La ligne bleue survolee - No 06 - 1981

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE" is bulletin number 6 from the "CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT" (CVLDLN), dated 1981. The cover features a stylized map of France with the word "OVNI" repeated numerous times, under the headline "LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE ?", suggesting a focus on aerial phenomena over France. The magazine is published by the "CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT" and is priced at 5.00 F.

Table of Contents and Editorial Notes

The table of contents on page 3 lists several articles and sections, including "LE MOT DU PRESIDENT" (The President's Word), "ARCHIVES DE PRESSE" (Press Archives), "QUELQUES MOTS A PROPOS DU DERNIER CNEGU" (A Few Words About the Last CNEGU), various "ENQUETE" (Investigation) reports with reference numbers, and articles on geological faults and OVNI phenomena. It also mentions "RELATIONS FAILLES GEOLOGIQUES / PHENOMENE OVNI" and "ERREUR!?". The issue is identified as Number 6.

The "CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT" leadership is listed: François DIOLEZ (President), René FAUDRIN (Vice-President), Jacques NICOT (Treasurer), Joëlle GERBY (Secretary), and Sylviane GOLCZEWSKI and Gilles MUNSCH (Adjunct Secretaries). Responsibilities for activities are also detailed, including Commission Enquetes, Soirees d'Observations, Liaisons Autres Groupes, Archives, Photographie, Revue, Support Technique, Astronomie, Liaisons Presse, and Bibliotheque.

The bulletin is distributed to French and foreign groups as an exchange. Articles represent the authors' views and require permission for reproduction. The publication is open to contributions, and participation in its writing is encouraged. The Cercle's sticker is available for 5.00 F.

President's Message

In his message on page 4, President François DIOLEZ extends New Year's wishes to the members and readers. He notes the positive growth in membership and the increase in work undertaken by the group. He mentions successful observation evenings, despite the absence of direct OVNI sightings, indicating public interest in the phenomenon. He also notes participation in three CNEGU (Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques) meetings, including one organized in CLEFCY. The archive research is progressing slowly but steadily, and investigation "enquêtes" are set to resume. DIOLEZ acknowledges that the revue is often late due to the dedication of a few individuals and encourages wider participation. He stresses the need for significant work to improve the group's information base to better understand the unknown phenomenon.

Press Archives

Pages 5 through 8 contain excerpts from the "ARCHIVES DE PRESSE" section, primarily from the newspaper "LA LIBERTE DE L'EST" in 1977. These entries detail various alleged UFO sightings and related events:

• January 9, 1977: Several people in Haut-Rhin reported seeing a luminous object with three main lights and two smaller red ones that blinked horizontally before disappearing behind a factory.
• January 13, 1977: An expedition was planned to the Amazon Basin to investigate claims of rescue by small, green-skinned beings with claws, reported by a student.
• February 22, 1977: Three brightly lit metallic discs were observed by motorists on the A31 highway near Pont-à-Mousson, moving rapidly at an estimated altitude of two to three thousand meters.
• February 23, 1977: An unusual object with green and orange light beams, conical in shape, was observed near Epinal. It floated vertically before ascending rapidly and disappearing.
• February 26, 1977: An article discusses Claude Vorilhon, who claimed to have been abducted by extraterrestrials. Télé-Luxembourg issued a challenge for him to prove his claims by facilitating an extraterrestrial landing.
• February 28, 1977: The anticipated extraterrestrial landing during a TV show in Luxembourg did not occur.
• April 16, 1977: A luminous object, identified as a UFO, was seen moving across the sky in Thaon by members of a youth center.
• April 22, 1977: A conference was announced in Thaon about the mysterious world of UFOs, featuring Jean-Pierre Schirch of CERAP Belfort, aiming to provide a scientific explanation for the phenomenon.
• April 29, 1977: A conference titled "LES OVNI ? VOUS CONNAITREZ..." was held in Thaon, with J-P Schirch presenting photos and testimonies about UFOs.

Page 8 includes a section titled "UN TRAVAIL DE FOURMI..." (An Ant's Work...), describing the meticulous and time-consuming task of reviewing publications for UFO-related information. It highlights the long history of UFO manifestations in the region and the need for sustained effort from members to build the group's archives. The Vosges Departmental Archives are mentioned as a resource.

CNEGU Meeting Report

Page 9 details the "QUELQUES MOTS A PROPOS DU DERNIER CNEGU DES 12 ET 13 SEPTEMBRE 80 A NANCY". The CNEGU (Comité Nord-Est des Groupements Ufologiques) meeting involved five groups, including CVLDLN. The agenda included a presentation of the 1980 observation catalog (32 cases), proposals for using CECRU investigation reports, and a discussion on the credibility of ufologist testimonies. The meeting also covered study programs and the organization of observation evenings using CB radio. The next meeting was scheduled for Luxembourg in early 1982.

Investigation Report

Page 10 presents an investigation summary (Cas F/98/88810322 (01)) detailing an observation on March 22, 1981, near Dinoze, Saint-Laurent, and Epinal. Four witnesses reported seeing a luminous "OBJET" described as vivid orange, elliptical, and stationary, with a luminosity of its own. It oscillated and tilted, leading witnesses to believe it was not the moon. They drove to a viewpoint overlooking Epinal but the object had disappeared by the time they arrived. The observation lasted about ten minutes, under clear, starry conditions. No sound or secondary effects were perceived. The apparent size was estimated at Ø7 using the CVLDLN comparator. A drawing of the phenomenon is mentioned as being on the following page.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, press archives related to UFOs, and the ongoing investigations conducted by the "Cercle Vosgien Lumieres dans la Nuit". The editorial stance, as expressed in the President's message and the articles, is one of serious, objective, and scientific inquiry into the UFO phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on gathering evidence, analyzing testimonies, and moving beyond mere speculation or "science fiction" to understand what is perceived as a complex and real phenomenon. The publication encourages active participation from its members and the public to contribute to this research effort.

This issue of Le PARISIEN, dated Thursday, February 19, 1981, features a cover with a photograph of a building labeled 'Phénomène Relais TV' and a map of the Epinal region with a red line indicating a trajectory. The main headline on the cover is 'Phénomène Relais TV'.

Key Articles and Reports

"Point à la ligne: Où sont les OVNI?" (Point to the line: Where are the UFOs?)

This article, published in LU DANS LA PRESSE EN 1981, notes the absence of UFO sightings in the Haute-Marne region since 1975, after a period between 1954 and 1975 where about twenty appearances were recorded. It recalls descriptions of various UFOs and their occupants, including 'little men in jackets,' 'men in white robes,' 'men in black,' and 'giants with welder's goggles.' The group 'Lumières dans la nuit' (Lights in the Night) from Ancerville, Meuse, is mentioned for providing recommendations to observers: do not provoke occupants, do not flee, and try to make discreet contact while observing morphology, actions, and surrounding apparatus. The article concludes with a skeptical note: 'Skeptics abstain!'

"LE ROBOT DE L'OVNI ABOYAIT COMME UN CHIEN" (The UFO Robot Barked Like a Dog)

Reported in LE PARISIEN on February 19, 1981, this piece describes a UFO sighting in Fuentecen, Spain. A family observed a luminous red object in a nearby field. A metallic, parallelipipedic robot, about 1.40 meters high and 0.70 meters wide, emerged from the craft. The robot barked like a dog and, when approached by the witness, re-entered the craft, which then immediately took off. Photographs were taken of crescent-shaped traces and scorched grass.

"OVNI OR NOT OVNI? Phénomènes célestes observés en Franche-Comté et en Bourgogne" (UFO or Not UFO? Celestial Phenomena Observed in Franche-Comté and Burgundy)

Published in Est Républicain on March 8, 1981, this article details several UFO sightings in Burgundy and Franche-Comté at the end of February 1981. In Yonne, a retired Colonel of Gendarmerie, Jacques Chicaud, observed a luminous disc with a blue halo and a short luminous trail. Six other witnesses corroborated this. In Laroche-Saint-Cydroine, Michel Mugnier saw a 'shooting star' emitting colorful sparks. Didier Violette and four others in Bleneau observed a 'fireball' that seemed to disintegrate with a whistling sound. Mme Roy of Appoigny also saw a very large fireball. On February 19, intense luminosity was seen in the Doubs, accompanied by power outages. On February 24, celestial phenomena were observed in Dole.

"Boules lumineuses dans le ciel de Paris" (Luminous Balls in the Paris Sky)

From France Soir on September 22, 1981, this report states that thousands of Parisians saw strange phenomena in the sky around 10 PM. Some described them as brief sparks, while others saw luminous balls rotating above the Buttes-Chaumont. Observatories in Montsouris and Meudon were overwhelmed with calls. The official explanation was reflections from fairground lights near Porte de Versailles and Champ-de-Mars, similar to an incident in Meudon on September 2.

"OVNI à Marseille" (UFO in Marseille)

This report describes a UFO sighting in Marseille on an unspecified morning. Dozens of fishermen and a police patrol saw a mysterious object, described as 'sometimes grey, sometimes black,' moving close to the coast before heading south. Police filed a report.

"OVNI EN... E-R oeuf à Poissons" (UFO in... E-R Egg in Poissons)

Published in Est Républicain on September 18, 1981, this article reports the return of UFO sightings in Haute-Marne. An inhabitant of Poissons described seeing an enormous, luminous object shaped like an 'egg with its top removed,' as big as a house. The witness pursued the object in her car for over three kilometers. Several other inhabitants of Poissons have reported similar visions in the past, always during periods of drought, leading to the question of collective hallucination.

"P.L. 87 UN OVNI (ballon) EN ESSONNE" (P.L. 87 A UFO (balloon) IN ESSONNE)

An unidentified flying object was observed by several people in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois (Essonne) on an unspecified morning. Witnesses described a metallic object shaped like a tube, with one end glowing red. It moved up and down before disappearing. A gendarme was among the witnesses. The official explanation suggested a weather balloon, but the object was also seen from the Brétigny-sur-Orge flight test center.

"RELATION FAILLES GEOLOGIQUES / PHENOMENE OVNI ?" (Correlation of Geological Faults / UFO Phenomenon?)

This extensive study, authored by Gilles Munsch and François Diolez, investigates potential correlations between UFO observation sites and geological faults in the Vosges department. The study is divided into three parts: study of faults and maps, sampling of observations, and synthesis and commentary.

Part 1: Study of Faults and Map

The study uses geological maps from 1930 and 1948. It defines faults as fracture surfaces in the Earth's crust. The Vosges department is described as heavily faulted, with tertiary-age faults. Several major faults are identified, including one running from Ste-Marie-Aux-Mines to La Bresse, and another passing through Dompaire, Mirecourt, and Sion. The study lists 48 numbered faults and their orientations (South-West/North-East, South-East/North-West, East-South-East/West-North-West, South-South-West/North-North-East, and other orientations).

Part 2: Sampling of Observations

Criteria for selecting observations included: location above the Vosges, phenomenon highly probable within 1 km, and a credibility index of 3 or higher. The study considered observations from January 1, 1978, to December 31, 1981. Out of 83 known observations, 22 were retained for analysis. These cases are listed with reference numbers (e.g., F/98/88.78.03.14).

Part 3: Synthesis and Commentary

The study found that out of the 22 retained cases, 5 were located directly on a fault (23%), 6 were in proximity (27%), and 11 were distant (50%). The authors acknowledge that the study is not conclusive due to several reasons:

1. Reduced Sample Size: Only 22 cases were selected out of 83 known observations, representing only about a quarter, due to a lack of fundamental data for the other cases.
2. Unknown Reporting Rate: The number of known observations does not indicate if all sightings were reported during the period.
3. High Fault Density: The large number of important faults in the department increases the probability of an observation occurring on or near one.
4. Observation Type: Many observations are of the 'first type' (visual sightings without physical traces), which complicates precise localization.

Conclusions:

This partial study is not conclusive and will be redone with a larger sample. However, it highlights the vital need for thorough investigations to improve the understanding of observed phenomena. A larger sample in time and space is necessary. The authors hope this informal study will guide future research.

"ENQUETES - ENQUETES - ENQUETES - ENQUETES - ENQUETES - ENQUETES - ENQUETES -"

This section contains a detailed report of a specific UFO sighting (Case F/98/88780915 (01)) in Lepanges-sur-Vologne on September 15, 1978, around 9:25 PM TU. The witness, Mr. Ch..... De M....., a retired military officer, observed two 'points lumineux' (luminous points) that did not resemble commercial or military aircraft, nor a bolide, weather balloon, or cloud reflection. The objects, described as 'cigarette tips' of red-orange color, approached horizontally, stopped, and then descended to a crest before stopping for about ten seconds. The color and intensity changed, and after oscillations, the two 'objects' moved away at high speed towards the South-East in a rectilinear and ascending movement. The witness estimated the objects to be about two kilometers away, at the vertical of a house, and each 'engine' to be about 10 to 15 meters in size. The total observation time was 20-30 seconds, with 5-10 seconds for the stop. The sky was clear, visibility perfect. The 'engines' were described as identical, lenticular with a dome-shaped bulge on the upper part (saucer with dome), with their own luminosity. The report includes a table detailing the phase of approach and stationing, departure, and eloignment/disappearance, with color references (orange, mauve, dark blue).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena in France. The articles present a mix of witness testimonies, official explanations (often dismissive, like the Paris sighting), and more in-depth analytical studies (like the correlation with geological faults). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and studies, while acknowledging the challenges in definitively proving or disproving these phenomena, as exemplified by the conclusions of the geological fault study. There's a clear emphasis on witness credibility and the need for rigorous investigation.

Title: UFO Bulletin
Issue: n°6
Publisher: SLUB
Country: France
Language: French
Date: Undetermined

This issue of UFO Bulletin, published by SLUB, focuses on the methodology and standardization of UFO/UAP observations and reporting. It aims to provide a structured approach for both organized groups and individual observers.

Observation Methodology and Reporting System

The bulletin details a new system developed by the "veillées" commission of the CECRU (Centre d'Étude des Phénomènes Spatiaux) at Dijon. The core principle is that every observation session, regardless of its brevity or spontaneity, must result in a detailed report. This system is designed to centralize and analyze reports effectively.

Key Elements of a Detailed Report:

• Initial Information: Date and time, precise location, weather conditions, name of the group, names of participants, and materials used.
• Phenomena Description: A brief description of ALL phenomena observed, including those that are perfectly identified (e.g., airplanes, satellites, meteors), as they occur.
• Detection Details: Specific information about any detected phenomena, including their duration and the characteristics of the observed object.

Recommended Practices for Observers:

The bulletin advises observers to conduct systematic and general sky inspections every quarter of an hour. They should also note any changes in weather conditions and record data from instruments such as compasses, thermometers, and magnetometers. If no changes are observed compared to the previous check, the report should simply state "RAS" (Rien à signaler - Nothing to report).

Importance of Detailed Reporting:

Adhering to these detailed reporting requirements is presented as beneficial in two ways:
1. It constitutes excellent training for observers.
2. It can help identify a dubious observation made by another group.

Handling Observation Reports:

• Identified Phenomena Only: If an observation session only involves identified phenomena, the report is kept in the observer's archives.
• Unidentified or Doubtful Phenomena: In cases of unidentified or even doubtful observations, or when a detection occurs, an integral copy of the report must be transmitted to the SVEPS (Société Varoise d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux).

The SVEPS will then centralize only those reports containing interesting observations and distribute copies to all member groups of the CECRU, fostering a collaborative approach.

Practical Advice for Field Reporting:

Recognizing that writing detailed reports in the field, especially at night, can be challenging, the bulletin suggests using a tape recorder. Observers can record all necessary information onto the tape and transcribe it later at their convenience. A tape recorder also allows for direct recording of the description of phenomena as they are observed, which can be invaluable for accurately capturing details like the exact duration of an observation.

Case Study: Lepanges-sur-Vologne (September 15, 1978)

The issue includes a reconstruction based on a photograph taken on May 20, 1981. This reconstruction depicts the location from which a witness observed a phenomenon on September 15, 1978. The witness was situated at a window, and the direction of their gaze was North-West, towards the village of Lepanges-sur-Vologne. The accompanying map (Carte IGN 1/25 000, BRUYERES 1-2 et 3-4) illustrates the probable direction of approach and departure of the phenomenon, as well as the witness's position and angle of vision.

Measuring Angular Height

A significant section of the bulletin is dedicated to a simple device for measuring the angular height of observed phenomena. Developed by the Groupe 5255 and simplified for general use, this apparatus is described as essential for investigators.

Fabrication:

• The device can be constructed from readily available materials:
• A piece of broomstick handle
• A small plank (planchette)
• A protractor
• Three nails
• One hook
• Two washers
• One wood screw

The instructions detail how to assemble these components, including aligning the rotation axis with the protractor's zero mark and ensuring the nail head and eyepiece are parallel to the plank's edge.

Utilization:

To use the device, one holds it in front of the dominant eye, aligns the eyepiece, the nail head, and the location of the phenomenon. A finger is then used to lock the protractor's rotation, allowing the observer to read the measured angle.

Purpose and Witness Overestimation:

The bulletin notes that this device is particularly useful because tests conducted during the prototype's development revealed that witnesses tend to overestimate the angular height of observed phenomena in most cases. This simple tool helps to obtain more objective measurements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the importance of rigorous observation, standardized reporting procedures, and the development of accessible tools for data collection. The editorial stance emphasizes a scientific and systematic approach to UAP investigation, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of data among different groups. The bulletin advocates for detailed record-keeping and objective measurement to move beyond anecdotal evidence and improve the quality of UAP research.