Chroniques de la CLEU - No 07 - Decembre 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.' (The Chronicles of the C.L.E.U.), identified as Number 7 and dated December 1978, is published by the C.L.E.U. (Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques) from Luxembourg. The cover features an illustration of a city skyline with flying saucers, and the magazine is in French.

Editorial

The editorial discusses the need for better collaboration among ufological groups in the Northeast of France and Luxembourg. It mentions eleven such groups, including the C.L.E.U., and notes that some already belong to the European Committee for the Coordination of Ufological Research. To address the lack of close collaboration, five groups (C.L.E.U., GAU, GPUN, groupe 52/55, and C.LDLN Vosgien) met in Nancy on May 27, 1978, to create the 'Comité Nord-Est de Groupes Ufologiques' (CNEGU). The CNEGU aims to foster closer cooperation and allow groups not part of the European committee to be represented. The editorial acknowledges that some invited groups did not respond, highlighting a need for better communication and discipline. A second meeting was held in Nancy on October 7-8, with more groups joining, but many still absent. The next CNEGU meeting is planned for March 1979 in Luxembourg, organized by the C.L.E.U.

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

The issue includes an editorial, reports from correspondents, an article on 'The Origins of Life and Civilization (Part 1)', a sighting of a 'cigar' at Mont St Martin, 'Luxembourg Archives of 1954', 'In the Press', 'Our General Assembly in Niedercorn', 'CNEGU Report', 'UGEPI or the Loch Ness Monster Reappears', 'The Cumberland Incident', 'Insclite', and 'Bibliography'.

Reports from Correspondents (Enquêtes)

Chaligny, France (September 20, 1977)

Transmitted by GPUN Nancy, this report details an observation on September 20, 1977, between 17:45 and 18:00 in Chaligny. The witness, a competent amateur astronomer, described a yellow-orange, disc-shaped object at an altitude of 600-700m, moving towards the SW. No sound was perceived, and the duration was about 10 seconds. The investigator concluded that it was an OVNI (UFO), and the observation coincided with that of the witness's wife regarding timing and direction.

Tossa, Spain (August 15, 1978)

Transmitted by Monsieur PETITON, a corresponding member of C.L.E.U. in Rouen, this report describes an observation in Spain on August 15, 1978, around 23:30. Four occupants of a car witnessed a dark, unlit object propelling itself in a straight line, projecting two light beams. The object, described as resembling a 'Cousteau flying saucer', moved upwards at a speed faster than an airplane. The white beams illuminated the clouds before the object and beams were absorbed by them and disappeared. The witnesses unanimously rejected the hypothesis of an airplane.

Marseille, France (March 15, 1977)

Transmitted by GRIPHOM, this report details an observation on March 15, 1977, at 6:40 AM by M. R.F., a supervisor, on the North highway near Marseille. The witness described a luminous aerial phenomenon, elongated like a cylinder, about 5 millimeters long, with a blue-clear color, resembling a gas burner flame. The observation lasted 4-5 seconds, and the phenomenon disappeared in a spiral. The location was near the Camp de Carpians firing range, leaving the origin uncertain.

San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina (Date not specified, but related to a recent event)

Transmitted by GEPO, this report, translated by Dominique Dupuis, details an alleged encounter with extraterrestrials by two young men, Miguel Angel Carvajal and Miguel Ledesma, in the department of Burruyacu. They claimed to have seen strange beings measuring one meter tall, wearing blue suits, with shiny objects near their ears, and carrying devices resembling hair dryers. The beings reportedly entered the father's store through 'molecular conversion'. The beings communicated telepathically, warning the young men not to scream. The young men defended themselves, and the beings disappeared. The report notes a previous observation of intermittent luminosity in the area and a UFO sighting three years prior.

Articles

The Origins of Life and Civilization (Part 1) by Michel LE MOUEL

This article explores the scientific and speculative origins of life and civilization. It posits that life on Earth began about four billion years ago under favorable atmospheric and crustal conditions, leading to the formation of amino acids and sugars in primordial oceans. These then evolved into primitive cells and later into complex life forms. The article discusses the evolution of Homo Sapiens, questioning the evolutionary link to anthropoid apes and suggesting that human intelligence is self-derived. It also touches upon the decrease in human brain volume since Cro-Magnon times and the advanced techniques of Neolithic peoples, such as trepanation, despite their primitive living conditions.

The Deluge

This section discusses the theory of a universal deluge occurring 6000 years before Christ, which caused the death of millions and led to climatic changes. It suggests that the Earth's orbit shifted, altering its distance from the Sun and thus the year's length, necessitating the addition of 5 days to the calendar. Ancient calendars from various civilizations (Roman, Aryan, Mayan, Babylonian, Egyptian) are cited as evidence for a 360-day year. The text references the biblical account of creation and the separation of waters, suggesting a temperate climate before the catastrophe.

The Nuclear Conflict

This section draws on a Maya manuscript and the Mahabharata to describe catastrophic events. The Maya manuscript mentions the Earth shaking and sinking, drowning millions. The Mahabharata describes two powerful weapons: 'Kapilla's Gaze' and the 'Arm of Brahma', which could cause widespread destruction, darkness, and mutations in victims, drawing parallels to the effects on victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Origins of Extraterrestrial Man

This section speculates that advanced cultures existed millennia ago, possibly involving extraterrestrial beings who established colonies on Earth. It suggests that different human races originated from these extraterrestrial groups, chosen for their suitability to various climates. The article challenges the idea that racial differences are solely due to climatic adaptation, noting that black populations in the US do not show skin lightening without interbreeding. It also discusses the possibility of future human emigration to other planets, requiring similar environmental conditions and resources.

Note 1: Origins of Life

This note references the work of Oparine and Neiller, suggesting that life originated from the energy of solar ultraviolet rays interacting with water in primitive oceans, forming amino acids and proteins. It also mentions Fred Hoyle's theory that life exists throughout the universe and the phenomenon of 'rotifers' as examples of resilient life forms that can survive extreme conditions and potentially exist in space.

Note 2: Human Origins

This note discusses the ongoing debate among specialists about human origins. It references the 9th International Congress of Prehistoric and Protohistoric Sciences in Nice (1976), where the theory was presented that humans are not descended from current chimpanzees or gorillas but share a common ancestor. The earliest hominids, Australopithecines, are dated to about 5 million years ago. The divergence between Homo Sapiens and anthropoid apes is estimated to be between 30 and 22 million years ago. It mentions primate families like Proconsuls and Dryopithecines, and suggests that Ramapithecus might be the most likely ancestor of hominids.

Rapport d'Enquête C.L.E.U. (Mont Saint Martin, April 23, 1972)

This is a personal report from a C.L.E.U. member about an observation on April 23, 1972, at 19:55 in Mont Saint Martin. The witness observed a near-perfect arc-shaped cloud and then an object moving to his right. He measured its size against a chimney and noted its color was similar to clouds lit by the setting sun, with four black arches. The object disappeared after 5-6 seconds. The weather was clear with mild temperatures, and the sun was not visible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores ufology, scientific theories on the origins of life and civilization, and speculative ideas about human evolution and extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging research and collaboration among ufologists, while also engaging with scientific and historical perspectives. There is a clear interest in connecting ancient myths and historical accounts with modern phenomena and scientific discoveries.

This issue of CLEU, published in 1954, is a compilation of UFO (Objet Volant Non Identifié) reports and related organizational activities, primarily in French. The magazine focuses on documenting sightings, analyzing object characteristics, and outlining the work of various UFO research groups.

Detailed Reports and Sightings

European Sightings

Frisange, Luxembourg:

• October 11, 1954: The Lorraine press reports on "flying saucers" with information from Hettange-Grande. The article notes that Frisange has been particularly active with sightings.
• August 3, 1952: An initial sighting involved an object orbiting at 3000 meters before disappearing.
• November 4, 1953; September 28, 1953; October 6, 1954: These dates are listed as subsequent observation dates.
• October 18, 1954: A merchant from St. Avold reported seeing a bell-shaped object near Altrippe and Maxville. The object, described as having a brown underside and blue top, with white rays, rose at incredible speed towards Nancy. The witness and his companion, along with a farmer, observed its diameter (4m) and height (over 2m).

Dudelange, Luxembourg:

• October 18, 1954: Nurses and hospital employees at the Dudelange Hospital reported seeing disk-shaped objects above "Rôdebierg" at 8:00 AM.

Obercorn-Niedercorn, Luxembourg:

• October 18, 1954: Three young people from Obercorn reported seeing a brilliant object at 9:30 PM moving towards Belvaux. The object left a 30m long, 20cm wide luminous trail. This observation was confirmed in Niedercorn at the same time.

Esch/alzette, Luxembourg:

• October 18, 1954: Several witnesses observed a brilliant object moving at high speed from northeast to southwest, leaving a luminous trail several kilometers long. The object moved horizontally and was clearly not an airplane or a shooting star.

South American Sightings

Argentina:

• September 23, 1978: Near Viedma, pilots Carlos Acevedo and Ramirez Molla reported encountering a UFO during a South American auto tour. The object lifted their Citroen GS vehicle and emptied its fuel tank. Acevedo described a bright light that illuminated the car's interior, causing the engine to stop. The car then lifted off the ground before returning to earth. The fuel tank was found completely empty.
• October 22, 1978: In Palermo, Buenos Aires, the appearance of UFOs for the second consecutive day caused a massive traffic jam. Three objects were visible for three hours, emitting a white light that obscured their shapes. Two powerful projectors swept the sky, leading some to believe it was an official operation. Hail then fell for five minutes despite a clear sky.
• July 12, 1978: In Remblon, Mendoza province, station master Felipe Orozco was hospitalized after a nervous shock from witnessing a UFO. At 11:00 PM, he saw an intense light from the south, which he initially mistook for a train. The light emanated from a strange object that hovered over the station, illuminating it completely for several seconds. Orozco took refuge in his office, where he was found by the train conductor. Another motorist confirmed seeing the object, which momentarily blinded him.

Brazil:

• October 19, 1978: A Brazilian family reported being pursued by a strange, brilliant circular object in the state of Sao Paulo. They took refuge in a restaurant, and the UFO waited outside. When the father decided to drive again, the family escaped. However, 24 hours later, the UFO returned and destroyed the restaurant's roof, injuring four people inside.

Australian Sightings

• October 21, 1978: The Australian Air Force is searching the Tasmania Strait for a missing "Cessna" monomotor. The pilot, Fréderick Walentich, had reported a UFO while flying from Melbourne to King Island. During a six-minute conversation with Melbourne air traffic control, he described four strong lights resembling landing lights approaching him at high speed. He noted the object was playing a game and asked if military aircraft were present, which was denied. He described the object as elongated and stationary, then observed it circling him. He noted a green light and a metallic exterior. The pilot then reported the object had disappeared, followed by a loud metallic noise, and contact was lost. The "Cessna" never landed, and an oil slick was later spotted at sea.

Other Sightings

• July 3, 1967 (Cumberland, Rhode Island, USA): Joseph L. Ferrière, editor of an UFO magazine, was investigating recent sightings. He observed a large, cigar-shaped object, estimated at 60 meters long, hovering silently. Something was ejected from the object, a spherical ball. Ferrière took photos of both the large object and the smaller ejected object, which resembled two saucers with a dome. He estimated the large object's length at 30-45 meters and the smaller object's diameter at 4-5 meters. The large object had four lights on its side, appearing translucent from within.
• October 10-11, 1967 (Switzerland): Othmar Willi observed three cylindrical objects, each about 10 meters high and 5 meters in diameter, with a small cone on top, hovering over a cornfield near Baden. The cylinders rotated slowly, with illuminated square windows. They emitted a strange, humming sound. A hatch opened, and an ovoid-shaped container was lowered. After a minute, the container was retrieved, and the three cylinders departed at high speed. Willi changed his opinion about flying saucers after this event. The objects were described as having vertical cylindrical shapes with a small cone, emitting a strange sound, and possibly involved in plant or cereal collection.
• September 5-6, 1978 (Mulhouse, France): Unidentified flying objects were observed in the sky over Mulhouse. Witnesses described luminous spheres flying at low altitude and in total silence, then ascending rapidly into the clouds. The objects were estimated to be about 25 meters in diameter and shaped like flat plates topped with a hemisphere.
• August 29, 1978 (Tomblaine, France): An inhabitant reported seeing UFOs twice. The first time, a single large object; the second time, two objects, red and light green, emitting flashes. The witness estimated the objects were 400 meters apart and at an altitude of 900 meters. The director of the Tomblaine weather station suggested it was a helicopter maneuver.
• October 15, 1978 (Reims, France): An OVNI was observed on three occasions in the triangle Thil-Pouillon-Villers-Franqueux. The object was described as an ovoid saucer, about seven meters in diameter, with a green halo and blinking red lights. It appeared to follow the Earth's rotation and was at an altitude of 1700 meters. It was observed for periods of ten to sixty minutes over three consecutive evenings. Two aircraft and a third aircraft diverted course to observe the phenomenon, which was also detected on radar.
• October 10, 1978 (Cirey-sur-Vezouze, France): Michel Verstraeten reported seeing a brilliant, cloud-reddening ball at an altitude of ten thousand meters. A second ball appeared above the first. The objects moved towards him. He returned home to get witnesses but lost sight of them upon his return.
• September 24, 1978 (Gérardmer, France): Inhabitants of Gérardmer reported seeing a brilliant, silver object moving at high speed from south to north.

UFO Research Organizations and Activities

CLEU (Comité de Liaison Inter-associations Ufologiques):

• General Assembly (October 22, Niedercorn): The assembly discussed significant developments in ufology and international relations. An invitation from Monsieur Poher of the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales to French UFO groups was highlighted.
• CNEGU (Coordination Nord-Est Ufologique): A meeting in Nancy on October 7-8, 1978, brought together research and study groups from Northeast France and Luxembourg to coordinate ufological research. Participants included CLEU, GPUN, Groupe 52/55, and CLDLN Vosgien. A regional cooperation protocol was defined.
• CECRU (Comité Européen de Coordination de la Recherche Ufologique): The 4th meeting took place in Dourdan on October 15, 1978. CLEU representatives MM. BALTONWEG, FEDELI, PETIT, and Mme SASSEL attended. Working commissions were formed: 1. Commission CECKU: Focused on the administrative aspects of CECRU. Mr. Petit represented CLEU. 2. Commission Enquêtes (Investigations): Worked on a standard observation report. Mr. Fedeli represented CLEU. 3. Commission Administrative: Assisted with group management. Monique Sassel represented CLEU. 4. Commission Contactés: Aimed to approach the phenomenon of "Contactees" in ufology. Alain Baltenweg represented CLEU. 5. Commission Détection: No CLEU representative.
• GEPAN (Groupe d'Études et de Previsions des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-identifiés): Established a year prior, GEPAN is the official French organization for studying UFOs, dependent on CNES. It is noted that France is the only country with such an organization and has several specialized teams: rapid intervention, trace collection and analysis, and radar alert.
• Second CNEGU Meeting: Held in Luxembourg, hosted by CLEU, scheduled for March 1979.

Other Activities:

• Film Preparation: GPUN of Nancy is preparing a documentary film on UFOs for joint conferences with CNEGU groups. Another more elaborate film is in preparation.
• Project Magonia: A psychological study of contact situations through tests, in collaboration with French CECRU groups.
• Special CNEGU Issue: Preparation for a special publication.
• Conferences: Projects for joint conferences with GPUN and CNEGU groups in Luxembourg and Moselle.
• Peru Trip: A mini-expedition to Peru, including Pisco, Nazca, Sacsahuama, and Machu Picchu, was postponed to the following year. The estimated cost was 35,000 Luxembourg francs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, emphasizing the variety of shapes, colors, and behaviors observed. There's a clear effort to document these events with as much detail as possible, including witness testimonies, dates, locations, and estimated parameters. The publication also highlights the growing network of UFO research organizations in Europe, particularly in France and Luxembourg, and their collaborative efforts to study the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation, presenting these reports as credible accounts worthy of study, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and data collection, as seen in the formation of specialized commissions and the mention of GEPAN's official status in France.

Title: INSOLITE
Issue Date: November 1978 (implied by article content and date of meteorite announcement)
Publisher: Not explicitly stated, but likely a French-language publication given the content and language.
Country: France (implied by language and listed organizations/addresses)
Language: French

This issue of 'INSOLITE' delves into intriguing topics ranging from scientific theories about UFOs to astronomical discoveries and historical curiosities.

Article 1: UFOs as Insect Swarms

The lead article, "Les soucoupes volantes pourraient être des essaims d'insectes" (Flying saucers could be insect swarms), presents a novel hypothesis from two US researchers, Philip S. Callahan and R.W. Mankin, published in "Opitque appliquée." They propose that many UFO sightings between 1965 and 1968 in Utah might be explained by electrical discharges produced by large swarms of spruce budworm moths. Their experiments showed that insects, when placed in an electric field, emit visible light. Given the immense size of some moth swarms (up to 100 km long), their collective electrical activity could mimic UFO phenomena, similar to St. Elmo's fire. The researchers noted a correlation between spruce budworm infestations in Utah and reported UFO appearances, with a decrease in infestation coinciding with a reduction in UFO sightings.

Callahan and Mankin estimate that a significant portion of the approximately 30,000 UFO sightings reported to the US Air Force could be attributed to these insect swarms. They suggest that studying UFOs from an entomological perspective could provide valuable insights into insect migration patterns.

Article 2: A New Meteorite Discovery

Another significant report details the discovery of a unique meteorite in Antarctica, announced on Sunday, August 20, 1978, in Washington D.C. by the National Science Foundation. This meteorite, brought back by an American-Japanese expedition, is described as belonging to the achondrite class, closely related to chassignites and diagenites. According to mineralogist Brian Mason of the Smithsonian Institution, its metallic structure does not fit any currently recognized rock type. Found on the western side of the Mc Murdo ice shelf in Antarctica, the rock is estimated to be 4.5 billion years old and may have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Comic Strip: Pre-Columbian Circus

A multi-panel comic strip titled "A L'ÈRE PRÉ-COLOMBIENNE..." (In the Pre-Columbian Era...) depicts a scene at a circus called "PACA KOLZ!" within a Mayan or Aztec-inspired setting. Characters, including a "Grand Maya," are shown enjoying the spectacle, with one character expressing a desire for a clown. The artwork features pyramids and traditional attire, blending historical elements with a lighthearted narrative.

Ufological Organizations and Publications

The issue includes extensive listings of ufological organizations and their contact information, primarily in France, Belgium, Canada, England, and Spain. It also lists related magazines focusing on the unusual, archaeology, and mysteries, such as "L'Autre Monde," "Kadath," and "L'Insolite." A "Changement d'adresse" section notes an update for SVEPS.

Bibliography

A bibliography section lists several books related to ufology and mysteries, including "Les Intra Terrestres" by M. Thér. Guinchard and Pierre Paolantoni, "Ils ont rencontré des extra-terrestres" by René Pacaut, and works by John G. Taylor and Alun + Sally Landsburg. It also references special issues of "L'Autre Monde" and "L'Inconnu" on UFOs and extraterrestrial hypotheses.

Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques (CLEU)

Several pages are dedicated to the CLEU, detailing membership options (active investigator, correspondent, sympathizer) with corresponding fees in Belgian Francs (FB) and French Francs (FF). The benefits of each membership level are outlined, including receiving the "Chroniques de la CLEU" (CLEU Chronicles), participating in activities, and receiving a free auto-sticker. The CLEU emphasizes its self-funded nature, relying solely on member contributions.

A "NOTRE CALENDRIER" (Our Calendar) lists upcoming CLEU and CNEGU (Commission Nationale d'Etudes des Groupes Ufologiques) meetings and events scheduled from December 1978 to March 1979, primarily in Ehlerange, Luxembourg. Topics include meetings, film presentations on Mayan pyramids, and preparation weekends for special issues.

The "AU SOMMAIRE DU NO 8" (Table of Contents for Issue No. 8) indicates articles on "Contact with UFO occupants," "Serial observations near the Grand Duchy," "Ancient civilizations," "Luxembourg archives of 1954," "GPUN investigations," and "Correspondents' mail."

A "RENDEZ-VOUS DONC AU MOIS DE MARS POUR LE NO 9" (See you in March for Issue No. 9) section encourages members to attend meetings for updates on ufological news and international congresses.

Notes to ufological groups highlight the availability of CLEU chronicles for exchange with other publications. An "IMPORTANT" note urges members to request their 1979 membership cards by paying their dues via CCP.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, scientific explanations for unusual occurrences, astronomical discoveries, and the organization of ufological research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting scientific hypotheses alongside reports of unexplained phenomena and historical mysteries. The detailed information about the CLEU suggests a focus on promoting ufological research and community engagement within the French-speaking world.