Chroniques de la CLEU - No 24 - Mars 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.
Issue: No. 24
Date: March 1983
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." marks the beginning of its seventh year of regular publication and the eighth year of the organization's existence. The cover features an abstract illustration of multiple flying saucer-like objects.

Editorial

Christian PETIT, the President and Editor, expresses pride in the magazine's regular publication and hopes for its continued success. He reports on the C.L.E.U.'s general assembly held in December, which concluded with a meal in a convivial atmosphere. January involved a work session to prepare an interview for RTL, a Luxembourgish-language program. February saw further meetings to finalize the broadcast. The editorial also announces the upcoming 14th session of the CNEGU near Paris in late March, with representation from C.L.E.U. A special social event, a friendly gathering with a debate and bowling, is planned for May 27th. The issue also highlights the upcoming investigation seminar near Larochette on October 15th and 16th, which will include investigation simulations and be a special applied session within the CNEGU framework.

Article: Radar Detection of UFOs in 1980

Author: Roger Thomé

This article explores the role of radar in detecting unidentified aerial phenomena (UFOs). It notes that while radar detection is a significant form of evidence, a small percentage of reported UFO incidents are actually detected by radar. In France, radar coverage is managed by the Air Defense Command (C.A.F.D.A.), with ten radar stations. The article details the capabilities of these panoramic radars, their range, and altitude detection limits. It explains that for radar to detect UFOs, specific UFO criteria would need to be defined by researchers and accepted by the Air Defense services, a process that would require ministerial approval.

The article emphasizes the strict security protocols in military radar centers, making it extremely difficult to obtain reports of radar-detected UFOs. It suggests that operators may not report sightings due to military orders, fear of repercussions, or being overwhelmed by routine air traffic control work. Even when sightings occur, information is often fragmented and difficult to obtain. The article also touches upon the historical context, referencing the conclusion of Project Blue Book in 1956, which stated no danger from UFOs, influencing the French Air Force's stance.

It is noted that military aircraft must adhere to strict flight plans, making deviations to investigate unknown objects unlikely. Air traffic control towers (C.L.A.) are primarily responsible for aircraft safety during takeoff, landing, and approach, not radar detection itself.

The article further discusses the low percentage of UFO detections on radar, citing a study by Dr. Claude Pohor of CNES indicating only 3% of UFO observations were radar-detected. Reasons for this low detection rate include objects flying too low to be tracked due to the Earth's curvature, radar systems being programmed to identify only known aircraft types, and sophisticated electronic countermeasures (ECM) that could allow UFOs to evade detection by flying low or at high speeds. The author suggests that when military personnel claim they have never seen a UFO on radar, it may be due to equipment limitations, hierarchical directives, or a refusal to acknowledge such phenomena.

Useful terminology related to aviation and radar is provided, including definitions for Mach, Nautical Mile, Knot, Mile, and Plot. The article concludes by stating that the technical sheet was produced within the framework of the CNEGU (Comité Nord-est des Groupements Ufologiques).

Conference Report: Ufological Encounter of Boulogne/Mer

Date: February 19-20, 1983

This report summarizes the Ufological Encounter held in Boulogne/Mer, attended by approximately 30 people, including ufologists from England, France, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. Presentations covered group activities, research results, and explanatory models of UFO phenomena.

Hilary Evans noted a shift in French ufology towards socio-psychological explanations over extraterrestrial hypotheses, a trend also observed to a lesser extent in England. Yves Bosson presented findings from two investigations in Echalon, Switzerland. The first, in 1972, found traces but no UFOs, with negative results for radioactivity and soil subsidence. The second investigation, starting in January 1983, involved a witness who was later influenced by hypnotic regression, leading to a contactee and abduction case. Another case involved a luminous ball entering a witness's car, later explained by laser experimentation.

Bosson also analyzed known Swiss UFO cases, noting a high number of explained phenomena (LN - Luminous Nocturnal) and suggesting reasons for the low number of unexplained cases in Switzerland, including the Swiss mentality of avoiding sensationalism, the lack of sensationalist press, and the country's linguistic divisions.

Hugh Pincott introduced the ASSAP (Association for Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena), which focuses on ufology, psychical research, Earth mysteries, and Fortean phenomena.

Francois Gerard discussed the distortion of information in scientific and ufological contexts, highlighting how information is often denatured or falsified, whether due to author disinterest, commercial pressures, or transmission errors.

Jenny Randles reported on the situation in Great Britain, noting a lack of serious unexplained cases in recent years, despite an increase in unexplained incidents. Bufora has adopted a policy of investigating only cases with strong initial evidence due to time and financial constraints.

Other Contributions

Guy Varrault discussed information dissemination in ufology, proposing the creation of a French global magazine and the use of free radio broadcasts as a means to spread information more rapidly. An experiment in Lyon using six radio stations over two years reached a significant audience but yielded few new members or exploitable witness accounts.

Jean-Pierre Troadec presented on the phenomenon of UFOs in Turkey, noting that it is largely perceived as a Western phenomenon. While Turkey has a rich culture, UFO awareness is limited to contactee cases and books by authors like Von Däniken. A wave of 51 cases occurred in late 1981 and early 1982, primarily over large cities, receiving regional press coverage. A classic RR3 case was reported in July 1982.

H. Evans commented on the evolutionary stages of UFO phenomena, categorizing countries into those 'in the full UFO myth' (e.g., France, USA, UK), those in the 'departure phase of myth actualization' (e.g., Turkey, China, USSR), and those where the myth is latent or absent (e.g., some African states).

Harry Harris discussed the use of hypnosis in UFO investigations, presenting four cases studied through hypnotic regression. He noted remarkable internal consistency and inter-case patterns, suggesting hypnosis is a valuable investigative tool, despite potential limitations in judicial and psychological contexts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the ongoing efforts of the C.L.E.U. to document and analyze UFO phenomena, emphasizing both national and international aspects. There is a clear focus on the challenges of obtaining reliable data, particularly through radar detection, and the difficulties in disseminating accurate information to the public. The magazine also touches upon the evolving explanations for UFO phenomena, including socio-psychological theories, and the varying levels of UFO myth development across different countries. The editorial stance appears to be one of dedicated research and information sharing, with a commitment to regular publication and engagement with the broader ufological community.

This issue of L'ÉCHO DES OVNI, dated 1983, focuses on a critical examination of UFO phenomena, exploring socio-psychological explanations and astronomical topics. The cover prominently features a diagram related to constellations and celestial events, with the headline "Les étoiles filantes, les Bolides" (Shooting Stars, Bolides).

The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis Under Scrutiny

The issue begins by discussing the challenges faced by psychiatrists and psychologists in evaluating UFO witnesses, noting a consistent hypnotic result but varied opinions on mental health. The article "The breakthrough of social psychological explanatory model in France: Origins and limits of the doubts" by Jacques Scornaux critically analyzes the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET). Scornaux, referencing the work of Monnerie, argues that the distinction between explained and unexplained UFO cases is often blurred ('indiscernability'). He suggests that UFO phenomena can be seen as part of a broader spectrum of rare events, akin to a 'queue of Gauss' (a statistical distribution), and that ufologists might be collecting these rare phenomena without proper scientific rigor. Monnerie's explanation leans towards psychological interpretations, such as waking dreams influenced by rare stimuli and the UFO myth, rather than psychopathological mechanisms.

B. Méheust's "Science Fiction and Flying Saucers" is mentioned for highlighting correspondences between science fiction narratives and real UFO encounters. A. Lawson's work on hypnotic regressions is also cited, showing similar encounter reports from non-witnesses. The article notes that many classic UFO cases have been explained by ufologists themselves, and that the remaining 'solid' cases are few, with the 'feeling' of the ufologist often driving the interpretation rather than rationalization. Scornaux proposes that the primary task is to work on 'indiscernability' and to find criteria to differentiate 'true' from 'untrue' cases, and to distinguish between physical and psychological patterns of UFO phenomena.

Further arguments against the HET are presented, including the existence of a consistent explanatory model (HET itself being questioned epistemologically) and the 'authority of savants' (e.g., GEPAN). Counter-arguments include the aforementioned non-specificity (indiscernability), the uncritical attitude of some ufological circles, and the underlying belief systems within ufology, such as the 'Zorro syndrome' and the assumption of individual UFO case unity. Socio-psychological counter-arguments focus on hallucination, perception models, testimony psychology, altered states of consciousness, and the extraterrestrial myth.

Shirley Mc Iver's research on ufological groups in Great Britain is presented, revealing that 40% of respondents were male, and 20% female, with a significant portion aged 21-40, suggesting 'the ufologist is a young man.' Most members have fixed jobs, with some being engineers. The study indicates that UFO phenomena are often viewed as scientific or technological, with 44% of those interested for over 15 years citing the extraterrestrial hypothesis as the primary explanation. However, Mc Iver's findings suggest that ufologists share similar 'false' beliefs as non-ufologists, and that analysis of the ufological subculture is often scientific, challenging the notion of it being solely mystical or quasi-religious.

Astronomical Phenomena

The issue also features several articles on astronomy. "Shooting Stars, Bolides" explains that shooting stars are small meteorites that burn up in the atmosphere, while bolides are larger objects that can explode or impact the Earth, citing the Meteor Crater in Arizona as an example. The article distinguishes between sporadic 'applications' and 'showers' or 'swarms' of meteors correlated with comets.

"The Solar System" provides a basic overview of the planets in our solar system, distinguishing between inferior planets (Mercury, Venus) and superior planets (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto). It describes their orbital characteristics and how they appear from Earth, including concepts like conjunction, opposition, and quadrature. Figures illustrate planetary positions and characteristics.

"Comets" details the composition of comets as nuclei of dust and ice, surrounded by a 'coma' or 'chevelure' when heated by the Sun. The article explains the formation of the comet's tail, which is always directed away from the Sun due to solar wind.

"Eclipses" defines eclipses as one celestial body passing into the shadow of another. It describes solar eclipses (when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth) and lunar eclipses (when the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon). Three types of lunar eclipses are detailed: total, partial, and penumbral. The article notes that eclipses occur when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned, which happens when the Moon's orbital plane intersects the ecliptic.

Ufological Events and Activities

The issue mentions a French Ufology Federation (F.F.U.) congress to be held in Lyon on May 7-8, 1983, bringing together French and foreign ufologists to present their work. It also includes a report on the 13th session of the North-East Ufological Groups Committee (CNEGU) held in Chaumont on October 23-24, 1922. This session involved 35 participants from various ufological groups, including CLEU, CVLDLN, GPUN, ADRUP, GHREPA, GEPO, GREPO, and CLLDLN. Discussions included an editorial on the commercial use of UFO themes in advertising and media, and an investigation into a UFO case in Lunéville.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of L'ÉCHO DES OVNI adopts a critical and analytical stance towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis, emphasizing socio-psychological explanations and the scientific study of UFO phenomena. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between objective evidence and subjective interpretation, and the need for rigorous methodology in ufological research. The magazine also serves as a platform for astronomical education, demystifying celestial events and their scientific underpinnings. The increasing commercialization of UFO themes is noted as a factor that may influence public perception and future sightings, suggesting a blurring of lines between genuine phenomena and media-driven narratives. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, scientific approach, while acknowledging the persistent mystery and the ongoing debate within the ufological community.

This issue of "Chroniques" (no. 24, dated June 1983) is published by C.L.E.U. and focuses on the methodology of UFO investigations and presents a retroactive catalog of sightings. The magazine is primarily in French and originates from Luxembourg.

Methodological Discussion

The issue begins with a discussion on "Méthodologie d'enquête" (Investigation Methodology), emphasizing that while a general methodology is difficult to establish, certain principles are essential. These include accurately recording the date of an observation, registering witness testimony, conducting field investigations with the witness to recreate observation conditions, and gathering supplementary data. This additional data should cover meteorology, astronomy, the witness's personal and professional environment, and any relevant military activities. The importance of seeking corroborating witnesses and identifying possible correlations with other cases is also stressed. The psychological aspect of evaluating a witness's credibility is noted as delicate but necessary.

Key challenges in investigation are identified as the need for investigators to possess specific skills and the potential for rapid abandonment of cases. For older cases, a certain demotivation can set in, despite the potential for valuable lessons for future investigations. Investigators are urged to collect maximum information without 'interpreting' the case. The process of establishing credibility criteria, initially set by the researcher, is also discussed, with the suggestion of an 'strangeness index' to complement it.

GHREPA Investigation Method

The magazine then presents an investigation by GHREPA, published in LDLN no. 219-220 (September-October 1982), concerning an observation on December 11, 1980, in Wittelsheim (Haut-Rhin). This is followed by a presentation of the investigation method used by Jean-Pierre and Lilyane Troadec, who specialize in contactee cases. Their method, illustrated by the case of 'La Talaudière' (apparitions of the Virgin Mary), is described as particularly thorough and involves 'sociography'. This includes studying the region, its inhabitants, their activities, and leisure pursuits; observing the conditions during apparitions (types of people present, their attire, attitudes, weather); examining the witness's family, religious, and professional background; studying local cults and commercial activities related to the phenomenon (souvenirs, photos); and analyzing media coverage.

The Troadecs' method also involves studying regional legends, pilgrimage sites, miraculous springs, and the sociological impact of apparitions on beliefs, as well as assessing the extent of potential self-deception by the witness. While this schema is considered applicable to UFO investigations, it is noted that UFO cases can have different implications.

Debate and Simulations

A debate session was held at 7:30 PM, following a shared meal, as a planned observation evening was prevented by time constraints. The following day, Sunday, October 24, 1982, was dedicated to reflection and discussion on improving investigation methods.

Two simulation exercises were conducted. The first, organized by CVLDLN, involved two half-days with participants divided into organizers (including witnesses and a data bank) and investigators. The case was a close encounter of the third kind, involving a landing object and two humanoids, based on an article from 'L'Est Républicain'. This simulation revealed that investigators obtained a maximum of only 15% of the available information, highlighting areas for improvement in their conduct and methodology.

The second simulation was conducted by GPUN, with seven participants: one witness, two controllers, two reporters, and two investigators. The scenario was less complex, involving a slow-moving lenticular phenomenon with a luminous ray. The focus was on the level of contact with the witness, and investigators were not required to consult external organizations.

General Conclusions from Simulations

Both groups engaged in self-critique. The simulations were deemed very instructive, and it was suggested that experienced investigators might also benefit from such exercises. The simulations provided an opportunity for participants to critique the scenarios. It was also noted that participants might have benefited from not being forewarned that they were simulations. Christian Petit proposed that his group prepare seminars on UFO investigations, covering scenario development, material preparation, and simulation critiques.

Future Plans and Catalogues

The issue mentions that two simulations might be held in the future, followed by trace analysis. Participants expressed strong interest and agreed to the organization of such seminars.

Fourteenth Session of CNEGU

The agenda for the 14th session of CNEGU, organized by Groupe Control on March 26-27, 1983, in Dammerie-les-Lys, is outlined. Key agenda items included geographical limitations of CNEGU, credibility indices, catalogues (humanoids, misidentifications, retroactive, landing sites), and observation advice (GPUN).

Retroactive Catalog of Luxembourgish UFO Sightings (Part 2)

This section details numerous UFO sightings, primarily from October 1954:

• October 11, 1954, 01:30: Doncourt-Village, France. Farmers reported a whistling sound, saw a flat object land, ascend rapidly, and fly away. The ground was scorched, and police took samples. Later investigations suggested it might have been a crashed American F100 fighter jet.
• October 16, 1954, 21:00: Martelange, Belgium. Inhabitants observed a mysterious craft leaving a luminous trail.
• October 16, 1954, 08:00: Dudelange, Luxembourg. Hospital staff observed a disc-shaped object.
• October 16, 1954, 21:30: Oberkorn, Luxembourg. Three young people saw a luminous object moving towards Belvaux, leaving a long luminous trail.
• October 16, 1954, 21:30: Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg. Residents observed a brilliant object moving at high speed, leaving a luminous trail.
• October 16, 1954, 21:00: Thionville, France. The object seen here was also observed in Esch/Alzette, Niederkorn, Oberkorn, and Pétange, leaving a luminous trail. Reports also mention sightings in Martelange, Sibret, and Arlon.
• October 17, 1954, 17:00: Luxembourg. An employee observed a red, cigar-shaped object moving at high speed towards the East, with no sound.
• October 18, 1954, 12:00: Bad-Mondorf, Luxembourg. An inhabitant observed a strange object preparing to land.
• October 20, 1954, 03:00: Epinal, France. A worker named Louis Ujvari reported being approached by a man who showed him a craft shaped like two overturned plates. The man spoke an unknown language but understood Russian. The object ascended vertically and then horizontally, disappearing to the south.
• October 26, 1954, 20:45: Capellen, Luxembourg. Residents observed three flying saucers of elongated shape, colored green, blue, and yellow, moving towards Esch/Alzette.
• October 26, 1954, 21:00: Niederkorn, Luxembourg. The same objects were seen by several people.
• November 1, 1954, night: Malmedy, Belgium. Mme Lahaye observed a luminous incandescent balloon that disappeared after a few seconds.

Becoming a CLEU Member

The issue explains that CLEU relies on its members for support. Prospective members can become 'active' (400 FB contribution) to participate in activities and receive the Chroniques, or 'corresponding' (250 FB contribution) to send press clippings about UFOs.

Upcoming Events and Contents

Upcoming events include meetings on April 22 and May 20, 1983, a dinner debate on May 27, and an observation evening on June 17, 1983. The summary for issue no. 25 includes articles on UFO shapes and types worldwide by Christian Petit, the phenomenon of UFOs and photography by Roger Thomé, press reviews, a continuation of the Luxembourgish retroactive catalog, and a serial titled 'Les Visiteurs'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation methodology, detailed documentation, and witness credibility assessment. It promotes a scientific approach to ufology, encouraging self-critique and the sharing of experiences through simulations and seminars. The publication also serves as a platform for disseminating information on UFO sightings through its retroactive catalog and news sections, fostering a community of researchers and enthusiasts through membership and events.