◆ SpookStack

of discretion vis-a-vis the press. It is essential to allow scientists [time] to make use of the information before letting the media trigger the curiosity of the general public, which could result in the disappearance of important evidence. Chapter 12 - Scientific and Technical Implications The significance of the UFO phenomenon to defense in the broad sense leads to several proposals. 12.1 Stepping Up the Collection and Analysis of Data It is, of course, advisable to continue and, if possible, expand geographically the collection, initial analysis, and classification of data and testimonies performed successively by GEPAN and then by SEPRA, which was described in Chapters 5 and 6. 12.2 Establishing a Watch and Initiate Work Upstream From the studies presented in Chapter 8, it can be concluded that at least a passive, and preferably an active, techno-watch is required in the fields of leading-edge propulsion such as, for example, magnetohydrodynamics. It is truly essential to know what the other nations are doing in this area. In other high-tech fields, the study of the various testimonies could be combined with appropriate scientific experiments to enable significant. progress. A typical example is that of particle beams or microwaves, together with their effects: tools, weapons, etc. All of these subjects are, on the whole, more advanced than the technical problems presently under study by DGA or the public research institutions. Therefore they will not be dealt with unless a decision is made at the highest State level. 12.3 Encouraging Thought in Order to Place the Phenomena in a Global Context The work mentioned above will enable progress in the partial models of the phenomena sighted, along with considerable spill-over for defense and industry. But the global interpretation of these well-documented but inexplicable phenomena will require other research. The principal areas of research relate to the extraterrestrial hypothesis; we will mention ,for reference, the current research on the detection of extrasolar planets, which will take a new direction when the VLT (Very Large Telescope) of the ESO (European Southern Observatory) in Chile enables them to be observed directly. Each discovery of a planet, which is presently made indirectly via the disturbances that the planet causes in its star, has met with a favorable response in the media. Less spectacular, albeit fascinating to a cultured public, is the research on the origin of life that is being conducted internationally at a very satisfying rate. It forms the basis of exobiology, the science of extraterrestrial life (see Appendix 3). Studies on evolution and its mechanisms are currently handicapped by school disputes. They are important to our subject: How might life evolve elsewhere? Underdeveloped but also important are the studies on the genesis and future of civilizations, The latter are normally extended by long-term, forward-looking scenarios for our planet and, of course, for others. Interstellar travel, as visualized in Appendix 4 - entitled “Colonization of Space” - must be the object of at least passive monitoring. This subject is currently being dealt with in the United States, where numerous NASA or Pentagon study contracts concern