Vimana 21 - No 31 - 2eme trim 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: Umana 21
Issue: N°31
Date: 2nd Quarter 1988
Publisher: A.D.R.U.P. (Association Dijonnaise de Recherches Ufologiques et Parapsychologiques)
Country: France
Price: 10F

Editorial and Association Information

The editorial section of Umana 21, issue N°31, clarifies that the magazine is a bulletin of information from A.D.R.U.P., an association without lucrative purpose established by law on July 1, 1901. The responsible individuals are listed: Patrice VACHON (President), Patrick FOURNEL (Vice-President), Jean-Claude CALMEITES (Treasurer), and Jocelyne VACHON (Secretary). Patrick Fournel also serves as the correspondent in Montbard.

The editorial states that VIMANA 21 is the work of all association members who form its editorial committee. Collaboration from researchers and readers is highly valued. Reproduction of articles is permitted with clear source attribution. Information on membership and subscriptions is provided: active members and supporting members pay 130F, with supporting members paying 130F and above. An annual subscription is 60F. Correspondence should be addressed to A.D.R.U.P. at 6, rue des Gémeaux, 21220 GEVREY CHAMBERTIN.

The association reminds readers that article reproduction requires authorization from the editorial board, and the documents inserted are under the responsibility of their authors. The insertion of an article does not imply endorsement by ADRUP.

The printing of this issue was realized by CREDIT MUTUEL.

Contents and Articles

Table of Contents (Sommaire) for VIMANA Issues:
The magazine presents a summary of past issues, indicating availability:

• Issues 1-13: Traces at Echenon, humanoids at Savigny (Available)
• Issue 14: Traces at Marliens (Available)
• Issues 15/16: Dossier observations in C.O. (Available)
• Issue 17: Ancient phenomena in C.O. (Available)
• Issue 18: The small humanoid of Reneve (Available)
• Issue 19: Ball of fire dossier (Available)
• Issue 20: 4th Colloquium of the Unusual (Available)
• Issue 21: Bewitchment in C.O. (Available)
• Issue 22: Preufology 1950/1953 (Sold out)
• Issue 23: 5th Colloquium of the Unusual (Available)
• Issue 24: Historical ADRUP (Available)
• Issue 25: The case of Francoise Sauvrestre (Available)
• Issue 26: Landing traces dossier (Available)
• Issue 27: 6th Colloquium of the Unusual (Available)
• N° SP: Unusual Jeanne D'ARC (Available)
• Issue 29: Investigation 1983/1984 in C.O. (Available)
• Issue 30: A mysterious sarcophagus (Available)
• Issue 31: UFO, After '54 (Available)
• N° SP: The 1954 Wave / Reissue (Available)

• Upcoming Features (En prévision):
• Haunted Houses
• Recent Investigations
• The landing case of Poncey sur l'Ignon
• The hollow of the wave (1962-1975)
• Beware of lightning!

• Subscription Information:
• Each issue: 10F (15F including postage)
• One year: 60F (including postage)
• N° SP The 1954 Wave: 25F (including postage)

Article: L'APRES 1954 (After 1954)

This section reflects on the period following the 1954 UFO crescendo. It notes that while observations became rarer, people began discovering numerous natural and terrestrial objects in the sky, such as meteors, satellites, and aircraft prototypes, which complicated investigations. The article suggests that the concept of the 'flying saucer' became more widespread, leading to attempts to build terrestrial versions or toys.

Article: ANNEE 1955 - LA BOURGOGNE REPUBLICAINE - LES FAITS MARQUANTS DE L'ANNEE (Year 1955 - La Bourgogne Republicaine - Highlights of the Year)

This section lists significant events from 1955:

• Talk of artificial satellites for 1957.
• Construction of the Billardon city.
• Floods in Europe, Paris, and Cote d'Or (6.3m in Châlon sur Saône).
• Arrival of the cobalt bomb (cancer treatment) in France.
• Discovery of artificial diamonds.
• Atomic bomb tests in Nevada and France (super mirage).
• Speed record for the BB 9004 (331 Km/h).
• Deaths of Einstein and Paul Claudel.
• Invention of a flying submarine by the USA (All Americain Engennering Compagny).
• First TV images in Dijon.

1ER ET 2 JANVIER: Robert Rocca presents a retrospective of 1954. Hundreds of people observed flying saucers. A humorous anecdote is shared about a man named Jules, a rural postman, who found his wife with a 'bizarre man with a churlish face,' whom his wife identified as a 'Martian.' The only physical evidence found was a fragment of fabric, leading to a satirical conclusion about Martians assimilating into human civilization.

10 JANVIER: A flying saucer landed in Chenove, bringing Father Janvier, accompanied by toy distribution and a Christmas tree surprise at the town hall.

20 JANVIER: A silent helicopter flew over London, observed by parliamentarians and civil aviation representatives, demonstrating its ability to fly unnoticed.

26-27 MARS: A celestial meteor caused a stir in England, with reports of a silent flash and a blue vapor trail. Pilots reported a burning object falling from 10,000 to 6,000 meters, later identified as a meteor that disintegrated.

13 AVRIL: A 'flying saucer' was reported, but it turned out to be a new model of individual helicopter being studied by the American air forces in Palo-Alto, California.

9 MAI: A weather balloon from Bourges was found in Lacanche.

5 JUILLET: A photo published on July 1st, taken on November 4, 1954, by the US Navy department, showed strange cloud formations in the sky over Marseille, with no explanation provided. The article prompts readers to consider if these were flying saucers.

3-4 SEPTEMBRE: A mysterious unidentified object crashed in the Calvados region near Truarn, exploding in the marshes and leaving a large crater (70m diameter) with fragments of duralumin-like alloy.

7 SEPTEMBRE: The mysterious object was identified as a 1000 kg German magnetic mine. Its deep penetration into the soil due to marsh drying caused an illusion of an earthquake upon its explosion.

19 OCTOBRE: Several people in Devonshire reported seeing a flying saucer moving at high speed. One witness described a flat object approaching within 200 meters of the ground. Other witnesses saw a blue and white object moving from south to northeast, emitting red flames from its tail.

Article: 18 NOVEMBRE - Mystérieuse apparition dans le ciel de Bourgogne. Météore ou engin non identifié ? (Mysterious Appearance in the Burgundy Sky. Meteor or unidentified object?)

This article details a phenomenon observed on November 18th. M. Leroy of Grosbois reported seeing a luminous, elongated object gliding horizontally across the sky, emitting a faint sound of two discontinuous explosions as it moved north. Mysteriously colored streaks (red, blue, yellow) appeared in its wake. M. Leroy estimated the object's altitude at approximately 5000m. Other witnesses corroborated these observations.

In Chenôve, M. Humbertjean, a decorator, witnessed an object with a bright red middle and a green head, resembling flames from a blowtorch. He felt the front of the object burst into a shower of light. Both Humbertjean and Leroy noted bluish streaks remaining in the sky for several minutes. Employees at Etablissements Terrot also observed a fireball passing over the factory.

M. Moniotte provided a more precise observation: a green ball surrounded by a halo, with a profiled front and a long trail, moving silently and progressively. Residents of Messigny also witnessed the phenomenon, causing significant emotion, with drivers slowing down or stopping their vehicles.

The mysterious fireball was also reported over Langres, accompanied by explosion sounds, and continued towards Chaumont, leaving visible condensation trails. Some Langres residents described a brilliant explosion of light, while others saw a cigar-shaped object with a red smoke plume. The article questions whether it was a meteor or an unidentified flying object (flying saucer).

Meteorological services suggested it was a meteor due to the explosion sounds and its trajectory. However, the horizontal movement of the object led some to conclude it was a flying saucer.

Article: Monsieur Danjon, directeur de l'observatoire de Paris : le plus beau bolide que j'ai jamais observé... (Mr. Danjon, Director of the Paris Observatory: The most beautiful bolide I have ever observed...)

This section continues the discussion of the November 18th phenomenon. Monsieur Danjon, Director of the Paris Observatory, described it as the most beautiful bolide he had ever observed, with luminosity exceeding that of the moon. This natural explanation was offered to avoid potential controversy.

The phenomenon observed in the Jura and Saône et Loire:
In Champagnole, several people saw a luminous object in the sky, with testimonies from notable individuals like M. Camille Marsaut, the mayor. Similar observations were made in Saône et Loire.

Article: 19 NOVEMBRE: Aperçu dans toute la France. (Observed throughout France.)

This article details the widespread observation of a 'flaming bolide' across France on November 19th. The object was described as having a vertiginous height, possibly at the edge of the atmosphere, around 80 km. At a speed of approximately 36,000 km/h, it could be tracked for about ten seconds, covering a distance of about a hundred kilometers. Thousands of people, including aviators, observed it in Paris. The precise time of passage was established as 17:29. M. Danjon at the Paris Observatory witnessed a brilliant green incandescent mass with a luminous trail, its brightness surpassing that of the full moon. Its trajectory was south-west to north-east, and its appearance lasted several seconds, with a relatively slow speed. The object flattened out at the end of its course and descended towards the horizon, disappearing almost vertically. M. Danjon estimated its size to be no larger than a pigeon's egg, attributing its luminosity to atmospheric friction and electrical phenomena. Dutch sailors reported the bolide falling into the North Sea near the Zuydersée.

Article: LE MYSTERE DES BOULES VERTES (The Mystery of the Green Balls)

This section draws parallels between the observed green fireballs and a series of similar phenomena reported in the United States starting in November 1951. Four students in New Mexico reported a formidable, blinding green fireball falling at a 35° angle, which vanished above them. The driver of their vehicle was temporarily blinded and drove into a ditch. A similar incident occurred two nights later when M. and Mme Lester Miller, returning home in Sao Paulo, California, saw a large blue-green light that temporarily blinded them, causing the driver to nearly go off the road. This phenomenon was observed over a distance of 1500 km.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and related events, often drawing from historical accounts and local observations in the Cote d'Or region. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings, investigating their potential causes (meteorological, technological, or extraterrestrial), and presenting witness testimonies. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of research and open inquiry, while also acknowledging the need for factual reporting and source attribution. The inclusion of past issues' summaries and future preview topics indicates a commitment to ongoing exploration of the 'unusual' and 'paranormal'. The association's non-profit status and reliance on member contributions highlight a dedication to the subject matter over commercial gain.

This issue of "Le Mystère d'Orly" (The Orly Mystery), dated February 22, 1956, focuses on a significant unidentified flying object (UFO) incident that occurred over the Paris region on the night of Friday, February 17th to Saturday, February 18th, 1956. The cover headline dramatically announces a "MYSTERIOUS ENGINE" that evolved for four hours in the Paris sky at an altitude of 1,500 meters and a speed exceeding 3,600 kilometers per hour, tracked by Orly airport radars.

The Orly Incident: A Detailed Account

The main article details the events of that night. At 11:50 PM, an agent at the Orly air traffic control tower detected an unusually large echo on the radar, not corresponding to any known aircraft. This echo was moving towards an Air France plane en route to London. Despite attempts to communicate with the object in several languages, no response was received. The Orly control tower then alerted the pilot of the Paris-London flight, Captain Jean Thévenon.

Shortly after, as Captain Thévenon's DC3 approached the Mureaux area, about twenty kilometers from Orly, the crew spotted a red light moving towards them at an estimated speed of 2,000 km/h. Thévenon stated, "I changed course to avoid it," adding, "it seemed to be cruising at 1,500 meters altitude." This observation corroborated the radar data from Orly. Three minutes later, after circling Le Bourget, the unknown object reappeared, crossing the path of the Paris-London flight and frequently changing course. The object remained visible on radar for several hours, sometimes immobilizing itself before moving again at an average speed of 2,400 km/h. Precise radar observations indicated that the object could exceed this speed; it was tracked over Gomez-le-Châtel and then thirty seconds later over Boissy-Saint-Léger, a distance of 30 kilometers, suggesting a speed of approximately 3,600 km/h.

Around 1 AM, realizing the anomaly, the Orly control center alerted the national air surveillance center, which in turn requested night fighter squadrons from the Tours-Saint-Symphorien base to intercept the object. However, by the time the pilots were preparing to take off, the object had disappeared.

Witness Testimony and Official Reactions

The article includes a direct quote from the pilot, "I have never seen anything like it." He emphatically stated, "It was neither a balloon nor an airplane." He also noted that the possibility of a terrestrial light source was impossible due to a cloud layer and the darkness of the night. The pilot's logbook is presented as the sole official witness document.

Several other witnesses are mentioned. The article notes that the object was observed by ten witnesses who followed its rapid evolution for 4 hours. It also clarifies that the Tours night fighters were not alerted, contrary to some reports. The radar itself was reportedly placed under seal for examination, with the implication that authorities might try to prove it was malfunctioning. The article questions why the pilot's testimony, which also saw the "thing," wasn't subjected to the same scrutiny.

Similar Incidents and Explanations

The incident is compared to a similar event on July 8, 1953, when the Pentagon and White House were reportedly overflown by multiple unidentified objects at fantastic speeds. In that case, the objects also disappeared when interceptors were scrambled. The article mentions the explanation of "inversion layers" being proposed but refuted by Major Keyhoe, an unofficial Air Force investigator, who demonstrated that atmospheric conditions at the time ruled out this hypothesis.

Regarding the Orly incident, various explanations are discussed. The Paris Observatory suggested it might be a sounding balloon, but this is dismissed due to the reported speeds and dimensions (80 meters in diameter). The idea of a radar malfunction is also considered, but the fact that pilots and ground personnel also saw the object with its red flashing lights makes this explanation insufficient. The concept of an "ange" (an echo caused by atmospheric turbulence) is also mentioned as a possible official explanation, but again, the object's distinct characteristics are noted as contradicting this.

The Investigation Continues

Witnesses were interviewed in secret. An official communiqué was expected. The article expresses skepticism about natural explanations, suggesting it might be more objective to conclude that a "mysterious celestial object" (the term used by the scientific bureau of the Ministry of Air) had flown over the Paris region. An unofficial communiqué noted the object's apparent interest in aircraft taking off or landing, a characteristic common to many reported UFO sightings over the past decade.

Other Sightings and Events

The issue also includes a section on "DIVERS" (Miscellaneous) for 1956, listing various news items such as political events, new car models, and international incidents. It also reports on other UFO-related events:

• January 12: A "flying barrel" – a vertical take-off aircraft with a spherical body – was described.
• February 11: A sounding balloon was found in Pouilly en Auxois.
• February 21: A follow-up on the Orly mystery, stating that radar checks confirmed its functionality and that the pilot's testimony was being studied. It also mentions a similar sighting by a farmer in the Puy de Dôme region.
• February 22: A report quoting the Air France pilot again, reiterating his statement that the object was neither a balloon nor an airplane and that he had never seen anything like it.
• February 23: A report about a "flying saucer" sighting in Beaune, Côte d'Or, by a young worker and later confirmed by another witness, Mme R., who described an immobile, elongated object emitting an orange-red glow that moved at incredible speed.
• March 21: Revelations from Major Ruppelt's explosive report on UFOs, stating that 94% of 1593 investigated cases remained unexplained, suggesting the possibility of extraterrestrial origin.
• April 14-15: A meteorite was reported to have fallen in the Daix region (Côte d'Or).
• April 30: A group of spiritualists in Buenos Aires planned to attend a predicted landing of flying saucers from Ganymede.
• May 5-6: Spiritualists in Buenos Aires waited in vain for flying saucers from Jupiter.
• May 15: Pilots in Stockholm chased a luminous ball that turned out to be the planet Venus.
• July 18: A Norwegian flying saucer prototype, built by engineer Sigard Tjosvoll, is described.
• August 8: An incident involving a flying saucer at a café in Forléans (Côte d'Or) is reported, leading to a disturbance.
• September 4: A mysterious astronomical phenomenon resembling fireballs or flying saucers was observed over Copenhagen.
• September 8-9: Telescopes worldwide were focused on Mars.
• September 13: An article "Esope - From the best to the worst" discusses the lack of evidence for Martian life and the continuation of UFO theories. Another report details a flying saucer sighting over Auxonne.
• September 18: Three flying saucers were reportedly seen over Cyprus.
• September 20: Strange luminous phenomena were observed in the sky of Brittany.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects, the challenges faced by official investigations, and the public's fascination with the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards overly simplistic natural explanations and an openness to the possibility of extraterrestrial phenomena, particularly in light of the detailed witness accounts and the US Air Force report. The magazine seems to lean towards presenting the evidence and letting the reader draw conclusions, while subtly highlighting the inadequacy of official explanations and the intriguing nature of the sightings.

This issue of "Mysterious Skies" (likely a French publication given the content) from "ANNEE 1957" (Year 1957) delves into a series of unexplained aerial phenomena and sightings reported primarily in France, with some international references. The magazine presents witness testimonies, official reports, and expert opinions, often juxtaposing mysterious events with potential mundane explanations.

Key Articles and Reports

September Sightings in Romeur

M. Menard recounts his experiences on September 15th and 17th, observing a luminous object in his garden at 3 AM. Initially appearing as a strange light, it later took the form of a triangle, moving with frequent displacements from east to west and low to high altitudes. On the 17th, the object resembled an airplane on its side, with small stars detaching and descending. He followed similar evolutions for six consecutive nights, with the object sometimes resembling a luminous, immobile airplane, and at other times appearing in a triangular form after an hour-long eclipse.

October 23: Villy en Auxois Sighting

On a Saturday evening, between 5:17 PM and 5:45 PM, a luminous, elongated object, shining like the moon, traversed the sky near Villy en Auxois. Witnesses, including M. Pichon and his 14-year-old daughter, described it as flying slightly faster than a plane, with a trajectory from northwest to southeast. Other locals also reported seeing the "MOC" (Mysterious Object Celestial).

November 6: Belfort Radio Interference

A mysterious voice speaking in an unknown language disrupted radio communications at the Alsthom factory in Belfort. The article speculates that this could be dialogues exchanged between crews of spacecraft flying over the region.

"Enigme à Minuit sur le Haut-Plateau Jurassien"

This feature details an observation by M. and Mme Charles Bourgeois on the night of November 4th/5th. While driving near Longchaumois, they witnessed a luminous object, described as elongated and about 82 to 300 meters away, moving silently above the Jura forest. Initially appearing like a Michelin train with windows, it intensified its light and took on a rounded, semi-spherical shape, appearing as large as three full moons. The object then ascended vertically, emitting bright beams from its lower part, before diminishing in size and disappearing like a star. The Bourgeois estimate the observation lasted about 70 minutes. They consider two hypotheses: a classic flying saucer or a "clandestine" helicopter. They emphasize the absolute silence of the object, ruling out a helicopter due to its characteristic noise. The article notes that this event occurred around the same time as a sighting over Langres.

Langres Sighting

On the same night (November 4th/5th), around 6:18 PM, an unidentified object was observed over Langres. Numerous travelers waiting for a train witnessed a luminous disc-like object moving from west to north for about two minutes.

"L'objet (ou engin) aperçu par l'observatoire de Toulouse"

On November 8th, an astronomer at the Toulouse National Observatory, M. Chapuis, observed a mysterious object. The object, which changed direction several times before disappearing, was calculated to be at an altitude of 300 kilometers and measured between 100 to 200 meters in diameter. It was also observed by other individuals at the same time.

"L'objet lumineux aperçu dans notre région le 24 juin n'était pas un météorite"

This article revisits a sighting from June 24th, where a luminous object was observed over the Saône valley and Haute-Marne. Initially suspected to be a meteorite, subsequent witness testimonies from Dijon, Dole, and other regions, along with cross-referenced observations from other regions, confirmed it was a flying object. The object's color changed from red-orange to a violent blue-green before returning to red-orange. It performed a loop over the Saône valley, ascended towards Haute-Marne, and then headed towards Touraine. The article estimates its speed at 2,360 km/h based on witness reports and time calculations.

"Les apparitions 'd'objets volants non identifiés' se multiplient depuis le lancement des satellites artificiels et des fusées"

This piece highlights a surge in UFO sightings globally since the launch of artificial satellites like Sputnik I and II, and the American Far Side rocket. It notes sightings over Gaydon (UK), in the Var, and in Texas. A Texas sighting involved an oval object about 60 meters long that caused car engines and headlights to fail. The article references Captain Plantier's theory on force field propulsion for these mysterious craft and draws a parallel to the wave of saucer sightings in 1954 following atomic explosions.

"Les faits marquants de l'année - 1958"

This section briefly lists notable events, including a luminous phenomenon in the sky over Palermo (Italy) on January 6th, described as a changing color from bright red to violet with incandescent trails, possibly related to the Soviet satellite launch. On January 30th, a giant fireball with a luminous tail was observed over Northern Europe, possibly the end of Sputnik II. On February 1st, a luminous phenomenon was seen over Grancey le Château (France), described as a white light similar to a car headlight that disappeared at high speed.

February 13: Montbéliard Sighting

Mme Marguerite Faivre reported observing a strange luminous object for about an hour over Montbéliard. The object moved slowly before ascending vertically at high speed, emitting bright, fan-like beams. It eventually diminished in size and appeared as a star. She noted the exceptional clarity of the morning and the object's position relative to the moon.

February 16: Fire and Object

A brush fire triggered extensive searches for an object that witnesses saw falling from the sky. The article questions if this event is related to the fire and whether the object was a Sputnik, Explorer rocket, or meteorite, noting the absence of any mention of flying saucers.

March 4: Soviet Flying Saucers

The Hungarian newspaper "Esti Hirlap" reported that Soviet engineers had successfully experimented with flying saucer-shaped craft.

Divers (Various)

This section includes miscellaneous news items from 1957, such as the first flight of the Leduc 022, the project for the ship France, the birth of Caroline de Monaco, and the discovery of a dead wolf near Mouchard.

Other Reports:

• February 19: A conference was held on "From the Pyramid of Cheops to Flying Saucers" by cosmobiologist Ernest Everaert.
• April 8: A mysterious object was detected by radar in Scotland, with British authorities prohibiting the disclosure of observations.
• May 13: An incident in Beaucourt, France, involving a supposed flying saucer was explained as a collective hallucination caused by a farmer using a red-lantern.
• July 13/14: Four flying saucers were tracked by radar over Los Angeles at high speed.
• August 9: A "flying cigar" over Landosque was identified as a national meteorological radio sonde.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a tone of inquiry and fascination with unexplained aerial phenomena. While reporting on numerous sightings, it also includes explanations for some events, such as the Beaucourt incident or the Landosque radio sonde. The recurring theme of the increase in sightings coinciding with space launches suggests a belief or at least an open consideration of extraterrestrial or advanced technological origins for these objects. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting these events and encouraging further investigation and witness reports, while acknowledging the possibility of misidentification or conventional explanations. The inclusion of expert opinions, like Admiral Fahrney's, lends credibility to the idea of intelligent control behind some phenomena. The magazine seems to lean towards the belief that many of these objects are not natural phenomena but rather manufactured craft, possibly of extraterrestrial origin or advanced terrestrial technology.

This issue of Système D, dated March 1958, is heavily focused on the topic of flying saucers and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). The cover prominently features a diagram and photograph of a model flying saucer, with the headline 'UNE SOUCOUPE VOLANTE POUR LE VOL CIRCULAIRE' (A Flying Saucer for Circular Flight), indicating a strong emphasis on this theme within the 'JEUX JOUETS SPORTS' (Games Toys Sports) section.

Articles and Reports

Flying Saucer Model Construction

The main article, 'UNE SOUCOUPE VOLANTE POUR LE VOL CIRCULAIRE', provides detailed instructions and plans for building a model flying saucer. It highlights the advantages of this design, including its compact construction, ease of maneuverability, and performance comparable to conventional model airplanes. The construction process is broken down into steps, detailing the materials needed (balsa wood, piano wire, etc.) and assembly techniques. The article emphasizes that this model, with a diameter of approximately 38 cm and equipped with a 1 to 1.5 cm³ engine, offers similar flight capabilities to a 90 cm wingspan airplane but is more robust and easier to build.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

The issue compiles numerous reports of alleged UFO sightings from various dates and locations:

• June 25, 1958 (Dijon, France): Multiple readers reported a green fireball, possibly a giant meteor, passing over Dijon around 9 PM. It was described as a bright green light, the size of a flashing traffic light, moving from northwest to southeast and possibly disintegrating over Ruffey.
• June 26, 1958 (Lille to Besançon region, France): Numerous testimonies confirmed the sighting of the green fireball, described as an exceptionally large and bright meteorite, seen from Lille to Besançon and across several departments.
• July 23, 1958 (Montélimar, France): An Air France pilot reported seeing a mysterious object while flying the Paris-Nice route. The object was visible long enough to determine its direction and emitted a bright light every eleven seconds.
• June 24, 1958 (Northern France to Dôle, France): A luminous object, confirmed not to be a meteorite, was observed flying in a straight trajectory from Northern France towards Dôle. Thousands of people reportedly witnessed it.
• October 29, 1958 (Thèze, Hautes-Alpes, France): A mysterious object, described as luminous and red and green, was seen rotating and hovering for an hour before disappearing vertically.
• November 3, 1958 (English Channel): A very bright object was sighted over the English Channel, illuminating a vast area, possibly a considerable bolide.
• February 2, 1959 (Dijon, France): A luminous object's trajectory was followed for over 400 kilometers, from the Swiss border to the Parisian region, with many witnesses reporting it. This sighting was noted as being similar to one from three years prior.
• February 26, 1959 (Detroit, USA): Three mysterious, saucer-shaped objects reportedly escorted a DC-6 airliner for 45 minutes, maintaining formation at a distance.
• March 10, 1959 (Saint-Armand en Puisaye, France): A fireball fell into a farmyard, twisting metal parts of a well before volatilizing. Investigations were underway to determine if it was an aerolite, meteor, or Sputnik debris.
• March 23, 1959 (USA): The issue presents exclusive plans and the first photograph of the first terrestrial 'flying saucer' built by the Bell company. This craft was designed to reach three times the speed of sound and was the result of work initiated in 1943 by a German engineer.

Terrestrial Flying Saucer Technology

Beyond the model, the magazine discusses advanced terrestrial flying saucer technology. The Bell company's prototype is described as having a 20-meter diameter, weighing 14 tons, and capable of speeds up to 3600 km/h horizontally and 1400 km/h vertically. It was designed to carry ten passengers, with larger models planned. The propulsion system is described as mixed, using eight turbines for vertical lift (Coanda effect) and steerable reaction nozzles for direction. The article suggests that these advancements confirm that some mysterious celestial objects sighted globally might indeed be of terrestrial origin.

Mars Canals Discussion

An article dated January 17, 1959, discusses the Russian scientific community's conviction about the existence of canals on Mars. Based on photographs from the Pulkovo Observatory, Soviet scientists suggest these are not water-filled channels but vegetation bands along subterranean water conduits. Changes in color according to seasons support this hypothesis, and the intermittent appearance of these 'canals' as points of light is compared to oases in the Sahara.

Other News Items

The issue also includes a 'FAITS DIVERS' (Miscellaneous News) section from 1959, listing events such as the continuation of the Algerian War, De Gaulle's election, Kroutchev's visit to Dijon, Russian interest in space conquest, the first French A-bomb explosion, and the death of actor Gérard Philippe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are undoubtedly UFOs, flying saucers, and advanced aerial technology, both terrestrial and potentially extraterrestrial. The magazine presents these reports and technological developments with a tone that is both informative and speculative, acknowledging the mystery while also exploring possible explanations, including advanced human engineering. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, encouraging reader contributions and highlighting the increasing evidence that suggests some of these objects are not natural occurrences. The inclusion of detailed construction plans for a flying saucer model suggests an interest in the practical and hobbyist aspects of this fascination.

This issue of 'SOS INSOLITE', dated 1960, is a French publication focused on unusual phenomena, UFO sightings, and early space exploration. The magazine presents a collection of eyewitness accounts and reports from various locations, alongside news related to the burgeoning space race.

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Sightings

The magazine details numerous sightings of unidentified objects and luminous phenomena across Europe in 1960.

London Incident (Date not specified, but implied to be around the time of the issue) An incident in London involved a dozen pilot reports of a luminous object near the aerodrome. This led to distress signals and the deployment of several rescue boats, though they found no distressed vessel.

Berne, Switzerland (Friday evening, 21:00) Several inhabitants of Berne reported seeing an unidentified object in the sky at high altitude, moving from west to east. The phenomenon, described as the size of a medium star, was visible for about a minute. It was speculated to be an artificial satellite.

La Bauce, France (Friday morning, 04:28) Joseph Yvon, a night watchman, observed a luminous object of a slightly elongated, red-orange color moving from west to east, leaving a white trail. The exact time was noted as 4:28 AM.

Valence, Spain (12 October) A bright, metallic sphere was sighted at high altitude. The event caused people to stop and watch, creating traffic problems. It was initially thought to be a 'Lunik' (Soviet satellite).

Nice, France (Friday, 18:30) Several residents of Nice reported a celestial phenomenon. Described as a luminous object, it could have been a saucer, a cigar, or a meteorite. A police inspector observed it moving south at an angle of about 45 degrees, emitting a bright light. The Nice Côte d'Azur control tower and two airplane pilots also confirmed the observation, but none could identify the object.

Sienne, Italy (25 October) A luminous 'flying object' appeared in the sky over Sienne. The object was vaguely spherical, moving from north to south, with dark poles. It left a white wake that enveloped a large part of the sky.

Saulieu, France (Saturday, 13:00) This report details an unusual incident where the magnetic flywheel of a moped detached while the rider, M. M., was on the RN 6. The flywheel flew like an arrow, traveled over 50 meters, bounced off a manhole, broke a window, impacted a doorframe, left a deep trace on the linoleum, and ended up under a sofa in a dining room. The occupants, M. and Mme L., were having lunch nearby and were understandably frightened.

Dijon, France (8 February) Several people reported a luminous object moving from east to west, with a bright green point and a brilliant halo, leaving a large red trail. It was speculated to be a meteorite or a Sputnik.

Seurre, France (8 February) Witnesses in Seurre noted that the object's wake was scattered with reddish sparks, suggesting it was likely a meteorite with high copper content that was disintegrating.

Washington, USA (13 February) The US Defense Department announced the detection of an unidentified object orbiting Earth, possibly a Soviet satellite acting as a spy. The object was under surveillance by American tracking stations. It was described as smaller than the rockets used for the 'Discoverer' satellites. The orbit was considered ideal for an 'spy satellite,' and the object emitted no radio signals, complicating tracking efforts. It was concluded it might be an unannounced Soviet satellite or the final stage of a missile used for a previous launch.

Paris, France (17 February) The mystery of the unknown satellite was resolved, and it was named 'Alpha 60'. Its orbit was calculated by the Air Force Research Center in Cambridge and communicated to the Meudon Observatory. Its period was 104'16", inclination to the equator 79°, with minimum altitude of 230 km and maximum of 1700 km. It was observed to pass over the region twice daily.

Stockholm, Sweden (9 March) An observatory in Stockholm photographed three luminous objects that appeared over the city on Sunday evening. Initially observed as a single bright object, it was later revealed to be three objects in a perfect 'V' formation. The objects were described as not being meteors, and their altitude was being calculated. The photos were handed over to military authorities.

Saint-Omer, France (5 August) Three inhabitants of the Pas-de-Calais region reported seeing a 'flying saucer' about three meters above the ground. M. Daniel Hiot described a purplish glow, followed by a mysterious craft about four meters wide, with a luminous red circular underside. The object followed his car for over a kilometer, silently, before disappearing. Hiot's wife also saw a human-like figure at the controls, and his father-in-law saw a red ball in the sky in the direction Hiot was heading. Hiot is described as a reliable farmer not prone to mystification.

Bordeaux, France (5 September) M. Franck Anderson reported seeing a 'flying saucer' about 30 meters above the ground on the RN 650. He described a pulsating, incandescent orange-red ball about two meters in diameter, which zigzagged and seemed to follow his scooter. He abandoned his scooter and fled into a nearby field. Anderson, previously a skeptic, now firmly believes in the existence of flying saucers.

Space Exploration News

The issue also includes updates on space exploration:

13 April: Space Conquered! The successful first space flight by Russian astronaut Gagarine is announced, marking the beginning of the interplanetary era. Gagarine orbited the Earth in his 4725 kg spacecraft in 108 minutes at an altitude between 175 and 302 kilometers.

6 May: Alan Shepard's Flight Alan Shepard became the second cosmonaut, completing a space trial with a maximum altitude of 185 km, maximum speed of 8,850 km/h, lasting 15 minutes, and covering 470 kilometers.

11 August: Vostok II and UFOs Following the flight of Vostok II, two luminous objects were observed over Verona. One moved rapidly from west to east, changing color from blue to vivid red. The second object remained stationary for about ten minutes, changing from green to red to brilliant white. This phenomenon was observed by a large crowd and meteorology technicians. The editorial notes that saucers often reappear shortly after satellite launches and cites American experts who believe Earth is under surveillance by extraterrestrial beings. It is suggested that these 'saucers' might be searching for the launch base of 'Vostok II', as they have often been sighted near American bases like White Sands and Cape Canaveral.

25 November: First Manned American Satellite It is reported that the first manned American satellite, scheduled for launch in December, would be piloted by John Gleen.

Organizations and Publications

The issue features advertisements and information about organizations involved in the study of the unusual:

SOS INSOLITE / ADRUP This section promotes 'SOS INSOLITE' and the organization 'ADRUP' (Association pour la Recherche et l'Etude des Phénomènes Insolites). ADRUP, founded in 1976, is a non-profit association dedicated to researching ufology, parapsychology, and related phenomena. Their methods include archiving documents, conducting investigations, and maintaining international relations. They publish their findings in a quarterly review called 'VIMANA 21'. The contact information for ADRUP's secretariat is provided.

VIMANA 21 'VIMANA 21' is described as the quarterly magazine of 'Le Magazine de la Cote d'Or Insolite', produced by the members of the association. It aims to inform the public about their research. The subscription cost is 60 French Francs per year. A list of previously published issues is provided, including 'LA VAGUE DE 1954', 'TRACE A ECHENON', 'TRACE A MARLIENS', 'CATALOGUE D'OBSERVATIONS', 'CHRONIQUE S ANCIENNES', 'LA FOUDRE EN BOULE', 'COLLOQUE DE L'INSOLITE', 'ROUTES MAGIQUES', and 'PREUFOLOGIE 1950-1953'. Several of these issues are marked as 'disponible' (available), while others are 'épuisé' (out of print).

Crédit Mutuel Guides Advertisements for 'LES GUIDES PRATIQUES DU CREDIT MUTUEL' are included, offering free guides on topics such as mastering association taxation, creating an association, promoting an association, managing an association, and mastering association responsibility. These guides are available at local Crédit Mutuel branches.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unidentified aerial phenomena, and the early days of space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting eyewitness accounts and scientific observations without definitive conclusions, often leaving the interpretation to the reader. The magazine actively promotes organizations like ADRUP that are dedicated to researching these 'insolites' (unusual phenomena), suggesting a strong interest in documenting and disseminating information on the unexplained.