AI Magazine Summary
CERPI - no 01 - fevrier 1976
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This document is the first issue of the CERPI bulletin, a French publication dedicated to the study of unexplained phenomena. Titled 'CERPI', it was published in January 1976, with a focus on UFO sightings and related topics. The organization's full name, 'Centre d'études et de…
Magazine Overview
This document is the first issue of the CERPI bulletin, a French publication dedicated to the study of unexplained phenomena. Titled 'CERPI', it was published in January 1976, with a focus on UFO sightings and related topics. The organization's full name, 'Centre d'études et de recherches des phénomènes inexpliqués' (Center for the Study and Research of Unexplained Phenomena), is prominently displayed, along with its address in Saintes, France. The cover features a quote from Blaise Pascal emphasizing the limits of reason and a central graphic illustrating various aspects of the unexplained, including ufology, parapsychology, and archeology.
President's Message
The issue opens with a message from the President, Michel Souris, reflecting on the origins of CERPI. He recounts a UFO sighting on March 2, 1972, near Geozac, which inspired the formation of a study group. He notes that while UFOs (OVNI in French) are now a topic of discussion, CERPI was established to investigate these phenomena seriously.
UFO Sightings and Investigations
A significant portion of the bulletin is dedicated to reporting UFO sightings. One section details an incident on April 25, 1975, involving multiple witnesses reporting lenticular and round UFOs. These objects were described as white and bright, observed at low altitudes with varying trajectories. Specific locations mentioned include Sedan and Vitry-le-Francois. Another report details an observation near Hierseo, France, by a witness named Lucas, who described a bright descending light moving horizontally at high speed.
The bulletin also mentions the ongoing work of the 'Enquêtes' (Investigations) service of CERPI, with a note about a dossier concerning an observation from July 25, 1975, to be detailed in a future issue. It also references reports from 'LE PELERIN' and 'BULLETIN DU CERPI'.
Editorial: The Birth of Ufology
The editorial, written by F. Colombier, discusses the origins of ufology, questioning when the field truly began. It references Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, historical accounts from 1561 in Nuremberg, and even ancient Indian texts like the Ramayana. The editorial highlights the division within the scientific community regarding UFOs, with some dismissing them as hallucinations or illusions while others are compelled to investigate. It criticizes the scientific establishment's 'pride' and 'impermeability' to phenomena they cannot explain, drawing parallels to historical resistance to discoveries like electricity and the telephone. The editorial also notes the silence of governments, armies, churches, and politicians on the subject, which can create a sense of unease for those who witness these phenomena. It concludes by stating that CERPI was born from this context, thanks to its president, Michel Souris.
CERPI Activities and Meetings
Another section, also attributed to F. Colombier, discusses the CERPI's regular meetings, referred to as 'SOIREES C.E.R.P.I'. These monthly gatherings are described as varied, offering interesting discussions on UFOs, spiritualism, occultism, and other unexplained topics. They are also characterized as friendly and informal, often held at members' homes, with a focus on open discussion and shared curiosity. The bulletin lists three previous meetings held in Nieul-les-Sainttes, Cherves-Richemont, and Gemozac, and announces the next meeting on January 31, 1976, at the Chateau du Douzet.
Cosmography: Celestial Sphere
A technical section titled 'Cosmographie' explains basic astronomical concepts, focusing on the celestial sphere. It defines 'astres' (celestial bodies) and explains the concept of 'distance angulaire' (angular distance) between two celestial objects. It mentions the use of an 'arbalestrille' (astrolabe) for measuring angular distance and discusses how the human eye often misjudges these distances. The section concludes by noting that in the context of CERPI, angular distance is used to calculate the apparent diameter of UFOs.
The Devil's Advocate
An article titled 'L'avocat du Diable' (The Devil's Advocate) explores the concept of critical examination. It explains that in the context of CERPI, it's not about destroying theories but about encouraging each member to act as their own 'devil's advocate' – to rigorously question information and personal beliefs. The author argues that ufology and parapsychology, being fields often associated with the fantastic and improbable, require even greater prudence and humility than established scientific disciplines. It emphasizes the importance of admitting what is unknown rather than forcing explanations and highlights the need for intellectual honesty to be taken seriously.
Tribune Libre
Under the 'Tribune libre' (Free Speech) section, F. Colombier reiterates the importance of personal opinion regarding UFOs and other unexplained phenomena. He cautions against becoming overly zealous or acting as 'agents' for ufology, which could lead to perceptions of provocation. He stresses that the goal is not to 'defend' a cause but to approach it with intellectual rigor and honesty. The author suggests that ufology and parapsychology are still nascent fields that need time to mature and develop, urging for patience and prudence.
Technology: Magnetic Detector
This section presents plans for building a simple magnetic field detector. It explains that the need for such a device arose from a perceived increase in terrestrial magnetic field variations, as reported by Maurice Chatelain, a specialist in space communications. The article provides a list of materials and detailed instructions for assembling the detector, encouraging members to build one to aid in their investigations.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue of CERPI are the investigation and reporting of UFO sightings, the critical examination of unexplained phenomena, and the promotion of a scientific yet open-minded approach to ufology and parapsychology. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, emphasizing intellectual honesty, rigorous investigation, and the importance of admitting the limits of current knowledge. The publication aims to foster a community of informed individuals who can critically analyze evidence and contribute to the understanding of unexplained events.
This document, identified as issue number 3, appears to be a publication from CERPI, with a cover date of November 16, 1975. The primary focus is on a notable case, 'L'Affaire Quarouble,' and a report from a CERPI quarterly meeting.
L'Affaire Quarouble The issue details the strange adventure of Nerius Dewilde, a 34-year-old metallurgist from Querouble, France, on the night of September 10, 1954. According to Dewilde's account to the authorities, he went outside after his dog began to howl and encountered a dark, somber object silhouetted against the nearby railway line. He described seeing two very small creatures, approximately 1 to 1.20 meters tall, resembling humans and wearing helmets similar to those of divers.
Dewilde reported that a blinding beam of light emanated from the object, paralyzing him. He described a door opening in the dark object, after which it ascended slowly, then rapidly, with a rumbling sound. He then went to the police station, located 1500 meters away.
The police initially refused to listen to him, but he eventually reported the incident to Police Commissioner Gouchet, who filed a report. An investigation was launched involving the police, the air force, and the D.S.I. During interrogations, investigators discovered interesting clues. At the location where Dewilde reported seeing the object, they found five deep indentations in the ground. Specialists calculated that a pressure of 30 tons would be required to make such marks. They also observed that the gravel used as ballast between the railway ties had become very brittle, as if exposed to intense heat, which could not be attributed to locomotives.
Other witnesses in the region also reported seeing a strange luminous object that night, but Dewilde's account was considered the most interesting.
CERPI Quarterly Meeting Report (November 16, 1975) The document also includes a report from the quarterly meeting of CERPI held on November 16, 1975. Approximately fifteen people attended, including eleven members, with apologies from those absent.
The president briefly explained the genesis of CERPI and its purpose to new and future members, emphasizing the goal of informing all members about the association's work, administration, past achievements, and ambitions.
A significant issue discussed was the lack of participation in permanences, with only six or seven members fulfilling their duty over the past three months. Following a vote, it was decided that all members would be obligated to hold at least one half-day permanence per year.
The Administrative Council of CERPI, initially composed of four members (B. Marsin, C. Souris, M. Souris, and R. Souris), was expanded to include a fifth member, Jean-Pierre Clerfeuiile. It was also noted that by the General Assembly in 1970 (date not yet fixed), the Administrative Council would comprise eight members.
A CERPI action committee was formed, consisting of willing members.
Finally, it was reminded that members who had not yet received their identity cards could obtain them by providing two photos. The conditions for using these identity cards for investigations were outlined: the member must have been with CERPI for over six months, be over 18 years old, have completed at least one investigation with an investigator, and receive authorization from the Administrative Council or the sector head.