GEPO No 20 - OVNI & Cie - GEPO Informations - No 20 - mai - août 1980

Magazine Overview

Title: GEPO INFORMATIONS
Issue: N°20
Date: May-June-July-August 1980
Publisher: GEPO (Groupe d'Etude du Phénomène OVNI)
Location: Saint Symphorien de Lay, France

This issue of GEPO Informations, the 20th, is dedicated to exploring mysteries and uncertainties, particularly concerning UFO phenomena and other unexplained events. The magazine aims to provide a platform for diverse articles, satisfying its readers' curiosity about the unknown.

Editorial and Group History

The editorial section, signed by D.DELILLE, provides a history of the GEPO group. Founded in 1975 as 'GEPE' by Carole Dupuis and Dominique Delille, it initially published 'Siècle Inconnu'. Due to various factors, including a shift in focus and the departure of Carole Dupuis, the group was reformed in July 1977 as 'GEPO' to concentrate on UFO studies. The arrival of Thierry ROCHER as co-responsible marked a new phase, leading to the current publication, 'OVNI & COMPAGNIE', which aims for a more multidisciplinary approach. The editorial emphasizes that the magazine is produced voluntarily and relies on the dedication of its team. This 20th issue is celebrated with an increased number of pages and carefully selected articles, acknowledging the significant effort involved in its production and thanking contributors for their assistance.

The editorial also reiterates the publication's policy: all articles are published without sectarianism, and their content is solely the responsibility of their authors. Reproduction of articles is permitted only if the source is clearly cited, including the author's name and address, and any references.

Cover Story: When Mystery Breeds Uncertainty

The cover headline, "QUAND LE MYSTERE ENGENDRE L'INCERTITUDE" (When Mystery Breeds Uncertainty), sets the tone for the issue. The accompanying text suggests that the universe is composed of multiple facets, with the most fascinating ones remaining incomprehensible. It posits that when the strange crosses the threshold of reality, it challenges our perception.

Articles and Features

The Shroud of Turin: Another Reality?

This section explores the Shroud of Turin, presenting it as a potentially miraculous artifact. The text expresses incredulity that such an object could have survived to the present day, suggesting that if its authenticity were established, it would be the most impressive testimony to Christ's death.

La Croix de Postdam (The Cross of Potsdam)

This is a brief mention of the 'Groupe d'Etude du Phénomène OVNI' (UFO Study Group) located in Saint Symphorien de Lay, France, indicating their involvement or connection to the publication.

"Quand le Mystère Engendre l'Incertitude" (When Mystery Breeds Uncertainty)

This article delves into the nature of the unexplained. It argues against dismissing phenomena simply because they are not immediately understood or because they don't fit current scientific paradigms. The author suggests that what seems strange to us might be normal in other contexts or times. The text touches upon the idea that science often focuses on tangible proof, sometimes leading to the creation of 'false steps' or misleading evidence. It references pioneers like Camille Flammarion and Charles Fort, who dedicated themselves to documenting the inexplicable. The article then presents several intriguing cases:

• Mexico: Discovery of over 30,000 clay figurines of varied and unusual forms, some resembling reptiles and strange humanoids.
• Canada: Over 5000 copper mines near Lake Superior with no associated habitation or skeletal remains, suggesting a massive extraction effort far beyond what could have been achieved by local populations.
• Brazil (1872): Accidental discovery of a stone in Parahyba bearing inscriptions resembling Phoenician writing.
• Venezuela: Roman coins found, suggesting earlier contact than commonly believed.
• California (1961): A geode containing an artificial object resembling a candle lighter.
• Seattle: Thousands of perfectly symmetrical, half-buried mounds known as the Mima Mounds.
• Czechoslovakia (1944): Discovery of a cavern lined with an unknown, lustrous black metal with perfect curves.
• New Caledonia: Discovery of hundreds of iron-oxide-rich tumuli, where no vegetation grows and no remains have been found.

The article concludes by stating that the world is not fully explored and that vast regions remain unknown, making the existence of unknown creatures plausible. It also touches upon paranormal phenomena like poltergeists and spontaneous human combustion, noting the lack of clear explanations.

Phobos and Deimos: The Moons of Mars

This section, written by D.DELILLE, explores the two moons of Mars from an astronomical perspective. It begins by referencing Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels', where he alluded to Mars having two moons long before their actual discovery. Johannes Kepler also theorized about Mars having two moons based on mathematical symmetry. The actual discovery by Asaph Hall in 1877 is detailed, naming the moons Phobos (fear) and Deimos (terror), figures from Greek mythology associated with Mars. The article provides their approximate sizes and orbital characteristics, noting their difficulty to detect from Earth. It discusses hypotheses about their origin, suggesting they could be remnants of Mars itself or fragments of a larger asteroid captured by Mars. A more speculative theory by Chklovuki proposes Phobos might be an artificial satellite launched by a Martian civilization.

The article further discusses findings from the Mariner and Viking missions, including enigmatic parallel grooves on Phobos' surface. It highlights the ongoing study of these moons and the potential for new knowledge they hold.

First Publication by the Academy on UFOs

This section, sourced from Mr. Jean Bastide, presents a summary of a Soviet Academy publication titled "Observations of Anomalous Atmospheric Phenomena in the USSR." The study analyzed 207 communications related to 256 cases. The authors prefer the term 'anomalous atmospheric phenomena' over 'UFO' to avoid implicit assumptions about objects or phenomena. The report indicates that witnesses often have significant professional backgrounds (scientists, engineers, pilots). It notes a concentration of observations in 1967, particularly during July-October, occurring around 9 PM. A specific example of 'exceptional objects' observed on September 19, 1967, is detailed in a table, listing locations in the USSR, times, object shapes (croissant, star, disk), and trajectories (floating, helical).

The authors conclude that the nature of these phenomena remains unresolved and requires more reliable information, advocating for planned observations and collaboration with meteorological, geophysical, and astronomical sectors. They believe that while some phenomena might be explained by optical effects or technical experiments, a significant portion remains unexplained, particularly those involving objects with determined movement or observations from earlier eras.

Other Mentions

• "Le Guide du Chasseur de Phénomènes OVNI" by Christian de Zan is mentioned as a book that analyzes UFO phenomena scientifically, covering witness accounts, detection methods, and private groups.
• A canceled conference by Jean Claude Bourret is noted, with Thierry Rocher present to discuss the event with members of SPEPSE (organizing society). The GEPO group had actively participated in publicizing the conference in Paris.
• A report about a Soviet astrophysicist's claim of an extraterrestrial spacecraft exploding in Earth orbit in December 1955 is briefly mentioned, along with a call for international cooperation to recover the fragments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the mysterious, and the limits of current human knowledge. There's a strong emphasis on questioning established beliefs and remaining open to possibilities beyond conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance, as articulated in the 'EDITO', is one of open-mindedness and a commitment to exploring diverse aspects of the unknown, particularly UFO phenomena. The magazine aims to present information objectively, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while acknowledging the inherent uncertainties and the ongoing quest for understanding.

This issue of "MONDE DE L'INCONNU" (Everything About UFOs), published by Editions BORDAS et FILS, features a cover story on a "Croix volante" (Flying Cross) case from Hatherleigh, Devonshire, England, dated October 24, 1967. The magazine delves into various unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and scientific inquiries.

The Neubrandenbourg Sighting: A Divine Sign?

The article "LA CROIX DE POSTDAM" recounts an observation made by a French prisoner of war in Neubrandenbourg (then East Germany) around April 23 or 24, 1945, at approximately 6:00 PM. While the prison camp was being evacuated due to the approaching Russian army, one prisoner drew the attention of his comrades to an object in the sky. Approximately 80 km away, over Potsdam (a suburb of Berlin), a pink cross, inclined at about 40 degrees, seemed to be hovering above the lights of the heavily bombarded city. The witness, who was the camp's trusted man, immediately interpreted this as a divine sign: "The hand of God over the cursed city, symbol of the Nazi reign." The details surrounding the phenomenon are otherwise obscure, but the witness apparently still holds this belief.

The magazine's editorial team has attempted to find a logical and rational explanation for this observation but has found nothing in existing records. They have contacted individuals in France and Germany and are awaiting further responses. A related case mentioned is a UFO sighting over Berlin in February 1945, documented by GEPO. The team acknowledges the difficulty of their research without being on-site and promises to keep readers updated.

Acknowledgements and Inquiries

The magazine thanks several organizations for their assistance, including DUIST Deutsche UFO Studiengesellschaft (German representative of ICUFON, AIAA, and NICAP), LDLN Lumieres dans la Nuit, LDLN Archives, and the Embassy of the German Democratic Republic. They are also seeking responses from the Rathaus der Stadt de Postdan, the UFO Jungengruppe de Berlin, and the archives of the city of Neubrandenbourg.

The Shroud of Turin: A Scientific and Historical Enigma

The article "LE SAINT SUAIRE" explores the mysteries surrounding the Shroud of Turin, a piece of cloth believed by many to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. The author poses the question of how this fabric traversed centuries to reach the present day. Authenticating the Shroud would provide definitive proof of Jesus' existence, a concept that the author notes is often demanded in modern times. The public generally accepts Jesus' historical existence, but the idea of material evidence from his life can be scandalous to some.

The Shroud is described as a 4.35m by 1.09m linen cloth woven in a chevron pattern. Scientific analysis has confirmed its Middle Eastern origin and the absence of wool, which would have indicated it was not of Jewish religious significance. Criminologist Max Frei detected pollen from a desert plant found only around the Jordan River, suggesting the cloth was exposed in that region. The Shroud bears a double imprint of a human body, front and back, with traces of blood flow from wounds. These traces are not random but indicate specific causes, including those from a dramatic incident that nearly destroyed the cloth – a fire in Chambéry.

The article details the wounds visible on the Shroud, correlating them with the Gospel accounts of Jesus' suffering: facial injuries (swollen eyebrows, torn eyelid, bruised nose, triangular wound on the cheek, swelling on the chin) and wounds on the head caused by independent perforations of the scalp, indicating blows from various directions. The blood flow patterns suggest the head was tilted at different angles. The text also mentions the possibility of scourging, with traces of whip marks on the body, and the impact of a heavy beam (40 kg) on the back and knees, indicating falls during the procession to the crucifixion site.

Further details include traces on the wrists and ankles, suggesting the body was nailed, not tied, with the nails passing through the wrists and causing contraction of the thumb. The blood flow from the feet indicates the angle of the legs. The imprint on the side suggests a wound from a lance, with a 40mm elliptical mark. The author notes that the blood appears remarkably fresh and red, which is unusual for aged blood, and that microscopic examination reveals the "stain" is not pigment but part of the fabric itself. The article also mentions secondary details, such as the man's height (1.77m), weight (77 kg), Mediterranean racial type, beard, long hair, and the presence of coins on the eyes, a Jewish burial custom.

The Shroud's Image Formation and Authenticity

The article questions how a 2D cloth could bear a 3D image without distortion, a feat that would be difficult even for a modern forger. In 1973, Italian scientific commissions analyzed the Shroud and found that the traces were not from any known pigment but from an unknown substance, identified as blood. In 1977, a photograph of the Shroud was analyzed, revealing new details. A 3D analysis showed a relief image of the body, with a bulge around the eyes, consistent with the custom of placing coins on the deceased's eyes. The image on the Shroud is inverted, appearing as a photographic negative, which looks more natural when viewed as such. The author questions if this inversion occurred over centuries.

The formation of the image is considered the biggest mystery. The resemblance between the scorch marks from a 1532 fire and the image's semi-tones is noted. The color of the fabric is described as the first stage of a process preceding burning, suggesting a thermo-nuclear "offulguration" that projected the image onto the surface of the linen fibers. This image is insoluble and resistant to solvents.

The article concludes by mentioning that while the Shroud of Turin is unique, other historical artifacts bear marks. However, none possess the quasi-photographic perfection of the Shroud, which includes details like hair, blood, sweat, and even objects like the coins on the eyes. The author raises questions about the nature of Jesus' power, the discrepancy in the Gospels regarding the method of crucifixion (nailed vs. tied), and the absence of visible rope marks. The article ends by mentioning ongoing research using a microprobe that could potentially provide definitive proof, pending authorization from the Shroud's owners.

A New Look at Easter Island

"UN NOUVEAU REGARD POUR L'ILE DE PAQUES" discusses recent findings about Easter Island, particularly the mystery of the giant statues (Moai). An article by Robert Clarke and a film by French cinéaste Patrice Bérard are highlighted. The statues' empty eye sockets were originally fitted with white coral eyes, sometimes with volcanic tuff or obsidian irises, which, when replaced, made the statues appear to be looking at the sky, explaining the island's name.

Archaeologists propose that after being sculpted in the Rano Raraku quarries, the statues were transported to their final locations. The ground was likely humidified, and pebbles were placed to facilitate movement. The Pascuans may have used methods similar to those for moving European menhirs or Egyptian obelisks. Despite the scarcity of wood and vines, transport was reportedly not a major difficulty. The statues were moved downhill on a mud slide, then erected vertically. The "hats" (Pukao) were then placed on top, possibly through a competitive process involving lifting ramps or a basketball-like game.

The article also touches upon the "bird-man" ritual, where warriors had to retrieve the first tern egg from a nearby islet, often involving swimming with sharks and eating grass when provisions ran low. Those who failed to bring the egg were honored by participating in a "gigantic feast" as roasted meat.

The Bible: Another Reality

"LA BIBLE UNE AUTRE REALITE" explores the Bible not just as a historical account but as a text potentially based on authentic facts, albeit presented vaguely or distorted. The author suggests that the biblical narrative, particularly the Genesis account of the world's creation and the origin of humanity, bears striking similarities to scientific theories like the Big Bang. The article posits that what seems incredible today might be commonplace in the future, and that every legend contains a kernel of truth.

The theory of the "Big Bang" is presented as a modern explanation for the universe's origin, paralleled with the biblical account of light and creation. The concept of a "black hole" is also discussed as a region of immense gravity where matter disappears. The author speculates that matter might traverse spacetime to reappear elsewhere, like a pebble dropped in water. The creation of planets and the emergence of life, including animals and humans, are linked to this process. The article notes that the Bible becomes particularly detailed when describing the creation of man, referencing Talmudic sayings about Adam and Eve's arrival on Earth and their interactions with other beings.

Recent UFO Sightings and Observations

The section "FAITS & OBSERVATIONS" reports several UFO sightings from early 1980 in France:

• March 3, 1980 (Saint Porchaire): An automobilist and her family saw a large object with intense red lights ascend rapidly and dissolve.
• March 4, 1980 (Saint Porchaire): Two witnesses observed an orange sphere with a green disk that disintegrated into red points.
• March 7, 1980 (Saint Porchaire): A mysterious object, described as a sphere with concentric circles, caused a brief power outage and was seen again.
• March 13, 1980 (La Rochelle): A man heard a bizarre whistling sound and saw an abnormal light.
• March 9, 1980 (Eguille-sur-Seudre): Three inhabitants observed a bright yellow cylinder hovering above a cemetery.
• May 10, 1980 onwards (Reims): A luminous ball has been seen nightly above Reims, prompting an investigation by GEPAN.
• May 6, 1980 (Cergy Pontoise): Three witnesses of an observation faced unemployment after their story was published.

Additionally, a brief mention is made of a 1978 case in Puebla, Mexico, where a man claimed to have been abducted by Martians and underwent physical mutations, including having six nipples and blood not belonging to any known group.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the unknown, the unexplained, and historical mysteries. It presents UFO sightings alongside scientific and historical investigations into phenomena like the Shroud of Turin and the Easter Island statues. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the limits of current knowledge and the possibility of extraordinary events. There is a clear interest in correlating reported phenomena with scientific theories, such as the Big Bang, and in examining religious artifacts through a critical, investigative lens. The publication also highlights the societal impact of UFO reports, as seen in the Cergy Pontoise case.

This document is a directory titled "REFERTOIRE PAR DEPARTEMENTS DES GROUPEMENTS FRANCAIS" (Directory by Departments of French Groups). It is not a typical magazine issue but rather a listing of various organizations and their locations across France, organized by department number. The scan provided is of page 1, which contains the bulk of this directory.

Content

The directory lists numerous organizations, each preceded by a two-digit number corresponding to a French department. Following the department number is the organization's name, often an acronym, and its address. Some entries include a specific street, postal code, and city. In a few cases, a contact person's name and title are also provided.

Examples of entries include:

• 02 OURANOS 38 02110 BOHAN
• 03 UROMOC P. Parrot Le Florda 03300 CUSSET
• 04 AEPS J.J.Pastor 13 av Pau: Martin 04000 DIGNE
• 06 ADEPS 12 avodu Marbohal Joffre 06180 JUAN LES PINS
• 10 GEROVNI 2 rue Louin Ulbao h 10000 TROYES
• 13 CE OURANOS 13 zue M. Janpa: d Chaprivé des Tamarie 13100 AIX IN PROVENCE
• 21 ABETS Maa July L'Arc-en-otel ar du leo 21200 BEAUNE
• 33 CGU 17 144 das Bouvreuile 33600 PESSAC
• 42 CEMOCPIP.Berlter 17 rue Massan 42270 SAINT PRIEST EN JAREZ
• 52 GR 52.55 20 rue de la Maledière 52000 CHAUMONT
• 75 CNROVNI 15 rue Letellier 75015 PARIS
• 78 SFEPSE R. Bonnaventure Domaine de Montval 6 allée Sisley 78160 MARLY IM ROZ

The list is noted as "(Liste des principaux groupements, non limitative.)", indicating that it is a selection of the most important groups and not exhaustive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Given the nature of the document as a directory, there are no recurring themes or editorial stances in the traditional sense of a magazine. The sole purpose is to provide contact and location information for various French organizations, likely related to a specific field or interest group, possibly UFO/paranormal research given the context of other documents that might be associated with this one. The organizations listed have acronyms that might suggest their nature (e.g., ADEPS, GEPA, ONEOVNI).

Document Type

This document is classified as a "directory" rather than a magazine issue due to its format and content, which is purely a listing of organizations.