Chroniques de la CLEU - No 25 - Juin 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.
Issue: No. 24
Date: March 1983
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." is dedicated to the technical aspects of UFO photography and includes several detailed case reports.

Editorial

Christian Petit, the editor, begins by acknowledging the publication of new technical notes by GEPAN and the challenges faced by private UFO research groups due to limited resources. He emphasizes the importance of goodwill and honesty in their efforts. Petit notes the growing membership of CLEU, anticipating around forty active members, and highlights an upcoming observation night that will include an astronomy initiation session. Future meetings will feature presentations of UFO photos from around the world and a review of films shot during trips to Mexico and Peru. He also mentions a planned observation evening and an investigation seminar in October, though CLEU members might not be able to attend the latter in Nancy due to professional or family commitments. Petit addresses the issue of a self-proclaimed "ufologist" seeking to represent France in Germany, advising caution and stressing the need for extensive experience in ufology before seeking such representative roles. He concludes by stating that CLEU is sufficient for their needs and they will not pursue broader affiliations beyond their current scope.

Le phénomène OVNI et la Photographie (The UFO Phenomenon and Photography)

Authored by Ren Thomé, this section provides a comprehensive guide to photographing UFOs. It clarifies that while a photograph is not definitive proof, a good shot can reveal physical characteristics of an observable and photographable phenomenon.

A - Daytime Photos

Daytime photography requires no special equipment beyond a good reflex camera and sensitive film. The key advice is to take as many shots as possible, continuously photographing the object until it disappears. It's also recommended to include elements of the surrounding landscape for context.

B - Nighttime Photography Equipment

Nighttime observation is common for UFO phenomena. For nocturnal observations, an adequate camera is essential, though not necessarily ultra-sophisticated or expensive. A 24x36mm reflex camera is recommended, allowing direct viewfinder use. It should have a wide range of speed settings and a fast lens (50mm focal length with an aperture of f/1.8 to f/1.4). Telephoto lenses (200mm or 400mm) are also useful but require a stable tripod to avoid blur from slow shutter speeds. The author stresses the importance of using a tripod to prevent inevitable "light trails" or "vermicelles lumineux" caused by camera shake.

C - Film Types

The article addresses why some UFO photos yield negative results. It depends on the camera and film. Simple cameras like Instamatics have limited apertures. Even with a reflex camera, haste can lead to incorrect settings. Film sensitivity is paramount, especially for night shots. Black and white films of 125 to 400 ASA with fine grain are recommended. For color, 160 to 400 ASA slides are suggested, which can be pushed to 650 ASA. Shutter speeds range from 1/4 second to 1/300 second. Experience allows combining speed and aperture.

D - Fieldwork

During night observations with multiple photographers, it's advisable to use a variety of lenses (50mm to 400mm) with the diaphragm fully open to capture the phenomenon at different magnifications. Lenses and filters must be kept clean. Equipment should be set up in advance to adapt to ambient conditions and avoid delays.

E - Lenses

Recommended lenses include 50mm (1x magnification, f/1.2-f/2.8), 135mm (2.7x magnification), 200mm (4x magnification, f/3.5), and 300mm (5x magnification, f/4.5-f/5.6). For telephoto lenses of 135mm and above, a stable tripod is crucial to counteract vibrations, especially from wind or accidental bumps.

Zooms are discouraged for night photography due to light loss. While expensive, good zooms exist, but they reduce the field of vision as magnification increases. Using super telephoto lenses (800-1200mm) or teleconverters is also not advised due to light loss, focusing difficulties, and a narrow field of view, which can make locating the UFO challenging.

F - Facing the Phenomenon

If a bright and large phenomenon appears, photographers should shoot continuously using various speeds (1/2 to 1/125 second) and all available focal lengths. During an observation, if multiple photographers are present, one should take short exposures for a document close to visual perception, while another takes longer exposures with a remote shutter release to capture the trajectory. A third person should meticulously record details like speed, aperture, and lens used, either in writing or via direct magnetic recording, to avoid errors in the final report.

G - Photo Tips

Flash photography is strictly forbidden for UFOs, as it might scare them away or be perceived as hostile. Furthermore, a flash's limited range (around 10 meters) is insufficient for distant objects. The author humorously recounts an instance of someone trying to use a flash to photograph the moon.

Instant cameras like Polaroid are also discouraged for night photography due to their slow film sensitivity. While usable for daytime shots, they lack the advantages of a 24x36mm reflex camera, such as negatives and the ability to use telephoto lenses.

1 - Errors to Avoid

It is crucial to meticulously note the number of each cliché taken and its corresponding date. A common error is taking photos of the moon, stars, or planets without properly noting which shot corresponds to what, leading to confusion when reviewing the film later. The author cites an instance where credible witnesses mistook the moon for a UFO due to a lack of proper documentation.

Conclusion

The author encourages practicing photography by shooting airplanes, planets, or stars, day or night, and diligently noting the film frame numbers. Adhering to these guidelines, photographers can contribute valuable data to the search for truth. The article concludes with well wishes for observation nights and successful UFO photography, noting that this technical guide was produced as part of CNEGU's work by Group 5255.

Formes et types d'OVNI rencontrés de par le monde (Forms and Types of UFOs Encountered Worldwide)

Authored by Christian PETIT, this article aims to classify UFO shapes beyond the common "flying saucer" image popularized by journalists after Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. The author acknowledges the difficulty in creating a definitive catalog due to the subjective nature of witness descriptions and psychological factors.

Luminous Spheres

No definitive explanation exists for the nature of luminous spheres, though they are often attributed high speeds and acceleration. They typically appear at dusk and night, with sharp, defined contours, and are rarely seen in groups.

#### Case Studies:

• Houchin (Pas-de-Calais, France), March 23, 1974: A gendarme observed a luminous sphere that rapidly grew larger. It ascended at a 45° angle, and two "car headlights" appeared, diminished, and vanished. After a 20-minute disappearance, they reappeared briefly before heading towards Fontaine-les-Boulans.
• Fargo (USA), October 1, 1948: Pilot George F. Gorman, while preparing to land his F51, spotted a light resembling an aircraft's rear light. After confirming no other aircraft were present, he approached the light, which then moved rapidly. Gorman engaged in a pursuit, describing the object's excessive speed, sharp turns, and ability to ascend vertically at a rate far exceeding his aircraft's capabilities. He noted no instrument deviations, noise, or smells, and described the object as having depth but appearing flat. L.O. Jensen, an air traffic controller, also observed the light, unable to distinguish a shape other than a high-speed aircraft light. Gorman was convinced an intelligent mind controlled the object, noting its adherence to inertia laws despite its agility.
• Bridel (Luxembourg), September 13, 1976: Three witnesses observed a luminous mass, about the size of an orange, with indistinct contours and a flickering light, described as orange in color. One witness felt observed and fearful.
• Dahlem (Luxembourg), January 4, 1981: Two women in a car saw a luminous form moving rapidly from south to north. The object was described as oval, with a series of small fixed orange, yellow, and green lights. One witness described the interior as dark and the exterior as metallic, topped with a dome. The size was comparable to a large airplane.

The Luminous Spheres (Continued)

The article suggests that luminous spheres might be suspended from balloons or other objects invisible to witnesses under the observation conditions. However, this explanation doesn't account for reports of high-speed movement and violent maneuvers. Spherical shapes are not inherently conducive to such rapid displacement and maneuverability, and their stability, control, and propulsion would require significant technological advancements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of rigorous investigation, photographic evidence, and detailed reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious but open-minded inquiry, prioritizing empirical data and technical accuracy. There's a clear distinction made between serious ufological research and sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims. The publication also highlights the collaborative efforts within the ufological community, both locally in Luxembourg and internationally, while maintaining a pragmatic approach to resource limitations and organizational affiliations. The emphasis on photography as a crucial investigative tool underscores a commitment to gathering tangible evidence.

This issue of "DANS LA PRESSE" from May 19, 1983, features a prominent article on astronomy titled "Le Soleil ne serait qu'un satellite" (The Sun would be only a satellite), questioning the sun's central role in the solar system. The magazine also includes a collection of UFO/UAP reports, astronomical news, and updates on space missions.

Astronomical Discoveries and Theories

The lead article posits that technological advancements and observations from satellites like "008-B" and "Haao-24" have led astronomers to identify a powerful, previously unknown source of gamma and X-rays in the Gemini constellation, named "Geminga." This celestial body, though faint, is theorized to be a neutron star. A more radical theory suggests that our Sun might be a satellite of another, larger sun, referred to as "Geminga." This theory is based on the unusual orbit of Pluto and other celestial bodies, and the missing mass in our galaxy, which could be contained within "Geminga."

The issue also reports on the birth of six or seven stars similar to our sun in their early stages, located about 1,000 light-years away. These "proto-suns" are surrounded by gas and dust, and astronomers believe planets could form around them.

Space exploration is highlighted with the launch of the EXOSAT satellite, intended for locating and analyzing cosmic sources. Additionally, the Pioneer 10 space probe is noted as having become the first human-made object to escape the solar system, continuing to send scientific data and photos back to Earth.

UFO/UAP Sightings and Reports

The magazine presents a catalog of UFO/UAP sightings, primarily from France and Belgium, spanning from 1956 to 1974. These reports detail various aerial phenomena:

• Prax and Brenac (France), August 18, 1974: A pale rose sphere was observed at low altitude, emitting luminous trails and white sparks, before moving away at high speed.
• Cussac (France), August 29, 1967: A perfect, brilliant silver sphere, approximately two meters in diameter, was seen by children. It emitted a sulfurous odor as it ascended in a spiral.
• Verviers/Stembert (Belgium), October 1956: An oval, aluminum-grey object with three to four secondary objects rotating around it, exhibiting color variations from red to green, was observed for about an hour.
• Beauvechain (Belgium), November 5, 1957: An abnormal luminous glow, brighter than a second-magnitude star, was observed and later identified as a meteorite.
• Athus (Belgium), April 16, 1964: A yellowish, fluorescent luminous "tube" was observed stationary for 10 minutes, estimated to be at an altitude of 1400 meters.
• Liège (Belgium), April 20, 1964: A luminous disk with mauve reflections was observed for 20 seconds, flying from west to east.
• Buret (Belgium), Summer 1967: A fire-colored disk was observed zigzagging.
• Thionville (France), November 21, 1967: A violet luminous ball was observed in continuous flight.
• Buret (Belgium), Autumn 1968: An extraordinary and deafening noise was heard crossing the sky.
• Nancy (France), November 15, 1969: A large red balloon-like object, resembling a red sun, was observed at roof level, accompanied by two other identical UFOs with visible humanoids.
• Diebling (France), May 1971: A reddish-green fireball was observed ascending and descending, with traces of condensation and white smoke.
• Villerupt-Audun-le-Tiche (France), June 1971: Four brilliant disks, joined by a fifth faster disk, were observed moving in a south-east to north-east direction.
• Buret (Belgium), August 10, 1971: A luminous object from Luxembourg responded to signals and a second observation noted an orange luminous disk.
• Mont St Martin (France), April 23, 1972: A dark, orange-pink object, estimated to be about 20 meters in length, with four arceaux, was observed at a distance of 60 meters.
• Baraque Michel (Belgium), April 15, 1972: An unusual silver globe with peculiar movement was observed.
• Bettembourg (Luxembourg), December 1973: Two people saw an object with three intense lights, white in color, moving towards Luxembourg.
• Audun-le-Tiche (France), July 20, 1973: A luminous point moving at high speed with sudden accelerations was observed.
• Mondercange (Luxembourg), January 1, 1974: A metallic object with a diameter of about 15 meters was observed moving at high speed.
• Bouzonville (France), January 30, 1974: Two red points were observed evolving around the antennas of Europe 1, not confusable with airplanes.
• Mairy-Mainville (France), March 5, 1974: A luminous mass, described as a large blue-clear ball with a long reddish trail, was observed. Similar sightings were reported in Terville, Metz, Petite-Rosselle, and Briey.
• Verdun (France), March 1974: A witness described an unusual aerial phenomenon, throwing a piece of wood at it which sounded hollow.
• Baraque Michel (Belgium), May 1, 1974: A large red balloon-like object, resembling a red sun, was observed at a 45° angle to the road.
• Leudelange (Luxembourg), September 1974: A brilliant yellow-red object followed a car, giving the sensation of being observed. It was described as the size of a grapefruit.
• Esch/Alzette (Luxembourg), November 1974: Two headlights, brighter than the moon, were observed suspended in the sky.
• Talhange (France), May 31, 1975: A luminous green object with red and white lights in its center was observed, with rapid light emissions and color alternations.
• I romborn (France), June 2, 1975: A brilliant yellow-copper light, scintillating rapidly, was observed. The witness described it as appearing to turn on itself and being indistinguishable without binoculars. It then extinguished itself.

Other Reports

• Altiplano, Bolivia: Peasants reported strange visitors described as "giants" who arrived in "flying objects" and used "rays" on their livestock. Authorities were dispatched to investigate.
• Luminous Baton from the Sky: Gendarmes across western France were searching for a mysterious "luminous baton" reported by numerous witnesses. Descriptions varied, but it was generally seen as a long object with a green flame at one end and red at the other, descending vertically.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation and reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs/UAPs) and astronomical events. The magazine appears to present these reports factually, often citing witness accounts and references to other publications or archives. The astronomical articles suggest a scientific approach to understanding the cosmos, even when challenging established theories. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into both terrestrial and extraterrestrial mysteries, as well as scientific exploration of space.

This document is a bibliography of technical notes published by GEPAN (Group for the Study of Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena). It details various notes, primarily from the late 1970s and early 1980s, covering a range of topics related to UAP.

GEPAN Technical Notes

Note Technique No. 8: Enquête No. 79/06 This note is highlighted for its diverse information, combining witness testimonies from a specific context with physical evidence like grass remaining on the ground for several days. The study involves different analytical techniques applied to witness accounts and physical traces, with each author responsible for their argumentation. The diversity is presented as a strength for reflection.

Note Technique No. 9: Magnetohydrodynamics: State of the Art and Preliminary Experiments for Propulsive Application This note addresses characteristics frequently observed in UAP descriptions, such as rapid, silent, and jerky movements, often without accompanying classical aerodynamic effects. It explores the possibility of solid physical systems exhibiting similar behavior and interactions with the ambient fluid. The note reviews several theories, particularly a model suggested by M. J.P. Petit based on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). It provides a historical and technical overview of MHD, its fundamental principles, and presents qualitative and phenomenological experimental findings.

Note Technique No. 10: Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena and the Psychology of Perception This note focuses on the psychological aspects related to the perception of UAP.

Note Technique No. 11: Enquête 81/02 This entry describes the unfolding of a GEPAN investigation into an OVNI observation.

Note Technique No. 12: Enquêtes 81/07 and 81/09 This investigation, conducted on June 18, 1981, by GEPAN, concerns a case involving visible ground traces. Information from a gendarmerie brigade described the effects on the environment (soil and vegetation) as significant. The report notes the absence of direct observation of a spatial phenomenon, but the trace led to public reactions, prompting GEPAN to examine the psychosocietal envelope of these events.

Note Technique No. 13: Statistical Research on Identified/Unidentified Typology This is the third technical note discussing the statistical description of testimonies related to Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena (UAP). Its purpose is twofold: to complete the statistical description of the observation file collected by the Gendarmerie Nationale between 1974 and 1978, and to redefine a strategy for future statistical studies. All cases are now coded.

Note Technique No. 14: Mini-Enquiries in 1981 and 1982 This document presents a collection of cases from a two-year period, titled "mini-enquiries," which were investigated by GEPAN. The reported events involve observations of aerospace phenomena that were not immediately recognized and often caused surprise among witnesses. Concerned individuals alerted the Gendarmerie or Police, who, unable to provide answers or lacking analytical means, then alerted GEPAN.

Note Technique No. 15: Research on Stereotypes: Draw Me a UFO by Philippe Besse and Manuel Jimenez This work by Besse and Jimenez aims to identify elements that, through correlation, can lead to hypotheses about the links between UFO representations, social groups, and factors explaining their emergence.

Note Technique No. 16: Enquête 81/01: Analysis of a Trace In this investigation, two types of information were available: the testimony of a single person and the presence of visible ground traces supposedly related to the witness's observation.

Note Technique No. 17: L'Amarante, enquête 86/06 This note pertains to a case named 'L'Amarante' investigated in 1986.

Note Technique No. 18: Photographic Spectra Acquisition and Analysis System. The State of Diffraction Grating Use. This note focuses on the technical aspects of acquiring and analyzing photographic spectra, specifically concerning the use of diffraction gratings.

CNEGU Special Issues and Comic Strip

Special Issue of CNEGU No. 1 This issue includes a catalog of CNEGU observations for the East of France in 1978 and a series of articles and investigations by the four member groups of CNEGU (Committee of North-East Ufological Groups). Ordering information is provided.

Special Issue of CNEGU No. 2 This issue is aimed at those interested in statistics, cartography, or close encounter investigations. It provides information on OVNI observations during 1979 in Northeastern France and Luxembourg. Ordering information is similar to Special Issue No. 1.

Unpublished Comic Strip: The Visitors This comic strip, created by Ral Rob and printed by CLEU, tells the story of an "arrival of a new teacher in the small village of Bazulles-les-Bois" that disrupts the community due to "strange apparitions." The fiction is described as being between "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "La soupe aux choux," presenting the OVNI phenomenon in its usual context (human testimony) and objectively through descriptions of luminous phenomena, burnt vegetation traces, and mysterious orange spheres. The question of a link between these phenomena and certain characters is posed. Pricing and ordering details are provided.

Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques (CLEU)

The document also details membership options for the CLEU, including "Membre actif enquêteur" (400 FB), "Membre correspondant" (250 FB), "Membre sympathisant" (100 FB), and "Membre d'honneur." Each membership level offers different benefits, such as receiving the CLEU Chronicles, participating in activities, and receiving free items. Contact and payment information (CCP Luxembourg no 6958-71, International Bank account no 5-1307180) are provided. International members are advised to use international payment orders.

Calendar and Activities

A calendar for 1984 is presented, including a tombola (lottery) from March 1 to July 1, an exposé on "Planets" on April 27, a meal-debate at Petit Casino in Differdange on May 13, an observation evening in Belvaux on June 22, and the 18th session of CNEGU in Gérardmer on May 16-17. Members are informed that they will not be individually notified about congresses and international meetings. Meetings at the association's headquarters, La Fiorentina, in Esch/Alzette, starting at 8:00 PM, are intended to keep members informed about current ufological news.

The tombola, with tickets costing 20 francs, is authorized by the municipal administration of Esch/Alzette. Members are asked to help sell the tickets. Prizes include lots of 2000, 1000, and 500 francs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this bibliography are the systematic investigation of UAP cases, the analysis of physical evidence and witness testimonies, and the exploration of theoretical frameworks such as magnetohydrodynamics. There is also a focus on the psychological and sociological aspects of UAP perception and reporting. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough, scientific investigation and data collection, as evidenced by GEPAN's methodology and the detailed nature of the technical notes described.