sounds and lights. A supposed UFO sighting near Dijon was later identified as a SAMU helicopter.

"Une fusée de Belfort à Nancy"

Reported in "Est-Républ." on 04.10.1978, this article describes a sighting of a mysterious "rocket" by a woman returning from a festival, later corroborated by an architect and an aviator. A farmer also reported seeing two flying objects resembling inverted saucers with red and green lights.

"L'ovni de 23h 23"

From "Républ. Lor." dated 01.12.1978, this incident in Figueira Da Foz, Portugal, states that all the watches in an apartment building stopped simultaneously at 11:23 PM, coinciding with the sighting of a UFO.

"Les martiens dans l'Antarctique"

Published in "Var-Républ." on 24.01.1979, this report mentions that members of a Japanese Antarctic expedition observed three mysterious flying objects over the Antarctic continent. The objects were described as European deer-fly shaped, flying at high altitudes, and moving horizontally or in zigzags at considerable speed.

"Les avatars d'un extra-terrestre mexicain"

This "L'Union" article from 07.11.1978 reports on a Mexican man who claims to have been abducted in 1977 and underwent physical changes, including his blood type being unknown and the development of six nipples. He described entering a spaceship and having his blood extracted.

"Objet non identifié dans le ciel de la Franche-Comté"

From "Est-Républ." dated 02.12.1978, this article describes sightings of a luminous object in the sky over Franche-Comté, France, near Arc-et-Senans and Gy. Witnesses described it as a fireball with two light beams descending from it, moving at high altitude. The object was also reportedly seen near Basel, Switzerland.

"Deux "phénomènes" le même soir"

This "Est-Républ." report from 07.12.1978 clarifies that two distinct phenomena were observed on the same evening in the Franche-Comté region. The first was attributed to the explosion of a military rocket from Biscarosse. The second, however, remained unexplained: a fireball observed in the region of Basel, Belfort, and Mulhouse.

"Un OVNI dans le ciel de Montauban"

Reported by "Maine-Libre" on 16.01.1979, a couple in Montauban, France, observed an object that appeared to be a star but, upon closer inspection with binoculars, was revealed to be an elongated body made of colored panels, rotating like a top. It moved rapidly and then disappeared.

"Priorité aux ovnis"

This brief note from "Républ.Lor." dated 20.01.1979 mentions that members of the British House of Lords debated UFOs, with the Earl of Clancarty accusing the government of hiding information.

"Vient de paraître"

This section promotes the book "LE TEMPS ET L'ESPACE" by Maurice Chatelain, which explores evidence of past civilizations and their influence on Earth.

"A nos lecteurs"

A notice informing readers that the journal's price will increase due to rising production costs.

Check-list de l'enquêteur (Investigator's Checklist)

This section provides a detailed checklist for UFO investigators, compiled by CFRU. It aims to standardize the recording of UFO sightings by listing essential points to note, including witness details, date, time, location, weather, object characteristics (shape, color, size, trajectory, duration), electromagnetic effects, physical traces, and any actions taken by witnesses. The checklist is intended to facilitate correct case recording and analysis.

Bibliographic Documentation

The magazine includes an extensive bibliography of books related to UFOs, extraterrestrials, parapsychology, and related mysteries. This section lists numerous titles with their authors and publishers, serving as a resource for readers interested in further research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and diversity of UFO sightings across different countries and continents, the increasing number of witnesses, and the challenges faced by those who report these phenomena (disbelief, sarcasm). There's a consistent focus on the unexplained nature of these events, the potential for extraterrestrial involvement, and the ongoing efforts by various organizations and individuals to investigate and document them. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of presenting reported phenomena seriously, encouraging detailed observation and investigation, while acknowledging the skepticism and the need for further evidence. The inclusion of the investigator's checklist and the extensive bibliography suggests a commitment to serious research within the field of ufology.