Chroniques de la CLEU - No 32 - Mars 1985

Magazine Overview

Title: Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.
Issue: No. 32
Date: March 1985
Publisher: C.L.E.U. (COMMISSION LUXEMBOURGEOISE D'ETUDES UFOLOGIQUES)
Location: Grand-Duché de Luxembourg

This issue of 'Les Chroniques de la C.L.E.U.' marks the organization's 10th anniversary and the 32nd publication. The cover features a stylized illustration of various flying saucer designs. The magazine is published by the Luxembourgish Commission for Ufological Studies.

Editorial

Christian PETIT, in his editorial, reflects on the 10 years of existence of the C.L.E.U. and the 'Chroniques', noting that despite the effort, the results have been modest. He highlights the importance of human contact and mutual understanding among different ufological groups. The editorial announces preparations for the 21st CNEGU session to be held in Medernach, with a preparatory weekend in April at the Fondation Arendt. He also mentions potential observation evenings for Halley's Comet, scheduled by astronomer Philippe Ceccate, and the participation in the National Day festival in Esch-sur-Alzette, which was successful the previous year. Petit expresses a concern about the rarity of observations and a decline in submitted articles and press clippings, urging readers to send in their suggestions, articles, and investigations.

Articles and Content

Mythe ETI et révolution copernicéenne (ETI Myth and Copernican Revolution)

Authored by Alain SCHMITT, this extensive article explores the parallels between the emergence of the ETI (Extraterrestrial Intelligence) myth and the profound societal and intellectual shifts brought about by the Copernican Revolution.

Schmitt begins by referencing Ashworth's analysis of Dänikenism as a mythological variant of prophetic Judaism and Christian millenarianism, combined with mechanistic materialism. He posits that Dänikenism is a degraded symbolic rewrite of foundational texts like the Book of Genesis and the Revelation, and Greek mechanistic philosophy. While acknowledging the validity of this descriptive analysis, Schmitt argues it doesn't explain the social efficacy of Dänikenism and UFO folklore. To understand the function of the ETI myth in Western history, he delves into the Copernican Revolution.

He cites Kuhn, Blumenberg, and Grant Mc Colley to illustrate how the Copernican Revolution, by shifting the Earth from the center of the universe, fundamentally altered humanity's relationship with the cosmos and God. This transition from a medieval, geocentric, and anthropocentric worldview to a heliocentric one, with an infinite universe, challenged established religious and philosophical doctrines. The authority of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas was questioned, and figures like Giordano Bruno emerged. Mc Colley's work highlights how the concept of a plurality of worlds became increasingly associated with religious and theological problems, challenging the uniqueness of Earth and humanity's special creation.

The article discusses the impact of the telescope in making the idea of a vast universe with countless celestial bodies more tangible. It outlines key conceptions that gained prominence: the moon being an Earth-like body, stars being similar to Earth, the existence of an infinite universe or infinite world-systems, and a plurality of Earths within the solar system or a vast number of systems in the universe.

Schmitt then examines the dual nature of the Copernicanism's impact: it diminished humanity's perceived importance through the universe's vastness but also empowered it through the triumph of reason that could penetrate the apparent order of the heavens. The shift from an unmoved mover to a more distant, less interventionist God is discussed, along with the challenge to Aristotelian causality.

The medieval worldview, characterized by Christian beliefs, solidarity, and a sense of inner security within a divinely ordered cosmos, is contrasted with the post-Copernican era's sense of human insignificance and isolation in a vast, indifferent universe. This shift is described as the 'Copernican shock,' leading to the end of the Middle Ages and the dawn of the modern era, marked by scientific methodology and the introduction of the infinite spacetime concept.

Schmitt argues that the ETI myth could only emerge in this modern age. He defines myth as the story of supernatural beings, considered true and sacred, serving as exemplary models for human life. The ETI myth, as he proposes, has several core elements: the existence of ETIs, their ability to visit Earth, their humanoid nature (implying a cosmic family), and their superior scientific, technical, and ethical-moral advancement over humanity.

The driving force behind the ETI myth, according to Schmitt, is the resolution of two major problems faced by modern humans: the 'horror vacui' (fear of the void) created by the infinite universe revealed by Copernicanism, and the scientific understanding of humanity's insignificance and powerlessness in the face of natural laws. The ETI myth offers a comforting narrative where humanity is not alone and where scientific progress, embodied by the ETIs, provides a means to understand and potentially control the universe.

He emphasizes that the ETI myth is a product of Western culture, originating in the 16th century, and serves as a justification for science and a belief in a collective humanity. It draws from older mythologies but simplifies and degrades their symbolism. The myth of the ETI is presented as a 'celestial myth' that emerged alongside other modern myths such as those of the machine and the superman.

Schmitt further categorizes the reasons for the rise of Dänikenism and UFO folklore post-1945, including mythological, sociological (rumors, media distortion), psychological (individual neuroses), political (Cold War context), and socio-cultural factors (disillusionment with scientific utopianism, the impact of the atomic bomb).

He concludes that the mythological interpretation is not sufficient on its own and that the ETI myth functions within the secularization process, filling the void left by the disappearance of the sacred with a psychological sense of the numinous, often channeled through 'technical miracles' and progressive utopianism. He warns against reductionism, noting the emergence of other modern myths like the machine and the superman.

Other Content

• List of Books by Alain Schmitt: The magazine includes a list of books by Alain Schmitt available for sale, covering topics such as UFOs, extraterrestrials, and the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. These books are described as 'PG' (pocket grand format) and priced at 200 FB.
• Contact Information: Readers interested in purchasing books can contact Christian PETIT or Alain SCHMITT, with purchases made at CNEGU sessions, meetings, or via postal mail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of ufology, mythology, and the history of science and philosophy, particularly the impact of the Copernican Revolution. The editorial stance, as expressed by Christian Petit, is one of dedication to the cause of ufology despite challenges, with a call for continued reader engagement and contribution. Alain Schmitt's article adopts a critical, analytical approach, framing UFO phenomena and ETI beliefs within broader cultural and historical contexts, specifically linking them to the evolution of Western thought and the rise of scientific paradigms. The magazine appears to be a platform for in-depth analysis rather than simple reporting of sightings.

This document, presented as a continuation of an article titled "LA NAVETTE SPATIALE AMERICAINE," details the operational aspects of a Space Shuttle mission and explores its various applications, alongside reports of UFO sightings and related phenomena.

Mission Description

The article begins by outlining the schematic steps of a Space Shuttle mission, starting from its launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The process involves assembling the shuttle on a large platform, transporting it to the launch pad, and executing a countdown that includes system checks, fueling, and crew boarding. Once launched, the orbiter reaches an altitude of 100 to 200 km with a speed of approximately 27,500 km/h, eventually settling into a definitive orbit between 250 and 300 km. A significant portion of the mission is dedicated to atmospheric re-entry, described as the most delicate phase. Unlike Apollo capsules, the shuttle, weighing 70 to 80 tons, is a less efficient glider. Its delta wing design allows for considerable maneuverability, enabling it to deviate up to 2000 km from its re-entry trajectory. The re-entry process must balance avoiding excessive speed, which could create high thermal flux, and excessive slowness, which could cause the shuttle to overshoot the landing site. Deceleration forces must remain below 1.5 g, making the orbital-to-ground phase last about thirty minutes, compared to fifteen minutes for Apollo capsules with 4 to 8 g deceleration.

Automated maneuvers are standard, but pilots can take manual control at any time. Landing gear is deployed for touchdown. If the shuttle does not land at Kennedy, it is transported back on a specially modified Boeing 747.

Mission Preparation and Future

Following a mission, the orbiter undergoes examinations and refurbishment, ideally preparing it for a new mission within two weeks. The long-term goal is to achieve a 24-hour launch configuration with only two hours' notice, implying a significantly shortened launch campaign and countdown. This efficiency is crucial for the planned intensive use of space over the next twenty years.

Applications of the Space Shuttle

The Space Shuttle's primary role is to serve as a heavy-lift vehicle for space transport, capable of delivering substantial payloads to low Earth orbit (up to 29.5 tons at 200 km altitude, reduced for polar or sun-synchronous orbits). It is also intended for the construction of orbital stations and crew transport. However, its operational range is limited to the near-Earth environment (below 1000 km). It cannot travel to Mars, Jupiter, or the Moon, and reaching geostationary orbit (36,000 km) requires an additional stage.

Satellite Deployment

The shuttle can deploy various types of satellites. For satellites that can reach their target orbit independently, the shuttle opens its cargo bay doors, and a robotic arm (RMS - Remote Manipulator System), manufactured by Canada, extracts the satellite. The satellite is then activated via remote control, and the shuttle departs after confirming its functionality. This method is used for satellites placed below 1000 km.

For satellites requiring transfer to higher orbits or geostationary orbit, the shuttle places them into an intermediate orbit. These include satellites for meteorology, telecommunications, military applications, and scientific research, as well as probes for planetary trajectories. The shuttle could even be used to move nuclear waste away from Earth.

In these cases, the satellite is equipped with one or more propulsion stages to facilitate the transfer to its final orbit. After extraction from the cargo bay, the satellite is positioned at a safe distance from the orbiter, and its autonomous propulsion system is activated.

Upper Stages

Several types of propulsion stages have been developed. The Space Tug (a high-energy upper stage using liquid hydrogen and oxygen) was initially envisioned as a reusable European contribution but was later abandoned due to budget constraints. Currently, non-recoverable stages like the IUS (Intertial Upper Stage) and SSUS (Spinning Solid Upper Stage) are used. The IUS, initially called Interim Upper Stage, uses solid propellants and can be configured in various versions. A three-stage version for interplanetary probes was abandoned in 1981. The two-stage IUS can place geostationary payloads up to 2.5 tons, with its first flight on the Shuttle scheduled for January 1983. The SSUS, stabilized by rotation, has more modest performance, suitable for payloads from 1.1 to 2 tons, with its first use on the Shuttle planned for STS-5 in November 1982. It is estimated that 62% of Shuttle missions will require an upper stage.

Spacelab

Spacelab, a significant European contribution to the American space transport system, is a modular laboratory that can be carried in the Shuttle's cargo bay. It offers a unique platform for observing Earth and celestial bodies, free from atmospheric turbulence and absorption. Spacelab consists of a pressurized module for engineers and scientists and one or more external pallets for instruments like telescopes and antennas. Once installed, Spacelab remains in the cargo bay throughout the mission and is extracted upon return to Earth. The first Spacelab flight is scheduled for autumn 1983, with the first European astronaut on board.

In-Orbit Inspection and Recovery

Another novel capability of the Space Shuttle is the inspection or recovery of existing satellites. If a satellite is within reach, the orbiter can approach it and use the RMS to grasp it, or deploy a manned maneuvering unit (MMU) to bring the satellite closer. Astronauts, equipped with appropriate suits, can then perform inspections, repairs, or replacements of defective instruments and equipment, or collect film cassettes and samples. This allows for on-orbit maintenance.

If a satellite requires a complete overhaul or return to Earth, it can be stored in the cargo bay. The Shuttle is being studied for potential repair missions, such as the Solar Maximum Mission satellite, which suffered an attitude control system failure in November 1980. The Space Telescope, scheduled for launch in 1985, is expected to have an exceptional lifespan of about fifteen years due to potential servicing.

The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) is a large metallic structure designed to carry experiments and instruments. It can be deployed by a Shuttle and recovered six months later on a subsequent mission for examination of the returned equipment.

In the more distant future, the Shuttle could be used for ambitious projects like the assembly of large orbital structures, serving as space factories, orbital laboratories, or platforms for various purposes, including radio telescopes, radars, power generators, and communication antennas. These structures could be transported in folded form and deployed in orbit, with assembly either automated or performed by astronauts using individual propulsion systems.

NASA is currently funding studies for a permanent orbital station, with a decision expected in the 1990s. Two options are being explored: the Space Operations Center (SOC) by Boeing and an evolutive space platform by McDonnell Douglas. The likely configuration will involve a phased construction approach for space operations.

UFO Sightings and Phenomena

The document also includes several reports of UFO sightings and related phenomena:

• Aeroflot Flight: Pilots and passengers on a flight from Tbilissi to Talin reported being escorted by a luminous object described as a large star that emitted a conical beam of light and approached the plane at light speed, leaving a green cloud. Ground controllers also detected corresponding radar anomalies.
• French Sightings: Several reports from France are detailed:
• In Colombes (Hauts-de-Seine), five people observed a luminous oval object for nearly an hour, described as having an orange center and green periphery, which moved away slowly.
• In Champdray (Vosges), a teacher and four students saw an arrow-shaped object with a rounded tip, green in color, moving at high speed without noise.
• A technician near Charleville-Mézières and Sedan observed a very bright green object moving rapidly.
• In Uckange, residents saw a luminous, oval, very white object moving over Moselle.
• Electrical Phenomena in Auvergne: Mysterious electrical phenomena occurred in the Auvergne region, including cows being electrocuted, a third being killed, and simultaneous malfunctions of electrical meters and telephones in several villages. The cause remains unexplained, and locals are concerned about the nearby dormant volcanoes.

Film and UFOs

A section titled "Le cinéma et le phénomène OVNI" (Cinema and the UFO Phenomenon) discusses how films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "Viva la Vie" have portrayed UFOs and alien encounters. The author notes that while filmmakers often use classic ufological tropes, some films explore more psychological or parapsychological explanations, such as materialization of dreams or time travelers.

Press Mentions

Several press clippings are included:

• Republ. Lorrain (February 1, 1985): Reports a UFO sighting in Lorraine, France, with details of the object's appearance and behavior.
• Republ. Lorrain (February 6, 1985): Mentions UFO sightings in Meuse and other areas, with a couple in Coussances-les-Forges photographing an object.
• Tageblatt (February 26, 1985): Reports on a German astronomer discovering four new minor planets.
• Republ. Lorrain (March 13, 1985): Details electrical mysteries in Auvergne, France, involving electrocuted cows and malfunctioning equipment.
• Le Parisien (February 6, 1985): Describes a UFO sighting in Colombes, France, observed by multiple witnesses for nearly an hour.
• Est Républicain (December 4, 1984): Reports sightings of an unidentified flying object in the sky over Nancy, France, observed by multiple witnesses and described as a fast-moving, bright green object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the technological advancements and operational complexities of the Space Shuttle program, its diverse applications in space exploration and satellite deployment, and the ongoing development of orbital infrastructure like Spacelab and future space stations. Interspersed with these themes are numerous reports of UFO sightings from various geographical locations, suggesting a continued public and media interest in unexplained aerial phenomena. The article on cinema and UFOs indicates an exploration of how these phenomena are represented in popular culture. The overall stance appears to be informative, presenting technical details about space missions alongside anecdotal evidence of UFO encounters, without necessarily endorsing any particular explanation for the latter.

This issue of "Républ. Lorrain" from Wednesday, February 6, 1985, features a prominent article on the "monkey head" formation on Mars, which is intriguing American scientists. The publication date of the cover story is February 3, 1985.

Tournée vers les étoiles: Une «tête de singe» sur Mars intrigue les savants américains

The main article reports on a group of thirty American scientists from the University of Berkeley's Mars investigation team who believe that two photos transmitted by the Viking probe in 1976 suggest the existence of an ancient Martian civilization. These scientists interpret a formation resembling a monkey's head, located about ten kilometers from what appear to be four symmetrically aligned pyramids, as evidence of this civilization. They draw an analogy between these structures and the megalithic monument of Stonehenge in England.

According to the researchers, the monkey head formation, which is 1,600 meters long and 1,400 meters wide, can be seen in profile when the solstice sun rises, a phenomenon they estimate occurred 500,000 years ago. Richard Hoagland, a member of the group, stated that the two photos were taken at different times of the day, reducing the risk of optical illusions caused by light. He also noted that the formation resembles the Egyptian Sphinx and, more so, a monkey.

Dr. West Churchman, a professor at the University of Berkeley and a member of the research group, believes there are too many details to dismiss the possibility of an extinct Martian race. He argues that the symmetry of the formations is unlikely to be the result of wind and sand alone. He also speculates that, similar to ancient civilizations on Earth that built faces turned towards the sky, the Martian structures might have a religious or divine significance.

However, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) remains skeptical. Larry King, a NASA spokesperson, expressed doubt about the existence of life on Mars and compared the "monkey head" to the "man in the Moon." For NASA and other skeptics, the formations are likely accidental results of natural elements or a play of light and shadow.

The article also mentions that the "monkey head" is turned towards the stars, and its resemblance to the Egyptian Sphinx is noted, though it is considered more akin to a monkey.

Other Content

Affaires à Saisir (Items for Sale):

• CANON 514XL-S Super 8 Sound Camera: Described as being in impeccable condition, it features a high-precision zoom lens, macro option, and XL system. It comes with a MICRO br 50, a black faux-leather bag, and is a reflex mono-objective type. The image dimensions are 5.8 x 4.2 mm. The objective is f/1.4 with a variable focal length of 9 to 45 mm, a 5x zoom ratio, and a diagonal field of view from 43.7° to 9.0°. The price is 16,000 FB, with 3 Super 8 Sound films included if sold before their use.
• YASHICA Electro 8 LD6 Camera: This camera offers fade-in/fade-out capabilities (6x Zoom), comes with a universal bag and a tripod. It supports slow-motion shots, time-lapse photography, fade-outs, and superimposition. The price is 12,000 FB.
• POSTE CB Bristol BCB 228: This item is priced at 4,000 FB.

For any interest in these items, interested parties are directed to contact Christian Petit.

Commission Luxembourgeoise d'Etudes Ufologiques (Luxembourg Commission for Ufological Studies):

This section details membership options for the CLEU (likely an acronym for the commission or a related entity):

• Active Investigator Member: A contribution of 500 FB plus a photo ID. Benefits include receiving the CLEU Chronicles, the right to write articles related to ufology, participation in activities, free entry to meetings and conferences, the opportunity to become an investigator based on skills, and a free CLEU sticker.
• Corresponding Member: A contribution of 350 FB. Benefits include receiving the CLEU Chronicles, providing written or spoken information gathered from the press or their surroundings, and a free CLEU sticker.
• Sympathizing Member: A contribution of 200 FB. Benefits include supporting the commission and receiving a free CLEU sticker.
• Honorary Member: Details for bank transfers are provided: CCP Luxembourg no. 6958-71 and Banque Internationale Luxembourg account no. 5-130/7180. For international transfers, use an international transfer order via CCP.

Members who join as active or corresponding members will receive the CLEU Chronicles regularly. If joining mid-year, they will receive back issues from the current year.

Call for Press Clippings: The CLEU requests members to send in press clippings, specifying the source and date of publication.

Promote the CLEU: Members are encouraged to spread awareness of the commission's activities and to share the Chronicles, thereby attracting new members.

Our Calendar:

• May 24, 1985: CLEU meeting
• June 8-9, 1985: Medernach, CNEGU session organized by CLEU
• June 28, 1985: Meeting or observation evening
• July 26, 1985: Meeting or observation evening
• June 23, 1985: Probable participation in the National Festival

Summary of Issue No. 33:

• Discussion on the Trans-en-Provence case (continued)
• CNEGU Report
• Continuation of an article by Alain Schmitt
• Hynek Classification

Rendez-vous au mois de Juin 1985 (Meeting in June 1985):

The commission cannot provide individual written information about participation in international congresses and meetings. Their meetings aim to keep members informed about ufological news, and members are encouraged to attend.

IMPORTANT: Members are urged to request their 1985 membership card and pay their dues, regardless of the membership type chosen (active, corresponding, or sympathizing).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights a recurring theme of ufology and the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly the "monkey head" on Mars. The "Républ. Lorrain" appears to be a publication that covers news and events related to ufology, astronomy, and potentially scientific curiosities. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the coverage of the Mars "monkey head" and the detailed information about the Luxembourg Commission for Ufological Studies (CLEU), is one of reporting on these topics, presenting both the speculative findings of researchers and the more cautious, scientific viewpoints (like NASA's). The publication also serves as a platform for a local ufology organization, providing updates on their activities, calendar, and membership drives, indicating a supportive stance towards such groups and their endeavors.