Chroniques de la CLEU - No 22 - Septembre 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.
Issue Date: September 1982
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." (The Chronicles of the Luxembourgish Commission for Ufological Studies) presents itself as a continuation of previous publications, with a focus on the "angel hair" phenomenon. The cover features a stylized illustration of various UFO shapes. The magazine is published by the C.L.E.U., an organization that is a member of the European Coordination Committee for Ufological Research (CECRU) and the North-East Committee of Ufological Groups (CNEGU).

Editorial

The editorial, written by Christian PETIT, highlights the continuity of the publication. It announces the conclusion of the first part of an article on "angel hair" and mentions that a sequel is planned. A new, inédite comic strip by Ral Rob, produced as a special edition of the Chronicles, is also featured. This comic is noted as the first by a ufological group and is part of a series of illustrated fiction about UFO phenomena. The editorial also mentions Alain SCHMITT's work on the "Extra-terrestrial Hypothesis," which is expected to be published in a special issue in December. Additionally, a technical study by group 5255 within the CNEGU framework is included. Upcoming events for the CNEGU are announced, including a meeting in Chaumont on October 27-28 and the organization's general assembly in mid-December, which will also include their annual dinner. PETIT encourages readers to continue their research into the irrational and unknown, regardless of the socio-economic climate.

Table of Contents (Au Sommaire)

• Editorial
• Analysis of the "angel hair" phenomenon (Part 14)
• C.L.E.U. Observation Evening
• Report on the 12th CNEGU session
• Rare and Little-Known Electrical Phenomena of the Atmosphere
• A UFO in East Germany
• In the Press
• Miscellaneous

Article: Analysis of the "angel hair" phenomenon (4)

This section, authored by Auguste MEESSEN, a professor at U.C.L., delves into the "angel hair" phenomenon, exploring potential explanations and its connection to UFOs.

Research for an Explanation: The Filaments Produced by Aeronautical Spiders

The article begins by examining the hypothesis of a natural process. It notes that young spiders, especially during mass hatching, can produce long, isolated filaments that are carried by the wind. This phenomenon is known in English as "gossamer" and in German as "Altweibersommer" (Old Wives' Summer), referring to a sunny period in autumn when it is frequent. In French, it's called "fils de la Vierge" (Virgin's threads), linked to "Marlenfäden" and "gaze de Marie" (Mary's gauze), a tradition attributing these fine threads to the mantle of the Virgin Mary. The author thanks M. Kekenbosh from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences for his assistance.

The article distinguishes between "spider webs" used for catching prey, which are attached to vegetation, and the filaments produced by "aeronautical spiders." The latter are typically very young spiders, especially those hatching in autumn. The process described involves agitated young spiders climbing onto vegetation, extending their abdomen towards the sky, and emitting silk. Warm updrafts carry and stretch this silk into filaments that can be over a meter long. This "ballooning" occurs on sunny days, with the spider releasing its grip when the filament reaches sufficient length, allowing the wind to carry it away.

This "ballooning" is not specific to one species, but "linyphiidae" spiders account for about 80% of these travelers. In autumn, their numbers can be extremely high, with counts of 1,665,000 per are observed. Young "thomisidae" spiders are also frequently involved.

The aerial journey typically occurs below 100 meters, though American aircraft have reportedly collected them at 4000 meters. Charles Darwin observed thousands of reddish spiders landing on his ship, the BEAGLE, over 100 km from the South American coast. The phenomenon has been so impressive that soldiers in both World Wars mistook it for a new chemical weapon.

When an "aeronautical spider" descends, it may stop if its filament catches on something. Otherwise, the journey can be long. To return to the ground, the spider rolls its filament into a ball using its legs, forming a small white "flocon." Landing is often triggered by the drop in temperature at dusk. In such instances, numerous spiders land simultaneously, releasing their now-unnecessary filaments. These can accumulate on plants, forming large "tissues" in areas like Yosemite Valley, covering bushes and creating a curious visual effect.

The author emphasizes that these observations are important and often underestimated in ufological literature. It is plausible that some "angel hair" sightings are simply large accumulations of these natural filaments. However, the article argues that not all "angel hair" phenomena can be explained this way, citing several reasons.

Reasons Against a Solely Natural Explanation

1. Absence of Spiders: Witnesses rarely report seeing spiders, even when comparing the "angel hair" to spider threads. This is puzzling, especially for filaments observed falling directly from the sky, not just found on the ground.
2. Original Properties: "Angel hair" possesses original properties that distinguish it from typical spider filaments. While spiders can produce composite silk threads by controlling their "filières" and "fusules," resulting in strong, multi-element cords, "angel hair" sometimes exhibits unique characteristics.
3. Instability and Sublimation: A significant portion of "angel hair" cases (46.7%) report rapid disappearance, often attributed to sublimation. While spider silk is generally stable, "angel hair" is frequently observed to sublimate, a characteristic that is considered important for certain types of these filaments.
4. Association with UFOs: The article asserts an undeniable association with the UFO phenomenon, citing numerous cases where "angel hair" was observed falling from or associated with UFOs. Examples include observations from 1954 to 1973 in various locations.

Characteristics and Observations of "Angel Hair"

The article details the properties of "angel hair," noting that while it's difficult to objectively compare its resistance, whiteness, or brightness to spider silk, spiders can produce composite threads. These threads are formed from a liquid that solidifies on contact with air, potentially creating a "master cable" from multiple elementary threads. These filaments can be rigid, smooth, flexible, or elastic, resembling silkworm silk. Their diameters vary, and some are incredibly fine, measuring only a hundredth of a millimeter. While the protein composition varies, "angel hair" filaments are noted to disappear spontaneously upon contact with skin, unlike typical spider silk. The sublimation of "angel hair" is a frequent observation.

The association with UFOs is presented as undeniable. Numerous witnesses have reported seeing "angel hair" falling from or originating from UFOs. Specific cases are cited, such as the 1954 observation in Graulhet and others in Oloron, Gaillac, Resada, Marysville, Florence, Whisset, Jonesboro, Ste Anne, and Sudbury.

Synthesis of Data and Theories

The author attempts to synthesize the collected data, acknowledging that many pieces of information are fragmentary. The question is whether the collective consideration of these observations, despite individual uncertainties, can lead to a more reduced margin of error and clearer conclusions.

Key Findings and Hypotheses:

• Existence is Undisputable: The existence of the "angel hair" phenomenon is considered indisputable, given the number of independent testimonies and the internal coherence of the reports. It points to the presence of an enigmatic substance with original properties falling from the sky under remarkable circumstances.
• Frequency in October: The phenomenon appears to be most frequent in October, with 46% of documented cases occurring during this month. This suggests that the conditions for its appearance are not constant and may be linked to variations in UFO probability or atmospheric conditions.
• Origin from UFOs: While confusion with spider filaments is possible, a significant number of cases (25/50) associate the fall of "angel hair" with the observation of UFOs, with 10 cases establishing a direct link where UFOs were seen ejecting the substance.
• Instability: "Angel hair" is often unstable, with rapid disappearance noted in 46.7% of cases. This instability is considered a key characteristic, though some filaments are stable.

Proposed Explanations for "Angel Hair" Formation and Behavior

The article proposes a two-part process for the formation of "angel hair" in relation to UFOs:

1. Formation of Filaments: This involves the formation of filaments from diverse particles suspended in the atmosphere, influenced by an oscillating electromagnetic field. This process could occur when UFOs interact with atmospheric components.
2. Subsistence of Filaments: The filaments can persist outside the UFO's force field for varying durations, depending on their constituent particles and temperature. This persistence is crucial for the observed phenomenon.

The process begins with the formation of an "entangled mass of threads" due to a massive discharge in a specific area. These isolated filaments stick together, forming a larger, denser mass that falls faster due to air resistance. This "sweeping" action during descent can create "plaques" that disintegrate when they become too large.

Observations supporting this include UFOs ejecting material described as "shreds of paper or cloth" that were actually silver filaments agglomerated like spiderwebs. Other reports mention "shreds of spiderwebs" made of white fibers, "black flakes" forming immense "flocons" (flakes) with a fibrous texture, "bandelettes of spiderweb," and "sheets" resembling cotton or asbestos. Some filaments are described as yellow and resinous, stretching like cotton, or as white and gelatinous. Others are fine, elastic, and form "caoutchouc"-like masses.

The filaments often exhibit remarkable mechanical resistance, surprising witnesses. They can be stretched without breaking but disappear rapidly upon contact with skin. A chemistry professor noted their resistance to traction and torsion, even though the substance was unstable. This resistance and elasticity are noted in both old and recent cases.

However, filaments can also crumble under fingers and be very fragile. The "disappearance" is described as a rupture of bonds between particles, possibly due to thermal activation or contact with a flame. This process can be gradual or rapid. In some cases, it occurs spontaneously at ambient temperature, while in others, it is slowed by cold. The diameter of the fibers can also decrease progressively.

This process is likened to evaporation, as generally no perceptible trace remains. It confirms the possibility of filaments forming from dispersed atmospheric particles. The particles themselves can be diverse. Some filaments leave a residue containing elements like Boron, Silicon, Calcium, and Magnesium. Microscopic examinations of stable filaments generally reveal a composite structure of short, low-resistance fibers resembling cotton, often damaged and showing traces of soot and industrial pollution. Copper threads have also been found.

Some "angel hair" can form a compact mass, indicating particle attraction. The filaments can be yellow, resinous, or white and gelatinous. They can also be fine, elastic, and form agglomerations. The "disappearance" is linked to thermal activation, and in some cases, it occurs during the fall or upon contact with a hand. The process can be slowed by cold, and fiber diameter can decrease.

When filaments are stable, microscopic examination reveals a composite structure. They can be made of short, fragile fibers resembling cotton, with traces of soot and industrial pollution. Copper threads have also been found. Some "angel hair" can form a compact mass, indicating particle attraction. The filaments can be yellow, resinous, or white and gelatinous. They can also be fine, elastic, and form agglomerations. The "disappearance" is linked to thermal activation, and in some cases, it occurs during the fall or upon contact with a hand. The process can be slowed by cold, and fiber diameter can decrease.

The article concludes by stating that the "angel hair" phenomenon, whether natural or UFO-related, involves particles of varying nature and size. The question remains how filaments can form in an electromagnetic field and why they can agglomerate, becoming more or less stable. This will be explored in a future installment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the "angel hair" phenomenon, its potential natural origins (specifically spider silk), and its possible connection to UFOs. The C.L.E.U. maintains an open-minded stance, encouraging continued research into unexplained phenomena despite societal or economic challenges. The editorial stance is one of active investigation and reporting on ufological matters, including scientific analysis and witness testimonies.

This issue of 'OVNI HUMOUR' (UFO Humor) is dated February 1981 and published by Inforespace. It combines a humorous take on UFOs with reports on ufological research and discussions on atmospheric phenomena. The cover features a cartoon titled 'LE DOUTE DU TÉMOIN...' (The Witness's Doubt...).

SOIREE D'OBSERVATION DE LA C.L.E.U.

A report details an observation evening held on August 20th in Belvaux. The event, organized by C.L.E.U., included games and activities before participants engaged in stargazing. Despite clear skies, no UFOs were observed, but the evening was considered a success, with participants enjoying the discussions and camaraderie.

OVNI HUMOUR: LE DOUTE DU TÉMOIN

A cartoon strip humorously explores the doubts of a witness, presenting options like 'a plasma,' 'an optical illusion,' or 'an extraterrestrial' as explanations for a sighting. The punchline suggests the object might be a 'ball-sonde' (balloon-sonde), with the characters exclaiming, 'They are crazy, these humanoids!'

COMITE NORD-EST DES GROUPEMENTS UFOLOGIQUES (CNEGU)

The issue extensively covers the 12th session of the CNEGU, held on June 5th and 6th, 1982, in Bulgnéville. This session was organized by CVLDLN and brought together representatives from various ufological groups, including C.L.E.U., Control, C.V.L.D.L.N., G.P.U.N., and Groupe 5255.

Session Agenda and Discussions:

• Radar Detection and Tangible Proof: René Faudrin (CVLDLN) presented on radar detection in ufological research, stating that while it constitutes strong evidence for unknown objects, its probability remains low and the search for proof is fragile.
• GEPAN's Role: A discussion arose regarding GEPAN's interaction with private ufological research, with concerns about information transfer being one-sided, despite agreements with the military and gendarmerie.
• CNEGU Organization: C.L.E.U. proposed changing the frequency of sessions from three per year to an as-needed basis, but this was rejected by the assembly, which favored regular meetings for better coordination.
• Catalogues: GPUN urged all groups to create 'retroactive' catalogues of UFO sightings since 1954 to aid thematic studies.
• Hynek Classification: CLEU suggested incorporating the Hynek classification system alongside the I-C and Symbol classifications.
• 1981 Case Files: Gilles Munsch (CVLDLN) requested the prompt submission of 1981 case summaries for the compilation of the 1981 Catalogue and Map.
• CECRU Questionnaires: The issue of supplying 'CECRU' type questionnaires was addressed, with Michel Piccin (Control) agreeing to undertake a large print run of a revised version.
• Observation Evening (June 5th): Participants gathered at 'Haut de Charmont' for an observation session. Despite clear skies, no specific sightings occurred. An audio recording of a radio program about UFOs was played, featuring a debate on private ufology.
• Alain Schmitt's Exposition (June 6th): Alain Schmitt (CLEU) presented his ideas on the 'extraterrestrial leitmotif' in ancient literature and its relation to the socio-psychological environment of the century.
• Index of Strangeness (I-E): This topic was deferred to a future commission.
• New Inquiry Presentation Format: Gilles Munsch proposed a new format for presenting inquiries at CNEGU sessions, involving a presentation followed by constructive criticism to improve investigation techniques.
• Future Sessions: The 13th session was planned for September-October 1982, with potential organizers being Groupe 5255 or Control. The provisional agenda included presentations on cases, investigation methods, commissions on 'Index of Strangeness,' 'Intelligent Aspect of the UFO Phenomenon,' 'Catalogue of Forms,' and 'Electromagnetic Effects,' as well as an exposé by Control on information propagation and commercial use.

Commissions:

• 'Humanoids' Commission: Led by Jacques Riviere (CVLDLN), this commission aims to gather comprehensive documentation on alleged humanoid cases and develop a standardized response form.
• 'Intelligent Aspect of the UFO Phenomenon' Commission: This commission, initiated by a letter from Raoul Robé, seeks to define an action plan for studying the intelligent aspect of UFOs. It includes developing procedures for observations, synthesizing technical notes, and creating an approach methodology.

Atmospheric Phenomena and Misinterpretations

The issue features a detailed section on 'Electrical Phenomena of the Atmosphere: Rare and Little-Known.'

• Ball Lightning: Described as spherical, ellipsoidal, or cylindrical, it can be white or red, silent or accompanied by crackling sounds. Its speed is relatively low, and it can disappear slowly or suddenly with a bang. Hypotheses include charged dust clouds, retinal persistence, or chemical combustion of hydrocarbons.
• Rocket Lightning: Appears as a reddish comet-like streak, often brief, and can be mistaken for a flying saucer.
• Chain Lightning: A succession of bright masses that volatilize, often silently or with a loud noise. Little is known about its effects.
• Ball Lightning (as a type of lightning): Considered a borderline case of rocket lightning, it is described as a luminous sphere that moves randomly and can be mistaken for UFOs.
• St. Elmo's Fire: A brilliant aigrette or tongue of fire, usually blue, appearing on metallic points, especially masts of ships. It lasts longer than ball lightning and is generally harmless, though it can emit whistling sounds. It is attributed to the flow of terrestrial electricity towards the sky.
• Plasmas and Plasmoids: These are atmospheric phenomena whose shape is determined by magnetic fields. They are highly unstable and difficult to preserve. Their formation conditions are not fully understood, but they often occur during stormy weather.
• Corona Effect: Manifests on force lines and TV antennas, related to electrical charge loss in aircraft. It can appear as a luminous halo above high-tension lines, but engineer P.J. Klass's theory that all unidentified objects near high-tension lines are corona discharges is challenged due to the limited range of the effect.
• Will-o'-the-Wisps (Feux Follets): Luminous globes formed above marshes from decomposing organic matter, releasing gases like methane and phosphine. They are typically yellow but can be red or blue and are amplified by electrical disturbances. They are generally not hot and do not ignite dry reeds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific inquiry, atmospheric events, and human perception. There's a clear emphasis on rigorous investigation, as evidenced by the detailed reports on the CNEGU sessions and the discussions on research methodologies. The inclusion of a humorous cartoon suggests a balanced approach, acknowledging the lighter side of the subject while maintaining a serious commitment to research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, encouraging detailed analysis and discouraging hasty conclusions, while also recognizing the potential for misidentification of natural phenomena as UFOs.

This issue of *Science et Vie*, dated September 1978 (issue number 732), focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and their potential connections to natural events and mythological themes. The content is primarily in French, with a confidence score of 4, indicating good legibility with some minor imperfections.

Atmospheric Phenomena and Earthquakes

The issue begins by discussing 'fireball' sightings, described as short-lived, characteristic phenomena that can ignite paper. A section titled 'Autre curiosité: boules de feu et tremblements de terre' details testimonies from La Rochelle, Ile de Ré, and Châtellaillon in France. These reports describe a red ball moving unnaturally before the onset of violent earthquakes, followed by tremors and a shredded red, scarf-like shape. This phenomenon has been widely observed in Japan during frequent seismic activity. Some in Japan associate these balls with UFOs, suggesting they might be phenomena linked to earthquakes, with an unknown nature. The article notes that while it's premature to label them as UFOs, the French testimonies are significant, especially given the rarity of such reports in France compared to Japan.

The article concludes this section by stating that these curious atmospheric phenomena, including punctual lights seen at great distances, can lead to confusion and have been used by scientists like Klass and Menzel to explain UFOs. However, it emphasizes that close-range observations and landings are excluded from this explanation. The author, Roger THOME (Groupe 5255), urges lucidity and the elimination of natural explanations, suggesting that some UFOs might be ball lightning, whose behavior can appear supernatural.

UFO Encounter in East Germany

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a report published by the North American Newspaper Alliance on July 7, 1952, concerning a UFO landing in the German Democratic Republic (DDR). The witness, Oskar Linke, the mayor of Gleimershausen near Meiningen, provided sworn testimony to an investigative commission composed of Americans and British. Linke recounted an event that occurred a week before his planned escape to the West. While riding his motorcycle with his 12-year-old daughter near a forest about 5 km from the border, his daughter pointed out a bright object through the trees. They stopped, hid the motorcycle, and cautiously approached. They observed a disk-shaped object, approximately 8 meters in diameter, illuminated from within. A square structure resembling a cupola, darker than the main object, was visible in its center. This structure, made of a material resembling polished aluminum, was described as being darker than the object itself.

Linke and his daughter observed two humanoid figures, about 1.20 meters tall, emerging from the direction of the clearing. These figures wore shiny, silver-colored costumes. One carried an object about the size of three cigarette packs. The leading figure had a flashing blue light on its chest. The second figure tapped the other on what appeared to be a glass helmet. The two figures stopped, and one turned towards the witnesses. Startled, Linke's daughter sighed, causing the figures to run towards a square turret on the object and disappear inside. Linke then noticed rows of openings, like 'bull's-eyes,' around the object. The square turret retracted into the cupola-shaped construction, and the object lifted off the ground. Below the main body, a square shape was visible, which Linke believed was for propulsion.

Linke stated that the UFO ascended to an altitude of about 30 meters and disappeared at an 'almost incredible speed.' When he made this declaration to the commission, Linke expressed his conviction that he had seen a Russian aircraft, as he had never heard of UFOs before that date.

Other Reports and Publications

Encounter of the 3rd Kind

An article from *Nice-Matin* (July 26, 1982) reports on a 'third type' encounter experienced by a Quebecois adolescent, Stephane Lebeau, in Sainte-Dorothée, near Montreal. Lebeau described an extraterrestrial being approximately 1.50 to 1.80 meters tall with large orange eyes and a voluminous brown head, which frightened him. Before this encounter, Lebeau, his friend, a parent, and a young woman observed a 'mysterious flying object,' the size of a large helicopter, moving silently and slowly, projecting a luminous beam over the terrain.

A Strange Object in the Sky

An article from *Républicain Lorrain* (September 22, 1982) discusses a sighting over Metz. A caller described seeing a 'strange thing in the sky' moving from west to east before exploding and leaving a long trail. Initially dismissed as a hallucination or joke, the report was corroborated by a second call the same morning and a third in the evening from Freyming-Merlebach. Phone numbers and details were verified, suggesting it was not a prank. The Metz weather station reported 'RAS' (rien à signaler - nothing to report), but the article implies there might be more to it.

New Comic Strip: "Les Visiteurs"

A section announces the publication of an original comic strip titled "Les Visiteurs," created by Ral Rob and printed by C.L.E.U. The story involves a new schoolteacher arriving in the village of Bazulles-les-Bois, disrupting the community with strange apparitions. The comic is described as being in the vein of 'Rencontre du IIIe type' and 'La soupe aux choux,' presenting the UFO phenomenon within a human testimony context and objectively describing luminous phenomena. It poses questions about burned vegetation in a clearing and mysterious orange spheres over the village, hinting at a connection to unsettling characters. The price is listed as 180 FB, with additional shipping costs for Luxembourg, Belgium, and other countries.

Upcoming Study: "The UFO Myth"

An upcoming publication, scheduled for December 1982, is announced: an essay titled 'Le leitmotiv extraterrestre dans l'ufologie moderne' by Alain Schmitt, a member of C.L.E.U. The study aims to analyze the mythical superstructure of the UFO phenomenon as a continuation of archaic themes like 'Nostalgia for a Lost Paradise' and 'myths of origins.' It traces the intellectual movements that have contributed to modern themes, including literature on the plurality of inhabited worlds, philosophical astronomy, theosophy, spiritism, scientific anticipation, and science fiction. The essay concludes that science fiction serves as the primary vehicle for philosophical and quasi-religious themes underpinning ufology.

Calendar and Group Information

The issue includes a calendar of upcoming meetings for various ufological groups, including CNEGU and CLEU, scheduled for October, November, and December 1982, and January 1983. It also lists the contents of 'Au sommaire du no 23,' which includes a case from 1948 near Wasserbillig, a retro-active catalog of regional sightings since 1954, and 'Interstellar Navigation.'

Finally, the magazine provides addresses for ufological groups forming the C.N.E.G.U., such as Groupe 5255, Cercle Vosgien Lumières dans la Nuit, and Groupe Privé Ufologique Nancéien. It details how to become a member of C.L.E.U. (active, correspondent, or sympathizer) with associated annual fees in Belgian Francs (FB) and explains the benefits of each membership level. Information is also provided on how to send orders and payments, including bank transfer details for international members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly UFOs, and their potential explanations, ranging from atmospheric events like ball lightning to extraterrestrial encounters. There's a clear emphasis on collecting testimonies and analyzing them, while also advocating for a rational approach ('restons lucides') to distinguish between genuine phenomena and misidentifications. The magazine also explores the cultural and mythological aspects of UFO beliefs, linking them to broader human narratives and the influence of science fiction. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the reporting of sightings and the rigorous investigation of cases, while remaining critical of unsubstantiated claims.