Catalogue retro 1983

Magazine Overview

This document is the "CATALOGUE ANNUEL RÉGIONAL CNEGU ANNÉE 1983" (Annual Regional CNEGU Catalog Year 1983), presented as a digital edition from 2006. It serves as a compilation of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) observations known as of December 31, 1984, specifically for the year 1983 and covering the geographical area of the CNEGU member associations.

Editorial Introduction and Scope

The catalog is described as a non-exhaustive, chronological list of alleged unidentified aerospace phenomena. The information presented may not have been verified, or it may have been investigated in detail, or it could be hoaxes or misidentifications that were labeled as UFOs. The list primarily contains details such as dates, times, locations, witness numbers and qualities, a brief descriptive summary of the reported phenomena, and the sources of information. A simplified map is included, featuring only cases with a credibility index (IC) of 3 or higher, referencing the 1981 catalog or earlier publications for the definition of this index. The goal of the catalog is to provide a synthetic overview of observations from a region and make them known to the public, serving as an informational document and a reference base.

For more detailed information, readers are advised to contact CNEGU member groups or the cited sources directly. Notably, a large-scale map, usually included, was not produced for this year (nor for 1982) due to the low number of recorded cases. Future years with low 'activity' may be grouped together.

Case Reports

The catalog details several specific incidents:

Case F/99/52830717 (01): Sommerecourt, France (July 17, 1983)

Stéphane G., a Yugoslavian immigrant living in Sommerecourt, reported being "aspirated" by an orange sphere approximately 3 meters in diameter around 10:00 PM - 10:30 PM. He was dropped from an estimated height of 2 meters near the village of Gonaincourt. He had previously seen the same sphere passing higher in the sky on the two preceding nights while camping. He recalled seeing "3 characters" inside the spherical object, described as luminous on top and dark below, with no visible upper limbs. Investigations found no traces, and medical examinations of the witness yielded no corroborating evidence. The case is handled with extreme caution, with some elements considered non-credible. The Gendarmerie Nationale also investigated this case.

Case F/99/55830809 (01): Ancerville-Gue, France (August 9, 1983)

Around 2:10 AM, Mme T. observed an immobile, concentrated, non-blinding yellow light (magnitude -14) in a wooded area. The object's apparent size was similar to a full moon, but it did not illuminate the surroundings. Her dogs became agitated, and she experienced a brief blinding flash when shining a lamp towards the phenomenon. A sharp cry was heard, followed by silence, and then the dogs resumed their agitation. The witness felt oppressed and later went to sleep, noting the time as 2:30 AM.

During the investigation, the object's distance was estimated at 68 meters, and its altitude at 10-15 meters above the ground. No traces were found, but a dog refused to go near a circular area of 4-5 meters in diameter, where a compass needle deviated 6-10 degrees to the Northeast. Geiger counter readings were negative. Weather conditions were clear and starry with a light easterly wind. Another person independently confirmed the dog's reactions and a drop in tension around 2:15 AM, with their freezer momentarily stopping.

Case F/98/88830800 (01): Epinal, France (Late July 1983)

Around 1:30 PM, Mme C. observed an object with defined contours and an elongated shape, appearing metallic, rising in the sky and changing form before disappearing. The object was seen above a wood in the direction of Dognneville. Its maximum apparent size was estimated to be about 1/6th of an LDLN comparator, suggesting a size of approximately 15 meters if the estimated distance of 1.5 km was correct. The observation lasted about one minute. Two other family members also witnessed the phenomenon. The proximity of the Dognneville aerodrome is noted, and a touring airplane is considered the most plausible hypothesis.

Case F/98/88881013 (01): Chantraine-Epinal, France (October 13, 1983)

Between 6:55 PM and 7:05 PM, Monsieur Bernard S. observed lights in the sky that he initially thought was a low-flying airplane. He noted the absence of blinking and sound. He distinguished a dark shape resembling a fuselage and two small white lights (one at the front, one at the rear) and four larger yellowish lights. These lights appeared to move in a diagonal pattern. The phenomenon moved away slowly and silently towards the SSW.

Case F/98/88831013 (02): Thaon-les-Vosges, France (October 13, 1983)

Around 7:05 PM, Monsieur Jules T. observed a large yellow "headlight" in the sky in the direction of Nancy. He noted a momentary stop in its movement before it continued towards Epinal. The investigation was halted due to the witness's subsequent death in April 1984.

Case F/98/88831013 (03): Remiremont/Deyvillers, France (October 13, 1983)

Monsieur Michel F., a professor, observed a luminous phenomenon in the sky while driving. The observation began about 2 km before Pouxeux. A very bright, pale yellow light was visible, estimated to be between 150 and 300 meters above the ground, moving at approximately 30 to 120 km/h. He initially thought it was a helicopter but was surprised by the lack of discernible structure. The light intensity varied periodically, and he thought he might have seen other lights. He accelerated to try and get closer but had to slow down. The phenomenon was visible above his house in Deyvillers and later moved towards the southwest, disappearing into the starry sky. The total observation time was estimated between 15 and 20 minutes. The witness expressed reservations about conventional aircraft as an explanation.

Map of Northeast France 1983

A simplified map of the Northeast region of France for 1983 is provided, showing departmental boundaries and major cities like Metz, Nancy, Chaumont, and Mulhouse. Various locations with reported sightings are marked with dates and credibility indices (IC=3, IC=4, IC=5). The map was established on December 31, 1984.

Precisions and Comments

The editorial section reiterates that the catalog lists UAP observations known as of December 31, 1984, for the year 1983. It mentions that this is the sixth edition, following the formula established in 1981. The low number of observations for 1983 and 1982 made it unnecessary to include a detailed synthesis or a large-scale map, which will be created later by grouping 'lean' years. The simplified map model is maintained, with no observations reported in Alsace. The editor laments the difficulty in collecting information despite efforts to improve the process, suggesting that private ufologists might become inactive during periods of low activity. However, the editor concludes on a positive note, emphasizing the success of collaboration between groups, citing the Sommerecourt investigation as proof. The editor calls for contributions for the 1984 catalog.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic cataloging of UAP sightings, with an emphasis on providing factual data and a credibility assessment for each case. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism, acknowledging the challenges in data collection and the potential for misidentification, while also championing the value of collaborative investigation and the ongoing pursuit of understanding UAP phenomena. There's a clear effort to maintain a structured and informative approach, despite the perceived 'low activity' in the field during the reported year.