Ufologia - No 22 - Avril-Mai-Juin 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: ufologia
Issue: N° 22
Date: April-May-June 1980
Publisher: Cercle Français de Recherches Ufologiques (CFRU)
Country: France
ISSN: 0399-8274
Price: 35 F (ordinary subscription in France)

This issue of "ufologia" is the twenty-second number of the quarterly review dedicated to Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related questions. It is published by the French UFO Research Circle (CFRU), an independent organization that relies on its subscribers and collaborators.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "L'ABOMINABLE ...OVNI DES NEIGES" (The Abominable Snowman... UFO), reflects on the events of the past three months and the interconnectedness of phenomena. The editorialist notes the return of the UFO dossier to public attention following the 'abduction' case in Cergy-Pontoise, France. While emphasizing caution and the difficulty of definitive conclusions, the editorialist highlights the frustrating nature of such incidents, which often fail to provide new clues about the mystery of flying saucers. A significant observation is made about the societal impact of UFO reports, comparing it to the revolutionary impact of astronomical discoveries by Copernicus, Herschel, and Hubble.

Articles and Features

The Bureau UFOLOGIA/CFRU, its Correspondents and its UFO Network (Page 04): This section introduces the key personnel of the UFOLOGIA editorial team and the CFRU, including the Director of Publication, Francis Schaefer, and the Editor-in-Chief, Roland Lienhardt. It also lists foreign correspondents from countries such as Italy, Canada, USA, Argentina, England, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Guadeloupe, Germany, and Japan, as well as regional sections within France.

Editorial of the Second Quarter (Page 05): This section appears to be a continuation of the editorial content, discussing the societal impact of UFO phenomena.

"This Curious Sense of Hospitality That Earthlings Have..." by Jean SIDER (Page 07): Jean Sider discusses a sensationalized report from 1974 concerning an alleged engagement between a US NATO missile base in Sardinia and a UFO. Missiles were reportedly fired at the UFO but were disintegrated by a destructive device emitted by the craft. Sider notes the difficulty in confirming such information due to military involvement and draws parallels with other incidents, including a French helicopter shot down off the coast of Sardinia in 1977. He argues that while humans might react with fear and aggression towards the unknown, UFOs, with their superior technology, pose no serious threat to humanity.

"Nightmare for the US Army - The UFO Ray Destroys Missiles" (Extract from NATIONAL SPOTLITE, USA, June 1977) (Page 08): This article, translated from an American journal, details the Sardinia incident. It describes how UFOs were seen over US NATO missile bases in Sardinia and were fired upon. An invisible barrier emitted by the UFO allegedly caused the missiles to explode. The incident was reportedly filmed by Italian television. The article mentions the involvement of ICUFON (Intercontinental Groupment of Research Networks and Analyses on Spacecraft) and quotes an anonymous witness and a report from the Pentagon.

• "News from Uncle Sam" (Page 09-10): This section presents statistical data compiled by Mr. Leo J. Coby, a former intelligence officer with the US Air Force who worked on Project BLUE BOOK. Coby analyzed 85 cases reported by credible witnesses. The statistics cover:
• Occupant Descriptions: Small 'monsters' (5%), large 'monsters' (2%), small humanoids (1.05m and under, 51%), large humanoids (over 1.05m, 35%), and robots (7%).
• Clothing: Diving suits (45%), diving helmets (12%), normal clothes (14%), and unusual/shiny clothing (29%).
• Physical Features: Large eyes (49%), small eyes (31%), glowing eyes (20%), and clawed hands (3%).
• Vehicle Types: Brilliant objects (5%), small cigar shape (6%), large cigar shape (3%), small disk (38%), large disk (18%), small egg/globe (24%), and large egg/globe (10%).

Coby concludes that the most common type of 'ufonaut' is a humanoid of about 1 meter, wearing a diving suit, with large eyes, and piloting a disk-shaped craft. He speculates that extraterrestrial life exists and that these beings might have different atmospheric needs and physical standards, but ultimately could be our neighbors.

Other Sections: The issue also includes a table of contents listing various articles such as "The Curious Sense of Hospitality That Earthlings Have...", "Nightmare for the US Army", "American Rubric: News from Uncle Sam", "About Animal Mutilations", "Antimatter Exists in the Universe!", and "UFOS/ACTUALITES - Press Echoes". There is also a section for "INFO-SERVICE" and a "DOSSIER INSOLITE" (Unusual Dossier).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, encounters, and the analysis of related phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on providing documented information and encouraging reader participation through observations and contributions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, while maintaining a critical and analytical approach, particularly regarding sensationalized reports. The CFRU positions itself as a source of objective information for the public, highlighting the independent nature of their work and the voluntary contributions of their team. The magazine also touches upon broader themes such as the potential for extraterrestrial life, the limitations of current human technology compared to UFO capabilities, and the societal impact of acknowledging the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of "ACTUALITES" from December 1979, published by CFRU, focuses on UFO phenomena and related scientific investigations, alongside a report on the discovery of antimatter. The magazine presents a collection of articles and news snippets detailing sightings, encounters, and theories surrounding unidentified flying objects.

Scientific Surveys and Beliefs

The issue highlights a significant survey conducted by "Industrial Research and Development Magazine" in February 1979, which polled 1200 US scientists about their views on UFOs. The results indicated that 8% had seen a UFO, 10% might have, and 43% believed in their reality. Notably, belief in extraterrestrial origins for UFOs was stronger among younger scientists (82% of those aged 26 and under) compared to older ones (43% of those aged 55 and over). The article draws parallels with Gallup polls, which also showed a higher propensity for belief among younger demographics.

Close Encounters and Humanoid Types

A study by David WEBB, a physicist specializing in solar studies and co-director of the "Groupe d'Etudes sur les Humanoides" within the "MUTUAL UFO NETWORK," is presented. This study analyzed approximately 2000 cases of third-type encounters. WEBB's team classified reported humanoids into three main groups:

1. "Nains" (Dwarfs): Ranging from 0.6m to 1.20m, often seen wearing metallic-looking helmets and suits. They are typically observed in pairs, collecting plant and mineral samples.
2. "Normaux" (Normal-sized): Between 1.50m and 1.80m, usually seen in groups of three or more. This group is most frequently associated with human abductions and communicates more readily with witnesses.
3. "Géants" (Giants): 2 meters and taller, wearing tight-fitting, diving suit-like combinations. They are described as mastering situations with "paralyzing rays."

Statistical data from WEBB's research on 2000 cases reveals the context of these encounters:

• 26% involved occupants entering or exiting a UFO.
• 17% involved sightings within a UFO.
• 17% involved sightings near a UFO.
• 16% involved sightings without a UFO present, but with witnesses.
• 10% involved witnesses inside a UFO.
• 7% occurred in locations where UFOs were seen, but without the object being present.
• 2% involved attempts at communication.
• 5% were considered too isolated for analysis.

The article notes that "kidnappings" accounted for 10% of cases (approximately 200 cases), with the vast majority occurring in the USA. A hypothesis is raised linking these events to "nuclear sites," given the presence of numerous such facilities in the US. A specific case from Mindalore, South Africa, involving a close encounter and alleged kidnapping on January 3, 1979, is cited, noting the proximity of uranium processing plants.

Specific UFO Incidents and Reports

The magazine details several recent UFO sightings and incidents:

• October 9, 1979: A large, strange ball of light was observed near Louhans, France.
• November 7, 1979: Multiple mysterious balls of light were seen in the sky over Marnaval, France.
• November 11-12, 1979: UFOs were reported to be showing interest in Spain, with a Caravelle pilot forced to land due to UFOs in its wake. Sightings were also reported in Madrid and on the highway to Saragossa.
• November 26, 1979: An alleged abduction by a UFO occurred in Cergy-Pontoise, France, leading to the disappearance of Franck Fontaine.
• December 8, 1979: A Mirage III pilot from the Dijon air base reported seeing a 7-meter long, strange flying object.
• November 27, 1979: In Warren, Minnesota, USA, a sheriff's deputy was reportedly assaulted and his patrol car damaged by a luminous object.
• November 27-28, 1979: An inhabitant of Wetolsheim, France, reported seeing a bright white UFO.
• December 3, 1979: Mysterious circular traces were found in a field near Augisey, Jura, France, with scorched earth and calcined stones.
• November 13, 1979: A Caravelle aircraft flying from Palma de Mallorca to Tenerife was pursued by four luminous UFOs for over four hours, forcing an emergency landing in Valencia.

The Franck Fontaine Case

The disappearance and subsequent reappearance of Franck Fontaine, a 19-year-old from Cergy-Pontoise, is extensively covered. Fontaine claimed to have been abducted by a UFO on November 26, 1979. His friends, Jean-Pierre Prevost and Salomon N'Daye, corroborated his account of a luminous object and a beam of light. Fontaine reappeared eight days later, claiming to have no memory of the intervening period. Despite initial skepticism from the gendarmes, who considered the possibility of a hoax, the case generated significant public interest, even being reported by "The Times" of London. Hypnotic regression sessions conducted by the "Institut mondial des sciences avancées" reportedly confirmed Fontaine's account of an abduction.

Antimatter Discovery

A significant scientific report details the discovery of antimatter. In July 1979, a team of eight US researchers, led by Dr. Robert Golden from the University of New Mexico, detected approximately thirty antimatter particles (anti-protons) using instruments on a stratospheric balloon at an altitude of 36,000 meters. This discovery confirmed the existence of antimatter predicted by physicist Paul Dirac in 1928 and built upon earlier Soviet findings from 1972. The article discusses the implications of this discovery, including the potential existence of "anti-worlds" and the ongoing mystery of where the universe's antimatter went during its creation.

Extraterrestrial Contact Theories

Astrophysicist William Sullivan is quoted suggesting that television signals might be the primary means by which extraterrestrials could discover Earth, due to the widespread dispersal of radio-electric energy. The article also touches upon the work of Soviet scientist V.S. Troitskii, who investigated similar phenomena. The challenges of detecting signals from other planets due to vast distances and energy requirements are discussed.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting scientific data, witness testimonies, and investigative reports. While acknowledging skepticism, it emphasizes the importance of studying these events. The recurring themes include the mystery of UFO origins, the nature of alleged extraterrestrial visitors, the possibility of abductions, and the scientific pursuit of understanding these phenomena. The issue also highlights the role of ufological organizations in collecting and disseminating information. The "INFO-SERVICE" section at the end provides contact details for various science fiction and ufology-related publications and clubs, suggesting a community actively engaged with these topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of "ACTUALITES" consistently explores the enigmatic nature of UFOs and the potential for extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and open-mindedness, presenting scientific findings alongside witness accounts and theoretical discussions. The magazine encourages readers to engage with these topics, as evidenced by the "INFO-SERVICE" section which promotes various ufology-related publications and organizations. Recurring themes include the classification of humanoid types, the statistical analysis of encounters, the investigation of alleged abductions, and the scientific search for evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence. The inclusion of the antimatter discovery suggests a broader interest in cutting-edge scientific topics that might intersect with the broader questions of cosmology and existence beyond Earth.

This issue of "Insolite" magazine, dated January 18, 1980, is published by CFRU and focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, extraterrestrial encounters, and spiritual philosophies. The cover features a striking headline about "little green men and paradise," hinting at the themes explored within.

Conference on the Raëlian Movement

The issue details a conference held in Strasbourg on January 18, 1980, attended by six members of the Cercle de Strasbourg. The conference featured two adherents, Messieurs SAULNIER and RUAU, from the Raëlian Movement. Approximately forty people attended the event. The presentation introduced the concept of an "Extraterrestrial" encountered by Claude VORILHON in an extinct volcano. This being is described as small, with olive skin, almond-shaped eyes, and wearing a green uniform. It travels in a saucer-shaped vehicle with a metallic exterior and a minimalist interior featuring two comfortable armchairs. The extraterrestrial, identified as ELOAH (a nationality or race, singular of ELOHIM), communicated in French, stating that it had chosen VORILHON to spread its message and had guided him since birth. The article critically examines VORILHON's narrative, suggesting a lack of originality and comparing it to existing works on ancient astronauts and biblical interpretations by authors like Erich von Däniken, Jean Sendy, Robert Charroux, and Peter Kolosimo. The "message" itself is presented as a new philosophy promising a better life, luxury, abundance, and a "paradise on Earth," contingent on humanity becoming more reasonable, wise, and less aggressive. However, a significant condition is mentioned: adherents must give 10% of their salary to be potentially saved by the Elohim, especially on the day the Earth is destroyed by humans. The author expresses skepticism, questioning the financial situation of these extraterrestrials and drawing parallels between the Raëlian movement's promises and the rhetoric of historical figures like Hitler, noting the use of a silver geometric symbol on a black background by some adherents.

Spiritism: A Philosophy of Evolution

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to the philosophy of Spiritism, featuring quotes from Winston Churchill, William CROOKES, and Camille FLAMMARION. CROOKES is cited for stating that rejecting spiritualist manifestations is equivalent to rejecting all human testimony. FLAMMARION, speaking at Allan KARDEC's funeral, described Spiritism as a science, not a religion, emphasizing that the supernatural does not exist and that manifestations are natural and subject to experimental control. The article posits that Spiritism has evolved into a recognized philosophy that requires serious study. It clarifies that Spiritism is not a sect or a religion and does not claim to hold all truth, but rather offers revelations from the beyond that can be experimentally verified. The messages conveyed through Spiritism are generally messages of peace, charity, and love. A communication from 1919 emphasizes a mysterious, omniscient, omnipotent power guiding the universe, embodying love, justice, and mercy, urging sincere prayer and adherence to the supreme law of Love. The article highlights Spiritism's role in combating materialism and bringing individuals to spirituality, helping them overcome fears of death and the unknown. It lists key works by Allan KARDEC, including "The Spirits' Book," "The Mediums' Book," and "The Gospel According to Spiritism," and quotes KARDEC stating that the essential goal of Spiritism is the "improvement of men."

Brief News Items: Unexplained Phenomena

Several short articles report on various unusual events:

• Mysterious Tank Disappearance (RFA): A secret prototype tank, the "Marder" equipped with "Roland" anti-aircraft missiles, mysteriously disappeared for 24 hours in West Germany, only to be found in a parking lot. The driver claimed to have followed legal driving and rest periods, but the 16-hour gap in his schedule was deemed "very mysterious."
• Dinosaur Footprints (Spitzberg): Soviet geologists discovered a dinosaur footprint over a meter long on the coast of Spitzberg, indicating an animal with strides of up to four meters. This discovery suggests a marshy environment existed there 120 million years ago.
• Apocalyptic Vision (Vatican): Mgr Corrado Balducci predicted that the next pontificate might be marked by a cataclysm, possibly World War III, citing prophecies from Jeremiah and Malachi, and linking it to the "secret of Fatima."
• Unknown Rock from Meteorite (Washington): A meteorite discovered in Antarctica yielded a new type of rock, classified as an achondrite, related to chassignite and diagénite. The rock's structure did not fit any known classification.
• Mysterious Stone (France): A stone found near Fessenheim, France, emitted a strong white smoke when exposed to air, but ceased when submerged in water.
• Loch Ness Monster Not Alone: An American scientist, Dr. Charles Wyckoff, claims that about thirty similar creatures exist, based on underwater photos and ultrasonic recordings. The creatures are described as having a bulbous body, a long reptilian neck, and a thin head, with a total length of 9 meters.
• Mysterious Animal (France): A large, unidentified animal, possibly a Pyrenean shepherd dog, has been blamed for the death of about twenty sheep in Haute-Garonne, France.
• Mysteries of Lake Constance: Jacques Piccard, exploring Lake Constance, discovered an unknown species of fish, contradicting theories about low oxygen levels at depth.
• Unknown Fossils (Japan): Fossils of giant aquatic birds, similar to penguins and about two meters tall, were discovered in Japan, dating back 30 million years.
• Saint Janvier's Blood Liquefies: The annual miracle of the liquefaction of Saint Janvier's blood occurred in Naples, considered a favorable omen.
• Noisy Ghosts (Spain): Loud sighs and noises are being reported from the ruins of a Dominican convent in Avila, Spain, attracting researchers.
• The "Yeti" Encounter: Lord Hunt, the first to conquer Everest, claims to have encountered the Yeti in the Himalayas, describing large footprints and a timid nature of the creature.
• The Beast of Gévaudan Mystery: A computer analysis suggests the Beast of Gévaudan was a trained man-eating animal, possibly operated by two individuals.
• Unknown Aircraft Distress Call: An unknown aircraft sent a distress call indicating a fuel emergency near Strasbourg, France, but could not be located.

Ufological Investigation and Bibliography

The magazine includes a "Check-list de l'enquêteur" (Investigator's Checklist) compiled by CFRU, providing a detailed questionnaire for recording UFO observations. This list covers witness details, date, time, location, weather conditions, object description (shape, color, size, trajectory, lights), and any physical evidence or effects. Additionally, a comprehensive "BIBLIOTHEQUE DES GRANDES ENIGMES" (Library of Great Enigmas) lists numerous books on UFOs, extraterrestrials, parapsychology, and related mysteries, with publisher information, serving as a resource for readers interested in further research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFOs, extraterrestrial encounters, and spiritual philosophies like Spiritism. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting phenomena and claims while also offering skeptical analysis and drawing connections to existing literature and historical events. The magazine encourages readers to engage with these topics, as evidenced by the call for correspondence and the provision of extensive bibliographical resources. The emphasis on Spiritism suggests an interest in alternative spiritual paths and the potential for human betterment through non-materialistic means.