Catalogue retro 1980

Magazine Overview

This document is the "CATALOGUE ANNUEL RÉGIONAL CNEGU ANNÉE 1980" (Annual Regional Catalog CNEGU Year 1980), presented as a digital edition from 2006. It serves as a comprehensive listing of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) observations reported in 1980, primarily focusing on France and Luxembourg. The cover prominently features the CNEGU logo, contact information, and a stylized map of France with several UAP depicted.

Introduction and Methodology

The catalog is introduced as a non-exhaustive, chronological list of alleged aerospace phenomena. It clarifies that the information presented may not always be verified and could include hoaxes or misidentifications, but also that some cases may have been subject to detailed investigations. Each entry primarily contains details such as dates, times, locations, witness information, a brief descriptive summary of the phenomena, and the source of the information. A simplified map is included, highlighting cases that remained unidentified as of 1981 and possessed a credibility index of 3 or higher. The primary goal is to consolidate regional observations into a single document for informational purposes and as a reference base.

January 1980 Sightings

Several incidents are detailed for January 1980:

• January 28, ~3:15 TU: In Raon-aux-Bois (88), a witness observed a luminous orange object, described as 'bean-shaped' (concave upwards), estimated at 3-5 meters, moving at approximately 60 km/h, accompanying his car for over 15 km before disappearing near Epinal. It was silent, and the gendarmerie investigated.
• January 28, ~22:30 TU: In Epinal (88), a witness observed a large, stationary luminous point in the overcast sky for 15 minutes.
• January 29, ~18:30 TU: In Epinal (88), a witness observed two orange 'balls' moving towards Golbey, which then executed a right-angle turn towards Rambervillers. Their colors changed, one becoming white and the other red and smaller. Two other witnesses confirmed the observation of the objects zig-zagging away.
• January 29, ~18:45 TU: Near Longchamp, three inhabitants of Epinal (88) saw a white ball with a small red point, maintaining a constant distance and speed, accompanying them for 19 km to Rambervillers.
• January 29, ~5:33 TU: In Golbey (88), a young man observed a 'large star' descend and land in a field. It transformed in size, volume, and color, moved in zig-zags, and then rapidly ascended and disappeared. The local newspaper 'Liberté de l'Est' reported this.

February 1980 Sightings

February 1980 saw several reported phenomena:

• February 6, ~18:15 TU: In Nogent-le-Bas, a witness observed a stationary, pale yellow, egg or rugby ball-shaped object with distinct contours. Two red beams extended from its rear, and the object ascended almost vertically and disappeared rapidly. The observation lasted only 4-6 seconds.
• February 14, ~21:45 HL (20:45 TU): In Rupt-aux-Nonains, a witness observed a luminous, elongated object, described as a rectangular parallelepiped with sharp edges and intense white light, standing vertically and immobile on the ground. It moved left, then right, before diminishing in intensity and disappearing. The observation lasted 1.5 minutes. No disturbance was noted in nearby animals.
• February 15, ~19:35 TU: In Le Thillot (88), a witness observed a very bright, stationary object in the sky. Using binoculars, she and her husband saw two 'balls' (one red, one white) within a larger, diffuse white sphere. The object oscillated and then disappeared after about 10 minutes.

March 1980 Sightings

March 1980 included the following reports:

• March 24, ~21:35 (20:35 TU): A member of GPUN observed a white luminous mass with green front beams and a strong rear light, moving at low altitude with a strident whistling sound from South to North, about 100 meters from the witness.
• March 28, ~18:15 TU: In Bulgneville (88), a witness saw an orange 'cigar' shape that was initially immobile, then described a 'square' pattern in the sky, disappeared, and reappeared, moving towards Vittel.

April 1980 Sightings

• April 2, ~20:00 (19:00 TU): In Thaon-les-Vosges (88), several inhabitants observed a bright white 'bean-shaped' object in a horizontal position. Its apparent dimensions varied periodically while its position remained constant. It disappeared after about half an hour.

July 1980 Sightings

• July 30, ~20:50 TU: In Epinal (88), a witness using binoculars and a telescope observed a luminous point moving South-North, comparable in brightness to Venus. Through binoculars, it appeared as a distinct, white-blue lenticular shape. Her husband confirmed the observation.

August 1980 Sightings

August 1980 featured several observations:

• August 2, ~21:30 TU: In Saint-Dizier, a witness observed a red, luminous sphere moving rapidly from North to South, passing overhead and disappearing on the southern horizon. The phenomenon was silent and appeared to be at an altitude of 1000m. The witness took five photographs, but the color film was not sensitive enough to capture the phenomenon.
• August 15, ~19:15 TU: In Soncourt (52), a witness observed a strange phenomenon shaped like an emerald green sphere with sharp contours, moving horizontally at the speed of a jet plane without noise. The witness called his cousin, and they saw the green sphere disappear towards Froncles.
• August 18, ~21:00 TU: Above Cents, Luxembourg-Ville, a witness observed a yellow luminous object, similar to an intense light source. A second, smaller object emerged from the light. The smaller object descended silently, became stationary for two minutes, then ascended and merged back with the main object, which then disappeared at high speed.

September 1980 Sightings

September 1980 reports include:

• September 6, ~18:00-18:30 TU: In Longwy-Haut (54), five people observed an elongated, orange-red object moving slowly and silently, following a curved trajectory. It then became stationary for twenty minutes before changing shape and disappearing on the horizon.
• September 7, ~19:00 TU: In Limpersberg, Luxembourg-Ville, two witnesses observed a blinking white light moving rapidly in zig-zags towards the Northeast.
• September 23, ~17:30 TU: In Luxembourg-Ville, two Luxembourgers observed a 'flaming red-orange cigar' moving towards the North. It ascended vertically and then flew horizontally before disappearing.
• September 23, ~17:00 TU: In Dipach, two children observed an identical object to the one seen earlier, moving silently towards the North.
• September 22, evening: In Bergem, numerous inhabitants were intrigued by a silent red/green object observed on multiple occasions. Two planes flew over the object. Binocular observation at 7x50 did not improve definition, only perception of colors.
• September 29, ~20:00-21:00 HL: In Bergem, several people observed an object similar to the one seen on September 23rd, appearing smaller and less luminous, with a blinking aspect. Later that evening, a second, larger red-orange object described a curved trajectory, leaving a trail.

October 1980 Sightings

October 1980 reports include:

• October 5, ~10:00-10:30 HL: In Differdange, two people observed a luminous object with two red lights and one white light, changing intermittently. The observation lasted about 30 seconds, with a speed comparable to a jet plane.
• October 11, ~17:30 TU: In Bettancourt-la-Ferrée, a witness observed a rounded, bright red object with a thin white crown and a red 'tail', moving horizontally at an estimated 500m altitude, at a speed comparable to a Mirage III military aircraft. The observation lasted only a few seconds.
• October 17, ~16:30 TU: In Capellen, a couple observed a stationary, luminous white object with several red lights at low altitude.
• October 20, ~20:43 TU: Three pilots from the Toul air base observed four 'fireballs' moving North.
• October 27, ~17:00-20:00 TU: In the region bordering Haute-Marne and Meuse, numerous witnesses observed luminous orange 'balls' in a ballet-like aerial display. Near Ancerville-Gue, witnesses saw a formation of orange luminous 'balls' with a lighter halo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The catalog consistently documents sightings of luminous objects of various shapes (spheres, discs, cigar-shapes, parallelepipeds) and colors (orange, red, white, yellow). Common characteristics reported include silence, stationary hovering, rapid movement, changes in shape or color, and sometimes unusual trajectories. The publication's stance is that of an archivist and information provider, aiming for accuracy and presenting observations as reported, while acknowledging the possibility of misidentification or hoaxes. The recurring theme is the persistent occurrence of unexplained aerial phenomena, prompting further investigation and documentation.

This document is the 1980 'Catalogue d'Observations C.N.E.G.U.' (C.N.E.G.U. Observation Catalog), subtitled 'Annexe Precisions et Commentaires' (Appendix Details and Comments). It serves as a compilation of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) observations, or 'Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés' (Unidentified Aerospace Phenomena), reported by member groups of C.N.E.G.U. The catalog covers observations from the French departments 52, 54, 55, 88, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, up to December 31, 1981. This 1980 edition follows previous ones from 1978 and 1979 and introduces refinements in its presentation and analysis.

Detailed Observations and Case Files

The document presents numerous individual case files, each with a reference number (e.g., F/98/88801027), date, time, witness(es), location, and a description of the phenomenon. A credibility index (IC) is assigned to each case based on criteria such as the precision of the date/time, location, witness identification, number of witnesses, and whether an investigation was conducted.

Key incidents and observations include:

• October 27, 1980 (17:10-17:30 TU): Near Saint-Dizier Air Base (BA.II3), JAGUAR tactical support aircraft were performing approach maneuvers. Witnesses observed multiple orange 'balls' that appeared to interact with the aircraft, some dimming or intensifying. Photos were taken, and a greyish trail was noted beneath the objects. Air traffic control radar did not detect the phenomena. A pilot on the base also witnessed the event. Separately, at 19:45 TU in Saint-Dizier, a large luminous orange sphere with a blue halo was observed for about 10 minutes at low altitude, moving north.
• October 27, 1980 (17:10-17:30 TU): A young woman in Bulgneville (88) observed three children watching something unusual. Joining them, she saw a red circle moving slowly towards Mandres-sur-Vair, which stopped for about 3 seconds before disappearing into the clouds. It left a short white trail. Two other red luminous balls had reportedly merged before this observation. No unusual radar or flight activity was reported by the nearby Contrexeville base.
• October 29, 1980 (15:30 TU): In Nancy (54), six people in a public building observed a dark object with a rear 'spoiler' moving silently from west to east over the city.
• October 31, 1980 (03:45-03:50 TU): In Gue (52), a man observed a static phenomenon described as a white ball, a black circle, and a luminous orange crown, located at 110° East-South-East, 15° above the horizon. The phenomenon did not change aspect or color. No noise was perceived, and the airbase at Saint-Dizier was closed at the time.
• October 31, 1980 (17:12 TU): An amateur astronomer in Frouard (54) observed a luminous orange point high in the sky at about 45° above the horizon, which disappeared to the south.
• December 31, 1980 (20:30 TU): Two railway workers in Pagny-sur-Moselle (54) observed a 'sphere' emitting lights of all colors of the rainbow, moving east to west.
• December 27, 1980 (17:00 TU): A resident of Mattaincourt (88) observed four orange 'spheres' crossing the sky at high speed. Later, at 19:00 TU, three stationary 'spheres' in an isosceles triangle formation were seen, changing color frequently (white to orange to red) and flashing. By 20:30 TU, the triangle began to shrink, and a fourth sphere appeared. The four spheres merged into one bright red object that oscillated before disappearing vertically.
• Spring 1980 (late May-early June): In Xertigny (88), a 23-year-old man and his mother observed a large orange luminous ball, described as varying in apparent size. It was accompanied by two smaller lights, one green and one orange. After 15-20 minutes, the phenomenon accelerated, ascended, and disappeared with a zigzagging motion, leaving a brief condensation trail.
• circa October 20, 1980 (18:00-18:15 TU): In Xertigny (88), the same witnesses observed two dark 'squares' with luminous crosses, which changed color (orange to green) and size. Later, two more mobile 'squares' appeared, moving horizontally and crossing each other. This maneuver repeated about ten times before all objects disappeared.
• Early November 1980: In Mattaincourt (88), a family observed a 'fireball' moving at extraordinary speed from west to east. Separately, a few days later, a woman and her father observed a luminous point that rapidly approached and passed overhead, appearing like a very bright car headlight. Another observation in Mattaincourt involved a 'rectangular' object with changing colors (white, red, orange) and orange lights underneath, moving at irregular speeds with apparent stops.

Methodology and Analysis

The document details the methodology used for the catalog, including the credibility index (IC) based on five criteria: date/time precision, location precision, witness identification, number of witnesses, and investigation status. The catalog also uses a symbology system for cases, as developed by CNEGU, to facilitate map-based analysis. The publication notes that cases with an IC below 3 are no longer included on the maps.

The editorial comments highlight the progress in information quality and coordination among member groups, though acknowledging unevenness. A statistical analysis of the data was deemed premature due to the limited sample size. However, an analysis of the temporal distribution of phenomena suggests a possible 'favorable time slot' around twilight and a higher frequency in September and October. The editorial also points to a geographical correlation between areas with high observation levels and the presence of Ufological groups.

Efforts for 1982 include the adoption of a standardized case summary grid for investigators and the generalization of the CECRU survey questionnaire to improve information quality and rigor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the detailed reporting of UAP sightings, the emphasis on witness testimony, and the systematic cataloging and analysis of these events. The editorial stance is one of rigorous scientific inquiry, aiming to improve the quality and reliability of UAP data through standardized procedures and collaborative efforts. The publication encourages readers to provide feedback, corrections, and additional information to enhance the accuracy of the catalog. The document concludes with a call for continued effort and collaboration in the field of UAP research.

This document is a catalogue of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) observations compiled by C.N.E.G.U. for the year 1980. It presents a detailed list of sightings, including their reference numbers, dates, locations, and descriptions, along with graphical representations and a map.

Catalogue of Observations

The catalogue is organized by reference number and includes a 'Cas' (case) identifier. Each entry provides details about the observation. The 'Critères' column appears to relate to specific observational parameters, while 'I.C.' (Indice de Crédibilité) indicates a credibility rating for the information, with a note stating that this index does not prejudge the veracity of the information.

Several pages are dedicated to graphical representations of the data. Page 2 shows the distribution of cases by month ('MOIS de l'année'), with bars indicating the number of cases for each month from January to December. Page 3 presents a timeline of observations by day of the month ('JOUR DU MOIS'), with dots marking the specific day of occurrence for each case. Page 4 illustrates the distribution of cases by day of the week ('JOURS de la semaine'), categorizing sightings into Monday (L), Tuesday (Ma), Wednesday (Me), Thursday (J), Friday (V), Saturday (S), and Sunday (D), with a question mark for unknown days. Page 5 details the observations by hour of the day ('HEURE TU'), showing a histogram of occurrences throughout the 24-hour period.

Page 6 features a simplified map of the Nord-Est region of France ('CARTE NORD-EST 1980'), divided into numbered sectors (e.g., 55, 57, 54, 52, 88). Specific locations like LUXEMBOURG, METZ, BAR-LE-DUC, NANCY, CHAUMONT, and EPINAL are marked, along with dates of observations and their corresponding credibility indices (IC = 5, IC = 4, IC = 3).

Detailed Case Descriptions

Pages 7 through 10 provide supplementary details for specific cases, often referred to by their reference numbers. These descriptions offer more in-depth accounts from witnesses:

• Réf: F/98/88780915 (01): On September 15, 1978, Charles De M., a 63-year-old retired military man, observed two luminous points that appeared suddenly. He described them as resembling "cigarette tips," colored red-orange, approaching each other. Using marine binoculars, he noted they stopped, then descended, appearing as a "discoidale" shape with a protuberance. The object's intensity and color varied, shifting to dark red with a blue tint. It then departed with a "fulgurante" acceleration, turning blue with an orange tint. The sky was clear, and no sound was detected.

• Réf: F/98/88781100 (02): In November 1978, Mlle I. L., a 16-year-old, saw three red spheres moving horizontally towards a nearby factory. They moved silently at about 25-30° altitude. Later, they became immobile and formed an equilateral triangle before disappearing instantly without a trace. The estimated apparent size was 15 mm at arm's length (approx. 1.5°).

• Réf: F/15/54781200 (01): In December 1978, Mme L., a hospital worker in NANCY, observed an object described as being as large as a "motorcycle headlight." The object moved by saccades and stabilized near the rooftops. Another person reportedly saw the same phenomenon.

• Réf: F/15/54781200 (02) ou F/15/54790100 (01): About fifteen days later, Mme L. saw a yellow light above a cherry tree, identifying it as the same object seen previously. When she and her husband went to investigate, the object had disappeared. The witness has since felt "observed."

• Réf: F/98/88790505 (01): On May 5, 1979, Mr. and Mrs. P. observed a luminous form in the sky, described as a large, orange "circle" that was darker at the periphery and lighter in the center. It was immobile, slightly above the trees, and had a bright but sustainable glow. It disappeared instantly after about ten seconds. The witnesses felt fear and quickly left the area.

• Réf: F/15/54790113 (01): On January 13, 1979, Mme L. saw a light above NEUVES-MAISONS while driving. She then observed a golden disc moving at high speed, seeming to roll on itself before disappearing into a wood. Upon reaching the CHU, she saw the object make a turn behind the nurses' building.

• Réf: F/98/88790700 (01): In July 1979, Mme R. and three other family members observed a "cigare"-shaped object, initially pearlescent white and then grey with a metallic appearance. It passed by, and they waited in vain for a fourth passage. The estimated apparent size was 0.5° arc, with a duration of 45 seconds to 1 minute.

• Réf: F/98/88790900 (01): In September 1979, three residents of EPINAL observed an unusual "star" for about an hour. It was located a few degrees above the horizon, continuously changing color from red to blue, yellow, and green. It moved horizontally in an irregular, saccadic manner, appearing as a self-animating disc when viewed through binoculars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic cataloguing and analysis of UAP sightings. The publication aims to document these phenomena with a degree of scientific rigor, indicated by the detailed data collection, graphical representations, and the inclusion of a credibility index. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective reporting and data compilation, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, as suggested by the disclaimer about the credibility index.

This document presents a series of UFO sighting reports from France, primarily from November and December 1979. The entries are cataloged with reference numbers (Réf) and classified with an 'IC' (Indice de Crédibilité) score, suggesting a system of evaluating the reliability of the reports. The investigations are attributed to GPUN.

Sighting 1: Hériménil, November 1979 Reference: F/15/54791100 (01) Date: An afternoon in November 1979 Location: Near Hériménil (54), on the road between Gerbeviller and Lunéville (54). Witnesses: A couple driving a car. Description: The passenger observed a small, red 'sphere', described as being the size of an 'orange' (?), moving at ground level along the side of the road. As the car approached, the phenomenon ascended at high speed towards the East. Credibility Index (IC): 3 Source: GPUN Investigation. Related References: F/15/54791100 (02), F/15/54791200 (01).

Sighting 2: Gerbeviller, November 1979 Reference: F/15/54791100 (02) Date: An evening in November 1979, around 18:00 TU. Location: Returning to Gerbeviller (54), observed in a park bordering the road. Witnesses: A couple. Description: The couple observed the movement of five or six red 'balls' at ground level within a park adjacent to the road. Credibility Index (IC): 4 Source: GPUN Investigation. Related References: F/15/54791100 (01), F/15/54791200 (01).

Sighting 3: D 914, December 1979 Reference: F/15/54791200 (01) Date: December 1979, around 18:30 TU. Location: On the D 914 road (54). Witnesses: A couple driving a car. Description: The couple reported being followed for several kilometers by a small red sphere that maintained a close proximity to their vehicle. The phenomenon reportedly 'left' the witnesses at the entrance to Gerbeviller and moved off towards the West. Credibility Index (IC): 4 Source: GPUN Investigation. Related References: F/15/54791100 (01), F/15/54791100 (02).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring theme in these entries is the observation of small, red, sphere-like objects by couples, often while traveling in a car, near ground level. The reports are systematically documented with references and credibility indices, suggesting a methodical approach to UFO investigation by GPUN. The editorial stance appears to be one of factual reporting and cataloging of unexplained aerial phenomena, without overt speculation but with an implied interest in their potential significance, as evidenced by the detailed recording of witness accounts and object characteristics.