GEPO No 26 - OVNI & Cie - GEPO Informations - No 26 - 2eme trim 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI & COMPAGNIE
Issue: N°26
Date: Avril-Mai-Juin 1982 (April-May-June 1982)
Publisher: GEPO (Groupe d'Etude du Phénomène O.V.N.I.)
Type: Quarterly bulletin of information and liaison.

Editorial Stance and Content

This issue of OVNI & COMPAGNIE, published by GEPO, presents a diverse range of articles and discussions centered around ufology and related phenomena. The magazine positions itself as an open platform for all ideas and opinions, aiming to broaden its field of investigation.

Key Articles and Themes

1. The Reliability of Testimonies Over Time (R.JUILLE):
This article by R. Juille explores the discrepancies that can arise in witness testimonies when revisited over time. It suggests that while initial accounts may be objective, the subconscious mind can alter details through association and memory recall, leading to a 'primitive image' that is embellished or modified. The author stresses the importance of prompt recording of events, ideally through direct recording by magnetophone or photography, to mitigate these subconscious alterations.

2. Scientific Criticism and Ufology:
Several sections critically examine the stance of scientific publications, particularly 'Science et Vie,' on ufology. The magazine questions the dismissive attitude of some scientific circles towards UFO phenomena, labeling it as mere fantasy. It contrasts this with the search for plausible solutions and acknowledges the potential for misinterpretation or bias in scientific reporting. The article "LES "BLURCS" SCIENCE & VIE (TIEDER)" specifically critiques 'Science et Vie' for its perceived cynicism and selective reporting on UFO-related topics.

3. Luminous Phenomena on High-Tension Lines (C.GARY):
This section, based on information from EDF (Electricité de France), details two well-known luminous phenomena observed on high-tension power lines: the 'Effet de Couronne' and 'Courts-Circuits.' The 'Effet de Couronne' involves bluish-pale to violet effluvia, while 'Courts-Circuits' produce a dazzling blue-white arc. A third, less understood phenomenon, 'plasma globulaire' (globular plasma), is also mentioned as a luminous sphere moving slowly along conductors, which has not been scientifically explained or reproduced.

4. 'Tribune Libre' - Parody and Critique:
This section features a strong critique of certain ufological approaches and publications. J. BASTIDE, in "LE GEPA ET M.Jean-Claude BOURRET : UNE PARODIE HISTORIQUE," criticizes M. Gilbert Cornu for his negative remarks about the GEPA and René Fouéré. Bastide defends Fouéré's long-standing work in ufology and criticizes those who focus on dismissing UFOs rather than investigating them. He argues that a rigorous ufological approach should demonstrate what UFOs *cannot* be, rather than solely focusing on the impossible. The section also touches upon the debate surrounding the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the interpretation of UFO evidence, questioning the scientific basis of some claims.

5. 'QUELLE ETRANGE MANIERE : On Veut Nous Imiter?'
This article discusses the similarities in how different publications handle UFO-related information. It highlights instances where authors seem to misinterpret or selectively quote sources, sometimes transforming scientific terms into more sensational ones. The author points out the tendency for some to dismiss UFOs as mere illusions or atmospheric phenomena, while others embrace more esoteric explanations.

6. 'Les Ufologues ? Vous en faites pas ma brave dame! C'est encore pire!'
This is a critical commentary on the perceived state of ufology, suggesting that some ufologists are more entrenched in their beliefs than the phenomena they study. It also mentions upcoming publications and articles related to parapsychology and ufology, indicating ongoing debates within the field.

7. GEPAN-INFOS:
This section announces a commemorative philatelic document for the GEPAN (Groupe d'Études et de Précisions sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés) on its fifth anniversary, to be released in May 1982.

Key Persons and Organizations

The issue mentions several key individuals involved in ufology and related fields, including Dominique DELILLE (editor), Thierry ROCHER (cover), Philippe PRALON, Michel-Noel CHIODI, Sylvie GAUDIN (translators), Ronald JUILLE and AM DELILLE (responsibles), and critics like M. Gilbert Cornu and M.Thierry PINVIDIC. It also references the work of ufologists like René Fouéré and Jean-Claude Bourret, and scientists like Alfred Kastler and Albert Einstein. Organizations such as GEPO, EDF, Science et Vie, CSERU, SPEPSE, AAMT, and CNES are also noted.

Locations Mentioned

Locations cited include Saint-Symphorien de Lay (GEPO's headquarters), Roanne, Paris, Saint-Etienne (France), Stonehenge, Cergy, Mont St-Helens, Otago (New Zealand), Grenoble, and Toulouse.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the reliability of witness accounts, the intersection of science and ufology, and the critique of media and scientific publications that dismiss or sensationalize the topic. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging diverse viewpoints while maintaining a critical and analytical approach. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous investigation and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, whether from proponents or detractors of ufology. The magazine seems to advocate for a more scientific and less dogmatic approach to understanding the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of "LDL" (likely a French ufology publication) from March 1982 focuses on the scientific approach to studying UFO phenomena, featuring a mix of case reports, theoretical discussions, and book reviews. The cover headline, "LES OVNI ET LA SCIENCE," sets the tone for an exploration of how to rigorously investigate and understand unexplained aerial phenomena.

Editorial Stance and Methodological Critiques

The issue opens with a critical letter, possibly from a reader, that critiques the journalistic approach to UFO reports, citing an example involving a biologist named Cyril Donnamperuma. The author satirizes the tendency to transpose 'matter into nature' and questions the credibility of certain UFOlogists and their theories, particularly those involving 'Extraphobas Microcéphales.' The author advocates for a 'methodical belief' (croyance méthodique), drawing on the philosophy of Hubert Larcher, which involves a critical yet open-minded approach to evidence, emphasizing that true scientific inquiry requires both doubt and the acceptance of possibilities.

Case Studies and Investigations

Several case studies are presented:

• Epilepsy vs. Ufology: The case of M. Harrison C. Bailey is definitively dismissed as ufologically irrelevant, attributed to severe epileptic seizures and hallucinations. The witness's race and environment are noted as potential contributing factors to his misinterpretation.

• CB Operators Encounter a UFO: A condensed article from the German publication "CB-Euro-Revue" details an incident from March 16, 1976, involving multiple CB radio operators who tracked a large, yellowish, blurry object moving at low altitude. The object reportedly interfered with CB communications, creating a 'metallic humming' sound. The object was observed for nearly two hours and was described as a 'metallic hare' by one witness.

• Auburn, Kentucky UFO Sighting (1976): Several inhabitants of Auburn, Kentucky, reported a UFO in 1976. A witness driving a car described a bright red light moving east at an estimated speed and altitude. A police officer also reported the object passing very close to his car, causing him to lose control and experience an impression of 'materializing' into a tornado.

• Minnesota Sheriff's Sighting (1979): Sheriff Johnson of Minnesota reported an event in 1979, which ufologist J. Allen Hynek classified as a natural phenomenon. However, the case involved alleged static force mobilization and infra-red emissions.

• Air Inter Flight Incident (1982): On February 23, 1982, an Air Inter flight from Andrézieux Bouthéon to Paris reported a brilliant object moving at 15,000 meters altitude, while the plane was at 1,000 meters. The object was described differently by passengers and crew, with some calling it a 'metallic object' and others a 'shimmering star.' The incident was later explained as a weather balloon launched from Lyon.

• Marseille UFO (1981): This sighting was also identified as a weather balloon.

• Joigny UFO Sighting (1981): An investigation by T. Rocher details an encounter on October 17, 1981, where a military group member observed a boomerang-shaped object moving rapidly and silently across the sky near Joigny, France. The object's trajectory was noted as being different from that of conventional aircraft.

Book Review: "LOS OVNI Y LA CIENCIA" (UFOs and Science)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of the Spanish book "LOS OVNI Y LA CIENCIA" by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Miguel Guasp Carrascuas. The review highlights the book's scientific methodology, its analysis of UFO evidence, and its discussion of the implications of UFO phenomena for our understanding of the universe. The book is praised for its objective approach, its detailed examination of close encounters, and its consideration of the 'extra-terrestrial hypothesis' as the most plausible explanation.

The review emphasizes the authors' methodical approach, their use of statistical analysis, and their exploration of concepts like 'process theory' and 'cosmic vision.' The book is presented as a serious contribution to scientific ufology, aiming to provide a framework for future research.

Information and Community

The issue also includes a section on "INFORMATIONS," detailing the GEPAN's plans for an annual subscription service for its technical documents and listing available publications. It also mentions the identification of the Marseille UFO as a weather balloon.

A communiqué from GREMOC addresses changes in the publication schedule of "LDL," expressing concern about the reduced frequency and page count. They are launching a campaign to revert to the previous format of 36 pages per issue, published monthly, arguing that the current format is insufficient for effective action and that "LDL" is a vital link between readers, investigators, and researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical need for scientific rigor in ufological research, the importance of distinguishing between credible evidence and misinterpretations (like the Bailey case), and the ongoing debate about the nature and origin of UFOs. The editorial stance appears to favor a methodical, evidence-based approach, while remaining open to the possibility of extraordinary explanations, such as the extra-terrestrial hypothesis, as supported by the reviewed book. The publication also serves as a platform for community discussion and advocacy regarding the future of ufological publications.

This issue of "ENQUETE" (Issue 22, Volume 21, dated December 1, 1981) focuses on a mysterious aerial phenomenon observed over a military terrain in Joigny, France. The magazine is published by AFD and is in French.

Témoignage (Witness Testimony)

The primary account comes from a military guard, identified as P.R., who was on duty on the night of December 1st, 1981, between 19:30 and 19:45, and again between 2:00 and 2:15 AM. P.R. was stationed near a guardhouse on an auxiliary military terrain in Joigny. His attention was drawn to a white cloud-like object in the sky, which was unusual given that it was dark and the object was not consistent with typical cloud formations or aircraft.

P.R. described the object as oblong, with a matte white appearance, and slightly darker or lighter areas. He noted that it was not brilliant but seemed to have a material-like quality. He also observed a small white light at the lower right of the object, which moved up and down slowly and smoothly, unlike a star or an airplane light. This light would disappear when it reached the object, as if passing behind it. This maneuver was repeated several times.

Later, a vertical white light appeared on the object, described as brilliant. This light expanded symmetrically from its axis and appeared to pivot. P.R. estimated its size to be larger than the full moon, comparing it to a 5 franc coin held at arm's length. He later revised this estimate after seeing the moon on December 9th, finding the object's light to be slightly smaller.

The light then pivoted again, returning to its original orientation before disappearing along with the object. The entire observation lasted for an indeterminate amount of time, with several back-and-forth movements of the light.

Following this, P.R. finished his guard duty at 8:10 PM and went to watch a film. He resumed his guard duty at the same location around 12:30 AM on December 2nd. During this second observation period, between 2:00 and 2:15 AM, P.R. noticed the phenomenon again, this time slightly shifted from its previous position. He described the light as being 'fat' and 'closing like an eyelid.' The object and light then disappeared completely.

Investigation and Analysis

Investigator Thierry Rocher conducted interviews and analysis, including a follow-up observation with P.R. on the night of December 3rd. Rocher notes that P.R. did not immediately report the incident, only mentioning it later, suggesting it may not have made a profound impression on him at the time, or that he was hesitant to speak about it.

Rocher explores several hypotheses:

1. The light's appearance: It was described as a 'fat' star-like light, not scintillating, and very close. This was compared to the moon observed on December 9th, which was round and full, and the object's light was deemed smaller.
2. The object's shape and behavior: The oblong shape and the pivoting light were key features. The disappearance and reappearance of the object were also noted.
3. The timing: The observation occurred in two distinct phases, separated by several hours, with the phenomenon reappearing in a similar location.

Rocher contrasts the observed phenomenon with known aircraft, particularly the regular flight path of planes over Joigny, which are described as noisy and fast. The observed object was completely silent and moved differently.

He also considers the possibility of atmospheric phenomena or misinterpretations, such as the moon seen through clouds. However, he finds that the specific details of the observation, including the object's shape, the pivoting light, and its silent nature, make these explanations less likely.

Additional Enquiries and Context

The issue also includes addenda to previous investigations:

• First Enquiry (October 17, 1981): This section discusses the difficulty of observing objects in the night sky and contrasts the observed phenomenon with regular aircraft. It suggests that the observation might have been influenced by the witness's psychological state.
• Second Enquiry (December 1, 1981): This section revisits the Joigny case and discusses the possibility of it being an unusual observation of the moon and a star through mobile clouds. However, the investigator finds this explanation insufficient due to the specific characteristics of the sighting.

Conclusions

The investigator, Thierry Rocher, concludes that the phenomenon observed by P.R. on December 1st and 2nd, 1981, remains unidentified. He notes the witness's calm demeanor and the lack of immediate reporting as factors that suggest the incident was not fabricated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine "ENQUETE" appears to be dedicated to investigating and reporting on unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and other mysterious events. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious inquiry, presenting witness testimony and attempting to analyze sightings through logical deduction and comparison with known phenomena, while acknowledging the limitations of current explanations. The publication also includes information about other UFO-related newsletters and organizations, suggesting a network of researchers in the field.