Chroniques de la CLEU - No 19 - Decembre 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.
Issue: No. 19
Date: December 1981
Publisher: Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques (C.L.E.U.)
Country: Luxembourg
Language: French

This issue of Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U. is dedicated to exploring the phenomenon of "cheveux d'ange" (angel hair), a substance that has been observed falling from the sky, often in conjunction with UFO sightings. The magazine features an editorial, research articles, and case studies, aiming to provide a scientific and objective analysis of these events.

Editorial

The editorial, written by the president Christian Petit, reflects on the end of another year for the C.L.E.U., acknowledging the difficulties and challenges faced by the organization. Petit emphasizes the winding and unpredictable nature of ufological research, likening it to navigating uncertain roads rather than familiar ones. He asserts that ufology exists, supported by numerous observation cases worldwide, and notes that scientists are increasingly engaging with the subject, citing the existence of GEPAN (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés). The editorial calls for a collective effort to advance the study of UFOs, urging an end to acrimonious criticism and sterile quarrels, and encouraging an open mind towards the unknown. It concludes with holiday wishes for the readers.

Research Articles and Case Studies

1.1. The Phenomenon of Angel Hair

This section defines "angel hair" as a strange substance falling from the sky in fine filaments, compared to silk threads or spider webs. The term "angel hair" is used despite its less scientific connotation, as "unidentified filamentous matter" is deemed too pedantic. The article notes that there are at least fifty documented observations of this phenomenon, characterized by its appearance in considerable quantities, often covering several square kilometers, though the fall is usually brief. While sometimes found on the ground, it has also been observed falling directly. This suggests the substance is released from a point above, with its dispersion due to slow atmospheric descent. Crucially, over half of these cases are associated with UFO sightings, with some instances allowing direct observation of UFOs releasing the filaments. The study posits that "angel hair" could be a physical manifestation of UFOs, offering potential insights into these objects.

1.3. "Angel Hair" Surrounding a UFO

This section recounts a remarkable observation from Aimé Michel's 1958 book, detailing an event in Graulhet, France, on October 13, 1954. A witness observed a white, flexible, disc-shaped object moving at high speed. The object then exploded, and a smaller, silver-colored circular object emerged, moving southwards. Fragments from the explosion scattered and fell to the ground, described as resembling pieces of fabric or paper. These fragments were collected and found to be argentic filaments, aggregated like spider webs, which disintegrated under touch. Attempts to analyze the material by a chemist were inconclusive, as it sublimated when heated, leaving no trace. This sublimation process is presented as an explanation for the disappearance of collected filaments, similar to cases where the substance vanished over time when exposed to ambient temperatures or rapidly when in contact with skin.

1.4. First Attempt at Explanation

This section explores early hypotheses for the formation of "angel hair." Aimé Michel dismissed the idea of solidified water vapor. Another theory suggested that particles ejected from UFOs reacted with air to form a complex, unstable compound, similar to condensation trails from aircraft but resulting in fine filaments. M. de San proposed an explanation involving the "icing" of water droplets, suggesting that UFOs' electric fields could stretch water droplets into filaments. He hypothesized these filaments froze and attached to the UFO until detached by aerodynamic forces. However, this theory faced challenges, including the need to explain temporary stability and the fact that analyses of "angel hair" often revealed elements other than water. An interesting study by M. H. Mauras in 1965 analyzed samples collected between Auch, Revel, and Toulouse, concluding that the material consisted of arachnid threads. Mauras suggested that UFOs, with their significant static electricity, could attract these airborne threads, with their rapid dispersal possibly due to a sudden change in the UFO's electrical polarity.

1.5. An Assembly of Very Short Cotton or Wool Fibers?

This section details an event on February 21, 1955, near Horseheads, New York, where large quantities of a filamentous substance were discovered over a 2.5 km area. Dr. Charles Rutenber of Elmira College analyzed the material, comparing it to debris from a "gigantic cocoon" and noting its resemblance to tangled, short cotton or wool fibers, heavily impregnated with soot and industrial grime. Dr. Richmond also concluded it was short fibers with low resistance, resembling cotton or wool. Technicians from a Westinghouse plant identified "pieces of very fine copper wire" as well. A manager from the same plant reported the substance contained "30% carbon and different metals" and showed weak radioactivity. The collected material disintegrated rapidly, suggesting it was not a sublimation phenomenon.

1.6. The "Ufological" Context of This Study

This section critiques the scientific community's approach to UFO phenomena, arguing that it is often poorly informed and relies on analyzing isolated cases that are not representative of the whole. It criticizes the tendency to dismiss phenomena that can be conventionally explained, suggesting this overlooks the broader implications of UFO observations. The author expresses a desire to calm the debate surrounding the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET) by focusing on the difficulty of accepting it rather than dismissing it outright. The article acknowledges the challenges in explaining how intelligent beings could travel interstellar distances with material craft at the frequencies suggested by UFO sightings. It notes that while the "bolts and nuts" version of HET is often deemed untenable, the majority of detailed UFO observations point towards an extraterrestrial origin, leading some to propose remote "mind manipulation." The authors argue that rejecting or defending HET outright is currently arbitrary due to a lack of verifiable means.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U. consistently explores the intersection of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) with physical manifestations like "angel hair." The magazine adopts a stance of rigorous, albeit sometimes speculative, scientific inquiry, attempting to analyze witness accounts and physical evidence. It highlights the challenges in explaining these phenomena within conventional scientific frameworks and engages with the ongoing debate surrounding the extraterrestrial hypothesis, advocating for open-mindedness and continued investigation rather than premature dismissal. The publication appears to be a platform for sharing detailed case studies and theoretical explorations within the ufological community.

This issue of Inforespace, number 49, published in January 1980 by SOBEPS in Brussels, Belgium, is primarily written in French. It features an article by Auguste MEESSEN, a professor at U.C.L., who advocates for a scientific approach to analyzing UFO phenomena, focusing on observed facts rather than speculation about interstellar travel. The issue also includes a comprehensive bibliography of UFO-related literature and several reports of UFO sightings.

Analysis of UFO Phenomena and Scientific Method

Auguste MEESSEN's introductory article, "Il nous semble préférable de partir uniquement de l'analyse des faits observés actuellement disponibles," sets the tone for the issue. He emphasizes that the study concerns the behavior of UFOs within Earth's atmosphere and not their potential interstellar journeys. MEESSEN proposes a particular study on 'angel hair' as an illustration of scientific methodology, suggesting it leads to interesting considerations regarding the physics of condensed matter. The article is marked as '(à suivre)', indicating it is part of a series.

Bibliography

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a bibliography of UFO-related works. This section lists numerous books and articles, providing authors, titles, publishers, and brief descriptions. Notable entries include:

• "The UFO Evidence" edited by R.H. Hall (1964)
• "Mystérieux objets célestes" by A. Michel (1958)
• "La propulsion des soucoupes volantes" by J. Plantier (1955)
• Articles from Inforespace itself, detailing research and hypotheses on UFO propulsion and physical aspects.
• "Science fiction et soucoupes volantes" by B. Méheust (1978)
• "Les Annales de l'Etrange 1980" by Jean Yves Casgha, which poses questions about nuclear alerts, computer failures, and the study of parallel disciplines in the USSR and USA.
• "Preuves scientifiques OVNI I'Isocélie" by Jean-Charles Fumoux, discussing a revolutionary theory about UFOs.
• "Les OVNI en Union Soviétique" by Jean-Louis Degaudenzi, highlighting Soviet research on unidentified flying objects (NLOs).
• "Harmonic 695" by B. Cathie and P. Temm, detailing observations and research on UFOs since 1952.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue reports on several UFO observations and related events, primarily from Luxembourg and France:

• August 1980: An object described as circular with an intense yellow light was observed near Luxembourg-Ville, followed by a smaller object that merged with it before disappearing rapidly.
• September 1980:
• A blinking white light moved in a zig-zag pattern over Limpertsberg, Luxembourg.
• A flamboyant red-orange, cigar-shaped object was seen over Luxembourg-Ville, moving vertically and then horizontally.
• A similar red-orange object was observed silently moving north in Dirpach.
• Numerous inhabitants of Bergem reported a silent red/green object.
• On September 29th, an object similar to the one on the 23rd was seen in Bergem, followed by a larger red-orange object tracing a curved path.
• October 1980:
• A luminous object with alternating red and white lights, moving at jet-plane speed, was observed in Differdange.
• A white light object with red lights was seen hovering at low altitude near Capellen.
• September 6, 1980 (Meurthe et Moselle, France): An investigation report by M. Fabrice eni details an observation by Mme Marie-Thérèse Salucci and her family in Longwy Haut. They observed an elongated orange object moving slowly, which then became stationary. A second object, brighter and orange, appeared and seemed to change shape before disappearing. The object was estimated to be about 80m long and 12m wide, moving at a minimum speed of 160 km/h.
• "L'ovni de Salon" (November 26, 1981): This article, from "républ. lorrain," describes a staged UFO event in Vauvert, France, orchestrated by a promotion of the French Air Force School. A metallic object, described as a cube surmounted by a sphere, was presented as a mysterious object, with military personnel maintaining a cordon around it. The event was a prank, with two students emerging dressed as extraterrestrials.
• Alsace Sightings (various dates in 1980-1981): Several reports from Alsace, France, detail UFO observations:
• An object seen over the Tavarny base (reported September 26, 1981) was described as luminous and moved vertically after hovering.
• A luminous orange sphere was observed near Kembs (reported April 13, 1980).
• A second UFO, a dark orange or red sphere, was observed by ten witnesses in the Strasbourg region (reported December 10, 1981).
• A report titled "Une 2 CV enlevée par... un ovni" (reported April 14, 1980) describes a mysterious red cloud that enveloped a car and its driver, leading to their disappearance.

Meetings and Organizations

The issue also touches upon the activities of ufological organizations:

• CECRU: A meeting concerning the CECRU's investigation protocols and the need for standardized reports is mentioned.
• CLEU: The general assembly of the CLEU was held on December 12, 1981, at La Fiorentina. The president welcomed members and highlighted the development of study commissions. The activities of 1981 included participation in CNEGU meetings in Chaumont and Nancy, a ufological congress in London, and the CECRU in Dijon. The CLEU publishes a bulletin called "Les Chroniques" and plans to organize conferences, information sessions, and public observation events for 1982.
• CNEGU: The 11th session of the CNEGU was planned for March 27-28, 1982, in Marienthal, organized by CLEU.

Ephemerides

A section titled "EPHEMERIDES" provides astronomical information for November and December 1980, listing the visibility of planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) and meteor showers (Taurides, Leonides, Geminides), along with lunar phases. This section is attributed to Philippe Ceccato and references "Ciel et Espace."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of factual evidence, and the cataloging of sightings. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rigorous, scientific study, as advocated by Auguste MEESSEN, and provides a platform for reporting detailed observations and research from various sources, including academic and journalistic contributions. The extensive bibliography underscores a commitment to thorough research and awareness of existing literature in the field.

This document is an issue of the "COMMISSION LUXEMBOURGEOISE D'ETUDES UFOLOGIQUES" (Luxembourgish Commission for Ufological Studies), identified as issue No. 20, with a publication year of 1982. The magazine is self-funded by its members and relies on their contributions and promotion to operate. It details various membership tiers, including active investigator, correspondent, sympathizer, and honorary member, outlining the specific benefits and costs associated with each.

Membership Tiers and Benefits

Active Investigator Member

• Contribution: 400 FB + a photo ID.
• Benefits: Receive the CLEU Chronicles, the right to publish articles related to ufology, participation in activities and meetings, free entry to conferences, the possibility to become an investigator based on skills, and a free CLEU auto-adhesive sticker.

Correspondent Member

• Contribution: 250 FB.
• Benefits: Receive the CLEU Chronicles, access to written or spoken information gathered from the press or their network, and a free CLEU auto-adhesive sticker.

Sympathizer Member

• Contribution: 100 FB.
• Benefits: Support the Commission and receive a free CLEU auto-adhesive sticker.

Honorary Member

No specific details are provided for this tier, but a reminder to renew subscriptions for the year 1982 is present.

Financial Information

The commission's financial details are provided for payments:

• CCP Luxembourg: Account No. 6958-71
• Banque Internationale: Account No. 5-1307180

For international payments, the use of international postal money orders to the CCP is advised.

Operational Philosophy and Member Engagement

The publication emphasizes that the CLEU operates solely on its own means and does not receive external financial support. Members are encouraged to spread awareness about the commission's activities and to share the "Chroniques" with others to attract new members. Members who are active investigators or correspondents receive the "Chroniques" regularly, with new members in the current year receiving back issues.

Calendar of Events (1982)

The magazine lists planned activities for 1982:

• January 16, 1982: Working meeting for the preparation of CNEGU.
• January 29, 1982: CLEU meeting at La Fiorentina, discussing a chosen theme, animated by André Pichon.
• February 19, 1982: CLEU meeting at La Fiorentina, animated by Joel Torterat.
• February 06, 1982: CLEU meeting at La Fiorentina, animated by Alain Schmitt.
• March 27-28, 1982: CNEGU in Marienthal.
• Throughout the year: Seminars on investigations, observation evenings, and participation in international ufological congresses.

Contents of Issue No. 20

The summary of issue No. 20 includes:

• Report from their envoy to the Bufora congress in London.
• Analysis of the "angel hair" phenomenon (continued).
• A UFO observation in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on February 18, 1981.
• A definition of the OVNI (Unidentified Flying Object) phenomenon by Alain SCHMITT.

The editorial notes that the summary may be subject to modifications based on current events.

Rendez-vous (March 1982)

Members are informed that individual written notifications about congress participation will not be provided. Meetings at the headquarters are the primary means of keeping members updated on ufological news. Members are urged to attend these meetings in large numbers.

Important Notice

Members are reminded to request their 1982 membership card by paying their subscription via CCP. The publication wishes its readers a happy new year and expresses its intent to continue its established path.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the structure and operation of the ufological study commission, emphasizing its reliance on member support and active participation. The editorial stance is one of promoting ufological research and awareness within Luxembourg and internationally, encouraging member engagement through meetings, publications, and shared information. The commission positions itself as a platform for discussion, investigation, and dissemination of UFO-related knowledge, operating independently and relying on the collective effort of its members.