Chroniques de la CLEU - No 26 - Septembre 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.
Issue Date: September 1983
Publisher: C.L.E.U. (COMMISSION LUXEMBOURGEOISE D'ETUDES UFOLOGIQUES)
Country of Publication: Luxembourg
Language: French

This issue of "Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U." (The Chronicles of the C.L.E.U.) from September 1983, issue number 26, focuses on various aspects of ufology, including detailed case studies of UFO sightings, an analysis of UFO shapes, and a historical exploration of the extraterrestrial theme in human thought.

Editorial

Christian PETIT, in his editorial, addresses the complexity of the UFO phenomenon and the challenges faced by investigators. He highlights that many details of an observation can escape witnesses, making it difficult for an investigator to accurately document the event. Petit emphasizes the need for specialized skills in UFO investigation, noting that while many groups are dedicated, they often lack the resources (money, time, experience) to properly train and select their investigators. To address this, the C.L.E.U. has decided to organize seminars for investigators, with the first one planned in conjunction with the 16th session of the CNEGU. The magazine also plans to strengthen its ties with Germany and Austria through contacts Alain Schmitt, Dominique Gillen, and Gilbert Schmitz. The issue features an article on the Ariane rocket, with input from Professor Lambert, and promises further articles on space exploration.

Forms and Types of UFOs Encountered Worldwide (Part 2)

This section, authored by Christian Petit, details various types of UFOs and presents characteristic cases:

Cigar-Shaped or Torpedo-Shaped Objects These objects are described as metallic, sometimes with visible portholes, and occasionally accompanied by luminous trails. They are thought to be carrier craft for smaller vehicles operating closer to the ground. Cigar-shaped objects over 100 meters long have been reported, comparable to aircraft carriers, and capable of very high speeds.

• Saint-Pierre-Ville, France (July 23, 1975): A couple reported seeing an opaque, cigar-shaped object moving east around 2:30 AM, estimated to be 50 meters long. They experienced a strong sensation of heat and oppression, followed by intense cold. Later that evening, a luminous flying object described as a ball with green fluorescence was observed.
• Mont St Martin, France (April 23, 1972): A witness described a cigar-shaped craft with distinct black 'arches' moving to his right, appearing within a large, arc-shaped cloud. The observation, timed precisely at 7:55 PM, lasted only 5-6 seconds.
• Poenarii-Burchii, Romania (November 27, 1967): Marin V. David reported seeing a two-meter-long, cylindrical object with a fiery color at high altitude. It hovered for about ten minutes before ascending vertically, leaving a white trail that extended to 12-15 meters as it moved northwest. The upper part of the object was darker.

Flying Disks or Flying Saucers These are typically observed during the day, appearing metallic and disk-shaped, known for their speed and rapid acceleration. They are often seen in groups or formations and can descend in an oscillating manner. Some are topped with a metallic dome. When landing, they may use supports that leave traces on the ground. A notable characteristic is their tendency to tilt forward and assume a vertical position at high speeds, which seems counterintuitive from an aerodynamic perspective.

• Levelland, United States (November 2, 1957): While driving, a witness and his companion saw a large flame that turned into an object resembling a torpedo, about 60 meters long, moving at speeds between 1666 and 1300 km/h. The object caused the truck's engine and headlights to fail.
• Contern, Luxembourg (September 16, 1976): Between 6:00 PM and 6:20 PM, three witnesses observed three round and ovoid objects, 7-8 cm in diameter, shining like gold. No sound was perceived during the 20-minute observation.
• Craiova, Romania: A student reported seeing a strange object, disk-shaped with an apparent diameter of 10-12 cm, emitting a dazzling light. It moved slowly from northeast to west, alternating its surface and sides, before disappearing over the horizon.
• Isle of Trinity, Brazil (January 16, 1958): During a scientific expedition, an object with a metallic appearance, dark color, and a luminous, phosphorescent halo was observed and photographed. It moved in an undulating manner.

The Extraterrestrial Leitmotif in Ufology: The Myth of the Alien (ETI) Dating Back to at Least the 16th Century

Alain SCHMITT of C.L.E.U. explores the historical and cultural roots of the extraterrestrial hypothesis. He argues that the myth of the alien (ETI) is a complex cultural reality that has persisted through various critiques. Schmitt posits that the modern understanding of myth, often reduced to fiction, is distinct from the archaic and modern view where myth represents a true, sacred history and an exemplary model for human life. He notes that many supreme deities were celestial beings. The 16th century marked a shift with figures like Copernicus and Galileo, leading to a scientific revolution and a more analytical worldview. However, this also gave rise to a new myth: that of the extra-terrestrial intelligence (ETI). This myth posits that ETIs exist, can visit Earth, are often humanoid in their psychology (part of a cosmic family), and possess superior technological and ethical advancement.

Schmitt identifies the driving force behind this myth as the horror of being alone in the universe and the perceived limitations of humanity in understanding and controlling the world through science. The ETI myth offers a solution by suggesting that advanced beings exist, providing a model for scientific progress and a sense of belonging to a larger cosmic community. He traces the influence of this leitmotif through various fields, including astronomy (exobiology), science fiction, utopian literature, and religious movements like Mormonism, ultimately suggesting that ufology and phenomenology of UFOs can be seen as an amalgamation of these preceding ideas.

Report on the 14th Session of the North-East Groupments Committee of Ufological Studies (CNEGU)

The 14th session of the CNEGU, organized by the Control group, took place in Dammarie-les-Lys on March 26-27, 1983, with 37 participants from various ufological groups. Key points from the session included:

• Geographical Composition: The CNEGU's geographical scope covers departments 52, 54, 55, 57, 67, 68, 70, 88, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
• Catalogues: Gilles Munsch discussed the 1983 edition of the CNEGU's 1981 Observations Catalogue. Christine Zwygart reported that catalogues of Misidentifications and retroactive catalogues are in progress. Raoul Robe provided updates on the Landings Catalogue.
• Annual Maps: Gilles Munsch announced that the exploitation of Annual Maps has been suspended pending resolution of the CNEGU's geographical limitation issue.
• ATHPI Presentation: Michel Coste and Gilles Durand presented ATHPI (Association for the Historical Investigation of Unusual Phenomena).
• Radio Debate Audition: Control proposed listening to a recording of a radio debate held in Aix-en-Provence, featuring discussions between J. Miguères, J. Guieu, J.P. Petit, and P. Petrakis, moderated by hypnotist D. A general debate followed.
• Ideal Observation Conduct: Raoul Robé presented and commented on a technical sheet regarding the ideal conduct during a UFO observation.
• CLEU Investigation: André Pichon detailed an investigation conducted by CLEU in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on February 18, 1981, involving a luminous, white, ovoid object observed in a static position that later moved rapidly.
• Public Awareness Week: Gilles Munsch informed participants about an upcoming 'public awareness week' on scientific activities in the Northeast of France.
• 'Aerodyne with Multiple Wings' Project: M. Piccin (Control) requested information on the 'aerodyne with multiple wings' project, a techno-scientific project conceived by French engineer René Couzinet in 1955.
• 'Incendiary UFO' Case: P. Vachon (ADRUP) discussed the verification of information, referencing the case of an 'incendiary UFO'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and documentation in ufology. It highlights the challenges faced by researchers due to the nature of witness testimony and the need for specialized training. The magazine also demonstrates a keen interest in the historical evolution of ideas surrounding extraterrestrial life, linking modern ufology to older myths and philosophical shifts. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, aiming to provide a platform for detailed case studies and theoretical discussions within the field of ufology, while also fostering collaboration among different ufological groups.

This issue of "Espace Information" (April 1980) focuses on the Ariane rocket and related space exploration topics, alongside reports on UFO sightings and the enduring mystery of the Tunguska event.

The Ariane Rocket

The magazine begins by explaining the fundamental concept of a rocket to students, contrasting it with air-dependent aircraft. It details how rockets carry their own fuel and oxidizer, enabling them to function in the vacuum of space. The principle of action-reaction is illustrated with simple analogies, explaining how expelling mass creates forward thrust.

Ariane's Construction and Purpose

Ariane is presented as a European endeavor, a collaborative effort by ten countries through the European Space Agency, involving over sixty industrial firms. Its primary goal is to enable Europe to launch its own satellites independently and to generate revenue through international sales. The magazine outlines the complex assembly process, from component manufacturing to integration at the Aérospatiale facility in Les Mureaux, followed by transport to the launch site in French Guiana.

Launch and Performance

The launch sequence is described, starting with the filling of fuel tanks 27 hours before ignition. The Ariane rocket weighs over 208 tons at liftoff, with the vast majority being liquid propellants (ergols). Its powerful engines generate immense thrust to overcome Earth's gravity. The article details the rocket's multi-stage design, with each stage detaching after its fuel is expended to reduce weight and improve efficiency. The separation of the satellite from the final stage is a critical maneuver, requiring precise speed and trajectory to achieve orbit.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

The Ariane rocket stands 47.4 meters tall with a diameter of 3.8 meters. It is designed to place payloads of up to 4.5 tons into low Earth orbit or 2.5 tons into higher orbits. The magazine discusses potential future upgrades, such as Ariane 2, 3, 4, and 5, with Ariane 5 envisioned to carry astronauts and potentially support orbital manufacturing.

The article breaks down the rocket's components: the first stage (L-140) with four Viking 5 engines using UDMH fuel and N2O4 oxidizer; the second stage (H-8) with a Viking 4 engine; and the third stage (H-8) with an HM7 engine using cryogenic propellants (liquid oxygen and hydrogen) for vacuum operation. The equipment bay houses the mission's electronics, and the fairing protects the payload.

Tracking and Safety

Ground stations in French Guiana, Brazil, and Ascension Island are equipped to track Ariane's flight. The magazine highlights the remote control capabilities, including the option to destroy the rocket in flight if it deviates from its planned trajectory, posing a safety risk.

UFO Sightings in Luxembourg and France

The issue includes a section on recent UFO observations in Luxembourg and France:

• Differdange, March 1977: A witness reported a luminous, disc-shaped object trailing smoke, with a photograph capturing a bright spot and a distinct trail.
• Lasauvage, October 1978: A couple observed an orange sphere that approached, rotated, and illuminated the ground with powerful headlights, appearing as a triangle with multi-colored lights before disappearing.
• Audun-le-Tiche, May/June 1980: During a power outage, a family witnessed bright lights and tremors. They saw an orange sphere in the sky that changed color and remained visible for about 10-20 minutes.
• Kayl, August 1983: A couple saw a very fast-moving luminous object emerge from a group of houses and disappear over a forest, followed by a second light. The objects made no noise.
• Aven, July 1983: Residents and police observed UFOs for two consecutive nights, ruling out the balloon-sonde hypothesis due to the precise timing of the appearances.
• South-West France, July 1983: A luminous object, possibly a French ballistic missile, was sighted, particularly in Toulouse.

The Tunguska Mystery

The magazine revisits the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, presenting new scientific findings that reinforce its extraterrestrial origin. Researchers have discovered microscopic metallic spherules containing abnormal amounts of iridium, nickel, and cobalt in samples from the explosion site and Antarctic ice cores. These elements are strong indicators of extraterrestrial matter. Further analysis of peat samples from the Siberian marshes revealed black carbonado diamonds, also of extraterrestrial origin. While the exact nature of the celestial body—whether a large meteorite or a comet—remains debated, the sensational hypothesis of an artificial interplanetary probe has been abandoned.

Other News

• Challenger Impact: The space shuttle Challenger sustained a small impact mark on one of its windows, likely caused by a micrometeorite during its mission.
• Challenger Toilets: The issue briefly mentions a malfunction in the Challenger's waste storage system.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue demonstrates a strong interest in space technology, particularly the development of the Ariane rocket as a symbol of European technological prowess. Simultaneously, it maintains an open stance towards unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), presenting witness accounts and scientific investigations into these events. The enduring mystery of the Tunguska event is also highlighted, emphasizing the ongoing scientific effort to understand cosmic phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of informed curiosity, exploring both human technological achievements and unexplained mysteries of the natural world.

Title: Chroniques
Issue: 2
Publication Date: December 1983
Publisher: C.L.E.U.
Language: French

This issue of Chroniques, published by the C.L.E.U. (Comité Nord Est des Groupements Ufologiques), focuses on a retrospective catalog of UFO and UAP sightings, primarily from Luxembourg and surrounding regions, spanning from 1965 to 1977, with a specific mention of a 1974 sighting in Mondercange.

Key Articles and Reports

Santa Ana (California) Sighting - August 3, 1965

The issue details an observation by Rex Heflin, an inspector for the California road services, on August 3, 1965, near Santa Ana. While in his van, Heflin's radio went silent, prompting him to stop. He then observed a flying object that he initially mistook for a conventional aircraft. The object, described as discoidal with a dome, approximately 9 meters in diameter and 2.50 meters high, moved slowly from left to right. It stopped briefly, oscillating slightly, at an estimated altitude of 45 meters. Heflin managed to take two photographs of the object through his windshield. The object then moved over the road, turned right, and continued its path at an estimated altitude of 50 meters, exhibiting a wobbly, gyroscope-like motion. As it accelerated and gained altitude, it disappeared. A faint luminous jet was observed from the ventral face of the object. After the object's departure, a ring of dark blue smoke, visible for about 30 seconds, remained in the air at the location where the object accelerated. Heflin photographed this smoke ring. Following these events, his radio communication was restored.

Mondercange (Luxembourg) Sighting - January 1, 1974

On January 1, 1974, around 12:00 PM, an inhabitant of Mondercange was about to photograph his granddaughter when his attention was drawn to a metallic object moving at high speed. Although he did not have time to adjust his camera properly, he took a photograph of the object, which disappeared as quickly as it appeared. The object was estimated to be about 15 meters in diameter and vanished in the direction of Luxembourg. The C.L.E.U. is in possession of a photographic slide of this sighting.

Catalogue Rétroactif Luxembourgeois (4)

This section presents a series of UAP sightings, numbered 44 through 58, with dates and locations primarily in Luxembourg and bordering regions of France and Belgium:

• No. 44 (Longwy, France - October 1975): A luminous orange-red ball was observed for 20 seconds.
• No. 45 (Lexy, France - October 1975): About ten witnesses saw a large orange ball with three black shapes evolving from it. Streetlights extinguished.
• No. 46 (Niederkorn, Luxembourg - October 1975): Two witnesses reported a fiery, conical object, about 4 meters long, moving silently. It was described as being as large as a kitchen and 100 meters away.
• No. 47 (Longwy, France - October 10, 1975): An orange luminous point was seen coming from Belgium, followed by five orange balls moving north to south.
• No. 48 (Haucourt, France - October 10, 1975): Three witnesses observed an orange oval mass moving slowly and silently over houses.
• No. 49 (Baslieux, France - October 12, 1975): Three people saw an orange oval object hovering silently and moving south.
• No. 50 (Mont Saint Martin, France - October 1975): A young boy saw a yellow-orange saucer-shaped object for 15 seconds. It emitted a strong light and a humming sound.
• No. 51 (Laître-sous-Amance, France - December 15, 1975): A couple observed a luminous white bell-shaped object with a flat top, veiled by mist, with blinking red lights. Its dimensions were estimated at 4-5 meters in base diameter and 3 meters in height. The object was on the ground.
• No. 52 (Schouweiler, Luxembourg - April 24, 1976): A motorist saw an oval object with blurry contours, described as bluish and phosphorescent, disappearing twice. The observation took place in a wooded area near high-tension lines.
• No. 53 (Bridel, Luxembourg - September 13, 1976): Three witnesses saw a stationary orange ball that dissolved and reappeared twice. The observation lasted about 10 minutes.
• No. 54 (Contern, Luxembourg - September 16, 1976): Three people observed three gold-colored oval discs emerging from clouds above a factory. The objects moved in formation towards Luxembourg.
• No. 55 (Cirey-sur-Vezouze, France - February 3, 1976): Two people saw a bright red, cigar-shaped object that transformed into a red bombé disc surrounded by a white envelope. It moved vertically at high speed.
• No. 56 (Ehlerange, Luxembourg - September 17, 1976): Two motorists saw a luminous object of indeterminate shape with six headlights, one larger than the others. The object flew over their car, causing panic.
• No. 57 (Tétange, Luxembourg - February 22, 1977): A person saw luminous points moving at very high speed above Tétange.
• No. 58 (Bonnevoie, Luxembourg - February 5, 1977): A woman observed an indistinct, diffuse, light-colored object moving laterally above houses. It made no noise and did not resemble an aircraft. The object would extinguish and relight, appearing to have two regularly alternating projectors.

Announcements and Information

• Seminar Announcement: The C.L.E.U. announced its 16th CNEGU session, to be held on October 15-16, 1983, in Medernach, Luxembourg. The agenda included investigation seminars, map project lists, strangeness indices, mutual copying, and military hunter cases from 1977.
• Contact Information: Addresses for SOBEFS (Brussels), Espace Informations (Toulouse), and Espace Information (Castres) are provided for subscriptions and information.
• Membership Information: Details on how to become a member of the C.L.E.U. are given, with categories for active investigator (400 FB), correspondent (250 FB), and honorary member. Bank account details for Luxembourg are included.
• COMMUNIQUE: A notice about two one-hour radio programs on RTL in Luxembourgish on August 3 and 10, discussing the UAP phenomenon and extraterrestrial hypotheses, presented by Claude Halle, Monique Petit, and Alain Schmitt.
• C.L.E.U. Operations: The C.L.E.U. stated that it operates solely on its members' means and encouraged members to promote the organization and its publication, Chroniques.
• Calendar: A schedule of upcoming C.L.E.U. meetings and events for October, November, and December 1983 is listed, including a reunion in La Fiorentina, the CNEGU seminar in Medernach, and a general assembly.
• Table of Contents for Issue No. 2: The issue's table of contents includes topics such as the ignition and satellization of Ariane, foo fighters, a report on the CNEGU, and the retrospective Luxembourg catalog.
• Important Notice: Ufological groups are informed that Chroniques are available free of charge in exchange for other publications of a similar nature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the cataloging of UAP sightings with detailed witness accounts and photographic evidence, the organization and activities of ufological groups like the C.L.E.U. and CNEGU, and the promotion of ufological research and information exchange. The editorial stance of the C.L.E.U. is one of self-reliance and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of member contributions and mutual support in advancing the study of UAP phenomena. The publication aims to document and disseminate credible sighting reports, encouraging further investigation and discussion within the ufological community.