Chroniques de la CLEU - No 10 - Septembre 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.
Issue: No. 10
Date: September 1979
Publisher: C.L.E.U. (Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques)
Country: Luxembourg
Language: French

This issue of "Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U." presents a blend of ufological investigation and philosophical discussion, with a strong emphasis on a series of reported luminous phenomena and a critical examination of the concept of reincarnation.

Editorial

The editorial notes that this is the 10th issue but that few events have occurred recently. The press rarely discusses UFOs, and the magazine has not received many press articles, only some observations from the Spanish press. The GEPO group submitted an investigation, but the photos received were not clear enough to form a strong opinion, suggesting the event might have been a rocket launch. The editorial mentions a busy calendar of ufological meetings and a humorous anecdote about a survey by J.Cl. Bourret aiming to catalog members of private groups. The editorial concludes by mentioning the president's upcoming trip to Peru and thanking attendees of a recent observation night and the press and RTL for their help.

Key Personnel and Organizations

The issue lists the key personnel of C.L.E.U., including Christian PETIT as President and Editor, Monique SASSEL as Secretary, and Monique LINDEN as Treasurer. It also details the printing team, inquiry and contact services, and contributors for astronomy, electronics, and translation. Correspondents are listed from France and Argentina. C.L.E.U. is noted as a member of CECRU and CNEGU.

Article: Un Mythe Moderne: La Réincarnation by Michel Le Mouel

This article critically examines the theory of reincarnation. The author argues that the rapid increase in global population contradicts the idea of souls waiting to be reincarnated, as the number of births far exceeds deaths. The article questions the assertion that souls from other planets or lower animal forms are incarnating on Earth, suggesting that many new births in the Third World may not possess a "Spiritual Soul." The author criticizes the logic of reincarnationists, stating that their theories are not based on proof and remain in the realm of hypothesis. The article also touches upon the concept of "GRAND DIEU" (Great God) and the limitations of knowledge held by various spiritual entities, concluding that cosmic gods are not gods of love.

Dossier: Roanne 2 Décembre 1978

This section details a significant UFO investigation conducted by the GEPO group concerning a luminous phenomenon observed by dozens of people on December 2, 1978. The investigation proved difficult and confusing.

Observations from December 2, 1978 (between 17:10 and 18:10):

• A) Roanne (Loire): A witness filmed an exceptional luminous phenomenon for about ten minutes. It appeared in the west, ascended in a zig-zag, described a bright circle, and then disappeared, leaving an iridescent light. Many witnesses saw it.
• B) Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dome): Many people observed a round luminous object and took photographs.
• C) Montluçon (Allier): Similar scenario, with a luminous object observed and photographed.
• D) Macon (Saone-et-Loire): A gendarme observed an object moving from SW to NE, leaving a white trail. Three beams of light shot out from the object, which then disappeared.
• E) Chèvremont (Territoire de Belfort): Three witnesses saw a huge, iridescent fireball, seemingly disintegrating, with two luminous zig-zag trails.
• F) Aéroport de Bâle/Mulhouse (Haut-Rhin): A meteorological official observed a white, luminous cylindrical object, about 100 meters in diameter, moving at high speed towards Bâle.
• G) Belfort (Territoire de): A technician observed a significant luminous phenomenon in the S-SW sector, about 10 degrees above the horizon, described as a ball of fire that slowly faded.
• H) Arc-et-Senans (Doubs): Five aeronauts observed a luminous ball leaving clear traces, with two luminous beams directed downwards.
• I) Contrexéville (Vosges): A resident observed a luminous phenomenon that was not an airplane, with a long luminous trail, a powerful beam of light, and sparks.

The dossier emphasizes that these testimonies are consistent and suggest the same phenomenon. It includes the official report from the main witness in Roanne, Jean-Luc Michault, who described a luminous trail with zig-zag movements, culminating in a round luminous source surrounded by a halo. Michault filmed the event for ten minutes and possesses the video cassette.

Analysis of the Roanne Film and Further Testimonies

The film of the Roanne phenomenon, lasting eight minutes, was analyzed. It showed a luminous object moving slowly downwards, with a brighter, elongated shape moving upwards within a trail. The film also captured about 900 slides. Jean-Luc Michault, initially not an UFO enthusiast, became convinced by his observations. The investigation revealed numerous other testimonies from the Loire region and surrounding departments, all corroborating the phenomenon observed in Roanne, though some details, like the object's position relative to the trail, varied.

Hypotheses on the Roanne Phenomenon

The article explores several hypotheses for the Roanne sighting:

• Rockets: Dismissed due to the object's movement (ascending zig-zag) and the lack of a clear explanation for why it would be seen far from its launch site (Biscarosse) or why self-destruct mechanisms would fail.
• Lightning: Ruled out due to the duration of the phenomenon (nearly an hour) and its distinct shape, unlike a typical lightning strike.
• Meteorite: Rejected because meteorites follow a predictable trajectory, whereas the Roanne object ascended in a zig-zag pattern.
• Airplane: Considered unlikely due to the object's movement from bottom to top and the nature of its trail.
• Multiple Objects: The film suggests the possibility of multiple objects, possibly a "mother ship" with smaller objects detaching, supported by photographic evidence of geometric shapes and connecting trails.

Official Responses and GEPAN Letter

The article highlights a "silence" from authorities. A letter from GEPAN (CNES) to M. Michault acknowledges receipt of his documents and states that, after cross-referencing with military sources, the phenomenon is likely related to military tests. GEPAN states it is impossible to disclose any information about these tests but suggests that the observed phenomena could be related to aspects like fragmentation, heating, or delayed re-ignition of an object.

Gendarmerie Inquiries

Inquiries were made to gendarmes in various locations:

• Clermont-Ferrand: A gendarme saw the luminous trail but paid little attention, stating many celestial phenomena are reported. Intelligence services claimed no knowledge or attention paid to such reports.
• Vichy: Initial calls yielded no information, but a later call suggested the phenomenon was located 60 km from Roanne, between Thiers and Clermont.
• Thiers: A gendarme observed two luminous trails, corroborating the phenomenon and helping to pinpoint its location.
• Macon: No specific information was available, only vague mentions of a phenomenon possibly related to kerosene.
• Roanne: A gendarme had heard about the phenomenon, which was reportedly linked to a newspaper article suggesting a natural phenomenon.
• Mulhouse: Gendarmes were unaware of the specific event, and no official report seemed to have been filed.
• Belfort: The response was dismissive: "We don't spend all our time observing the sky."

The article concludes that many authorities claimed to have "heard nothing," suggesting a deliberate lack of information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently questions official explanations and emphasizes the need for independent investigation. The critical stance on reincarnation suggests a skepticism towards spiritual doctrines that lack empirical evidence. The magazine appears to favor witness testimony and photographic/filmic evidence, while highlighting the potential for military involvement or cover-ups in UFO sightings. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry and a challenge to conventional explanations, particularly concerning unexplained aerial phenomena and spiritual beliefs.

This issue of OVNI magazine, identified as issue number 11, delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena, primarily from the 1960s and 1970s. It features detailed witness testimonies, investigative reports, and theoretical discussions on the nature of these unexplained aerial phenomena.

Article 1: The Mystery of the Banana-Shaped Object (December 2, 1978)

The magazine begins by discussing an observation of a banana-shaped object with a curved middle, noting its similarity to UFO photographs. It highlights that similar phenomena were recorded in 1972 over the Loire and in Mulhouse, Austria, and that numerous identical cases have been reported and photographed worldwide. The article expresses regret that competent authorities often hide behind military secrecy, citing the example of the Montverdun center denying an aircraft's presence when a film showed otherwise. The GEPO (Groupement d'Etudes des Phénomènes Optiques) states that its study of this phenomenon was intended to provide an overview and that the investigation remains incomplete, leaving readers to form their own opinions. The article concludes with a somewhat poetic question: "After all, could this be a resurgence of the Austerlitz sun (December 2, 1802)?"

Acknowledgements

The authors, T. Rocher and Delille, thank Monsieur Michault for his hospitality and for providing information and photographs. They also express gratitude to the gendarmeries for their courteous reception.

Investigation Transmitted by GEPO

GEPO, located at 42, St Symphorien de Lay, France, transmits this report. A post-scriptum notes that the Roanne file was already being printed, but an opinion from a colleague in Lyon, M. R. Varrault of CLLDLN Lyon, is added. Varrault suggests the investigation is incomplete due to a lack of conclusions, proposing that the observation by M. Michault corresponds to a "missed shot in the sky." The article clarifies that the purpose of writing was to provide maximum information on the phenomenon, explore hypotheses, and gather information from the gendarmeries and on-site. It is presented as an informational article rather than a formal investigation.

Article 2: UFOs in the "Champ de Feu" in the Vosges (May 6, 1967)

This article details a significant sighting that occurred on May 6, 1967, at "Le Champ de Feu" in the Vosges region of France. Four witnesses—Raymond Schirmann, his wife, their son Jean-Luc (10), and his friend Philippe Wassmor (11)—were on the terrace of a chalet when they observed a row of seven to eight objects aligned and equidistant, appearing about 2 km away. Each object was described as having a dark central part surrounded by a halo, resembling "a puff of smoke." These objects glided slowly southward and then disappeared. Later, around 9 PM, a large black object, described as lentil-shaped and 15 to 20 meters in diameter, appeared from the south and approached the chalet silently. A white-yellowish luminous ribbon emerged from the underside of the object, described as snake-like. After about ten seconds, this ribbon disappeared. Subsequently, a thin luminous rod descended from the object. Then, two more luminous rods, one blue-white and two mauve, appeared, parallel to the first. These rods were described as having a compact appearance and were about 1.5 cm thick, tapering to about 1 meter from the ground. The witness noted that the ends of the rods were cut off cleanly, like "a sausage." The article discusses the hypothesis that these luminous rods might be a consequence of magnetic field lines. The main object then moved northward and disappeared, with witnesses observing a greenish luminous cone on its upper surface. The incident occurred around 10 PM, and the witnesses went to bed, with Jean-Luc later reporting being scared.

The following morning, the Schirmanns' account was met with skepticism by their neighbors. However, on Sunday, May 7th, they noted intense activity from aircraft from the Strasbourg-Entzheim base. On Monday, May 8th, local news and radio reported that the radar station at Champ de Feu had detected an unidentified flying object on Saturday, May 6th, between 8 PM and 10 PM.

Two weeks later, the Schirmanns returned to Champ de Feu with friends. During a walk on May 21st, they noticed that the tops of many fir trees in a large area were broken. M. Schirrmann found no explanation for this and suggested it might be related to the May 6th observation. M. and Mme Winterhalter, initially skeptical, began to take the accounts more seriously when they also observed a similar phenomenon—a row of seven to eight haloed objects moving over the forest.

Excerpts from "Le Mystère des OVNI" by R.J. Perrin are included.

Article 3: Sky Surveillance Report (September 1, null)

This section details a sky surveillance event organized by the C.L.E.U. (Luxembourgish Commission for Ufological Studies) on September 1st. Participants gathered at the Waldbredimus observation camp. The event included human testimony tests and the participation of astronomers from the Thionville astronomy club with telescopes. The sky surveillance began at 8:30 PM under a starry sky. Despite the participants' efforts, no UFOs were observed. However, the event was considered a success by the organizers, who planned to repeat it. RTL and "Magazine 2000" were present with cameras for a report.

Article 4: What is the UFO Phenomenon? (Part 1) by Michel Sorgues

This article explores the nature of the UFO phenomenon from a philosophical and anthropological perspective. Sorgues begins by asserting the certainty of human existence on Earth and humans' capacity for intelligence and initiative. He discusses the unique characteristics of humans, including upright posture, specialized feet for walking, large cranial capacity, and articulated language, which allows for communication. However, he notes that despite language, humans often fail to understand each other due to their vast differences. He posits that humans possess the faculty of thought, which allows them to compare, combine, and form ideas. Yet, he observes that humans frequently make errors, suggesting they do not fully utilize this faculty. The article categorizes humanity into four main groups based on skin color (melanoderm, xanthoderm, leucoderm, australoid) and discusses the diversity of races and languages, further complicating understanding.

Sorgues argues that humans often fail to think fully and rationally, leading to errors. He suggests that a collective thought process can emerge from individual opinions, leading to hypotheses and consequences that are then verified. He believes that the evolution towards knowledge is hindered when humans are dominated by external rules and laws. The article then addresses the UFO phenomenon, which humans have been trying to understand for thirty years, with divided opinions on its origin: extraterrestrial, parapsychological, or socio-psychological. He criticizes the tendency to oversimplify the phenomenon and to impose preconceived ideas that do not align with reality, labeling such actions as dishonest or egocentric.

The article posits that humans possess intelligence and five senses, with some suggesting a sixth sense that is largely unused. It also touches upon parapsychology and the concept of the mind or spirit. Sorgues suggests that the human being is composed of two elements: the physical body and the spirit or energy. He proposes that the spirit, or "soul," is the true essence of man, animating the body. He further explores the idea of reincarnation and the evolution of the soul towards total knowledge. He suggests that a highly evolved entity, or soul, could potentially dominate matter, achieve instantaneous communication, and predict events, possibly by drawing on a collective consciousness of disincarnated entities.

Article 5: UFOs in the "Champ de Feu" (Continued)

This section continues the report on the Champ de Feu incident. It reiterates the observations of the luminous rods and the trapezoidal band on the ground. The witnesses' description of the rods' compact ends is discussed in relation to magnetic field lines. The article notes that the phenomenon lasted only a few seconds before disappearing with a snap. M. Schirrmann expressed unease and suggested returning indoors. The object then moved north and disappeared. The incident occurred around 10:30 PM. The next morning, the Schirmanns recounted their experience to neighbors who were skeptical.

Article 6: What is the UFO Phenomenon? (Part 2) by Michel Sorgues

Sorgues continues his exploration of the UFO phenomenon, discussing various hypotheses: extraterrestrial, parapsychological, and socio-psychological. He argues that the common tendency is to simplify the phenomenon and that many hypotheses are based on personal interests or errors, failing to consider all aspects of the phenomenon. He suggests that humans often forget or ignore aspects of the phenomenon, either intentionally or due to error, leading to flawed conclusions. He criticizes the tendency to make assumptions based on limited knowledge, stating that such actions slow down the evolution of understanding.

He reiterates that humans are endowed with intelligence, articulated language, and five senses, with a potential sixth sense. He mentions parapsychology and the study of the mind. Sorgues proposes a dualistic view of humans, composed of a physical body and a spiritual element (soul, energy). He suggests that the soul evolves through reincarnation, aiming for complete knowledge. A highly evolved soul could potentially control its physical support, communicate with other entities, and master matter. He describes such an entity as having deep concentration, intense meditation, and the ability to communicate instantly (telepathy). He suggests that such beings could travel instantaneously to any location and meet anyone they desire. He also touches upon the concept of a collective consciousness and the potential for beings to influence events and evolve.

He concludes that if a significant portion of humanity reached this advanced stage of knowledge and utilized these possibilities, they could travel instantaneously across the planet and potentially to other planets. He suggests that the astral world interferes with our physical world, and that these beings could act subtly to modify the behavior and evolution of other living beings.

Article 7: UFOs in Uruguay (March 10, 1979)

A brief report from Rivera, Uruguay, states that a UFO was seen transporting beings with enormous heads, protected by transparent helmets, in an oval-shaped vessel. The presence of this UFO caused great excitement and terror among the population due to its bright light and high speed. Two eyewitnesses confirmed seeing the beings with large heads.

Article 8: Luminous Object Over Nancy (October 6, 1978)

This report details an observation made on Friday, October 6, 1978, in Nancy, France. A single witness observed a slow-moving, orange object shaped like a rugby ball, flying low over rooftops without sound. The object was visible for about five seconds and was estimated to be comparable in size to a medium-sized car. The area was described as deserted at the time. The investigation found no corroborating testimonies, no radar detection at the nearest base, and no scheduled air traffic. The conclusion is that the phenomenon presented characteristics of a UFO: orange luminosity, silent movement, rugby ball shape, and low flight over a school. It is noted that, as with many other cases, there was only one witness despite the object flying over an inhabited area. This investigation was transmitted by GPUN.

Article 9: UFO Fashion

A cartoon depicts two men sitting on a bench. One asks the other, "Good evening! Is that what they call 'disco fashion'?" The implication is that UFOs have become a trendy topic, akin to disco fashion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the investigation of these phenomena. There is a clear effort to document and analyze reported events, often highlighting the lack of official explanation and the challenges faced by independent researchers. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various hypotheses without definitively concluding on the nature of UFOs. The magazine encourages readers to consider different perspectives, from the physical characteristics of observed objects to more philosophical and psychological interpretations of the phenomenon. There is a recurring theme of official secrecy and the need for transparency in reporting and investigating UFOs. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of detailed observation and the collection of evidence, while acknowledging the subjective nature of witness accounts.

This issue of EPHEMERIDES focuses on astronomical phenomena and UFO-related content, serving as a publication for the C.L.E.U. organization. The content includes detailed ephemerides for planets and meteor showers, reviews of books on extraterrestrial and parapsychological topics, and information about the C.L.E.U.'s activities and calendar.

Astronomical Ephemerides

The publication provides a month-by-month guide to celestial events for September, October, November, and December 1979. For each month, it lists visible planets, their constellations, and their rising times. It also details various meteor showers, including their radiant points and peak activity dates.

• September: Features Mars and Jupiter in the constellation of the Twins and Leo, respectively. Saturn becomes observable in the morning aurora. Meteor showers include Piscides and Taurides.
• October: Venus is difficult to observe in the evening twilight. Mars is visible in Cancer. Saturn and Jupiter are visible in the morning aurora. Meteor showers include Giacchinides and Orionides.
• November: Mercury becomes observable in the morning sky. Venus is visible in the west. Mars is in Leo. Jupiter is visible for a good part of the night. Meteor showers include Geminides and Ursides.
• December: Mercury is visible in the morning sky. Venus is visible in the west. Mars is in Leo. Jupiter is visible for a good part of the night. Meteor showers include Taurides (continuing from November) and Geminides.

Lunar phases (First Quarter - PL, Last Quarter - DQ, New Moon - NL, Full Moon - PQ) are also noted for each month.

Book Reviews and Publications

The issue includes reviews of several books related to UFOs and parapsychology:

• "Contacts du 4e type" by Pierre DELVAL (Editions De Vecchi): This book, co-authored by specialists, explores UFO phenomena and suggests a possible "connivence" or psychic link between apparitions and witnesses.
• "Extra-Terrestres ou Voyageurs du Temps?" by Hervé Laronde (Editions Alain Lefeuvre): This book is mentioned with a quote attributed to Einstein, suggesting that UFO occupants might be humans from Earth's past returning.
• "OVNI, l'armée Parle" by J.Cl. Bourret (Editions France-Empire): This book reportedly contains secret reports from American intelligence services to the US President and the Air Force Chief of Staff, as well as an exclusive interview with a Chilean corporal who was allegedly dematerialized by a UFO. It also covers a French army report concerning the Mirage IV incident.

C.L.E.U. Activities and Membership

The publication emphasizes that C.L.E.U. operates solely on its members' support. It encourages members to spread the word about the organization and its publication, "Chroniques."

• Membership Benefits: Active or corresponding members receive the "Chroniques" regularly. New members joining mid-year receive back issues.
• Calendar of Events: The issue lists upcoming events for late 1979, including conferences and meetings in Thaon-les-Vosges, Dijon, and Avignon. A trip to Peru and a general assembly are also mentioned for November and mid-December, respectively.
• Table of Contents for No. 11: The issue also previews the contents of "No. 11," which includes articles on Peru's mysteries, CNEGU and CECRU meetings, a South American teleportation case, parapsychology, mysterious places, and ufology.
• Membership Information: Details are provided on how to join as an active, corresponding, or sympathizing member, including the cotisation amounts and payment method (CCP no 6958-71 Luxembourg).
• Call for Press Clippings: Members are asked to send in press clippings with their origin and publication date.

Other Sections

• Bibliography: Lists the books reviewed.
• Editorial Note: A note from Philippo CECCATO, responsible for astronomy at C.L.E.U.
• Cartoon: A humorous cartoon on page 4 depicts Frankenstein's monster and an alien discussing the similarities between themselves and humans.
• List of Periodicals: The back pages list various magazines and journals related to UFOs and the unexplained, with their addresses in France, Belgium, Canada, England, Spain, and Portugal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are astronomy, UFO phenomena, and parapsychology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, with a focus on sharing information and fostering a community of researchers through the C.L.E.U. organization. The publication aims to inform its readers about celestial events while also exploring more speculative topics like extraterrestrial contact and psychic phenomena.