CERPI - no 26 - fevrier 1980

Magazine Overview

CERPI, issue number 26, dated February 1980, is a bimestrial review from France focusing on unexplained phenomena. The cover prominently displays the title 'CERPI' and its full name, 'Centre d'études et de recherches des phénomènes inexpliqués,' along with an address and a quote from Blaise Pascal. The central graphic is a stylized depiction of a UFO, Earth, and human figures, surrounded by thematic keywords like 'Parapsychology,' 'Ufology,' 'Archeology,' and 'Mysterious.' The issue is priced at 5 French Francs.

Editorial and Organizational Information

Page 2 provides details about the CERPI organization. It is described as a 'revue charentaise bimestrielle sur les phénomènes inexpliqués' based in Saintes. The correspondent is Claude SOURIS, with contact details provided. The editorial committee includes Claude SOURIS, Yvette SOURIS, Alain KIM, and Robert SOURIS. Reproduction of content is permitted for ufological groups, provided the source, author, and magazine address are clearly indicated. The issue includes a table of contents listing articles on the 1979 annual review, astronomy, cosmography, UFO investigations, parapsychology, and other miscellaneous topics.

CERPI is a member of the C.E.C.R.U. (Centre Européen de Coordination de la Recherche Ufologique). Information on advertising and article submission is provided, with a note that political, religious, or advertising content will be refused. Michel SOURIS is listed as the honorary president and founding member.

1979 Year in Review

The 'bilan de l'année 1979' (review of the year 1979) on pages 3 and 4 highlights CERPI's activities. The year was focused on information and diffusion. CERPI organized 12 slide-debate evenings on ufology, 9 of which were by solicitation at various locations in the Charente region. They also hosted one slide-debate evening on parapsychology in Cognac. Two 'open-house' days were held in Jonzac and Gémozac, though with modest success. An interaction with the radio station France-Inter is mentioned, though their recordings were not broadcast.

In terms of ufology, CERPI conducted 15 UFO investigations in 1979, a decrease from 23 in 1978, but with an emphasis on quality and timeliness. Two significant investigations are highlighted: one in La Clotte, where UFO photos were taken, and another in Clion involving a humanoid sighting. The number of investigators increased to 13 with the addition of Jacqueline QUIE and Pierre PAILLAT, though only 6 were actively conducting investigations. CERPI improved relations with local Gendarmeries, with some promising immediate calls for UFO observations.

A UFO detection network was established by an adherent, with six devices operational. Three members attended a C.E.C.K.U. (European Centre for Coordination of Ufological Research) event in Avignon. An investigator seminar took place in Chaniers with eight participants. Four seminars on 'brain rhythms' were organized, attracting around 45 participants.

The review also addresses negative aspects of 1979: four out of eight bureau members resigned, leading to a reorganization with Jacqueline QUIE becoming secretary and Claude SOURIS treasurer, along with two co-optations. The 'parapsychology' group ceased to exist due to difficulties. The local office provided by the Mairie of Saintes was effectively withdrawn, causing significant inconvenience. A lack of member participation and interest was noted, with a decrease in membership. The book commission established in 1978 was dissolved due to inactivity. CERPI is no longer part of CUFOS-FRANCE. The review acknowledges that much of the work was done by a small number of individuals. Despite these challenges, the journal 'CERPI' is praised for its vitality.

Organization and Activities

Page 5, titled 'QUI FAIT QUOI?' (Who Does What?), lists the key personnel of CERPI and their roles and contact information. Claude SOURIS is the President, Alain KIM the Vice-President for Charente-Maritime, and Louis ROCHE the Vice-President for Charente. Jacqueline QUIE serves as Secretary, Jocelyne LAMBERT as Assistant Secretary, Jean-Pierre DESAPHIS as Treasurer, and Pierre PAILLAT as Assistant Treasurer. The calendar outlines monthly Bureau meetings (first Friday of the month) and end-of-month meetings (last Saturday of the month), with locations and contact persons specified. An observation evening is scheduled for April 12, 1980, in St Porchaire.

Astronomy and Solar Activity

'1980 : L'ANNEE DU SOLEIL' (1980: The Year of the Sun) on pages 6 and 7 discusses the Sun's intense activity in 1980, which was predicted to break records since 1700. The article notes an abnormal number of sunspots and significant variations in solar emissions at 2800 MHZ. This increased solar activity generates a more intense solar wind, potentially causing interference on shortwave radio, and leading to more frequent auroras at lower latitudes. The article suggests potential influences of solar activity on cardiac crises, meteorology, ice melt, droughts, and even the blooming of lilacs and the quality of Burgundy wines. Bernard DELHOUME, a new adherent passionate about astronomy, is now responsible for this area within CERPI.

A practical guide on 'COMMENT SE RENDRE COMPTE PERSONNELLEMENT DE L'ACTIVITE SOLAIRE?' (How to Personally Monitor Solar Activity?) is provided on page 7. It describes a method using optical instruments like binoculars or a telescope, projecting the sun's image onto a white screen to observe and count sunspots and their positions.

Ephemerides and Briefs

Page 8 presents 'EPHEMERIDES' for March and April. For March, it lists meteor showers (Virginides, Lyrides), and the visibility of planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn). For April, it mentions meteor showers (Virginides, Hydraïdes) and planetary visibility. 'En Bref' (In Brief) section notes findings from the Pioneer 11 mission regarding Saturn's rings, the inauguration of the Franco-Canadian telescope on Mauna Kea, and the discovery of Jupiter's 14th satellite by the Voyager 2 probe.

Cosmography

'COSMOGRAPHIE: le Soleil' (Cosmography: The Sun) on page 9 continues from a previous issue (n° 25). It explains the precession of the equinoxes and the movement of the Earth's axis, comparing it to a gyroscope's effect. The article defines the Zodiac as a zone of the celestial sphere extending 8° on either side of the ecliptic, divided into twelve signs and constellations. It notes that due to precession, the Sun currently enters the constellation of Pisces at the spring equinox, a shift from its alignment with the constellation of Aries in Hipparchus's time (150 BC). It will take approximately 24,000 years for the correspondence between signs and constellations to be re-established.

UFO Investigation Report

'ENQUETES C.E.R.P.I. n° 91' on pages 10 and 8 details an investigation conducted on December 15, 1977, in St-Ciers-du-Taillon, Charente-Maritime. The witnesses, including an insurance inspector, an insurance agent, and a Gendarme, reported observing an object described as a 'bar above a hemisphere,' colored orange and black. The observation lasted 45 minutes, with the object seen at an estimated distance of 3400 meters. No audible noise was reported. The object's apparent size was comparable to the moon, and it exhibited slow movement. The report includes a diagram illustrating the observation points.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are ufology, parapsychology, and astronomy, with a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and information dissemination. CERPI positions itself as a serious research organization, documenting sightings, conducting investigations, and engaging with scientific and astronomical developments. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, grounded in factual reporting and analysis, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by such organizations. The inclusion of astronomical topics suggests a broader interest in the cosmos and its phenomena, linking terrestrial unexplained events with celestial occurrences.

This issue of "Enquête C.E.R.P.I." presents a collection of detailed investigation reports concerning Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and a humanoid encounter, primarily from France. The reports are dated from July to November 1979, with the main sightings occurring in August 1979. The document includes witness testimonies, investigator notes, maps, diagrams, and attempts at scientific analysis.

Enquête N° 91: Observation near La Cassine

The first major report details an observation that began around 8:00 PM and lasted for 20 minutes. The primary witness, described as a former pilot with good distance judgment, initially saw an object but lost sight of it. Shortly after, four friends in another car arrived. The landscape above "Chez Jouet" suddenly illuminated with an orange light, and the object ascended. It reappeared, described as an orange light similar to a streetlamp in fog. One witness, Monsieur CHATEAU, looked for binoculars and was startled by another witness, Monsieur MOUILLOT. Monsieur TRIPOTEAU, who had his car headlights on, accidentally switched to low beams, causing the object to extinguish and then relight. The observation continued for 20 minutes, with the object alternating between being lit and unlit for 1-2 minute intervals. The lit object was described as a dark, elongated mass with a light border, topped by a yellow semi-sphere with three orange "nozzles" and a blue halo. The light illuminated the treetops. At 8:30 PM, the witnesses drove towards St-Ciers-du-Taillon and then Consac, where they saw the object again perfectly before returning to the gendarmerie. At 8:45 PM, Monsieur CHATEAU remarked that he had seen a flying saucer. The total observation time was 45 minutes.

Enquête N° 91 (continued): Gendarme Observation

Later that evening, a gendarme on duty, Gendarme X, observed two blue spheres in the direction of Monsieur Bret's field. These spheres, at ground level or very low, flashed green after 1-2 seconds and then red. Gendarme X reported this to his commanding officer, who, along with other witnesses, investigated the area. They found nothing. The witness reports were then documented by the gendarmerie. The Florac observatory reported no observations on their end.

Calculations and Analysis

Following the La Cassine incident, calculations were performed based on triangulation using multiple sighting points (A, B, C, D, E) and Lambert coordinates. The distance to the UFO was determined to be approximately 3411 meters. The object's approximate diameter was estimated at 18 meters, and its altitude was calculated to be 90 meters. The report notes a potential inaccuracy of +/- 15% in these figures but provides a general idea of the object's dimensions.

Enquête N° 92: Humanoid Encounter near Lussac

This report details an encounter on August 15, 1979, involving Patrick VEILLAT, a 19-year-old baker. While driving alone on departmental road 134 near "La Prune" in Lussac, he saw a humanoid figure about 100-200 meters ahead. As he approached, the figure raised its left hand, and his car's electrical system (headlights, radio, engine) suddenly failed. The car coasted about ten meters and stopped. The figure was described as approximately 1.20-1.30 meters tall, with indistinct hands at the end of long arms that reached below its knees. It wore a tight, grey aluminum-like suit with a belt and a helmet resembling a transparent bubble. After about fifteen seconds, the humanoid lowered its hand, jumped sideways, and disappeared into the woods 10 meters away. The car's electrical system then reactivated. Patrick, deeply frightened, reported the incident to the gendarmerie in Jonzac and then St Genis de Saintonge. His parents called a doctor in Jonzac, who prescribed Valium. The report also notes that shortly before Patrick's sighting, a truck driver reported seeing large fireballs in the woods near Plassac, about 3-5 km from Patrick's location. A gendarmerie patrol found no trace of fire.

Enquête N° 93: Objects near Chermignac

This report covers observations made between July 16 and 19, 1979, near "Le Moinard" in Chermignac. Madame X and her husband observed two identical objects about 10 cm apart (at arm's length). Their luminosity was a very orange color, similar to a sunset. The objects' shapes were indistinguishable due to their brightness, but their diameter was estimated to be about half that of the moon (2-3 mm at arm's length). The UFOs moved slowly in a straight line for a few seconds before disappearing behind trees. The observation lasted 1-2 minutes, with no sound heard.

Technical Section: Aircraft Lighting

The latter part of the magazine includes technical information on aircraft lighting signals. It details different types of lights (fixed, flashing, strobes, landing lights) and their colors (white, red, green). Diagrams illustrate various aircraft configurations and lighting placements during normal flight, approach, landing, and takeoff. A note explains how alternating red lights combined with strobes can create an illusion of movement, similar to "chaser lights." It also mentions that some jet engines with afterburners can produce a red/orange flame. Another note discusses the possibility of seeing illuminated cabin windows at night, while the cockpit remains dark, and compares the brightness of anti-collision lights to photographic flashes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of UFO sightings and a humanoid encounter, emphasizing witness testimony and attempting to provide a factual, analytical approach. The magazine appears to be dedicated to documenting and analyzing unexplained aerial phenomena and related events. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious inquiry, presenting evidence and analysis without immediate dismissal, while also acknowledging the technical aspects of potential misidentifications (e.g., aircraft lights). The inclusion of calculations and diagrams suggests a desire for scientific rigor in their investigations.

This issue of the magazine, titled 'L'HYPNOTISME', is dated October 27-28, 1979, and was published by C.E.R.P.I. It focuses on hypnotism and parapsychology, featuring information about courses offered by the Institut d'Enseignement et de Recherches Hypnotiques (I.E.R.H.) and detailed reports from the 6th session of the C.E.C.R.U. (Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches des Phénomènes Inexpliqués) held in Avignon.

I.E.R.H. Courses on Hypnotism

The I.E.R.H. offers a comprehensive 12-month correspondence course in hypnotism, divided into 24 modules. The program aims to help individuals discover, experiment with, and develop their 'PSI' faculties, including phenomena like clairvoyance, telepathy, and psychometry, through self-hypnosis or by working with subjects. The curriculum emphasizes a safe and intensive training method to master subconscious powers and explore para-psychological research. The course costs 1200 French Francs, with options for lump-sum or installment payments. Upon completion and a general knowledge assessment, students receive a diploma recognized by major hypnotism schools in Canada.

6th Session of C.E.C.R.U. in Avignon

The magazine extensively covers the 6th session of the C.E.C.R.U., which took place in Avignon on October 27-28, 1979. René Faudrin opened the session, emphasizing the shared interest in phenomena suggesting other lives in the universe and the goal of advancing research. The session comprised several commissions:

Commissions of C.E.C.R.U.

• Administrative Commission: Handled information management, group organization, and public operations.
• Contactees Commission: Focused on the study of individuals who claim contact with non-human intelligence, analyzing their socio-psychological aspects and messages, including the Miguères problem and studies from CREPO.
• Investigation Commission: Adopted a model for an IT file and a type of investigation report. Decisions made during the session were to be incorporated into a prototype by Mr. Detre. The optical test by Luc Vincent (A.A.M.T.) was to be included in the investigation report. The next meeting would address the centralization of these reports.
• UFO Photo Analysis: The difficulty in determining the authenticity of UFO photos was discussed, noting that fakery can be intentional or unintentional. This issue had been raised previously in Nîmes.
• Observation Vigilance Commission: Aimed to establish a network of observers and send reports to S.V.E.P.S. for centralization. However, few interesting observations were noted.
• Study and Documents Commission: Focused on defining its role and how to collaborate with other commissions without hindering their ongoing projects.
• Detection Commission: Proposed reviving a project for a detection activity report to be sent to C.E.M.O.C.P.I. for synthesis.
• Scientific Commission: Highlighted the need for ongoing contact with scientists and organizations like G.E.P.A.N., Pierre Guerin, Jean-Pierre Petit, Hubert Reeves, and Albert Ducrocq to foster a more scientific and innovative ufology. They proposed establishing a bilateral dialogue to identify precise research directions.
• Administrative Commission: Discussed a message from Esterle of GEPAN, an interview, and a letter prepared for GEPAN. The C.E.C.R.U. decided to meet twice annually. Future meetings were planned for Beaune (May/June 1980), Lyon (Oct/Nov 1980), Lausanne (May/June 1981), and Toulon (Oct/Nov 1981). A plan for an international ufological congress was also considered.

Correspondence with G.E.P.A.N.

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the correspondence between the C.E.C.R.U. and G.E.P.A.N. (Group for the Study of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena), specifically a letter from the C.E.C.R.U. to Alain Esterle of GEPAN dated October 28, 1979, and a response from Esterle dated November 23, 1979.

C.E.C.R.U. to G.E.P.A.N.

The C.E.C.R.U. expressed its desire for a more collaborative relationship with G.E.P.A.N., emphasizing that private associations have contributed significantly to ufology. They sought G.E.P.A.N.'s position on their work and requested support for initiatives like investigator training, the creation of a documentation fund, and technical assistance. They pointed out that G.E.P.A.N. seemed to be adopting ideas from private groups without proper acknowledgment, citing examples like SIMOVNI and the use of theodolites for investigations.

G.E.P.A.N. Response

Alain Esterle of GEPAN responded, clarifying that GEPAN's policy was not to maintain regular correspondence with private groups due to availability and secretariat constraints. He stated that GEPAN had chosen not to officially sponsor projects like MAGONIA but to remain an 'attentive and interested observer.' He downplayed disputes over 'paternity' of ideas, viewing them as unproductive. Esterle also mentioned that GEPAN's position on American groups and investigation methods would be detailed in a forthcoming letter to French private groups, which would include a translation of a letter he had sent to American groups, encouraging similar collaboration.

Parapsychology Seminars

The magazine also reports on the 'brain rhythms' seminars organized by A. Landais. In 1979, four seminars were held, with low participation in the first three but increased attendance from Angoulême for the latter two. For 1980, only two seminars were planned, with a focus on increased publicity to gauge potential interest. The report notes that parapsychology is a long-term endeavor that requires continuity and can be perceived as a hobby rather than serious work.

Subscription and Membership Information

At the end of the magazine, there are forms for subscribing to the 'CERPI' review (6 issues per year for 26.00 F) and for becoming a member of the Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches des Phénomènes Inexpliqués (C.E.R.P.I.). Membership options include 'sympathisant' (50 F + 20 F subscription) and 'actif' (40 F + 20 F subscription), with a reduced rate for students and military personnel (20 F + 20 F subscription).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are hypnotism, parapsychology, and ufology. The magazine promotes the study and research of these phenomena, offering educational courses and reporting on the activities of various research groups. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of private associations in ufological research and a desire for greater collaboration and recognition from official scientific bodies like G.E.P.A.N. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a more open and cooperative approach to investigating unexplained phenomena.

This issue of "Phénomène Fortéen" (Fortean Phenomenon) is a French-language publication that explores anomalous historical events and enigmatic artifacts. The issue number is indicated as '25' in a small grid puzzle result.

Fortean Phenomena: Historical Omens

The first section, titled "Phénomène fortéen," references page 71 of Paul Kendall's book "RICHARD III." It recounts historical omens that allegedly occurred in 1469. One account describes presages in the county of Bedford, including a rain of blood and the sighting of a cavalier and men traversing the sky. Another event, also from 1469, took place in Huntington, where a pregnant woman experienced extreme horror upon hearing her unborn child cry within her womb, emitting a sobbing sound.

The ICA Stones

The main focus of the issue is "LES PIERRES D'ICA" (The ICA Stones), presented as a "page de garde" (frontispiece or title page). It describes fifteen to twenty thousand engraved stones that are exhibited in a museum in ICA, Peru, under the care of Dr. Cabrera. According to the text, these stones feature "well-drawn, detailed, precise images" that resurrect the life of "great saurians of the secondary epoch" and depict "a learned humanity in surgery, medicine, geography, technique, and most of the sciences we study today."

The article invites interested readers to see, touch, and have these stones expertised at ICA with Dr. Cabrera. It also recommends Robert Charroux's book "L'énigme des Andes" (The Enigma of the Andes), published by Robert Laffont, for further exploration.

Explanation of the Cover Illustration

An "EXPLICATION DU DESSIN REPRESENTE EN PAGE DE GARDE" (Explanation of the drawing represented on the frontispiece) details a specific illustration, likely from the ICA Stones. This illustration is described as depicting a "TRANSFUSION SANGINE" (Blood Transfusion).

The explanation details that the recipient, lying on the operating table, suffers from myocarditis with a lesion on the heart indicated by a striped oval. To prepare for the intervention and prevent rejection, blood is transfused from a pregnant woman. The surgeon is shown inserting a needle into a vein in the patient's wrist, which has been previously bandaged. The text notes that, similar to other photos in the cited book, the engraver represented the heart, esophagus, stomach, and intestines of the patient.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue touches upon themes of anomalous historical events, ancient advanced civilizations, and enigmatic artifacts that challenge conventional historical and scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and promotion of alternative historical narratives, encouraging readers to explore these mysteries through recommended books and direct examination of evidence like the ICA Stones. The inclusion of a crossword puzzle result and a reference to a specific book suggest a publication aimed at an informed and engaged readership interested in the unexplained.