La ligne bleue survolee - No 07 - 1981

Magazine Overview

Title: LA LIGNE BLEUE SURVOLEE
Issue: 7
Date: 1981
Publisher: CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of 'La Ligne Bleue Survolee ?' is a bulletin from the Cercle Vosgien Lumières Dans La Nuit, a French UFO research group. The cover features a stylized map of France overlaid with text and a large question mark, under the main title. The bulletin contains a table of contents, a list of the organization's members and their roles, and a collection of UFO sighting reports and related articles.

Table of Contents and Organization

The table of contents for issue number 7 includes entries such as 'Conférence et débat' (Conference and debate), 'L'enquêteur téméraire' (The daring investigator), 'Catalogue CNEGU 1980', 'Annexe au catalogue' (Catalogue appendix), and 'OVNI à travers les siècles' (UFOs through the centuries).

The 'LE CERCLE VOSGIEN LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT' section details the organization's leadership and responsible activities. François DIOLEZ is the President, René FAUDRIN is the Vice-President, Jacques NICOT is the Treasurer, and Joëlle GERBY is the Secretary. Sylviane GOLCZEWSKI and Gilles MUNSCH serve as Joint Secretaries. Various committees are listed, including Investigations (headed by Gilles MUNSCH, with J.M. PARMENTELAT as substitute), Observation Evenings (Sylviane GOLCZEWSKI), Archives (Eric BITTERLY), Photography (Jean Marc PARMENTELAT), Review (Joëlle GERBY and François DIOLEZ), Technical Support (Robert GOLCZEWSKI), Astronomy (Sylviane GOLCZEWSKI and Gilles MUNSCH), Press Relations (René FAUDRIN), and Library (François DIOLEZ).

The bulletin is transmitted to French and foreign groups as an exchange. Articles published represent the views of their authors and require agreement from CVLDLN for reproduction. The issue also promotes the sale of the Circle's sticker for 5.00 F.

Conferences et Debats

This section, written by Michel Sorgues, discusses a television debate that was animated by VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE of G.R.E.P.O. The debate's theme was 'Does life exist elsewhere?' and was inspired by the film 'La Guerre des Mondes' by H.G. Wells. Sorgues expresses disappointment that the debate did not fully explore the topic of UFOs, instead focusing on the broader question of extraterrestrial life and the methodology of the GEPAN (Groupe d'Études et de Recherches sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés).

Key participants mentioned in the debate include:

• Jean Pierre D'Hondt: Described as a witness to a truncated light over the Caribbean in 1961, and president of GNE OVNI, a member of CECRU, and the Fédération Française d'Ufologie. Sorgues laments that French independent ufology was not better represented.
• Alain Esterle: Head of GEPAN, who presented the organization's methods and credibility, emphasizing that such research takes years. Sorgues notes that GEPAN's work requires funding from CNES and scientific research.
• Monsieur Razool (USA): A physicist from NASA, who addressed the question of belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial life, citing a poll where 60% of the French population believed in UFOs, with 40% of those being young people.
• J. Audouze: Director of the Astrophysics Institute at CNRS, who presented slides of Mars and discussed the Drake equation regarding the probability of life in the cosmos.
• François Raulin: Assistant professor at Paris XII, who suggested searching for life on Mars in subsurface locations or poles, and posed a hypothetical about a probe searching for life on Earth.
• René Bost: Director of CNES programs, about whom the author retained no specific information.
• Marcel Thaon: Clinical psychologist, who stated his interest was not in the reality of extraterrestrials but in the reaction of humans to the idea. He believed people would be less frightened than expected if ETs were proven to exist.

Sorgues notes that the debate, while not directly about UFOs, was influenced by their presence and the public's fascination, citing the impact of advertising and comic strips on the idea of extraterrestrial life. He also criticizes the Fédération Française d'Ufologie for being reactive rather than proactive in engaging with such debates.

The debate also involved the collection of UFO testimonies. By the end of the broadcast, 225 testimonies had been received by SVP. Jean Pierre D'Hondt concluded the program by suggesting that UFOs might be an intrusion of extraterrestrial life on Earth.

UFO Sightings (January-February 1980)

This section details several specific UFO sightings reported in the Vosges region of France:

• January 28, 1980 (approx. 3:15 TU): Patrick F. from Raon-aux-Bois observed a luminous orange object, shaped like a 'fève' (hollowed upwards), flying at about 30m altitude and 60 km/h, accompanying his car for over 15 km towards EPINAL before disappearing. The object was described as having a diffuse orange halo and no sound. The investigation was conducted by the gendarmerie of Remiremont and CVLDLN.
• January 28, 1980 (approx. 22:30 TU): Mme F. J. from EPINAL observed a luminous trail in the sky, followed by a large, stationary luminous point above the city for 15 minutes. The estimated size was 10' arc. Investigation by CVLDLN.
• January 29, 1980 (approx. 18:30 TU): Mme F. J. from EPINAL observed two orange spheres moving slowly towards GOLBEY. The spheres changed color, one becoming white and the other red, then turned at a right angle and moved towards RAMBERVILLERS, performing zigzags. Two other witnesses confirmed the phenomenon. No sound or variation in speed was noted. Estimated size was 10' arc. Investigation by CVLDLN.
• January 29, 1980 (approx. 18:45 TU): Three inhabitants of EPINAL, driving towards Rambervillers, saw a white sphere with a small red point near LONGCHAMP. The object seemed to follow their car at a constant distance for 19 km, then became stationary, and disappeared with a slow extinction. The observation lasted 45 minutes. Investigation by CVLDLN.
• January 29, 1980 (approx. 5:33 TU): A young man from GOLBEY observed a 'shooting star' descend into a field near his home. The object transformed in size, volume, and color, moved on the ground in a zigzag pattern, and then ascended rapidly. The report is sourced from 'Liberté de l'Est' and investigated by CVLDLN.
• February 6, 1980 (approx. 18:15 TU): Mr. Maurice C. from NOGENT-LE-BAS observed an elongated, ovoid object of pale yellow color, resembling an egg or a rugby ball, stationary and with a slight rocking motion. Two bright red, oblique beams extended from the rear of the object, then 'unrolled' and elongated. The object then ascended almost vertically and disappeared at high speed. The observation lasted 4 to 6 seconds, with no sound or physical effects noted. The investigation was ongoing.
• February 14, 1980 (approx. 21:45 HL / 20:45 TU): Mme Annie S. from RUPT-AUX-NONAINS observed an elongated, luminous phenomenon resting on the ground at the end of her garden.

Catalogue d'Observations C.N.E.G.U. 1980

This section provides information about the CNEGU 1980 catalogue, described as a non-exhaustive, chronological list of alleged unidentified aerospace phenomena. It includes details such as dates, times, locations, number and quality of witnesses, and a brief description of the phenomena. The catalogue aims to provide a synthetic overview of observations in a region and serves as an informational document and reference base. It notes that some information may not have been verified and could include hoaxes or misidentifications. The catalogue is accompanied by a simplified map of unidentified cases from 1981 with a credibility index of 3 or higher. It also mentions appendices with corrections related to previous catalogues from 1978 and 1979.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the broader question of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance, as expressed through Michel Sorgues's commentary, appears to be critical of how UFO phenomena are sometimes sidelined in broader discussions about life elsewhere, and advocates for the independent study of ufology. There is a clear emphasis on detailed reporting of sightings and the process of investigation, as well as a desire to foster debate and information exchange among researchers and enthusiasts.

This issue of OVNI-PRESENCE, dated December 1980, is Volume 10 of the 1980 series. It meticulously documents a series of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings reported throughout France and Luxembourg during the year 1980. The magazine focuses on detailed witness accounts, object characteristics, and the results of investigations conducted by various groups.

Document Type and Publisher

The document is classified as a magazine issue. The publisher is OVNI-PRESENCE, and the publication country is France. The original language is French.

Key Incidents and Observations

The issue presents a chronological catalog of UAP sightings, organized by month:

February 1980 * February 15, 1980: In Le Thillot (88), France, a witness observed an immobile, brilliant object that later resolved into two accoladed balls within a larger sphere. The object oscillated and disappeared.

March 1980 * March 24, 1980: Near Leyr (54), France, a GPUN member observed a white luminous mass with green beams and a strong rear light, flying at low altitude with a strident whistling sound. * March 28, 1980: In Bulgneville (88), France, a witness saw an orange 'cigar' shape that moved in a square pattern before disappearing.

April 1980 * April 02, 1980: In Thaon-les-Vosges (88), France, several inhabitants observed a luminous 'bean' shaped object whose apparent dimensions varied periodically.

July 1980 * July 30, 1980: In Epinal (88), France, a witness observed a luminous point moving South-North, which appeared as a lenticular shape.

August 1980 * August 02, 1980: In Saint-Dizier, France, a witness observed a red, luminous sphere moving rapidly towards the zenith and disappearing South, appearing to be at 1000m altitude and silent. * August 15, 1980: In Soncourt (52), France, a witness observed a luminous green sphere with sharp contours, moving horizontally at high speed without noise. * August 18, 1980: In Cents, Luxembourg, an object emitted a smaller object, which then rejoined it before disappearing at high speed.

September 1980 * September 06, 1980: In Longwy-Haut (54), France, five people observed a long, orange-red object that moved slowly, became stationary, and then changed shape. * September 07, 1980: In Limpertsberg, Luxembourg, two witnesses observed a flashing white point moving North-East in a rapid, zigzagging manner.

October 1980 * October 05, 1980: In Differdange, Luxembourg, an object with red and white lights was observed for about 30 seconds, moving at high speed. * October 11, 1980: In Bettancourt-la-Ferrée, France, a witness observed a rounded, orange-red object with a white crown and a red tail, moving horizontally at approximately 500m altitude. * October 17, 1980: Near Kurt de Capellen, Luxembourg, a stationary white object with multiple red lights was observed at low altitude. * October 20, 1980: Near Toul, France, three pilots observed four 'fireballs' moving North. * October 27, 1980: In Haute-Marne and Meuse departments, France, numerous witnesses observed luminous orange 'balls' performing aerial ballets. These phenomena were also observed by pilots of JAGUAR aircraft.

November 1980 * November 05, 1980: In Saint-Dizier (52), France, a large orange sphere with a blue halo was observed rotating at low altitude for about 10 minutes before moving North. * November 27, 1980: In Auzainvillier (88), France, a red circle moved slowly before disappearing into the clouds. It was preceded by two other red luminous 'balls'. * November 29, 1980: In Nancy (54), France, six people observed a dark object with a rear aileron moving silently from West to East. * October 31, 1980 (reported as November in text): In Gue (52), France, a witness observed a static phenomenon described as concentric circles: a white ball, a black circle, and a luminous orange crown. * October 31, 1980 (reported as November in text): In Frouard (54), France, an amateur astronomer observed a luminous orange point that disappeared South.

December 1980 * December 31, 1980: In Pagny-sur-Moselle (54), France, two railway workers observed a 'sphere' emitting lights of all colors of the rainbow, moving from West to East.

Object Characteristics

The observed objects exhibited a variety of shapes, including rectangles, spheres, cigars, discs, balls, lenticular forms, and triangles. Colors ranged from intense white, orange, and red to green-emerald and orange-red. Size estimates varied, with some objects described as being half the size of the moon or twice the size of the moon. Behaviors included vertical and horizontal movement, stationary hovering, oscillation, rotation, changing shape, and changing color. Most reports emphasized that the phenomena were silent, with no noise perceived. Some reports noted electromagnetic effects or physical trace evidence, though these were rare.

Investigations and Explanations

Investigations were conducted by various groups, including GPUN, CVLDLN, CLEU, and Groupe 5255. In many instances, the reports concluded that no explanation could be found for the observed phenomena. Official inquiries were opened by authorities, and reports were sent to G.E.P.A.N. (Group for the Study and Information on Non-Identified Aerial Phenomena). Military bases in the vicinity, such as BA II3 of Saint-Dizier, reported no unusual aerial activity or radar contacts corresponding to the sightings, although some pilots reported seeing the phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of silent, luminous objects exhibiting unusual flight characteristics and the consistent lack of conventional explanations for these sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent reporting and investigation, presenting witness accounts and official findings without sensationalism, while acknowledging the unexplained nature of many events. The detailed references (Réf:) suggest a systematic cataloging of UAP reports.

This document is an annex to the C.N.E.G.U. Catalogue of Observations for the year 1980, focusing on 'Precisions et Commentaires'. It enumerates various Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) observations known to the C.N.E.G.U. member groups, primarily concerning the French departments 52, 54, 55, 88, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This 1980 catalogue follows previous editions from 1978 and 1979, with some modifications to its structure and presentation.

Detailed Observations and Case Studies

The catalogue details numerous individual sightings, each with a reference number (Réf.), a credibility index (IC), and a description of the event. The credibility index is calculated based on five criteria: precision of date and time, precision of location, number of witnesses, and whether an investigation was conducted. A higher IC indicates greater reliability.

Spring/Summer 1980 Observations:

• Xertigny (88), Spring 1980 (late May-early June): Mr. R., aged 23, observed a large, orange, luminous sphere that appeared to vary in size periodically. Accompanied by his mother, they watched as two smaller lights, one green and one orange, appeared above and to the sides of the main object. The phenomenon moved away, accelerating and gaining altitude, before disappearing abruptly.
• Xertigny (88), circa October 20, 1980: Mr. R. and his mother S. P. observed two dark, square-shaped objects with luminous crosses on their diagonals. These squares changed color (orange to green) and size. Later, two mobile squares appeared, moving horizontally, crossing each other, and repeating this maneuver several times before disappearing.

Autumn 1980 Observations:

• Mattaincourt (88), early November 1980: Mr. C. and family observed a 'fireball' moving at extraordinary speed across the sky from West to East, without any noise.
• Mattaincourt (88), a few days later (November 1980): Mlle C. observed a strange 'object' moving North-South. Later, with her father, she saw a luminous point approach rapidly and pass directly overhead, resembling a very bright car headlight.
• Mattaincourt (88), a few days after that (November 1980): Mlle C. and a friend observed a 'craft' hovering over Mattaincourt at low altitude. Described as rectangular, it continuously changed color (white, red, orange) with orange lights underneath. Its speed was irregular, with apparent stops, and its apparent size was larger than an airplane.

1979 Observations:

• Mazeley (88), May 5, 1979: Mr. and Mrs. P. observed a large, luminous orange 'circle' in the sky, darker at the periphery and lighter in the center. It was immobile and disappeared suddenly after about ten seconds.
• Neuves-Maisons (54), January 13, 1979: Mme L. observed a golden disc moving at high speed, appearing to roll on itself before disappearing into a wooded area. She later saw the object make a turn behind a building.
• Gironcourt (88), July 1979 (around noon): Mr. and Mrs. R. and two other family members observed a 'cigar' shape of pearlescent white, followed by a similar object that was more grey and metallic. These observations lasted several minutes.
• Epinal (88), September 1979 (around 11 PM): Mme M. and her children observed a large, unusually bright star-like object that continuously changed color (red, blue, yellow, green) and moved erratically. Observed through binoculars, it appeared as a disc.

1978 Observations:

• Near Gerbeviller (54), November 1979: A couple in a car observed a small red 'sphere' near the ground, the size of an orange, which ascended rapidly as their car passed.
• Gerbeviller (54), November 1979 (evening): A couple observed five or six red 'boules' (spheres) near the ground in a park.
• Near Gerbeviller (54), December 1979: A couple in a car was followed for several kilometers by a small red 'sphere'.
• Near Thaon-les-Vosges (88), November 1978 (around 5:30 PM): Mlle I. L. observed three red spheres moving slowly horizontally. They later became immobile, arranged in an equilateral triangle, and then disappeared suddenly.
• Nancy (54), December 1978 (around 4:15 AM): Mme L., a hospital worker, observed an object described as a 'motorcycle headlight' that moved erratically near the rooftops. Another person also reported seeing it.
• Maron (54), December 1978 (around 4:10 AM): Mme L. and her husband observed a yellow light, identified as the same object seen near the CHU in Nancy, which disappeared after they alerted her husband.

Methodology and Analysis

The document explains the methodology used for the catalogue, including the definition of the Credibility Index (IC) based on factors like date/time precision, location accuracy, number of witnesses, and investigation status. It also mentions the use of a symbolic system for classifying cases, as developed by CNEGU.

The editorial comments highlight the satisfaction with the increasing quality and quantity of information, attributing this to the rigorous investigation process and the direct sourcing of information from witnesses. However, it notes that the progress is uneven among different member groups. The document emphasizes that a statistical study of the results is premature due to the limited sample size, but it does present an analysis of the temporal distribution of phenomena, noting a favorable 'time slot' around twilight and a higher frequency in September and October.

Future efforts for 1982 are planned to include the use of a standardized grid for case reporting and the generalization of a specific investigation questionnaire (CECRU) to improve information quality and facilitate synthesis. The analysis of regional maps shows a correlation between areas with high observation levels and the presence of CNEGU member groups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the detailed reporting of UAP sightings, the emphasis on the credibility of witness accounts, and the systematic classification of these events. The editorial stance is one of rigorous investigation, data collection, and a commitment to improving the quality and reliability of UAP information. The document expresses satisfaction with the progress made in gathering and analyzing UAP data, while acknowledging the need for continued efforts to achieve a comprehensive and accurate understanding of these phenomena.

This document is the "CATALOGUE D'OBSERVATIONS" published by C.N.E.G.U. for the year 1980. It serves as a systematic compilation and analysis of reported Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) observations.

Data Presentation

The core of the publication consists of several pages detailing the observations. Each observation is assigned a unique reference number (e.g., F/98/88800128 (01)). The data is presented in tabular and graphical formats:

• Page 1: A table listing observations with a 'Référence Cas' (Reference Case), 'Critères' (Criteria), and an 'I.C.' (Indice de Crédibilité - Credibility Index). The 'I.C.' ranges from 1 to 5, with a note stating that this index does not prejudge the veracity of the information. Some entries also have 'Dates imprécises' (Imprecise Dates).
• Page 2: A timeline showing the 'HEURE TU' (Universal Time) of observations, with bars indicating the duration or occurrence within specific hours. A histogram at the bottom shows the 'NOMBRE DE CAS' (Number of Cases) by hour.
• Page 3: A chart illustrating observations by 'JOURS de la semaine' (Days of the week), with abbreviations for Lundi (L), Mardi (Ma), Mercredi (Me), Jeudi (J), Vendredi (V), Samedi (S), Dimanche (D), and a '?' for unknown days. A histogram at the bottom shows the 'Nombre de cas' by day of the week.
• Page 4: A timeline showing the 'JOUR DU MOIS' (Day of the Month) for observations, with bars indicating the day of occurrence. A histogram at the bottom shows the 'NOMBRE DE CAS' by day of the month.

Geographical Distribution

Page 6 features a simplified map titled "CARTE NORD-EST 1980 (VERSION SIMPLIFIÉE)". This map displays the Nord-Est region of France, including areas like Luxembourg, Metz, Nancy, Bar-le-Duc, Chaumont, and Epinal. Various points are marked on the map, indicating the locations of reported observations, often accompanied by dates (e.g., 17-10, 07-09) and a credibility index (IC = 5, IC = 4, IC = 3 (néant)). The map was established on 31-12-1981.

Interpretations and Editorial Notes

Page 5 contains concluding remarks from G. Munsch, presumably an editor or contributor for CNEGU. Two potential interpretations for the observed patterns are suggested:

1. Localized Information Search: The information might be too localized for various reasons, implying a much higher number of actual observations.
2. Correlation with Ufological Groups: A correlation or cause-and-effect relationship might exist between the presence of a ufological group and the number of alleged observations, sometimes reported by members of the group itself.

Munsch refrains from further development on these points for the moment but deems them significant. He concludes by inviting readers to submit their critiques and suggestions regarding the catalogue's form and content, and to point out any erroneous or incomplete information.

Comic Strip

Page 7 presents a humorous comic strip titled "OVNI à travers les siècles" (UFOs through the centuries). The strip depicts Vikings encountering a UFO, with dialogue that plays on ancient prophecies and modern sightings. The characters include Vikings and an oracle, with a UFO appearing in a historical setting. The comic is signed "RIVIERE".

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the systematic cataloguing and analysis of UFO sightings, data visualization (timelines, histograms, maps), and a critical yet open approach to interpreting the data. The editorial stance, as expressed by G. Munsch, is one of collaboration, encouraging reader feedback, and acknowledging the limitations and potential biases in the data. The inclusion of a historical comic strip adds a lighter, more engaging element, connecting the contemporary phenomenon of UFOs with historical narratives.