Ufologia - No 19 - Juillet-Aout-Septembre 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: Ufologia
Issue: N°19
Date: July-September 1979
Publisher: Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU)
Type: Documentary and Information Review

Editorial Stance and Content

The editorial of this issue, written by Francis Schaefer, addresses the readers and subscribers, acknowledging the international focus of this particular number, which leans towards the 'New World'. The editor expresses a critique of the current state of French ufology, describing it as a 'braderie' (a sale or bargain-basement) where 'absurd ideas' and 'confused specialists' are prevalent. He contrasts this with the more serious approach of the CAUS (Citizen Against UFO Secrecy) organization and its legal action against the USAF, which he sees as a crucial step in moving ufology forward from its current 'lethargy'. The editorial emphasizes the importance of focusing on real, concrete facts rather than succumbing to what is termed a 'modern myth' driven by narcissism. The issue aims to provide credibility through factual reporting.

Key Articles and Features

Einstein: The Life of a Scientist

This article commemorates the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein's birth (March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany). It details his childhood, his early curiosity, his academic struggles, and his groundbreaking work on the theory of relativity, published in two parts in 1905 and 1915. The article mentions his Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for the photoelectric effect and his emigration to the USA in 1933 due to Nazi persecution, where he became a professor at Princeton. It touches upon his death on April 18, 1955, and briefly explains some consequences of his theory, such as the constancy of the speed of light and the relationship between speed, mass, and time. The article concludes with a bibliography of works related to Einstein and relativity. A photograph of Einstein sticking out his tongue, dated 1951, is included.

CAUS vs. USAF: An Event Expected

This section details a significant legal action initiated by CAUS (Citizen Against UFO Secrecy) against the United States Air Force (USAF) under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The lawsuit aims to compel the disclosure of government files concerning alleged crashed UFOs and their occupants. The article highlights that CAUS is a non-profit group dedicated to making government UFO-related dossiers public. It mentions that the USAF had previously denied the existence of such files. The article also references a previous successful lawsuit by 'Ground Saucer Watch' against the CIA, which resulted in the release of 1000 pages of UFO-related documents. The CAUS lawsuit specifically targets an incident from the late 1940s near the Texas-Mexico border, where an extraterrestrial vehicle allegedly crashed and was recovered. Two retired USAF officers, a former Provost Marshal and a lieutenant-colonel, are cited as witnesses. The article notes that the USAF's denial of the existence of these files makes a judicial pursuit difficult, but CAUS is pursuing the case with the help of a law firm in Washington D.C., albeit not on a pro bono basis, requiring a $2000 guarantee for legal fees.

Other Featured Content:

• C.A.U.S. contre U.S.A.F... (UFOS & CIA ...): This appears to be a summary or excerpt related to the CAUS lawsuit, possibly detailing the CIA's involvement and the 'Ground Saucer Watch' action.
• Un avion cubain détruit par un OVNI ?: A brief mention of a possible incident involving a Cuban plane and a UFO.
• USA: Traduction d'une lettre de GORDON COOPER, cosmonaute: A translated letter from astronaut Gordon Cooper related to UFOs.
• ESPACE: Les mystères de JUPITER: An article exploring the mysteries of Jupiter.
• L'enlèvement de STANFORD (Kentucky USA): A report on an alleged abduction case in Stanford, Kentucky.
• L'Atlantide découverte par les Soviétiques ?: A speculative piece on the discovery of Atlantis by the Soviets.
• INFO SERVICE: A section likely containing news or updates.
• OBJETS VOLANTS NON IDENTIFIES: ACTUALITES ("Echos de la Presse"): A compilation of recent UFO news from the press.
• INSOLITE: nouvelles en bref: A collection of brief, unusual news items.
• A propos de l'explosion de 1908 en SIBERIE...: An article discussing the 1908 Siberian event.
• Coupure de courant dans le Texas- USA: A report on a power outage in Texas, possibly linked to UFO activity.
• Check-List de l'enquêteur: A checklist for UFO investigators.
• La bibliothèque UFOLOGIA/CFRU: Information about the magazine's library.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and investigations, government secrecy surrounding the phenomenon, the pursuit of information through legal means (as exemplified by the CAUS lawsuit), and the scientific and historical context of UFO research. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a rigorous, fact-based approach to ufology, critical of sensationalism and speculation, and emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and independent research. The magazine positions itself as a vital source of objective information for the public, relying on the dedication of its volunteers and the support of its readership.

This issue of UFOLOGIA magazine, dated July 1979, is primarily focused on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related mysteries. It features articles on legal actions concerning UFO disclosure, a specific UFO incident involving a military aircraft, astronaut perspectives on extraterrestrial contact, and the latest findings from space probes.

Legal Action and Disclosure (CAUS)

The magazine details the efforts of CAUS (a private organization) and a team of lawyers to pursue legal action to compel the disclosure of government files related to UFOs, specifically the recovery of crashed UFOs and their occupants. CAUS believes that forcing government officials to testify under oath about their knowledge of such incidents will irrefutably prove the reality of the UFO phenomenon. They are utilizing the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) procedure, which they believe will lead to direct testimonies about specific events, bypassing behind-the-scenes maneuvers by the USAF or other governmental agencies. Despite differing theories and ideological divides within the international ufology community, CAUS sees a common goal: uncovering the truth about the UFO mystery, which they consider of great significance.

Cuban UFO Incident: MIG-21 Destroyed by UFO?

An article by Jean SIDER, citing the 'APRO Bulletin' of July 1978, recounts a serious incident from 1967. A Cuban Air Force radar controller reported an unidentified 'bogey' entering Cuban airspace. Two MIG-21 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept it. Guided by ground radar, the MIG leader approached the object, described as a brilliant metallic sphere. After a failed radio contact attempt, the Cuban Air Force ordered the destruction of the object. The lead MIG fired air-to-air missiles, but moments later, its wingman reported that the lead aircraft had exploded. The UFO then accelerated and climbed rapidly. The incident was reported to the NSA, which allegedly classified it as a self-destruction of the Cuban aircraft due to instrument malfunction. The article notes that L. STRINGFIELD has documented other cases of military aircraft being destroyed by UFOs.

Gordon Cooper's Views on Extraterrestrials

A translated letter from Gordon Cooper, Vice-President of WED ENTERPRISES and former astronaut, dated November 9, 1978, addressed to 'Ambassador Griffith', outlines his views on UFOs. Cooper believes that extraterrestrial vehicles and their crews visit Earth from more technologically advanced planets. He advocates for a coordinated, high-level international program to scientifically collect and analyze UFO data worldwide. He suggests that humanity must first demonstrate its ability to resolve problems peacefully before being accepted into a 'universal team'. Cooper notes that many astronauts are reluctant to discuss UFOs due to sensationalism and fabricated stories. He recounts his own observation of numerous flying objects in formation over Europe in 1951, flying at altitudes beyond contemporary fighter jet capabilities. He emphasizes that if the United Nations supports such a project, more qualified individuals may come forward.

Voyager 1's Jupiter Mission

Two articles cover the Voyager 1 probe's mission to Jupiter. The first, dated March 5, 1979, reports that Voyager 1 sent back remarkably precise photos of Jupiter, including the 'Great Red Spot', described as a permanent, swirling feature. Communications were briefly disrupted by a storm over the Australian receiving antenna. Experts expressed frustration that while details were clearer, they were not yet fully comprehensible. The probe was scheduled for its closest approach to Jupiter on March 5th at 12:42 GMT, flying at an altitude of 273,000 km.

The second article, dated March 7, 1979, confirms Voyager 1's close pass at 276,000 km after an 18-month journey. The received photographs are described as 'superb' and will aid in analyzing Jupiter's atmosphere, magnetic field, and energy output. Scientists are particularly interested in the Great Red Spot. After Jupiter, Voyager 1 will head towards Saturn, with Voyager 2 following a similar trajectory.

The Stanford, Kentucky Abduction Case

A detailed account of a UFO abduction case that occurred on the night of January 6-7, 1976, near Stanford, Kentucky. Three women—Louise Smith, Mona Stafford, and Elaine Thomas—were driving home when they encountered a bright red object. Louise Smith lost control of the car, which accelerated to 85 mph. The object, described as a large, metallic disk with a dome and red and yellow lights, hovered near their car and emitted a bright white beam. The women experienced a sensation of burning and blurred vision. They lost approximately 80 minutes of memory, finding themselves further down the road. Following the incident, they suffered from eye inflammation, skin burns, and other peculiar effects, including their car's electrical system being disturbed and Mrs. Smith's pet parakeet dying. The case was investigated by MUFON and APRO, and the women underwent hypnosis sessions directed by Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle. During hypnosis, they described small, white-clad humanoids with hooded heads and oblique eyes, who communicated telepathically. They also reported being examined with strange devices. The police officer involved, James Young, initially skeptical, found his opinion changed after the polygraph tests, which indicated the women were telling the truth.

Soviet Discovery of Atlantis?

An article reports on statements made by Soviet scientist Andrei Aksenov on April 21, 1979, in Lisbon. Aksenov, vice-director of the Oceanographic Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences, claims that underwater photographs taken by his team revealed vestiges of walls and grand staircases in the area where Atlantis is said to have been located. These structures, eroded and covered by marine flora, were photographed between Portugal and the Madeira archipelago.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and the pursuit of information and evidence related to UFOs. It highlights the efforts of various organizations like CAUS, MUFON, and APRO in investigating these phenomena and advocating for greater transparency from governments. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting detailed accounts of incidents and expert opinions while encouraging readers to form their own conclusions. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific and investigative aspects of ufology, as well as a broader interest in space exploration and historical mysteries like Atlantis.

This issue of 'Actualités' (Issue 21, dated March 9, 1979) from publisher CFRU focuses heavily on unidentified flying objects (OVNIs) and related phenomena. The magazine covers a wide range of international sightings and investigations, reflecting a strong interest in the subject.

Un retour en force (A Return in Force)

This section reports on a series of OVNI observations in Bulgaria on December 29 and 30, 1978. The article highlights the rarity of such reports from Eastern Bloc countries. The first observation details an employee in the Pleven region noticing a luminous object descending to eye level, emitting blue and yellow light, and hovering over a field. The witness, a former paratrooper, described it as not being a star. He alerted the local militia. A second luminous object was seen near the first around 8 AM. Another testimony comes from a technician at the Dolno-Mitropatia airport who witnessed a luminous object, described as a small moon or large star, moving slightly in the sky. He, his wife, and neighbors observed the phenomenon for half an hour. The object emitted a soft light that changed color (white, blue, or green). A smaller, red object emerged from the larger one. The witness mentioned that photographs were taken with a 300mm telephoto lens, showing a luminous sphere that seemed to move slightly before disappearing, leaving a white trail.

The article also mentions OVNI sightings in other parts of the world. The Japanese newspaper 'Asahi Shimbun' reported that members of a Japanese expedition in Antarctic waters sighted a mysterious flying object on January 6, 1979. The OVNI was reportedly flying at an altitude of 5,000 meters in a zig-zag pattern at considerable speed. Other similar objects were observed by the same people, who may have taken photographs. In Nice, France, and its surrounding region, about a dozen people reportedly noticed unusual and luminous phenomena in the sky. The article notes that France continues to officially take an interest in these unidentified aerial phenomena, with GEPAN (Groupe d'études des phénomènes aériens non identifiés), established a year and a half prior within the CNES, continuing its research.

Soucoupes volantes "Républ. Var Matin" dans le ciel gallois (Flying Saucers "Républ. Var Matin" in the Welsh Sky)

This piece, dated February 14, 1979, discusses the appearance of over fifty flying saucers in the triangle formed by Swansea, Mid-Wales, and Broad Haven, causing concern among the Welsh population. Two serious witnesses, company directors, reported seeing a huge cigar-shaped machine, at least six meters long, pass by their car at a hundred meters altitude. They described it as flying so low it could have hit a double-decker bus, making no noise, and seeming on the verge of crashing before disappearing into a field. The British UFO research association is taking these reports seriously.

Ovnis filmés par la télé "Rép.Lor." australienne (UFOs filmed by Australian TV "Rép.Lor.")

Dated January 2, 1979, this report suggests that an Australian television team may have succeeded in filming UFOs for the first time. The journalists, whose film was broadcast by the BBC, made their observation over Christchurch, New Zealand. On board a plane, they claimed to have been followed by about forty flying objects that were detected by ground radar. The film reportedly shows one of these UFOs, described as ovoid, extremely bright, with mysterious white lines around it. Radar technicians estimated its length to be over a hundred meters.

OVNI, très lumineux et volant à haute altitude (UFO, very luminous and flying at high altitude)

This brief report from the Canary Islands, dated March 27, 1979, mentions a very luminous UFO flying at high altitude, observed by numerous people on Grande-Canarie and Tenerife. It was also detected by air traffic control. The UFO remained visible for ten minutes before disappearing in a pink halo. A power outage in the urban area reportedly aided its observation.

O.V.N.I. à Audincourt: le petit hamster est mort (UFO in Audincourt: the little hamster is dead)

This article from 'Est-Républicain' dated March 27, 1979, details a strange incident in Audincourt, France. Daniel Hugon, his wife, and their five children were having dinner on their apartment balcony when they observed a luminous orange ball descend rapidly, then ascend, disappear behind the upper balcony, and reappear. The phenomenon lasted only two to three seconds. The sky was dark and overcast. The family kept a hamster named 'Fifi' and a dog named 'Popy' on their balcony. After the sighting, they discovered 'Fifi' was in distress and died shortly after. The dog was unharmed. Mr. Hugon, concerned about potential radiation, decided to alert the police. The police investigated and advised the family to have an autopsy performed on the hamster.

O.V.N.I. filmé à Roanne (UFO filmed in Roanne)

Reported on December 5, 1978, by 'Maine Libre', this piece describes a luminous phenomenon observed near Roanne, France, by numerous witnesses and filmed by M. Jean-Luc Michault using a video camera. The round object appeared above the Madeleine mountains, ascended in zig-zags, described a large circle, then immobilized and disappeared. Gendarmes in Roanne viewed the 8-minute film and filed a report. Separately, an unidentified flying object was sighted by the weather service at Basel-Mulhouse airport, described as a luminous white ball about a hundred meters in diameter, moving at high speed towards Basel, leaving red trails.

O.V.N.I. parasites (Parasitic UFOs)

This report from 'L'UNION' dated March 27, 1979, discusses the presence of a flotilla of UFOs in the Peruvian Amazon, which reportedly interrupted communications between two radio amateurs. The phenomenon lasted about forty minutes, with the UFOs observed about 400 kilometers east of Iquitos. The report mentions that three crew members, described as bipeds and wearing spacesuits, were observed near Tunja, Colombia, after their UFOs landed. They reportedly stayed for a few minutes before the UFOs disappeared in a large whirlwind.

Nuit des OVNI à Milan (Night of UFOs in Milan)

This article from 'L'ALSACE' dated January 4, 1979, describes a night in Milan with multiple OVNI sightings in at least five locations. The most detailed account involves two UFOs described as 'star-like' with white light, moving slowly near the cathedral. Police were alerted, and an expert took photographs. Another sighting occurred in the suburb of Lambrate. The report also includes a troubling account from a Roman engineer, Mr. Aldo Sabatini, who saw an 'incandescent bottle' above Campocatino, during which telephone meters spun wildly and silent radios turned on.

OVNI dans le ciel de Colmar ? (UFO in the sky of Colmar?)

From 'Dern. Nouv. d'Alsace' dated January 16, 1979, this article recounts an observation by M. Jean Keigler, a resident of Munster, France. He reported seeing a yellow-hued elliptical disc moving at his speed, about 500 meters from the road, between Muhlele and Colmar. He described it as not being an airplane or helicopter. He later showed the phenomenon to a colleague who had never seen anything like it. M. Keigler reported the sighting to the gendarmes, who opened an inquiry.

OVNI et bipèdes (UFOs and bipeds)

This report from 'Le Nouvelliste' (Canada) dated January 30, 1979, mentions the observation of two UFOs and three crew members near Tunja, Colombia. The bipeds were described as wearing spacesuits. After landing, they reportedly stayed for a few minutes before the UFOs disappeared in a whirlwind.

URSS: Les cosmonautes font des découvertes inexplicables (USSR: Cosmonauts Make Unexplained Discoveries)

This article, dated September 19, 1978, discusses unexplained discoveries made by Soviet cosmonauts aboard the Salyut-6 and Soyuz-31 space stations. They observed a second layer of luminous substance above Earth's atmosphere, a property of the atmosphere that acts like a magnifying lens, and an unknown type of terrestrial cloud that was colored rather than white. The article also mentions the discovery of a giant, eyeless, and mouthless marine worm, 2.55 meters long, found near the Galapagos Islands.

Le fantôme de Lincoln visiterait les invités de la Maison-Blanche (Lincoln's Ghost Reportedly Visits White House Guests)

This article from Washington discusses the alleged haunting of the White House by the ghost of Abraham Lincoln. It compiles accounts from various individuals, including former First Lady Grace Coolidge and Lady Bird Johnson, who reported experiencing cold drafts, sensing a presence, or seeing the apparition. General Eisenhower also reportedly felt Lincoln's presence. Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and President Harry Truman are also mentioned as having had encounters.

Le dossier "Sibérie-1908" A NOUVEAU OUVERT... (The "Siberia-1908" File Reopened...)

This piece focuses on the theory of Soviet scientist Alexis Zolotov regarding the 1908 Tunguska event. Zolotov believes the massive explosion, which devastated a large area of Siberian forest, had an artificial, likely extraterrestrial, origin. He suggests it may have been caused by a 'flying saucer' that strayed into the area. Zolotov's theory is based on his finding of increased radioactive carbon (C14) in trees in the Tunguska region and the observation of wider tree rings, indicating faster growth after a nuclear explosion. He also proposes the existence of a third force, a 'biophysical field,' emitted by living beings, which he believes could be amplified and transmitted, offering greater power than electromagnetism and potential applications in medicine, such as early cancer detection. He demonstrated this field by showing halos around his hands and noting its effect on slowing down watches.

Information complémentaire dans le cadre de notre ancienne analyse des phénomènes électromagnétiques. (Additional information in the context of our previous analysis of electromagnetic phenomena.)

This section, dated November 15, 1973, details an incident in Bremond, Texas, observed by Steve Abraham. He witnessed a white-blue object moving in the sky, which caused the streetlights to dim and then go out completely. The object then moved away at high speed. It returned later, hovering over the town, pulsing with intense white-blue light. The streetlights flickered in sync with the UFO's pulses, and the town was plunged into darkness. The object then moved south, disappearing into the night sky. The report attributes the power outage to the OVNI.

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

This section provides a detailed checklist for ufological investigations, compiled by the CFRU. It aims to help investigators systematically record information about OVNI sightings, covering aspects such as witness details, observation conditions, object characteristics (shape, color, size, behavior, altitude), electromagnetic effects, physical traces, and any actions taken by witnesses or authorities.

La bibliothèque (The Library)

This extensive list comprises numerous books related to OVNIs, extraterrestrials, ancient mysteries, and parapsychology. The titles cover a wide range of topics, including specific sightings, historical accounts, scientific theories, and philosophical considerations, with publisher information provided for many entries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are clearly UFO sightings and the investigation of anomalous aerial phenomena. The magazine presents a variety of reports from different countries, suggesting a global interest in OVNIs. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, presenting witness testimonies and scientific or investigative efforts without overt skepticism, though it also includes a checklist for rigorous investigation. The inclusion of scientific theories, such as Dr. Zolotov's hypothesis about the Tunguska event, and the mention of organizations like GEPAN, indicate a desire to approach the subject from an analytical perspective. The magazine also touches upon related topics like parapsychology and ancient mysteries, suggesting a broader interest in the unexplained.