Veronica - No 07 - 1977 1er trimestre

Magazine Overview

Title: VERONICA
Issue: BULLETIN N° 7
Date: 1er trimestre 1977 (First Trimester 1977)
Price: 6F

Editorial

The editorial announces a significant overhaul for the Véronica bulletin, marking its transition to a new phase. Previously, the bulletin was single-handedly produced by President M. GOUIRAN, who typed and duplicated 20-30 pages of text. Following a general assembly decision, a new editorial committee has been formed to share the workload and contribute new articles. This issue is the first product of this new team, acknowledging that while not yet perfect, efforts will be made to improve it in future editions. Key innovations include the adoption of OFFSET printing and the introduction of new recurring sections. A technical article will cover codes, abbreviations, and translations useful for ufologists, while another article aims to introduce young readers (and others) to astronomy. Importantly, the bulletin has undergone legal deposit, making subscriptions possible for twenty francs without requiring membership in the Group. The editorial team solicits feedback and suggestions.

The editorial is signed by Jean VILLEVIEILLE.

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

• Pages 2: La lettre du President (The President's Letter) - Author: C.G.
• Pages 3: La vie de Véronica (The Life of Véronica) - Author: D.B.
• Pages 8: Relevé dans la presse (Press Review) - Author: C.G. M.J.R.
• Pages 32: Humour (Humor) - Author: G.J.
• Pages 33: OVNI en RCA (UFO in RCA) - Author: C.D. R.L.
• Pages 38: In Hoc Signo Vinces" - Author: C.G.
• Pages 40: Pleins phares sur vos codes (Spotlight on your codes) - Author: C.G. J.V. R.L.
• Pages 48: Ventes, Achats, Echanges, Recherches (Sales, Purchases, Exchanges, Research)
• Pages 50: Bibliographie (Bibliography)
• Pages 51: Cours d'astronomie (Astronomy Course) - Author: J.V.

Véronica: Quarterly information bulletin of the Véronica group, dedicated to the verification and study of UFO reports for Nimes and the surrounding region.

Director of Publication: JEAN VILLEVIEILLE
Editor-in-Chief: DENISE BOULET
Editorial Committee: CHARLES GOUIRAN, CHRISTOPHE DANAN, ROBERT LASCOLS, REMY CROUZET, GERARD JARRETIE
Printed by: Atelier J.V.
Address: 39, rue Roussy 30000 NIMES
Legal Deposit: 04/77

The President's Letter

The President's letter extends a warm welcome to new members, expressing hope that they will not only deepen their study of the UFO phenomenon but also integrate into the group's active core. He emphasizes that diverse skills and experiences are valuable, encouraging all members to participate actively, echoing Baron de Coubertin's "The important thing is to participate...". The letter stresses that fulfillment comes through action, and at Véronica, action is paired with "franche gaieté" (frank cheerfulness). Members are urged to attend meetings regularly to prevent the group from becoming disorganized. A monthly communal dinner is organized, inviting participation. Immediate projects include expanding contacts with ufologists in neighboring departments and developing audio-visual aids for conferences and debates, which are reportedly progressing well. The group "VERONICA" now holds the delegation for the Gard region from "Lumières dans la Nuit" and is also affiliated with "CUFOS" (Center for UFO Studies) in Evanston, Illinois, USA, with Jean-Louis Brochard serving as the liaison for CUFOS-FRANCE. The letter concludes with a reminder for members to pay their 1977 membership dues, which were requested in December 1976.

The letter is signed by "el.Jovinaz", likely a signature for the President.

Report on the General Assembly

The General Assembly of the Véronica group was held on Monday, December 20th, at the PABLO NERUDA Cultural and Sports Center. President Mr. GOUIRAN presented the moral and financial reports for the past year. The group's activities in 1976 were numerous and varied:

• Investigations: Conducted in liaison with the National Gendarmerie, Mr. Claude POHER from the Centre National d'études Spatiales in Toulouse, and CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies, USA).
• Congresses: A study weekend on UFOs was held in Poitiers in June, attended by journalists and scientists including Jean-Claude BOURRET, Jacques VALLEE (researcher at the Institute for the Future, USA), and Jean-Pierre PETIT (researcher at C.N.R.S.).
• Reviews: The second issue of "Cahiers de l'Etrange" featured a presentation of document 1621, discovered in the archives of the Séguier Library in Nimes, detailing a UFO sighting in the city's sky during that era.
• Radio: Seven or eight broadcasts were made for FR 3 Nimes, one 14-minute program for France-Culture, and two for FR 3-Montpellier, including a 30-minute live broadcast.
• Television: Two color television programs were produced: one of 4 minutes on document 1621 and another of 8 minutes on the Véronica group. A black and white program lasted 35 minutes.

Contacts with Major International Groups

• LDLN (Lumière Dans La Nuit), for which Véronica manages the delegation in the Gard region.
• CUFOS, for which Véronica manages the regional delegation.
• SOBEPS (Belgian)
• FSR (British)
• APRO (American)

Contacts with French Regional Groups

• PALMOS (Montpellier)
• CSRU (Chambéry)
• CFRU (Forbach)
• GREU (Ivry)
• GRIPHOM (Marseille)
• SVEPS (Toulon)
• ADEPS (Valescure)
• AAMT (Valence)
• SOVEPS (Vedène)
• GAUSS (Marseille)
• Groupe 03100 (Montluçon)
• And others...

Contacts with Writers and Journalists

Technical Achievements

A simple detector for variations in the Earth's magnetic field was developed by one of the members, Professor LEMONNIER.

Public Events

Events were held in Uzès, Bagnols, and Nimes.

Relations with the Gendarmerie Nationale

The Gendarmerie Nationale participated in a vigil organized by the group in Lozère.

Projects for 1977

Numerous projects are planned for 1977, including liaisons with other regional groups to form a federation of the "Grand Delta" (Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Côte d'azur-Corse, Languedoc-Roussillon).

Jean-Claude Bourret's Visit

Jean-Claude BOURRET visited for a conference-debate, including a signing of his latest book, "Le Nouveau Défit des OVNI" (The New UFO Challenge), published by Editions France-Empire.

Bureau Renewal

During the General Assembly, a partial renewal of the bureau took place:

• President: Mr Charles GOUIRAN
• Vice-Presidents: MM Christophe DANAN, Robert LASCOLS
• Secretary: Mme Denise BOULET
• Treasurer: Mr Michel GUICHARD

Our Encounters

• November 28th: A fraternal gathering in MONTFRIN (Gard) brought together members of the "PALMOS" and "VERONICA" groups to strengthen their ties. "PALMOS" serves as the French correspondent for APRO following Dr. Richard NIEMTZOW's return to the USA. Jean-Pierre TROADEC, "LDLN" delegate for Vaucluse, and Francis ATTARD, a reporter for "MIDI-LIBRE", also attended.

• December 5th: "VERONICA" attended the general assembly of the Association des Amis de Marc THIROUIN in VALENCE. This event allowed for reconnecting with friends from this sister group, notably David DUQUESNOY and his wife, as well as Michel FIGUET, whom Véronica's representatives had met at the "Deuxièmes Journées sur les O.V.N.I." in Poitiers in June 1976, organized by Jean-Claude BOURRET.

• January 30th: A meeting was held with members of GRIPHOM from MARSEILLE at the restaurant "LA GRUPI" in GRANS, near SALON-DE-PROVENCE. Jean BEDET, President of GRIPHOM, presented the participating groups, including GREPO (represented by Jean-Pierre TROADEC) and OURANOS (represented by Jean-Claude CORNAND). Discussions included explanations of devices developed by GRIPHOM, such as a portable magnetic field variation detector and an automatic tape recorder station.

• February 3rd: Véronica was represented by Charles GOUIRAN at a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of "RADIO-NIMES". Among the 200 guests, friends from FR3 NIMES were present, who were also responsible for reporting on the event.

• February 4th: Charles GOUIRAN and Fernand LEMONNIER visited the Public Mixed School of DONAT-SABRAN, near BAGNOLS-SUR-CEZE, at the invitation of Claude NORMAND, a teacher. They gave a presentation for three hours to an engaged audience of students (CE1, CE2, CM1, CM2), who asked pertinent questions, demonstrating remarkable attentiveness and a high level of engagement with the FREINET pedagogy.

• February 6th: A meeting took place in SILLANS-LA-CASCADE (VAR), organized by Véronica, with representatives from SVEPS, GAUSS, CRUN, and ADEPS. The day was described as disappointing, but it provided an opportunity to see the secretary-general of ADEPS, JULIEN, and to meet the "CENTRE DE RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES NICOIS", a group described as serious and dynamic, represented by MM. MAISSA and ZURCHER.

Press Review

MIDI LIBRE: Thursday, December 2nd

AU BOULOU (P.O.)

A peculiar blue cloud brought about a blue rain that affected the town of Le Boulou. The blue phenomenon, described as a "pretty child-like blue," was observed on sidewalks, café terraces, and streets, particularly on parked cars. Removing this residue proved difficult, requiring strong detergents. Mr. Versmee, a local pharmacist, investigated the phenomenon using various reagents. He theorized that it was a dye that had been carried by a chimney, reached a passing cloud, and then fell back onto Le Boulou as a rain-like substance. This explanation is considered the most logical one known at the time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Véronica reflects a strong emphasis on group organization, collaboration, and the dissemination of information within the ufology community in France. The editorial and the President's letter highlight the importance of active participation, expanding networks, and improving the quality and reach of the bulletin. There is a clear effort to professionalize the group's operations, evidenced by the legal deposit, the formation of an editorial committee, and the use of offset printing. The content spans various aspects of ufology, from technical details and case studies (OVNI en RCA) to broader scientific interests like astronomy. The group actively engages with other national and international organizations, indicating a commitment to being part of a larger movement. The press review section demonstrates an interest in documenting and analyzing unusual phenomena reported in the media, even those with seemingly mundane explanations like the blue rain incident. The overall stance is one of dedicated research, community building, and open communication within the field of ufology.

This issue of DAUPHINE LIBERE, dated December 7, 1976, focuses heavily on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), or OVNIs (Objets Volants Non Identifiés) as they are referred to in French. The publication covers a range of sightings, investigations, and organizational activities related to the phenomenon across France.

General Assembly of the Friends of Marc Thirouin

The lead story details the general assembly of the "Amis de Marc Thirouin" (A.A.M.T.) association, which also includes a UFO investigation commission and the delegation "Lumières dans la nuit." The assembly, held in Valence, brought together adherents and representatives from various UFO study groups from the Rhône-Alpes and Midi-Méditerranée regions. The morning session included a review of regional activities such as investigations, exhibitions, and debates on the seriousness of UFO phenomena, as well as participation in the Romans fair. A film showcasing the association's activities outside the region, including a congress in Montluçon, was also presented. In the afternoon, a new administrative council and bureau for 1977 were formed, and their planned activities and provisional budget were presented. The latter part of the day featured interventions from specialized regional UFO study groups, including the "comité savoyard d'études et de recherches ufologiques" (C.S.E.R.U.) from Chambéry, the "groupe Palmos" from Montpellier, the "société vauclusienne d'études des phénomènes spatiaux" (S.O.V.E.R.S.) from Le Pontet, the "société varoise" (S.V.E.P.S.) from Toulon, and the group "V.E.R.O.N.I.C.A." from Nîmes, along with representatives from "Lumière dans la nuit" from Isère and Vaucluse. These interveners emphasized the need for standardized investigation methods (e.g., common questionnaires), the development of detectors, better exploitation of results, the creation of an accessible public file, and collaboration among regional scientists from all disciplines to study the phenomenon.

A project for a charter, aimed at creating a federation of UFO study groups, was discussed, and a work calendar for 1977 was established. The A.A.M.T. invites scientists and specialists to contact them, noting the complexity of UFO study requires expertise across various disciplines, from physics to psychology. The association's headquarters are located at 29, rue Berthelot, in Valence.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The issue includes several reports of UFO sightings from different regions of France:

Alpes de Haute-Provence

Under the heading "MIDI-LIBRE: Mardi 14 Décembre," a singular adventure involving chasseurs alpins during night maneuvers in the Alpes de Haute-Provence is detailed. Two sergent-chefs, Gabarit and Charrin, reported seeing a luminous object descending at high speed near the Col de Larche. The following night, accompanied by their chef Atar, they observed a spinning, luminous object that illuminated them and their vehicle from below before disappearing at high speed. A military expedition was launched, but the object did not reappear. Their report and sketches were sent to the gendarmerie in Paris.

"L'AURORE: 14 Décembre 1976" further elaborates on this event, quoting Commandant Vanson of the Barcelonette chasseurs alpins. He described a dark, circular object, luminous in the center, about 100 meters above them, which stabilized before disappearing. The next night, four identical, dark red craft were seen moving silently from Italy towards the North. One detached and approached the witnesses, causing fear, before stabilizing and disappearing with the others. Captain Jean-Yves Montfort of the Barcelonette gendarmerie investigated but found no further sightings. Notably, avalanche dogs reportedly howled intensely on both nights the phenomena occurred.

Gard Region

"MIDI-LIBRE Dimanche 26 Décembre 76" reports a new wave of UFO sightings in the Gard region. The regional investigation group "V.E.R.O.N.I.C.A." notes an increase in testimonies. Several sightings are detailed:

• November 5: Mme Mauduit d'Uzes observed a rapidly moving, red-orange spherical object with a bright yellow and red trail.
• November 7: Mr. Jarrétie in Uzès saw an immobile luminous point that descended for 15 seconds before vanishing into a cloud.
• November 16: A bright metallic rectangular bar was seen traversing the sky.
• December 1: Mme Baroni reported a large, white, iridescent star with a flashing red ring moving rapidly over the Gardon gorges.
• December 8: Four individuals in Nîmes observed a large, luminous rectangle, described as dirigible-sized, which rapidly dimmed and disappeared.

"V.E.R.O.N.I.C.A." has issued an appeal for witnesses and continues its investigations.

Ardèche and Vaucluse

"DAUPHINE LIBERE du Mercredi 5 Janvier" and "DAUPHINE LIBERE du 8 Janvier 77" cover sightings in these regions.

• January 1 (Ardèche): Mr. Blachier, his wife, and two children observed a large, orange-glowing UFO for half an hour near Saint-Pierreville. The object, sometimes spherical, sometimes ovoïde, moved slowly below the clouds.
• December 24, 1976 (Nyons): Several inhabitants reported witnessing a large UFO.
• December 24, 1976 (L'Isle-sur-Sorgue): Mr. Brissac and five passengers saw a "huge black object with small portholes."
• January 1 (Vaucluse): Mr. and Mrs. François Perez, traveling between Chabeuil and Combovin, observed a large, luminous, ovoïde object, estimated to be 30-40 meters in diameter, hovering above a field and surrounded by a white halo. It ascended at high speed. They reported the incident to the gendarmerie. Notably, the couple experienced eye pain afterward, and Mrs. Perez's watch stopped working.

Drôme

"Midi-Libre: Dimanche 9 Janvier 1977" reports a couple near Valence observed a luminous, ovoïde object following their car for over an hour before disappearing at high speed.

Touraine

"Dauphiné libéré du 12 Janvier 1977" mentions two women in Tours observed an elongated object with an intense, scintillating central light.

Other News Items

Tremblement de Terre sur Mars

The Viking probe on Mars recorded a strong tremor, the first since the mission began, leaving specialists puzzled.

Mysterious "Little Green Men" in Peru

An expedition was planned to the Amazon basin to investigate claims by a student, Jose Alvarez, who asserted he was saved from drowning by four small, green-scaled beings with three-fingered hands and claws.

Scientific Observation in Noves

"Le Provençal", Avignon, January 14, 1977, reports on a scientific observer, M. Jacky Bas, a CNRS technician, who witnessed two mysterious "stars" in Noves. He observed two luminous objects, initially resembling stars but larger and brighter, evolving for 45 minutes. The objects changed color from white-yellow to red and moved in a North-South direction. Bas, accompanied by his family and a neighbor, observed the phenomenon from his home and later from a nearby plateau. He noted one object made a sharp turn, suggesting an inspection of the area. The event was witnessed by five people, including a scientific researcher, and is considered a significant mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the prevalence and increasing number of UFO sightings across France. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious reporting and investigation, highlighting the efforts of various organizations like A.A.M.T. and V.E.R.O.N.I.C.A. The articles emphasize the need for scientific rigor, data collection, and interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding these phenomena. There is a clear effort to document witness testimonies accurately and to present them as credible, often citing the witnesses' reliability, as in the case of the chasseurs alpins. The publication seems to encourage public reporting of sightings, as indicated by V.E.R.O.N.I.C.A.'s appeal for witnesses. The inclusion of a scientific observer's account (M. Bas) lends further weight to the seriousness with which these events are being treated.

This document comprises several articles from the French newspaper "Midi-Libre" published in January and February 1977, focusing on numerous Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings reported across various regions of France. The articles detail witness testimonies, object descriptions, and the locations of these phenomena.

Nîmes and Surrounding Area

An article from "Midi-Libre" dated January 20, 1977, highlights that the Nîmes region frequently receives requests from individuals wishing to see a UFO. The group "VERONICA" (Vérification et Etude des rapports sur les OVNI pour Nimes et la contrée avoisinante) is mentioned as investigating these reports. Despite the general difficulty in systematically observing UFOs, VERONICA notes that the region is currently experiencing a wave of phenomena, with sightings occurring almost daily. The most favorable observation times are between dusk and 2 AM. Currently observed craft are often spherical and move in pairs. A specific, ongoing investigation concerns a strongly luminous stationary sphere observed on February 14th at 11:30 PM near the ring road of Nîmes. Reports are to be sent to VERONICA at 3, Rue Folco de Baroncelli, Nîmes.

Sighting near Foix

On Tuesday, January 18, 1977, at 5:00 PM, an unidentified flying object, described as black and red, was observed stationary for several minutes near Foix before disappearing behind a mountain. This report is also from "Midi-Libre" dated January 20, 1977.

Astronomical Discovery and UFOs

A report from the German observatory in Effelsberg, published in "Le Provencal" (Avignon edition) on January 26, 1977, details the first-time detection of water molecules in a galaxy other than our own. Astronomers from the Max Planck Institute discovered a water vapor cloud in the galaxy "M-33." This discovery suggests the possibility of finding planets with conditions similar to Earth's solar system in other galaxies. The article contrasts this scientific finding with UFO reports.

UFO over Isle-sur-Sorgue

"Le Provencal" also reported on January 26, 1977, a sighting over Isle-sur-Sorgue. Two young women employed at "Platrières de France" reported seeing a luminous hexagonal object moving slowly and silently at helicopter height around 7:30 AM. The phenomenon lasted five minutes. Unlike a previous report from Avignon, there was no fog at Isle-sur-Sorgue. The newspaper invited other witnesses to come forward.

A follow-up in "Midi-Libre" on February 5, 1977, corroborated the Isle-sur-Sorgue sighting. Two additional witnesses confirmed seeing the mysterious object around 7:30 AM, describing it as moving slowly and silently, emitting an orange light that suddenly extinguished as if trying to hide. The object was deemed neither an airplane nor a helicopter due to its characteristics. The article questions whether other locals or residents of Vaucluse also witnessed the event.

UFOs in the Grand Delta Region

"Midi-Libre" on February 5, 1977, announced "The Grand Return of UFOs in the Grand Delta." A 22-year-old sales representative, Gérard Marter, reported seeing a strange star around 9:30 PM on February 1st while traveling on RN 113 with his family between Uchaud and Codognan. He described an "aplatie sphere" (flattened sphere) evolving at 45 degrees above the horizon, with variable luminosity, changing colors, and an erratic trajectory resembling a butterfly's flight. The object descended and disappeared towards Galiargues. Charles Gouiran, president of the "V.E. R.O.N.I.C.A." group, is investigating this case.

Charles Gouiran provided further details on the Marter sighting, stating that five witnesses, including Marter, observed the object for about half an hour. They estimated its size to be equivalent to a five-centime coin held at arm's length, suggesting a real dimension of about 25 meters at a distance of two kilometers. Gouiran ruled out artificial satellites due to their smaller apparent size and East-West trajectory, planets due to their predictable ecliptic plane movement, helicopters (not flying at night), and weather balloons, based on inquiries with meteorological and naval aviation bases. VERONICA notes an increase in observations in the "Grand Delta" region.

Other Sightings in the South of France

On January 12th, five people, including Jacky Bas from the National Center for Scientific Research in Avignon, observed a mysterious star over Eyrargues (Bouches du Rhône) whose behavior was similar to the Codognan phenomenon. On December 24th, an "immense black object with small portholes" was observed by M. Brissac and others over Isle-sur-Sorgue. The same area reported a hexagonal UFO on January 25th. Between January 1st and 10th, three observations of large spherical objects were made in Ardèche, near Saint-Pierreville. In Drôme, near Combovin, M. and Mme Perez saw an "enormous luminous engine of ovoid shape" on January 1st around 7:45 PM, estimated to be thirty to forty meters in diameter, surrounded by a whitish light, hovering near the ground before rapidly departing.

In the Gard region on November 5th, Mme Mauduit of Uzès observed a rapidly moving red-orange spherical object followed by a colored trail. On November 7th, M. Jarretie reported an immobile luminous point over Uzès that descended like a falling leaf before disappearing into a cloud. On November 16th, a "metallic bar" traversed the sky. On December 1st, Mme Baroni saw a large, iridescent white star with a flashing red ring over the Gardon gorges. On December 8th, four individuals in Nîmes observed a large, luminous rectangle near Marguerittes that appeared to be the size of a dirigible before its light rapidly faded.

The article mentions that the region of Sète-Palavas, Pic Saint-Loup, and the Boissières-Uchaud-Codognan triangle are considered "orthotenic lines," which might explain the high frequency of observations. Other phenomena have been observed in the Aude department. Individuals with unusual observations are encouraged to contact VERONICA in Nîmes or the PALMOS Group in Montpellier.

UFOs in the Gard Region (Yellow to Blue)

"Midi-Libre" on February 15, 1977, reported UFOs changing color from yellow to blue in the Gard sky. On the evening of February 14th, residents near Bagnols-sur-Cèze observed two unidentified objects. After hovering for over two minutes, they moved progressively towards the Southwest, their luminosity changing from bright yellow to intense blue. The low cloud cover did not prevent these objects from being highly visible.

UFOs Attacking in the Gard?

"Midi-Libre" on February 20, 1977, questioned if UFOs were "attacking" in the Gard. Several sightings were reported around Bagnols-sur-Cèze. In one instance, two objects that had been fleeing West after a fixed point observation changed color from yellow to blue. In another, near Colombier, about fifty bright points were observed vertically above Sabran, with their silvery luminosity fluctuating. This phenomenon was observed for a long time before disappearing. Other spectators confirmed this unusual scene.

Aveyron No Longer Neglected by UFOs

"Midi-Libre" on February 25, 1977, reported that Aveyron, previously considered outside the usual UFO routes, is now experiencing sightings. Four inhabitants of Saint-Martin-de-Faux reported observing a large red ball that blinked on and off three times before disappearing behind a hill. The observation lasted five minutes. This event is contrasted with potential misidentifications or collective hallucinations.

Red Moon in the Rouergat Sky

"Midi-Libre" on February 26, 1977, detailed a sighting in a small hamlet in Rouergat. Four people playing cards saw a large red ball in the sky. It disappeared and reappeared, descending slowly. The witnesses, including Jeannine, described it as "bigger than a full moon" and "impressive." They drove towards the Roube hill to investigate. The night was calm and dense. They heard faint, sweet vibrations, like chimes, and the sound of dogs barking nearby, which frightened them, causing them to retreat. The village has been abuzz with the event, and the gendarmes are investigating.

God, UFOs, and the UN

A report from "Sud-Ouest" (Gironde) dated October 9, 1976, transmitted by J.L. Proust, discusses a UN debate where Grenada's Prime Minister, Eric Gairy, spoke about UFOs. He suggested that useful information on UFOs is kept secret in archives by some countries for military reasons. Gairy also discussed the problem of God, stating that accepting God was paramount. He acknowledged that the issue could be controversial. He also touched upon psychic research as a potential source of answers to human problems.

Other International and French Reports

"Nouvelle République" of Vienne reported on October 19, 1976, about a "photo of the skeleton of an unknown being" discovered by a sexagenarian, Humerto Romero Valencia, who suggested it might be the remains of an extraterrestrial. This was published in a Mexican newspaper. "Nouvelle République" on November 10, 1976, mentioned a UFO observed repeatedly over Vercors since mid-October, seen by a teacher between 5:50 PM and 6:20 PM.

"Le Monde" on December 1, 1976, posed the question: "Must we fear an invasion by extraterrestrials?" It noted that attempts to contact extraterrestrial life have been made, citing a plaque placed on a PIONEER space probe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout these articles is the reporting of UFO sightings across France, primarily in the southern regions. The newspaper "Midi-Libre" actively collects and publishes these accounts, often quoting witnesses directly and providing details about the objects' appearance, behavior, and location. The involvement of investigative groups like VERONICA highlights a serious approach to documenting these phenomena. The articles present these sightings as factual events, inviting public participation and further investigation. There's an underlying implication that these phenomena are real and warrant attention, though the exact nature or origin remains unexplained. The inclusion of the UN debate and the scientific discovery of water in another galaxy broadens the context of the UFO phenomenon, touching upon scientific, political, and philosophical dimensions.

This issue of the magazine, titled "OVNI en RCA," focuses on UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial life. The main investigative piece, "Transcription de la bande magnétique de l'enquête menée en Juillet 1976 par MM. DANAN et LASCOLS auprès de M. Pierre MOURGUES," details an encounter in the Central African Republic. Other articles discuss scientific efforts to detect alien signals, potential life in other galaxies, and various UFO sightings reported in France.

Scientific Perspectives on Extraterrestrial Contact

The issue begins by referencing radio emissions sent into space by Americans via the ARECIBO radio telescope, aimed at distant worlds. Sir Martin RYLE, a Nobel laureate in Physics, is quoted issuing a warning against such actions, expressing concern that intelligent extraterrestrials might be tempted to invade Earth upon learning of its existence. Despite this potential danger, the article notes that any such invaders would be decades of light-years away, making an immediate threat unlikely.

Bob EDELSON, a specialist from NASA, is reported to have indicated that Americans would begin listening for extraterrestrial signals within two years. He suggested that while NASA could send its own messages, which would take 24,000 years to receive a reply, intercepting existing transmissions would be simpler. Edelson believes that detecting such messages would prove the existence of another evolved civilization, stating, "it is inconceivable... that among the seven trillion stars, or more, in the galaxy, we are alone."

An international team of astronomers from the Max Planck Institute in Bonn, comprising German, French, and American scientists, has reportedly detected water vapor outside the Milky Way. This discovery suggests the possibility of life in other galaxies. The team used the EFFELS-BERG radio telescope, Europe's largest mobile radio telescope, located near Cologne. They identified water molecules moving at a frequency of approximately one per ten cubic centimeters near the nebula I.C.133, about 2,200,000 light-years from Earth. To eliminate errors, the telescope's electronics were cooled to below -250 degrees.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Several specific UFO sightings are detailed:

• La Courtine, Corrèze, France (December 2, 1976): A flying object was observed above a military camp. Witnesses described it as not being an airplane or helicopter, but rather a luminous object with a summit light. It appeared circular and reddish, moving at a low altitude with a noticeable whistling sound. It was not reported elsewhere in the region.
• Pas-de-la-Case, Foix, France (January 19, 1977): Melle Patricia MONIN, aged 19, reported seeing an impressive luminous object of red and black color while descending from Pas-de-la-Case. She managed to photograph the object, which then ascended vertically at extraordinary speed before disappearing.
• Ligugé, France (January 27, 1977): M. Bernard PROUST observed a luminous, oval-shaped object stationary in the sky, emitting whitish rays. He was the sole witness to this phenomenon.
• Central African Republic (July 1976): The main investigative piece details an encounter near Bangui. A couple, the husband being the director of the BANGUI-BOUCHIA sawmill, reported seeing a bright yellow, opalescent red disk, approximately three meters in diameter, hovering a few centimeters above a laterite road. The object had a sharp geometric contour and emitted a bright yellow halo that covered the entire road. The birds were silent, and there was no heat radiation. The object's light then extinguished from its periphery inwards. The couple did not feel followed. Later, samples of melted, dark, and fused laterite were found in a clearing nearby, which were not present before the observation. These samples were sent for analysis.
• Bourg-de-Péage, France (June 10-11, 1976): The "AFFAIRE GIULIANA" is recounted. Hélène GIULIANA, aged 20, experienced her car breaking down, with the engine sputtering and headlights failing. She saw an orange luminous mass about fifteen meters away and lost consciousness for two hours. Upon regaining consciousness, her car started, and she returned home. Under hypnosis, she reported being abducted by two small "humanoids" and subjected to various examinations. The meaning of the gestures they made, particularly showing three fingers, remains a mystery.

Other Mentions and Details

The issue also includes a brief mention of a Mexican researcher claiming to have discovered a tenth planet in our solar system, named "JANO." Additionally, a cartoon depicts people exclaiming "Ho! DITES LES GARS JE VOIS UN OVNI*" (Hey! Tell us guys, I see a UFO*), with a humorous definition of OVNI as "Objet Voluptueux Nettement Identifié" (Voluptuous Object Clearly Identified).

The article on the Central African Republic encounter includes a discussion about the "rule of three fingers," relating to electric current, magnetic field, and force, referencing an article in "SCIENCE et VIE" magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents reports of UFO sightings and encounters, often with detailed witness testimonies and investigative efforts. There is a clear interest in the scientific aspects of potential extraterrestrial contact, including radio astronomy and theoretical physics (as seen in the discussion of Lorentz forces). The editorial stance appears to be one of objective reporting and investigation, aiming to document these phenomena and explore possible explanations, while acknowledging the mysterious nature of many events. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown, both in terms of unidentified aerial phenomena and the possibility of life beyond Earth.

This issue of VERONICA, identified by the number 39, is a French-language publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena. The cover features a two-part cartoon by Jean-Pierre Petit, humorously contrasting an idealized view of aliens with a more mundane reality. The main headline, "Planes Phares sur vos Codes," introduces a significant portion of the magazine dedicated to explaining UFO classification systems.

UFO Classification Systems: DATA G.70 and VERONICA

Pages 42-43 delve deeply into the codification of UFO observations. The issue explains the European "D.A.T.A. G.70" system, developed by G.E.S.A.G. of Belgium and modified by the "VERONICA" group. This modified system, referred to as "M.V. (modifiée VERONICA)", is presented in detail. It includes fields for:

• NNN: Order number in the VERONICA file.
• JR-MS-ANNE: Date (Day-Month-Year).
• HEUR: Hour.
• LOCALISATION: Country, Department, Commune.
• aa: Duration in minutes (or 'HR' for over an hour).
• bb: Witnesses (numerical, with abbreviations for hundreds and thousands).
• C: Witness type (Ordinary or Technical).
• dd: Number of objects.
• e: Witness confidence (Good or Doubtful).
• f: Object shape (e.g., Luminous mass, Fusiform, Disk, Pyramid, Cone, Disk with protuberance, Ring, Ovoid, Hemispherical, Object with rods, Dark mass, Point source, Square, Sphere, Crescent, Mushroom, Swarm, Starry/multi-branched, Cylindrical with low brim).
• gg: Dimension in meters (01 to 09 for millimeters, with arm extended; c1 to c9 for centimeters, with arm extended).
• h: Colors (Red, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Gold, etc., with specific codes for White, Silver, Brown, Multicolored, Phosphorescent).
• PAN: Color nuances, using the PANTONE PK 5 system from LETRASET.
• i: Sound (Hissing, Rumbling, Turbine, Reactor, Explosion Engine, Varied, None).
• jj: Speed (e.g., 01, 02 for 100, 200 Km/h, up to 1M to 9M for 1000 to 9000 km/h).
• kk: Altitude (01 to 99 meters, C1 to C9 for 100-900 meters, M1 to M9 for 1000-9000 meters, H1 to H9 for 10000-90000 meters).
• 11111 + 1: Tactical information, indicating direction and displacement.

Directions are coded from 01 (North) to 08 (North-West), and displacement types include Ascension, Horizontal, Undulating, Immobile, Planing, Descent, Zig-zag, Falling leaf, Instantaneous disappearance, and Varied displacement.

Page 43 elaborates on the codification, noting that unknown elements are replaced by 'x'. It details the addition of the NNN group for better searchability and expands on the 'f' (shape) category with 'Y' (star-shaped multi-branched) and 'Z' (cylindrical with low brim). The "PAN" group is explained as intercalated between 'h' and 'i' for color precision. The issue clarifies that for altitude ('kk'), the actual altitude is given directly in clear numbers (00 for ground level up to 99 meters), deviating from the DATA G.70's coded ranges. The tactical group ('11111') is also discussed, along with punctuation used to denote specific conditions like photography, electromagnetic effects, physical traces, or objects in formation. Witness testimony punctuation is also explained, covering physiological effects, death, etc.

The article also mentions that for international cataloging, a two-letter code corresponding to the mineralogical code used by automobiles would be inserted between the 'localisation' and 'aa' groups.

Anglo-Saxon Abbreviations

Pages 44 and 45 provide a valuable list of translations for numerous Anglo-Saxon abbreviations commonly found in UFO literature. This section is intended to aid readers in understanding specialized works. Examples include:

• ABM: Anti Ballistic Missile
• ADC: Aerospace Defense Command
• ADF: Automatic Direction Finder
• AEC: Atomic Energy Commission
• AFB: Air Force Base
• AFCRL: Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories
• AFOSR: Air Force Office Of Scientific Research
• AFSAB: Air Force Scientific Advisory Board
• AIAA: American Institute Of Aeronautics And Astronautics
• ANPA: American Newspaper Publishers Association
• ANZAC: Australian and New-Zealandese Army Corps
• ANZUS: Australia New-Zealand United States Pact
• AOA: American Overseas Airlines
• AP: Associated Press
• APRO: Aerial Phenomena Research Organization
• ASDE: Airport Surface Detection Equipment
• ASDIC: Anti Submarine Detection and Identification Committee
• ASNE: American Society of Newspapers Editors
• ASR: Air Surveillance Radar
• ATC: Air Traffic Control
• ATIC: Air Technical Intelligence Center
• BBC: British Broadcasting corporation
• BC: Before Christ
• BEA: British European Airways
• BSO: Blue Stellar Object
• BST: British Summer Time

OVNI Manifestations in France

Page 49 features a compilation by archivist Robert LASCOLS, listing numerous OVNI (UFO) manifestations reported in France. Each entry includes a location, date (D=Date, H=Heure/Hour, TP=Type de Phénomène/Type of Phenomenon), and sometimes specific details. The list covers a range of dates, primarily from the 1950s, with some entries extending into the 1970s, and includes locations such as MONTADROIT, FEYZIN, MARIGNANE, ST NICOLAS DE REDON, LUNEL, ILE de GLENAN, SOUPRAN, PLEMET, LACHEZE, TREC-LAMUS, DE LIVET, BOUCHY, WAMBIEZ, LE CATEAU, ENGLEFONTAINE, PONS, ARCHIGNY, MONTLUCON, PUY ST GULMIER, CISTERNE LA FORET, MONTSEMPRON, LEGUEVIN, TOULOUSE, FOUSSIGNARGUES, VALENSOLE, ST PIERRE HALTE, CIER de RIVIERE, BOMPAS, PERPIGNAN, BRESSUIRE, CINTEGABELLE, HAUTERIVE, ST VALERY/SOMME, CHEVILLON/HUILLARD, ISBERGUES, SAUVAGNY, BIZENEUILLE, ST SAUVEUR LA SAGNE, and NIERGNIES.

Bibliography and Research Requests

Page 48 contains a "RECHERCHES - ACHATS - VENTES - ECHANGES" section. Antoine MATHIEU, a Professor and member of VERONICA, is seeking specific books: "Le rayonnement 'OMEGA' et l' 'OMEGAMETRE'" by René LALANDE, "Les ondes cosmiques et les circuits oscillants" by Dr. P. RIGAUX, and works by Georges LAKHOVSKY concerning "Le secret de la vie," "Les ondes cosmiques et la radiation vitale," and "La science et la vie - Longévité par les radiations." He offers to trade for books on Alchemy, official Medicine, natural Medicine, and UFOs, and is willing to travel if necessary. Offers are to be sent by mail to his address in NIMES.

Additionally, Aimé MICHEL is looking for "Les origines de l'Odyssée, le fantastique et le sacré" by Gabriel GERMAIN (published by P.U.F. in 1954), and would accept a loan of one or two months.

Page 50 provides a detailed bibliography entry for "L'UNIVERS DE LA PARAPSYCHOLOGIE ET DE L' ESOTERISME," a seven-volume encyclopedia available at the Municipal Library of NIMES. Each volume is approximately 450 pages, with gilded edges and leather binding. Contributors include Yvonne DUPLESSIS, ARNAUD-DESJARDINS, Serge HUTIN, René NELLI, Robert LINSSEN, Doctors RAGER and GUIRDHAM, and Professor CAYCEDO. The volumes cover topics such as Science and Parapsychology, Knowledge and Mediumnity, Magic, Astrology, Alchemy, Oriental and Western Tradition, Medicine and Parapsychology, and Spirituality.

The price for this collection is 1,700 francs, payable in monthly installments. Madame Renée GAFFET, Cultural Delegate for the publisher, is the contact person for obtaining further information and arranging payments, with options for monthly payments of 200 francs or, upon request, 100 francs. Her contact details are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic classification and reporting of UFO phenomena, the importance of standardized data collection, and the facilitation of research through shared resources like abbreviation lists and bibliographical information. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous, methodical investigation into UFO sightings, emphasizing the need for clear, organized data and encouraging researchers to contribute to a collective understanding of these events. The inclusion of historical OVNI reports from France and the focus on specialized literature suggest a commitment to documenting and analyzing the phenomenon from multiple angles.

Title: "astronomic"
Issue: 1
Volume: 51
Date: N/A (estimated 1970s based on context and pricing)
Publisher: N/A
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of "astronomic" provides a foundational overview of the Solar System, detailing its various components and their characteristics. The content is structured to introduce readers to the celestial bodies that orbit our Sun.

The Solar System

The Earth and its Moon are presented as our immediate world, part of a larger, extended family of planets orbiting the Sun annually. This entire grouping is known as the Solar System.

1/- The Planets

There are 9 planets in total, described as bodies that are more or less solidified but not incandescent on the surface, meaning they do not emit their own light. They orbit the Sun in elliptical paths of generally low eccentricity, following the Sun's rotation. The issue promises a table of data on the 9 major planets on the following page, with detailed articles to follow in subsequent issues.

Planets are further categorized based on their proximity to the Sun: Mercury and Venus are called "inferior planets" because they are closer to the Sun than Earth. The others, being farther away, are called "superior planets."

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are classified as "telluric planets" due to shared physical characteristics. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are designated as "giant planets." Pluto is noted as not fitting neatly into this classification.

2/- The Small Planets (or Asteroids)

On January 1, 1801, astronomer G. Piazzi discovered a small planet whose orbit lay between those of Mars and Jupiter. This celestial body was named Ceres. By 1802, 1804, and 1807, three more small planets were discovered.

These four bodies, with comparable dimensions (between 200 and 800 km in diameter), were long thought by astronomers to fill a gap in the succession of planetary distances from the Sun, as described by Bode's Law. However, in 1845, Hencke discovered a fifth asteroid (Astraea), prompting a more intensive search. Since then, discoveries have been made almost annually. Currently, over 1750 small planets are known and cataloged, with assured orbits. It is estimated that if one considers objects down to the 19th magnitude, there could be between 40,000 and 50,000 such objects.

While most small planet orbits are generally between Mars and Jupiter, some have highly eccentric orbits that take them far from this zone. For example, EROS's orbit intersects Mars's and can approach within 20 million km of Earth. ICARE's perihelion is 30 million km from the Sun. HIDALGO's aphelion brings it near Saturn. In 1937, HERMES approached Earth to within 780,000 km.

A table on page 52 provides general data on the planets, including their semi-major axis, sidereal revolution, inclination of the ecliptic, equatorial diameter, mass relative to Earth, gravitational acceleration, and rotation period at the equator. Another table on page 53 lists characteristics of the largest small planets: Ceres, Pallas, Junon, and Vesta, including their diameter, average distance from the Sun (in AU), sidereal revolution (in days), and orbital eccentricity.

3/- Comets

Comets are described as bizarre objects that populate the solar system. The word "comet" comes from a Greek word meaning "hairy." Comets are masses of gas and possibly diffuse dust that orbit the Sun on much more eccentric paths than planets, though some with nearly circular orbits are known. They can approach the Sun much closer than Mercury and recede to distances that are sometimes inestimable. Their highly elongated orbits are often better represented by a parabola than an ellipse.

A diagram illustrates the fundamental structure of a comet, showing the nucleus (noyau) and the coma (chevelure), and the tail (queue). When comets approach the Sun, they develop a tail that extends away from the Sun, not in the direction of motion. This tail is formed by solar radiation pressure pushing away gases and dust. In some orbital positions, the tail may appear to precede the head.

4/- Interplanetary Matter

This term refers to the corpuscles found between the planets and the Sun. The vacuum is not absolute; while there isn't a true atmosphere or gas, atoms and molecules of various gases, as well as fragments of solid bodies, exist everywhere in a highly diluted state. This interplanetary matter can sometimes become visible due to excitations, appearing as auroras or zodiacal light. Shooting stars are also described as grains of this matter entering the upper atmosphere.

5/- Planetoids (Artificial Objects)

The solar system has recently been enriched with artificial planetary objects launched by humans, which will remain in orbit around the Sun eternally. These are very small, and their existence is known only because they were created by humans; otherwise, they would be undetectable and uncontrollable.

Glossary

The issue includes a glossary defining key astronomical terms:

• Aphelie: The point in a planetary or cometary orbit where the object is farthest from the Sun.
• Bode (Law of): A mnemonic rule for approximating the relative distances of successive planets from the Sun. It involves adding 0.4 to initial values and then doubling subsequent increments (0.4, 0.7, 1.0, 1.6, 2.8, 5.2, 10.0, 19.6, etc.). The value 2.8 represents the small planets.
• Ecliptic: The great circle of the celestial sphere marking the Sun's trajectory among the stars. It is also the plane in which Earth moves in its annual orbit. Since planetary orbits are generally only slightly inclined to Earth's orbital plane, planets are typically found near the ecliptic.
• Orbit: A closed curve described by a body in motion around another.
• Perihelie: The point in a planet's orbit where it is closest to the Sun.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts an educational and informative stance, aiming to demystify complex astronomical concepts for its readers. The recurring theme is the systematic exploration and classification of the Solar System's components. The editorial approach is to present factual data, often in tabular form, and to define specialized terminology, suggesting that further, more detailed articles will follow in subsequent issues. The inclusion of a glossary and the promise of future in-depth coverage indicate a commitment to providing comprehensive astronomical knowledge.