Ufologia - No 28 - Octobre-Novembre-Decembre 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: ufologia
Issue: n28
Publication Date: October-November-December 1981
Publisher: CERCLE FRANCAIS DE RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES (CFRU)
Country: FRANCE
Language: French
ISSN: 0399-8274

This issue of "Ufologia" is the 28th edition of the quarterly review published by the French Circle of Ufological Research (CFRU). The cover features the title "ufologia" prominently, along with the subtitle "objets volants non identifiés" (unidentified flying objects) and a large question mark graphic. It also includes an illustration of a flying saucer and a city skyline. The issue is dedicated to "questions connexes" (related questions) and aims to provide documentary and informational content on ufology.

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

The editorial, signed by Francis Schaefer, Director of Publication, emphasizes the magazine's effort to balance the new with the old, in-depth information with the unexplained, and usual sections with new ones. It highlights that objective ufology differentiates itself from other scientific disciplines by its broad scope. The editorial mentions an exposé by Jean SIDER on the problems science faces with seemingly "impossible" facts, and the often more implausible explanations provided. It also thanks Henry Durrant for providing precise information refuting the "extraterrestrial skeleton" mentioned in issue n°27. The editorial touches upon the case of J. Giraud, suggesting that J. Sider's conclusion provides a definitive synthesis. It stresses the importance of safeguarding sincere research from "predators" and acknowledges the excellent work of GEPAN, noting that one of their technical notes clearly exposes the "mystification of Cergy-Pontoise."

Key Articles and Sections

SOMMAIRE N°28 (Table of Contents):

• Faits bizarres: Strange occurrences, including falls of organic substances.
• A propos du "squelette extraterrestre": Discussion regarding an extraterrestrial skeleton.
• OVNI Echos de la presse: UFO news from the press.
• ESPACE-INFORMATION: Information related to space.
• Le garde-chasse de Norfolk: The gamekeeper of Norfolk.
• La double page INFO-SERVICE: A two-page information service.
• Mystère dans les ACORES: Mystery in the Azores.
• Réponse à Jean Giraud: Response to Jean Giraud.
• Etoile géante & Galaxies géantes: Giant star & giant galaxies.
• Observations ufologiques: Ufological observations.
• Chek-List de l'enquêteur: Investigator's checklist.
• La double page bibliographique: A two-page bibliography.

Faits Bizarres (Bizarre Facts): This section details several unusual events, including:

• July 31, 1920: A "rain" of hay over 50 km² in Moddershall.
• October 1890: An "orage" of oak leaves in Penpont, Dumfriesshire, covering 1.5 km by 3 km.
• October 1881: Falling spider webs, some tens of meters long, observed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and other nearby towns.
• August 1890: A fall of edible substance near Merdin and Diarbekir, Turkey, over a 10 km radius, described as yellowish spheres and identified as Lecanora Esculenta lichen.
• May 9, 1867: Fall of small black berries in Dublin, possibly ancient oak nuts.
• 1897: A rain of small seeds in Macerata, Italy, forming a centimeter-thick carpet.
• August 13, 1819: A mysterious object covered in down found in Amherst, Massachusetts, revealing a pulpy, foul-smelling substance.
• May 16, 1834: A bright light and an explosion in Amherst, followed by the discovery of a bowl-shaped object covered in yellow down.
• April 11, 1832: A fall of a soft, transparent, yellowish substance smelling of rancid oil.
• 1832: A viscous substance fell in Rotterdam, and an oily, reddish substance in Genoa.
• March 1832: A fall of yellow, combustible, resinous substance in Kourianof, Russia.

LE SQUELETTE "EXTRATERRESTRE" ETAIT CELUI D'UN REQUIN (The "Extraterrestrial" Skeleton Was That of a Shark): This article, referencing information from UFOLOGIA 27, reports on a skeleton found in Nicaragua by Ivan Quant ley. Initially thought to be an "extraterrestrial baby" based on a previous discovery in Panama, Dr. Ignacio Astorqui, a zoologist and ichthyologist, identified it as the skull of a shark. He explained that the cartilaginous nature of shark skeletons often leads to only teeth and vertebrae being preserved.

ACTUALITES (News):

• La disparition à bord d'un ovni était une affabulation (The disappearance aboard a UFO was a fabrication): This section reports on a CNES (National Centre for Space Studies) report concerning the alleged disappearance of a person aboard a UFO in Cergy-Pontoise in November 1979. The report concludes that the story is a fabrication, filled with errors, lies, and contradictions, possibly stemming from a desire to distort information.
• UNE BOULE DE FEU (A Fireball): A report from Caceres, Spain, about a strange fireball that destroyed everything in its path over a 3 km long and 4 meter wide strip before disappearing. A geologist suggested a meteorological or electrical origin.
• POURSUITE D'UN OVNI (UFO Pursuit): A report from Caceres, Spain, about a fighter jet pursuing a UFO on January 4th. The object was described as brightly shining, gray or white, and moving faster than the jet.
• Extra-terrestres marins (Marine Extraterrestrials): An article from L'UNION dated January 3, 1981, discusses UFO sightings in southern Spain in December. Journalist José Benitez claims over a hundred UFOs were detected on military radar, often flying at low altitudes. He also reports an incident where a UFO landed, and three tall beings emerged, leaving a 15-meter diameter burnt circle.

Un OVNI dans le ciel de Colmar? Le récit de deux automobilistes (A UFO in the sky of Colmar? The account of two motorists): This article recounts the experience of Xavier Bacqué and his friend who reported being followed by a pinkish-orange ball of light near Colmar, France, on August 23, 1981. The object, estimated to be about 500 meters away and thirty meters high, appeared to be twice the diameter of the visible moon. It ceased its progression when they stopped and resumed following them when they drove off.

OVNI AU-DESSUS DE ROTTERDAM (UFO Above Rotterdam): Four Dutch police officers observed a rocket-shaped object with a condensation trail hovering silently over Rotterdam on December 2, 1980. The object then disappeared rapidly. Air traffic control reported no aircraft in the area at the time.

Cet OVNI, qu'était-il? (This UFO, what was it?): This short piece poses the question about the nature of UFOs, suggesting that ancient chronicles can be as useful as historical descriptions of comets for UFO hunters. It references a singular account by the traveler Ibn Batoutah (1304-1377) from his travels in the South China Sea, describing a mysterious mountain-like object in the sea.

DERNIERES NOUVELLES D'ALSACE (Latest News from Alsace):

• MESSAGES AUX EXTRA-TERRESTRES (Messages to Extraterrestrials): Soviet researchers are planning to send radio messages to fifteen nearby stars to search for extraterrestrial civilizations. These messages will describe our solar system from the perspective of each star, which are located 10 to 15 light-years away.

Un ovni au-dessus de la Chine (A UFO above China): Reports from Beijing indicate that several individuals claimed to have seen a UFO on December 14th. Descriptions varied, but the object was generally described as round with luminous signals, sometimes red and yellow, other times blue or silver. The object's shape was described as conical or like a steamed bun, and it reportedly disappeared and reappeared multiple times.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Ufologia" include the reporting of unusual aerial phenomena, the investigation and analysis of alleged UFO sightings, and the debunking of sensationalized claims. The magazine maintains a stance of objective research, differentiating itself from mere speculation by emphasizing scientific rigor and the collection of detailed information. It highlights the importance of sincere research and warns against misinformation and manipulation. The publication also underscores its role as an independent source of information, relying on its subscribers and collaborators. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena while advocating for critical analysis and evidence-based conclusions.

Title: ESPACE INFORMATION
Issue Date: September 2, 1981
Publisher: Le Républicain Lorrain
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of ESPACE INFORMATION focuses on two main areas: the accelerating preparations for the second launch of the US space shuttle 'Columbia' and the intriguing findings and mysteries surrounding the Voyager 2 probe's encounter with Saturn. It also features a lengthy article by Jean SIDER questioning the scientific community's approach to anomalous phenomena and historical unexplained events.

Space Shuttle Preparations Accelerate

The main article details the intensified preparations for the launch of the American space shuttle 'Columbia,' scheduled for October 9th. This mission marks the first time a manned spacecraft will be used for regular operations, following its historic first flight in April. The shuttle was moved from its hangar to the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, a process that took eight hours due to weather considerations. A significant modification to the 'Complex 39-A' launch pad is underway, involving the installation of a water-cooling system designed to spray approximately 260,000 liters of water to absorb the shockwaves generated by the booster rockets. This measure is intended to prevent damage to the shuttle, which was observed during its first flight. The report notes that these modifications, expected to be completed by September 14th, aim to ensure the October 9th launch date, though hurricane season in Florida presents a potential weather-related risk.

Two military personnel, Joe Engle (49, mission commander) and Richard Truly (44, copilot), are designated for this second flight. Unlike the first mission, which focused on verifying the shuttle's functionality, the second flight will carry instruments to study Earth's resources and test the shuttle's robotic arm for satellite retrieval and deployment.

Voyager 2's Close Encounter with Saturn

A separate article reports on the Voyager 2 probe's successful flyby of Saturn, passing within 101,000 km at 5:24 AM French time. Despite a malfunction in both cameras shortly after its rendezvous with the ringed planet, NASA deemed the mission a 'considerable success.' Technicians at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena were working to resolve the camera issue, which may have been caused by a particle collision. While disappointed by the loss of Saturn images, scientists are concerned about the cameras' functionality for future missions, particularly the 1986 flyby of Uranus and the 1989 encounter with Neptune.

The Voyager 2 mission is described as the last major American planetary exploration project for several years, with the future of the 'Galileo' Jupiter orbiter mission uncertain due to budget cuts.

The data gathered by Voyager 2 has led to a revision of conclusions drawn from Voyager 1's observations. Dr. Gary Hunt stated that 'theories are collapsing in whole sections.' Voyager 2 revealed that Saturn's rings consist of thousands of elements, not hundreds, and did not find the hypothesized 'mini-moons' that could explain their structure. Scientists are now looking to an experiment measuring the proportion of light occulted by the rings to explain their formation. Other enigmas include a perfectly regular 'F' ring, a 400 km crater on the moon Tethys, the unusual rotation of the moon Hyperion, dark 'rays' within the rings of unknown origin, and large asphalt-black spots on the moon Iapetus. Saturn's system is considered a model for the formation of our solar system and galaxies.

Questioning Scientific Explanations: The Charles Fort Approach

Jean SIDER contributes a lengthy piece that critiques the scientific establishment's tendency to dismiss or contort explanations for anomalous phenomena, drawing parallels with the work of Charles Fort. SIDER argues that science often resorts to 'absurd' rationalizations to maintain a consistent, albeit artificial, worldview, rather than embracing the inexplicable.

He recounts historical cases, such as the 'rain' of winkles and crabs in Worcester, England, in 1881. Despite the sheer quantity of marine life found miles inland, the prevailing explanation was a fishmonger disposing of unsold stock, an explanation SIDER finds implausible given the scale. He contrasts this with the case of a glowing owl reported in Norfolk, England, in 1908, which was later attributed to phosphorescent wood debris or a fungus, despite the taxidermist finding no luminescence.

SIDER also addresses the phenomenon of cattle mutilations, which became prevalent in the US from 1973 onwards. He criticizes the New Mexico commission's report, led by Kenneth Rommel, which concluded that the mutilations were natural deaths and the wounds were from predators, despite the precise, surgical nature of the injuries. He argues that this conclusion, supported by state laboratories, contradicts findings from other veterinarians and represents a deliberate attempt to obscure the truth.

He posits that this 'passivity and indifference' from the scientific community suggests an 'artificial blockage' designed to prevent deeper investigation into intelligent phenomena that may be influencing human thought. SIDER questions the qualifications of astrophysicists and astronomers to explain UFOs, suggesting they are ill-equipped to deal with phenomena outside their established fields. He advocates for investigating the source of this obstruction rather than merely collecting UFO observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in science fiction, ufology, and unexplained phenomena. It features advertisements for related magazines and services, such as 'SOLARIS,' 'Perry Rhodan Magazin,' 'UFOLOGIA,' and 'AGET-SERVICE.' The editorial stance appears to be critical of mainstream scientific explanations for anomalies, favoring a more open-minded approach that acknowledges the possibility of phenomena beyond current understanding, often referencing the work of Charles Fort. The recurring theme is the perceived 'obstruction' and 'cover-up' by official science when confronted with evidence that challenges its established paradigms.

This issue of "LE TRIANGLE DES BERMUDES" (The Bermuda Triangle), published by Ufologia in April 1981, delves into mysterious maritime events and a historical debate surrounding aviation.

The Azores Triangle?

The lead article, "A-T-IL SON EQUIVALENT DANS LES AÇORES?" (Does it have its equivalent in the Azores?), reports on the unsettling disappearances of two vessels in the maritime zone of the Azores: the German cargo ship WEST STAR and the Portuguese petrol tanker BOA NOVA. These incidents, occurring within a short timeframe, sparked concern and astonishment. Maritime authorities in the Azores registered the presence of a "phantom ship," brightly illuminated, off the island of TERCEIRA on the night of March 31, 1981. Despite a strong storm, this vessel continued its course, ignoring naval signals. This event has led to speculation among locals about a potential "Bermuda Triangle" phenomenon in the region. The WEST STAR, carrying 2000 tons of cement and a crew of 5 Germans, 3 Portuguese, and 1 Turkish sailor, vanished without a trace shortly before its scheduled arrival at ANGRO DO HEROISMO on TERCEIRA on March 27, 1981. The captain had reported a routine voyage, making the disappearance even more baffling. Extensive searches by boats and planes over three days yielded no results. The BOA NOVA incident, occurring on February 13, 1981, is equally mysterious. It disappeared off the Azores and was later discovered capsized, with its eight crew members also missing. The article poses the questions: Where is the WEST STAR, and who played with the BOA NOVA?

Debate on Aviation History: "Errors" in Dirigible History

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed rebuttal by J. SIDER to claims made by Jean GIRAUD regarding the history of dirigibles. SIDER systematically addresses GIRAUD's points, accusing him of bad faith and misrepresentation. SIDER refutes GIRAUD's assertions about early inventors like Meusnier, Mongolfier, Blanchard, Giffard, Haenlein, Wolfert, and Lebaudy, providing counter-arguments and citing historical sources. SIDER emphasizes the distinction between theoretical projects and actual realized flights, and between free balloons and steerable dirigibles. He criticizes GIRAUD for confusing scientific principles, historical facts, and for attempting to adapt history to fit his theories. SIDER highlights that GIRAUD's primary source for his "study" on the 1897 airship wave, Louis Figuier's "Les Aérostats," was published in 1882, making it anachronistic for analyzing events from 1897. SIDER also claims to possess 90% of the data on the 1897 wave, which he states has not been fully disclosed, and dismisses GIRAUD's work as a "bad taste joke."

UFO Observations Compilation

The issue includes a comprehensive compilation of UFO sightings, categorized as "OBSERVATIONS UFOLOGIQUES" (Ufological Observations), condensed from press reports. These sightings span from December 1979 to January 1980 and are reported from various locations across France (Lot, Oise, Indre et Loire, Loire Atlantique, Seine et Marne, Vosges, Vaucluse) and Spain (Chiclana). The descriptions detail luminous objects of various shapes (spheres, discs, points of light) and colors (yellow, orange, red, blue, green), often exhibiting unusual behavior such as rapid movement, hovering, and disappearing. Some reports mention specific characteristics like "smoke rings" or a "tail."

Astronomical Discoveries

Two short articles report on astronomical findings: "DECOUVERTE D'UNE ETOILE GEANTE" (Discovery of a Giant Star) details the recent discovery by astronomers in Chile of a massive star, "R-136," in the "Grand Nuage de Magellan," estimated to be a thousand times more massive than the Sun. "GALAXIES GEANTES OBSERVEES POUR LA PREMIERE FOIS" (Giant Galaxies Observed for the First Time) reports on the observation of galaxies larger than the Milky Way, located 10 billion light-years away, making them the most distant celestial bodies ever observed.

Investigator's Check-list

A section titled "Check-list de l'enquêteur" (Investigator's Check-list) by CFRU provides a detailed guide for conducting ufological investigations. It outlines the essential information to collect, including witness details, date, time, location, weather conditions, object descriptions (shape, color, size, trajectory), phenomena observed (sounds, electromagnetic effects, physical traces), and any photographic or croquis evidence.

Book Recommendations

The magazine features extensive lists of recommended books under "LECTURES" (Readings) and "DOCUMENTATION BIBLIOGRAPHIQUE" (Bibliographic Documentation). These lists cover a wide range of topics related to UFOs, extraterrestrial encounters, ancient mysteries, parapsychology, and aviation history, with numerous titles from publishers like R. Laffont, J'ai Lu, and A. Michel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained maritime phenomena, historical controversies in aviation, and a broad spectrum of UFO sightings and related topics. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the detailed rebuttal of Jean Giraud's claims and the extensive compilation of UFO reports, is one of critical inquiry, historical accuracy, and a commitment to documenting and analyzing anomalous phenomena. The magazine appears to be a platform for ufological research and debate, aiming to provide readers with information and tools for understanding these complex subjects.