Catalogue retro 1977

Magazine Overview

This document is a catalog of UFO observations from the year 1977, compiled by the Comité Nord-Est des Groupes Ufologiques (CNEGU). The catalog is presented as a "retro-active" compilation, drawing information from various ufological and parapsychological research associations. The publication aims to place the reader within the socio-psychological context of 1977 by including a list of major media events from that year.

Presentation of the Catalog

The CNEGU 1977 catalog encompasses alleged UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) observations recorded in the northeastern departments of France and Luxembourg. These regions include Ardennes (08), Bas-Rhin (67), Côte-d'Or (21), Haute-Marne (52), Haut-Rhin (68), Haute-Saône (70), Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Meuse (55), Moselle (57), Vosges (88), and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The information presented may not have been verified, or it may have undergone detailed investigation, potentially revealing hoaxes or misidentifications. When such details are known, they are noted in an "explanation" section, along with the source of the information. Each case is assigned a CNEGU reference number and is accompanied by two indices: an information quality index (IQ) and a strangeness index (IE), quantified by five criteria defined in CNEGU technical notes. These indices are associated with a symbol intended for future cartographic work.

The catalog is structured to provide context, starting with a chronology of significant media events from 1977. This is followed by a monthly chronology of the reported cases. The main body of the catalog details each incident, including date, time, location, number of witnesses, and a descriptive summary of the reported phenomena. The final pages contain statistical elements and an appendix referencing previously published catalogs.

The cover illustrations of UFO phenomena correspond to cases detailed within the catalog.

Key Events of 1977

The document highlights significant global events in 1977, including:

• Politics: Election of J. Carter as US President, municipal elections in France.
• Society: Trial of Patrick Henry, arrival of the PUNK movement in Europe, occupation of St. Nicolas du Chardonnet church in Paris.
• Culture: Opening of the Centre Pompidou, death of poet Jacques Prévert, death of singer Elvis Presley, actor G. Marx, naturalist J. Rostand, diva M. Callas, and cartoonist René Goscinny.
• Weather: Exceptional cold wave in the USA, severe storms and floods in the Auch region, and a major electricity blackout in New York.
• Space: Launch of Soyuz 24 and Soyuz 26, launch of Voyager 1 and 2, first commercial flight of Concorde.
• Ufology: Disappearance of Chilean Corporal A. Valdès linked to a UFO.
• Ecology: Protests against the Fessenheim nuclear power plant.
• Astronomy: Discovery of Uranus's rings.
• Cinema: Release of "Star Wars".

Chronology of Cases (January - November 1977)

The catalog provides a detailed monthly chronology of UFO sightings:

• January 1977: Three cases reported in Meuse, Haut-Rhin, and Ardennes.
• February 1977: Thirteen cases reported across Luxembourg, Bas-Rhin, Haute-Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Ardennes, Côte-d'Or, Vosges, and Haut-Rhin. One case in Dieulouard and Toul (54) was identified as a possible Venus sighting.
• March 1977: Twenty-eight cases reported in Vosges, Haute-Saône, Haute-Marne, Moselle, Meuse, Côte-d'Or, Haut-Rhin, and Luxembourg.
• April 1977: Ten cases reported in Haut-Rhin, Côte-d'Or, Bas-Rhin, and Ardennes.
• May 1977: Five cases reported in Ardennes, Haute-Marne, and Vosges.
• June 1977: Two cases reported in Côte-d'Or and Ardennes.
• July 1977: Seven cases reported in Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Haute-Marne, and Côte-d'Or.
• August 1977: Seven cases reported in Côte-d'Or, Bas-Rhin, Ardennes, Vosges, and Haut-Rhin.
• September 1977: Seven cases reported in Haute-Marne, Belgium (Lorraine), Meurthe-et-Moselle, and Vosges.
• October 1977: Nine cases reported in Haut-Rhin, Moselle, Meuse, and Haute-Marne.
• November 1977: Six cases reported in Meuse, Côte-d'Or, Haut-Rhin, Haute-Marne, and Ardennes.
• December 1977: Eight cases reported in Moselle, Haut-Rhin, Haute-Marne, Côte-d'Or, Ardennes, and Vosges.
• Indeterminate: Three cases with unspecified dates in Vosges, Haut-Rhin, and Haute-Marne.

Detailed Case Descriptions (Examples)

• January 5, 1977 (Rigny-Saint-Martin, Meuse): A couple observed an orange luminous ball following their vehicle for 15 minutes.
• February 8, 1977 (Bourbonne-les-Bains, Haute-Marne): Motorists saw a whitish ball emitting light jets before moving at high speed.
• February 14, 1977 (Dieulouard and Toul, Meurthe-et-Moselle): Inhabitants reported a large star with changing reflections, later identified as a possible Venus sighting.
• February 20, 1977 (Bissey-la-Cote, Côte-d'Or): Witnesses observed a UFO above a field, moving slowly north.
• February 22, 1977 (Golbey, Vosges): An adolescent observed a strange light descending, described as a dark space capsule shape with red, green, and orange lights. A second identical object appeared and they moved away.
• February 27, 1977 (Quatzenheim, Bas-Rhin): A couple saw a red-orange luminous ball that seemed to approach their car before disappearing. This was later identified as a misidentification of the moon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The catalog primarily focuses on documenting UFO sightings with a degree of scientific rigor, indicated by the inclusion of quality and strangeness indices. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into anomalous aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentifications and hoaxes. The inclusion of global events from 1977 suggests an effort to contextualize ufological reports within broader historical and cultural trends of the time. The publication emphasizes the collaborative nature of ufological research through its mention of various participating associations.

This issue of "Les Chroniques de la CLEU" (Issue 30) is a compilation of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings reported in France during March, April, May, June, July, and August of 1977. The publication meticulously details each sighting with a reference number, date, time (including Universal Time - TU), witness accounts, object characteristics, and often a potential explanation or source of information.

Detailed Sightings and Reports

March 1977

• March 7: A Mirage IV aircraft pilot near Luxeuil (70) reported a luminous phenomenon moving at 1.5 mach (1700 km/h) that reappeared and disappeared. It was not detected by ground radar. An explanation suggested a misidentification with aircraft lights.
• March 8: In Nogent (Haute-Marne), a man observed a circular, orange-yellow luminous phenomenon moving rectilinearly. It stopped, displayed a tail-like appendage, and then disappeared. No explanation was found.
• March 12: In Aumetz (57), a witness saw five white, oblong lights on the ground, rotating around a central axis and topped by a semi-spherical module.
• March 12: Near Verdun (55), four witnesses observed a large, star-like object moving North for 20 minutes.
• March 12: In Brettnach (57), two witnesses saw a conical object rotating on itself, with 10 red lights.
• March 13: In Chambeire (21), two witnesses observed an orange hemisphere above a field.
• March 13: The same witness from Aumetz (57) on March 12 reported an identical observation.
• March 13: An unusual observation was made in Lucey (21).
• March 14: In Aumetz (57), young people observed five objects moving rectilinearly, with peripheral red objects and a central white one that blinked.
• March 15: In Aumetz (57), witnesses observed a group of eight lights on the ground, rotating around a central axis and trembling. Some witnesses used binoculars, and ground traces were reportedly found.
• March 15: In Aumetz (57), witnesses observed four lights moving at low altitude. One red object was composed of two parts, while others were white. The red light immobilized, while the others oscillated before moving away.
• March 15: In Riedisheim (68), three inhabitants saw a large white balloon with a strong flash above castle ruins, possibly a weather balloon.
• March 16: In Aumetz (57), a witness observed four or five luminous points rotating around a fixed point near the ground. Another object with a flashing light appeared higher in the sky and moved towards the group of lights.
• March 16: Amateur astronomers near Thann (68) observed six objects, one orange and cigar-shaped, others cubic.
• March 16: In Sausheim (68), an inhabitant observed a luminous banana-shaped object suspended from a trapeze or triangle.
• March 17: In Aumetz (57), a witness observed an object with two gyroscopes, identical to a previously observed one, moving in a straight line. This was possibly a misidentification with a helicopter.
• March 18: Two individuals in Aumetz (57) observed the same craft as the previous Wednesday, moving at high altitude.
• March 18: In Nogent (Haute-Marne), two walkers observed large, bright whitish beams emanating from the ground. Later, they saw a round, saucer-shaped object about 40 meters away, rotating slowly. The object made a leap and followed them. A large black smoke-like ball formed, and an odor of burning was detected. The observation lasted about 10 minutes.
• March 18: In Poulangy (Haute-Marne), a family watching television experienced a power outage and static. Outside, they saw a brilliant white object with a halo. The object moved, and a yellow-orange fireball emerged, affecting electrical wires. The event caused power outages in the village, and several televisions were damaged. Possible explanation: thunderstorm, ball lightning.

April 1977

• April 5: In Hauteville (21), an object shaped like a fish without a tail, projecting a blue trail, was observed.
• April 5: In Aigny-le-Duc (21), a family saw a round, orange-colored luminous object, immobile at 300m altitude, which turned on and off every 30 seconds.
• April 10: In Routzenheim (67), inhabitants observed a yellowish ball moving in a straight line above the Rhine. Dogs showed unusual fear.
• April 11: Two adolescents observed a light descending from the sky, illuminating the ground and forming a yellow-vivid rectangle. The phenomenon resolved without noise.
• April 12: In Quetigny (21), a person observed an orange luminous ball at low altitude, with a speed estimated at 400 km/h.
• April 16: In Hambach (57), a couple observed red and green flashing lights moving intermittently in the sky. Possible explanation: misidentification with an aircraft.
• April 16: In Aiglemont (08), an inhabitant observed an orange luminous ball in the East.

May 1977

• May 11: Four witnesses observed a red and yellow luminous phenomenon with blinking lights, moving towards Schirmeck and then St Dié.
• May 19: In Villers-sur-Bar (08), several people observed three strange luminous triangles. One object appeared immobile, while others approached. Binocular observation revealed red, green, and blue lights. Venus was suggested as an explanation. The phenomenon was observed for 5 hours.
• May 24: In Senade (88), three people observed a rapid passage of a white-green fireball moving low to the ground, leaving a white trail.
• May 26: In Jésonville (88), an orange phenomenon, a luminous ball, descended from the sky and disappeared behind a hill, causing a brief, violent glow. Possible explanation: atmospheric reentry or bolide.
• May 28: In Mulhouse (68), four inhabitants experienced a car breakdown. They observed a huge orange luminous glow between the clouds, descending in a zigzag pattern. A loud noise was heard, and traces in a clearing with yellowed grass and a strange odor were found. Possible explanation: confusion with the moon.

June 1977

• June 13: An student in Marcigny (21) observed a blue ball passing over the air base without noise.

July 1977

• July 1: In Dolcourt (54), a young girl reported seeing an "alien" helicopter land in a park, with two "Martians" descending. The father of the girl intervened, and the helicopter took off. The incident was attributed to a journalistic hoax.
• July 3: An amateur astronomer in Stiring-Wendel (57) observed a luminous phenomenon resembling a fuzzy, metallic-edged cluster, similar to the companion of the Andromeda galaxy (M32).
• July 22: In Nogent (Haute-Marne), a man observed a rectangular-shaped phenomenon with blurred edges, pale yellow in color. A second, identical phenomenon appeared lower. The first object tilted and moved away. The second phenomenon also disappeared. A small red-orange ball was also noted.
• July 22: In Ste Croix-en-Plaine (68), an inhabitant observed a stationary white light at an altitude of 50m, resembling a luminous soup plate, about 18m long. It shrunk without noise.
• July 24: In Pommard (21), several witnesses observed luminous balls and two flashing lights with zigzag trajectories for over 3 hours.
• July 26: In Saulieu (21), an unusual light was observed.
• July 27: In Pommard (21), witnesses observed a luminous object in the sky.

August 1977

• August 4: An unusual observation was made in Dijon (21).
• August 5: A couple observed a luminous object in the air, shaped like a candle flame or a tailless fish, colored orange-red and immobile. It moved South and disappeared.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the sheer volume and variety of UAP sightings reported across France during 1977. The publication's stance appears to be one of diligent archival and reporting, presenting raw data from witness accounts and official sources. While some explanations are offered, the emphasis is on cataloging the events, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. The detailed referencing and cross-referencing with other publications and organizations (like CLEU, CNEGU, LDLN, VIMANA, UFOLOGIA) suggest a commitment to thoroughness in the field of ufology.

This document is a detailed catalogue of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) observations from 1977, compiled by C.N.E.G.U. (Centre National d'Étude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés). The catalogue is presented in a tabular format, with updates as of August 1997. It meticulously records individual sightings, providing reference codes, dates, times (including Universal Time - TU), locations, witness details, object characteristics, and the status of the investigation (e.g., 'A délaisser' - to be discarded, 'A documenter' - to be documented, 'A informer' - to inform, 'A mettre en forme' - to be formatted, 'A archiver' - to be archived, 'A signaler' - to be reported).

September 1977 Observations

The September entries detail several sightings:

• September 11: Near LANNES (Haute-Marne), a family observed two slow-moving, orange-yellow luminous objects. They performed turns and moved together towards Langres, with the observation lasting five minutes. The possible explanation suggested is an aeronautical phenomenon.
• September 13: In Arlon (Belgian Lorraine), two witnesses saw a luminous orange object with orange pulsations.
• September 20: In Vandoeuvre (54), three women observed three fast-moving yellow luminous spheres leaving white trails, moving NE to SW.
• September 20: On the road to Neufchateau, a bus passenger saw an orange disc moving SW at an estimated altitude of 600-800 meters, disappearing behind houses.
• September 27: Near Darmannes (52), an object described as a 'saucer' with a dome and lights was seen, which then became a sphere as it ascended vertically.
• September (date unspecified): In Rainville (88), two people observed a large, stationary star-like object that suddenly moved rapidly in jerks.
• Early September: In FRONCLES (Haute-Marne), five people observed a dark orange, rugby ball-shaped phenomenon moving slowly in a straight line.

October 1977 Observations

October entries include:

• October 2: In Mertzen (68), an object landed in a field, and a white figure emerged.
• October 18: In Mézières (08), two witnesses observed a bright orange, cigar-shaped luminous object.
• October 18: In Yuts (57), three witnesses saw a fast-moving orange sphere.
• October 18-19: In Lunéville and Gondrecourt-le-Chateau (55), a baker and gendarmes observed a red-orange luminous point that seemed to follow, then became stationary, with gendarmes taking photos. The explanation given is a classic astronomical misidentification.
• October 19: In Merlebach (57), a couple and their son observed a luminous point that moved at high speed, made a right-angle turn, and then stopped. A cloud-like formation appeared, from which an elliptical metallic object emerged, moved at high speed, and disappeared. The cloud then transformed into a trapezoid and a hat shape.

November 1977 Observations

November sightings include:

• November 6: In Nancois-sur-Ornain (55), three people saw a bright star-like light that appeared and disappeared while moving in a zig-zag.
• November 10: In Corcelles-les-Monts (21), two people observed a white light, twice the size of a star, with a short but wide plume. It transformed into a grey cigar and disappeared.
• November 15: Numerous witnesses, including military pilots from Dijon and Chenove (21), observed a large, elongated luminous point, with two smaller points appearing below it. The phenomenon disappeared abruptly.
• November 17: In Bantzenheim (68), a couple observed a large, very bright red-orange ball that became a horizontal orange cigar. A luminous point emerged and grew larger, then the cigar disappeared. It transformed into a 'cup' shape, then a triangle, before disappearing towards Mulhouse after 25 minutes. The explanation suggested is a misidentification with the moon.
• November 23: In St Didier (21), a witness felt a warm breath and discovered 6-meter diameter traces where grass had not regrown after the phenomenon departed.
• November 27: Near LOUVIERES (Haute-Marne), four people observed an elongated, irregular, orange-brilliant light with a red border. It remained immobile throughout the observation. A possible explanation is a natural phenomenon or weather-related.
• November 27: Near NOGENT (Haute-Marne), two hunters observed an immobile, elongated, flat, white object with rounded ends. It moved, revealing a dome on top, and then disappeared horizontally at high speed.
• November 27: In Charleville (08), a witness observed a bright yellow disc.

December 1977 Observations

December sightings include:

• December 6: In Falck (57), two headlights were seen, joined by a third red light to form a triangle that moved SE to NO before disappearing silently.
• December 6: In Behren (57), two luminous balls were observed at an altitude of 150 meters. The diamond-shaped phenomenon moved, decreased in brightness, and curved.
• December 8: In Moernach (68), several people observed a sphere emitting a strong white light. The object appeared to dive towards the ground, changing color, and spinning like a top before disappearing East. The explanation suggested is a possible misidentification with the moon.
• December 13: Near VITRY-LES-NOGENT (Haute-Marne), two women observed a pinkish glow that materialized into an oval phenomenon with a red-orange crescent base and a metallic grey top. The observation lasted a few seconds. A possible explanation is the moon, noting that it was a new moon.
• December 10 or 17 (probable date): An unusual sphere observation was made near Cirey-les-Mareilles (52).
• December 18: In Quetigny (21), a witness observed an orange ball, about 6 meters in diameter, flying silently along a high-tension line, making a sharp right turn, disappearing, and reappearing at high speed.
• December (date unspecified): In Sedan (08), six red-orange balls were observed in the sky.
• December (date unspecified): Between AHEVILLE and SAINT-ANTOINE (88), two men in a car experienced a sensation of 'heaviness' and 'sinking' while driving through a forest. Outside the forest, they saw an orange glow and then a 'flame' rising incredibly fast, disappearing in seconds. The object was oriented point-up with a straight base and a slight yellow trail. The explanation is uncertain, possibly related to fatigue or a misidentification of moonlight.

Undetermined / Other Entries

• Summer (1977 or 1978): Two boys playing near a gendarmerie in BOUVRELIEURES (88) saw the sky turn orange. Six lights appeared, moving in formation from a mountain, flying in circles, and disappearing rapidly without noise. The explanation suggested is a possible squadron of fighter jets.
• Winter 1977 or 1978: Two inhabitants of Kingersheim (68) observed an unknown object in sustentation at 12 meters altitude. It was ovoïde, grey, with lights, an antenna, and legs. The lights turned off, and it ascended rapidly.
• 1977: An unusual transforming phenomenon was observed in Marault (52).

Statistical Elements

The document includes monthly statistical distribution of observations for 1977, showing the highest number of reports in September (28) and October (40), followed by November (10) and December (5). It also provides a departmental breakdown, indicating the number of cases recorded in various departments, with Moselle (57) having the most (17 cases), followed by Haute-Marne (52) with 16 cases, and Meurthe-et-Moselle (54) with 14 cases.

Annex: C.N.E.G.U. Catalogue 1976 & 1978

The annex lists new cases for 1976 and 1978. The 1976 cases include observations in Hadol (88), Senade (88), and Xertigny (88), involving red and white luminous balls and objects. Some 1976 cases are explained as misidentifications with the moon or dirigibles. The 1978 section details a new case from Guebling (57) involving three luminous spheres that approached a cyclomotorist, illuminating him with a projector.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this catalogue are the diverse shapes, colors, and behaviors of observed aerial phenomena, often described as luminous and fast-moving. Many entries highlight the difficulty in definitively explaining these sightings, with common suggested explanations including astronomical misidentifications (especially the moon), aircraft, or meteorological phenomena. However, the sheer volume and variety of reports, coupled with detailed descriptions, suggest a persistent and widespread occurrence of unexplained aerial events. The editorial stance is one of systematic documentation and investigation, aiming to categorize and analyze these phenomena, while acknowledging the limitations of current explanations for many cases.