CERPI - no 28 - juin 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: CERPI
Issue: #28
Date: June 1980
Publisher: CERPI
Country: France
Price: 5f

This issue of CERPI, a French bimestrial review dedicated to unexplained phenomena, offers a diverse range of articles spanning ufology, astronomy, and related mysteries. The cover prominently features the magazine's name and a quote from Blaise Pascal, emphasizing the limits of reason in the face of the unknown. The issue includes sections on parapsychology, ufology, archaeology, and mysterious enigmas, with contact information for the CERPI center in Saintes.

Editorial: The Evolving Understanding of UFOs

The editorial, penned by Claude Souris, reflects on the progress made in ufology, breaking down previous taboos and expanding human understanding. It notes that after about thirty years of interest in UFOs (OVNIs), a division has emerged between those who favor physical explanations and those who lean towards psychic ones. The editorial suggests that engaging with the UFO phenomenon encourages individuals to move beyond routine thinking and explore the realms of thought and spirit, leading to a personal transformation and a broader understanding of reality.

Astronomy: Meteor Showers and Observation

This section focuses on astronomical observations, particularly meteor showers. It highlights August as a prime month for observing meteorites, specifically the Perseids, which peak around August 8-15. The article provides practical advice for amateur astronomers, including necessary equipment (a deckchair, a star chart) and how to record observations by noting the trajectory, time, and any particular details like color or duration. It encourages participation in a large-scale observation campaign for the Perseids, coordinated by the French Astronomy Association (A.F.A.), with a contact address provided for submitting observation data. A separate article offers a technique for collecting micrometeorites using rainwater, evaporation, and a magnet.

Ephemerides: Celestial Events in July and August

This section provides a calendar of celestial events for July and August. For July, it lists the Capricornides and Aquarides meteor showers and the visibility of planets like Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. For August, it details the Perseids and Cygnides meteor showers and the planetary visibility. A brief note also discusses new findings about Pluto's diameter, suggesting it is smaller than previously thought and might be a former satellite of Neptune.

Cosmography: Time and Earth's Rotation

This article delves into the concepts of apparent solar movement, seasonal inequalities, mean time, and legal time. It explains how different time zones are established based on the Earth's rotation and the meridian of Greenwich, which serves as the universal time reference. The article discusses the implementation of daylight saving time ('heure d'été') and the division of the Earth into 24 time zones, each spanning 15 degrees of longitude. It also touches upon historical examples, such as Jules Verne's 'Around the World in Eighty Days' and Magellan's circumnavigation, to illustrate how crossing the International Date Line affects the perceived passage of days.

ENQUETES C.E.R.P.I. (CERPI Investigations): The Jonzac Sighting

This is a detailed report of an investigation (Enquête C.E.R.P.I. n° 97) conducted by Pierre Paillat regarding a UFO sighting that occurred in Jonzac, France, on October 13, 1953. The witness, Monsieur Joseph Demontagne, a 74-year-old retiree, described seeing a bright, intense yellow light that illuminated his car. Upon turning, he observed a large, luminous sphere that quickly extinguished. He estimated the object to be about 200 meters away and 50 meters high. The sphere was described as having a distinct shape, appearing as a circle from the front, and its yellow color was likened to full moonlight, which seemed to blur just before disappearance. The witness also reported an impression of gas emission that obscured the sphere's image.

C.E.C.R.U. Commission "Veillées" (Watch Sessions)

This section outlines a new system for centralizing observation reports from 'watch sessions' established by the C.E.C.R.U. (European Center for Coordination of Ufological Research). It provides guidelines for writing detailed reports, including essential information such as date, time, location, weather conditions, group name, participants, and equipment used. Observers are instructed to describe any phenomena witnessed, including conventional ones like aircraft and meteors, and to note any detected objects with their duration and characteristics. Regular systematic sky inspections are recommended, along with noting instrument readings. The commission emphasizes the importance of detailed reporting for training and for identifying potentially dubious observations from other groups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing exploration of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, and the scientific and philosophical implications of such encounters. The magazine encourages rigorous observation and detailed reporting, as evidenced by the astronomy section and the C.E.C.R.U. guidelines. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and advocating for a broader perspective that integrates physical and potentially psychic or metaphysical aspects of reality. The publication also seems to foster a sense of community among researchers and enthusiasts through its contact information and collaborative efforts like the Perseids observation campaign.

This issue of CERPI magazine, dated June 1980, focuses on a variety of topics including UFO investigation protocols, intriguing legends, and scientific advancements. The cover story highlights the alleged healing abilities of Djouna Davitachvili, a 'psychic' from Georgia, who is rumored to have cured Leonid Brejnev, the President of the Soviet Supreme Soviet.

UFO Investigation and Organizations

The magazine details the procedures for reporting UFO observations, emphasizing the role of organizations like S.V.E.P.S. (Société Varoise d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux) and A.A.M.T. (Association des Amis de Marc THIROUIN). S.V.E.P.S. centralizes interesting reports, while A.A.M.T., founded by Marc THIROUIN, aims to conduct private investigations regionally, following in the footsteps of earlier UFO research commissions. The article provides practical advice for writing reports, suggesting the use of tape recorders for night observations. It also lists essential equipment for observers, such as binoculars, telescopes, cameras, compasses, and various detectors.

The A.A.M.T. outlines its diverse activities, which include compiling UFO case files, administrative support, member information and training, organizing observation vigils, maintaining a detection network, inter-group collaborations, conducting investigations, publishing a bulletin ('UFO-INFORMATIONS'), issuing circulars ('Flash Association'), hosting public debates and exhibitions, conducting opinion polls, and organizing conferences. The association also emphasizes its participation in national and international UFO research efforts.

Membership in the Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches des Phénomènes Inexpliqués (C.E.R.P.I.) is detailed, including subscription fees for different member types and the benefits of membership, such as receiving the CERPI journal and access to the association's library and archives.

Hawaiian Legends and Artifacts

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Hawaiian legends, particularly the Ménéhunes, described as industrious, mythical dwarfs who were supposedly the first settlers of the archipelago. The legends attribute extraordinary building feats to them, often accomplished overnight. The article also discusses the 'Bang Utot' phenomenon, a recurring nightmare leading to death, which has been formally recognized in around 130 cases since the 1920s, predominantly affecting individuals of Polynesian descent. The phenomenon is linked to 'Kahuna Ana Ana,' sorcerers who pray for a victim's death.

Evidence supporting the existence of these small beings is presented through the discovery of artifacts. These include tiny 'Fairy Crosses' found in Patrick County, Virginia, and 'Pygmy Flints' discovered in France, England, India, and South Africa, noted for their minuscule size and craftsmanship. Another remarkable discovery mentioned is that of seventeen miniature wooden coffins found in a cave near Edinburgh in 1836, containing tiny wooden figures.

Scientific Advancements and Phenomena

The issue also touches upon scientific and fringe topics. One article discusses the potential of electricity for tissue regeneration, citing research that shows significant success in healing fractures and regenerating nerves and tissues in animals, with promising applications for humans. It notes that 85% of patients treated for fractures regained limb function.

Another section reports on the phenomenon of 'extra-sensibles' in the Soviet Union, focusing on Djouna Davitachvili, a healer from Georgia. The article suggests that she has been instrumental in the recovery of Leonid Brejnev. The Soviet Union is reportedly conducting scientific research into individuals with elevated biological fields, capable of influencing plants and humans. Davitachvili, described as a psychic, charges a fee for her consultations and is sought after due to the scarcity of medical resources in some parts of the USSR.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained, folklore, and scientific inquiry. It promotes active participation in UFO research through reporting, investigation, and information sharing. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, presenting various phenomena, from alleged paranormal abilities to ancient legends and potential scientific breakthroughs, with a focus on documentation and investigation. The inclusion of practical advice for observers and details on organizational structures suggests a commitment to organized ufological research.