GEPO No 25 - OVNI & Cie - GEPO Informations - No 25 - 1er trim 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: O.V.N.I & COMPAGNIE
Issue: No. 25
Date: January-February-March 1982
Publisher: GEPO (Groupe d'Etude du Phénomène O.V.N.I.)
Country: France
Language: French
ISSN: 0247-3704

This issue of O.V.N.I & COMPAGNIE, a quarterly bulletin from the GEPO group, provides information and analysis on UFO phenomena. The cover features a striking illustration of a UFO, setting a tone of mystery and intrigue.

Editorial and Group Activities

The editorial section reflects on the year 1981, describing it as a period of significant contact with other ufological groups and increased research in ufology and parapsychology. GEPO officially declared itself as a group in September, leading to local press coverage. The magazine highlights the challenges of limited manpower and finances common to such groups, while emphasizing a spirit of French ingenuity and determination. The publication has transitioned to a quarterly rhythm and adopted a recto-verso format for its pages. The editorial expresses a commitment to reflecting the diverse ideas within the ufology community and looks forward to GEPO's fifth year of existence.

Key Articles and Reports

CAUS vs. NSA and FOIA An article details the legal setback for CAUS, which lost its appeal against the National Security Agency (NSA) in the US concerning the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Despite the legal defeat, the case generated significant media attention, raising public awareness about the government's ambiguous stance on UFOs: claiming they don't exist while keeping related information top secret.

Media Coverage of UFOs A report discusses a peculiar TV program on FR3 titled "Parasite now" or "Parasites dans la nuit." The author recounts catching the end of the broadcast, which depicted a dark room, a radio conversation between an airport and a pilot observing a white sphere-shaped UFO, and a nocturnal walk. The program also featured a military official being interviewed about UFO phenomena in France, whose responses were described as confused and contradictory.

CECRU Weekend in Dijon This section covers the CECRU (Centre d'Etude des Civilisations et d'Extra-Terrestres) session held in Dijon on October 10-11, 1981. Approximately 80 ufologists attended, with presentations from new groups like Orion and 5 Psi. The group 'Controle' shared new information on the Cergy case, though much of it could not be published due to privacy concerns. A significant debate arose regarding the potential infiltration of parapsychology into ufology, with ADRUP initiating the discussion on whether parapsychology could be a reliable investigative tool.

New Groups and Initiatives

• CONTROLE: A group formed to rigorously verify information and investigate UFO cases, aiming to bring seriousness to the field. They are working on a detailed report that may cause controversy.
• ACTION & CONNAISSANCE "COMPRENDRE": This group aims to understand the UFO phenomenon from a sociological perspective, denounce the "conspiracy of silence," and foster greater human connection. Their action plan includes information dissemination, press communication, and documentary film projects.

UFO Sighting Reports

• Guipavas (GEPSI): An investigation into a UFO sighting near Guipavas airport on November 17, 1981. A luminous object was observed by multiple witnesses, including airport personnel and police. The object was described as round, emitting light, and disappearing suddenly.
• Avignon: A report from September 26, 1981, about a 2CV car that disappeared into a strange fog on the road near Avignon, following an observation of a large red light in the sky.
• Saint-Fiacre (Seine-et-Marne): A sighting on November 1, 1981, where police officers, their nephew, and niece observed a hemispherical, luminous object hovering over a field. The object was described as phosphorescent and emitting heat.
• Marseille: Reports from November 3, 1981, of fishermen and police observing a grey/black object near the coast that disappeared into the sky. There is speculation it might have been a balloon.

Information Section

This section provides brief updates on ufological activities and publications:

• SWEDEN: URD Project: An initiative for the internationalization and standardization of ufological research.
• SENTINELLE 2: A new detection device for UFOs.
• SWITZERLAND: GEPS: Announcement of a new ufological group in Switzerland.
• Carl Sagan: A brief mention of a Télé Star article about Carl Sagan's views on extraterrestrials, suggesting his ideas are less credible than the visitation hypothesis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes rigorous investigation, open dialogue among ufologists, and the sharing of information. It highlights the challenges faced by independent research groups and emphasizes the importance of scientific approaches while acknowledging the often-unexplained nature of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism and a commitment to exploring the subject matter thoroughly, even when faced with skepticism or official secrecy. The publication serves as a platform for reporting on sightings, investigations, and the broader ufological community's activities in France and beyond.

This issue of UFOLOGIA, number 28, published by CFRU, features a prominent article titled "ISOCELIE OU MYTHOCELIE" by T. Rocher, with the issue date indicated as "A.JUILLE" (July). The magazine focuses on ufology, parapsychology, and the critical examination of UFO phenomena and related theories.

Article: ISOCELIE OU MYTHOCELIE (Pages 3-10)

This extensive article critically analyzes the "Isocélie" theory proposed by J.C. Fumoux. The author, T. Rocher, dissects Fumoux's arguments, which posit that UFO landing sites form isosceles triangles, suggesting an extraterrestrial origin for these patterns. Rocher questions the scientific rigor of Fumoux's claims, pointing out what he perceives as logical fallacies, intolerance, and a lack of concrete evidence. He contrasts Fumoux's conclusions with those of other researchers, including D. Caudron, who found no scientific basis for the Isocélie theory.

The article delves into Fumoux's reasoning, including his critique of the GEPAN (French UFO study group) and his assertion that the existence of extraterrestrials necessitates the study of UFOs. Rocher challenges Fumoux's assertion that UFO phenomena are always observed by all witnesses, contrasting it with the subjective nature of mediumistic or psychological phenomena. He also questions Fumoux's reliance on anecdotal evidence and his dismissal of alternative explanations.

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to debunking the Isocélie theory, with Rocher presenting counter-arguments and highlighting what he sees as Fumoux's biases and flawed methodology. He suggests that Fumoux's work is more about proving the existence of extraterrestrials than about scientifically analyzing UFOs.

Historical Cases and Investigations (Pages 6-10)

Les Dossiers de l'Ecran du 1st Decembre (T. Rocher)

This section reviews a television program discussing UFOs and the possibility of life on other planets. The program featured guests like Ichtiaque Rasool (NASA physicist) and Alain Esterle (director of GEPAN). The discussion was illustrated by the film "The War of the Worlds" by Byron Haskin, which the author humorously suggests might reflect the producers' unconscious belief in UFOs. The segment notes the high number of witness testimonies received during the broadcast and critiques the communication style of the scientists and psychologists involved.

Etranges Phenomènes au Trianon (T. Rocher)

This is a detailed account of two alleged paranormal experiences reported by two English women, Miss Moberly and Miss Jourdain, in the gardens of the Petit Trianon in Versailles in 1901 and 1902.

• August 10, 1901: The women reported experiencing a sudden feeling of oppression and sadness. They observed unusual figures, including "gardeners" in green uniforms and a woman and child posing unnaturally. They also encountered two men who seemed to appear and disappear, one with a "strange smile."
• January 2, 1902: Miss Jourdain reported a second "vision" where she felt she had crossed a line into an "enchanted circle." She saw two men filling a cart, and later, a man moving with unusual suppleness. She also heard whispers and felt surrounded by invisible presences.

The article explores various explanations for these experiences, including psychological influence, mass hallucination, and even time travel or temporal distortions. It questions how the two women, who were unfamiliar with the location, could have had such similar experiences if it were mere imagination. The author notes that while a psychological explanation is plausible, certain details remain unexplained, such as the accuracy of some details that even historians were unaware of.

Other Historical Mentions:

• 1907: A case of a woman reportedly observing Marie Antoinette multiple times near Versailles.
• July 1908: The Crooke family reported observing a figure described as "the artist," noting her peculiar ability to appear and disappear from a setting.

Other Bulletins and Information (Pages 1-2)

The magazine lists numerous UFO and paranormal research bulletins from various organizations across France and Europe, including:

• UFOLOGIA N°28 (CFRU): Discusses a terrestrial skeleton resembling a shark, the Worcester Poissonnier, and a gamekeeper's account.
• BULLETIN DU CEMOCPI N°3: Features an editorial on the Earth's interior, magical places near Rennes-le-Château, a Yeti sighting, and a mysterious monument.
• UFO INFORMATIONS N°33 (AAMT): Covers topics like the "Phantom Planet," the "April Fish" hoax, and the prophecy of Saint-Malachie.
• REALITE OU FICTION N°5 (GPUN): Reports on diurnal observations of metallic spheres and the existence of UFOs.
• LE PHENIMENE OVNI N°15 (CSERU): Includes a two-part view from a historian, UFO crashes with alleged humanoid casualties, and a discussion on flying saucers in Russia.
• OVNI PRESENCE N°1A (ACSV): Praises a Swiss bulletin for its quality, featuring an interview with an "aixois" UFO hunter and discussing Adamski.
• VIMANA N°5 (ADRUP): Explores vimanas in prehistory, a contactee named Adamski, and Ted Serios's psychokinetic photography.
• L'INSOLITE N°12 (AMATEURS D'INSOLITE): Covers biblical adventures, weather omens, magic squares, and reflections on UFO motivations.
• LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE N°5 (CVLDLN): A bi-annual bulletin summarizing North-Eastern UFO catalogs from 1978-1979.
• UFO BULLETIN N°10 (SLUG): Discusses GEPAN's latest work and the link between parapsychology and ufology.
• BULLETIN DU CERPI N°26: Focuses on investigation techniques, luminous aircraft signals, and astronomy.
• NEANT (CLLDLN): Features statistical analysis of habitable planets, ELF resonances, psychotronic warfare, and the aggressiveness of unidentified aerospace phenomena.
• LES CHRONIQUES DE LA CLEU N°10 (CLCU): Addresses the code of ethics for ufologists and the Cergy Pontoise case.
• NYHETSBLAD-NEWSLETTER N°21 (AFU): An international Swedish bulletin in Swedish and English, covering Soviet UFO statistics and a close encounter.
• UFOLOGIE-CONTACT SPECIAL (SPEPSE): Explores the "ultimate destiny of an intelligent species," UFO origins, observation frequencies, and interstellar travel.
• UFOLOGIE-CONTACT N°7 (SPEPSC): Discusses universal modules, assisting in the birth of the universe, and the "heretics of ufology."
• SKYWATCH N°40 (MAPIT): An English bulletin on information needs for ufologists.
• UFO NEWS FLASH N°4 (CUN): A mini-bulletin with translated articles from the Italian press.
• CENAP-REPORT N°69 (CENAP): An information bulletin in German, detailing a 1975 sighting of a flying object near Hirtshals, Denmark.
• L'AGRESSIVITE DANS LES PHENOMENES ACROSPATIAUX NON IDENTIFIES: A fascicle from the Cercle Lyonnais LDLN.
• NUOVE REALTA N°6: An Italian multidisciplinary bulletin with international information and articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena and theories. It encourages rigorous investigation, questioning unsubstantiated claims, and examining evidence from multiple perspectives. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology, even when discussing unconventional topics. The editorial stance appears to favor skepticism towards sensationalism and promotes a balanced approach to understanding unexplained phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed critique of J.C. Fumoux's "Isocélie" theory and the exploration of historical cases with a focus on verifiable details and potential psychological influences.

The inclusion of numerous bulletin listings suggests a desire to connect readers with a wider community of researchers and to provide access to diverse viewpoints within the field of ufology and paranormal studies. The magazine acts as a platform for debate, presenting both proponents and critics of various theories and cases.

This issue of OVNI & Cie, identified as N°20 and dated October 1981, focuses on two main areas: historical paranormal accounts, particularly those associated with the Trianon estate, and scientific findings concerning the Shroud of Turin. The magazine presents a collection of witness testimonies and analyzes potential explanations for these phenomena.

Trianon Apparitions and Encounters

The issue details several intriguing cases that occurred at or near the Trianon estate in France.

September 1908 Vision

Miss Jourdain reported a third vision at the Petit Trianon. She observed two women arguing, whose voices gradually faded as the scene itself became indistinct. The entire environment, including the sky, trees, and buildings, appeared to shimmer, described as a 'change of indefinable nature.' This experience was accompanied by an oppressive feeling, similar to one noted in 1901. The phenomena ceased once the witness left the location.

1928 Encounter

Two women reportedly encountered a man dressed in a 'roquelaure,' a type of garment primarily used between 1715 and 1773.

1939 Approximate Year

Robert Philippe, visiting the Petit Trianon with his parents, experienced a sense of presence. He engaged in a conversation with a lady who praised the Trianon's charms with nostalgia. Her accent was strange, and she claimed to live there. She then vanished abruptly. Robert's parents did not see the woman, and he later felt surrounded by shadows when he returned to the location.

May 21, 1955 Sighting

An English couple reported seeing a woman in a yellow dress accompanied by two men dressed in 18th-century fashion. These apparitions were observed along an avenue that had reportedly disappeared before 1786.

1957 or 1958 Case

The painter Kuder, while sketching inside the Bergerie at Trianon, became extremely panicked. He claimed to have seen Marie-Antoinette without her head descending a staircase and to have heard the sound of her heels on the stone. The author of the referenced book notes that these testimonies are not entirely reliable, suggesting potential influence from prior readings or echoes of the Moberly-Jourdain affair. However, the article questions whether this is sufficient reason to dismiss them, positing that more recent, unreported testimonies might exist and could confirm these bizarre observations with greater force.

Analysis of Trianon Cases

The magazine explores the nature of these encounters, questioning whether the individuals involved were seeing ghosts, foreigners with unusual attire, or experiencing hallucinations or dreams. It acknowledges the difficulty in definitively proving such phenomena due to their often intangible nature. The text suggests that the witnesses might have been manipulated or part of an 'incoherent scenario' not fully understood by them. The idea of a past era's plan superimposed on the present, causing a 'sound and visual interference,' is also considered. The author wonders why only certain individuals witnessed these events and if others present chose not to report them.

The article references "Les Fantomes de Trianon" by C.A.E Moberly, E.F. Jourdain, and Robert Amadou, published by Collection Gnose (Editions du Rocher).

The Shroud of Turin: Scientific Conclusion

The issue also features a section on the Shroud of Turin, referencing an article from the October 1981 issue of PARIS-MATCH. The magazine had previously discussed this topic in its bulletin (OVNI & Cie Nº20).

Key Findings:

• Authenticity: The Shroud is not a fake.
• Origin: It enveloped a crucified man in Palestine approximately 2000 years ago.
• Probability: Statisticians estimate a 1 in 225 billion chance that the Shroud does not relate to Jesus.
• Image Formation: The image was produced by a significant increase in body temperature (2800°C).

The article highlights that science has completed its work but hesitates to pronounce on a 'miracle,' specifically the 'Resurrection of Christ,' which is presented as a miracle authenticated by 20th-century science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, ranging from alleged paranormal encounters and apparitions to potentially supernatural events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various cases and scientific findings while encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. There is a clear interest in historical mysteries and the intersection of science with phenomena that challenge established understanding, such as the Trianon cases and the Shroud of Turin. The publication seems to lean towards the idea that some events, even if difficult to prove, warrant serious consideration and may point to forces or realities not yet fully understood.