Catalogue retro 1986

Magazine Overview

This document is the "CATALOGUE ANNUEL RÉGIONAL CNEGU ANNÉE 1986" (Annual Regional CNEGU Catalogue Year 1986), presented as a digital edition from 2006. It serves as a compilation of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) observations reported in France during 1986.

Introduction and Methodology

The catalogue is introduced with a warning that the information may not have been verified and could include hoaxes or misidentifications. It aims to provide a comprehensive, chronological, and enumerative list of UAP observations. Each entry contains essential details such as dates, times, locations, witness descriptions, and a brief summary of the phenomena. The catalogue also incorporates a 'Quality Index' (IQ) and a 'Strangeness Index' (IE) to categorize the reliability and unusualness of each case. The stated purpose is to synthesize and disseminate observations from a region to the public, serving as an informational document and reference base.

Key Observations and Incidents

The catalogue details numerous specific sightings from 1986:

• January 3, 1986: A couple near Vannaire observed a large orange sphere followed by a black smoke trail, which appeared to land between Vix and Bouix. The investigation was ongoing.
• January 20, 1986: A resident of Lunéville observed a luminous point in the southern sky, which moved and was later identified as the star Sirius.
• January 23, 1986: In Charmes, witnesses reported the sky turning red, then white, before returning to normal, a phenomenon they could not explain.
• January 30, 1986: Madame N. in Senones observed a yellow luminous point, described as an imperfect sphere, which hovered and then moved away.
• February 18, 1986: Near Sapoix, a bright white flash, described as a rectangular panel, appeared near the ground, causing a car to swerve and its auto-radio to malfunction.
• May 13, 1986: In Buncey, a luminous blue 'baton' was observed hovering above the ground, later classified as a possible misidentification with a helicopter due to military maneuvers in the area.
• June 8, 1986: In Ancerville, two witnesses observed a tall, white, feminine-looking figure by a telephone pole, which then glided away and ascended.
• July 21, 1986: Three adolescents near Bischwiller-Herrlisheim observed two red-orange spheres connected by a grey mass, moving horizontally and descending.
• August 1, 1986: Two individuals near Circourt observed a luminous phenomenon high in the sky with intermittent flashes.
• August 21, 1986: M. B. S. in Igney observed a luminous point, described as an imperfect sphere, which was later compared to the planet Mars.
• August 23, 1986: Mme L. M. in Saint-Dié observed a green 'ball' that appeared to be immobile, with blurred contours, and was visible against a backdrop of dark clouds.
• August 24, 1986 (early morning): Four members of CVLDLN conducted surveillance near Circourt and observed a large, bright red-orange light, described as a 'lueur' (glow), which appeared to descend behind the horizon. Later, three smaller red lights, described as 'crescents' with a black horizontal stripe, were observed.
• August 24, 1986 (later): An adult and an adolescent in Frouard observed a luminous fire or rocket falling from the sky, with the hypothesis of a flare being considered.
• September 9, 1986: Six children in Pulligny observed an orange ball projecting gas jets, which performed a loop and then 'extinguished' itself.
• September 23, 1986: Two individuals at the Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier observed a series of seven small 'balls' with 'tails' moving silently at a high altitude. The phenomenon was described as red-orange and yellow, changing color, and moving rapidly. The witnesses, being serious and conscientious professionals, excluded meteors, bolides, and conventional aircraft, suggesting it might be the reentry of a satellite.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The catalogue consistently highlights the importance of detailed observation and investigation. A significant portion of the reported cases are classified as misidentifications, such as aircraft, helicopters, or celestial bodies (Sirius, Mars). The editorial stance emphasizes the need for rigorous data collection and analysis, even when dealing with potentially explainable phenomena. The inclusion of the 'Quality Index' and 'Strangeness Index' reflects a structured approach to evaluating the credibility and unusualness of UAP reports. The publication aims to be a factual reference, encouraging readers to seek further details from primary sources or member groups.

This document is a section from the "CATALOGUE D'OBSERVATIONS C.N.E.G.U - 1986", published by C.N.E.G.U. It details various reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) observed in France during 1986, along with "PRECISIONS et COMMENTAIRES" regarding the state of ufology and the catalogue's methodology. The publication aims to document and analyze these sightings, providing reference numbers, dates, locations, witness descriptions, and investigator classifications for each case.

Detailed Case Reports

September 23, 1986 - Ancenville, France

A witness, M. P.... H...., reported observing three "boules" (spheres) of blue light moving horizontally, rapidly, and silently at high altitude. The phenomenon appeared in the north-northwest and moved towards Saint-Dizier. The witness estimated the apparent diameter to be about 3 cm at arm's length and described the colors as between Pantone numbers 2900 and 291U. He initially attributed the sighting to meteorites or re-entering atmospheric fragments, noting his past experience in air commandos during the Algerian campaign. A neighbor reportedly also observed the phenomenon.

October 16, 1986 - Saint-Dizier, France

The International Ufological Data Bank (BIDU) reported that three witnesses in the Saint-Dizier region observed a lenticular disc, stationary for one minute at 150 meters above a football field. The report notes that the football stadiums in Saint-Dizier are located near the air base 113, a site frequently overflown by military aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters. The investigation into this case was ongoing.

September 23, 1986 - Col de Martimpre, France

M. C. W...., a 32-year-old physics professor, reported observing a bright light in the upper right of his windshield while driving near Col de Martimpre. The light was moving from right to left in his car's path. He stopped his vehicle to observe a luminous phenomenon that appeared to be moving in a straight line. He described it as composed of several elements, with a main, larger, elliptically shaped form, followed by a smaller one, and several smaller points of light in between. The color was described as pale green, very bright at the front, fading to a rose-orange at the rear. No trails or noise were observed. The witness attributed the phenomenon to an "atmospheric re-entry" and noted that similar observations were reported simultaneously by hundreds of people in France and neighboring countries.

October 13, 1986 - Thorey-sur-Ouche, France

A 13-year-old boy and his friend reported seeing something bizarre at around 8:30 PM: "it looked like a flash, but it was round, orange, like a balloon, and there was a trail in the middle." No sound was perceived. The witness was disturbed and feared his younger sister might have been abducted. The next day, he experienced a gallbladder attack. The estimation of the object's diameter suggested a "ball lightning" case, possibly between 5 and 7 meters, though the estimation might be flawed due to the witness's perturbation.

April 3, 1986 - Saint-Dié, France

Mlle X... reported observing a light in the sky that "seemed to follow her" while returning from a dance. The classification for this case is "RUMEUR" (Rumor).

July 1986 - Bischwiller, France

Over several consecutive nights, around 11 PM, two people observed a slow-moving, high-altitude light of a spherical shape with blurred contours. The lights appeared in a triangle formation and moved in concert along a horizontal trajectory, then ascended. A sound similar to a helicopter was heard. The classification is "EXPLIQUATION probable par feux d'avion" (Probable explanation by aircraft flares).

August 1986 - Bischwiller, France

Two individuals observed three "spherical" lights arranged in a triangle, moving in concert on an apparent horizontal trajectory, then ascending. A sound similar to a helicopter was perceived. The classification is "EXPLICATION probable par feux d'avion" (Probable explanation by aircraft flares).

August 24, 1986 - Liepvre / La Vancelle, France

Three young men (aged 18-23) observed a luminous point at an elevation of approximately 35-45 degrees, moving very slowly for over thirty minutes. The classification is "EXPLICATION probable par étoile ou planète" (Probable explanation by star or planet).

August 25, 1986 - La Vancelle, France

A person leaving a restaurant witnessed a brilliant ball of light that joined a stationary luminous point in the sky before disappearing. No sound or effect was noted. The classification is "CANULAR" (Hoax).

September 23, 1986 - Bischwiller, France

A group of about ten high school students and two adults independently reported witnessing a luminous phenomenon moving from NNE to SSO. This observation is noted as being part of a larger phenomenon observed on a wider scale. The classification is "EXPLICATION probable par (r)entrée atmosphérique" (Probable explanation by atmospheric re-entry).

November 20, 1974 - Lunéville, France

Numerous witnesses in the Lunéville region observed a white, silent, and slow-moving phenomenon high in the sky. Press articles from the time suggested a weather balloon explanation, with elements found in the forest of Parroy. The GPUN investigated this case in 1986.

July 1983 - Lunéville, France

Mme E...., at her home in Lunéville, observed a luminous orange "ball" moving very slowly towards her house. She watched it for about ten minutes as it approached. When it was close, she saw it as an oval shape, with a diameter comparable to the moon. She became frightened and closed her shutters. After waiting, she looked again and saw the "ball" moving away slowly in the direction it came from. She observed it for another five minutes until it disappeared on the horizon. She did not sleep that night and questioned her neighbors the next day, who had seen nothing. No particular effect or noise was reported.

Catalogue and Ufology Context

The document includes a simplified map of the "Carte Nord-Est 1986" showing the departments covered by CNEGU. The "CATALOGUE D'OBSERVATIONS C.N.E.G.U - 1986" section provides an overview of the year's reported UAP incidents. It notes that 1986, like previous years, was not exceptional in terms of the quantity or quality of cases.

The "PRECISIONS et COMMENTAIRES" section discusses the ongoing "crisis" in private ufology, citing the cessation of activities by groups like CLEU and the temporary suspension of GPUN. It highlights the need for significant effort and sustained attention for the survival of regional private ufology. The text also mentions the increasing use of computerization and new ideas for more effective coverage of geographically relevant departments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the systematic cataloging and investigation of UAP sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent record-keeping and cautious analysis, attempting to provide plausible explanations where possible (e.g., atmospheric re-entry, aircraft flares, satellites, planets) while acknowledging unexplained cases. The publication also reflects a concern for the health and future of the ufology community in France, noting the challenges faced by various organizations.