CERPI - no 15 - fevrier 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: CERPI
Issue: 15
Publisher: CERPI (Centre d'études et de recherches des phénomènes inexpliqués)
Country: France
Language: French
Cover Headline: Centre d'études et de recherches des phénomènes inexpliqués

Editorial

The editorial, signed by G. WASCOWISKI, replaces the word "programme" with "ambition," expressing a strong desire for the CERPI and its members to achieve greater things. The author admits to being passionate and troubled by UFO phenomena and wishes to share this enthusiasm with others interested in ufology. The editorial also calls for a more rigorous and directed approach to parapsychology, aiming for richer discoveries. WASCOWISKI proposes building the foundations for future projects, seeking volunteers and passionate individuals with "hearts as big as this" to overcome discouragement. He urges members to actively participate in the organization's activities, visit the local center, write in, and contribute to upcoming projects and tasks, emphasizing that CERPI needs their help.

Organization and Staff

This section details the structure and key personnel of CERPI. Guy WASCOWISKI serves as President, Michel SOURIS as 1st Vice-President, and Robert SOURIS as 2nd Vice-President. Jean-Pierre DELAROCHE is the Secretary, and Bernard MARSIN is the Treasurer. Several individuals hold positions as Adjoints (assistants) to various roles and commissions, including Elisabeth RESTAU, Alain KIM, Abel LANDAIS, and Claude SOURIS. Specific commissions are listed: OVNI investigation (Responsable: Claude SOURIS), Journal (Responsable: Claude Souris), Portes Ouvertes (Open Doors) (Responsable: Michel SOURIS), and Relations Extérieures (External Relations) (Responsable: Claude and Robert SOURIS). The Bibliothèque (Library) is managed by Jacqueline MARSIN, and Permanences (regular meeting times) are handled by Bernard MARSIN. The organization encourages members to propose ideas for commissions like Press Service and Documentation.

Calendar and Meetings

The calendar outlines that permanences (regular meetings) will now take place on the second Saturday of each month. A list of individuals who will be present at these meetings throughout the year is provided, including Guy WASCOWISKI, Michel SOURIS, Alain KIM, Elisabeth RESTAU, Jean-Pierre DELAROCHE, Bernard MARSIN, Abel LANDAIS, Robert SOURIS, Claude SOURIS, and Jacqueline MARSIN. Bureau (board) meetings are held on the first Friday of each month, and members can attend as auditors. Specific dates and locations for these meetings are listed, hosted by various members.

The section "RECU EN SERVICE DE PRESSE" acknowledges receipt of several publications: VERONICA n° 9, O.V.N.I. 43 n° 2, UFOLOGIE BULLETIN n° 1, and ARGUS DES PHENOMENES SPATIAUX n° 2.

Astronomy: Uranus

This article provides detailed information about the planet Uranus. It was discovered by Sir William Herschel on March 13, 1781, initially mistaken for a comet. Bode later named it Uranus, after the Greek god of the sky. The article lists Uranus's characteristics: an equatorial diameter of 47,000 km, a mass 14.58 times that of Earth, a density of 1.7 relative to water, and a surface gravity of 0.99. Its orbital distance from the Sun is 2,878 million km on average. Uranus has a sidereal revolution of 84 years and 7 days, a rapid rotation of 10 hours and 42 minutes, and its axis is inclined 98° to its orbit, making it weakly inclined to the ecliptic. Seasons on Uranus are very long, lasting about 21 years. Its appearance is bluish with diffuse spots, and it is not visible to the naked eye, having a magnitude of 5.7. Its constitution is similar to Saturn and Jupiter, primarily composed of hydrogen and methane, with a temperature of -180°C. The article also details Uranus's five satellites (Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon), noting that four have retrograde motion. A table provides data on these satellites, including their orbital characteristics and discovery.

Discovery of Uranus's Rings

A separate section details the discovery of Uranus's rings on March 10, 1977. During the observation of an occultation of a bright star (SAO 158687) by Uranus, four teams of astronomers deduced the existence of these rings. The discovery was made using a 91 cm telescope aboard a NASA jet at 12,000 m over the Indian Ocean, from the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, with a 102 cm telescope in Kavelus, India, and from Cape Town, South Africa. The star's light was occulted multiple times before and after Uranus passed, indicating the presence of rings formed by millions of blocks moving in circular orbits, similar to Saturn's rings.

Sky Aspect for March 1978

This section provides astronomical observations for March 1978, including moon phases (last quarter on the 2nd, new moon on the 9th, first quarter on the 16th, full moon on the 24th, last quarter on the 31st). It details the visibility of planets: Mercury visible after the 15th, Venus and Mercury conjunction on the 12th, Venus as the evening star, Mars visible in the meridian, Jupiter visible in the evening sky, and Saturn visible all night. Uranus and Neptune are noted as visible in Ophiochus. Meteor showers, including the Virginides and Lyrides, are mentioned, with peak dates. A total lunar eclipse is scheduled for the 24th.

Cosmography: The Earth (Conclusion)

This part of the "Cosmographie" series concludes the discussion on Earth. It revisits the definition of the meter, established in 1790 as one ten-millionth of the Earth's meridional quadrant. The article notes a slight error in the measurement of the meridian, resulting in the current standard meter being slightly shorter than originally intended. It provides current measurements for the Earth's semi-major axis (a = 6,378,393 m) and semi-minor axis (b = 6,356,549 m), calculating the mean radius (R) as 6,367,471 m. The density and mass of the Earth are discussed, with density increasing from 2.5 at the surface to 11 at the core, an average density of 5.5, and a mass of 6 x 10^21 tonnes. The article also defines an "ellipse" as used by CERPI, explaining its components (foci, major and minor axes) and the concept of eccentricity, which determines the ellipse's shape. A null eccentricity results in a circle, while increasing eccentricity leads to a more elongated ellipse.

Balance of the Year 1977

This section summarizes CERPI's activities throughout 1977, highlighting its cultural and informative role. The organization hosted three "Portes-ouvertes" events in Cognac, La Rochelle, and Royan, attracting significant visitor numbers and collecting research inquiries. Five "diapo-débat" (slide-debate) sessions were held, including one for agricultural high school students, one for the Rotary-Club of Marennes, and a particularly educational one for a technical high school in Saintes with 130 participants. Another event, co-hosted with the G.E.P.O.M. and featuring an astronomical and ufological diaporama, was held for about sixty students and officers. A conference on "hypnosis" was also organized in St-Jean d'Angély. These events contributed to CERPI's visibility and generated revenue from bulletin sales.

The organization also participated in the "Week-end des sociétés" in October, organized by FACEL de Saintes, to which CERPI had recently joined. The article encourages members to increase their participation in future events. Internally, CERPI conducted studies, including a session on brain waves and electroencephalograms at the La Rochelle hospital, led by Dr. BAYARD.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of unexplained phenomena, with a strong emphasis on ufology and parapsychology. The editorial clearly advocates for ambition, passion, and active participation within the CERPI organization. There is a focus on rigorous research, moving beyond empiricism towards more structured and directed investigations. The publication also serves as a platform for sharing knowledge through astronomical articles and reporting on the organization's outreach and internal activities. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement, encouraging members to contribute their ideas and efforts to advance the study of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of the CERPI Bulletin, Volume III, Issue 15, published in 1978, focuses on ufological and parapsychological investigations. It includes reports from the CERPI's activities in 1977 and early 1978, a participation in a local exhibition, and a series of detailed case studies of reported UFO sightings and historical phenomena.

CERPI Activities and Seminars

The bulletin opens with a report from Claude Souris, an investigator for CERPI, detailing the organization's activities in 1977. These included a full-day seminar on 'ufology' for future investigators, with 13 participants. CERPI currently has 8 accredited investigators. The organization also participated in two night observations, one in Mortagne s/Gironde on July 2nd and another in St-Sauvant on August 6th, both related to UFO phenomena and proximity to high-tension power lines. Twenty-six investigations were conducted in total, with the St-Porchaire case being highlighted (reports available in CERPI n° 14). Souris expresses a wish for more investigators to join their efforts.

Parapsychology was also a focus, with a three-day 'alpha' seminar held in September and October. This seminar is intended to launch a series of parapsychological studies under the direction of Abel Landais in 1978. CERPI has a new location in Saintes, in the former nurses' school on Rue des Jacobins, and welcomes members who can help renovate it. The year 1977 saw the addition of 22 new members, and the organization hopes for continued growth in 1978.

CERPI at an Exhibition

The CERPI also participated in an exhibition organized by F.A.C.E.L. of Saintes, themed 'Science and Everyday Life.' The exhibition took place in the Salle Saintonge from February 3rd to 11th, 1978. CERPI presented four themes: ufology, cosmography, astronomy, and mysterious archaeology.

UFO Investigations (Charente-Maritime)

Several detailed UFO investigation reports are presented:

• Case n° 50 (November 19, 1977): Reported by Claude Souris, this case involved Mr. and Mrs. G. in La Bétaudière, St-Denis. They observed an immobile, oblong object with a central bar, described as brilliant and luminous. After observing it with binoculars, they noted what appeared to be reactors at its base and a black bar at the center. The object then tilted, resembling a dirigible, and disappeared rapidly to the southeast. The object was yellow-orange and the phenomenon lasted about 3 minutes in a clear sky with no noise.
• Case n° 52 (November 19, 1977): Also reported by Claude Souris, this case involved Madame X in La Garenne. She observed two objects: a larger, white, metallic-looking bar with rounded ends, and a smaller, brilliant point with an orange trail. The smaller object circled the larger one, which then departed eastward at high speed. The observation lasted 4-5 minutes. The smaller object then returned, passing over Madame X, appearing as a black ball moving silently. This led her to dismiss the possibility of it being an airplane. A note highlights potential correlations with a high-tension line between the observation villages, a geological fault to the west, and frequent seismic activity in the area.
• Case n° 35 (March 17, 1977): This investigation, involving Claude Souris, Henri Kim, and Alain Kim, documented a sighting by Mr. Bernard L'Hostis and Abbé Longo in Saintes. At 9 PM, they observed four white objects with blurry orange undersides, moving in a diamond formation at high speed, resembling manta rays. They measured approximately 4 cm at arm's length. The objects then separated, enlarged their formation, regrouped, and disappeared towards the north-northeast. The observation lasted 5-6 seconds and was described as having a profound silence and a sense of unreality, as if the forms were projected photographs.
• Case n° 53 (November 1974): Reported by G. Wascowiski, this case involved Mr. and Mrs. Michelet and their two children near Pont-l'Abbé d'Arnoult. While driving towards St-Porchaire, they observed a blue-white, flattened spherical object, the size of a Citroën truck, at an altitude of about 60 meters and 150 meters away. The object moved into a field, and they observed another car that had also stopped. After a brief maneuver, the object disappeared. The total observation lasted 7-8 minutes. They noted that other cars and people had also observed the phenomenon.

Historical Sightings

The bulletin also presents historical accounts of anomalous aerial phenomena:

• From Agrippa d'Aubigné's Universal History (Tome III, Book IV, Chapter 3): An account from the Marquis of Tors describes a 'horrible' cloud descending like a hat with an 'ear' in the middle, colored like a peacock's throat, which entered and melted near a bell tower. This phenomenon, described with a Latin word 'sulfusea', lasted for eighteen months, coinciding with a plague.
• From 'Le Journal des Choses les Plus Mémorables Qui se Sont Passées au Dernier Siège de la Rochelle': On September 22, 1628, a fiery meteor resembling a bundle of rods was observed in the air for about an hour, moving from west to northwest. It was described as resplendent in the night sky and disappeared between 9 PM and 2 AM.
• From Pasquier: A prodigious vision was seen in Angoulême, where small clouds descended to form an army of about twelve hundred men, armed with blue weapons and banners, who then disappeared into a forest.
• From Mercure François, 1608 (Page 292): An account from Pasteur Jacques Merlin describes an army of musketeers, arquebusiers, lancers, and pikemen appearing in the air near La Rochefoucauld. The army, with blue and red banners, marched with drums and lasted for about half an hour before disappearing into a forest.
• From Parish Registers of Saint-Martin-de-Pons (February 6, 1652): A large army of cavalry and infantry appeared in the sky around 4 AM, accompanied by the sounds of muskets, pistols, cannons, thunder, and hail.
• From Manuscript XVIIIE Siècle - Revue de Saintonge et d'Aunis (Bulletin 21, Oa. 406, April 13, 1705): On Easter Tuesday, 1705, in the island of Oléron, a luminous cross, about fifty cubits long, appeared during a procession of the Blessed Sacrament. It preceded the procession and stopped when it stopped, disappearing when the Sacrament returned to the church. It was visible for nearly two hours.
• From the Journal de Saintes (April 2, 1847): A brilliant white sphere, followed by a red trail, crossed the sky, and a clap of thunder was heard afterward. A similar phenomenon was reported in the Gazettes des Bains-de-mer of Royan in 1873 or 1877.

National Security Interest in UFOs

An investigation excerpt from Jacques Vallée's 'Chronicles of Extraterrestrial Apparitions' (page 92) details an incident from June 7, 1790, in Alençon (Orne). Inspector of police Liabeuf was ordered to investigate a strange and troubling apparition. Several farmers reported seeing a huge globe surrounded by flames, initially thought to be a burning balloon due to its speed and strident sound. The globe descended slowly, oscillated, and crashed into a hillside, uprooting plants and causing intense heat that set the grass and small trees on fire. Later that evening, a sphere, described as large enough to contain a car, was still warm. A door opened, and a person dressed bizarrely emerged, spoke a few words, and fled into the woods. The sphere then exploded silently, scattering fragments that burned to powder. Searches for the mysterious person were unsuccessful.

The Contact of Antonio Villas Boas (Part 2)

This section continues the account of Antonio Villas Boas's encounter. After being subjected to procedures involving tubes applied to his chin, which caused irritation and bleeding, he was left alone for about half an hour. He describes the room as being similar to previous ones, with a large, soft, slightly raised couchette in the middle. He then noticed an unusual odor and felt nauseous, possibly from a thick smoke emanating from rows of small tubes with perforations, similar to a shower head, located on the walls. These tubes were attached to the garment he was wearing. He vomited in a corner of the room. He then describes the appearance of the entities: five individuals dressed identically in gray, tight-fitting suits made of a supple fabric. The suits reached the neck and joined a helmet-like mask of the same color, reinforced with metal bands. The helmets concealed their faces, with only their eyes visible through lenses. The eyes were light-colored (blue) and appeared smaller than human eyes. The helmets were significantly larger than a normal head. Three round, silver tubes emerged from the top of the helmets, descending along the back. The entities' gloves were thick and allowed dexterity, but they could not fully bend their fingers. Their suits had a red, round emblem on the chest that reflected light, and a silver band ran from this emblem to a wide belt. No pockets or buttons were visible on their suits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO phenomena, both contemporary and historical, and the exploration of parapsychological subjects. The CERPI appears to maintain a serious, investigative approach, documenting sightings with detailed witness accounts and attempting to correlate them with potential environmental factors or historical precedents. The inclusion of historical accounts suggests a belief that UFO phenomena have occurred throughout history. The detailed description of the Antonio Villas Boas case, including the physical characteristics of the entities and their technology, indicates a focus on the 'contactee' aspect of ufology. The organization's participation in an exhibition and its efforts to recruit new members suggest an active role in promoting awareness and research in these fields.

CERPI, Issue 15, February 1978. This issue focuses on parapsychology, near-death experiences, and extraterrestrial phenomena, featuring articles that explore consciousness, mental faculties, and encounters with non-human beings.

Articles

The 'Seminar Alpha' and Mental Potential

The article "PARAPSYCHOLOGIE - LE SEMINAIRE ALPHA ???" discusses the concept that humans only utilize 10% of their mental potential. It suggests that through practices like meditation, nidra-yoga, and other esoteric teachings, one can develop creativity, memory, and control over the body and mind. The "Seminar Alpha" is presented as a three-day synthesis of these methods, aiming to induce a state of relaxation and mental concentration characterized by "alpha" brainwaves. This state is said to recharge energy, alleviate fatigue, and lead to psychosomatic improvements. The "dynamic mental" technique, as taught in the seminar, is claimed to provide true self-control, enabling individuals to manage difficult situations, overcome nervousness, enhance creativity, and control emotions. The article also highlights the potential for awakening unsuspected mental faculties, including extra-sensory perception, citing a biophysicist's view that the brain is a perfect instrument for exploring beyond physical limits. A bibliography suggests reading "La DYNAMIQUE MENTALE, ou comment développer vos facultés paranormales" by Christian H. Godefroy as a preparatory step. Contact information for Sodiac Formation and Christian H. Godefroy is provided.

Review of "La vie après la vie" by Docteur MOODY

The "LU POUR VOUS" section features a review of Docteur MOODY's book, "La vie après la vie" (Life After Life). The reviewer expresses significant emotion and admiration for the book's clarity, scientific competence, objectivity, and intellectual honesty. The book is described as a scientific approach based on concrete facts about life after death, investigating the survival of consciousness after the body's demise. Docteur MOODY has compiled 150 case files, categorized into three groups:
1. Experiences of individuals revived after being declared clinically dead.
2. Experiences of people who have had near-death encounters due to accidents, severe injuries, or illnesses.
3. Experiences of individuals who, on the verge of death, described their experiences to those around them.

The review emphasizes the striking and troubling analogies found across these 150 dossiers, suggesting a common thread in these observations. The common elements reported include seeing oneself as dead, a rapid review of life with many details, a sense of calm, and the appearance of deceased friends or relatives who come to assist. The article notes that these individuals, upon returning to life, often found their lives taking on a new meaning, becoming more attentive to themselves and others, and understanding how far their civilization is from its ideal state. The reviewer mentions that Docteur MOODY attempts medical explanations while also referencing the Bible, Plato, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and Emmanuel Swedenborg. The reviewer encourages readers to explore the book, as it opens doors to profound questions about existence, origins, and the direction of civilization.

Personal Encounter with Extraterrestrials

A narrative section describes a personal encounter. The narrator recounts being in a state of undress, similar to others around him. He describes individuals with unusual footwear and movements. He then recounts an experience where a woman, entirely naked, approached him. He describes her as beautiful, with pale blonde hair, blue eyes, and a distinctive facial structure, including high cheekbones and a triangular lower face. He notes her slender build and high breasts. He also mentions that she was shorter than him, her head reaching only to his shoulders, leading him to speculate about her identity in relation to his earlier captor.

Crossword Puzzle

The issue includes a crossword puzzle titled "Résultats du problème du CERPI n° 14," with horizontal and vertical clues related to parapsychology, civilizations, enigmas, and extraterrestrials. The solution to a previous puzzle (CERPI n° 16) is promised for a future issue.

Cover Feature: Two Types of Extraterrestrials

The cover and a corresponding illustration depict "DEUX TYPES D'EXTRA-TERRESTRES" (Two Types of Extraterrestrials), suggesting an article or discussion on different forms of alien beings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of consciousness, the potential of the human mind, and the investigation of phenomena beyond conventional scientific understanding, such as near-death experiences and extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting scientific and anecdotal evidence for these subjects while encouraging readers to contemplate profound questions about existence and reality. The inclusion of a review of Dr. Moody's work and an article on "Seminar Alpha" indicates a focus on the spiritual and psychological aspects of human experience and the potential for expanded awareness.